Spektronian Expansion in East Afghanistan [IC/MT/CLOSED]

[Spektronia]

North of Shiyya

Most of the fortifications across the mountains that the Afghans and Suraqis were stationed to defend against the People's Union forces came from the Soviets from when the Soviet Afghan War. Though they were generally old, most of the fortifications, nearly a fourth of them were relatively new and well protected. The reason for this being the project to renovate these fortifications before President Ghani was assassinated. Due to the invasion of Afghanistan by Spektronia and her allies, the project was put to a halt and after the assassination of President Ghani, the project was completely discarded.

One new addition to the fortifications that did get to be completed was the tunnel system carved into the mountain that helped to connect the fortifications in another way besides the walkway on the side of the mountain. Inside also included a barracks, cafeteria, supply room and communications/command room. Inside the halls of the concrete bunker, troops bustled around, some running drills with their squads and others rushing from one place to another. Inside the command room was where Taheri, the Suraqi officer, who's rank had not yet been revealed, commanded the battle. Outside, in several secure locations, cameras had been set up to link what was going on outside to TV screens in the command room. The cameras were rotatable by remote control, to give for a better perspective.

Suraqi Officer- "Incoming fire from those Howitzers! They're out of range for our artillery!"

Taheri- "We could probably hit them with our MLRS's." Taheri picked up a radio. "Rocket teams one and two focus fire on enemy artillery!"

A voice came from the other side of the radio that answered, "Adjusting trajectory now, sir!" The M270 MLRS's, which the Afghans used were not the most up to date rocket systems out there, but they were enough to just get the job done, for the most part.

Afghan Officer- "When will the Suraqi Arab Air Force be here to provide air support!?"

Taheri- "ETA six minutes. They're not far now. Have patience."

Another Suraqi Officer- "Just why is it that we must use our air force instead of the Afghan National Air Force?"

Taheri- "Focus in on camera two! And because what little air force the Afghans do have is headed on their way to deal with the southern invasion of the province."

Afghan Officer- "Infantry is coming in range! We've also got Pions firing and SPGs advancing with the infantry!"

Taheri over the radio- "Artillery teams one, two and three, hit those self propelled guns! They're trying to bring the whole thing down! Artillery teams four and five, focus fire on those tanks! Don't let them hit our MG teams! MG teams one, two, three and four, hit the infantry from the left side! MG teams five, six, seven and eight, hit them down the center, MG teams nine, ten, eleven and twelve, right side!"

The responses over the radios were muffled as everyone tried to respond at once. By this time, the trajectory of the rockets had been adjusted and they fired off, sending a blazing trail towards the enemy artillery teams. Meanwhile, the artillery teams began to open fire upon their designated targets with their 122 mm howitzer 2A18s. At the same time, the MG teams began to fire their mounted DShKs into the mobs of enemy infantry swarming towards them from inside their posts.

-Man on the radio- "This is Breedmal (Lance Corporal) Mizra, fifth MG team. We just took a heavy hit from one of those Pions! Our whole ammo supply exploded and killed three of our guys, including the operator! We need reinforcement here! There's also a giant hole in the ceiling here!"

Taheri- "Damn flimsy fortifications..." He turns to one of the Afghan officers. "Get some more men on that team, go!"

The Afghan officer- "Yes sir!" He runs into the hallway.

Suraqi Officer- "What's that noise!?"

Another voice comes over the radio- "Suraqi Arab Air Force, 13th and 12th Ground Support Squadrons. We heard you could use some help." Every officer, including Taheri rushed outside to see the jets zoom by. Everyone started to cheer as the magnificent pilots rushed outwards, piloting Su-24s, to begin to unleash AGM-114 Hellfire Air to Surface missiles down onto the masses of People's Union troops below them.

Dilayn

The Southern mountains were a vast and desolate terrain, with odd spires, peaking up into the sky like sky scrapers made by the forces of nature. The Southern invasion had not gone unnoticed, actually it was far from being unnoticed. In between a particularly narrow mountain pass, out in the middle of the pass, was a tree, something one would not expect to see out here. What someone else would not expect to see was the bodies dangling from the crooked old tree by the nooses on their neck. When this graphic scene was clear to the Union troops approaching it, a loud voice filled the surrounding area with ominous chants in Norwegian, for those who could understand Norwegian, repeating the same phrase over and over again. It almost seemed as if the voice was a distant echo, but also seemed as if it was coming from all directions. Perhaps it could be speakers that had been set up and disguised?

Suddenly, in a flurry of confusion, hard clanks were heard all around the Union tanks. After a few seconds, smoke began to fill the air. Whoever was out there, had thrown countless M18 smoke grenades around the enemy armor, who's visibility was already limited, since they were inside tanks and such. Through the smoke, there was a loud blaring noise that filled the blindness around them. A barrage of Rocket Propelled Grenades were fired through the smoke, up at the enemy helicopters, hoping to bring a few of them down.

No bullets had been fired, only the explosives intended for the enemy helicopters above, by an unknown source. The ominous voice continued to chant it's same phrase. over and over again in Norwegian, when suddenly, a hand reached into one of the Chinese Type-99's cupola, dropping a Hand Grenade in, then swiftly closing the latch on the cupola.

Whoever these people were, they obviously did not like the Union. Hopefully, Traansval Boer Purple Berets that were to be dropped off in Tel Kefar would come to provide support on the border.

Neue Fansberg Airport

By this time, Head Work Leader Heinrich Eadel had been driven back to the airport to meet the German Emperor, or so he thought. The BTRs as well as the limo and even Heinrich himself had been reset to their previous state before Grand Duke Klaus arrived, a few minutes earlier. To Heinrich's surprise, it was not an Emperor to greet him, but rather another Grand Duke. The Secret Police held their stances with the state salute, arm out, palm down and extended. Each Secret Police officer wore the same monotonous black suit, red tie, black sunglasses and Spektronian Conservative-Fascist Party arm band as the next.

For some reason, a few SK troopers had gathered around at a distance. Two SK troopers had actually come all the way from the city of Shadan by order of their mysterious masked commander, who had just made his first public appearance in an execution of two East Afghani insurgents. (Which I don't think anybody saw the post but the Spektronian officer commanding the battle in Shadan, who wears a creepy white mask with one eye hole blocked out, bald head, wears a gray SK sweater vest and is rather tall, had an attempt on his life made, he out smarted the assassins and blew them up on international television infront of a massive crowd. The two SK troopers at the airport now were actually outside the building that the commander, nicknamed "Der Metzger" had his assassination attempt made. )

Heinrich was confused, but carried on in a formal way to greet the Grand Duke as he was accompanied by his rather freakish looking security detail, who looked more like vampires on steroids than actual people. Even the National Army Soldiers and Sturmkorps Troopers of Spektronia did not look this much like a product of a bio hazard. After viewing the one that announced the Grand Duke, Heinrich ultimately, but cautiously stepped forward to bow to and shake hands with the Grand Duke. "Grand Duke Lothar, as much as I am disappointed, that his Majesty could not attend the affair, I am glad that you could. I am Head Work Leader Heinrich Eadel. I've been instructed by the Chancellor to have you driven to the capital building... But I don't know how your friends will fit into the limo..."

Suddenly, the two tall SK troopers, with their heights rivaling that of the Grand Duke's security team, their sleek combed blond hair, in their black dress uniforms and high leather boots and black gloves approached the little scene and gave the state salute to the Work Leader and the Grand Duke, then bowed to the Grand Duke. "Work Leader Eadel, sir, we have an important message from our commander to deliver to his Grace." Heinrich looked up, confused at the two troopers. "And just who is your commander, troopers?" Without a word, one of the troopers unfolded a note with printed instructions on it from his pocket and showed it to the Head Work Leader. "Oh... Right... That commander. I suppose I must allow this." Said Heinrich as the trooper put the paper away and the other trooper handed a smaller, folded piece of paper to the Grand Duke. "Well thank you for your precious time, sirs. And if your security detail needs transport... More suitable to their size, we'd be happy to drive them to the capital building in SK transport jeeps. They're meant for... 'people' our size, so it'll be much easier on them and the car if they rode with us. And your Grace, you can of course read that note, but just make sure it gets around, please?" The two began to walk away, waiting to see whether the freakish security would be permitted to ride with them. If the note was to be opened by the Grand Duke, it would be a simple, one word note, written in pencil in the center of the blank paper, reading, "Raus."

Heinrich shrugged as they walked away. "Perhaps it would be best for your... security to ride in the SK jeeps. I can imagine the ride being very uncomfortable for them, otherwise." He said, oblivious as to what was on the note.

Shiyya

From: President Karimi of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

To: Anatoly Karin, General Secretary for the People and Worker's of the People's World Union

Encryption: Moderate

Secretary Karin, your words and demands only augment the mutual feeling of dislike between us. You disrespect the will of Allah in this land and for this, you and your forces will feel his wrath, be it through the Afghan National Army or another outside force. Your insidious ways of communism have attempted to inch into my nation in the past, either by force or under the guise of something much more appealing. I can tell you that our policy against such hateful views is not pliable and we will continue to convey fortitude in the face of your threats. We will not fall to your ways and become bereft of our love for Allah. You also proceed to compare us to the West. To that comment, I must admit that my stolidness was broken by my laughter upon reading that. How dare you take a gibe at the whole of my nation by comparing this land to the West and comparing the culture that we enjoy and celebrate here to the poisons that they have implanted in so many other nations around the world? You have your answer, Mr. Secretary.

NMK

"Just scan each page and send it to the Nuclear Intelligence Division. See if there really is anything useful in this stack." Said the ambassador to his secretary. "Probably nothing we don't know already. A whole damn stack of paper, wasted." He sighed as he retreated back into his office.

[Gotengo]

North of Shiyya

Most of the fortifications across the mountains that the Afghans and Suraqis were stationed to defend against the People's Union forces came from the Soviets from when the Soviet Afghan War. Though they were generally old, most of the fortifications, nearly a fourth of them were relatively new and well protected. The reason for this being the project to renovate these fortifications before President Ghani was assassinated. Due to the invasion of Afghanistan by Spektronia and her allies, the project was put to a halt and after the assassination of President Ghani, the project was completely discarded.

One new addition to the fortifications that did get to be completed was the tunnel system carved into the mountain that helped to connect the fortifications in another way besides the walkway on the side of the mountain. Inside also included a barracks, cafeteria, supply room and communications/command room. Inside the halls of the concrete bunker, troops bustled around, some running drills with their squads and others rushing from one place to another. Inside the command room was where Taheri, the Suraqi officer, who's rank had not yet been revealed, commanded the battle. Outside, in several secure locations, cameras had been set up to link what was going on outside to TV screens in the command room. The cameras were rotatable by remote control, to give for a better perspective.

Suraqi Officer- "Incoming fire from those Howitzers! They're out of range for our artillery!"

Taheri- "We could probably hit them with our MLRS's." Taheri picked up a radio. "Rocket teams one and two focus fire on enemy artillery!"

A voice came from the other side of the radio that answered, "Adjusting trajectory now, sir!" The M270 MLRS's, which the Afghans used were not the most up to date rocket systems out there, but they were enough to just get the job done, for the most part.

Afghan Officer- "When will the Suraqi Arab Air Force be here to provide air support!?"

Taheri- "ETA six minutes. They're not far now. Have patience."

Another Suraqi Officer- "Just why is it that we must use our air force instead of the Afghan National Air Force?"

Taheri- "Focus in on camera two! And because what little air force the Afghans do have is headed on their way to deal with the southern invasion of the province."

Afghan Officer- "Infantry is coming in range! We've also got Pions firing and SPGs advancing with the infantry!"

Taheri over the radio- "Artillery teams one, two and three, hit those self propelled guns! They're trying to bring the whole thing down! Artillery teams four and five, focus fire on those tanks! Don't let them hit our MG teams! MG teams one, two, three and four, hit the infantry from the left side! MG teams five, six, seven and eight, hit them down the center, MG teams nine, ten, eleven and twelve, right side!"

