Neue FansbergThe Chancellor had been chatting with Supreme Department Leader Guttenberg for roughly half an hour. Selina was hand picked by the Chancellor himself to lead the operation in Afghanistan. She was well trusted by the SK since she was an accomplished Generaloberst of the SK and since she was the sister of the well-respected and feared Oberführer Florian Guttenberg, who was viewed as a hero who gave his life for his country, due to the lack of information released about his death and since the investigation of his death had been called off once it was under the radar. Rumors had been circulating lately on his death. Most believed he was killed by Capilean rebels during the Nova Capile Crisis. Some among the Geheime Staatspolizei (Secret Police) believed that he was killed by Germans. This notion was quickly taken care of as to not slander the Germans whom are allies of Spektronia, excluding the situation with the nuclear threat. There was even one rumor going around the SK that Florian was still alive. Could this rumor be true? Could the Butcher of Raus, as the Germans like to call him, still be loose?
In the background of Selina and Adolf's meeting the TV was playing and could vaguely be heard saying, "In other news, a team of surgeons found dead in Spektronian Mozambique..." Suddenly a knock came on the door to the office and Selina told the person to enter.
Man who entered- "Mr. Chancellor sir! Madam Supreme Department Leader! Spektronian Intelligence in Yemen has just confirmed an assassination attempt on Grand Duke Klaus Wilhelm's life!"
Adolf- "What!? Is he alive!?"
Selina- "Who did this!?"
Man- "He's alive, sir. We have informants giving us constant updates on the situation. He's actually on his way here as we speak. It appears that an Arab man somehow infiltrated the Grand Duke's safe house. He took the elevator up and just shot the Grand Duke. The man was dealt with by Royal Guards rather... quickly and efficiently."
Selina- "And how do we know so much about this?"
Adolf- "Selina, let's just say that the Capileans aren't the only ones' interested in making sure the Grand Duke is safe. Now, have the Suraqi Special Guard secured the city?"
The Suraqi Special Guard were a few battalions of elite guards gifted by President Abdul Hakeem al-Bashir to Spektronia to serve as honorary guards for special events and parades in Spektronian Afghanistan, though they had little use except on ceremonial purpose since some hand picked SK were the true elite guards of Selina and the capital building.
Man- "Yes sir. We'll not have a repeat of Yemen. I take it you want this information regarding the Grand Duke to remain confidential, Herr Kanzler?"
Adolf- "Of course. We'll not have a repeat of Yemen here in my land-"
The Chancellor was interrupted by another harsh knock on the door. He sighed, wondering who it could be now. He took off his black beret and wiped his forehead. "Come in!" Two men walked in briskly. One was a white man in a gray Spektronian National Army dress uniform with a cap at his side, and the other was a Middle-Eastern man in a Colonial Afghani Army Officer's dress uniform with a beret on. The Spektronian extended his arm outwards in salute while the Afghan did the standard salute towards his forehead.
Spektronian Officer- "Herr Kanzler, sir! Generalleutnant Friedrich Schreiber of the National Army, Kolonial Korps, Second Infanterie-Aufteilung."
Afghan Officer- "Toran Genraal Kasib Al Safi Najjar, West Afghan Colonial Army, First Infantry Division."
Adolf- "How can I help you, generals?"
Friedrich- "Suraqi Special forces as well as Spektronian Intelligence has confirmed that People's World Union forces have entered East Afghanistan, the Tabasta Region."
Adolf and Selina simultaneously- "What!?"
Adolf- "There are Suraqi special forces there undercover, yes?"
Kasib- "Yes, Mr. Chancellor. They have already reported back to us and President al-Bashir. The East Afghans are already mobilizing their forces in the region as well as having taken troops off of the lines in Al-Wabuk and nearly all troops in the Dilayn region. Our agents inside of the APCAI have reported that word of the invasion has spread to them. They have already been in contact with General Karimi and Karimi has given them permission to fight alongside his own soldiers. Karimi has no shame in associating himself with terrorists."
Selina- "For he is nothing above those animals."
Adolf- "Now, Selina. We have a common enemy here with the East. The People's Union obviously wishes to turn on us if they do succeed in taking control of the East. Alliance between Spektronia and East Afghanistan is out of the question, but between the Suraqi special forces in the area and the East, is not. Though Suraq supports our war efforts, they are more sympathetic with the Easterners than I consider ourselves, them being fellow Middle-Easterners and all."
Selina- "I see your point sir. The East also doesn't know that it was the Suraqis that assassinated President Ghani, which is beneficial to us. This also presents an opportunity for our further advancement. If enemy soldiers have been pulled out of the battle in Al-Wabuk, we could probably easily brush away the remaining resistance in the region, which would open a route up to Tel Khandad, where we could wipe out the APCAI sub-humans and advance further into the East."
Friedrich- "That is very true. Our forces are already making progress in the region since the withdrawal of East Afghan troops. How do we plan to use the Suraqis if they only have some special forces in the region, but no significant numbers of troops from the Suraqi Arab Army?"
