EOF Chapter 2: An Enemy Known (Regional/IC)

[Reuss-Lippe]

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Rattean Sector, FOB Randgriz

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It was early in the morning, and the Rattean sector of the FOB Randgriz had very light activity. most personnel on the base were in their quarters and sleeping, except for the Military Police stationed on the base to keep everyone in line. Hearing a knock on his door, Georg opened his eyes. Still waking up from his sleep, he could barely make out the words being said by the person outside his room. Getting up, Georg went straight to the bathroom. As Georg began checking things such as brushing his teeth, and washing his face off his morning routine checklist, he noticed his beard was getting a bit scruffy. Grabbing the razor, he was about to shave his beard before hearing another knock reminding him that someone was waiting for him. Not wasting any time, Georg threw on his new winter camouflage and threw on his cap. Opening the door, he was met by a captain.

"Lieutenant" Georg said clicking his heels as a salute, grabbing a cigarette out of a box he had in his jacket pocket. "Lieutenant" Said the other officer, replying with the same gesture. "Its three in the morning, you don't look like much like a drill sergeant Thomas" Georg said jokingly, rubbing his eyes. "Don't remind me of boot camp." Thomas replied, with a chuckle. "I came here to wake you up, General wants us to get our troops in line by six." added Thomas, gesturing for Georg to follow him to his car. Closing the door, Georg walked over to the Mercedes-Benz Wolf parked in front of his house and got in. Starting up the car, both officers drove off to the Barracks. Parking on a street nearby, the two officers stepped out and went to their respective buildings. Approaching the barrack door, Georg pulled out a mini-air horn from his jacket pocket. Opening the door, Georg triggered the air horn. As a multitude of soldiers began waking abruptly from their sleep, georg grabbed a coffee table that was in the corner of the room and stood on top of it. "Breakfast at four thirty. briefing at five thirty. For you pilots in here, take off at six thirty. For the rest of you, be with your units and on, or near your respective vessels by six on the dot. Jumping off the table, Georg flicked on the lights. "Rise and Shine, Shitheads." he added, walking out of the building and closing the door behind him.

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Living Quarters, RNS Westerholt

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Bolting open his eyes, Aleksandr leaned up on his bed and looked at the alarm clock on the counter next to it. The Alarm clock had read 11:30, grumbling he got out of bed. Walking over to the closet in the corner of his room, he opened it. Opening the closet door, he turns on the tiny light located inside and looks into the mirror within the closet. Looking at himself, he inspects his face and then heads to the bathroom. As he finishes his business in the bathroom he walks out of his room door and towards to medical Room. Roaming around the interior of the ship, activity was still somewhat noticeable. Those on board the ship who were doing menial task were officially relieved of duty around 10:30, allowed to do anything until they were called up again for work in the morning. Majority spend their time sleeping, but some stayed up and hung around in the mess hall. Approaching the medical room, he showed his rank to the guard in front of the room and was allowed inside the room.

Steping into the room, he noticed the occupant poking at the extra IV bag on the holder next to the bed. walking over to the machine in the corner, he began brewing himself some coffee. "I see you can't sleep as well, i guess we can talk ourselves to sleep." he said as he toyed with the machine and putting in the essentials. Once his coffee was done, he walked over to a chair and grabbed it. Walking over to the bed, he placed the chair down near it and sat down. "How long has it been...three, four months since we last talked ?Since we both cant sleep i figured we might as well catch up with each other, if that is okay with you." he said as he took a sip of his drink. "I guess we can start off with the first question, how is abula ?" he added one, leaning forward in his chair.

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Rattean Embassy, Bogt
Communications Room, Lower Levels

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As gunfire was exchanged in the upper levels of the medium sized embassy building, Ambassador Jonas was in the radio room located in the basement of the Embassy.Pacing back and forth, the Ambassador started becoming worrisome. The Donnish had breached the compound about an hour ago, and the somewhat heavy fighting was still taking place. Wanting to be aware of the current situation, the ambassador ordered the communications officer next to him to get in touch with the deployed squads around the main building. Tapping in to the frequency that the squad commanders were using, the ambassador put on his headset and began to talk.

"Squad Commanders, give me the latest rundown on the current situation. Have we pushed the donnish out the embassy ?" Asked the ambassador. Out of the dozen active only one answered, "We have pushed the donnish out of the building with moderate casualties from the initial explosion ~gunshots~ engaging donnish forces at the front gate. ~Explosion~ "Helicopter down, get the snipers on point now!" This siege is on the verge of breaking, we are in their capital and they have a endless supply of soldiers. ~Gunshots~ We are surrounded,we can only last about another two hour or less, You need to make it out. there is a back exit to the facility, Leave now while the gap is still- ~Crack~

Taking off the headset, the ambassador sat in his seat emotionless. "Sir you should probably take the commanders advice and-" said the Communications officer before being cut off. "No" said the ambassador, "i am not leaving my own citizens behind, I will not leave unless there are no more citizens of mine in this compound. So as long as their is a soldier of mines out there defending this building, i will not leave until the last drop of blood is given. Download any files of worth regarding the donnish and send it over to a military official" the ambassador added, lighting a cigarette and going into the office down the hall.
Disregard my grammer, i know i am shit no need to tell me twice.

[Free Asian Ports]

Troop berths, MKF River Pass, Main Fleet

Provisional Private, First Class, Kaia Ratalaid sat in her bunk and sneezed loudly while putting her rifle back together. Her squadmates all glanced in her direction after the outburst, the disturbance having silenced the room. "Is it me or is it getting warmer?" she asked the now attentive room. Briefly a few of her squad contemplated the situation, with a couple nodding as they came to agreement. None of them had ever left the FAP before, and very few even knew a place like Donner Land existed. They'd all volunteered on patriotism and the slight curiosity of what the outside world was like. And now that the existence of the Kitsune had been made public not long ago, their very presence drew fascinated stares from the Portean marines and sailors on board the ship. The exotic people and locations they'd seen on the way greatly intrigued the handful of Kitsune that could be assembled to fight for their motherland for the first time in centuries. Indeed, though the instructors and commanders made it quite clear that Donner Land was colder than the FAP, they couldn't help but notice that as they headed north the temperature wasn't terribly uncomfortable to them. Most merely shrugged off the curiosity. Kaia sneezed it off.

As PFC Ratalaid slotted the bolt of her FN FAL into place and clicked the receiver cover on, the squad sergeant came in with her rifle slung. Like the rest of the enlisted ranks of the Kitsune Defense Force, Sergeant Leena Sevekov had volunteered not long ago and had been made a Sergeant on the basis of her age (only 5 years older than the other volunteers) and marksmanship. Still, she took her job seriously. While her underlings stared at the world around them in awe of the sights, Leena kept her composure and acted like a true Portean NCO, always on watch and constantly reminding the volunteers that they were soldiers, not grade schoolers on their first trip to the town hall. Still, even she was occasionally caught glancing at other Porteans in the mess hall, playing games and laughing at jokes over the ship's crummy food. She'd then take a bite of the preserved, dried excuse for sustenance that was on her plate and blanche. How could her countrymen tolerate food this bad? Did they not appreciate the flavor of a fresh kill? Even the staunch sergeant of the Kitsune Defense Force was continually perplexed by this new world their small community had recently entered. But Sergeant Sevekov had the mettle to stomach the bad food and alien environment and act like a true soldier.

"All right, listen up! I just got back from the LT's briefing. We're to hit the beach in the third wave. By then our comrades should have captured the beachhead and we should have no trouble. Still, we must be prepared for combat" she announced to the squad. Maimu raised her hand, indicating she had a question. "Will the city be like Sasebo?" she asked, curiously. Sasebo had been the only city the Kitsune had stepped in, and it both scared and engrossed them. "No, I'm told it will be very different. All the people will be gone from the streets. And the architecture should be very different" answered Leena. "Good, no children to tug on my tail, then" said Sigrid with a smirk. She hadn't enjoyed the child testing to see if her tail was real. All the others had laughed at the time but they tried their best to keep their tails away from more curious children. "We won't be fighting children, nor are these deer or tannukis" said Leena, grimly "it may feel like hunting, but remember our prey hunts back". At that the room fell silent. The fear was palpable. "Just do what you're told and you'll be fine, okay? It should only be a short while, now..."

Well deck, MKF Misty Rock, Main Fleet

As before, lines of marines with their equipment alongside them filled the vehicle deck of the LHD. The size was smaller, and there was a lot less room. The marines were basically in the AAVs, now, affixing their packs to the racks on top of and on the sides of the vehicles. Kimiko made sure to check with each squad, see how they were holding up. Their battalion would launch in the first wave from the Misty Rock, splashing down in their AMVs and swimming to shore. Possibly under fire. Kimiko was confident that was not going to happen. She trusted the Navy pilots and Destroyer gunner crews to take out enemy strong points before the AAVs even got to shore. She trusted even more the marine pilots in their Harriers and Hornets that were going to provide CAS during the entire landing and initial assault into Soraught. The sheer weight of firepower arrayed against the initial Donnish defenses were sure to land them a foot hold and enough momentum to push through to the first objectives.

The noise of dozens of wheeled armored personnel carriers and their passengers preparing for combat was briefly drowned out by the turbines of main battle tanks as they rolled into the well deck and onto their LCUs. The tanks were to provide direct fire support and cover for the marines as they stormed the beaches. Unlike previous landings of history where the landing craft that carried the tanks would wallow and become lost in the waves, the modern LCU was seaworthy enough with 130 tons of armor in it to make it to shore no problem. The LCUs would leave first, followed by the AAVs. The landings would be timed so that the landing craft and the AAVs would beach at the same time, giving the infantry copious amounts of cover while they advanced. Other LHDs and LPDs would deploy their own battalions. Half a division was going to land at Soraught in the operation. A few labeled it as overkill. The supreme commander of the coalition called it a measured assault. Even if the Donnish crumble like paper, one can't underestimate their ability to fight back. A repulsion at the beach cannot be had if the war was to be won. No war in history has ever been won on air and naval power alone.

The thought made Kimiko smile. As always, that's a marine train of thought. An infantryman always has been and always will be the most dangerous weapon on the battlefield. Something Kimiko always tried to prove every time she took to the field. She smacked the side of her AAV. "Marines! On the ready line!" she shouted, watching them fall into formation, weapons ready for war.

Bridge, MKF Akagi, Main Fleet

Officers and specialists buzzed around the bridge of Akagi, transmitting orders, directing aircraft movements, and navigating the ship among the vast armada that sailed offshore of Donner Land. On the flight deck dozens of aircraft were prepared for combat and taxied about to their flight lines and catapult positions. Dozens of fighters, tankers, antisubmarine warfare helicopters, plane guards, AWACS, patrol bombers, and UAVs were already airborne, protecting and providing intel to the fleet. This was but a fraction of the air power available to the fleet. The entirety of which was about to be used, full force. There was going to be no escape from the specter of the coalition. Foreign aircraft and warships were also directed from Akagi, the acting flagship. Data was shared along a variety of datalinks and satellite communications. Comms chatter on hundreds of different channels blended into a cacophony of monotone voices and radio buzz.

Admiral Yamagumo was the commander of the 1st Carrier Division, which included Akagi and Kaga. Directly below him on the chain of command were those ship's captains, but while he was aboard Akagi he was the ranking officer and nominal commander of the ship. The captain handled the grunt work, and Yamagumo focused on the already difficult task of managing not only the half dozen fleet carriers in the coalition force but also their escorts and many of the associated amphibious warfare vessels. He looked out the window to his right and saw aircraft on the deck of Izumo being prepared for takeoff. Half a dozen SH-60Ks stuck to the deck of the ship as it bobbed in the ocean, their rotors spinning as crew scrambled to prepare them for a simultaneous takeoff. On his order. Much like Izumo and indeed Akagi the whole fleet was in the process of preparing every sort of combat and support aircraft for takeoff the instant he gave his order. It would strain air traffic controllers on all the fleet carriers. But he was certain in their abilities. Yamagumo looked out the pane of windows to his left and watched F-44s get strapped into the launch catapults. It was almost time.

And orderly got up from his position behind the Admiral and put down his headset. He marched up to Yamagumo and briskly saluted. Though busy, much of the bridge turned their heads to watch the development. "Sir, message from GHQ. The word is 'Tiger'. The operation is to begin immediately. CiC has delivered his orders for the assault to begin". Yamagumo nodded. All across the combined fleet, many other admirals and captains were receiving the same order. It was time. "Begin flight operations. All hands to battle stations. Good luck to you all" he said and saluted the bridge crew.

Flight Deck, MKF Kaga, Main Fleet

Major Suzuka Erika was slammed into her flight seat by the force of the catapult launch. With the engines on full, the F-44 accelerated like a missile, running the length of the catapult in no time. Suddenly, it was airborne and Erika pulled back on the stick to gain altitude. Her fighter launched scant seconds after the order was given at the very highest level of command on her ship. Damn near instantly, her radio was choked with chatter about flights of combat aircraft reporting their launch and headings. Keeping up with it all was literally impossible, and Erika trusted the air traffic controllers not to send her course right into someone else. Her wingman was right behind her, taking off with a jolt of speed. Two more fighters from her squadron fell in with the flight. As they climbed in altitude, they passed the first cloud layer and into a clear expanse above the surface. She could see around her many dozens more fighters and strike aircraft punch through the clouds. Some had already been airborne, and an increasing number were freshly launched. The majority seemed to be Super Hornets, though there were also quite a number of F-44s.

To her left, Erika could see a squadron of legacy Hornets that had been airborne earlier. It was the closest airborne flight to her and she presumed it to be the one her flight was assigned to protect on a strike and air superiority mission. Her HUD informed her that it was a reservist squadron, the so-called "Night Witches" of 588 Squadron. She sighed as she recognized the squadron commander. She was gonna have to talk to that Sayakomi Mao for the next 6 hours. Possibly longer if they ended up together more often over the course of the operation. Whatever, it's not like she's got anything against a fighter pilot. Even a green reservist would do if backup was needed...

"Yellow 13, this is Parrot actual, confirmation of RV, over" radioed the other flight leader

"Parrot actual, Yellow 13 copy. Proceed on mission plan, will provide support"

The strike package of 8 aircraft formed up, ready to brave the Donnish air defenses. A vast armada of combat aircraft closed in on Soraught. A cloud of electronic warfare and interdiction strike fighters moved in to kill strategic Donnish positions and defenses. What anti-aircraft systems the Donnish could muster would be swatted aside by SEAD and low-flying Wild Weasel aircraft. The cloud cover would protect them from the dreaded HAAIRMS, but the force planned on eliminating those positions before they could be put into play. An unstoppable juggernaut had been unleashed.

Well deck, MKF Misty Rock, Main Fleet

The sirens on the inside of the well deck started going off. Deck officers blew their whistles and signalled the marines inside. Kimiko shouted her troops into action. "That's the signal! It's time to die! Pack it in! Move move move!" she bellowed. The marines stormed up the ramps of their vehicles, creating the sound of thunder throughout the deck. The well gate of the LHD finally opened fully, allowing the ocean water to rise and make the LCUs buoyant. The engines of the AMVs on the ready deck revved as their passengers and crew prepared for combat. The LCUs were the first to leave, backing out of the well dock and leaving the entry to the open ocean free for the AAVs. Kimiko made sure all her troops made it into their vehicles before patting her vehicle commander on the shoulder. The first couple AAVs creeped towards the well dock. The ramp into the artificial beach tilted the vehicle downward before leveling off. The vehicle gained speed as it rushed to the water.

A great big gout of water geysered into the air as the loaded 25 ton vehicle splashed into the water, spraying it everywhere as it dove into its stride. The wave splashed over the bow of the vehicle and drenched the driver as he drove it out of the ship. Finally, the AAV crossed the threshold of the amphibious assault ship and dropped like a rock into the open sea. It boobed and bounced, but it was still buoyant. The APC started to swim. It swam out further from the rear of the ship, followed by its brethren carrying their payload of infantrymen. It would take a short time for all of them to make it to sea, so the ones that got out first swam in a wheel while their force was coalescing. Finally, all the vehicles were in the water, and all the AAVs formed up into several ranks and trundled on to shore, their wheels and little propellers pushing them through the surf and spray. Right behind them were the LCUs carrying the tanks. From above, the many individual wakes of the tiny vehicles together formed a great white wave heading towards shore.

[Empire of Donner land]

Battle Of Soraught

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It was a deeply cold day that morning when the battle begun. A blizzard had just begun to set in over the bay as the city sat dormant but not wholly asleep. While Donnish Citizens either stayed at home or were else where away from the incoming combat, the Donnish Military, and some armed citizens themselves, readied for the oncoming tsunami. The war was avoidable, considerably so, had the Donnish People woke to them being manipulated, maybe the lives of hundreds to thousands would have been spared. Had the Country's old President been spared of ailment, Soraught would be entirely different that day. But that was then, war is now. Coalition Naval Forces mounted a amphibious invasion the Donnish would never see the likes of again, Coalition Air Forces sprung from their Carriers and the Ground Forces floated in the sea for a great crusade against Voy, a crusade that would begin in Soraught and end in Bogt.

Coalition Objectives
-Establish Air and Naval Superiority Over and Around Soraught.
-Secure The Port of Soraught.
-Secure The City of Soraught.
-Take the West and East Bays of Soraught.
-Defend Soraught From Possible Counter-Attack.

Soraught

Soraught is a sprawling and was a populous city. Its large port is the nations only "Warm" Water Port. The City is highlighted by its dense downtown skyscrapers and high rises that trickled down to the east, west and north into quaint suburban areas and residential apartment complexes accompanied by commercial districts dotted around. The port is where the sprawling dockyards and warehouses, now abandoned, spanned across the city's coast. It meshes in with the Downtown District organically.
Locations
-West District (Residential)
-East District (Residential)
-North District (Industrial)
-Downtown (Center)
-Port (Coast, South)

West Bay and East Bay
The West Bay is largely flat and contains little foliage or forestry. There are 2 Towns that live in this area, considered part of the City of Soraught, Wenderegh, population 5,000 and Yurunzerehg, population 10,000. They are relatively tiny and contain small apartment blocks and suburban areas also dotted by commercial areas. The both towns contain little industry, mostly very small industry.

The East Bay is similar, however quite a lot more is covered in foliage. There are no towns except for unmapped villages dotting it. Hedgerows flank roads on either side and Farms cover the landscape apart of the Souths Agrarian Rural Society. This area has remained relatively untouched by civilization in contrast with the rest of the area.

[Azenyanistan]

An Empire On Flames


The Azen Perspective



_The_Azen_Front_




Somewhere in Ayr, Azenyanistan


Operators: Azen Civil Protection

Operation: Order Unto Chaos

Objectives: Raid Seven Cards safehouses
Capture important Seven Cards members
Confiscate Seven Cards intelligence
Investigate and confirm rumors of Seven Cards sabotage operations against the Azen war effort against Donnerland




The Chief and her daughter both wiped the sweat from their foreheads as the Chief kept on glancing at the monitors while her daughter kept on checking the portable radio in her hands. The daughter hoped that the radio would sound soon while the Chief kept her eyes on the moving shapes that were quietly drifting into positions around a certain structure. Together, in the ACP mobile control center, they were not alone in their vigil. Staff members were moving from one console to another, from cabinet to cabinet and from section to section within the mobile control center. Air-conditioned, dark and comfortable in terms of size and furniture for the personnel inside, the ACP mobile control center was a success. And for the two, this was good but their focus was on the operation. And from a control center, it was understandable that they were worried as they were used to leading their own men through operations personally. But on Chief Ayza's instructions, they were to "at least once" try to take command from a control center. And so they obeyed.

It was dull. It had several windows that were protected by thick iron bars and doors that had steel plates welded to them. There was a large gate that was placed to the east of the structure as a perimeter wall surrounded the structure. Further protecting the compound were posted guards on the roof and on the balconies. The reinforced concrete walls were losing their default paint. But for nature, it was good to her that her most tiny of plants were growing in the cracks of the walls (if there were cracks) and simply upon them. And the weather today was good. Few clouds flew above their heads as the sun was getting close to her throne over all the earth from the heavens. Everything that could be seen was seen. And around the structure were similar structures.

This part in this certain Ayrran city was devoted to Azens and foreign residents who wanted privacy and security over the warmness of neighborly love. Although indeed the far-reaching streets were frequently filled with residents moving from here to there and ironically being friendly to each other, the ones crawling around this structure were quickly abandoned. Children who were playing nearby were swiftly taken by their guardians and parents back into their homes. A pair of teenage Azens were smoking and chatting when the Azen Civil Protection came and now they have left their spots.

Coming from the north, with the approaches fortunately protecting the ACP who were getting close with their arms of trees. Squad after squad of ACP SWAT members were closing in. Each squad gave the other squad twenty meters when advancing. Squad after squad would stop to cover each other as the other squad advanced. Meanwhile, to the south, where the approaches were less obstructive to the visions of the people inside the structure, two pairs of snipers and spotters were moving as quickly as they can when they saw that the guards were looking away or were distracted. Distracted some of the guards were when they were drawn to their radios and TVs to enjoy foreign shows and so forth. So appropriately, the pairs exploited this, getting into their positions at the same time the SWAT teams got into their positions. The ACP snipers and spotters established themselves upon the roofs of other compounds, hidden by the parapets, while the SWAT teams hugged the perimeter wall, trying their best to keep out of sight of the Seven Cards guards.

None came from the east and west. That was the plan. They didn't want the Seven Cards to realize that they were being surrounded. So the east and west were left open, where children still played and people still moved from place to place. But far away, squad cars and ACP APCs were waiting. Waiting with them were other officers too.

But one question can be raised. What about the informants of the Seven Cards? For that, the daughter looked to her mother, the old Chief, and asked her, still sweating as the Chief also was

"Mother? Are you really sure we took care of all of those informants?"

Her mother nodded without looking at her little girl. She then cleared her throat as one of the staff came to her right side and gave her a clipboard with a few papers on them. There were pictures too. She thanked the staff and let them carry on. The old Chief then told her daughter

"If you want to answer your question then you will wish to see what's on this clipboard."

The daughter then made her way to her as the Chief gave her the papers. The daughter took a look through carefully and then gave her mother a look and said

"Wow. That was hardcore."

The old ACP Chief simply rolled her eyes while a smile showed itself on her face. She then said to her daughter

"Don't worry about their informants. Worry about ours. And worry about what's going to happen later. If we screw this up..."

The daughter shook her head and put an arm around her mother and said

"We won't screw this up. We've been planning this operation against the Seven Cards for, like, a month now. And today, we're going to get them." She then shook her head to one of the staff who approached and that one went away. She added "We won't screw up. And we'll stop them from trying to cause any trouble for us and for our girls and boys out there heading to Donnerland." The old Chief smiled and nodded to that as one of the staff who was on one of the consoles close by reported

"Chiefs! They're all in their positions! Our SWAT and sniper teams are ready to go. What are your orders?"