The responses over the radios were muffled as everyone tried to respond at once. By this time, the trajectory of the rockets had been adjusted and they fired off, sending a blazing trail towards the enemy artillery teams. Meanwhile, the artillery teams began to open fire upon their designated targets with their 122 mm howitzer 2A18s. At the same time, the MG teams began to fire their mounted DShKs into the mobs of enemy infantry swarming towards them from inside their posts.

-Man on the radio- "This is Breedmal (Lance Corporal) Mizra, fifth MG team. We just took a heavy hit from one of those Pions! Our whole ammo supply exploded and killed three of our guys, including the operator! We need reinforcement here! There's also a giant hole in the ceiling here!"

Taheri- "Damn flimsy fortifications..." He turns to one of the Afghan officers. "Get some more men on that team, go!"

The Afghan officer- "Yes sir!" He runs into the hallway.

Suraqi Officer- "What's that noise!?"

Another voice comes over the radio- "Suraqi Arab Air Force, 13th and 12th Ground Support Squadrons. We heard you could use some help." Every officer, including Taheri rushed outside to see the jets zoom by. Everyone started to cheer as the magnificent pilots rushed outwards, piloting Su-24s, to begin to unleash AGM-114 Hellfire Air to Surface missiles down onto the masses of People's Union troops below them.

Dilayn

The Southern mountains were a vast and desolate terrain, with odd spires, peaking up into the sky like sky scrapers made by the forces of nature. The Southern invasion had not gone unnoticed, actually it was far from being unnoticed. In between a particularly narrow mountain pass, out in the middle of the pass, was a tree, something one would not expect to see out here. What someone else would not expect to see was the bodies dangling from the crooked old tree by the nooses on their neck. When this graphic scene was clear to the Union troops approaching it, a loud voice filled the surrounding area with ominous chants in Norwegian, for those who could understand Norwegian, repeating the same phrase over and over again. It almost seemed as if the voice was a distant echo, but also seemed as if it was coming from all directions. Perhaps it could be speakers that had been set up and disguised?

Suddenly, in a flurry of confusion, hard clanks were heard all around the Union tanks. After a few seconds, smoke began to fill the air. Whoever was out there, had thrown countless M18 smoke grenades around the enemy armor, who's visibility was already limited, since they were inside tanks and such. Through the smoke, there was a loud blaring noise that filled the blindness around them. A barrage of Rocket Propelled Grenades were fired through the smoke, up at the enemy helicopters, hoping to bring a few of them down.

No bullets had been fired, only the explosives intended for the enemy helicopters above, by an unknown source. The ominous voice continued to chant it's same phrase. over and over again in Norwegian, when suddenly, a hand reached into one of the Chinese Type-99's cupola, dropping a Hand Grenade in, then swiftly closing the latch on the cupola.

Whoever these people were, they obviously did not like the Union. Hopefully, Traansval Boer Purple Berets that were to be dropped off in Tel Kefar would come to provide support on the border.

Neue Fansberg Airport

By this time, Head Work Leader Heinrich Eadel had been driven back to the airport to meet the German Emperor, or so he thought. The BTRs as well as the limo and even Heinrich himself had been reset to their previous state before Grand Duke Klaus arrived, a few minutes earlier. To Heinrich's surprise, it was not an Emperor to greet him, but rather another Grand Duke. The Secret Police held their stances with the state salute, arm out, palm down and extended. Each Secret Police officer wore the same monotonous black suit, red tie, black sunglasses and Spektronian Conservative-Fascist Party arm band as the next.

For some reason, a few SK troopers had gathered around at a distance. Two SK troopers had actually come all the way from the city of Shadan by order of their mysterious masked commander, who had just made his first public appearance in an execution of two East Afghani insurgents. (Which I don't think anybody saw the post but the Spektronian officer commanding the battle in Shadan, who wears a creepy white mask with one eye hole blocked out, bald head, wears a gray SK sweater vest and is rather tall, had an attempt on his life made, he out smarted the assassins and blew them up on international television infront of a massive crowd. The two SK troopers at the airport now were actually outside the building that the commander, nicknamed "Der Metzger" had his assassination attempt made. )

Heinrich was confused, but carried on in a formal way to greet the Grand Duke as he was accompanied by his rather freakish looking security detail, who looked more like vampires on steroids than actual people. Even the National Army Soldiers and Sturmkorps Troopers of Spektronia did not look this much like a product of a bio hazard. After viewing the one that announced the Grand Duke, Heinrich ultimately, but cautiously stepped forward to bow to and shake hands with the Grand Duke. "Grand Duke Lothar, as much as I am disappointed, that his Majesty could not attend the affair, I am glad that you could. I am Head Work Leader Heinrich Eadel. I've been instructed by the Chancellor to have you driven to the capital building... But I don't know how your friends will fit into the limo..."

Suddenly, the two tall SK troopers, with their heights rivaling that of the Grand Duke's security team, their sleek combed blond hair, in their black dress uniforms and high leather boots and black gloves approached the little scene and gave the state salute to the Work Leader and the Grand Duke, then bowed to the Grand Duke. "Work Leader Eadel, sir, we have an important message from our commander to deliver to his Grace." Heinrich looked up, confused at the two troopers. "And just who is your commander, troopers?" Without a word, one of the troopers unfolded a note with printed instructions on it from his pocket and showed it to the Head Work Leader. "Oh... Right... That commander. I suppose I must allow this." Said Heinrich as the trooper put the paper away and the other trooper handed a smaller, folded piece of paper to the Grand Duke. "Well thank you for your precious time, sirs. And if your security detail needs transport... More suitable to their size, we'd be happy to drive them to the capital building in SK transport jeeps. They're meant for... 'people' our size, so it'll be much easier on them and the car if they rode with us. And your Grace, you can of course read that note, but just make sure it gets around, please?" The two began to walk away, waiting to see whether the freakish security would be permitted to ride with them. If the note was to be opened by the Grand Duke, it would be a simple, one word note, written in pencil in the center of the blank paper, reading, "Raus."

Heinrich shrugged as they walked away. "Perhaps it would be best for your... security to ride in the SK jeeps. I can imagine the ride being very uncomfortable for them, otherwise." He said, oblivious as to what was on the note.

Shiyya

From: President Karimi of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

To: Anatoly Karin, General Secretary for the People and Worker's of the People's World Union

Encryption: Moderate

Secretary Karin, your words and demands only augment the mutual feeling of dislike between us. You disrespect the will of Allah in this land and for this, you and your forces will feel his wrath, be it through the Afghan National Army or another outside force. Your insidious ways of communism have attempted to inch into my nation in the past, either by force or under the guise of something much more appealing. I can tell you that our policy against such hateful views is not pliable and we will continue to convey fortitude in the face of your threats. We will not fall to your ways and become bereft of our love for Allah. You also proceed to compare us to the West. To that comment, I must admit that my stolidness was broken by my laughter upon reading that. How dare you take a gibe at the whole of my nation by comparing this land to the West and comparing the culture that we enjoy and celebrate here to the poisons that they have implanted in so many other nations around the world? You have your answer, Mr. Secretary.

NMK

"Just scan each page and send it to the Nuclear Intelligence Division. See if there really is anything useful in this stack." Said the ambassador to his secretary. "Probably nothing we don't know already. A whole damn stack of paper, wasted." He sighed as he retreated back into his office.

Journal of Major General Isaac Lev Konstanovitch, Ground Forces of the Russian Socialist Federation, North of Shiyya

Major General Konstanovitch took another puff of his cigar to calm himself as he watched the Suraqi aircraft arrive to rain death down on the brave soldier's of the People's Union. 'Damn those imperialist dogs!' he thought but then another 'Though damn those brass in Paris and Vladivostok as well. Giving Anti-Air priority to the Southern Attack when it would clearly be more needed up here on the plains.'. The Northern Attack Force was not completely devoid of Anti-Air vehicles, the fact was that they were stationed to guard the artillery while the advancing troops would largely rely on their squads own AA weaponry.

The Major General had his command post positioned to the rear of the battle; close enough to direct the battle more effectively yet far enough to be protected. Around him were communications operators rushing about, sending orders this way and that, giving attack directives, and most importantly, calling for friendly air support.

A pair of Tu-95 Strategic Bomber's had already been en route to bomb the enemy fortifications, but now the call was for Fighter support. Konstanovitch was hoping a squadron of the new T-50 Aircraft designed by Sukhoi would be available but understandably he instead was assigned a squadron consisting of Su-27's and MiG-29's. He understood the reasoning; the T-50 was still a rarity for the Russian Air Force as it entered service not too long ago and naturally what squadrons had been organized with these new aircraft would be stationed to France and Russia as guards. 'Either way, our brave pilots are on their way to do battle with the capitalist oppressors.'

The commander was shaken from his thoughts by the sound of more explosions among their artillery positions. He gritted his teeth, those rockets were becoming an problem rather than an annoyance. He turned to the command tent and strode inside over to his aide Lieutenant Gregor Zaluc, with frustration written across his features. "Are those damn missiles locked on to their targets yet!?"

The General was referring to eight 9K720 Iskander mobile launch systems positioned behind the Union lines. These vehicles were not ones average missile launchers, rather they could fire two Short Range Ballistic Missiles with an operational range of up to 500 km, though approximately 70-80 km separated them from the enemy. They had an expected accuracy of striking within 5-7 meters of the target, and given that the warheads would be 480 kg (~1,050 lb) of High Explosive it was bound to do damage even with a miss. They had an average velocity of 2,100 m/s and were excellent for use against many types of conventional targets, including strongly protected targets such as bunkers. These however would be targeting the enemy rocket and gun artillery to ease pressure of friendly artillery.

Gregor nodded his head and gave his commander his full attention. "Yes Comrade Major General. We have sixteen suspected enemy artillery positions targeted. We have greater confidence that we will hit the rocket artillery more effectively than gun artillery. Launch is in two minutes and counting." Isaac nervously counted down as he wondered how many casualties they could take in two minutes. He let out a sigh he hadn't realized he was holding when the Lieutenant informed him of the launch. Sure enough moments later he could hear the roar of the missiles high above as they made their way to their targets.

Journal of Colonel Fedor Ivanovitch Kionev, Dilayn

When one of the Chinese tanks burst open in the column, Fedor knew the idea the enemy had. Use the smoke as cover to use grenades and similar weapons to take out the vehicles. Four of the Mi-28's had been brought down by RPG shots while the remaining dozen climbed to get out of range. Fedor grabbed his radio and shot off a message to his fellow tankers. "Lock down your tanks! Use thermal to find these bastards!" No sooner had he said it than he himself switched to thermal vision for the remotely controlled exterior machine guns. His first kill was with the 12.7mm gun as was the second. Machine gun fire began to echo down the line as the column stalled to make sure it didn't get any more nasty surprises.

[The Traansval]

North of Shiyya

Most of the fortifications across the mountains that the Afghans and Suraqis were stationed to defend against the People's Union forces came from the Soviets from when the Soviet Afghan War. Though they were generally old, most of the fortifications, nearly a fourth of them were relatively new and well protected. The reason for this being the project to renovate these fortifications before President Ghani was assassinated. Due to the invasion of Afghanistan by Spektronia and her allies, the project was put to a halt and after the assassination of President Ghani, the project was completely discarded.

One new addition to the fortifications that did get to be completed was the tunnel system carved into the mountain that helped to connect the fortifications in another way besides the walkway on the side of the mountain. Inside also included a barracks, cafeteria, supply room and communications/command room. Inside the halls of the concrete bunker, troops bustled around, some running drills with their squads and others rushing from one place to another. Inside the command room was where Taheri, the Suraqi officer, who's rank had not yet been revealed, commanded the battle. Outside, in several secure locations, cameras had been set up to link what was going on outside to TV screens in the command room. The cameras were rotatable by remote control, to give for a better perspective.

Suraqi Officer- "Incoming fire from those Howitzers! They're out of range for our artillery!"