Adolf- "Easy. They reach out to Karimi, pointing out the inexperience of his officers and commanders. The men commanding the Suraqi special forces are highly skilled and very experienced. If the East wants to keep its' capital from the People's Union and survive another day, they will make use of the Suraqis."
Neue Fansberg AirportAn entire runway had been cleared from the public eyes just for the Grand Duke's arrival. The Chancellor didn't want anyone knowing that the Grand Duke of Nova Capile was inside West Afghanistan, for multiple reasons. One was to prevent any APCAI attacks on the Grand Duke, another was to prevent any West Afghans or Spektronians from attacking the Grand Duke, due to the declaration of war against the Grand Duchy.
When Klaus's private jet touched down, the runway was crawling with Secret Police in their black suits, sunglasses, red ties and the Spektronian Conservative-Fascist Party symbols on their arm bands. Most of the Secret Police were armed with concealed FN Five Sevens. A few of them had HK MP7s in their grasps, just for added security. Where the jet landed, there were two rows of Secret Police who stood at attention, saluting outward, making a path for the Grand Duke to the limo. In front and in the back of the limo were two BTRs for protection.
In the center of the path formed for the Grand Duke stood a man in a gray suit, with a Conservative-Fascist Party arm band on his arm, similar to the Secret Police. When the Grand Duke had reached him, the man bowed and extended his hand and shook the Grand Duke's hand. "I am Head Work Leader Heinrich Eadel, here to escort you to the capital building for your meeting, your majesty." He began to head towards the limo with Klaus and let the Grand Duke in first, then getting in himself as a Secret Policeman shut the door behind them and the convoy was off.
"I actually knew your father, General Nemetz as well as a few other officials from the Grand Duchy. I was just a standard Work Leader back then. I serve the same way as I have in the past. When your father visited Spektronia in celebration of our victory in Ethiopia. I was the reception for your father, just as I am for you. Of course it is my honor, your majesty, but I just wish I could greet you under better circumstances, considering our state of war against the Grand Duchy... But, rest assured, this is standard procedure in the case of an definite nuclear threat in Spektronia. This plan and protocol has been in place for nearly thirty years now. The Chancellor still thinks very highly of you and your nation and her colonies, which we have fought valiantly to preserve and protect on multiple occasions."
Throughout the ride, the streets had been shut down from the public as to further insure the safety of the Grand Duke. Suraqi Special Guards stood on every street corner and at every barricade in their tan dress uniforms and tall hats. There was also the occasional Spektronian National Army Soldier accompanying the Suraqi Special Guards. This area was close to the capital building, so there weren't any sky scrapers nearby, only toward the outer city.
NMK, Spektronian EmbassyThe ambassador was surprised to hear this from the Regent, as he had expected the NMK to stay out of this one. "Well, Mr. Regent... That is protocol when a definite nuclear threat is directed at Spektronia. The first course of action is the adjustment of the Nuclear Threat Level to one and then, followed by declarations of war just in case Spektronian troops have to kill foreign troops. If we don't declare war, then if something goes wrong, it could be mis-classified as an act of aggression without a declaration of war." He took the folder and skimmed through a few pages. "Well, we've been looking into the possible threat of a cyber attack. We noticed a split second of inactivity with our nuclear detection equipment when we reviewed the data files from them. This will surely help, Mr. Regent. I'll be sure this gets to the Nuclear Intelligence Division immediately, Mr. Regent. No doubt the Chancellor will find this most resourceful."
Tel Khanda"Ah, well your cause is just, your justification smart and your heart true, I can tell. Your assistance is greatly appreciated by our people. It will not be forgotten, I can assure you." A militant handed Tazir a small paper. "Ah, well, gentlemen, I hate to do this to guests, but I really must leave. There are... Important people waiting to meet with me. Remember, if you ever need anything in return from us, do not be afraid to come straight to our city and ask. You're welcome to stay as long as you like." Tazir got back in his van and the convoy was off as the militants went back to their positions, except for the ones who dragged away the crates.
ShiyyaFrom: President Sher Mohammad Karimi of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
To: Boer National Radio Office
Encryption: Extreme
If the case is such, then we happily accept your support in this war. Afghanistan has survived against colonialists and other harsher things in the past, and we will continue to not only survive, but thrive as a sovereign and truly holy land. Again, this assistance is truly appreciated. Due to the ongoing invasion of the Tabasta Province, I would please ask that the arrival of these forces be re-located to Tel Kefar, Dilayn Province.
After sending this message inside of his office, President Karimi's desk phone rang and he picked it up. After listening, he responded. "Yes, I'm expecting him. Let him up." A few seconds later, after Karimi had fixed up his office a bit, the knock came upon his door. "Enter!" A guard opened the door and an Arab man in a Suraqi Special Forces field uniform entered. Karimi knew how to speak Arabic, so he greeted the officer in his native tongue.
Karimi- "Welcome, I am President Sher Mohammad Karimi of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan." They shook hands.