The old Chief looked to her daughter and nodded to her. "I'll let you take command of this now. I've done my part. Now it's your turn to take your part and make it." The daughter of the Chief nodded too and said "Thank you, Mother." Before she cleared her throat, brushed her clothes with her gloved hands and approached the one who reported that to them and said "Good work. Keep your eyes on our people. Meanwhile, get me in contact with Alpha-1." The technician nodded, pressed a key on the keyboard and gave a wireless microphone and earpiece to the new and young Chief. She then said

"Alpha-1, this is the Chief, do you copy?"

The voice that came to reply to her was strong and it seemed a little pressured as Alpha-1's breaths came deeply and slowly. The voice also seemed filtered so it was difficult for the Chief to discern their sex.

"This is Alpha-1, Chief, I copy. We're in our positions and we're ready to breach."

"Good job, Alpha-1. But I want you to wait for further instructions. We'll do one more scan of the area and re-identify our targets and then you're going to get the green light."

"I copy that, Chief. We'll wait. Out."

The young Chief then gave the microphone and earpiece back to the technican and then she took a look at the clipboard's pictures and papers again. After a moment, she put it down and gave a quick look at the consoles around them. She then ordered some of the technicans

"Get me one more sweep. Ask about the other units involved in the operation too. And list the targets we've got on our mind."

They obeyed her orders as the young Chief put her hands to her face to rub her eyes and to wipe the sweat off. She then dropped her hands and waited until her technicians began reporting in

"Chief, the sweep's good. All of the suspects are in the compound. Our satellite and drone are OK."

"There's a confirmation on the presence of our targets. Suspected callsigns Pointer, Baron and Zenith are in the compound."

"Chief, the other units are ready. The captains are waiting for your permission to proceed."

The young Chief then made a little smile to herself. Then it went away. She then nodded to the technician again and that one gave her the microphone and the ear piece again. But she asked the technician "Inform the other units that the operation is a go." She then contacted Alpha-1 again

"Alpha-1, this is the Chief, do you copy?"

"I copy. Orders, Chief?"

The young one was silent for a while. She looked to her mother. Her mother nodded, a difficult expression on her face. She then glanced at her technicians. They looked at her, waiting for her. Then she looked at herself. Her hands did not shake. And for what seemed to be now, she did not sweat as much anymore. She then proceeded to say

"Alpha-1, this is the Chief, I want you to do it. Breach it. The operation is a go. I repeat, the operation is a go."

"Wilco. Executing Order Unto Chaos now." Was the soft response of Alpha-1 before they raised their voice at their men "Operation is a go, breach the gate! Get us in!"

There were sounds of moving men, of sledgehammers being brought forth and of the other SWAT teams nearby getting closer to breach. The young Chief put the microphone away and let her now free hand support her chin as her other hand was placed into her pockets. She and the rest of the people inside the mobile control center could see the SWAT teams placing explosives on the gate as well as on two spots of the wall. The guards never noticed them until

BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM!

The gate was thrown. The SWAT officers carrying sledgehammers quickly cleared any piece of the wall or gate that remained attached. The guards were shocked, many of them crouching or being slightly thrown to the floor or ground. The teams invaded the compound. The young Chief did not take her eyes and ears off the monitors and the earpiece. Technicians were scrambling to contact units, to monitor the situation or to help their Chief by giving her short reports. In a minute, the SWAT teams were the first to shoot. Reports of their battle rifles, light machine guns and carbines filled the young Chief's ears. She cringed for a while at the high volume of the ear piece but even when she adjusted it, she realized that the reports of their weapons were quite loud intentionally. Then came the cracks and thumps of the rifles of the snipers and their spotters. Guards were screaming or shouting or giving one another orders or reports. The SWAT teams were moving quickly, from what the monitors and the earpiece was telling the Chief. She looked at the technicians too and realized they too were hearing what was going on as they wore headsets while speaking rapidly to units or to others who were carrying out the operation. The old Chief, not satisfied with just watching the monitors, also wore a headset, also visibly obsessed with what's going on. She returned to what she was observing, seeing Alpha-1's team leading the way straight inside the building, being the point man. Seeing that their men were inside, the Chiefs nodded to the technicians to switch some of the monitors to footage from the helmet cameras that the SWAT teams were using. Thanks to both the local Azen military and police industries and to allies of the nation who sold or donated equipment, they would be able to continue monitoring the situation.

The teams were in what looked like the living room. A large TV was greatly damaged in the breach. Windows were shattered but their bars were there. A few bodies belonging to some of the guards were here and there. Couches and chairs with pillows were either touched by dust and shrapnel or were tainted with holes caused by stray bullets. It wasn't too bloody though as there were very few bodies and most of the guards were outside anyway. Leading straight into the building was a long hallway with rooms lining it. To the left, there was a hallway that was shorter but it curved. To the right, nothing else.

Close urban combat tactics & ACP breaching and clearing methods were in full employment. Alpha-1 carried a ballistic shield, as the people in the control center could see through their helmet cams, along with their Azen National Caller Battle Rifle. The National Caller was always in service and the ACP did not reject it. With that in the hands of Alpha-1 and some of the men in the teams, it was a weapon to fear. Everyone including Alpha-1 saw a guard wearing a combat vest and armed with what looked like a really crummy AK emerge from one of the rooms from the long hallway. Almost immediately, especially with a direct threat, Alpha-1 crouched down, took cover behind their ballistic shield, put the bottom of the barrel of her Caller on top of the small but handy weapons platform that was attached to the right of her shield and aimed at the guard. The guard raised his AK at Alpha-1. The rest of the SWAT officers, however, were too occupied with dealing with the other guards who were shooting through the windows to help Alpha-1. But fortunately, Alpha-1 fired first, scoring a 6.5x55mm armor piercing round through the guard's vest and into the center of his body. The guard went down slowly, dropping his AK. But the guard also slowly went back up, having to earn another round, this time through his left eye, from Alpha-1's rifle. Once the guard was dead, Alpha-1 went up and moved forward. It was also the same time the rest of the teams managed to deal with the ones shooting through the windows. Thankfully, nobody on the teams died or got hurt.

But the two Chiefs, both the old and the new, were still concerned. No smile on their face and a lot of sweat surely showed that they didn't take this lightly. There was no way they could as they knew operations like this often involved casualties for both sides. Even though the ACP took less casualties, a loss is still a loss and the Azens didn't like losing men. So the young one, although she often opened her mouth to speak, she kept her cool and remained quiet, only gesturing coolly to her men in the control center. The old Chief meanwhile had been sitting down on a chair with arms. Upon the arms did she try to remove her own stress by holding them firmly. Both wished they were on the ground rather than in the control center. Both of them also wished that they were there to be in charge, not to do what their men do. While young, she just recently became a Chief and while old, the mother of the new Chief was aging. Adding to that, they were instructed to keep out of danger but remain in control. So they obeyed the instructions which were set down by Ayza and tried their best to endure the pressure.

Returning to the action, the writer forgot to mention the exact number and callsigns of the SWAT teams involved. Simply put, Alpha team was pushing forward into the hallway, clearing rooms. The team split up with each room being the responsibility of four men so that meant that, since there were several rooms in the hallway, Alpha team had at least 16 men. Bravo team watched the backs of Alpha team and remained mostly in the living room, watching the windows and the door. There were 10 men in that team. Meanwhile, Charlie and Delta teams were providing security outside, each team having 11 men. Charlie team took the northern sector while Delta team took care of the southern sector. All the guards outside were eliminated or captured and then arrested. They also were outside intentionally to keep an eye out for anyone who tried to escape from the building or from the compound. Although they were SWAT and although they were members of the Heavy Duties Department of the ACP, that still meant that they had to follow police procedure. If there were direct threats, the only options were to eliminate the threats or to take them alive by injuring them in non-vital areas and arresting them, letting non-SWAT officers who were nearby to take them away from the area of operation.

With Alpha team pushing through, Alpha-1 gave the shield to one of their men and checked their rifle. The young Chief could see that, through the semi-transparent magazines that the SWAT were using, Alpha-1 still had a lot to spend. Alpha-1 then raised her weapon up, moving from room to room slowly with her own sub-team. They went through a bathroom, a bedroom, a storage room and another storage room. But the rest of her team, as seen from the control center, dealt with guards who were waiting for them in either bedrooms or offices. But as it was done before, the guards were dealt with. Inside, the young Chief thought, there would be no way that non-vital targets would ever be arrested. Not without her instructions not to do so. And there wouldn't be.

Bravo team then followed Alpha team on the orders from both Alpha-1 and Bravo-1, who the young Chief could tell was male. One by one, Bravo left the living room and joined Alpha in the hallway. The young Chief noted that Bravo-1 carried a shotgun. That came in handy when he joined Alpha-1 outside a locked room. Not wasting time at all, Bravo-1 checked his shotgun first then aimed and fired at the lock, at the four corners of the door and nodded to Alpha-1. They nodded back to Bravo-1 before giving the door a good kick from the left. As quickly as they could, they pulled their kicking leg back as two guards who were inside opened fire. They didn't hit them as they were clearly out of the way and the walls protected their intruders from their bullets. Alpha team and Bravo team both stopped, waiting for the guards to stop firing. When they did, Alpha-1 and Bravo-1 both unclipped flashbang grenades from their utility belts. Both threw them in and both were the first to get into the room after their grenades blew. A short volley of shells did one guard in while a burst of three battle rifle rounds did not spare the other one. Now they were in a room similar to the first one. But this one was larger and it had more furniture in it. Bravo-1 reported as Alpha-1, two Alpha and three Bravo SWAT team members entered

"This is Bravo-1, repeat, this is Bravo-1. We've breached the compound, entered the building and found our way into what seemed to be an office. We're searching it now. The rest of our teams are moving through the last of the hallway and into the second floor." As he reported, he looked at the ones with him so that the control center could see what is going on through his helmet cam. They could see those with him searching the office and establishing control over this room.

The young Chief, hearing that, allowed the technician closest to her to reply

"This is HQ, repeat, this is HQ, we copy that, Bravo-1. Continue the operation."

"I copy that, HQ. Bravo-1 out." The male team leader then joined the rest of his comrades in searching the room. Both the Chief and her technicians kept watch until one of the Alpha team members dragged a screaming and trashing man in a suit and tie out from his desk in the corner. Alpha-1 could be heard saying as they approached their man and gestured to them to let go of the man

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Take it easy. That's Pointer, all right."

Their man obeyed and allowed Alpha-1 to report as two of the SWAT hurried to handcuff him and to hand him over to the non-SWAT officers outside. The man struggled against them, trashing about as he was taken away. But his attempts were in vain and soon, he was out. Meanwhile, the rest of the ACP unit involved in this area continued to operate.

At the request of Alpha-1, Charlie team entered the building and again secured the living room and the rest of the hallway. Any room that the first teams went through were again subject to searches. Meanwhile, they could hear more shots from the second floor as well as shouts and screams, mostly from the Seven Cards who were there. Alpha and Bravo teams, both on the first and second floor, continued. Alpha-1 and Bravo-1 were then approached by an Alpha team female officer who gave them a few hard drives as well as what looked like a big book. Bravo-1 took the hard drives while Alpha-1 took the book. Alpha-1 said, in response to the book they received from one of her men "This looks like it's meant for research. The binding is thick." Bravo-1 asked the Alpha team female officer about the hard drives "Do you have any more?" The officer shook her head and said "No, Sir. The computer is there on his desk though. And so are a few USBs. Do you want me to get the evidence to the teams outside?" Bravo-1 looked to Alpha-1 who nodded and the female officer nodded and went on to the desk, grabbing the USBs and putting them on the desk. She then took an evidence bag from her pack and used it to place the USBS into it. Alpha-1 sat down on Pointer's chair and reads through the book while Bravo-1 took an evidence bag of his own from his pack and used it to put two of the hard drives inside. He tried to get some more into the bag but the bag was too small. So Bravo-1 asked the female officer, who was about to get out of the room to get what she got to the other teams "Get these hard drives." The female officer stopped and turned around to approach Bravo-1, taking the other hard drives that could not fit. She then is allowed to get out to the rest of the ACP. At this, the young Chief of the ACP then contacted Alpha-1 and Bravo-1 "Alpha-1, this is the Chief. I want you to get to the second floor and help your men. Meanwhile, Bravo-2, I want you to keep the first floor secure. I'd also want you to get the sniper teams closer and on better positions. Keep civilians away too." To this, Alpha-1 responded with a firm "Affirmative." And went to the second floor without another word while Bravo-2 nodded and said "Wilco." And began to call his men who were on the first floor to himself. After gathering six men, Bravo-2 pointed at each of them and told them "Secure the first floor. And tell the Charlies to join us. Keep your eyes open. Also, don't forget to bag any piece of evidence you find." His men nod and utter their affirmatives and then went away to do their jobs. Bravo-2 then proceeded to meet Charlie-1, the leader of the third team. Charlie-1 was, unlike the rest of the SWAT team leaders, an Azzan. Seemingly proud of her tribe, Charlie-1 wore an Afghan and Azzan flag pin on the collar of her uniform. She greeted Bravo-2 softly "Hey, Bravo." Bravo responded "Hey, Charlie."

While they spoke with each other, while the first floor was being secured again and while things were dying down there, the second floor was subject to much fighting. But still no casualties on the ACP side. The SWAT took great care to protect themselves with their ballistic shields and their thick armored combat vests. Definitely better than the combat vests the Seven Cards wore. To Alpha-1, who was again the point man of her team, after one of her men who was leading the assault on the second floor was injured, such armored combat vests were worth the costs. Getting them from the northern Azen workshops were quite expensive. But without them, the SWAT of the ACP couldn't perform as well as they are performing now.

The second floor was less tight. There was more room for them to move around and to use their weapons with less restraint. There were still guards here. The balconies were all quiet but the hallways and the rooms were not. Alpha-1, with her men and some of the Bravo team following, led the effort. Again, room after room was taken and secured. But not one by one. That tactic was poor, according to the ACP, and it took more time and led to more casualties than taking the rooms by splitting up into sub-teams and doing it at around the same time. Another bedroom was cleared. Two offices were taken. Then finally, a great room that was divided into an armory and another office. There, everything changed.

The Seven Cards had blocked the door with empty gun racks as well as a heavy metal desk. The young Chief and everyone else in the control center could see how the SWAT teams were having big trouble in clearing the way into the room. There, their remaining targets were waiting for them. Alpha-1 took a quick look for the sake of the camera, letting the young Chief see that the targets were armed and that the surviving guards, six of them, were waiting for them to come inside. The young Chief said to herself as they all continued to watch

"That door has to be cleared. If they don't, our targets will find a way to escape. But if that door is cleared, with that the only way through into the room, then we'll be expecting casualties."

She then gave herself a shaking of the head and turned away from the monitors for a while. She scolded herself in her head for not thinking of getting a SWAT team on the roof of the structure. It wasn't possible. Many of the helicopters that the ACP were using were used up by the other units involved in the operation. To make things even more impossible, the helicopters that were left to be used were not fit for transporting teams of men. The Chief was told that they were meant for scouting and more specifically for "hasty" duties. They were never meant to carry anything or anybody else except their crews and their equipment, she was told. But the young Chief knew that beating herself up for that would not do anything to help them at all. She would have to accept that. So she returned to the monitors and was not surprised when she heard Alpha-1 say to her men

"We're going to clear this way. Then we're not going to get in immediately after. I want you all to toss flashbangs inside. Toss all of your flashbangs inside. And get the guards first. I want the targets to be taken alive."

The young Chief covered her mouth and watched and heard. The old one stared on. Technicians paused. But in the area of operation, one of the SWAT commented

"This is going to be one hell of a fatal funnel."

But in response to that, one of the Bravo team members shouted

"Shut up!"

The SWAT teams on the second floor divided up their tasks. Several of them stayed in the rooms and hallways they've secured. If there was any evidence, they took it. If there wasn't, they joined the team that was going to breach the last room. The door was thick and with the extra obstacles, it was going to be a tough thing to get through. But the SWAT of the ACP were not going to let that stop them. Alpha-1 told one of their men, gesturing quite rapidly

"Get those explosives."

While both the Seven Cards and the ACP could see one another through the narrow viewing port in the door (Which couldn't be destroyed by the ACP because the glass was too reinforced), the Seven Cards didn't see the ACP placing strips of explosive on the door. In a few minutes, four strips were placed. The teams then slowly backed away to avoid getting hit by the resulting explosions. Everyone in the control center could see what was going to happen next. Alpha-1 made sure everyone was far enough. The Seven Cards were quiet. The SWAT were quiet. One of the guys from the Bravo team was given the detonator. Then it happened.

"WE ARE BREACHING!" Shouted Alpha-1. Then several of the SWAT, one by one, went close to the now breached door and tossed their flashbangs inside. A series of sharp and loud bangs as well as screams and more shouts from the Seven Cards came. A few seconds passed. Then Alpha-1 ordered "GO, GO, GO!!" A blur of men and weapons filled the monitors. One of the SWAT shouted as they swiftly brought themselves into the room, cracks of weapons filling everyone's ears "Take them down, take them down!"

The young Chief frowned. "Don't screw this up, girls~" She said to herself. She saw Alpha-1 tackle one of the targets, knocking the target's weapon out of their hands. The other target was also brought down by two of the members of Bravo team, also disarming them. The guards were either shot until they were dead or were simply injured and then arrested. It was quick. And the young Chief gave a big sigh of relief as technicians continued to perform their duties and so did her mother give some signs of relief. Alpha-1 quickly reported

"This is Alpha-1, Chief, repeat, this is Alpha-1. The structure is secure. We're taking evidence. And we've captured the rest of the targets we need. Got a few other prisoners too. We'll finish up here, out."

At this point, the young Chief finally sat down and told herself "Well done. You kept your cool. Now relax." She then eventually ordered her technicians to cut the feeds and they did. No more videos and no more audio feeds. Soon enough, the young Chief stood up and with her mother, they went out of the control center and waited for a buggy to take them to the area of operation as reports came from other areas of operation to them. The operation, which was done all over Ayr, Az, En and Shan, was a success, they've been told.

Meanwhile, in the area of operation, Alpha-1, Bravo-1 and Charlie-1 gathered in the living room along with the team leader of the Deltas, Delta-1. Delta-1 was the shortest of them and she too was a woman. And as usual for members of the ACP SWAT, they wore masks and scarves as well as full helmets for protection and secrecy. Now that the operation that they have been carrying out here was complete, Alpha-1 allowed their own self to get rid of the helmet as they all sat down in a circle around a table with their weapons on the top. They then took off their scarf and then their mask. It turned out that they were a female. A woman. So only Bravo-1 was the man among all of the SWAT team leaders involved.

Alpha-1, with really short golden hair, blue eyes and sand-colored skin, dug into her pack and produced a bar of chocolate. She gently ripped it's plastic wrapper while Charlie-1 spoke to them all

"All right. So we're done here. What did you guys get?"

Bravo-1 spoke while Alpha-1 chose to eat her chocolate bar piece by piece

"Hard drives. USBs. A few computers. A laptop. Some big books, the ones that look like they were for research, according to Alpha. You did good out there, Charlie." Charlie-1 snickered and scratched her head and told him "It's nothing. God be praised that we didn't take any casualties." Bravo-1 shrugged and said "Well, one of mine got hit." Alpha-1 stopped eating. Bravo-1 saw that and smiled at her and said "It's OK. Nothing got through their armor. We're all OK." Delta-1 simply nodded while Alpha-1 continued to eat as Charlie-1 snickered again and said to Bravo-1 "Well, Bravo, OK. As you say so." She turned to Alpha-1 and nodded "What about you, Alpha? What stuff you got from the Seven Cards?"

Alpha-1 held one hand up to Charlie-1 as she finished off her chocolate. Charlie-1 nodded and waited until Alpha-1 crumpled the plastic wrapper and put it inside her pockets. She then told Charlie-1 in a voice that was no longer filtered, a voice that really sounded more natural, more relaxed too.

"I got the same catch as Bravo caught. Hard drives, USBs, eletronic devices, you name it, we have it. I'm surprised this safe house of the Seven Cards had three VIPs and a literal treasure chest of evidence all waiting for us."

In the mind of some of the team leaders who were with Alpha-1, her voice was like Azen wine. It had a small touch of elegance but it was strong. Even without the aid of a voice filter (Which was in every radio-fitted mask or full helmet that any ACP officer wore), she sounded strangely can-do. And now that they've heard her suggest that something was wrong, Charlie-1 narrowed her eyes at Alpha-1 and said

"Are you suggesting that this is some kind of trap or something? The area of operation is secure, the surroundings are secure and everybody involved in this operation is trusted. What are you suggesting?"

Delta-1 spoke against Charlie-1 "Hey, be cool. Don't go off at Alpha like that. Seriously. What are you mad at?"

Alpha-1 simply rolled her eyes when Charlie-1 wasn't looking and wiped her mouth then said to them all

"I'm not suggesting anything. But I am just saying that it is surprising to have this safe house with loads of good shit for us." Bravo-1's eyes went wide when he heard her swear but Delta-1 merely raised an eyebrow to what she said. Charlie-1 however nodded and said lowly

"I kinda agree. You're right." Charlie-1 even lowered her head, clearly feeling guilty for having gone off at Alpha-1 "I'm sorry I went off like that."

Alpha-1 simply looked at her, smiled and shrugged then touched her shoulders and said "Hey, no worries. I am OK with you. And besides, if you want, you can go off at me anytime you want~ Besides..." She turned the smile into a grin "I'd want someone to talk dirty to me from time to time~"

At this, the rest of the team leaders gave an astounded and deafening

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHH~!"

Charlie-1's eye went wide and she froze up. Then came the blush. Alpha-1 leaned back into the chair she took and crossed her arms, looking at Charlie-1 with some kind of paragon eye fucker. But luckily for Charlie-1, she shook her head to snap out of it and said with a raised and quite concerned voice for her own dignity "Hey, come on! It's not like I have a crush on her! Quit it!"

And at that, Alpha-1 simply rolled her eyes again as she looked outside and saw the approaching buggy of their Chiefs.

Southern Donnerland

The Azen Perspective

Azen Azulnish Rebel Alliance - Southern Divisions

City of Sauraught


The Azen Azulnish Rebel Alliance always grew in number in terms of men and in terms of equipment and in terms of ammunition. Divided into three, with groups in the south, center and north of Donnerland, the AARA was trusted by the Azen government far away to survive for as long as they can until the promise that the government has made to them (Which was to aid them and to provide reinforcements to them and to end the war that the Donnish started). Until now, the AARA is still standing.

In the south, specifically in Sauraught, the Azen rebel leader, Arch Angel Killjoy ur Flyer was present. The rebels were still conducting their offensive, trying their best to capture or to at least "soften" Donnish seaports for themselves and their allies who were coming to fight the Donnish or were already engaged. It was because of her importance as a leader to the southern rebels that she was asked to go back to Sauraught with at least a company that was at full strength. That could be done and that was to be done. It could be done because the manpower that the AARA was getting was now approaching 10,000 rapidly. And it had to be done because the instructions came from the most important leader of the Alliance, the former Arch Angel Rahatiel. At her instructions, the legendary "knifer" went to Sauraught as quickly as she could with a company.

At Sauraught, after arriving within four days, they joined the rebels who were still there or were there because that was where they were supposed to be to help the Alliance.