Taheri- "We could probably hit them with our MLRS's." Taheri picked up a radio. "Rocket teams one and two focus fire on enemy artillery!"

A voice came from the other side of the radio that answered, "Adjusting trajectory now, sir!" The M270 MLRS's, which the Afghans used were not the most up to date rocket systems out there, but they were enough to just get the job done, for the most part.

Afghan Officer- "When will the Suraqi Arab Air Force be here to provide air support!?"

Taheri- "ETA six minutes. They're not far now. Have patience."

Another Suraqi Officer- "Just why is it that we must use our air force instead of the Afghan National Air Force?"

Taheri- "Focus in on camera two! And because what little air force the Afghans do have is headed on their way to deal with the southern invasion of the province."

Afghan Officer- "Infantry is coming in range! We've also got Pions firing and SPGs advancing with the infantry!"

Taheri over the radio- "Artillery teams one, two and three, hit those self propelled guns! They're trying to bring the whole thing down! Artillery teams four and five, focus fire on those tanks! Don't let them hit our MG teams! MG teams one, two, three and four, hit the infantry from the left side! MG teams five, six, seven and eight, hit them down the center, MG teams nine, ten, eleven and twelve, right side!"

The responses over the radios were muffled as everyone tried to respond at once. By this time, the trajectory of the rockets had been adjusted and they fired off, sending a blazing trail towards the enemy artillery teams. Meanwhile, the artillery teams began to open fire upon their designated targets with their 122 mm howitzer 2A18s. At the same time, the MG teams began to fire their mounted DShKs into the mobs of enemy infantry swarming towards them from inside their posts.

-Man on the radio- "This is Breedmal (Lance Corporal) Mizra, fifth MG team. We just took a heavy hit from one of those Pions! Our whole ammo supply exploded and killed three of our guys, including the operator! We need reinforcement here! There's also a giant hole in the ceiling here!"

Taheri- "Damn flimsy fortifications..." He turns to one of the Afghan officers. "Get some more men on that team, go!"

The Afghan officer- "Yes sir!" He runs into the hallway.

Suraqi Officer- "What's that noise!?"

Another voice comes over the radio- "Suraqi Arab Air Force, 13th and 12th Ground Support Squadrons. We heard you could use some help." Every officer, including Taheri rushed outside to see the jets zoom by. Everyone started to cheer as the magnificent pilots rushed outwards, piloting Su-24s, to begin to unleash AGM-114 Hellfire Air to Surface missiles down onto the masses of People's Union troops below them.

Dilayn

The Southern mountains were a vast and desolate terrain, with odd spires, peaking up into the sky like sky scrapers made by the forces of nature. The Southern invasion had not gone unnoticed, actually it was far from being unnoticed. In between a particularly narrow mountain pass, out in the middle of the pass, was a tree, something one would not expect to see out here. What someone else would not expect to see was the bodies dangling from the crooked old tree by the nooses on their neck. When this graphic scene was clear to the Union troops approaching it, a loud voice filled the surrounding area with ominous chants in Norwegian, for those who could understand Norwegian, repeating the same phrase over and over again. It almost seemed as if the voice was a distant echo, but also seemed as if it was coming from all directions. Perhaps it could be speakers that had been set up and disguised?

Suddenly, in a flurry of confusion, hard clanks were heard all around the Union tanks. After a few seconds, smoke began to fill the air. Whoever was out there, had thrown countless M18 smoke grenades around the enemy armor, who's visibility was already limited, since they were inside tanks and such. Through the smoke, there was a loud blaring noise that filled the blindness around them. A barrage of Rocket Propelled Grenades were fired through the smoke, up at the enemy helicopters, hoping to bring a few of them down.

No bullets had been fired, only the explosives intended for the enemy helicopters above, by an unknown source. The ominous voice continued to chant it's same phrase. over and over again in Norwegian, when suddenly, a hand reached into one of the Chinese Type-99's cupola, dropping a Hand Grenade in, then swiftly closing the latch on the cupola.

Whoever these people were, they obviously did not like the Union. Hopefully, Traansval Boer Purple Berets that were to be dropped off in Tel Kefar would come to provide support on the border.

Neue Fansberg Airport

By this time, Head Work Leader Heinrich Eadel had been driven back to the airport to meet the German Emperor, or so he thought. The BTRs as well as the limo and even Heinrich himself had been reset to their previous state before Grand Duke Klaus arrived, a few minutes earlier. To Heinrich's surprise, it was not an Emperor to greet him, but rather another Grand Duke. The Secret Police held their stances with the state salute, arm out, palm down and extended. Each Secret Police officer wore the same monotonous black suit, red tie, black sunglasses and Spektronian Conservative-Fascist Party arm band as the next.

For some reason, a few SK troopers had gathered around at a distance. Two SK troopers had actually come all the way from the city of Shadan by order of their mysterious masked commander, who had just made his first public appearance in an execution of two East Afghani insurgents. (Which I don't think anybody saw the post but the Spektronian officer commanding the battle in Shadan, who wears a creepy white mask with one eye hole blocked out, bald head, wears a gray SK sweater vest and is rather tall, had an attempt on his life made, he out smarted the assassins and blew them up on international television infront of a massive crowd. The two SK troopers at the airport now were actually outside the building that the commander, nicknamed "Der Metzger" had his assassination attempt made. )

Heinrich was confused, but carried on in a formal way to greet the Grand Duke as he was accompanied by his rather freakish looking security detail, who looked more like vampires on steroids than actual people. Even the National Army Soldiers and Sturmkorps Troopers of Spektronia did not look this much like a product of a bio hazard. After viewing the one that announced the Grand Duke, Heinrich ultimately, but cautiously stepped forward to bow to and shake hands with the Grand Duke. "Grand Duke Lothar, as much as I am disappointed, that his Majesty could not attend the affair, I am glad that you could. I am Head Work Leader Heinrich Eadel. I've been instructed by the Chancellor to have you driven to the capital building... But I don't know how your friends will fit into the limo..."

Suddenly, the two tall SK troopers, with their heights rivaling that of the Grand Duke's security team, their sleek combed blond hair, in their black dress uniforms and high leather boots and black gloves approached the little scene and gave the state salute to the Work Leader and the Grand Duke, then bowed to the Grand Duke. "Work Leader Eadel, sir, we have an important message from our commander to deliver to his Grace." Heinrich looked up, confused at the two troopers. "And just who is your commander, troopers?" Without a word, one of the troopers unfolded a note with printed instructions on it from his pocket and showed it to the Head Work Leader. "Oh... Right... That commander. I suppose I must allow this." Said Heinrich as the trooper put the paper away and the other trooper handed a smaller, folded piece of paper to the Grand Duke. "Well thank you for your precious time, sirs. And if your security detail needs transport... More suitable to their size, we'd be happy to drive them to the capital building in SK transport jeeps. They're meant for... 'people' our size, so it'll be much easier on them and the car if they rode with us. And your Grace, you can of course read that note, but just make sure it gets around, please?" The two began to walk away, waiting to see whether the freakish security would be permitted to ride with them. If the note was to be opened by the Grand Duke, it would be a simple, one word note, written in pencil in the center of the blank paper, reading, "Raus."

Heinrich shrugged as they walked away. "Perhaps it would be best for your... security to ride in the SK jeeps. I can imagine the ride being very uncomfortable for them, otherwise." He said, oblivious as to what was on the note.

Shiyya

From: President Karimi of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

To: Anatoly Karin, General Secretary for the People and Worker's of the People's World Union

Encryption: Moderate

Secretary Karin, your words and demands only augment the mutual feeling of dislike between us. You disrespect the will of Allah in this land and for this, you and your forces will feel his wrath, be it through the Afghan National Army or another outside force. Your insidious ways of communism have attempted to inch into my nation in the past, either by force or under the guise of something much more appealing. I can tell you that our policy against such hateful views is not pliable and we will continue to convey fortitude in the face of your threats. We will not fall to your ways and become bereft of our love for Allah. You also proceed to compare us to the West. To that comment, I must admit that my stolidness was broken by my laughter upon reading that. How dare you take a gibe at the whole of my nation by comparing this land to the West and comparing the culture that we enjoy and celebrate here to the poisons that they have implanted in so many other nations around the world? You have your answer, Mr. Secretary.

NMK

"Just scan each page and send it to the Nuclear Intelligence Division. See if there really is anything useful in this stack." Said the ambassador to his secretary. "Probably nothing we don't know already. A whole damn stack of paper, wasted." He sighed as he retreated back into his office.

Dilyan Province

Colonel Casey's convoy came to a halt a the Border, where he found a entrenched position of West Afghani men there.

The Colonel dismounted his jeep, and went to greet the West Afghani Officer waiting for him

Colonel Casey: Hello your Excellency, i am Colonel Casey, Boer Commando's. I have 15,000 Men with me here, Infantry trained in Desert Warfare. We also have 125 Boer Purple Beret Special Forces to assist your men in Scouting, Sniping, and Intelligence Roles...

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Neue Fansberg

---

Grand Duke Klaus grinned and limped over to Adolf, his left hand continually resting on his dressed wound while his right reached out to shake with the Chancellor and then with this female officer. Two grey-haired men who looked as if they'd been taken from Kaiser Wilhelm II's court came in after him, bending to shake the hands of the two Spektronians and then sitting themselves. "Well, the last leg of it was," Klaus answered, leaning back in his chair and sighing. "It is good to see you, Adolf." He shifted his view to look at Selena Guttenberg; that name sounded familiar. Definitely from the crisis a month or so back, but all those memories- at least the ones that weren't crucial- melted together. Smiling at the Generaloberst and not knowing which of her titles to use, Klaus instead said, "And it is good to meet you as well, Frau Guttenberg." Behind them two royal guardsmen had trooped in and now took positions in the corners of the room closest to the doorway. "I suppose we are waiting for the German delegate?"

---

Saxtonberg, Nova Capile

---

"I'm getting my money out now. I don't care what those bankers say, this new deal is going to drive them under." Konrad Stehn glanced at his disgruntled friend, wrinkle lines creasing his otherwise smooth face. "They already tried investing in Indochina, and it was a disaster," Hugo Weiss went on. "That was only because the Chinks were still loose, and they flooded all the fields and sunk all those ships and what not. This time it'll-" his friend interrupted him again, quickening his already brisk pace towards the Capilean National Bank. "Wait, think this through!" Konrad cautioned, hurrying up the smooth steps of the building and past its elegant columns. Weiss burst through the double doors and strode straight over to a teller. The mustached older man behind the counter looked up. "How may I help you sir?" he asked, readjusting his half-moon glasses.

Konrad huffed behind Hugo, not wanting to start a fight in this place. "I want to withdraw my entire account," the man responded, bending over the marble counter. The teller's eyes widened. "May I ask why, sir?" Weiss flushed. "I can withdraw my money whenever I goddamn want to!" he shouted, slamming his fist down on the counter. The teller stood up out of his chair, straightening his fine black suit. "Sir, I must ask you to leave!" he snapped. A pair of hard-faced guards were closing in on the two men. "Come on, let's get out of here!" Konrad said, glancing around. Everyone in the bank was looking at them, wide-eyed and bewildered. Nothing like this had happened for a long time. "Give me my money!" Hugo shouted, reaching across the counter to point at the teller. The man, frightened, backed away. "Security!" he whimpered. Whispers circulated throughout the crowd as the pair of bank goons charged Hugo.

Konrad did his best to trip one of them, making him slip and fall to the hard floor. "Why won't you give him his money!" shouted one of the men behind them. "I'm getting mine!" Instantly all of the other people in the building were rushing to the counters, screaming for their funds. The tellers hastily closed their iron windows, stopping all withdrawals. All of them began scurrying to secure the vault whilst a fistfight was developing between several of the men and the outnumbered bank guards. Outside Konrad could hear more shouting. "A run on the bank! Get your money, hurry!"