Suraqi- "Khaalid Taheri, Suraqi Special Forces."
Karimi- "Please, sit." Karimi took his seat behind his desk and Taheri sat in front.
Taheri- "Thank you, Mr. President."
Karimi- "Now, let's get right to the point. Why has my enemy requested to meet with me in such a dire time?"
Taheri- "For your temporary survival. It is in the interest of nobody here, that the People's Union gains a foothold in Afghanistan, East or West. Especially in your capital. My president has requested a temporary alliance with you as to fight off these invaders from your lands."
Karimi- "An alliance with those who we are at war with? With those who fight alongside the Spektronians to take our own ancestral land for their own personal exploits? I think not."
Taheri- "Well we can get you to cooperate the easy way or the hard way. I think I'll try the easy way first. Now, the Suraqi commanders in the area, who's locations are confidential, are far more experienced than even some of the Generals you have planning this battle for you. You cannot argue with that."
Karimi- "Maybe so, but we have overcome worse odds with far less manpower in the past."
Taheri- "Which brings up another point I'd like to make. Your man power. The total forces you have accumulated, including APCAI militants has come to about 12,000. You've even had to withdraw troops from battles with Spektronia to come back here. The Union forces have come to about 20,000. You have no chance of using the 12,000 effectively without experienced commanders, like us."
Karimi- "I suppose that's true... But what is this hard way you spoke of?"
Taheri- "Suraqi Special forces will overthrow you within a few nights."
Karimi- "Why I- I mean... Now that I think of it, perhaps this does present an opportunity to preserve my nation and my people. Fine. You and your peers get out there and my men will take command from them. I had better be correct in putting my trust in you, Colonel."
Taheri- "Well I'm glad we could come to a conclusion, Mr. President. All Suraqi forces will cease engagement of East Afghan forces until further notice. I expect the same of your troops."
Karimi- "Of course. Is there anything you can do about the Spektronians?"
Taheri- "We've already tried. I'm afraid they just won't cooperate."
Karimi- "Damn it. Well, thank you, again."
Taheri- "Of course, General."
The two shook hands and Taheri exited the room to be transported to the mountains in the North along with his officers and forces, where they would meet up with the troops already stationed there, whom they would normally call their enemies. The Suraqi Special Forces would serve as the elite forces while the APCAI and the Easterners would do most of the work.
To the North, General Alik Wyaid of the Afghan National Army was the man preparing his troops for the oncoming invasion. He gave a long speech to his men and the APCAI about preserving their homeland and tradition. On one side of a mountain, where the Union forces would try to attack head on, the Afghans took positions in left over bunkers from the Soviet's invasion. Artillery and mortar positions had been set up as well as a few self-propelled rockets had been set up, though the rockets seemed just a bit out of date. General Wyaid had received word that the Suraqis would be commanding the battle. At first, he was outraged out this, but realized his duty was to his people and he would do what was needed to protect them.
Private Ahmed and Iqal were two infantry men of the East Afghan army who had been selected for this battle. They chatted back and forth with each other at the concrete wall while the invaders were not in range yet.
Ahmed- "Are you nervous?"
Iqal- "No. Are you?"
Ahmed- "Yes... How come you're not?"
Iqal- "If I die, I'll be with Allah."
Ahmed- "Well that's noble. I'd like to think that too."
Iqal- "It's ridiculous that the Union is attacking us without even a declaration of war."
Ahmed- "Yeah, it really is. It's also ridiculous that they're attacking us in the first place. Shouldn't they be sympathizing with us since the Spektronians are Fascists?"
Iqal- "Don't think they don't want to go after those dogs as well. They just want us out of the way first."
Ahmed- ""It's stupid and even more ridiculous that they decided to attack us here in the mountains, especially with tanks."
Iqal- "They're just dumb. How did they think this would play out, attacking mountains with tanks that can't climb these slopes. Even if the tanks are just for self-propelled artillery and they do beat us here, how are they gonna get past the mountains? Plus there's not much cover out there. It's an open field for our artillery."
Ahmed- "How are their foot soldiers gonna get up here? Even if they have mountain climbing equipment, they'll be picked off by our snipers and MGs if they even get this close."
Suraqi Officer- "You two! Get on that MG! No slacking! This is your home you're defending, not social hour! They're just about in range for our artillery. When you get sight on their foot soldiers, let that thing rip!"
Ahmed- "Yes sir!"
The officer walks away to continue inspecting the line and Ahmed handles the turret while Iqal handles the ammo.
Iqal- "The Arabs treat us sub-continentals like shit. They have no respect for us. Especially those Suraqis."
Ahmed- "I can't believe President Karimi let them control the battle I-"
Ahmed was cut off as the sirens went off and the enemy force could be seen tearing up dust in the distance. The artillery teams rushed to aim at the enemy. A Suraqi artillery officer was in charge of artillery, mortars and rockets. The rockets and the artillery immediately fired out into the distance, soon to rain hell down on the Union forces. The battle had officially begun.