There, Killjoy asked her company to split up into smaller units. They would do so into platoons. From the company, which had 250 men, there would be five platoons. Killjoy took one platoon and then laid down the plan that was to be done according to Rahatiel's instructions.

Just inside a very large warehouse that was taken by the rebels in Sauraught, Killjoy gave orders and details to her own men and to the rebels who joined her command

"All right, everyone. All around me."

And so they stood around her. They divided themselves into their platoons. She looked at all of them quickly. And from them all, she pointed at one person per platoon and told them to come closer to her. They did so. She got three women and two men. Once they got closer, she then took a map and a PDA from her pack and put them down on a table that was given to them for use. She then began to talk to them all

"Elnathan, Alian, Berea, Katrah and Akurmatha. You're going to be my platoon leaders. I want all five of you to listen closely."

They nodded. Killjoy then stood straight and looked at their men too and told them

"I want you men to listen as much as you can too. That's because maybe some of you will end up being second in commands so you'll be a lot of help to your leaders. And this is also because I want everyone to get an idea of what the hell we are supposed to do back here in Sauraught."

Killjoy then started talking to the platoon leaders again, who made eye contact with their top boss and listened

"All right. So, here's what's happening already. Our offensive is still going on. I don't know what the fuck is that status of our offensive on the docks and on the ports but I am sure as shit that we will not fuck that offensive up unless no support comes our way there. OK, so the Ratteans are coming. The Federationists are holding tight on their embassy. The Urranese are here in the city doing something about civilians and a couple of Donnish defectors went to them. It's possible that shit's gonna go down really bad with the Donnish loyalists. Now, listen. Contact was made with the Isle'ish. I want a raise of hands of those who got blood from there. Now."

In seconds, she saw many hands raised. She counted them off as best as she could and then said

"All right. Put them down." They put them down and she said with a small smile "The reason why I got you all to do that if you got Isle'ish blood or relatives is because I believe you guys can now be proud to be of service to them. You are loyal to both Donnerland, Azenyanistan and The United Isles. What we will do is quite simple really."

She then began pointing stuff out on the map as she discussed

"Urranese positions are here. Other rebel positions are here. Now I want you to take special note of the hotel here." She then proceeds to take out a marker and uses it to mark a circle around the hotel she pointed out "The other rebels say that there could be a huge stash of weapons and ammo there. I want Alian and Barea to get there and use those weapons and ammo." Alian nodded, his green eyes looking over the map and his short and roughly cut ebony hair was brushed aside from the right side of his face. Meanwhile, Barea, who was very pale skinned and looked more Donnish than Azen, nodded too and shuffled closer to pay more attention to what Killjoy was telling them.

"If you guys manage to snatch a couple of heavy weapons like mortars, light artillery guns, machine guns, whatever, use them and use them well." She then marks a circle around a couple of apartment buildings "This is where some of the other rebels are. I heard that they could use some help so help them out but get out of there as quick as you all can. This is for Katrah." Katrah nodded and Killjoy gestured to her to come closer. She came closer and Killjoy proceeded to guide her through the map "OK, Katrah, I want you to take the rebels you find there as close to any Donnish positions you find and just hit them. Hit them really hard. But do it this way. Hit them then run then hit them again. Make sure you lose nobody if you can do that. Can you do that?" Katrah, a dark skinned woman with red eyes, nodded and said with a hand to her endowed chest "I can do that." Killjoy nodded and said "Good." Then she pointed at Akurmatha, who wore two scarves around her neck and had sand-colored skin, and told her "You, Akurmatha, I want you to take your platoon to the Urranese and the defectors. Join them and help them as best as you can. But since your platoon seems to have our only heavy weapons, I need you to get a team at a safe but great position for support." Akurmatha glanced at the three mortars that were in the warehouse. She then looked at Killjoy again who said "Use those stolen Donnish mortars to rain hell when we need hell." Akurmatha nodded and then Killjoy finally called on the man who wore a cheap overcoat over a long-sleeved polo shirt and dark jeans "Elnathan, you're with me. You're going to take care of my platoon. I'll have to take command of a squad so pick the best men you have in your platoon and give them up to me. Your orders are to stay here. You're our reserve. You help out anyone who calls on you as long as they are on my command or if I give you my permission to help them out." Elnathan nodded and then Killjoy sighed and told everyone

"We will be causing as much chaos and shitty shit for the Donnish. We will do that to help our allies and to help the Isle'ish. They're coming as well as the Ratteans. Our brothers and sisters from around the world are coming to help us fight this good fight too." She then took the map and the tablet and put them back in her pack. She then said


"I want to see all of our RTOs and I want them to come forward." Swiftly, from each platoon, several persons with very portable radios in their backpacks came forward to Killjoy. She then nodded to them and told them

"You're very important. Not all of us have communicators, walkie-talkies or even secured cellphones. So you, RTOs, are going to have to do your jobs as best as you all can. Do that and everyone will make it. I'm counting on all of you as much as your platoon leaders and your buddies are counting on you. So will our allies and the coming reinforcements from our nation and from around the world."

Killjoy then gestured to her company, mimicking the action of cocking a rifle. Quickly, everybody raised or shouldered their weapons. With everybody ready, Killjoy nodded and said

"We move out when it's dark."

And at that, everybody entrusted to her command cheered. As for Killjoy herself, she simply crossed her arms and looked at them, seeing their smiles and hopes for the coming battle when the night comes.



The Nyran ports, Azenyanistan


"OK! I need two more containers on that cargo ship and then this convoy can move out!" Shouted a female portman, guiding the cranes with gestures and handheld lights, allowing the cranes to carefully and therefore quickly move the supply containers on board the cargo ship. The sun again was smiling upon Azenyanistan. It was hot, yes, but it was better hot than cold. Many Azens were suited to the heat but not the cold. Not unless they were Azzans or Afghans or even Ayrrans. Ayrrans were suited to the coldness of the desert nights. As for the Nyrans, they could only get used to the coldness of the rains.

For today, this cargo ship was not alone. As said by the female portman, she was part of a convoy. It would be one of the first to ever be sent out by Azenyanistan into Donnerland to aid Azen rebels and to aid their allies there. It would take two to three weeks for this convoy to reach their destination. Two to three weeks were enough for the Azens; It would be very much enough for them to contribute to the war. If things go well, one or more ports would be taken and soon Azen cargo ships as well as more landing ships and support ships would be able to come ashore.

But for now, portmen such as the woman before would have to assist both military and civilian personnel involved in the small and big operations to get convoys and to get them ready. Nyran ports were becoming more and more valuable. And more and more business was coming to Azen shores.

The female portman continued to guide the crane until it had completed it's task. Now that the cargo ship was full of supplies, the portman sighed with relief and took a handkerchief from a pocket of her port uniform and used it to wipe her face clean of sweat and dust. After she had cleaned herself, she came to see a small group of people approaching her area.

From the entrance into the loading area, a group of both uniformed and well-dressed women and men were coming. The female portman looked around and saw that a few other portmen were resting on benches or on extra crates. She frowned and gestured to them as she commanded

"You, you and you! What are you girls doing there? Get up! There's people coming." At her commands, they quickly left their seats and began to follow her when she started to move towards the small group. The group stopped and met her and the other portmen. The female portman recognized some of them.

Escorting them was one of the security chiefs of the port. She wore the uniform of ordinary security guards but her scarf, her badge and her armored combat vest made it clear that she was more than just a guard. She was a chief of security.

Another person she recognized was Sadisia. She was sometimes an official on the ports. But she wasn't wearing her usual clothes when she was on duty on the ports. She was wearing a yellow dress, a long khaki skirt and a short sleeved brown jacket over her dress. She also brought a tiny notepad and a blue pen.

The rest she didn't really know. Two of them wore uniforms and armor though. There were armor plates on their shoulders and chests. Armored pads, which were lighter, as the portman could see, were on the shins, knees and thighs of the two as well as a more comfortable protective pad that covered their stomachs. She realized that they were soldiers thanks to their helmets and to the weapons they carried. Each of them was armed with a Caller, the most common but famous rifle of the Azen forces.

The rest, however, simply were well-dressed. The group was mostly female. And to this female portman, it seems that the government has paid their port a visit. Since the female portman recognized and knew Sadisia, she approached the former Advocate and Speaker of the Azen nation and greeted her with a low nod and a warm

"Good day, Miss Sadisia. Welcome to the port. We've just loaded the last cargo ship of the Third Merchants. The rest of the guys will have to make some more checks on board and off board though. Then in one more half hour, I believe they will be off."

Sadisia smiled at the female portman and said "Thank you, dear." She then gave a very short sigh and looked around. Meanwhile, the security chief, with purple eyes and a mohawk of ink, nodded to the portman and introduced the group to her and her fellow portmen

"Portman Beacon, since you know Miss Sadisia ur Kaiteriza yourself, I will not introduce you to her." She then gestured to the other officials "These are visiting officials from Yaneza and our capital." She gestured to a tall woman with twin pony tails and a natural smile "This is Miss Abeeyah, deputy chief of Nyran infrastructure." Then to another tall woman who didn't look Azen and instead looked like she was an Unionist. She had brown hair and blue eyes that seemed to make Beacon the female portman stare "And this is Miss Adelaida. She was born in Azenyanistan but she is a Unionist." Miss Adelaida smiled at Beacon and Beacon smiled back but their smiles quickly faded when the security chief said "Her parents were, as you would expect, Confederate Administrative Officers. Back in the Union, people like them are called staff officers or commissars. Miss Adelaida is also like her parents."

At that, Beacon crossed her arms and asked the chief "OK. So why are you all here today?" She then added as she gestured on "I'm not meaning to show any disrespect, not especially to Miss Sadisia, but what's up?" The chief glared at Beacon while the officials merely gave an odd look to both the chief and Beacon. Sadisia didn't share in that and instead opened her mouth to speak but closed it. Beacon glared back at the chief and instead asked Sadisia

"Miss Sadisia, what brings you all here?"

Sadisia nodded quite quickly and said "Ah, well, dear Beacon, we're here to conduct an inspection. While I do believe that this port is performing well, we still have to visit this one and the rest of the ports all over Nyra to make sure things do go well." She then sighed and said softly "We're also here to make sure that no saboteurs are around here either~"

Beacon's eyes went wide and she said with an unintentionally raised voice "What? That's crazy!" One of the portmen who were with her also said "Aren't the soldiers and ACP officers around here already enough? Nobody who's unauthorized has been snooping around!"

To that, the chief raised her voice too and told them "Don't raise your voices! You're talking to government officials! Have some respect!" Adelaida gave the chief a frown which the chief never noticed and Abeeyah even rolled her eyes at what was happening. Beacon's fellow portman shut up but Beacon herself lowered her voice but continued to speak

"Why saboteurs?"

Adelaida looked at Beacon and told her "It's because of Operation Order Unto Chaos." Everyone looked at her. She kept on talking "The ACP is responsible for it. Because of that operation, which is targeting the Seven Cards, the country has to watch out. It's not just Ayr. All the tribes have to be careful. Especially Nyra." She then pointed at the cargo ship, to which everyone looked too "There is a possibility that the Seven Cards will try to harm our convoys here. Nyran ports, according to the ACP, are likely spots for the organization to sabotage."

She then finally told them "That is why I am here. And that is also why I have two soldiers with me." She gestured to them, the soldiers stepping forward until they were right behind her "I will begin my inspection here." She then told the chief, in a lower but more restrained voice "If you do not mind, Chief Akinyi, I will ask you to be my guide and your men too will be helping me conduct my inspection." She then ultimately gave one more look to Beacon and said "And you, Miss Beacon, will, if you would be so kind, remain in your area of work until my inspection is over."

Everyone else looked at one another nervously except Sadisia and Beacon. Beacon paused then nodded and said

"Sure. I'm OK with that, Miss Adelaida."

Adelaida nodded, sighed and to Sadisia, she said

"Miss Sadisia, I thank you for giving me permission to do this. I promise you this won't take long." Sadisia simply nodded until Adelaida asked "If I may, might I request for the AIG to assist me in this matter?" Sadisia gulped and paused for a while. Adelaida waited until Sadisia nodded and said "That is all right, yes, you may."

Adelaida nodded and gestured to her soldiers to begin. They moved out and began to search the area as she asked Beacon

"Now, Miss Beacon, might I please request from you your copies of who's on the ship, what's on the ship and the list of your people who are currently checking the ship?"

END

[Nauchrtenfield]

HSS 53-3-12, or to give it it's longer name "Hospital Support Ship, fifty-third vessel of the third type, twelfth unit" was a former super tanker, bought and revamped by the nauchrtenfield navy as floating hospitals, and they where not a unimpressive sight, 280 meters long, featuring twelve fully equipped operating theaters, a one-thousand-bed hospital facility, radiological services, medical laboratory, pharmacy, optometry lab, CAT scans and two oxygen-producing plants. They where some of the most advanced ships built, floating hospitals, only rivaled by even larger land based complexes. It and it's escort had navigate wrongly, and had accidentally left the rest of the Allied fleet, now they had turned and where moving at top speed to reunite them self within the safety of the allied fleets guns.

At the same time within the belly of the ship medical staff where hard at work inside one of the operational theaters, operating on Makuhide, she and Aelia had landed on the medical ship as that was the closest friendly/neutral hospital facility, the Captain of the ship, Commander-Captain Jean Basq, had given the procedure the go ahead, and so they situation had been resolved, the wounded Valkyria had been taken to intimidate surgery. She stood now on the bridge of the ship and looked at her staff. Before looking at her second in command, "Jansen, you have the command" she said, The second in command looked up and repeated "I am taking command"

A few minutes a signal went out over the intercom system, requesting that captain Aelia of the Valkyrian Guard report to Commander-Captain Jean Basq's office as soon as possible.

[Vanquaria]

The Auraxis Conference

Messaging his temples the Autarch watched his servants, for the tenth consecutive time, run a maintenance check of the conference room. Situated in the eastern sector of the Palace it was a incredibly spacious room, a dome overhead that was adorned by ancient art depicting Scott’s ancestors in all their glory. A circular, round table made of finely crafted oak lay in the centre. The table was in-built with a graphical interface that allowed for individuals to bring up maps of all sorts, privately discuss things with others on the table, bring up a hardrive,etc.

Donning the imposing, black uniform of a Vanquarian officer, though minus the mask, Scott was having weary. He now desired some good wine and women. He chewed his tongue, thinking of the Helghast princess he was betrothed to. This led to an image of his current wife. Jaclean…the Jacleans were contributing to his acute headaches. The recent news of ‘’Jexit’’, oh the gall of them to do such a thing when Vanquaria was already embroiled in a war to prevent Southerners from infiltrating the homeland no thanks to the Donnish, was a contributing factor to his headaches. No doubt the lesser organisations, maybe the yet again risen up version of ISAT, would attempt to draw them in.

The young Autarch recognised the patterns that would occur within the geopolitical landscape. It mostly consisted of wars, cold wars, proxy wars and the creation and fall of organisations. Scott was appalled to realise just how many organisations there had been in the modern age since the invention of the commercial airliner. Oh, what he would give for a day’s worth of sightseeing in Ausozera 500 years from now. Although not a pessimist, he had to admit there was a good chance the human civilisation would either be destroyed or trapped in a dystopic cycle of conflict and oppression. There were already books that were scarily realistic in their depiction of a dystopia.

Several phone calls had already been made, a few days, alongside encrypted files containing conference details to select countries. Namely, the UoAE, Ratte, FAP and of course, good ol' Esgonia. Helghan and the IWA including the Jaclean state had received full information and invitations as well to ensure more political weight on the Autarch’s side during the conference. Other countries involved in the conflict though not spearheading the Coalition’s operations were sent short and concise telegrams requiring notification of attendance for the automatic deliverance of conference details.

This conference would be invaluable not only in the war against the madman ruler of Vanquaria’s neighbour but in future foreign affairs as well. The current Autarch had no interest, unlike his father, in playing power games anymore. Born in an age of advances in technology, science and the way humans go about things in a whole, the only long-term goal worth pursuing, in terms of geopolitics, was keeping the nation and her allies secure from external and internal threats not only in human form. Jexit? Scott understood the perspective of those who advocated for it but as displayed by the Donnish there is no way a nation, especially in the modern age, is able to abstain from international matters.

‘My Autarch, the entire event is fully secure and ready according to the 10th evaluation,’ one of his secretaries notified him.

‘Thank you. We shall no await our guests. And also, how is the WIU delegation?’

‘They are arriving very soon, my Autarch.’

‘Very good. Take them to the central dining room, I shall meet them there.’

Running his hand through his hair he was eager to talk business, and perhaps other matters of a trivial nature, with the leader of the Western Imperial Union. Everything would fall into line, he was after all, his father’s son.

---

---

Official Telegram of the Iron Empire

---

The Autarch requests the immediate gathering of Coalition figures to Auraxis. Under the Auraxis Conference name the aim of the meeting is to discuss allied efforts in the Donnish war and to other foreign affairs issues of similar value.

Security for the event is provided to the fullest capabilities the Empire can muster. Your nation’s diplomatic and security entourage shall be escorted from the Auraxis Airport on a single, planned route towards the Palace. Limited accommodation is available for the entourages in the Golden Dragon Hotel and the Palace itself. The conference is to conclude after 2 days.

Full details concerning the conference shall be delivered via secure communication if your nation notifies the Empire of attendance from your nation’s delegation.

---

[Pakiranistan]

---

Raheel Sharif Carrier Battle Group CBGN1, Donnish South Sea

---

Clear skies or what you could call Donnish clear skies seemed to be the norm as the Raheel Sharif and the rest of its battle group cut through Donnish waters elegantly at cruising speed. From the bridge of the Raheel Sharif, Captain Jamshed Munakvar, scanned the horizon with binoculars for any vessels not apart of his ship's group; he eventually lowered the binoculars after scanning for a good 5-6 minutes and began to pace around the bridge, suddenly the door to the bridge opened and the door guard called the entire bridge to attention "Admiral on deck!" and in mere seconds the entire bridge was at attention as now Admiral of the Fleet Hamza ul Giyani walked into the bridge. He had recieved the promotion to Admiral of the Fleet two days ago as Pakiranistan was now at war with Donner Land and he was selected to lead all of Pakiranistan's armed forces against Donner Land, a great responsibility but he was being counted on by his civlian superiors and collegues to lead them to victory.

"As you were", he stated as he had walked to the front of the bridge and turned to face the Captain, he offered his hand in Salam and it was returned by the Captain "Walalakemasalam, sir" whom had known of the Admiral's arrivial but was not able to meet him due to him being needed to command the vessel, "Captain Munakvar, a pleasure to meet you, what is the current situation like?" stated the Admiral warmly as he turned to look out the windows of the bridge "the pleasure is all mine sir, currently sir" said the Captain as he walked over to the Sonar display in the bridge "It seems that there are no enemy surface combatants around us, but we have spotted various neutral contacts from foreign coalitions to our 8 and 10 o clocks respectively", the Admiral paced over to the Captains position, gazing at the sonar display with a blank expression "Very well then, deploy our airborne intelligence units and have the battle group halt" the Admiral said as he walked off the bridge "Oh and Captain, welcome to Donner Land" the Captain stared blankly out the bridge before speaking "Aye Admiral, and thank you Admiral" Munakvar then ordered the communications officer to to alert the fleet "This is the Raheel Sharif CVGN1, all vessels halt, I repeat all vessels halt" the communications officer then got on the loud speaker for the Raheel Sharif "All members of FWAW-85 as well as FWAS-120 report to the breifing room, I repeat, all members of FWAW-85 and FWAS-120 report to the breifing room".......

---

PNS Raheel Sharif CVGN, Donnish South Sea

---

Squadron Leader Ali Malik, sat in the cockpit of his NLC-44, the NLC-44 was Pakirans naval workhose for logistics, early warning and many other roles. Beside of Malik sat his co pilot Pilot Officer Khan Jahn, a relatively new pilot who was eagar to be deployed and see action, Malik was a relatively experianced pilot with six years of service under his belt, he had flown sorties as an Air Force pilot against terrorists in Pakirans tribal area and has transferred over to the Navy after it had announced it needed pilots for its carrier based air wings. Malik was filling out his flight log while Jahn went over safety checks of the aircraft's interior and the like, as Malik finished filling his log he layed it on the side of his seat and began the procedures to start the aircraft. He fumbled around flipping several switches before he flipped the two engine switches and slowly but surely the aircraft's powereful turboprop engines roared and spurred to life; Jahn and Malik both went over a quick check of the instruments before signalling thumbs up to their guide, the guide soon began to move his hands in a backwards motion above his head signalling them to start moving, Jahn increased the planes throttle by moving the lever up and soon the aircraft began to move, Malik began to follow the guide as he guided him to their steam catapults around various PF-15s that lined the deck.

The tedious process seemed like hours but was merely seconds and a minute or two at most, the NLC-44 was soon positioned on its catapult and ready to launch into the air, Malik grabbed his helmet from his lap and put it on his head, he signalled a thumbs up to the crewman on deck, who in turn gave the signal to go by crouching and pointing sharply towards the edge of the carrier, Malik shoved the throttle lever to its maximum power output and soon the aircraft shot up with its catapult; its occupants slump back in their seats with Malik pulling the stick back at an angle to where the aircraft would not stall but would also not land in the water, soon the NLC-44 was airborne and following behind it was another NLC-44 as well as their escort of 2 PF-15Ns, the aircraft circalled around the fleet before joing up and venturing ahead of the fleet and gaining altitude.

"This is GodFather 1-1, we are officialy airborne" radoied in Jahn, his call was soon followed by the other craft in the formation, the formation of craft ascneded to above cloud coverage and began to monitor the area for enemy forces, its escorts were equipped with BVRAAMs and had external fuel tanks to increase their loiter time so they could stay with the NLC-44s...

---

PNS Humsafar SSN1, Donnish West Bay

---

The sleek dark submerged hull of the Humsafar peacefully cut through the waters of the West Bay, the Humsafar was one of the most quietest submarines in the world and could be modified to perform an impressive array of tasks and missions. Today, however, the Humsafar was being used to deploy members of the Special Service Group Air. Master Senior Airman Harun Arshad stood in the dry dock shelter of the Humsafar, a somewhat confined space as he and 9 other commandos were also present. He looked at his watch which had dinged on the start of the operation, he motioned a thumbs up towards the water controller and soon the shelter was being filled with water which eventually reached just below his neck, Arshad checked his watch one more time before placing his rebreather mask on his face and diving into the submerged chamber which eventually led him out of the sub and into the icy cold waters of the West Bay, he was followed by his team of commandos, which then split into two five man groups, each heading to a different location on shore, Arshad poked his head out of the water, scanning the horizon under the cover of darkness before climbing onto shore followed closely by his team, they soon changed into their combat uniforms and ditched their diving gear and began to make headway silently towards Donnish anti air positions and other vital installations.

[Saradena]

Near the Donnish Coast

---

"The Porteans have begun, sir?"

"...And the Orange?"

"Made it out safely without trouble."

"Well then, Commence Operation: Icicle Fall. Get all hands of the entire fleet to combat stations. The attack on Donner Land commences now."