[New Decius]

North of Shiyya

Most of the fortifications across the mountains that the Afghans and Suraqis were stationed to defend against the People's Union forces came from the Soviets from when the Soviet Afghan War. Though they were generally old, most of the fortifications, nearly a fourth of them were relatively new and well protected. The reason for this being the project to renovate these fortifications before President Ghani was assassinated. Due to the invasion of Afghanistan by Spektronia and her allies, the project was put to a halt and after the assassination of President Ghani, the project was completely discarded.

One new addition to the fortifications that did get to be completed was the tunnel system carved into the mountain that helped to connect the fortifications in another way besides the walkway on the side of the mountain. Inside also included a barracks, cafeteria, supply room and communications/command room. Inside the halls of the concrete bunker, troops bustled around, some running drills with their squads and others rushing from one place to another. Inside the command room was where Taheri, the Suraqi officer, who's rank had not yet been revealed, commanded the battle. Outside, in several secure locations, cameras had been set up to link what was going on outside to TV screens in the command room. The cameras were rotatable by remote control, to give for a better perspective.

Suraqi Officer- "Incoming fire from those Howitzers! They're out of range for our artillery!"

Taheri- "We could probably hit them with our MLRS's." Taheri picked up a radio. "Rocket teams one and two focus fire on enemy artillery!"

A voice came from the other side of the radio that answered, "Adjusting trajectory now, sir!" The M270 MLRS's, which the Afghans used were not the most up to date rocket systems out there, but they were enough to just get the job done, for the most part.

Afghan Officer- "When will the Suraqi Arab Air Force be here to provide air support!?"

Taheri- "ETA six minutes. They're not far now. Have patience."

Another Suraqi Officer- "Just why is it that we must use our air force instead of the Afghan National Air Force?"

Taheri- "Focus in on camera two! And because what little air force the Afghans do have is headed on their way to deal with the southern invasion of the province."

Afghan Officer- "Infantry is coming in range! We've also got Pions firing and SPGs advancing with the infantry!"

Taheri over the radio- "Artillery teams one, two and three, hit those self propelled guns! They're trying to bring the whole thing down! Artillery teams four and five, focus fire on those tanks! Don't let them hit our MG teams! MG teams one, two, three and four, hit the infantry from the left side! MG teams five, six, seven and eight, hit them down the center, MG teams nine, ten, eleven and twelve, right side!"

The responses over the radios were muffled as everyone tried to respond at once. By this time, the trajectory of the rockets had been adjusted and they fired off, sending a blazing trail towards the enemy artillery teams. Meanwhile, the artillery teams began to open fire upon their designated targets with their 122 mm howitzer 2A18s. At the same time, the MG teams began to fire their mounted DShKs into the mobs of enemy infantry swarming towards them from inside their posts.

-Man on the radio- "This is Breedmal (Lance Corporal) Mizra, fifth MG team. We just took a heavy hit from one of those Pions! Our whole ammo supply exploded and killed three of our guys, including the operator! We need reinforcement here! There's also a giant hole in the ceiling here!"

Taheri- "Damn flimsy fortifications..." He turns to one of the Afghan officers. "Get some more men on that team, go!"

The Afghan officer- "Yes sir!" He runs into the hallway.

Suraqi Officer- "What's that noise!?"

Another voice comes over the radio- "Suraqi Arab Air Force, 13th and 12th Ground Support Squadrons. We heard you could use some help." Every officer, including Taheri rushed outside to see the jets zoom by. Everyone started to cheer as the magnificent pilots rushed outwards, piloting Su-24s, to begin to unleash AGM-114 Hellfire Air to Surface missiles down onto the masses of People's Union troops below them.

Dilayn

The Southern mountains were a vast and desolate terrain, with odd spires, peaking up into the sky like sky scrapers made by the forces of nature. The Southern invasion had not gone unnoticed, actually it was far from being unnoticed. In between a particularly narrow mountain pass, out in the middle of the pass, was a tree, something one would not expect to see out here. What someone else would not expect to see was the bodies dangling from the crooked old tree by the nooses on their neck. When this graphic scene was clear to the Union troops approaching it, a loud voice filled the surrounding area with ominous chants in Norwegian, for those who could understand Norwegian, repeating the same phrase over and over again. It almost seemed as if the voice was a distant echo, but also seemed as if it was coming from all directions. Perhaps it could be speakers that had been set up and disguised?

Suddenly, in a flurry of confusion, hard clanks were heard all around the Union tanks. After a few seconds, smoke began to fill the air. Whoever was out there, had thrown countless M18 smoke grenades around the enemy armor, who's visibility was already limited, since they were inside tanks and such. Through the smoke, there was a loud blaring noise that filled the blindness around them. A barrage of Rocket Propelled Grenades were fired through the smoke, up at the enemy helicopters, hoping to bring a few of them down.

No bullets had been fired, only the explosives intended for the enemy helicopters above, by an unknown source. The ominous voice continued to chant it's same phrase. over and over again in Norwegian, when suddenly, a hand reached into one of the Chinese Type-99's cupola, dropping a Hand Grenade in, then swiftly closing the latch on the cupola.

Whoever these people were, they obviously did not like the Union. Hopefully, Traansval Boer Purple Berets that were to be dropped off in Tel Kefar would come to provide support on the border.

Neue Fansberg Airport

By this time, Head Work Leader Heinrich Eadel had been driven back to the airport to meet the German Emperor, or so he thought. The BTRs as well as the limo and even Heinrich himself had been reset to their previous state before Grand Duke Klaus arrived, a few minutes earlier. To Heinrich's surprise, it was not an Emperor to greet him, but rather another Grand Duke. The Secret Police held their stances with the state salute, arm out, palm down and extended. Each Secret Police officer wore the same monotonous black suit, red tie, black sunglasses and Spektronian Conservative-Fascist Party arm band as the next.

For some reason, a few SK troopers had gathered around at a distance. Two SK troopers had actually come all the way from the city of Shadan by order of their mysterious masked commander, who had just made his first public appearance in an execution of two East Afghani insurgents. (Which I don't think anybody saw the post but the Spektronian officer commanding the battle in Shadan, who wears a creepy white mask with one eye hole blocked out, bald head, wears a gray SK sweater vest and is rather tall, had an attempt on his life made, he out smarted the assassins and blew them up on international television infront of a massive crowd. The two SK troopers at the airport now were actually outside the building that the commander, nicknamed "Der Metzger" had his assassination attempt made. )

Heinrich was confused, but carried on in a formal way to greet the Grand Duke as he was accompanied by his rather freakish looking security detail, who looked more like vampires on steroids than actual people. Even the National Army Soldiers and Sturmkorps Troopers of Spektronia did not look this much like a product of a bio hazard. After viewing the one that announced the Grand Duke, Heinrich ultimately, but cautiously stepped forward to bow to and shake hands with the Grand Duke. "Grand Duke Lothar, as much as I am disappointed, that his Majesty could not attend the affair, I am glad that you could. I am Head Work Leader Heinrich Eadel. I've been instructed by the Chancellor to have you driven to the capital building... But I don't know how your friends will fit into the limo..."

Suddenly, the two tall SK troopers, with their heights rivaling that of the Grand Duke's security team, their sleek combed blond hair, in their black dress uniforms and high leather boots and black gloves approached the little scene and gave the state salute to the Work Leader and the Grand Duke, then bowed to the Grand Duke. "Work Leader Eadel, sir, we have an important message from our commander to deliver to his Grace." Heinrich looked up, confused at the two troopers. "And just who is your commander, troopers?" Without a word, one of the troopers unfolded a note with printed instructions on it from his pocket and showed it to the Head Work Leader. "Oh... Right... That commander. I suppose I must allow this." Said Heinrich as the trooper put the paper away and the other trooper handed a smaller, folded piece of paper to the Grand Duke. "Well thank you for your precious time, sirs. And if your security detail needs transport... More suitable to their size, we'd be happy to drive them to the capital building in SK transport jeeps. They're meant for... 'people' our size, so it'll be much easier on them and the car if they rode with us. And your Grace, you can of course read that note, but just make sure it gets around, please?" The two began to walk away, waiting to see whether the freakish security would be permitted to ride with them. If the note was to be opened by the Grand Duke, it would be a simple, one word note, written in pencil in the center of the blank paper, reading, "Raus."

Heinrich shrugged as they walked away. "Perhaps it would be best for your... security to ride in the SK jeeps. I can imagine the ride being very uncomfortable for them, otherwise." He said, oblivious as to what was on the note.

Shiyya

From: President Karimi of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

To: Anatoly Karin, General Secretary for the People and Worker's of the People's World Union

Encryption: Moderate

Secretary Karin, your words and demands only augment the mutual feeling of dislike between us. You disrespect the will of Allah in this land and for this, you and your forces will feel his wrath, be it through the Afghan National Army or another outside force. Your insidious ways of communism have attempted to inch into my nation in the past, either by force or under the guise of something much more appealing. I can tell you that our policy against such hateful views is not pliable and we will continue to convey fortitude in the face of your threats. We will not fall to your ways and become bereft of our love for Allah. You also proceed to compare us to the West. To that comment, I must admit that my stolidness was broken by my laughter upon reading that. How dare you take a gibe at the whole of my nation by comparing this land to the West and comparing the culture that we enjoy and celebrate here to the poisons that they have implanted in so many other nations around the world? You have your answer, Mr. Secretary.

NMK

"Just scan each page and send it to the Nuclear Intelligence Division. See if there really is anything useful in this stack." Said the ambassador to his secretary. "Probably nothing we don't know already. A whole damn stack of paper, wasted." He sighed as he retreated back into his office.

Neue Fansberg, Spektronian Afghanistan

The word 'Raus' clicked in Lothar's head even given such little information. There was currently no reported unrest of a major kind in the Capilean city, not on the civiliab channels nor from the Abwehr. So this message could very well only refer to the incident that took place during the unrest in Capile. An incident involving one Florian Guttenburg, the Butcher of Raus. He would have to find a way to bring it up at the meeting but in the mean time, there was work to be done.

Heinrich's comments confused him somewhat particularly those about his security detail. "Herr Eadel, the tallest one in our group is Hauptmann Günsche here who stands at six foot four inches tall." Before he could continue, said Captain interjected; an act that normally would warrant a duel at dawn in aristocratic circles. Yet the glimmering gold KSK pin on his lapel denoted his authority.

"Do forgive me Head Work Leader, but we received our orders direct from His Majesty himself. One of us must accompany His Grace at all times. Given transportation limitations, I shall select two members to accompany the Grand Duke to this meeting." He turned his head around and scanned the other fourteen operatives for several seconds before calling out two names. "Alicia! Welkin!" A man whom looked to be in his mid-twenties and a girl of similar age walked up and stood at attention. "You will guard His Grace during this meeting. Understood." It wasn't a question but both gave a resounding call of "Sir Yes Sir" all the same.

Then he turned to the matter of the remainder of the Security Troop. He pointed at the aircraft and shouted at them. "The rest of you! Guard the aircraft! That aircraft is a diplomatic vehicle and counts as sovereign German soil! Guard it with your lives!"

Now it was Lothar's turn again as he spoke once more the Head Work Leader with a smile that was not entirely genuine framing his features. "Now then shall we get going?" And thusly they were off......

OOC: You can semi-control my three characters in the limo as far as between the airport and the actual meeting room. Small talk and such.

Flughafen Berlin-Tempelhof, Berlin
Kingdom of Prussia, Germany Proper
German Empire, Germanic Confederation

It just so happened that the taxi which Körver climbed into was stopped before it even left the airport. A cry of halt kept the driver from going anywhere as three uniformed police officers ,in their pale blue Luftwaffe Sicherheitspolizei (Luftwaffe Branch of Military Police; Also stationed as Security Service at all State Registered Airports) garb, ran over and stopped the vehicle before it could even move several feet. They didn't seem as concerned with Körver as they were the driver, seeing as all three had drawn their sidearms, H&K USP's, and had them aimed at the driver whom was beginning to sweat. One of the officers shouted directions at the driver. "Hände, wo ich sie sehen kann!"

After several moments of tension, a man in a more impressive uniform walked over to the vehicle and round to the drivers side. The identifying symbols on his uniform coupled with the black coloration and the shield emblem on his high cap, showed that this man was from the Abwehr, the German Imperial Intelligence Service, a much bigger deal than simple airport cops. He leaned forward to look at the drivers face and a look of recognition and a knowing smirk swept over his features. His voice was smooth enough to calm someone down, but the words still retained their meaning. "Ach kijk eens wie we hier hebben!" He was speaking Dutch not German. "Henrik Regner, Nederlandse nationaliteit, in verband met terroristische Rufol Regner. De Hamburg zelfmoordterrorist van zes maanden geleden." He snapped some quick orders to the officers whom proceeded to open the door and drag Henrik out onto the street to be handcuffed.

Now the Abwehr man looked to the passenger; Körver. He did not carry a sidearm, but the look he gave told how bad it would be if Körver did not get out of the car. The Abwehr wasn't the SS or the Gestapo, no camps or blatant street executions, but they did wield great authority and they were quite ruthless opponents. When Körver exited the vehicle, the man showed his Abwehr Identification Card which showed him to be a Lieutenant Frederick Bredow.

Then he went through the customary routine. "Papiere, bitte. Papiers s'il vous plaît. Le carte per favore. Papeles por favor. Paper's please." It was routine to go through the languages of the nationalities which polls said commonly entered the Reich. He was holding out his hand to see Körver's identity papers.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Flughafen Berlin-Tempelhof, Berlin

---

Inspector Paul Körver had been relaxing in the backseat of the cab, ready for some rest when suddenly the vehicle was stopped. Paul groaned; the cabbie had only just pulled his taxi out into the street when it was pounced on by the German authorities. Paul watched as more and more uniformed Germans arrived until one pulled his driver out into the street and handcuffed him; he did not recognize the uniform and insignia of the German officers, which probably meant that they were from an unimportant agency, probably pompous airport security. As an agent of the Stoßschutz the Inspector was required to know many languages, primarily those of the Capilean homeland. As such he understood German(his first language), Dutch, French and Arabic; those were the dialects most common in Nova Capile, with the last being in its colonies. Therefor Paul processed the words the officer said, and was surprised to discover that his driver was linked to a terrorist attack.

The cars behind this apprehended taxi were growing both impatient and curious in this time, but knew better than to honk. Körver, seeing that the officer's gaze had gone from the arrested driver to him, reluctantly stepped out of the taxi and towards the man. A quick glance at his ID card revealed him as an operative of the Abwehr. This was not supposed to happen. Waiting for him to finish reciting his orders, Körver sighed and responded in perfect German*. "Guten Tag Offizier. Ich bin schrecklich verwirrt. Was ist los?" The Inspector stuck his hand into his pants pocket and fished around for his wallet, pulling it out and then rifling through it until he found his ID card. It had been perfectly copied to ensure that no one would see through it. It proclaimed Paul as a German citizen who'd just returned from a long vacation in Nova Capile, where he'd been visiting relatives.

Handing it to Frederick, he put on a look of extreme confusion.

---

OOC: *Not being German, I cannot be sure if that's 100% correct. I used Google Translate, so it has a good chance of being grammatically incorrect or otherwise flawed.

[New Decius]

Flughafen Berlin-Tempelhof, Berlin

---

Inspector Paul Körver had been relaxing in the backseat of the cab, ready for some rest when suddenly the vehicle was stopped. Paul groaned; the cabbie had only just pulled his taxi out into the street when it was pounced on by the German authorities. Paul watched as more and more uniformed Germans arrived until one pulled his driver out into the street and handcuffed him; he did not recognize the uniform and insignia of the German officers, which probably meant that they were from an unimportant agency, probably pompous airport security. As an agent of the Stoßschutz the Inspector was required to know many languages, primarily those of the Capilean homeland. As such he understood German(his first language), Dutch, French and Arabic; those were the dialects most common in Nova Capile, with the last being in its colonies. Therefor Paul processed the words the officer said, and was surprised to discover that his driver was linked to a terrorist attack.

The cars behind this apprehended taxi were growing both impatient and curious in this time, but knew better than to honk. Körver, seeing that the officer's gaze had gone from the arrested driver to him, reluctantly stepped out of the taxi and towards the man. A quick glance at his ID card revealed him as an operative of the Abwehr. This was not supposed to happen. Waiting for him to finish reciting his orders, Körver sighed and responded in perfect German*. "Guten Tag Offizier. Ich bin schrecklich verwirrt. Was ist los?" The Inspector stuck his hand into his pants pocket and fished around for his wallet, pulling it out and then rifling through it until he found his ID card. It had been perfectly copied to ensure that no one would see through it. It proclaimed Paul as a German citizen who'd just returned from a long vacation in Nova Capile, where he'd been visiting relatives.

Handing it to Frederick, he put on a look of extreme confusion.

---

OOC: *Not being German, I cannot be sure if that's 100% correct. I used Google Translate, so it has a good chance of being grammatically incorrect or otherwise flawed.

OOC: To minimize the struggle I write in English but it will be German for story purposes. See English, think German sort of thing.

IC:

Leutnant Bredow looked over Paul's identification card with a scrutinizing gaze as was his duty. Though the Abwehr did not put its domestic officers (Section's A and B) in the field untrained, they didn't exactly receive the high-grade training that Counter-Terrorism Officers and Counter-Espionage Officer's received. Bredow was from Section A Division III, and he dealt with foreign national's believed to pose a threat to state security and thus was not prepared to see through a marvelous bit of tradecraft by a professional espionage outfit. The one advantage going for him was the Priority Order to be at paranoia level alertness given the current Nuclear Crisis and World Union aggression.

After several moments he handed the identification card back to Paul with a nod. "All seems to be in order Herr Körver. Welcome back to the Vaterland and to safety at that. I can hardly believe what's going on over there right now, can you?" He got a frustrated look on his face and his fist clenched. "First we forgive the Hohenzollern's for sinking the First Empire in 1918, then we sign a bunch of friendship and cooperation pacts with them to bring our fellow Germanic brethren closer still. And now they and their fascist comrades point Nuclear Missiles at us claiming we were prepared to shoot first! What a pack of lies!" Ironically, Paul had a clear view of a man sitting on a bench across the street reading a Newspaper with a headline claiming Spektronia and Capile were ready to fire first.

Bredow calmed down as he tipped his hat to Körver. "In any case, I advise you to watch yourself Herr Körver, things have changed some in the long while you've been gone. New regulations are in place regarding identity papers. Your current model will do for now but at some point please do remember to go down to an Ordnungspolizei station to get new papers. We also actively urge citizens to report any suspicious activity which could be linked to fascist or communist elements here in the homeland." He clicked his heels, put his right fist over his heart and gave the cry of "Für dem Kaiser und Vaterland" and walked away to deal with his prisoner.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Flughafen Berlin-Tempelhof, Berlin

---

Paul waited tensely as the German agent looked his ID card over. Inwardly he sighed in relief as Leutnant Bredow was fooled by the fraudulent identification and handed it back to him. Inspector Körver smiled at the officer. "Thank you, officer." He waited as Frederick started to rant about the nuclear crisis which had unfolded a few days back. "Indeed. I was worried that they would not let me come back, but thankfully the Capilean authorities were most cooperative," Paul lied, tucking the glossy card back into his wallet. He glanced across the street and saw a German man reading a newspaper; "CAPILEAN AND SPEKTRONIAN WARHEADS AIMED AT THE REICH!" trumpeted the headlines. "What? I was told that the Germans and Spektronians were aiming nuclear weapons at us! Strange." The Capilean pushed those thoughts from his head and turned his attention back to the officer, who had calmed and was beginning to speak about Paul's identity papers.

"Thank you, officer, and I will be sure to report anything suspicious at once!" Körver said, turning back to the empty cab as the Abwher man left to deal with the Dutch terrorist he had captured. Beginning a brisk pace down the sidewalk and making a mental note to visit one of those stations and get new papers, Paul hailed another cab and climbed in. Giving the cabbie the hotel's address, the Inspector relaxed and lit a cigarette to calm his nerves, which had been frantic for the past few minutes. When they arrived Körver thanked his driver and gave him a generous tip before checking in and heading up to his room. The clerk had been told not to bother him, and the extra Papiermarks Paul had given him would make sure those orders were followed.

Paul surveyed the small, tidy room he'd been given and threw his briefcase on the bed. "Now to get to work," he said, to no one in particular. But that fluffy pillow was so tempting. "I have had a long, tiring day... I deserve the rest."

The Capilean agent collapsed on the mattress and was out like a light.

[Spektronia]

North of Shiyya

Raid (Major) Yukhmen Fashib of the Suraqi Arab Army, second armored division looked to the portrait of his beloved president, hanging up inside of his T-90 main battle tank, whilst his crew as well as other tank crews that advanced with them and the troops inside of the BTR-80s that rustled up the dirt beneath their tracks and tires, chanted along with the Socialist Arab Ba'ath anthem, proclaiming their love for the Ba'ath cause and their Arab world.

The total inbound force was coming from the West of the ongoing battle and had come all the way from New Suraq. Almost all of the military presence in New Suraq was Suraqi Arab Army forces, amounting to a good 8,000 incoming troops, almost 17,000 counting the defending Suraqi Special Forces and Afghan National Army at the fortifications. Luckily for the Union, Spektronia had no intentions of involving themselves in this battle, or it would have been over before it started. Part of the reason that Spektronia did not wish to involve themselves was that their troops were spread out a bit thin across the globe, seeing that they were fighting in Iran (Trying to put Shah Reza Pahlavi's son in power), Afghanistan, and the Spektronian Pedale (Spektronian controlled Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam, French Guyana, Trinidad, Tobago, Curacao and Aruba. Basically dealing with an uprising.) Also, troops were stationed in other Spektronian colonies as well.

A few BTRs stopped in their tracks, creating a small storm of grainy dirt and dust around them as they squeaked to a stop, deploying a few dozen troops, covered in desert ghille suits. They scurried up to a nearby ridge as they took positions with their Orsis T-5000s, Sayyad-2s and even some with M40 Recoil-less Rifles.

A moderate distance behind the snipers, massive S-23 Howitzers had been set up and began to rain hell down on the Union forces, along with the artillery that had been raining down from the main defenses on the mountains. By this time, troops began to unload from their transport trucks and BTRs, charging towards the Union forces in orderly platoons with their AK-74Ms close to them.

Meanwhile, a few miles back, just out of the fire range of any enemy weaponry, but close enough that one could keep an eye on the battle from, was a small bunker, very low on the mountain's side, where Aqid (Colonel) Hasan Ahmad of the Suraqi Arab Army and Aqid Sahl Younis of the Suraqi Arab Air Force as well as some other officers commanded the battle.

Ahmad- "Good, our artillery has engaged the Union troops."

Suraqi Officer- "Enemy rockets targeting our allies, sir!"

Ahmad- "Where's that damn air support, Younis!?"

Younis- "They should be here any minute! We'll have to redirect the bombers that are already assaulting the infantry." Younis tunes into one of the channels. "This is Aqid Sahl Younis, Suraqi Arab Air Force, Second Aerospace Command Division. Su-24s, ID Numbers 524, 523, 521, 520 and 519, redirect your bombing runs to the enemy rocket positions." The bombers began to head towards the back lines, towards the rockets.

Outside there were a few soldiers from the Suraqi Arab Army, positioned there to guard the command post. A slightly larger than average, desert camo Hummer roared as it sped down the open strip of land, then screeching to a stop in front of the small concrete building, low down on the side of the mountain.