"Yes sir."

Within moments, the entire Task Force was in combat formations, crews head to their stations as each vessel's weapon systems go active, the Sadako's large rail guns begin to turn towards the direction of Donner Land, using a recent satellite scan of the area in Donner Land, she identifies the different targets that are reachable by the Sadako, including shore-based batteries, HAAIRMS Launchers, and other military installations within it's range, with it's main priority being the first and the second.

The other combat vessels, receiving the information given by the Sadako, locked on to the rest of the targets that the Sadako hasn't locked on to, with some of them targeting the nearby airfields. With the press of a button, the missiles go online and were ready to be delivered to its destination. All they needed is to wait for the signal to fire.

Over at the Huragan, pilots scramble to their fighters just as crew begin finishing up fueling and arming them. They were to be launched after the navy unleashed its initial barrage. The first to be launched were a squadron of E/A-18G Growlers, whose mission is to assist in suppressing enemy electronics such as communications and targeting systems, followed by escorts to protect the Growlers from enemy aircraft, consisting of a squadron of Super Hornets. Then the attack squadron, which would mop up any remaining defenses and assist friendly forces during the landing operation.

The Blue Dragon once again returns from its brief slumber to unleash destruction to the enemy.

[Atreidya]

IAWS Ephram

Admiral Mal'wahasi and General Talamud pondered over reports and maps of the region. The Empire of Donner Land was heavily fortified and bent on war. Something that Atreidya was had been free of for more than a few years. The hesitance by the two men was understandable at the least with so many of their country men counting on their decisions. That didn't even count the countless Donner civilians being oppressed or the other Coalition soldiers who were counting on each other to do their part.

The admiral showed the projected positions of enemy defenses as well as the Coalition forces to his counterpart. He had already set the aircraft on standby and his forces were ready to participate in the operation. However both Mal'wahasi and Talamud had come to the decision to send the Atreidyan forces in after the initial attacks, as part of the second wave as it were.

While many were unhappy with their decision in the lower ranks and the two senior officers were certain the other nations would think less of them for it, the fact remained Atreidya hadn't invaded another nation in a century at the least. This was not their forte and so the Admiral and General were content to play second fiddle to the big hitters of the Coalition forces, at least for the initial invasion.

Auraxis Airport

Locus stepped off of the sleek white jet right behind the blue berreted soldier armed with the M416. He reached back and helped his wife Gilanna down the steps as well. Once they stepped onto the tarmac they were escorted by a team of six Atreidyan soldiers to two black SUV's and driven off toward the Golden Dragon Hotel where they would stay the first couple of days in the city, wishing to not meet with Scott He until after their jet lag had fully been defeated.

[Urran]

Donnish South Sea, URS Kaga

Jet engines screamed and the associated personnel scrambled around the deck. The attack had been moved up a few hours to suit coalition needs. The fleet of Urranese warships had formed up with the rest of the coalition forces with Portean and Urranese forces forming the bulk of the landing force. The Portean carrier Akagi was within visual range of the Urranese carrier. They were of similar size and outward appearance, both formidable tools of destruction.

On the flight deck now were EA-18G, Hien, and AF-2000 fighters. The AF-2000 was the baby of the group and currently the apple of Kaga's eye. She was the first carrier to receive a squadron of the stealthy multirole fighters. The honor had been intended to be bestowed upon the lead ship of the class, URS Gojira, but she was on deployment in another part of the world and the fighters were needed here.

All ten of the newly formed VFA-501 squadrons aircraft, the "Red Swallows" were lined up on the deck preparing to take off. Currently the Hien's would be tasked with knocking out key targets, but the Swallows would be tasked with intercepting any Donnish fighters that came to intercept. Their stealth technology and super-maneuverability made them perfect for the task.

Once the catapults were clear the vessel began launching them, four a a time until all ten were airborne. They made sure to buzz the Portean carrier before making off for the Donnish coast. It was a tribute to the partner nation that helped bring the fighter to life. She was about to earn her talons.

Donnish South Sea, Coalition Battlegroup

Ships from several nations had come together for an all out assault on the Donnish port city of Soraught. Porteans, Pakiranis, Esgonians, Urranese, and others all had ships in the area. The risk of friendly fire and midair collision was very high. Thankfully, modern wars were technological wonders. All allied nations were tied into a sort of "battle net" that displayed the exact location of friendly assets to avoid such losses.

Urran was also providing information to the other nations on which assets it would be striking. Urranese cruisers and destroyers had selected targets both in Soraught, and much farther inland to strike with cruise missiles. Flight plans were also submitted to coalition partners for this highly coordinated strike. Anything else would only lead to unnecessary losses, likely by friendly forces.

Urran had brought 3 LHDS, 4 LPDs, and an LSD to the party. Plans had been worked out in advance that Urranese troops would land in the eastern portion of the city and the Porteans in the west. Urranese well decks began releasing LCACs loaded with vehicles and Baragon APC and IFV filled with troops. MV-22B tiltrotor transports flew over head, AV10 CAS VTOL fighters lifted from their flight decks. CB90 boats filled with troops or with AMOS mortar systems on their decks began weaving in and around coalition vessels on their way to land on the beaches. In all, Urran was landing over 5,000 troops and more than 50 tanks, as well as associated artillery and supply vehicles.

The hope was not that enough Donnish troops had been amassed to stave off such a large coalition force and that coalition strikes throughout the country, as well as rebel forces would keep those loyal to the Donnish sovereign too disorganized to effectively combat an army of foreign invaders on the southern shores.

An Urranese SSP an a SSN were quietly making their way to the river mouth at Soraught in order to mine it. Smart mines specifically programmed to target the acoustic signature of Donnish military vessels so that they would not be able to use the port anytime soon. At least until the end of the conflict.

South Donnish Sea, undisclosed location

While most of the Urranese taskforce was focused on surface strike, 5 destroyers, 3 frigates, 2 SSNs, and an SSP were beginning to comb the sea for the Donnish Navy. Satellite imagery had lost site of it in the weather, snow was hell, but thermal imaging had detected its probable location. The submarines prowled ahead of the surface combatants in order to find the fleet and allow the destroyers and frigates to target it with anti-ship missiles. Thank fully, Donner Land possessed no submarines so they had complete freedom beneath the waves.

Nearing Soraught

The two EA-18G and five Hien fighters had officially penetrated Donnish airspace. The Growlers were jamming all known Donnish signals, as well as civilian radar and phone communication signals. The Hiens were also making full use of their AESA radars to create electronic noise and further confuse the enemy, while still keeping an eye out for enemy action.

Their goal was not only to provide support for the Urranese and Donnish defectors surrounded in the city, but also to strike bridges and roads leading out of the city and destroy the airport's radar system prior to the invasion. That would prevent the Donnish civilians from informing the military of any incoming coalition aircraft that could be dected by the civilian radar, and to prevent Donnish reinforcements from moving into the city easily.

The war had begun.....

[Azenyanistan]

An Empire on Flames


The Azen Perspective



The Northern Battle



During the Age of Chaos as well as the Seven Wars, it was said that so many of the Azens who remained opposed to the invading forces or to those who were trying to get them to quit opposition were quite respectable if not fierce. Respectable because a great number of those who still fought the enemy were former soldiers. They followed rules of engagement and respected many of the laws of war. If not former soldiers, they were former police officers or even security guards. Fierce because their numbers were supplemented by a great deal of tribes who lived in the North. Yes, much of the Azen resistance to the enemies of the country during the Seven Wars and the Age of Chaos were due to those in the North. Both the North and the West were difficult to control. Only when Esgonia and their allies, especially Ratte and the Free Asian Ports, took care of the North as the SARAZ did the North become tamed. The West was never tamed by the foreign nations that Azenyanistan knew. It was only by the very end of the Age of Chaos that Azenyanistan herself tamed the West of herself.





But the fierce and respectable resistance of the Northerners were not because of how long they've fought even with the SARAZ in place but because of more literal factors. While the Western Azens fought until the last battle of the Age of Chaos, the Battle of Yaneza, the North fought until the war that the government unleashed against the bandits.






In the North, it was reported that the Azen resistance did not use and especially refused to use semi-automatic and automatic weapons against their enemies. They most exclusively used bolt-action weapons, especially those made in the workshops in and out of the SARAZ and especially those that remained in Azenyanistan from her past. Ausozeran World Wars only proved themselves to be great suppliers of everything to the Azens. Bolt-action rifles were very, very plentiful. And during the course of both the Seven Wars and the Age of Chaos, such bolt-action rifles were highly effective. Only the SARAZ and tireless Azen leaders such as Sadisia and Banshee ended the Northern resistance.





After all the conflicts and the North became very quiet, it was quite interesting to see the arid North, home to the Azzans, Yahhans, Ennans, Nahhans and to the Afghans, become so developed. And quiet, of course. The North of Azenyanistan was said to be very peaceful. The ACP did not worry so much there and neither did the military. Foreigners were more plentiful in the North. And so on and so forth. At the end of everything, there was just so much of everything, some things would have to make their way out of Azenyanistan.





Before the Donnish Conflict erupted, it was agreed by Azen hunters and survivalists in Donnerland and by Azens living in the Northern parts of Azenyanistan that there would be trade. The Donnish Azens or the Azulnish as they were called would receive the extra bolt-action rifles while the Northern Azens received plenty of money. For years and then months, this trade was well-maintained. Careful assistance from the once-existing Saragon organization, several smugglers and the administration of Tyena and those before her made sure of that. Until the start of the conflict, business was good. And when it finally came, there was surely a win-win situation for both parties. The Donnish Azens would survive and the Northern Azens would prosper.





In the North of Donnerland, where the cold was at her strongest, where the capital city of the nation was and where the infamous leader of the AARA, Rahatiel, was. There, more than a thousand men and women were at her command. And more and more were coming to her side everyday. There were plenty of Azens, Azulnish and sympathetic Donnish minorities who wanted to live rather than die. And there were more than plenty of Azens in the neighboring or nearby lands of the North who wanted to do more than offer their services.




In the forests, Captain Rahatiel sighed and rubbed her hands for a moment before pressing them against her face. The heat generated by her palms was enough to warm her up a little bit before she tightened her belt and embraced herself in her thick coat. With her, in the dark and light, were her men. They too either tried to warm themselves or simply embraced the cold. Their minor Donnish comrades adjusted to the cold easily and fortunately so. But they did not neglect their Azen and Azulnish comrades. Often, Rahatiel would find them in groups, creating warmth in depth. And at times, she found them giving one another extra clothes.





But there was a purpose to them being in the forests of the North. There, they waited for their other comrades to come back. To come back from their scouting missions beyond. Rahatiel hoped they would make it as they were very important. If they didn't, time and effort would have been wasted and they would soon have to find another spot for ambushing Donnish supply convoys. The forest that she and her men were in were what surrounded a good thoroughfare for Donnish military and civilian targets. Fortunately, there was no evidence that they were there as the rebels paid rapt attention to covering up their movements. Unfortunately, no targets have come to fall into their trap.




As they endured the cold, Rahatiel closed her eyes, settling close to a tree, listening to the sounds around her. Men shuffled or shifted. Some coughed or sneezed. Others giggled or whispered. A tiny fire crackled but not too greatly. Then the click of a lighter. Another click. Then a puff. Rahatiel heard the leaves rustle. Snow fell. And in here and there, the wind howled.




She then opened her eyes and got up from the tree and went away from it. She focused now on seeing her men as she walked from place to place. Seeing them in the same thick winter clothes that they had made her feel a little ashamed. To command them through the cold, she knew how difficult and demoralizing it was to fight through the winter. She has lived in Donnerland for enough time to know the cold but this was her first time in the North. And many of her men were experiencing this for the first time as well. But the rest were OK. That gave Rahatiel some comfort.




She saw her men salute her or shake their fists at her. She greeted them back with a salute and a small smile. Rahatiel made it a point to reach out and to be friendly to her own men. It would do them good, knowing that their leader was just like them. A fellow Azen, a fellow person, a fellow fighter. Rahatiel too heard them offer her some of their coffee. Others wanted to give her some taste of the alcohol they brought. Others tried to give her smokes. But Rahatiel humbly refused them all, telling them to enjoy them. She often said that she was OK.



And so she continued to check her men, who were in their hastily made foxholes or camoflauged shelters of leaves and snow and branches, until the voice of one of her officers reached her



"Captain Rahatiel! The scouts are back!"



Others heard that too. Some stood, some spoke with one another. But Rahatiel, at the news, gave the short officer a pat on the shoulder and said



"Thank you. That's good news. Return to your position."



The officer obeyed as she walked on, approaching a group of rebels who wore lighter clothes and were with their modified motorcycles or even horses. There were some though that didn't appear like scouts and looked more like they were newcomers. To that, Rahatiel seemed to inhale. Rahatiel was saluted by the scouts and she saluted them back as the rest of her men who followed her took the horses and motorcycles to hide them. She then commanded them



"Report."



The first scout was a young one. She couldn't have been older than 16. She said



"My team have checked the Northern sector. It's all clear, Sir. Our route of retreat is OK but we're sure that there is going to be a snow storm later."



The Captain nodded and then looked to the second scout, who was older and with shorter hair. The scout reported



"We made contact with these people." The second scout gestured to them. The rebels nodded or smiled. One seemed to stand out, wearing a furry cap beneath her helmet. Rahatiel recognized the helmet to be one belonging to the Old Republic under Sadisia. The second scout continued "But it's the same. All clear."



The Captain nodded to the second one and then looked to the third one who gulped and said



"Enemy activity is increasing, Sir. We've been looking at them from an abandoned radio tower just 10 kilometers from here. We saw what looks like a supply convoy. I think they were escorted by a couple of APCs and some men on trucks."



The Captain nodded too to that and then told the first three scouts



"All right. You are dismissed."



But to the remaining scouts and to the people whom the second scout brought with them, she said



"All of you remain as you are, though." And they did so. The second scout looked back but soon joined her fellow scouts in moving away. Ayza, when she realized that she was alone with her "guests," then sighed and told them



"To the newcomers, I am Captain Rahatiel. Former Arch Angel. You know me as the leader of the AARA. Welcome. I want you to report to any one of my sisters here. As you do, I want you all to keep your mouths shut and do as you are told. No smartasses and no loudmouths. Do you comprehend?" The newcomers nodded and Rahatiel nodded too. She then gestured over her shoulder and told them "OK. Good. Get out of here." And they did so. Now only the remaining scouts were before her. At once, did Rahatiel tell them



"Tell me that dear Verrah and Serradonnar are all right."



They nodded. One of them said "They are all right, Captain. The wedding has just begun. Right now, they're probably at the part where they would say their vows to each other." Ayza let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. The scout smiled a little but let it die and continued "They will be all right. They're far, far enough from the kill zone. Other than them, everything will turn out OK, I guess, Captain." Ayza nodded and dismissed the remaining scouts too. She then went to see her second-in-command.



Meanwhile...several kilometers away from Rahatiel's positions...



In the cold north, many of the surviving Azens never thought they could make it even through the first nights of slaughter. But they did. Among them, were Verrah and Serradonnar. To Rahatiel, they were a couple soon to be married. And they deserved to be married soon, according to Rahatiel. Rahatiel thought that it was good. She had known them to be her neighbors. They had lived together, despite protests from some of their family members and the fact that Verrah was mostly Donnish. And until now, they weren't married. Soon, they would be. And soon, the north, no matter how cold it was, would soon be exposed to a little warmth from the Azens and from her own people, the Donnish.



As the scout told Rahatiel, it truly was OK. They too were in a big forest and they too were many. Verrah and Serradonnar were not alone. On the edges of the forest, in the trees and within foxholes, there were rebels armed with many weapons, from humble hunting rifles to mighty battle rifles that hailed from Azenyanistan. Deeper within the forest, where more trees were and were they were much taller, the wedding was being held. And as said, it had already begun.



There was an altar of wood, stone and sandbags. Facing the altar were several long ammunition or weapons crates that were used as benches for those bearing witness to the wedding. To the left and right of everything, there were pairs of rebel guards. The difference between the rebels on the outer parts of the forest and the rebel guards here was that the rebel guards seemed to wear rough uniforms while those on the outer parts of the forest wore whatever they were most comfortable in for winter warfare. The rebel guards wore the color of blue which was hidden mostly by the combat vests they wore, stolen from either the Donnish military or police and then handed to the rebels. They too wore what looked like helmets from the police. They were armed, unlike the rest of the rebels, with either light machine guns or battle rifles.



Together on the altar, before the priestess who was listening to them, were Verrah and Serradonnar. Together, they said their vows unto each other in the Azen fashion. Verrah wore plates of armor, armor that was light and armor that seemed modern. Meanwhile, Serradonnar, her soon-to-be-husband wore a scarf that hid his mouth. A tattoo on his throat reminded Verrah, as she listened to him say the last of his vows, that she was marrying a man of the Tarann.



Then when it came to be that she would recite her vows, she shifted in her dress, her plates too clanking a little as she shook her head to make any piece of her midnight blue hair move away from her face. Compared to Serradonnar's face, her's was more pale and more Donnish. While indeed her husband had some Donnish blood, owing to his father, he looked more Azen indeed. She smiled to him, trying to let him know that he was not alone, that he was not the only one being persecuted, that he was not alone in the struggle to survive. And in this one moment, much to the relief of Verrah, Serradonnar smiled back and waited for her to speak. And she did speak



"As your wife, my dear Serradonnar, I do give my vows to you and to our witnesses who are here with us~" Her voice was like a grand shard of ice coated in sweet wild honey from the deserts of Ayr. "I, Verrah of both Donnerland and Azenyanistan, to you, Serradonnar, of both Donnerland and Azenyanistan, declare my love to you as well. I have loved you ever since you and I have lived together for so long. And until now, does my love still burn like a thundering volcano and until now, does my love still remain as strong as a glacier." She then paused to place her hands upon her chest, feeling the coldness of her chest plate but not minding it for she was no stranger to the cold as much as he is. "I vow that I will be in subjection to you as much as you too will be in subjection to me. You will be my husband. I will be your wife. And together, we will be one. I vow that I will hold you in my arms, I vow that I will support you, yes, I will always be behind you or by your side. You are not alone, my dear Serradonnar." For that, Serradonnar could not help beneath the scarf that hid his lips. She kept on speaking "I vow that I will, as a fellow soldier of the Azen Azulnish Rebel Alliance and soon of Azenyanistan herself and of my homeland, Donnerland, fight and I will keep on fighting until this war is declared over. Come hell, come high water, I vow that I will not abandon you, no, I will vow to you that I will be true to you. I vow everything I have and everyone I hold dear to you as you have done the same. I vow this. And I love you."



The priestess nodded. Then she lowered herself and took something from beneath the altar. She then displayed it, it being an Azen longsword, to the two and told them "Face." And they faced the priestess. At the same time, those who were seated upon the crates stood up. The rebel guards moved sharply into attention. Their rifles and machine guns were pointed up. The priestess, holding it with both hands gently, the blade forged in Yaneza glistening in the light that pierced the forest from above, then said to them "Display."



At that instruction, Serradonnar removed the scarf while Verrah discarded the chest plate. The priestess nodded and moved away from behind the altar and before them. She then instructed them to genuflect and they did. Once done, the priestess then blessed the couple, one by one, by tapping one side of the blade against their shoulders and their head and the palms of their hands. She then put away the sword and told them to rise. They rose. The priestess then sighed and said as she took a book now from the altar



"Today, blessed are thou, Oh God, who unites man with wife..."



Meanwhile...




Everyone was still. Even with the howling winds, the winds were surprisingly gentle enough not to disturb too much. And that was to the advantage of the rebels. They waited in their foxholes or behind trees and vegetation or in the trees or even behind great stones. Nobody made great breaths or spoke a single loud word. The rebels were now waiting anxiously. The convoy has come close. They could hear the faint noises of the engines. Then they could hear more and more. It was the Donnish. They were coming through the road.



Meanwhile...



Now more people were at the wedding. More people were coming out of the shelters in the forest. Young and old, female and male. Many had weapons while many too did not. There were children too and a few old women. And as they came to the wedding, the priestess concluded



"...The god of our people, of the tribe of Tarann, now smile upon you, Verrah, and upon you, Serradonnar, as you both unite." The priestess then puts away the holy book and continues "I, as priestess, do, by the grace of our god, encourage you both to now show your love for each other."



Meanwhile...



The road was not straight. There were many turns to the left or to the right. And at each turn, the forest was thicker. Even at the parts of the road that were straight, the forest was quite thick. Thick enough that the Donnish never seemed to see the rebels hiding. Captain Rahatiel herself thought that this was surprising. But she kept that to herself, waiting for the convoy to fully enter the forest.



As the convoy passed through, her rebels stayed where they were. Rebel snipers watched the convoy from their spots on the trees. Meanwhile, machine gunners and their assistant machine gunners were keeping their barrels pointed at the vehicles and adjusting the ammo belts. Meanwhile, behind cover and concealment, rebel riflemen and fighters were keeping their fingers off their cold triggers. Captain Rahatiel herself kept her fighting finger off, following the convoy with the barrel of her rifle but never making a sound. Everything was quiet except for the convoy and the natural ambience of the forest.



Meanwhile...



Just before they obeyed the priestess, the two stared into each other's eyes. But as they did, they drew themselves closer to the other. Verrah draped one arm around Serradonnar and he placed one hand upon her cheek. And with that, a great piece of glass covered in two handkerchiefs was placed between them, on the ground. Verrah nodded and so did Serradonnar. He lifted his right leg up and Verrah held him. The audience was quiet, eager to witness. He made sure that his right foot would be above the glass. Then he stomped on it. The crowd then cheered! One of the men amongst the crowd began to play a violin. And together, they looked at the crowd. A grin was upon Verrah's face while upon Serradonnar's, it was just a smile.



Meanwhile...



The reports of the rebel machine guns were the first to fill the air of the woods. Then the din of rifles from the trees and from everywhere else. Then came two explosions. One at the front of the convoy, another at the back. The rebels then began to show themselves, popping up from their cover and concealment. Others remained where they were and kept shooting. The convoy was under attack! And the rebels were showering them with everything. The convoy too was trapped.



Rebel rocket-propelled grenades have disabled the lead and back vehicles. Then they were furthur disabled and damaged by IEDs and then by grenades taped to one another and thrown together. There would be no escape. The rebels would take everything and everyone. Almost everyone charged in, shooting at the Donnish and their vehicles.




Almost everyone did so except the Captain. She remained where she was but she did shoot. She stayed back because she knew she was too important to get stuck in heavy fighting and she stayed back because her men had asked her if she could. She obliged them as she saw how they were fighting now.