Two SK troopers in desert uniforms rushed out of the driver and passenger seat as the back door opened, to let out a tall, almost as tall as the troopers, slender and intimidating man, in an expressionless white mask and desert SK fatigues with his rank signified on his shoulders. The two SK troopers who served as his guards walked behind him as he tilted his head to observe the battle happening, which he was just out of distance from. One of the Suraqi guards put his hand out to stop the trio, but the officer in the mysterious white mask flashed an ID card. A streak of horror and hesitation ran across the guard's face as he reluctantly saluted the mysterious Sturmkorps Officer.

Inside the command bunker, a hollow knock came upon the steel door and a guard opened the door.

Guard- "What? Who are you? Where you let in?"

The SK men brushed past the guard- "Gentlemen, I'm here to take supreme command of this battle as an Oberführer of the Spektronian Sturmkorps."

Ahmad- "What!? You have no authority here! Spektronia is not involved in this battle!"

Younis- "We are the commanders. Suraq will handle this."

Another Suraqi Officer- "Wait! That's Aljizar! (The Butcher/Der Metzger) The one who executed those two East Afghani insurgents with explosives on live television!"

Ahmad- "Y-You're Al-Aljizar?"

Aljizar (The Butcher)- "The one and only. If you have any concerns regarding my authority... Feel free to contact Leitermarschall Helmut Hilscher (The head of the Spektronian Sturmkorps for those who don't know), whom my orders come directly from."

Younis- "We still need identification... How can we be sure you're really even in the SK?"

Aljizar shows his plastered ID card once more.

Ahmad- "Wh-what? Y-you died in... In Nova Capile..." (HUGE HINT RIGHT THERE)

Aljizar- "Heh... So blind they have made the public... Good. I like the shroud of secrecy that surrounds me... But, no, I did not die in Nova Capile, I almost died."

Younis- "Y-you took two b-bullets to the head..."

Aljizar- "One bullet hit a completely useless part of my brain, and the other skimmed through my skull. Funny, how your life is supposed to flash before your eyes, but instead, all one such as myself remembers is the screams of all the people I've killed... I love it."

Ahmad- "Why th-the mask, Oberführer, sayidi almuhtaram? (Sir)"

Aljizar- "Team of armature surgeons... well, to put it bluntly, they fucked up my face, trying to get the bullets out. But... You needn't worry. They've... Been taken 'care' of." He laughed, low and raspy. "I didn't come here to reveal my life story. I'm here to prevent the mistake of loosing this battle. First of all, I want these platoons attacking the left flank." He pointed to a map with markings on it. "Have them attack from behind if they can. Then, I want the heavy armor attacking the right flank and the enemy armor. The Afghans and the Suraqi Special Forces will handle the advancing infantry in the front." He pointed down again. "These BTRs," He pointed to a group of BTRs. "and the rest of the infantry, I want attacking down the middle, hitting the large majority of the Union's infantry in the middle. As for the rest of the BTRs that I didn't include, half of them, try to cut off the advancing center infantry here," He pointed down. "And the other half, creating a pocket for the first section of Union troops that the tanks will be assaulting."

The Suraqis looked around at each other, in approval of the plan, then Ahmad radioed these commands in and the units began to shift in accordance with their orders.


(Kind of what I'm getting at here.)

Dilayn Province

The shouts in Norwegian continued, all around as they had managed to get off a few more explosives, destroying a few more tanks before they were closed and their thermal vision was switched on. Now, the screams of a few of these people being shot to death filled the smoke covered air, before their heat signatures mysteriously disappeared into the thick smoke.

For a few moments, all was quiet, the broadcast repetitive phrase even have stopped. In an instant, a chain reaction of explosions created deafening noise, moving up and down the narrow pass in between the cliffs. Some sort of explosives, perhaps anti tank, had been hidden under the dust and the sand and were triggered, beneath many of the enemy armored vehicles.

Rockets from the RPGs and other missile launchers also began to bombard the sides of the enemy convoy, but it was unsure where exactly they were being fired from. Above, a whirling noise became more and more clear through the smoke, until a Union helicopter came clearly crashing down into the pathway, creating a large explosion, only adding to the thick smoke.

Meanwhile, on another section of the border, an East Afghani battalion was stationed to defend, till they were approached by Colonel Casey of the Transvaal. DaGarman (Colonel) Shuraih Shams went to great the fellow Colonel. "Welcome to true Afghanistan, my friend." He saluted. "Your commandos would be greatly appreciated in this time of need, if they could support in the incoming attack by Union forces further down South. The Eletryan (Eletrya is another one of my puppet nations and that's who the Union is being attacked by in Dilayn) Royal Army Special Forces has already engaged the enemy convoys, but they still need support, sir."

Neue Fansberg

Adolf and Selina smiled and briefly nodded to the other two, older, Capileans as they quickly shook the two men's hands. They then turned their attention back to Klaus, the Grand Duke. "Oh my, tell me about this 'last leg' my boy. I do hope you're alright!" Faked Adolf, being that he already knew what had happened to the Grand Duke, but he just wanted to remain formal and not reveal this. Selina then joined in, also aware of the assassination attempt. "A very pleasant experience to meet you as well, your Majesty. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, sir."

Suddenly, the channel playing in the background, the Spektronian News Network became more relevant as it changed stories. "A bank run in allied Nova Capile earlier today has left the Grand Duchy temporarily paralyzed in almost all aspects, seeing that little to no money has been in circulation since today." The reporter went on to further go into this, but Adolf and Selina, whom had been viewing the TV turned back to the Grand Duke. Adolf bit his lip slightly. it turning white with the force he put down, his breathing becoming heavy and deep. "Klaus..." He moved closer to whisper into the young man's ear. "Declare a state of emergency... Besides from the false threat of my nuclear arms, that is. Whoever your Head Command Leader or Minister of Finance is..." He shooed his hand, as if telling someone to leave. "Fire them. I have a few suggestions for a new Finance Minister, or whatever may be their title if you're willing to listen." He took another deep breath. "Law and Order is key in this situation. Have your Stoßschutz Militärpolizei and your Nationalgarde keeping the people from running rampant on your streets. It may pain you to do this, but your best option right now is to tap into the treasury and bail out the economy. Nothing a bit of necessary taxation can't fix. Have haste, don't let the situation drag out for too long, or you'll end up draining a large portion of the treasury." He looked Klaus in the eyes. "Almost two months ago, you promised you would allow me to help guide you in times of crisis. Don't let that promise be empty. I urge you to take my advice, unless you want to be a beggar king."

In the meantime, back at the international airport, a few miles away, remained the small scene on the airfield, which was locked down by mainly Spektronian forces, instead of West Afghani forces, a rare sight in Spektronian West Afghanistan.

Heinrich nodded to the Grand Duke and his security detail. "Very well, your Highness, your security needs will be respected. Now, I hope we don't get anymore visitors from the Sturmkorps..." He shivered "I must admit, their people give me chills... Rather creepy, I'd go as far to say." By this time, the two SK minor officers were in their black Hummer and setting off, as they gave a few last salutes with their arms extended out, to whatever security personnel they encountered on the way back to their vehicle.

"Moving on then, I suppose we should start heading for the capital building." He lead them towards the armored limo, escorted by two BTRs. A Geheime Staatspolizei Mann in his suit opened the doors for the four man party, two of those men being security for the Grand Duke.

Throughout the ride, Heinrich had been making conversation on a broad spectrum of topics, from economics, to social issues to African Dictators and more, with the Grand Duke. In the background, Sarabande, by Handel had been playing lowly over the stereo. This song was well known to be Florian Guttenberg's favorite song, before his alleged death. "Well, I do-" He stopped mid sentence as he peered out of the tinted windows, to see they were passing the Florian Guttenberg Memorial Afghani Park, where a statue of Florian, made from a dark metal, stood, with it's arm out, saluting into the distance with a stolid expression on his face, in his SK dress uniform. The limo had gotten oddly slower as they passed. "That's strange... I don't recall this being our route..." He rolled down the barrier between the driver and themselves to speak with the man. "Driver, are we going the correct way?" The driver nodded, not taking his eyes off the road. "Yes, Herr Eadel, the orders to take this route have been given by SK command, sir. I thought you were informed of this." Heinrich shook his head. "I was not..."

[Gotengo]

North of Shiyya

Raid (Major) Yukhmen Fashib of the Suraqi Arab Army, second armored division looked to the portrait of his beloved president, hanging up inside of his T-90 main battle tank, whilst his crew as well as other tank crews that advanced with them and the troops inside of the BTR-80s that rustled up the dirt beneath their tracks and tires, chanted along with the Socialist Arab Ba'ath anthem, proclaiming their love for the Ba'ath cause and their Arab world.

The total inbound force was coming from the West of the ongoing battle and had come all the way from New Suraq. Almost all of the military presence in New Suraq was Suraqi Arab Army forces, amounting to a good 8,000 incoming troops, almost 17,000 counting the defending Suraqi Special Forces and Afghan National Army at the fortifications. Luckily for the Union, Spektronia had no intentions of involving themselves in this battle, or it would have been over before it started. Part of the reason that Spektronia did not wish to involve themselves was that their troops were spread out a bit thin across the globe, seeing that they were fighting in Iran (Trying to put Shah Reza Pahlavi's son in power), Afghanistan, and the Spektronian Pedale (Spektronian controlled Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam, French Guyana, Trinidad, Tobago, Curacao and Aruba. Basically dealing with an uprising.) Also, troops were stationed in other Spektronian colonies as well.

A few BTRs stopped in their tracks, creating a small storm of grainy dirt and dust around them as they squeaked to a stop, deploying a few dozen troops, covered in desert ghille suits. They scurried up to a nearby ridge as they took positions with their Orsis T-5000s, Sayyad-2s and even some with M40 Recoil-less Rifles.

A moderate distance behind the snipers, massive S-23 Howitzers had been set up and began to rain hell down on the Union forces, along with the artillery that had been raining down from the main defenses on the mountains. By this time, troops began to unload from their transport trucks and BTRs, charging towards the Union forces in orderly platoons with their AK-74Ms close to them.

Meanwhile, a few miles back, just out of the fire range of any enemy weaponry, but close enough that one could keep an eye on the battle from, was a small bunker, very low on the mountain's side, where Aqid (Colonel) Hasan Ahmad of the Suraqi Arab Army and Aqid Sahl Younis of the Suraqi Arab Air Force as well as some other officers commanded the battle.

Ahmad- "Good, our artillery has engaged the Union troops."

Suraqi Officer- "Enemy rockets targeting our allies, sir!"

Ahmad- "Where's that damn air support, Younis!?"

Younis- "They should be here any minute! We'll have to redirect the bombers that are already assaulting the infantry." Younis tunes into one of the channels. "This is Aqid Sahl Younis, Suraqi Arab Air Force, Second Aerospace Command Division. Su-24s, ID Numbers 524, 523, 521, 520 and 519, redirect your bombing runs to the enemy rocket positions." The bombers began to head towards the back lines, towards the rockets.

Outside there were a few soldiers from the Suraqi Arab Army, positioned there to guard the command post. A slightly larger than average, desert camo Hummer roared as it sped down the open strip of land, then screeching to a stop in front of the small concrete building, low down on the side of the mountain.

Two SK troopers in desert uniforms rushed out of the driver and passenger seat as the back door opened, to let out a tall, almost as tall as the troopers, slender and intimidating man, in an expressionless white mask and desert SK fatigues with his rank signified on his shoulders. The two SK troopers who served as his guards walked behind him as he tilted his head to observe the battle happening, which he was just out of distance from. One of the Suraqi guards put his hand out to stop the trio, but the officer in the mysterious white mask flashed an ID card. A streak of horror and hesitation ran across the guard's face as he reluctantly saluted the mysterious Sturmkorps Officer.

Inside the command bunker, a hollow knock came upon the steel door and a guard opened the door.

Guard- "What? Who are you? Where you let in?"

The SK men brushed past the guard- "Gentlemen, I'm here to take supreme command of this battle as an Oberführer of the Spektronian Sturmkorps."

Ahmad- "What!? You have no authority here! Spektronia is not involved in this battle!"

Younis- "We are the commanders. Suraq will handle this."