A former ACP officer, as recognized by Rahatiel by the cap she wore and the way she carried her rifle forward as if she was in one of the training centers in Azenyanistan, had charged in. She shot one soldier down. Then she reloaded her rifle, catching a spent casing, before shooting another one that had expelled himself from one of the transports. She then put away her rifle (which was slung) and then took out something that looked like a handle and hilt but without a blade. Then it happened. A very sharp and loud noise came out of it. And as it did, a hot blade showed itself. Something on the bottom of the handle lit up. As she ignited her "sword," there were already two Donnish soldiers trying to shoot her. They missed. She saw them. They kept on shooting. She went straight for them. They kept on shooting. But she managed to take three rounds to her torso, being slightly protected by the armored combat vest she wore and by a few ceramic plates she also wore. It was much to the horror of the soldiers as they realized that something was protecting her. She wasn't going down at all. And that slowed her down but it was inevitable. The ACP officer soon swung the "sword" over her head, chopping their heads off of their necks. Some of the blood that made contact with her blade became steam. Flesh was burnt. And their bodies crumpled quickly but they didn't let go of their rifles.



Another sight for Rahatiel was in a team of rebels. There was someone that looked Donnish, three newcomers and one that wore more armor than clothes. They were coming from the opposite side of the forest into the back of the convoy. As they did, already there were many rebels engaging the Donnish in close to medium ranges. Rifles kept on reporting alongside machine guns and grenades exploded here and there. A Donnish soldier disarmed a rebel by knocking her rifle out of her arms. But the rebel tackled the soldier, took out her knife and made it a point to slash through his throat. The team meanwhile went through the chaos speedily. They were looking for something. The Donnish looking one led them on. The newcomers followed while the armored rebel had armed herself with her sword and a shield. The shield was thick and the sword small. A few Donnish soldiers tried to engage her in melee as they had lost their weapons and instead resorted to knives and to rifles with bayonets (taken off from either rebels or fallen Donnish soldiers). It was fast. One tried to flank the armored rebel. The rebel moved to the side. She pushed him with her shield. Another tried to stab her as she was open. The rebel moved quickly again, now closing in at that one and stabbing him. One down. The first one then tried to smash her with the butt of his rifle. That worked. But she recovered and slashed at his face. Then she hit him with the shield and stabbed him through his stomach. The last one stepped back. The armored rebel grunted and rapped the blade of her short sword against her shield. To her fortune, the newcomers shot the soldier down. She gave them a glare but nodded soon after. Then they moved on, picking off soldiers.



As Captain, she too realized that it was easier to give commands for now than to really fight.



Meanwhile...



The ceremony had gone well. And now everyone had a reason to celebrate. It had gone well and a couple were united. Men sang and women danced like they were both drunk and on fire. Children laughed and watched. Old people nodded to this and watched too. A pregnant woman and her man smiled and giggled together.



The rebel guards too celebrated in their own ways, putting their weapons away and singing or dancing. It made Verrah laugh as she saw one guard dance so well even with armor on. She saw him spin then drop to the ground then rise then spin again. And as the crowd celebrated their marriage, the priestess came to Serradonnar's side and patted him on the back. The man nodded to the priestess and watched her leave. Verrah took her husband's hand and took him into the crowd as the violin kept on playing and a great fire of hope and joy was crackling on.



Meanwhile...



"Keep shooting at them!" "Murderers!" "Don't let them out of this place alive!" "For my village!" "Alary!"



The cries of the rebels added to everything. So much heat, so much noise and so much death. The forest was becoming more and more disturbed. Stray rounds buzzed through bushes and leaves. Armor piercing rounds from the Donnish convoy struck through tree trunks and boulders. Death screams were shared by both Donnish and rebels.



The Captain directed more and more men into action, further surrounding the convoy. A truck tried to get out by moving off the road. But that attempt was stopped by a few armored rebels. They didn't have swords but they did have shields and grenade launchers. They launched their explosives through the reinforced windshield of the vehicle and caused the vehicle to burst into flames. The armored rebels then retreated, letting the truck spew fire as the driver and their passenger at the front roast.



A rebel machine gun team spotted a squad of Donnish soldiers trying to flee. They gunned them down pretty quickly. One of them smiled at the sight of a few arms being chopped off by heavy rounds. Meanwhile, another team of rebels, this time with rocket propelled grenades, were busy killing Donnish vehicles. Then suddenly one of them who was carrying extra launchers was shot in the head. As the body went down, the team hurriedly hugged the snowy ground. But they did not worry for long as they saw their shooter vanish as an explosion from several grenades took him out. A rebel shotgunner shouted to the team "Keep on killing their vehicles! We're not going to let you guys down! Come on!"

As the ambush went on, Captain Rahatiel changed her position, moving closer to get a better look at things. She saw that the Donnish were really surrounded. She then saw one of her officers leading her men through, shooting at a few Donnish soldiers who were taking cover behind an abandoned APC. She called

"Refayah!"

Immediately, the officer looked around and saw Rahatiel. She then rushed through the crossfire to her until she was right in front of her commander and said

"Captain?"

The Captain pointed at the front of the convoy. Refayah followed and saw several Donnish soldiers trying to break out. Luckily, teams of machine gunners and a few rebel riflemen were holding them. She told Refayah

"Keep them inside. Don't let them out. And I want some captured. Go!"

Refayah nodded and moved on. As it all went on, Rahatiel then proceeded to take cover behind a boulder and ordered a nearby rebel with a radio

"Get me the CCs!" The radio-carrying rebel hurried over to Rahatiel. She then took it from her and over the gunfire and explosions she shouted

"NAZARENE! ARE YOU THERE?"

"Here. How is the ambush?"

"DOING GREAT. BUT KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN. I DON'T WANT TO KNOW THAT I'VE LET A DONNISH SON OF A BITCH OUT OF MY ZONE. CAN YOU DO THAT?"

"I can do that. No worries, Captain. We'll take care of any survivors."

"GOOD!" Then she returned the radio to the rebel and told her "Kept fighting." And then she abandoned the boulder, running as fast as she could behind her men who were shooting at the convoy from behind their own cover.

Several minutes later...

The Confederate Commandos under the Nazarene linked up with Captain Rahatiel and her rebels as did the knights, the Saracens, the ACP officers and more. While the Commandos could be counted with just fingers, Captain Rahatiel had used hundreds of men for this operation against the Donnish alone.

At meeting the Commandos, Captain Rahatiel smiled and offered her free hand to the Nazarene while she carried her rifle in her other hand. The Nazarene gladly shook hands with her and then afterwards, they both embraced each other and then the Captain said to her

"Good to see you again, Nazarene. I trust that nobody really got out?"

The Nazarene shrugged and that made Rahatiel raise an eyebrow. The Confederate Commando then told her

"Nobody got out." She then nodded to one of her own men who stepped to Rahatiel and gave her a small bag. Rahatiel took it and nodded then looked inside. She then quickly looked at the Nazarene and said


"You took their tags?"


The Nazarene nodded and simply said, without betraying her facial expression as her covers allowed her to remain unidentified


"If they have tags, I'd take them. If they didn't, I'd take parts of their bodies...preferrably lips."


Captain Rahatiel just nodded then said to her


"I got you. But I wouldn't want to see you take their lips. Especially not with any of our allies around. Anyway, you did good work. Now let's all regroup."


The Nazarene simply shrugged and followed the Captain as she turned around and walked on. The Commandos followed their superior as they passed by the rebels who were finishing their jobs on the convoy. Burning vehicles were left alone while those that were disabled or damaged or simply destroyed without much explosives involved were being pushed back unto the road if they were off so they could block this road. They didn't want the Donnish to use this road for a little time. And as the rebels did that, they also tried to destroy the road by using strips of improvised explosives combined with extra or taken grenades from fallen Donnish troops.


And as they passed, many rebels greeted their officers with their the usual fist shaking or nods or even a round into the air. Rahatiel simply nodded back to them while the Nazarene ignored them or just grunted. They too passed by more activity. Rebel troops were passing captured weapons, ammunition, food, water and other items to other rebels who were putting them on motorcycles or in large supply back packs. The Nazarene took this opportunity to ask Rahatiel


"Where did your men get those supply back packs? They don't look Donnish nor do they look Azen."


"Oh, they're Azen. They don't look like it because that's meant to be smuggled through. The supply back packs were made in Azenyanistan, especially in Afghanistan, then they were taken through the Northern countries."


The Nazarene then simply nodded to that and watched with Rahatiel as two squads of rebels were escorting thirty Donnish survivors away from the convoy and into rebel lines. Rahatiel simply nodded to the survivors and to her men. Her men nodded back while the survivors just stared or simply looked away.


In the end, all Rahatiel could say as they finished up here was


"This is just one successful battle. While we have lost very little men, the Donnish have lost an entire convoy. There are more battles to come and an entire war to win. This whole nation will have to be forced to surrender because if this nation dies, then the North is surely doomed to war as our nation was once doomed to war and chaos before. We can't let that happen here too."





An Empire on Flames




The Azen Perspective





The Azen Chief

"This land will shine eternally,
like the sun of the blue sky
In the center of Sishai,
It will remain its eternal heart"

- Afghan National Anthem
Milli Surood

The words of Rahatiel would, too, echo, in the Administrative Compound of Azenyanistan. In the capital city of the Seven Tribes, Chief Ayza ur Talltower had summoned all of her team members. Tyena, Sadisia, Aneyt, Zarrai, Arran, Joa, Turyah, Turyannah, Anai, Ary, Eykar, Ikhya, Noreeka and Ayrona. They were members of her team that she personally knew.

Once everyone she knew were available to her were summoned to the compound, she had them sit around her table as she spoke

"Hello everyone. Thank you all for coming. I won't make this long. We all have a very important job to do. All of us." She then produced two papers from her pocket which she unfolded in front of everyone. She put them down on the table and said as those nearby began to pass the papers to one another, reading what was on them "What you are all reading now are copies of telegrams from the Vanquarians." Anai gulped and raised her hand. Ayza nodded and Anai said "Vanquarians?" Ayza nodded again and said "Yes, Anai, Vanquarians. At that, Sadisia simply nodded too. Tyena looked on. Turyah frowned a little while Turyannah smiled a little. Ayza's security chief, Eykar, simply shrugged and began to light up a cigarette which she took out of her pocket. Ary too frowned as Turyah frowned but what was on Aneyt's face seemed concerned. On Noreeka's face, she immediately turned to Sadisia. She never noticed the secretary staring at her.

In the end, everyone in the room got the message: We're going to Vanquaria.

As everyone except Ayza attempted to chew on this new piece of information, the Chief took this time to speak to herself inside her head. She thought about the war. She frowned at herself. War was not her best lead as a ruler. And on that, she agreed with Sadisia ur Kaiteriza. After all, she was a student of Sadisia and she had learned many, many things from her. From the most boring statistics about how many baskets and other furniture and crafted items Azenyanistan made up to the most exciting of battles won and lost by all sides in the Age of Chaos, she had learned as much as she could be taught by Sadisia. Even with Sadisia being the younger one out of the two, Ayza humbly lowered her head to her teacher and paid attention as she lectured or presented. And on the subject of war, the two agreed very greatly.

War was hell, they said. But to the two, war was worse than hell. War cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of Azen lives and then millions soon after when the Age of Chaos reached it's greatest heights. War cost so much money and so much time. War turned Azenyanistan into a nation that so many Ausozeran nations saw as broken, desperate, paranoid and above all, depressing. To the Azens, war was an ultimate evil. It had brought them down. It had corrupted everything, it had ruined all. To Ayza and Sadisia, war was shit. It was all shit. Deep down, it was too much shit.

And among the wars they really did not want to fight, it was the war that the Donnish stupidly and unbelievably waged upon the entire world. And inevitably upon their own people! Ayza could always control her emotions in front of others but inside, she cringed and she wanted to find a way out. But she knew that Azenyanistan had a promise to fulfill, sins to atone for and many, many of her people to save from the Donnish. There were too many Azens living in or near Donnerland to abandon. And to make matters worse, rumors of entire Azen/Azulnish villages and towns being wiped out simply because the Donnish military or their civilian 'helpers' came looking for them simply because they were foreigners, simply because they were not Donnish, simply because they were like cancer, like dirt, like ants and most of all, like anything and anyone that was naked.

But before she could even think more about this, Sadisia, who was close to her, touched her shoulder. Ayza snapped out of her line of thought and looked at her teacher. Sadisia's eyes told her everything: Stop thinking about it. She knew what was going through her head. Even though Ayza could definitely hide her feelings as nobody else seemed to notice, Sadisia could. Perhaps they were the same. Perhaps they were both Sanarkannans. Or simply perhaps it is because of their close bond, their relationship to each other. Either way, Ayza knew what was going on and soon nodded to her teacher and in return, Sadisia smiled and nodded too. Afterwards, Ayza decided not to think about what caused her to hate and instead rose up from her seat and she said

"We will be leaving immediately, my friends. If you have any unfinished business to work on, if you can accomplish that in ten minutes, please work on that now. Anything else that has been unfinished should be left behind and continued once we return to our homeland. For now, we have to get ready to depart for Vanquaria." She then nodded to Noreeka and told her "Secretary Noreeka, I want you to send the Vanquarians a telegram. Tell them that we have received theirs and that I and all of you will be coming with me to the conference. We will be there in two or three hours by the Confederate Concorde II."

Many minutes later, at the Yaneza Free and International Airport, almost everyone was on board the Concorde II except for Ayza, Sadisia and Noreeka. The three were still just outside of the plane, with four Azen soldiers around them 15 meters away guarding them. Noreeka was rapidly typing their official reply to Vanquaria on her tablet/computer while Ayza and Sadisia took this time to speak to each other. Sadisia started

"This will be the next time I would have gone to Vanquaria, my dear Ayza. The last time I went there, I was riding my pet tank. And I was there because I was supposed to marry a Vanquarian. But I didn't and I came back home. But I guess I did make things better for Azenyanistan and Vanquaria."

Ayza nodded and touched Sadisia's shoulder "I hope you will be all right with this visit, Marmeeyah. Or better yet, I hope this will make you happy."

Sadisia nodded and sighed, looking at nothing "You're right. I hope so too. If only this conference was for something else other than the war, I would be happier. And I guess you would be happier too."

Ayza shrugged "I guess so, Marmeeyah. But this war is a very important war. I agree with you too about the war but you know that this is a necessity, right?"

Sadisia nodded but cringed. Ayza, within herself, cringed also. She then continued "Please don't worry about it, Marmeeyah. It's just a conference. And I and Aneyt will speak for our nation. You do not have to worry about yourself."

Sadisia nodded and was silent for a while along with Ayza. Meanwhile, Noreeka still was typing the reply on her tablet even with the wind picking up a bit and everybody waiting on board the Concorde II. Ayza noticed this and told the secretary "You can get in the plane now if you want to." And so the secretary nodded to her and went on board the plane. That left the two alone as Ayza said

"I have a bit of a surprise for you, my dear Marmeeyah. But I want to know if it is OK for me to tell you what it is about. Do you want to know?"

Sadisia then looked up to Ayza. A surprise? She opened her lips but closed them then asked "You can tell me. What is it about?"

And at last, Ayza said to her "A very dear friend of yours will be attending the conference as well. After all, she too is an Azen and she had fought for you for all the years of her life ever since she knew you."

At that, Sadisia was puzzled, cocking her head back at her former student. Ayza just smiled and waited and waited. Sadisia kept on trying to think about what she tried to say. Then something clicked inside of her head. A particular woman came to her mind. Someone who once held a very prestigious and respected rank in the Azen military. One that had been so loyal and close to her from the moment she lost her last sibling up to the moment she too left her by betraying her for a foreign husband. One that had a strange name that meant a spirit. And one that was indeed a very dear friend. She spoke one word softly, in a tone that questioned, to Ayza

"Banshee?"

Ayza swiftly nodded. Then she told her teacher "Yes." The still-young woman let her mouth open itself. She put a hand upon her own lips as her heart raced and a warmth gathered within her chest. Tears then began to come to her eyes and the older Chief simply continued to say "Yes" and just nodded and nodded. Sadisia teared up even more and brokenly said "Are you serious, Ayza?" She now had her other hand on Ayza's shoulder, with Ayza just nodding. Sadisia then began to smile and cry at the same time. Her heart felt both torn and mended. And Ayza reassured her "You will see Banshee again, Marmeeyah. She's coming to the conference. You'll see her again."

And at that, Sadisia could not help but speak no more, giving away a strange laughter that was blessed with a smile and cursed with tears. She then began to jump a little in place and then embraced Ayza as tightly as she could. Ayza did not mind and embraced her too but gently. The Chief still regarded the young woman who had taught her and the young woman in return was trying to express her gratitude, her thanks, all of her to her former student. Thankfully for the both of them, the guards let this happen and continued to honor their leader and their former one by standing on. And as Ayza tried to comfort and make Sadisia more settled as her embrace was indeed firm, she saw out of the corner of her eyes that some of her team mates were watching what was unfolding on the runway. There they were, under the setting sun of Yaneza, embracing each other, one of them crying and laughing, the other simply whispering goodwill to the other and trying to get her to settle.
Ayza did her best not to mind them and just smiled before returning all of her attention to her teacher. She hoped she did something right and something that would make Sadisia more proud of her. And she hoped that she did something that could make her teacher feel better. For all of her life before she was Chief, she worked as a counsellor, a therapist. And she never failed to deliver to Sadisia. And now that she was the Chief, she felt glad that she had used her new powers to be able to bring to her teacher her friend.

And as the two embraced each other, the Chief looked up to the orange sky, seeing where the sun was setting as she mouthed the words

"I only want to build and nothing more~"




Empire On Flames




The Azen Perspective




The New Azen Capital

The Azen Administrator of the Vanquarian territory and province of New Azenyanistan, Banshee, sighed and shook her head as she stared at a framed picture of her friend, Sadisia. She could see her reflection in one corner of the picture. Her face was not like the one that she had when she was still an exceptional military leader under her. She was getting old and her face showed it. Adding her stress and all that she had been through, with no children close to her and no beloved partner by her side, it showed everything. Lived-in, furrowed, weather-beaten, whatever. She knew she was old. And seeing her reflection showed that. But she smiled a little knowing that she wasn't that freaking old. Not yet at least. Only Salade was probably the oldest of them all, back when she and her and everyone else who worked with Sadisia were still together. Now everyone was everywhere. While it was true that most still lived in Azenyanistan, not everyone lived together anymore. Not under the same roofs. And not in the same area. Almost everyone she knew from Sadisia's administration had moved on. She too was one of those who moved on, having become the leader of the New Azens for the sake of the Vanquarians.

She put away the picture back to where it was supposed to be and sighed. She rose up from her seat in her office and walked around until she got bored and left her office. She could not bear perhaps this one. Boredom. Banshee was feeling the desire to return to combat again, to lead her men, to take command. But she knew that her time as a great military commander was over for the best. She made a really good administrator. The hospitals, the universities, the roads, the bridges, the ports and more were right and greatly maintained under her care. And for that, the Vanquarians kept her there and they protected New Azenyanistan as the New Azens protected themselves.

And right now, she was to come to Vanquaria, to attend the conference and to see her dear friend again. But knowing herself, knowing her history and knowing what sins she had committed against her former Advocate and Speaker, Banshee felt a deep and lasting pain in her chest. She didn't like that feeling because it always drove her to sit down and feel it. She wasn't like Sadisia or the rest of her people. Not a Sanarkannan. And she thought she had lost her edge. Peace had eroded her. And now as she was to face reunion with her old friend and leader, she felt that pain, she felt how it stabbed her, how it took her like her heart was supposed to be crushed as it was slowly frozen. The bite was great. She shook her head and tried to breath to control it. To fight it. But she let it happen, now simply hanging on to her breathing to try and not freak out. Not like this. She didn't want to see her doctors and her therapists again. Not at this time and not before such an important occasion. But protocol, which was especially accepted by her, dictated that if she had big, big feelings of guilt and other unwanted emotions again, she would have to see them. But she didn't want to and she knew it. Banshee then realized that if this will happen, then she would have to take a great gamble and attend the conference with the weight. Dead fucking weight.

She focused on her breathing for as much as ten then twenty minutes. And after that, the feeling was gone. Nothing gripped her after that. Only her mind, her office, thoughts about her friend, plans of getting to Vanquaria and the conflict. Banshee had been appealing to Vanquaria for so many times to get New Azenyanistan involved. She too, like Ayza, was concerned for her sisters and brothers there in Donnerland, especially for any New Azens and Vanquarians that were probably there. While she had been told that there were probably few Vanquarian citizens in Donnerland, she was more worried about both New Azens and Azens alike. Banshee, if she could just speak to her Vanquarian superiors face-to-face in that conference, she might be able to get her soldiers into the good fight. She knew this was a good fight. And while she knew she wasn't probably fit for total command of her own troops, she knew that her troops, her New Azen soldiers, were the best she had alongside their Vanquarian counterparts. She was proud of them. And she wanted to get them through this, to baptize the new ones in fire and to show to both Donnerland and the world that New Azenyanistan was as important as Azenyanistan and Urranese Azenyanistan as well. She had even heard that the Urranese Azen administrator too was appealing to the Urranese to send Azens from her care to fight the Donnish. And Banshee had already knew that almost every Azen community leader, big or small, all over Ausozera, was looking for ways to lead or to get Azens into the fight to save their countrymen even if they were completely Donnish citizens.

But to do that, she would actually have to get out of here. And she would. She had her own Concorde II and her own staff and her own guard. Her plane was being prepped and her staff and guard were only waiting for her to depart from her building. Banshee, the New Azen Administrator, in her aging glory and her ancient uniform, ultimately made the steps outside. She would go to the conference too!


END

[Pakiranistan]

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Squadron Leader Ali Malik, Donnish South Sea

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The cockpit of the NLC-44 buzzed with the seemingly distant humming of its engines as it flew smoothly over Donnish waters, Squadron Leader Ali Malik smiled as he gazed out towards the seemingly empty and peaceful sea as he flew over it. On his starboard side flew his wingman, another NLC-44 with the callsign GodFather 1-2 and on either side of them were the their elegant escourts of PF-15Ns, ready to strike out their talons at anyone attempting to harm their "clients" as the pilots referred to them.

As the flight of planes steadily neared their radar range, the NLC-44s began to broadcast their radar signals attempting to scan for any enemy combatants in the area, Malik sat patiently in his seat as the intelligence team onboard his craft went to work, radioing the battlegroup back and forth as they reported on any disturbances in the area and soon they did spot some enemy craft in the area, however they seemed to be lone patrols and were not counted as threats for the time being, the main force still being on the ground made it the perfect oppurtunity to strike. As such, the craft radioed in to the Raheel Sharif Battlegroup "CBGN 1, this is GodFather 1-1, we have lone enemy combatants in the area, however it seems as if the main enemy force is still grounded, suggest we take advantage of this" just mere miliseconds later a reply was sent back to the craft "GodFather 1-1, this is CBGN 1, please confirm your last, I repeat, please confirm your last" the message was soon picked up by GodFather 1-1 and a reply was sent back "CBGN 1, this is GodFather 1-1, can confirm my last, I repeat I confirm that the main enemy force is on the ground" and so a reply was sent back as deserved "GodFather 1-1, this is CBGN 1, your orders are to stay around the area and report any new upbringings, we are dispatching a strike wing as we speak, CBGN over and out" "Affirm CBGN 1, Godfather 1-1 over and out"

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PNS Raheel Sharif CVGN, Donnish South Sea

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The deck of the Raheel Sharif was busy with activity and seemed like an hectic scene to the unexperinced eye of someone who had never expieranced a full flight deck in action, naval crewman in colorful uniforms green, blue, purple, yellow dashed and gaited around the deck going from craft to craft and to perform their duties, pilots from the various naval air wings stationed onboard the Raheel Sharif walked to their craft with some already seated inside going over systems checks with carrier crewman. Captain Munakvar leaned over the railing on the Sharif and watched as the scene unfolded, just minutes ago he was seated in the bridge of the Raheel Sharif having a cup of chai but due to recent naval intelligence, he ordered the deployment of his carriers strike wing in a suprise attack "Lets just hope this stays a surprise, Inshallah it will" he whispered as he got up, adjusted his collar and walked back into the bridge.

Wing-Commander Hasan Khan sat in his aircraft reciting the Quran quietly as his PF-15NS was brought up via one of the Raheel Sharif's 3 lifts for aircraft and weapons stores, the lift smoothly creased up the ships hull until it stopped aligning itself with the flight deck, the safety bars on the lift were lowered a few moments afre it had stopped. Commander Khan marked his last read page in the Quran with a fine silk bookmark attached to the Quran and gently closed the Quran and placed it in his wingsuit pocket, he began to fill out his flight log and after he was finished he began flipping switches in the cockpit of his two seater variant of the PF-15N and PF-15NS, soon the engines roared to life and he began to go over systems and weapons checks with a technican on the flight deck. Before he knew it, he had taxied onto his catapult position and had placed his helmet over his head and covered his mouth with his rebreather for oxygen, he increased throttle to max and activated his afterburner and in what seemd to be miliseconds the aircraft shot off the carrier with the catapult and was airborne, the same scene occured with dozens of other strike fighters equipped for SEAD and general purpose bombs, as all the craft of Commander Khan's wing were airborne, he had them all report in with him being first "Chita Kah 1-1 reporting in" he was followed by "Chita Kah 1-2 reporting in" and so on, Commander Khan took the lead and led his wing of craft into dangerous waters, he began to gain altitude to avoid visual detection by enemy forces and made sure to buzz coalition naval vessels as he soared by.

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Master Senior Airman Harun Arshad, Donnish West Bay

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Airman Harun Arshad gripped his FN SCAR H rifle lightly as he passed through the outskirts of Yurunzerehg, his combat boots crunching through the soft snow of Donner Land "This is actually a beautiful country", he thought to himself as he scanned his surroundings for any enemy patrols and the like, he and his 4 man team having eluded them up to this point. He siganlled for his team to halt as he crouched over and pulled out his binoculars and placed them infront of eyes, he began to scan the town for activity and spotted loose groups of armed civilians and Donnish soldiers, but they were not what he was looking for, however, he soon did find his objective, a anti air battery sitting under the cover of foliage protected by a group of Donnish soldiers, he scanned around the battery looking for any enemy troops nearby, there were troops but if Harun and his team took the silent approach they would most likely not be alerted.

Harun lowered his binoculars and brought his supressed rifle up to bear as he began to use the 4X magnification provided to him by a Holo sight and magnifier to scan around before signalling his team to split up into two teams. Harun lead the teams grenadier, rifleman, and machinegunner while the teams marksman and Medic split off to gain a vantage on the Donnish soldiers, as Harun and his team neared the AA site, he slowly sneaked up behind one of the Donnish soldiers and quickly disposed of him with a shot to the head and grabbed him by his shoulder after he had shot him to drag his body out of sight, he hugged the anti air battery as he cautiously walked with his rifle up, he turned the corner and was soon spotted by a Donnish soldier who swung his rifle at him iniating hand to hand combat, Harun sidestepped his attack and uppercut the soldier, however this was not enough and the soldier swung at Harun catching him in the shoulder, Harun retaliated by headbutting the soldier in the face and pushing him right into the sights of the teams marksman who put a 7.62x51 right into his upper body ending his life right there. The rest of the Donnish detail fell with the Machinegunner spraying down three soldiers in a group and the Rifleman taking out a few. The team placed a charge on the battery before moving on to isolate another battery, the other five man team did the same.

[Empire of Donner land]

Rattean Embassy

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Zero Hour

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While the Federational Embassy was under attack, past a siege, the Rattean Embassy now came under fire, the SF attack from a roof infiltration ultimately had failed and they retreated. Plan B had undergone and now the Embassy was alerted to is danger. Now the Donnish went overt, as the Ratteans recovered from the LG attack and prepared as well, blunt force from the Donnish Military engaged the Embassy. The outside was rapidly secured as the Donnish APC's drove onto the lawn and opened, pouring out troops. The massive advantage the Donnish had in surprise was outweighed by the Rattean's preparedness.

As the 1st Squad to enter the Embassy opened the front door and secured the lobby, it was immediately engulfed in flames, oxygen being sucked in through the now smashed windows as the flames spilled out in the rapid explosion and only to be rapidly extinguished as the front half of the building collapsed in on itself, sending out forth the last remnants of its fiery embers in the expanding smoke cloud.

The Ratteans could only stave them off in defense of their nation as the Donnish breached the 2nd floor from the stairs through the remains of the building.

[Azenyanistan]

Operation Sands of Survival & Operation Guardian Angel

Status of Operations: Underway

Approved by: Chief of the Confederacy Ayza ur Talltower

The flag of Ayza ur Talltower: It was created by Ayza ur Talltower and sponsored by the Talltower Family. Today, this flag shall replace the flag used by the former administrations of Aneyt and Tyena and the temporary Grand Advocate as the official national flag of the Confederacy of Azenyanistan. The red bar on the top of the flag represents war as Azenyanistan is at war with Donnerland. The blue bar on the bottom represents peace but due to the war, it has to rest there. The two golden bars on the flag represent wealth especially because Az,
the first tribe of Azenyanistan, is also the wealthiest of all of the tribes and is currently the ruling tribe of the nation. The black body of the flag represents liberty and struggle. As Ayza said, it represents liberty because Azenyanistan is highly autonomous and is quite joyful with their freedom. It also represents struggle as Azenyanistan has come out of her dark and troubled past and is working greatly on restoring her former glory. The seven stars with seven points each represent the Seven tribes and their cities. The two moons represent Aze, the mother of all of the tribes and Ary, the mother of the Ayrrans as the Ayrrans were the ones who united Azenyanistan as one country, one nation, one family. The sun finally then represents hope and life and joy and all that is good in the world.

Official Telegram To Vanquaria From Azenyanistan

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From The Office Of The Azen Chief of The Confederacy: We have received your invitation to the conference. We will be there soon.
The Chief is escorted by her all of her available staff, her guards and is on the way from Yaneza Free And International Airport. We would like to request notification of arrival be sent immediately to Yaneza as soon as The Chief's plane arrives in Vanquaria. Thank you. With great respect,
The Confederacy of Azenyanistan.

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AZEN INTELLIGENCE GROUP

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ADVISING PAPER #xxxxxxx

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OPERATION SANDS OF SURVIVAL

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RECIPIENT: "SULTAN"

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VERIFICATION KIJOOSA-DSEDSSA-KIIJURS

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Southern Divisions
Killjoy in Soraught. More rebels entering the South of Donnerland. 1st Merchant Fleet preparing to carry out Operation. High Command requesting permission to carry out Operation. Possible landing zones: West Bay - Whenderehg & East Bay - nearby Azulnish villages (UNCONFIRMED)

East Bay is possible location for majority of force. West Bay is possible location for light to moderate Donnish resistance. East Bay suggested for establishing Azen MBO (Main Base of Operations). Suggest some caution. Possible Donnish movement into East Bay.

Warning: Blizzards beginning to set over the bay. Suggest caution and thought over weather in Soraught and general Climate of Donnerland. Suggest special attention to logistics and survival of all personnel. Suggest assistance from AARA (Azen Azulnish Rebel Alliance).

Killjoy still commander of Southern Divisions. AARA very active in Soraught and in friendly villages. Fighters coming over from neighboring allied nations. Suggest contact and joining of incoming fighters. Suggest AARA be joined to Operation forces as soon as solid contact is made inbetween.

AARA plan: Secure port of Soraught for allies. Secure areas close to the port. Buy time. Find and take in incoming fighters and scattered rebel forces. Await allied and Azen reinforcements. Main AARA objectives: Bleed Donnish forces. Secure port of Soraught.

Suggest 1st Merchant Fleet to take action first. 2nd Merchant Fleet very close. Suggest 2nd Merchant Fleet provide support as 1st Merchant Fleet makes it into Soraught and landing locations. Suggest 2nd Merchant Fleet land in East Bay.

Rumors of Donnish military and armed civilians conducting mass violence against Azulnish, Azens and other Donnish minorities in Southern Donnerland. Suggest deployment of AIG agents to investigate. Suggest sending in Azen International News journalists to investigate. Suggest main Azen forces to investigate with rebels. Need hard evidence. If survivors found, interview. If interviews match hard evidence, AIG is to carry out Blue phase of Operation Guardian Angel.

Analysis and opinions: Azen Azulnish Rebel Alliance have OK to good chance of success. Suggest immediate support of AARA to increase chance of success.

Landing chances are unclear. Not enough intel gathered on Donnish forces and movements. Request contact with allied intelligence agencies for information. Suggest caution. If all remain unclear, 1st and 2nd Merchant Fleets are to hold their forces from landing and making contact with enemy until allied forces soften enemy.

General success probability still ongoing debate. Very high morale reported though. High Command is highly confident in Operation and general success.

Casualties predicted to be high. If or if not softened, enemy is expected to give high to extreme resistance to allied and Azen forces. Possible presence of enemy AA high. Possible presence of enemy sea mines light. Possible presence of enemy anti ship weapons light. Suggest great caution. Suggest heavy bombardment. Suggest AARA search & destroy enemy weapons that are threats to the fleets.

Conclusion to analysis and opinions: Suggest High Command take responsibility for general affairs. Suggest government to wait for High Command to request for decisions if and only if High Command is unsure or if High Command is in need of greater political opinion and decision.

Further words: Immediate and full mobilization of all available Green Helmets on Azenyanistan. Immediate and full mobilization of all employed private military companies on Azenyanistan. Immediate and full mobilization of all available militias. Suggest joining of forces. Suggest emergency reorganization.

Status of ports: All clear. No saboteurs. Officers conducting investigations. ACP Operation is success. Many targets arrested. Evidence acquired. Extreme amounts of intelligence taken.

Ending words: Recommend activation of 2nd Level of EndWar Policy.

VERIFICATION FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - UJJIKOR-POLKKID-7037471

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Suggest Eve acquire more needed assets.

Suggest activation of The Division. Recommend Sherman Doctrine.

End End End End

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ENDING VERIFICATION: DS-PO-XA-SA-CS-SA-SS-XX-ZZ-DD-SE-RE-TT-FF-SA-HH-EA-TT-RR-TT

Merchant Fleets

The operations were going underway. The Admiral and the High Commander of the Azen forces were together on the bridge, observing their men as they moved from place to place, finally getting into action. On the bridge of The Guardian Angel, Admiral Larrah saw through her binoculars/rangefinder several carrier crews prepping the New Born helicopter gunships while nearby, all of the destroyers, cruisers, gas ships and other ships on the water fitted with either Long Range Devastators or the usual Azen calibers ranging from 100 to 150 milimeters were firing at the Eastern Bay of Southern Donnerland, just close to the city of Soraught. It was deafening especially with the New Borns, Vulture helicopters, F-14J Kai+s, A-4KU Skyhawks and F-16As were getting ready or were already taking off.

Admiral Larrah was able to take the noise but for the sake of her companion, High Commander Salade II, who was clearly trying to save her ears by covering them with her hands, she nodded to a nearby sailor who immediately fetched a protective headset for the High Commander. The Admiral offered it to Salade II and she took it and thanked her with a nod and smile. Larrah returned the gesture and simply continued to watch, seeing men from the passenger ships getting into the landing crafts as the Azen bombardment raged on and on.

On one of the ships fitted with Long Range Devastators, which were originally Azen heavy ground artillery, it was both madness and beauty. There were three guns upon her body, firing one by one. Their aim towards the Eastern Bay, the sailors of this particular ship did not doubt that their rounds would hit their targets. And as they fired, a great gas ship slowly made her way over her, bearing witness to the two Azen fleets. With the 1st and 2nd Merchant Fleets joined together, it was a great show of power for the Azens in terms of logistics and manpower. No summoned cargo or passenger ship was absent and no warship of the Azen Navy did not go without firing their weapons. It would however be a short bombardment. Wasting their ammunition would not be taken with gratitude. And quickly, after the bombardment, the ships were occupied with reloading and rechecking their ammunition as the gas ships began to open up their bays. And out of the gas ships came the New Borns which they carried, joining the other New Borns flying away from their carriers with the Vultures, F-14J Kai+s, A-4KU Skyhawks and F-16As escorting them.

11 New Borns, 11 Vultures, 10 Kais and Skyhawks and 12 F-16As from the Azen fleets were in the air. There were a few other attack helicopters too among them. And they would be the first to go, leading the Azen forces invading Donnerland.

In the air, Larrah and Salade II could observe their attack aircraft, helicopter and plane, make their way to the front of the formation, creating a grand wedge. Behind them, the Kais that would serve air superiority and the F-16s that would serve to bomb the Eastern Bay further. And further behind, the New Borns and some Vultures. Carrying women (and few men) from The Saadinara Group, the Black Guards, Rakshani Core Soldiers, The Kanahne Group and 1st Group One Seven One Strike Force, they would be the first wave.

The next wave, the two planned, would carry the 1st and 2nd Regiments of the 1st Infantry Division of General Journey, The New Knights of Azenyanistan, Group Osaria and the 1st Armored Regiment of the 7th Armored Division. Then another wave and another until every personnel vital to the expected ground battles that Azenyanistan would have to fight through to establish their main base and then distribute supplies and ensure survival of coalition units was in the fight. If the Eastern Bay is taken, the gas ships and their cargo ships would be free to land. But for now...

The first wave must hit the Eastern Bay as their angels in heaven strike the Donnish anti-aircraft positions if they can.

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Morning, September 15th 2015, Cold, Approaching The Eastern Bay Of Southern Donnerland, City of Soraught

Our unit is going to have to split up. One part would have to go with the first wave while the other in the second wave. I'm part of the first wave along with many of my friends. Our Captain, Ms. Jieyassa, would have to go in the second wave. But Lieutenant Parysatis would be with us. We hope under her care, we would make it. Most of us. Our planes are like angels, leaving their carriers behind to lead us on.
It was said that attack aircraft and fighter bombers would further soften our targets in the Eastern Bay. There, we would meet Donnish anti aircraft troops and possibly some very heavy resistance. Hopefully the bombardment from the government ships were enough to destroy or damage a great deal of them.

As a soldier for Saragon, I hope our regular pay is good enough. This would be my first real battle and with Jieyassa, Parysatis and my friends...
I pray they would survive. As soon as our landing craft is ready, we would get on board and then sail away from the fleets and into the Eastern Bay. And perhaps, maybe, just maybe, we would be the first of the coalition to hit the Donnish shores.

Private Zartash ur Bangash
The Saadinara Group

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The Green Helmets - 1st Regiment

Specialist Evantia ur Irran
1st Squad, 2nd Platoon

It's time. While we would be on the second wave, it is still exciting. We would finally be assaulting the enemy. I never thought as a Green Helmet that I would see only a piece of combat here and there. I was wrong when I fought in Reutoa and I would be wrong again when we would land on Donnerland. The bombardment should have softened them and our planes would have done more of the job. But no war could be fought properly without infantry. I was considered infantry along with my squad, my platoon, my regiment, my division. We had vehicles, yes, and a lot of support but we were the best that Azenyanistan had. We would have to wait until the second wave is called in. There would be 15 or 30 minute gaps in between waves.

As we waited, our Guardian Commander, Karea, came to see us. She was happy and she never failed to speak a little to each of us. After she gave us attention one by one, she eventually grew serious and told us to remember the lessons of Reutoa. We would be facing a tough enemy.
A nation that has fought the Vanquarians. A nation that was also our ally. It would be hard, she told us, but it would be necessary and rewarding.
She told us that, if our unit makes it through, she would treat us to actual meals. We all laughed and after a while and some more instructions,
she left us and returned to see to her staff and own orders. As we waited, I thought about what family I had left in Donnerland. I hoped my big sister would be all right.

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Code: Select all

Authentication: 9SOAI21-SK9OS93-LFDSA29

Official Telegraphic Message To: Pakiran Armed Forces in Donnerland

CC To: All Other Coalition Forces In Donnerland

Official Telegram From: Azen Military in Donnerland

ENCRYPTED ENCRYPTED ENCRYPTED ENCRYPTED

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Platoon Sergeant Yahurann ur Ishtarrann
1st Platoon "Soretir"
Azen Azulnish Rebel Alliance - North

Bogt, Donnerland

The platoon sergeant of the 1st sent into Bogt was almost always on point. Leading her own squads while their platoon leader and first lieutenant, Naridani ur Suran, led the rest. Yahurann, as she was called, tried to remember the details of their mission as they swiftly moved through the city using the alleys, holes in the buildings and roads that weren't being used by hostile Donnish. There was no formation. It wouldn't be practical. What mattered was getting the platoon through and close to the Rattean embassy.

The details of their mission? Move through the city, get close to the Rattean embassy and then help them in any way they could. The platoon carried extra food, water and ammunition. Yahurann and Naridani themselves carried extra food. They hoped the Ratteans would appreciate both Azen MREs and snacks such as onion rings, shawarma and much more. The platoon sergeant told herself that they would get there and that the platoon would do their best. Reorganized at the eve of the conflict, stationed to the North and now this. Yahurann prayed that the Ratteans could still hold out.

"Platoon! Stop!" Said Naridani, who went on one knee and gestured to the platoon to stop. Her men stopped, also getting on one knee or just crouching. They had stopped in an alley while Yahurann and her men were still moving. The platoon had split up and the distance was not too much for their radios. Naridani picked up hers and contacted Yahurann

"Soretir-2, stop. This is Soretir-1. Repeat, Soretir-2, stop." And almost immediately, Yahurann's radio picked that up. She heard it. She stopped moving and went on one knee, scanning her surroundings ahead of her. The alley was clear and she heard nothing from that end. She too also made her men stop and take a knee or simply go down. She then picked her radio up and responded "Soretir-1, we've stopped. This is Soretir-2."

Naridani got that as she was checking her men. They were not yet exhausted, that was good. But they had worried faces and some could not stop shifting in place and looking around. She didn't mind but it was true that not all of them who reorganized into the 1st were from the 1st. She pressed the PTT on her radio and said "Soretir-2, this is Soretir-1, I copy that. What do you have there?"

"Soretir-1, this is Soretir-2, nothing. Is it quiet there too?"

"Soretir-2, it's quiet here too."

"Do we keep moving?"

Naridani took one more look at her men. They seemed to have heard Yahurann and most of them nodded to their platoon leader. Naridani then returned her attention to her radio and replied

"Yeah. Keep moving. But let's not speak like this. We'll have to start talking Azenish. The Donnish can't understand that and they really don't have any translators."

"The usual?"

Naridani nodded and said

"Nahama." Which meant "Yes."

Immediately, Yahurann nodded to that and put away her PTT radio after turning it off and put on her headset. She then, after getting it online and on their frequency, told her lieutenant

"Urahu lara." Which meant "Moving out."

And just after that, she commanded her men to

"Get up! Lara, lara, lara!" And they obeyed, getting on their feet and following their sergeant as she dashed through the alley and out of it. Meanwhile, Naridani simply said

"Alary, Soretir-2." And said the same command to move out to her own men. Both parts of the platoon were getting out of the alleys they were in and into the empty streets of the city. They avoided any place that seemed to tell that there were Donnish there.

Soretir-1's men moved in a loose column while Soretir-2's men followed their point woman in a unique Azen formation that was shaped like an exclamation point. Most of the men would follow in single or double file while a fireteam or a squad watched their backs. They all moved quickly, following the directions that Soretir-1 issued to her own men and to Soretir-2 for her to issue to her own men.

After much running or loping, the two teams linked up at a left-behind office building. There, Naridani bumped fists with Yahurann as both of their men either gave one another fist bumps, pats or simple hugs. Yahurann asked her

"Naridani, you think we're gonna get there in time?"

Their lieutenant nodded and said

"Yes. We will. We have the supplies they will need and the manpower they must have to push back the Donnish. Our comrades inside Bogt say that the Donnish are using their full force. They've tried to get in using special forces. But that failed. Now they're using both APCs and a lot of infantry."

Their lieutenant then looked around the abandoned office building. It wasn't messy but it was really empty. Yahurann noticed that too while their men were resting or checking their weapons. Naridani then looked to Yahurann and told her

"We can't stay here. Our mission is out there. But if we keep on moving like this, it won't be long until the Donnish find us. We'll have to stick together now but not when we are moving out of this building. But once we get closer to the embassy, we'll split up again."

She then produced a small map from her pockets and gave it to her platoon sergeant. The sergeant took it from her hands, which were sand-colored, and looked at the map. Meanwhile, Naridani told her

"You'll have to move around and get into the area of the embassy from behind. Get your best radio woman to tap into the frequencies that the Ratteans may be using. We have to tell them that we are going to help them. We can't risk friendly fire by not telling them."

"What about you?" She asked, returning the small map to the Ayrran. The Ayrran simply shrugged and said

"I'll try to distract the Donnish. Our platoon has a lot of grenades and we're certainly not without our own rocket propelled grenades. It's gonna be Old Republic assets versus contemporary Donnish infantry and vehicles. But it's better than nothing."

The platoon sergeant nodded and let her breath become steam. The platoon leader then nodded and told her

"You'll have to move out first. I'll move out in five minutes."

Yahurann nodded and said, with a very brief salute

"Teyaba." Which meant "Okay."

Then as quickly as they have moved, she ordered her men

"ETABARAHA MERRAH! NALLISH!" Which meant "Follow me! Now!"

She rushed out of the building. Her men followed like wasps. Five minutes later, Naridani and her men left the office behind. And as they did, Naridani gave the office a little nod of respect for quietly allowing them to stop.

The two parts of the platoon again joined together for a while until they've reached a block of buildings close to where the embassies were supposed to be. They could hear gunfire and they could see smoke and fire. Yahurann had a fireteam up on one of the buildings so they could provide eyes and ears for them while Naridani told her men to stay behind while she took her squad to get a closer look. As that happened, the platoon sergeant called her best radio woman to her and told her

"Get on your radio. Open channel. Look for the frequencies that the Ratteans are using. Once you get that, get this message to them:

This is the AARA. We're the first responders to your situation. Full platoon, many supplies. We are friendlies. Callsign Soretir. We're going to go around and into the back while the rest of us will distract the Donnish. You're not alone, repeat, you're not alone.

I'm counting on you and so are those people in the embassy. Do it now."

The radio woman nodded and moved away into one of the buildings to try and locate the frequencies used while she was guarded by her squad and protected by the building.

While Yahurann waited, she prayed her lieutanant and her squad would not get into any trouble before they've started. They were the first to help their allies and they would probably be the last. Much of the AARA was focused on sabotaging the Donnish or causing general chaos to slow them down. Not too much of the rebels could afford to aid their allies in their embassies. And the Azen embassy has already been rigged to blow if the enemy got there after it was abandoned.