Another Suraqi Officer- "Wait! That's Aljizar! (The Butcher/Der Metzger) The one who executed those two East Afghani insurgents with explosives on live television!"

Ahmad- "Y-You're Al-Aljizar?"

Aljizar (The Butcher)- "The one and only. If you have any concerns regarding my authority... Feel free to contact Leitermarschall Helmut Hilscher (The head of the Spektronian Sturmkorps for those who don't know), whom my orders come directly from."

Younis- "We still need identification... How can we be sure you're really even in the SK?"

Aljizar shows his plastered ID card once more.

Ahmad- "Wh-what? Y-you died in... In Nova Capile..." (HUGE HINT RIGHT THERE)

Aljizar- "Heh... So blind they have made the public... Good. I like the shroud of secrecy that surrounds me... But, no, I did not die in Nova Capile, I almost died."

Younis- "Y-you took two b-bullets to the head..."

Aljizar- "One bullet hit a completely useless part of my brain, and the other skimmed through my skull. Funny, how your life is supposed to flash before your eyes, but instead, all one such as myself remembers is the screams of all the people I've killed... I love it."

Ahmad- "Why th-the mask, Oberführer, sayidi almuhtaram? (Sir)"

Aljizar- "Team of armature surgeons... well, to put it bluntly, they fucked up my face, trying to get the bullets out. But... You needn't worry. They've... Been taken 'care' of." He laughed, low and raspy. "I didn't come here to reveal my life story. I'm here to prevent the mistake of loosing this battle. First of all, I want these platoons attacking the left flank." He pointed to a map with markings on it. "Have them attack from behind if they can. Then, I want the heavy armor attacking the right flank and the enemy armor. The Afghans and the Suraqi Special Forces will handle the advancing infantry in the front." He pointed down again. "These BTRs," He pointed to a group of BTRs. "and the rest of the infantry, I want attacking down the middle, hitting the large majority of the Union's infantry in the middle. As for the rest of the BTRs that I didn't include, half of them, try to cut off the advancing center infantry here," He pointed down. "And the other half, creating a pocket for the first section of Union troops that the tanks will be assaulting."

The Suraqis looked around at each other, in approval of the plan, then Ahmad radioed these commands in and the units began to shift in accordance with their orders.

(Image)
(Kind of what I'm getting at here.)

Dilayn Province

The shouts in Norwegian continued, all around as they had managed to get off a few more explosives, destroying a few more tanks before they were closed and their thermal vision was switched on. Now, the screams of a few of these people being shot to death filled the smoke covered air, before their heat signatures mysteriously disappeared into the thick smoke.

For a few moments, all was quiet, the broadcast repetitive phrase even have stopped. In an instant, a chain reaction of explosions created deafening noise, moving up and down the narrow pass in between the cliffs. Some sort of explosives, perhaps anti tank, had been hidden under the dust and the sand and were triggered, beneath many of the enemy armored vehicles.

Rockets from the RPGs and other missile launchers also began to bombard the sides of the enemy convoy, but it was unsure where exactly they were being fired from. Above, a whirling noise became more and more clear through the smoke, until a Union helicopter came clearly crashing down into the pathway, creating a large explosion, only adding to the thick smoke.

Meanwhile, on another section of the border, an East Afghani battalion was stationed to defend, till they were approached by Colonel Casey of the Transvaal. DaGarman (Colonel) Shuraih Shams went to great the fellow Colonel. "Welcome to true Afghanistan, my friend." He saluted. "Your commandos would be greatly appreciated in this time of need, if they could support in the incoming attack by Union forces further down South. The Eletryan (Eletrya is another one of my puppet nations and that's who the Union is being attacked by in Dilayn) Royal Army Special Forces has already engaged the enemy convoys, but they still need support, sir."

Neue Fansberg

Adolf and Selina smiled and briefly nodded to the other two, older, Capileans as they quickly shook the two men's hands. They then turned their attention back to Klaus, the Grand Duke. "Oh my, tell me about this 'last leg' my boy. I do hope you're alright!" Faked Adolf, being that he already knew what had happened to the Grand Duke, but he just wanted to remain formal and not reveal this. Selina then joined in, also aware of the assassination attempt. "A very pleasant experience to meet you as well, your Majesty. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, sir."

Suddenly, the channel playing in the background, the Spektronian News Network became more relevant as it changed stories. "A bank run in allied Nova Capile earlier today has left the Grand Duchy temporarily paralyzed in almost all aspects, seeing that little to no money has been in circulation since today." The reporter went on to further go into this, but Adolf and Selina, whom had been viewing the TV turned back to the Grand Duke. Adolf bit his lip slightly. it turning white with the force he put down, his breathing becoming heavy and deep. "Klaus..." He moved closer to whisper into the young man's ear. "Declare a state of emergency... Besides from the false threat of my nuclear arms, that is. Whoever your Head Command Leader or Minister of Finance is..." He shooed his hand, as if telling someone to leave. "Fire them. I have a few suggestions for a new Finance Minister, or whatever may be their title if you're willing to listen." He took another deep breath. "Law and Order is key in this situation. Have your Stoßschutz Militärpolizei and your Nationalgarde keeping the people from running rampant on your streets. It may pain you to do this, but your best option right now is to tap into the treasury and bail out the economy. Nothing a bit of necessary taxation can't fix. Have haste, don't let the situation drag out for too long, or you'll end up draining a large portion of the treasury." He looked Klaus in the eyes. "Almost two months ago, you promised you would allow me to help guide you in times of crisis. Don't let that promise be empty. I urge you to take my advice, unless you want to be a beggar king."

In the meantime, back at the international airport, a few miles away, remained the small scene on the airfield, which was locked down by mainly Spektronian forces, instead of West Afghani forces, a rare sight in Spektronian West Afghanistan.

Heinrich nodded to the Grand Duke and his security detail. "Very well, your Highness, your security needs will be respected. Now, I hope we don't get anymore visitors from the Sturmkorps..." He shivered "I must admit, their people give me chills... Rather creepy, I'd go as far to say." By this time, the two SK minor officers were in their black Hummer and setting off, as they gave a few last salutes with their arms extended out, to whatever security personnel they encountered on the way back to their vehicle.

"Moving on then, I suppose we should start heading for the capital building." He lead them towards the armored limo, escorted by two BTRs. A Geheime Staatspolizei Mann in his suit opened the doors for the four man party, two of those men being security for the Grand Duke.

Throughout the ride, Heinrich had been making conversation on a broad spectrum of topics, from economics, to social issues to African Dictators and more, with the Grand Duke. In the background, Sarabande, by Handel had been playing lowly over the stereo. This song was well known to be Florian Guttenberg's favorite song, before his alleged death. "Well, I do-" He stopped mid sentence as he peered out of the tinted windows, to see they were passing the Florian Guttenberg Memorial Afghani Park, where a statue of Florian, made from a dark metal, stood, with it's arm out, saluting into the distance with a stolid expression on his face, in his SK dress uniform. The limo had gotten oddly slower as they passed. "That's strange... I don't recall this being our route..." He rolled down the barrier between the driver and themselves to speak with the man. "Driver, are we going the correct way?" The driver nodded, not taking his eyes off the road. "Yes, Herr Eadel, the orders to take this route have been given by SK command, sir. I thought you were informed of this." Heinrich shook his head. "I was not..."

Shiyya

Captain Vladik Kamenko smirked as he saw the incoming Su-24's and then looked back at the 9K37M1 Buk SAM Battery that was positioned to defend their mid-rear long-range Pion Guns, though the enemy didn't seem to be focused on them, rather they were heading towards the far rear of the line, likely to hit the Iskander launchers that had just assailed the enemy forces. No matter they would bring them down anyway! For the glory of the cause!

Vladik turned to his chief adjutant, Lieutenant Gromyko and then gestured upwards at the planes which were coming in range of their Missiles. "Comrade Lieutenant, give them a taste of our missiles. Show them the power of the Socialist cause!" Gromyko saluted enthusiastically and then hurried off to the operating and vehicle crews. Within moments, each of the six Self--Propelled SAM vehicles had fired two of their four missiles at the incoming Su-24's, with the two Tunguska SPAAG's throwing up a hail of fire to make it harder for the enemy aircraft to dodge.

---

Senior Private Arseny Butusov clutched his AN-94 tightly as he and three other men crouched behind the safety of a large rock as sand was kicked up by bullets and shells around them. A machine gun had felled so many of their comrades now laying dead in the sand around them, and they had to take it out in order to roll up the enemy trenches and tunnels. Engineers had labelled this Southern point a crucial point in the enemy fortification. Arseny was loyal to a fault, he just didn't know how they were going to disable that machine gun.

The spirits of Lenin and Marx must have been smiling on them, for at that moment a high explosive round from a T-90 struck the machine gun position and threw up a huge dust cloud, temporarily blocking out their field of view and providing an opening. Arseny took it, charging out with his other comrades and scrambling up the sand as quick as he could into the rocks. They heard shouts in Afghani and simply started firing, not stopping until they had to reload and by that time the machine gun crew was simply a couple of corpses rendered unrecognizable by bullet holes. Arseny breathed heavily, slamming a new clip in without realizing it, looking out across the plane from his position. Shells and bombs continued to explode across the plane, wrecked hulks of Russian and Chinese vehicles littered the field of battle, too many dead for too little. Such was the sad truth of war.

One of the men must have contacted command because several APC's were speeding their way, now they had an opening........

Dilayn

Colonel Kionev snarled as he hunted for the enemy but to no avail, then a rather risky idea sparked in his mind. The T-14's were equipped with a heat shield in case of napalm bombing as were the Chinese Type-99's (Just not as good as the Russian shield), so he was fairly certain that his idea would work. It was still a risky undertaking. As a Colonel he had authority to call in airstrikes, and he could have a wing of Su-34's drop napalm on the valley to burn their enemies out. Still was he willing to put his men at such a risk?

Just then a gruff voice came over the radio. "This is Captain Kalachkov of Spetsnaz 6th Brigade! We have engaged enemy fighters in the hills! Keep the convoy going! We'll handle them!" The increasing amount of gunfire that Fedor could hear outside the tank confirmed this and a Spetsnaz Brigade was about five hundred men, now deploy those highly trained troops in this situation, it should be enough to hold down their mystery assailants. Fedor got on the radio. "All forward! Best speed!"

[New Decius]

North of Shiyya

Raid (Major) Yukhmen Fashib of the Suraqi Arab Army, second armored division looked to the portrait of his beloved president, hanging up inside of his T-90 main battle tank, whilst his crew as well as other tank crews that advanced with them and the troops inside of the BTR-80s that rustled up the dirt beneath their tracks and tires, chanted along with the Socialist Arab Ba'ath anthem, proclaiming their love for the Ba'ath cause and their Arab world.

The total inbound force was coming from the West of the ongoing battle and had come all the way from New Suraq. Almost all of the military presence in New Suraq was Suraqi Arab Army forces, amounting to a good 8,000 incoming troops, almost 17,000 counting the defending Suraqi Special Forces and Afghan National Army at the fortifications. Luckily for the Union, Spektronia had no intentions of involving themselves in this battle, or it would have been over before it started. Part of the reason that Spektronia did not wish to involve themselves was that their troops were spread out a bit thin across the globe, seeing that they were fighting in Iran (Trying to put Shah Reza Pahlavi's son in power), Afghanistan, and the Spektronian Pedale (Spektronian controlled Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam, French Guyana, Trinidad, Tobago, Curacao and Aruba. Basically dealing with an uprising.) Also, troops were stationed in other Spektronian colonies as well.

A few BTRs stopped in their tracks, creating a small storm of grainy dirt and dust around them as they squeaked to a stop, deploying a few dozen troops, covered in desert ghille suits. They scurried up to a nearby ridge as they took positions with their Orsis T-5000s, Sayyad-2s and even some with M40 Recoil-less Rifles.