[Second Helghan Empire]

Helghast Command

"It is fine my friend." Serrano stated as he and Kyler were escorted into the building. "I would much rather we work together on a plan that is actionable."

They stepped into a command room with nearly forty people along walls at consoles either listening to transmissions or sending them. A few young soldiers ran back and forth delivering papers and recordings to their destinations and in the forward area of the room a large screen lay flat like a table with the floor depressed downward under it creating a sort of higher walkway around the central piece.

On it flashed different icons continuously updated by both the MAWLER System and the controllers around the room. The map could focus in on separate regions of Helghan, Vanquaria, and Donner land and was how Serrano plotted his moves. Marked on it were all positions and formations known to Helghast High Command. The map itself appeared three dimensional and while markers indicated units, satellite images could be displayed on the rear wall to allow a better view of the area however this was more for geographical aid as it was too far out to use alone in reconnaissance.

On the map the HAIRM installations and enemy positions and structures identified thusfar flashed in an orange color. Small green dots with timer showed the last known locations of the agents sent in earlier by the Helghast, and Blue marked helghast forces.

"As you can see we have identified several enemy positions, the difficult portion will be to remove their defenses when we come to blows with one another. Orders from on high say to wait for the enemy o make a move first which fits me fine at the moment. However with the Coalition preparing their own invasion I believe an attack from the Donnish may never come."

Serrano began to slide the map south and east until the city of Soraught, or at least part of it lay in view. Far less orange icons appeared here as Helghast Intelligence had focused less on the region in general. However that lack of interest would change soon as a call went up from one of the controllers along the west wall.

"Coalition forces on the move!" She shouted. A small collection of purple icons appeared in the water with timers over them indicating how long since they had been added. Arrows pointed in projected trajectories of the vessels and aircraft. It wasn't perfect, what they were looking at appeared to be less than a fraction of the believed Coalition forces, however this was news that the helghast needed to pass along to every command center in the IWA.

"Well General we may be actually about to see some fighting done in this war."

---

Helghast Royal Transport 3-Alpha

Three Alpha simply referred to the jet used to carry the royals to and from foreign nations. It didn't specifically mean any one aircraft however the Jet used was Autarch Gustav's favorite. It was an Airbus A380 custom built for the Autarch following his Coronation. It was a veritable flying mansion, and well guarded too with four Arn-13P Jets and 2 Arn-13K Jets as an escort. Typically the escort would be 2-3 jets and not the prime of the Helghast Air Force, however with the regional Tensions chances were not willing to be taken.

As the Jet touched down the Autarch gathered his family together to exit right after the point Security detail. Four large men in dress uniforms promptly saluted and exited the aircraft, each Armed with LS12 SMG's. Once they stood on the runway the Autarch was first out, followed by his wife and their son. Next was Lila Stazko, a frequent visitor to Vanquaria since her engagement to Autarch Scott He. The Last three family members were Damian and Natalia and lastly Cesia the youngest.

Part of their security unit, led by Irena Mikula, the rumored bastard sister of the royal family, followed closely and remained with the family as the boarded an over-sized limousine. Making fast time straight to the Palace, Gustav hoped to say hello to his fellow Autarch before his family disbanded to pursue some form of relaxation or other hobby.

[Western Imperial Union]

Vanquarian Palace, Auraxis

The emperor was happy to be led to the Dining Room. His boys in tow, Solomon's weathered yet refined appearance seemed to highlight his political position while also giving him an aura of warmth and friendliness. However his gray eyes almost displaced that effect. They seemed to bore holes into those he had conversation with.

They anxiously awaited their vanquarian counterparts. Solomon admired the palace as he waited. The Vanquarians knew something about how to be regal.

Helghast Command

Kyler was impressed by the command room. He was very impressed when he was able to watch as reports of the events near Soraught filtered onto the screen. However he remained more concerned with their own theater.

"It looks like that but we have our own objectives, none of which concern the Coalition landings."

[The Federation of Democratic Regions]

Bridge, FNS Courageous, Main Fleet

The situation on the bridge could best be described as controlled chaos as crew coordinated the largest amphibious invasion in Ausozeran history with officers and staff from a plethora of different nations. Although most of the action was taking place onboard the Portean aircraft carrier Akagi, the bridge staff of the Courageous still had to manage the Federationist forces, a full squadron of warships and two divisions worth of ground troops, of which nearly three thousand would be going ashore within the next few hours. The operation had been devised by Portean military staff, calling for a massive air effort to suppress the Donnish air defences shortly before an amphibious force secured a beachhead from which the combined allied force could launch an assault to seize Soraught. The Federationist contribution to the allied air fleet consisted largely of the new JAS 41, along with several SEAD and strike variants of the JAS 39. The overall commander of the Federationist force was Admiral Peter Abramsson, commanding from the Courageous. The Federationist squadron consisted of six destroyers and a single cruiser escorting the carrier and transports carrying the majority of the ground force. While a much smaller portion of the combined fleet when compared to the Portean force, it was still a considerable force compared to the pitiful organization the Donnish called a navy. Current intelligence had stated the Donnish were retreating their entire southern fleet away from the coalition fleet, moving them to link up with the Donnish northern fleet.

At the moment, Admiral Abramsson was going over communications from Federationist Defence Headquarters from the White Castle complex in Blomstra, where the Kaiserine and most of the senior defense staff were located to coordinate Federationist deployments. Several of the messages detailed the forces he would have at his disposal once a beachhead had been secured, including the full Queen's Azen Legion and Queen's Dragoon Guards. Currently, the 4th Assault Group and several regiments were embarked with the fleet, with the 4th boarding transports on the five LHDs of the fleet to go ashore with the Portean marines and coalition forces. An aide interrupted his reading, informing him that the Portean admiral had conveyed the signal to begin air operations and send the first wave ashore. Relaying the order to the bridge staff, he watched through the bridge windows as the deck crew scrambled to get the strike package airborne, a group of JAS 41s protecting a strike force of JAS 39s. Meanwhile, the 1st Battalion of the 4th Assault Group would be boarding amphibious assault vehicles to hit the beach within the next thirty minutes alongside the rest of the coalition.

[Saradena]

Near the Donnish Coast

---

"Armada, Ita'i Kiska-6. Are'wa Donska arimo shikimi'to. Komen'ska sakusen panashkoga."
("Fleet, this is Kiska-6. We've penetrated Donnish airspace. Commencing jamming ops.")

With the EA-18G Growlers closing in range of Donnish radar, they begin activating their jamming pods. Disrupting any non-friendly communications and radar systems in areas that the other Coalition EW aircraft had not covered yet. With the enemy's communications and radar systems being scrambled, the Fleet's initial barrage would be less able to be intercepted by Donnish defenses. The Growlers continue to loiter the area for the time being as they signal the Fleet.

Meanwhile, as the Admiral is informed that the Growlers have begun their jamming operations. He then tells the fleet to commence the barrage.

"Ume wa Kajeka n'ga"
(Rain Hell on 'em)

As the words leave the Admiral's mouth, the crew begin launching their projectiles at their targets, the destroyers and cruisers launching their Tomahawk missiles towards their targets: "Harem Nests", AShM Batteries, Nearby airfields, bridges, and other infrastructure that proved to be useful to the Donnish forces in the area. The Sadako, after charging her railguns, launches her projectiles at other targets that were not targeted by the Tomahawk barrage. All projectiles begin speeding towards Donner Land's coast, about to rain death and destruction onto the unfortunate Donnish that happens to be there when they hit.

---

Approaching the Palace, Vanquaria

Karen Jougasuki sits on the side of an SUV with her partner, Johann Surmaji, preparing herself to be presentable to the delegates that would attend the conference. A day and several hours prior, the Esgonian Government was invited by the Vanquarians in a conference that would decide the fate of Donner Land, in which they had agreed to attend and sent both Karen and Johann to do so. Before they knew it, they were on an Esgonian C-130 en route to Vanquaria, with two SUV's provided to them; one carrying the Delegates, and the other one carrying heavily-armed contractors from Bruhl International LLC. hired to protect the two delegates.

"God, I hate being in here. Just creeps you out, you know." mutters Johann as Karen prepares her make-up. "Just pretend this is Jaclean again and it'll be fine. We're only here for a couple of days, anyway." she replies. On Johann's lap was a briefcase that contained documents that could be useful during the conference. He gives a brief look at it before going back to looking at the window as the SUVs make their way quickly to the Hotel.

[Azenyanistan]

No matter how many times you speak to an Azen veteran about war, no matter what country you are from, even if you are from a country the Azens may hold dearly as much as their heartland, know that that Azen veteran will most likely nod, say thanks and then begin thinking again about their experience and wonder if their experience holds true to what you say and wonder if you yourself have suffered the same experience. But now they have realized that they are alone in their mind. Everyone is. And not a single foreign therapist that has not been through the same experience as the veteran can or will assist as much as an Azen therapist that has been through the same could.

And sometimes, that therapist is the veteran herself or himself.

A survivor, in Azenyanistan, of the chaos and wars, is sometimes forced to be alone as they deal with their own problems. But that is only sometimes.

For sometimes too, the survivor is not alone. It is not all the time that they are alone.

And they will never be until the day their mind is wiped away off the face of Ausozera.

- Chief Ayza ur Talltower, during a speech on one of her conferences with colleagues during her time as a consultant to the Azen military during the difficult times.


The First Wave, Eastern Bay



The year was and is and will always will be remembered. So will the month be and the date as well. And furthermore will the hour, the minute and the second. Yet it is not always the case. But for this, it shall be so the case.

The first wave was fastly approaching the Eastern Bay. Above them, the great planes donated or sold to the Azens a small number of years before were flown by Azen pilots, trained by either the ones who sold or donated them themselves or by the ones who chose to stay in Azenyanistan. They escorted or led the gunship helicopters that carried men and light vehicles such as motorcycles, very light fire support or simple equipment like mortars and heavy machine guns. Behind the first wave were the big ships. The cargo ships, the destroyers, the cruisers and so much more. The Azen Navy. Revitalized and still on the way to greatness. Give it ten years or even twenty years. It will change eventually. But not wasn’t the time to work on that. The Navy had been summoned and so shall it call. The warships again roared, their weapons aimed and the projectiles leaving the barrels or tubes. Missiles flew as shells rained from the turrets.

And before the first wave of Azen troops was the Eastern Bay of Southern Donnerland. There it was. There it shall be. The troops on board the landing crafts and riding the bodies of the helicopter gunships could see the remarkable foliage of the Eastern Bay very well. And it burnt as more shells and more missiles hit the Eastern Bay.

And they were getting very close. Nothing was hitting the first wave back yet and the landing crafts looked like they could get there without too much resistance. Either that or the Donnish hadn’t decided to hit them back yet. At all.

Among them, in one of the lead crafts, as the cold winds struck them in their winter gear, was Private Zartash ur Bangash of the Saadinara Group from Saragon Corps and Specialist Evantia ur Irran of the Green Helmets, the legendary peacekeepers of Azenyanistan. And both of them were together, hearing the same order not to speak in the common language of Ausozera but in Azenish.

The Donnish have little to no knowledge of the Azen language and that would be used to their advantage. The Azen troops that would hit the Eastern Bay first did not worry or complain as Azenish was already like the common tongue: They can speak it as much as they want as easily as they want for as long as they want.

The planes went further and faster without them, the gunships descending towards the edge of the bay. No resistance yet. Looks like the naval barrages seemed to do their job. That was the thought of some foolish Azen troops when suddenly

“INCOMING ANTI AIRCRAFT! GET DOWN!” Shouted an Azen infantrywoman from a nearby craft to the left of them. Everyone hit the floor as they heard missiles striking a few planes and heavy gunfire cutting helicopters down and forcing them to spin as they crashed...and burned. The crafts were getting closer but their air cover was getting hammered. Already, the troops kept down, their officers ordering the men in charge of moving the crafts and amphibious vehicles to move faster. And they did while the rest, before the announcement, already had driven their crafts or vehicles to move as fast as they could ASAP.

They closed the distance more and more and more as the planes flew higher, the helicopters flew higher or descended rapidly and hurriedly spat her cargo or troops out on the bay. Planes that still flew low were hit or were, either in panic or out of training, opened up their missiles and/or heavy cannons. Machine guns and rockets from helicopters were coming out towards the interior of the bay. Whoever was engaging the Donnish was firing into the bay.

All that to protect the landing crafts as Donnish mortars began hitting the water all around them. The first shots were almost always a miss. But once the mortars began to keep on firing…


“SIR! WE’RE GETTING HIT!!” Shouted one of the Azen soldiers with the Private and Specialist. She shouted that out of panic from seeing one of the landing crafts get hit by mortar fire. The horror of seeing women burn in that craft, some jumping out or climbing out, some just dying helplessly as their bodies fell, others frozen from fear, screaming like hell. The Specialist was used to it but it shook the Private up.
Despite heavy resistance now, the 1st Azen Wave was getting across the waters and finally...unto the cold ground of the Eastern Bay.

Landing crafts beached themselves like dolphins as amphibious fighting or transport vehicles swam out, crawled onto and moved across the coarse stones and rough ground. Crafts slammed their doors down and open for their troops, the women soldiers of Azenyanistan rushing out, out, out of the damned things as tanks or IFVs or APCs or even motorcycles followed them.

Although on board on one of the first landing crafts, they were late. The sailors driving the craft around had to dodge burning or sinking crafts as they made their way closer and closer inevitably to the cold edge of the East Bay. But soon enough, yes, they made it. Again, the door slammed down. The front was open. They could get out and they did, the Specialist moving out first as fast as she could like a cheetah trying to flee a rain of angry prey while the Private stumbled at first before sprinting away with her friends. The Specialist led her sisters towards what looked like heavy cover by the virtue of the trees. A handful followed her while a smaller number of men followed the Private, being confused and forgetting where to go.

Officers were leading men. NCOs were encouraging them. And the enlisted were obeying them. No time to choose. It was either obey or risk death from mortar fire. And that got men wondering where the fuck the Donnish infantry or armor or even machines were. But once they got into quick thinking, cover was more important.

The Specialist panted as she stopped and pushed or shoved those following her forward towards the trees for cover. And she spotted the private, shouting at her

“JUNDIRAR! HAARAK AL FATAWEN!” Which meant Private! Get Here!

She spoke in an Ayrran fashion but the Private knew it and went after her words, telling her buddies to go too. And they were able to reach cover with the Specialist being the last to go.

Then and only THEN did both of them get a hang on what was happening at all.

The landing crafts and everything else hitting the Bay were making it en masse. Squads were making it through, platoons and companies were getting back together as they reached cover and fire support was shooting through the forest or over it, with the tanks (fitted with blades and many other useful things that would only prove great hell for anything in their way) smashing through obstacles such as weak trees or too much foliage. Some men followed them as all the tanks were opening up with their machine guns or mortars.

At their part of the Bay, which was just mere meters away from their landing craft, now burning, and several more from the rest of the first wave, the Specialist and Private stuck close as did their buddies.

Above them, as the Private saw, while the Specialist and a few others gathered weapons and ammo close to them, a Portean fighter plane given to the Azens roared gently as she swept over the trees, firing her machine guns and cannons. Obviously, they killed their ears, forcing all of them to cover their ears and scream until the plane had gone away. But still, their ears rang or hurt as they kept on gathering weapons and ammo from either fallen troops or scattered packs.

Meanwhile, several meters away from them, a Captain and an armful of her troops were taking cover behind one of the new Azen fighting vehicles that sported a 100mm gun that blasted into the air (as it was elevated some degrees) a High Explosive round as her triple 7.62mm machine guns opened fire either into the air too or through the forest, burst fire only. The fire support vehicle covered them as did a team of Azens using a heavy 7.62mm machine gun as well on the Captain’s right. A few meters away as it deafened everyone too close to them, the team literally focused alone on their machine gun and what they were firing at. Meanwhile, the Captain was relieved even with such a rough landing. Her gunship helicopter got torn into pieces and blew just half a kilometer away from the Bay after it dropped them off and went to get more fuel because the pilot told her that they were Bingo. She grunted as she counted only most of her men still alive and behind cover, giving surpressing fire on far off Donnish positions with machine guns and other infantry weapons. Eventually, she gestured furiously at an RO and told her

“Onsal merrah!” Which meant On Me!

Immediately, the RO left her spot and finally sat close to the Captain who took the portable telephone from the RO and said to the invasion forces far off

“Nalasiir! Nalasiir!” She barked “Eshar Arkun! Nori altafar daste tesarii! Eshar Arkun! Nallish! Suyra!” The Captain was reporting on the status of the first wave. And it was with a mixed tone. They surely hit the bay but some Donnish AA was still active and so was light artillery. She then continued

“Nashartarik mordas! Ellaiyfeh asrul reayrae gyyadul! RAS!” Ras meant Out. She finished her part with a call for the second wave. And then she slammed the telephone back in place and allowed the RO to return to her spot. She didn’t and instead remained with the Captain as the people back on the ships received her message.

Fifteen to thirty minutes later, several more amphibious vehicles and landing crafts exited the ships, getting into the water and moving out. The second wave was sent.

[Vanquaria]

The Auraxis Conference

Side of the Great Palace facing the lake that surrounds the island of Auraxis

---

“My lord, the Esgonians and Azens have arrived. Our brother Autarch and the Emperor of the Western Imperialists have arrived and await your presence,” the state secretary, donning a dark crimson suit worth a value that would be able to feed an entire family well for a month, said to the figure in front of him.

That figure was of course, the Autarch Scott Esic He of the Iron Empire. Seated in the “Throne”, which was a throne-like arm rest of traditional oakwood yet inbuilt with the latest technology, the most powerful young man of Ausozera waved away his secretary, head still engrossed in the display screen within his triangular table. Behind him were his advisors and military officers of the renowned High Command, men whose most recent claim to greatness was the unbelievable annexation of the now defunct Modeno.

“Well, my guests are here gentlemen, I shall take my leave. Have the relevant documents shared into my monitor for the round table.” Scott stood up and stretched briefly. A servant seemingly appeared out of thin air to help him into his black and maroon streaked suit for the important formalities ahead.

Soon the Scott was at one of the entrances to the Palace’s Dining Hall. Patting his glossed, black hair he adjusted his tie slightly before striding into the Hall. The sight that awaited him was one of a massive,circular dining table of thick marble white. Its edges were of smooth curves and everywhere you looked around the room there was at least one servant either moving about or on standby to serve. There were no visible men in armour for Scott had made it clear this was to be a warm event of good food and business, let not the troubles of the outside world seep into his place of peace. Everything had been prepared to accommodate and grant best possible communication between the world leaders that would gather here today from the shape of the tables to the type of background music played by one of Vanquaria’s most notable orchestras.

Immediately his falcon eyes led him to one of his people’s closest allies, a man of an admirable dynasty and of a certain demeanour that, to Scott, made it clear that he had been meticulously moulded by his nation to be their guiding light.

“Great Emperor Solomon Beacon of the bastion power of the North! It is truly humbling to be in the presence of a man faced with adversity early on in his reign yet to overcome and triumph over the odds. How are you and your two young boys? I find my home has been adequate enough for your tastes?,” Scott jovially greeted his 10-year senior with a firm but warm handshake.

Outside at the planned entrance into the Palace numerous officials stood by to guide the guests into the Dining Hall. A golden carpet was laid out and an elaborate honour guard composed of men from the Vanquarian Army Spetsnaz stood tall and proud. Events like these happened rarely in Ausozera, thankfully the Vanuqarians were aware of this fact and had taken the appropriate preparations. Security in the form of armed police lining the streets and the best Northern ingredients shipped in were one of many aspects to this meeting.

The Auraxis Conference was officially in full swing.

Vanquarian Security Service Tactical Operations Officer

[Azenyanistan]

The two Azen women rubbed their forehead with the other's and bearing witness to this warmth was Chief Ayza ur Talltower of the tribe of Az and of Azenyanistan. The aging Banshee was rubbing and sighing as the weary Sadisia did the same. For Azens, rubbing foreheads together with another person was a deep gesture, a show of love so genuine, it is not appropriate to do it so casually. For this occasion, they could do this. And it was very appreciated. By Ayza's side, her secretary and her camera. Ayza allowed the secretary to snap a picture of the two best friends without flash. Twice. Then the secretary put it away and smiled as the two spoke to each other without holding back

Banshee said

"Oh dear Sadisia...my Advocate. How have you been? You feel so tired. Why is that so?"

Sadisia chuckled ironically and sighed

"I have been...occupied very much, dear Banshee. How have you been too, dear General? You too seem weary."

"My husband. He has been locked away. It has been eating me away for many moons. And my son...I miss him as he trains every day for the Empire. As for my husband, I could see him but I fear for his life every time I go to bed. And my daughter."

She teared up and held on

"I want my daughter, dear Sadisia. I want to see her so badly~"

Sadisia could not help but sigh too and say, putting her young arms around the now shivering Governor of New Azenyanistan

"General, please...Banshee...don't cry. It's not like you to be so distressed...oh dear~"

Banshee nodded and put her long arms around her former ruler, saying

"My apologies. But it has really been eating me. My heart aches many times. And I have been seeing my counsellors more than I should. I fear too that I may be losing my touch as a general and governor."

Sadisia teared up. And Chief Ayza saw this. But Sadisia smiled a little to the new ruler of Azenyanistan and whispered to Bnashee, as they were all at the foot of the palace. They still had time until they had to enter the halls.

"It will be all right, Banshee. Every little thing...is gonna be all right~"

She said so like it was a lullaby and at that, Banshee could not help but shudder and let the tears go. She wept briefly, holding Sadisia tightly as the young one also did the same, sighing and humming an Azen lullaby. The staff of Ayza watched and so did the Chief herself. But she saw them. She told them to go ahead and they obeyed. The secretary though stopped and took another picture. Then she followed.

The chief sighed as she tried to keep herself from crying too as the two, Banshee and Sadisia, some of the most powerful and influential and famous Azens of Ausozera, cried together, embraced and spoke for a little bit more.

Eventually, Banshee let it die. The two laughed and pulled away and embraced again. They did it again and finally gave each other another embrace. Sadisia pulled away and said to Banshee

"So...dear Governor...is there anything you wish to say?"

Banshee shrugged and said with a smirk

"Nothing really grand. But I must say that I really have missed you."

She humbly whispered

"I am so sorry for abandoning you."

Sadisia just shook her head. She told her

"You are forgiven of nothing. You have no wrong any more. Rise."

And Banshee replied

"Thank you. There is one thing I must do."

She looks to Ayza.

Ayza nods and so does Banshee.

Sadisia then nodded to this and approached Banshee and gave her a kiss. The lady returned it and then she approached Ayza and nodded, putting one hand on her own chest. A New Azen gesture. Ayza returned it by nodding and by saying

"Iirriishhanniittaanii." It was New Azenish. And Banshee said

"Eerraa Iirriishhanniittaanii."

The two then began to converse softly, starting with Ayza

"What is your wish?"

"I have no intentions of pain."

"And so do I. What is your wish?"