A moderate distance behind the snipers, massive S-23 Howitzers had been set up and began to rain hell down on the Union forces, along with the artillery that had been raining down from the main defenses on the mountains. By this time, troops began to unload from their transport trucks and BTRs, charging towards the Union forces in orderly platoons with their AK-74Ms close to them.

Meanwhile, a few miles back, just out of the fire range of any enemy weaponry, but close enough that one could keep an eye on the battle from, was a small bunker, very low on the mountain's side, where Aqid (Colonel) Hasan Ahmad of the Suraqi Arab Army and Aqid Sahl Younis of the Suraqi Arab Air Force as well as some other officers commanded the battle.

Ahmad- "Good, our artillery has engaged the Union troops."

Suraqi Officer- "Enemy rockets targeting our allies, sir!"

Ahmad- "Where's that damn air support, Younis!?"

Younis- "They should be here any minute! We'll have to redirect the bombers that are already assaulting the infantry." Younis tunes into one of the channels. "This is Aqid Sahl Younis, Suraqi Arab Air Force, Second Aerospace Command Division. Su-24s, ID Numbers 524, 523, 521, 520 and 519, redirect your bombing runs to the enemy rocket positions." The bombers began to head towards the back lines, towards the rockets.

Outside there were a few soldiers from the Suraqi Arab Army, positioned there to guard the command post. A slightly larger than average, desert camo Hummer roared as it sped down the open strip of land, then screeching to a stop in front of the small concrete building, low down on the side of the mountain.

Two SK troopers in desert uniforms rushed out of the driver and passenger seat as the back door opened, to let out a tall, almost as tall as the troopers, slender and intimidating man, in an expressionless white mask and desert SK fatigues with his rank signified on his shoulders. The two SK troopers who served as his guards walked behind him as he tilted his head to observe the battle happening, which he was just out of distance from. One of the Suraqi guards put his hand out to stop the trio, but the officer in the mysterious white mask flashed an ID card. A streak of horror and hesitation ran across the guard's face as he reluctantly saluted the mysterious Sturmkorps Officer.

Inside the command bunker, a hollow knock came upon the steel door and a guard opened the door.

Guard- "What? Who are you? Where you let in?"

The SK men brushed past the guard- "Gentlemen, I'm here to take supreme command of this battle as an Oberführer of the Spektronian Sturmkorps."

Ahmad- "What!? You have no authority here! Spektronia is not involved in this battle!"

Younis- "We are the commanders. Suraq will handle this."

Another Suraqi Officer- "Wait! That's Aljizar! (The Butcher/Der Metzger) The one who executed those two East Afghani insurgents with explosives on live television!"

Ahmad- "Y-You're Al-Aljizar?"

Aljizar (The Butcher)- "The one and only. If you have any concerns regarding my authority... Feel free to contact Leitermarschall Helmut Hilscher (The head of the Spektronian Sturmkorps for those who don't know), whom my orders come directly from."

Younis- "We still need identification... How can we be sure you're really even in the SK?"

Aljizar shows his plastered ID card once more.

Ahmad- "Wh-what? Y-you died in... In Nova Capile..." (HUGE HINT RIGHT THERE)

Aljizar- "Heh... So blind they have made the public... Good. I like the shroud of secrecy that surrounds me... But, no, I did not die in Nova Capile, I almost died."

Younis- "Y-you took two b-bullets to the head..."

Aljizar- "One bullet hit a completely useless part of my brain, and the other skimmed through my skull. Funny, how your life is supposed to flash before your eyes, but instead, all one such as myself remembers is the screams of all the people I've killed... I love it."

Ahmad- "Why th-the mask, Oberführer, sayidi almuhtaram? (Sir)"

Aljizar- "Team of armature surgeons... well, to put it bluntly, they fucked up my face, trying to get the bullets out. But... You needn't worry. They've... Been taken 'care' of." He laughed, low and raspy. "I didn't come here to reveal my life story. I'm here to prevent the mistake of loosing this battle. First of all, I want these platoons attacking the left flank." He pointed to a map with markings on it. "Have them attack from behind if they can. Then, I want the heavy armor attacking the right flank and the enemy armor. The Afghans and the Suraqi Special Forces will handle the advancing infantry in the front." He pointed down again. "These BTRs," He pointed to a group of BTRs. "and the rest of the infantry, I want attacking down the middle, hitting the large majority of the Union's infantry in the middle. As for the rest of the BTRs that I didn't include, half of them, try to cut off the advancing center infantry here," He pointed down. "And the other half, creating a pocket for the first section of Union troops that the tanks will be assaulting."

The Suraqis looked around at each other, in approval of the plan, then Ahmad radioed these commands in and the units began to shift in accordance with their orders.

(Image)
(Kind of what I'm getting at here.)

Dilayn Province

The shouts in Norwegian continued, all around as they had managed to get off a few more explosives, destroying a few more tanks before they were closed and their thermal vision was switched on. Now, the screams of a few of these people being shot to death filled the smoke covered air, before their heat signatures mysteriously disappeared into the thick smoke.

For a few moments, all was quiet, the broadcast repetitive phrase even have stopped. In an instant, a chain reaction of explosions created deafening noise, moving up and down the narrow pass in between the cliffs. Some sort of explosives, perhaps anti tank, had been hidden under the dust and the sand and were triggered, beneath many of the enemy armored vehicles.

Rockets from the RPGs and other missile launchers also began to bombard the sides of the enemy convoy, but it was unsure where exactly they were being fired from. Above, a whirling noise became more and more clear through the smoke, until a Union helicopter came clearly crashing down into the pathway, creating a large explosion, only adding to the thick smoke.

Meanwhile, on another section of the border, an East Afghani battalion was stationed to defend, till they were approached by Colonel Casey of the Transvaal. DaGarman (Colonel) Shuraih Shams went to great the fellow Colonel. "Welcome to true Afghanistan, my friend." He saluted. "Your commandos would be greatly appreciated in this time of need, if they could support in the incoming attack by Union forces further down South. The Eletryan (Eletrya is another one of my puppet nations and that's who the Union is being attacked by in Dilayn) Royal Army Special Forces has already engaged the enemy convoys, but they still need support, sir."

Neue Fansberg

Adolf and Selina smiled and briefly nodded to the other two, older, Capileans as they quickly shook the two men's hands. They then turned their attention back to Klaus, the Grand Duke. "Oh my, tell me about this 'last leg' my boy. I do hope you're alright!" Faked Adolf, being that he already knew what had happened to the Grand Duke, but he just wanted to remain formal and not reveal this. Selina then joined in, also aware of the assassination attempt. "A very pleasant experience to meet you as well, your Majesty. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, sir."

Suddenly, the channel playing in the background, the Spektronian News Network became more relevant as it changed stories. "A bank run in allied Nova Capile earlier today has left the Grand Duchy temporarily paralyzed in almost all aspects, seeing that little to no money has been in circulation since today." The reporter went on to further go into this, but Adolf and Selina, whom had been viewing the TV turned back to the Grand Duke. Adolf bit his lip slightly. it turning white with the force he put down, his breathing becoming heavy and deep. "Klaus..." He moved closer to whisper into the young man's ear. "Declare a state of emergency... Besides from the false threat of my nuclear arms, that is. Whoever your Head Command Leader or Minister of Finance is..." He shooed his hand, as if telling someone to leave. "Fire them. I have a few suggestions for a new Finance Minister, or whatever may be their title if you're willing to listen." He took another deep breath. "Law and Order is key in this situation. Have your Stoßschutz Militärpolizei and your Nationalgarde keeping the people from running rampant on your streets. It may pain you to do this, but your best option right now is to tap into the treasury and bail out the economy. Nothing a bit of necessary taxation can't fix. Have haste, don't let the situation drag out for too long, or you'll end up draining a large portion of the treasury." He looked Klaus in the eyes. "Almost two months ago, you promised you would allow me to help guide you in times of crisis. Don't let that promise be empty. I urge you to take my advice, unless you want to be a beggar king."

In the meantime, back at the international airport, a few miles away, remained the small scene on the airfield, which was locked down by mainly Spektronian forces, instead of West Afghani forces, a rare sight in Spektronian West Afghanistan.

Heinrich nodded to the Grand Duke and his security detail. "Very well, your Highness, your security needs will be respected. Now, I hope we don't get anymore visitors from the Sturmkorps..." He shivered "I must admit, their people give me chills... Rather creepy, I'd go as far to say." By this time, the two SK minor officers were in their black Hummer and setting off, as they gave a few last salutes with their arms extended out, to whatever security personnel they encountered on the way back to their vehicle.

"Moving on then, I suppose we should start heading for the capital building." He lead them towards the armored limo, escorted by two BTRs. A Geheime Staatspolizei Mann in his suit opened the doors for the four man party, two of those men being security for the Grand Duke.

Throughout the ride, Heinrich had been making conversation on a broad spectrum of topics, from economics, to social issues to African Dictators and more, with the Grand Duke. In the background, Sarabande, by Handel had been playing lowly over the stereo. This song was well known to be Florian Guttenberg's favorite song, before his alleged death. "Well, I do-" He stopped mid sentence as he peered out of the tinted windows, to see they were passing the Florian Guttenberg Memorial Afghani Park, where a statue of Florian, made from a dark metal, stood, with it's arm out, saluting into the distance with a stolid expression on his face, in his SK dress uniform. The limo had gotten oddly slower as they passed. "That's strange... I don't recall this being our route..." He rolled down the barrier between the driver and themselves to speak with the man. "Driver, are we going the correct way?" The driver nodded, not taking his eyes off the road. "Yes, Herr Eadel, the orders to take this route have been given by SK command, sir. I thought you were informed of this." Heinrich shook his head. "I was not..."

Neue Fansberg

Grand Duke Lothar narrowed his eyes at the statue with contempt but kept his personal feelings to himself. Florian Guttenberg had been added to the official history books of the Reich as a mass-murderer who died before he could be properly tried as a war criminal by international law. As such, Lothar was of the opinion his death, an idea he was starting to doubt ever more as the day went on, was an act of covering up some kind of corruption or horrible activity. Seated next to him, Hauptmann Günsche shared said views only he was becoming increasingly more alert as they approached the capitol building. Not of their companions in the car; Hans could crush an ordinary man's windpipe with one hand. Rather as they got deeper into the city and farther from his elite security team, his nerves began to stand on end.

Shortly before they pulled up to the building, Hans turned to Alicia and Welkin, the other two members of his team that had accompanied the Grand Duke for security, and insurance. If anything in this meeting triggered even a scrap of Lothar's memories and he started to revert back to Friedrich, they had authorization to put a bullet in the back of his head. "Be prepared for anything you two."

Just then they arrived at the building where Lothar and company exited the vehicle and bid farewell to their guide. "Thank you and good day Herr Eadel, we'll be going now." And with that they strode into the building and headed straight for the meeting. As was expected, the bodyguard's appearances drew some odd looks, but none of them minded. Along the way, Lothar made a passing remark to Hans. "I want every Abwehr and other intelligence asset we have in Afghanistan, hell the whole of the Middle East, alerted and searching. Understood." Hans nodded in understanding, it wasn't a question.

Finally they arrived at the meeting in Selena Guttenberg's office. After some security checks, Lothar and Hans entered, while Welkin and Alicia waited outside. The Grand Duke put on his most charming smile as he introduced himself to the assembled person's. "Your Grace and Your Excellency, a pleasure and an honor. Grand Duke Lothar d'al Verannes, Marshal to His Majesty, at your service. His Imperial Majesty apologizes for his absence but matters of family and state kept him tied down in the Fatherland. I am his personal, hand-picked representative to this conference, therefore I do apologize for keeping you waiting like this."

In reality, the matters of family and state were two assemblies of the Kaiserliche Senat which the Kaiser could have avoided attending, and the youngest member of the Imperial Family, seven year old Prince Hans Wilhelm Stadtfeld di Germania (The name choice of the child was a political move in and of itself) had a broken leg. But, His Imperial Majesty also felt more secure with a Nuclear Bunker nearby for himself and his citizens.