"My wish is that you would accept what is to come."

"And that is?"

"Show of force. And eventual reunification."

Sadisia glanced at Banshee. And Ayza raised a brow. It made her say

"Really?"

"Yes, my Chief."

Ayza shook her head

"Call me Ayza. Please, dear Banshee."

"Ayza. Very well. I hope you would bless and accept the agreement."

"I certainly do. And I have. And I shall do so again. By seven times, yes."

"Then so it is. New Azenyanistan would be proud to share loyalty."

"And Azenyanistan would be delighted to consider you more than fully."

Banshee chuckled. Ayza smirked. The New Azen said

"Very well. In return, I shall aid you in your war."

"And yours as well."

"To the end of empires."

"And to the rebirth of free nations."

They laughed.

Ayza said

"I hope I could do more with you."

"And I as well with you." She touched Ayza's shoulders "I hope you are the Chief that Sadisia speaks of highly. You are her student. Will you make her proud? More than I could?"

"I have promised her. And my own. I will do my best to make her proud. And to do as my heart and heartland say so. More than the will of the world."

"More than the will of the coalition."

Ayza smirked and commented

"The IWA never ceases to amaze me in their attempts to get closer to us Azens."

"And the old coalition never stops to surprise me in their attempts to keep you in their shadow."

"Shadows. They may be allies but there are many alliances."

"Indeed. But there appears to be a new challenger."

"Ah. You mean the USSDEN?"

"Iittaarraass. Yes. That is the subject of another meeting we would have, yes?"

"I must say so. Elyaru." She spoke a rare strain of Azzan. One touched by Ayrran.

"Hehe. Good. Keep good relations, will you please? For the sake of our heartland."

"For her sake. And my sake. But also for Sadisia. Without her, I would have not been with you today."

"Silly. Don't be so humble."

"Oh?"

"Really. You should be proud."

She shrugged

"Not too much though."

"Take credit. I know you are assertive."

"And right now, I am just speaking with you."

"Iittaarraass."

"Elyaru."

"So..."

"Yes?"

"Shall we move on?"

"Very well. Peace be with you."

"And also with you."

"Alary, Banshee."

"Alary as well, Ayza. May you be a good Chief."

"And may you rise as a Governor, Banshee."

The two gave each other a kiss and an embrace as politeness demanded. Then Banshee went inside. As for Ayza and Sadisia, they spoke briefly

Sadisia asked

"So what now, dear student?"

"Marmeeyah...we shall continue."

"Very well. Take care. I won't do much talking."

"You should. You speak better than I do."

"Oh hush now, dear student. You speak well. And you spoke well. You gave that speech when you graduated. After so many trials, you've made it through. Be proud. As my best friend and general said."

"I will try. But as far as I am assertive as she says, I am not willing to take so much credit, my dear Marmeeyah."

"Take some. Especially now. And remember to be strong. Not a strongwoman. But be strong. And show that Azenyanistan wishes something."

"I will do as I wish, Marmeeyah. For the heartland. And the Union. But for the heartland. More than ever. She needs her dignity."

"And so does the rest of the world. The empire of the Donnish would be another achievement."

"Oh? To who?"

"To all."

"To the coalition mostly. But all right."

"Ayza..."

"Worry not. I will take care."

"Please make no mistake. You know this meeting is—-"

"I will take care. I swear."

"Upon the very hair of your head?"

"Upon the very hair of my very head. Yes." She seemed to take it seriously. Sadisia smiled

"You don't have to take it so seriously, you know?"

"I know. But let me play along."

The two laughed and then Ayza said

"I swear. Really. I'll try to do something good for our heartland. You and I will talk. Together. And Banshee will speak too."

"All right. But...when this is over.."

"Yes, I will allow you to spend a few days with Banshee. Here in Vanquaria. I'll let you be. Together alone and free."

Ayza grinned. And that made Sadisia pinch her. Ayza laughed and said, making a short sprint away from her flustered teacher

"All right, all right. I won't tease you."

And then soon enough, the two followed.

Now the Azens and the New Azen were inside the palace.

As Ayza walked, she could pay attention to her thoughts. And her goals. It was really time for her to assert. To speak for her heartland. And for herself. She was independent. She had no party. She had only her companions. And her teacher who made sure she was elected. While all the steps that were taken were legal, she felt a little pang of dirtiness. But she shook it off like dust. And she thought over what she wanted for Azenyanistan.

Not independence but more autonomy.

Not influence but more self-evident confidence.

Not past but future.

And certainly not guilt and suffering but hope and dignity.

Pride was overrated. And so was love of country. Of nationalism. Too much flowed in the blood of Porteans, Esgonians, Vanquarians, Namenians, Donnish and all the rest. Even among Azens.

Nationalism was a cancer. But internationalism was inviting. And more so was the Azen style of libertarianism.

Yet it was all there. Here, for her, was opportunity. Like in school, she wanted to take it. Raise it by a grade or two. She would do so. And the goal would be quenched.

No land but power.

No more death but life.

No secrets but truth.

Truth through kindness. Ayza was playing. And although popular to the Azens, to her peoples, what of the Ausozeran world. No. What was important was the Azen world. Her victory was not in wars. But in such things like solutions. Almost all of Azenyanistan is being reunified. And once again, Azenyanistan is recalling her strength.

The queen cobra was now coiling up again, her wounds healing.

Although still improving, she was being accepted again. And Azenyanistan would take her highest seat. Like the sun in the blue sky.

Ayza smiled to herself and kept on walking until she, Banshee, Sadisia and her staff would wait until they could participate in the conference.

[Free Asian Ports]

MKF Akebono, DDGN-152, Bay of Soraught

The crew of the guided missile destroyer Akebono was at action stations, and the bridge crew was tense with anticipation. The Captain was on deck, personally overseeing his ship's support of the landing operation. Captain Suzuma Katsuo was young, but not inexperienced. He'd been at Soraught before as part of the ISAT fleet that crippled IWA naval forces for months. Now, he and his ship were to support landing operations. How the situation has turned. They were not expecting the Donnish to throw the same kind of punches they had earlier against the Helghan landing operation, for the Donnish forces themselves were nearly wiped out in that particular action. The landing would likely be uncontested by sea. Therefore, the duty of Akebono and the rest of DESRON 3 would be to ensure that the landing would not be contested by land and air. Akebono was on the edge of the fleet closest to shore, sailing alongside the amphibious assault ships that even now were deploying their landing craft and assault vehicles.

"Status report, eta on the bombardment?" he ordered. Each station head radioed their reports. All ship functions were nominal. The vessel was fully combat ready. Comms promptly reported in. "Sir, we have just received a transmission from FLEETCOM, included target telemetry for bombardment, offensive missile strikes are to begin immediately". Captain Suzuma nodded. "Gunnery stations, prepare for missile barrage. Open fire" he said, curtly. The answering "Aye sir!" resounded around the bridge. Gunnery officers in the CiC started shouting orders at weapons operators, spurring the ship into action. Radio and satellite signals flashed between Akebono and the fleet, as well as aircraft, surface units, and more. Finally, a number of targets for the ship were identified and fed to the missiles. SAM sites, defensive emplacements, and strategic objectives were all targets of Akebono. The main gun of the destroyer turned to face the shoreline. Deep in the CiC, gunnery officers pressed the fire buttons.

Launch doors on VLS cells started opening, and as soon as they did a column of fire and smoke leapt from their vents sequentially as Tomahawk cruise missiles were shot straight into the air. Pairs at a time, one each from fore and aft cell clusters, arced over the ship, leaving trails of smoke. The cruise missiles dashed for shore, but they were hardly alone. Half a dozen other destroyers also fired their Tomahawks, polluting the crisp littoral air of Soraught's waters with streaks of missiles and smoke. The guns of the destroyers opened fire too, rapidly flinging heavy artillery shells at the coast. All this ordnance was timed to hit before the Marines landed. Ideally, they would be able to hit the beach without taking fire.

Waters near Soraught

Over a hundred AAVs bobbed and rolled in the surf as they got closer to the city. Spray of their speedy dash to shore showered any that exposed their heads during the landing. Kimiko was one of these, and she spat out a bit of saltwater that caught her by surprise. She was watching from a hatch in the back of her command vehicle, the crew of the APC also had their heads out for practical purposes. A viewing block wasn't exactly the optimum method of navigating a 30 ton vehicle through rough waves. As she watched with them, dozens of cruise missiles flashed overhead, leaving long lines of smoke behind them. It was a very interesting sight, but was reassuring. The bombardment would increase the chances of a successful landing. It was something only a Marine could do, which filled Kimiko with pride.

This was cut short as a rifle caliber round smacked off the roof between her and the driver. They were being shot at by small arms. It was likely not an aimed shot, but it was a lucky one. Kimiko didn't fancy a luckier one anytime soon. She shouted at the driver and vehicle commander as they battened down the hatches. "Get us ashore and suppress those machine gun positions! Just like in training!". Kimiko closed the roof hatch behind her and turned to her adjutant. "Get the comms channel up, it's a hot landing. I don't wanna have a sore throat after this" she said, turning on her own comms. "All squads, we'll be encountering enemy units as soon as we land. It's all small arms at least, so I hope we don't have much trouble. Prepare to dismount as soon as we hit the beach. Once we're up, I wanna suppress that damn Em Gee" she radioed. Their objective, the docks of Soraught closest to the western outskirts of the city, were just to the east of the landing site. It was likely being defended by the Donnish garrison.

The radio soon became necessary, as the 25mm cannons on remote mounts on each AAV began to open up. Soon, the AAVs were close enough to the beach to fire smoke grenades, laying a screen to make targeting by ATGM or artillery much harder. Underwater, the wheels of the AAVs met sand and started to pull themselves ashore, shedding sheets of ocean water as they suppressed shore positions with automatic cannon fire. A few meters up the beach and they stopped to dismount. Kimiko slapped a magazine into her Type 89-F and racked the bolt. "Let's go! Urah!" she shouted as the ramp dropped.

MKF Okinawa, Main Fleet

A familiar figure entered a briefing room filled with black-clad commandos. Combat rigs and webbing were being filled with equipment and ammunition. Most were armed with HK416s, and their lack of patches save one indicated Special Forces. Their only identification was a shield-shaped border containing a rampant shark and the letters "X O F". Officially, they were just another combat diver unit in the SEALs. Navy Special Forces liked to hide among other, better established forces. It made the enemy less likely to suspect them. As their new unit commander entered the room, they came to attention. The new commander, a women clad similar to her charges though without a helmet, goggles, and balaclava, put them at ease. "The Marine should be landing about now. The operation proceeds as planned. You've already been briefed so you know the objective" she said. Abruptly, she gave a toothy grin. "Let's take some heads"

[Western Imperial Union]

Auraxis

Solomon shook Scott's hand firmly nodding respectfully and eyeing his boys to ensure they dropped their heads in slight bows in respect as well.

"Dear Autarch, it is more than adequate," stated Emperor Solomon in his characteristic thick gravelly voice. "Auraxis and especially your palace are beautiful and inviting. I am happy to be here for these discussions, I hope they can be resolved rather quickly though, especially with the threat of Die Erworbenen Namen growing quickly in my nation's region of Helsa. They are preparing for a longer drawn out war at home because of it. I do not mean to displace pleasantries by cutting to what worries me, however I do hope these talks will have the Coalition helping us to end the conflict in the Empire of Donnerland quickly so we can turn our attention to the rising force in the east."

Solomon was known to be one to go straight to the point, something that had chafed with many of the old school political leaders in his nation leading to issues in governance throughout his reign, however it had also begun to win him a sort of trustworthiness and respect from the younger and more bold leaders of his nation and hopefully abroad. Considering his counterpart's age and experiences the Emperor hoped Autarch He was appreciative if not similar in mannerisms and how he conducted conversation and business.


WIU FOB, Eastern Helghan

Drills were being run on a harsh schedule as always. Large stores of supplies had been broken up into smaller easier to manage stockpiles in reinforced positions around the Imperian bases that would be used for the eventual conflict with the Donnish. Recognizably the WIU troops were all but incapable of fighting a defensive action in the area. Predominantly air based strike troops and CAS units the Imperian commanders had expected to be knee deep in Donnish territory by now, some expected to already have a booted leg knee deep in the rear end of Voy, yet IWA commanders including their own Imperian officers repeatedly ordered them to standby.

Restless would be an understatement when referring to these men, and their drills and maintenance could only do so much. Lower ranking officers had to fight the urge to let their boys off on any form of R&R for threat of impending Donnish conflict. However one thing the Imperian command had not expected was the mingling of their troops with refugees and resettled immigrants from Donnerland. Scandals abounded and more and more military police action was required, however much of the crimes were dropped simply because the number of men committing these crimes, most of which included the female refugee populace and exorbitant amounts of money, were too great to stop fully. Outside of military life in WIU prostitution was not a crime, and in fact it wasn't a big deal. However in the military when away from the homeland it was a severely punished crime, primarily for the threat of STD's or pregnancy. Imperian troops were usually docked excessive amounts of pay and lost privileges however adding to this situation was the fact that many considered the soldiers to be taking advantage of people in their time of need. This made things even more of a hiccup with commanders trying to avoid bad press for their troops. Only time would tell how the issue would resolve itself but as for Imperian command the hope was for combat to take their men away from idleness that bred acting on such desires.

[Empire of Donner land]

Donner Land, Soraught

---

Zero Hour

---

15th Donnish Air Cav

"This place is entirely cleaned out, furniture, food, even the water and gas don't work." A soldier said, tweaking a chrome faucet back and forth creating a incessant squeaking noise. The walls in the small one bedroom apartment, now meant to house a squad, were bare with nothing covering the monotone green wall, brightened in some places due to the dust not being able to get behind something like a grandfather clock, which created a towering sort of shadow where it was completely clean and untouched for years or more. The war, now only a day or less old, created a mass migration out of Soraught of which included the now labeled undesirables and traitors of the nation. The bodies of which those still lie in alleys across the city after yesterdays massive killings. To Alehgs, it was sad yes, but much more was at stake, his home.

"Nothing?" Alehgs said, looking out at bay, they had garrisoned an abandoned condo just in front of the beach which wasn't exactly the perfect example of tropical weather, it was snowing rather hard and was cold out, the only thing keeping the Ocean from freezing over was a number of reasons, it being salty and the fact that it was delivering what little heat it could from the equator. Prime real estate for a person wanting to make it rich as a Landlord despite the local weather, just as prime for a Machine gunner Team in a possible war zone. Their weapon, a Tripod mounted MG looking out at the sea, sat freezing in the cold breeze entering the room. There was nothing but a carpet keeping the place warm, if that even did anything. The other soldier after a brief moment looking though the Cupboards simply shrugged, "Nothin'." as the others wandered around inspecting the area a floor below them. Alehgs and him were the ones manning the MG, while the others stayed below providing what support they could, that was the plan at least.

As Alehgs continued to look ahead at the horizon, the bay expanding seaward, small dim lights in the early morning sky began to shine. From 2, to 3, to 6 and 8 trailed by dim smoke trails. Bright lines of light strafed the sky in arcs distantly, tracers, and a deep whaling siren erupted in the distance from all directions. Crescendoing and falling all at the same time as this light show unfolded before him. He stood stunned, it didn't stop or even begin to slow down, only rising like the peaks in the North. Had it begun this day? Or maybe it was a drill of some kind to keep the soldiers from sleeping on the job? Did the radars bug out and find a false positive or something? All these conclusion but one were moot, his conclusion was met when he heard behind him the stomping of feet upstairs and the jangling of equipment. "Our EWR is lit up like a fucking light bulb, get that MG operational right now, our guys are moving around and shouting like there is no tomorrow. You see?" Their Squad leader shouted and only pointed outwards to the bay at the increasingly chaotic situation. Suddenly as if on cue trucks and ARIDV IFVs as well as sprinting Donnish soldiers were moving about below them on the street where it met the beach. All as if rushing to their positions in a grand play at a theater and the opening scene was just starting.

"The Air Forces are entering the AO too, this is the real shit sweethearts and I want to get you all through this mess alive. Remember your training, don't let them take this city without a fight, remember those loved ones behind us and keep them in mind, it may be the last time you see them, even if it is in your head." He spoke, without error or dismay, what he said was true. Most of their families had fled north or even more so across the mountains in order to keep out of harms way.

It was Judgement Day, and the resolve of the Donnish were being put to the test. The light show ahead did not cease and soon the first sight of the enemy was seen. Distantly in binoculars floating IFVs were coming, bearing foreign markings and with ill intentions. Tracers came flying from their entrenchments at the Portean Marines as well as Mortar Rounds and whatever other kind of munitions they could muster to fire at the incoming enemy. Guided Missiles escaped house windows and roofs as they fired away.

The Portean IFVs now touched Donnish Land for the first time since the First Helsan War and not with the prospect of being allies. Their 25mm Cannons they had been firing since they were in range at the Donnish Entrenchments wrecked havoc suppressing them heavily. The Mortars had the Beach in front of them ranged in however in advance and Artillery was only a call away along with Air Support. Those Ramps dropped as Alehgs was keeping their gun quiet to stay away from the 25mm barrage. It was only until now that he pressed the trigger, with his Home Country and Family in mind though the thoughts of everyone still came down to one question as lead exited their already smoking barrels.

"Did it have to come down to this?"

In the Air, two forces, a Coalition and a single country faced off. Like Knights riding at each other with lances, Fighters, Attackers, Bombers, SEAD and even EW flew towards each other. BVR missiles crossed paths perpendicular to each other leaving behind big white streaks of smoke, contrails went towards each other slowly but at faster than sound speeds. The Moths, ASF-40s, F-15s, seeing their targets via radar and information from AWACS flew to their targets and engaged. EW Aircraft played tricks with enemy Radar and Communications in the air and ground. All the roles working to fulfill their goals. Their goal was to prevent Coalition Domination of Air Space and to provide support on the ground. Behind Friendly Lines, Donnish Airfields began to scramble as fast as possible to assist the already happening Air Battle.

The sounds of battle now regrettably echoed in Soraught as a cacophony of explosions, gunfire and yelling of both pain and sorrow. Jet Engines roared overhead, Vehicles shook the streets. The Donnish Flag at the City Hall stood above all of this soaring, yet remained so below in shame.

Across the area reports of engagements flooded in to the General in charge, who now took Keenes' words into strict consideration. Maybe he wouldn't see his home still there, let alone his window, It was in Soraught.

The Urranese Convoy was now being fired upon, they couldnt have something behind them radioing in Intel as the invasion was going on. The Donnish now advanced, with the only warning being the fighting around them as the Coalition came. The Donnish with them rallied and, knowing now that it was life or death, fought not for life or death, but to preserve their new found comrades for as long as possible.

The might of the Coalition was bearing down on the Donnish Nation, but they would not break, not without struggle.

[Azenyanistan]

EASTERN BAY

SOUTHERN DONNERLAND

---

The next wave came. More infantry and more fire support. Elements of the Saadinaara, 1st Infantry, Rakshani Core Soldiers and more curious units of the Azen Fleet were coming. The Eastern Bay was getting hit. The first regiments of the 1st Infantry Division were also slowly forming at the Eastern Bay. Just in time for Field General Journey to come to them. And the Azens were making sure to hit the bay.

Hard.

Even the G171 and elements of the 1st Green Helmets Division were coming. Elena was among them. But Karea stayed back, having been forced to keep command safely. There was no point in risking her as they were still conducting operations to take and clear the Eastern Bay. The New Knights, the Kanahne Group and Group Osaria were also arriving. Just as this wave was coming to an end and the next one would come if conditions would continue to be fine, as well as if the Donnish will continue to be distracted by the Porteans leading the way into Soraught as well as by the Urranese, the Azens were hopeful.

As they always were.

Once on the bay, Field General Journey, who never wore a ceremonial dress and who never wore an officer's uniform and gear while fighting, made her way casually to her officers who were already on the scene. They were all good women from the 1st, the 2nd and from her own detachment. She greeted them the way any Azen female soldier would greet her superiors and almost ironically, the officers saluted her back as they would for any subordinate. The Field General then approached them closely and put her battle rifle down on the hood of the Fighting Utility Vehicle or FUV they had. She looked at the maps they had and she also paid some attention to their plans and notes. After a brief moment of study, the Field General took off her helmet, showing that she had cut her hair.

Most of it.

She put the helmet on the hood too and then asked the officers "Think you girls can keep this up?" One of them nodded and said

"Yes, Journey. My own men can take care of the bay." Another said "My men and I can keep on pushing through the woods. We have fire support and some friendly armor." But again another said "We can try, Journey. But General, respectfully, we're going to have to keep hitting this bay with our ships. How long can we keep the pressure up? What if the Donnish will counter attack and drive us to the sea and drown us there?"

Journey gave her a curious look. She smiled and just said to the officer "You're Krayewa, 1st Infantry Regiment, in charge of a sub unit that's mixed? Azen and Vanquarian? Special Attack Group?" Krayewa nodded and Journey responded

"Very well, Miss Krayewa. I spoke to the Admiral and my High Commander about it. They were all both confident and not so confident about that. Confident that their weapons are enough. Not confident because we will inevitably have to rearm and resupply them. It takes time to do that and that means we will inevitably HAVE to go without heavy fire support. Our gas ships as you notice, are already pulling back, only letting their planes and helicopters return for quick refueling and repairs. They're now focused on getting our men from the ships and gas ships onto Donnish soil.

And if the Donnish counter attack us, driving us into the sea and drowning us by holding us down our heads underwater then we might as well offer some bloody fucking resistance, yes? We have no way of retreat. Our smallest vessels can only rescue a few and the Donnish will target our fleeing troops. We should hold and we should push. No retreat for now. If they or if they will not counter attack, we fight. We have the ability to keep on going and we will do that. So, Miss Krayewa, I am actually glad that you spoke to me about that. But now that I have answered your questions, do you still believe we would face certain defeat at this moment?" Krayewa thought. Then she smirked and said, shrugging

"If they get a miracle, God willing, maybe."

They all got a good laugh. And after that little fun, they all began to discuss seriously. Even as things got hotter, they had to plan and they had to be in the fight. In just five to six minutes, they officers all stopped their discussion and joined the fight. They started to lead and command their troops again. And with them, their Field General Journey.

She had chosen, as she almost always did, to wear the standard infantry uniform of the 1st, to behave like them and to carry their gear and to fight like them. Often, those commanders from other units sometimes forgot about her. But when she reminded them, she reminded them well. With her loud freaking voice.

And so, Journey continued to command. Her own subordinate officers and NCOs will have to be the ones to lead. For this part of the war was too early for her to do both. She watched from the command tank she shared with one of the commanders of some of the armored elements as her men were fighting on. Their guns filled the air as their fire support vehicles and their friendly armor and "battle taxis" supported them or led the way. Everything was in Azenish. Accents of Ayrran and Azzan mixed with the accents of Azen-born foreigners as well as of those of other tribes.

And while she watched, she gave instructions to one of her aides. Her aide, just 19 years old, immediately reached for the radio and contacted the fleet. The report was simple

"Journey here. Keep sending men and support. Do not stop firing. We're going to take bay. Could use the some more 7th Armored girls here though. And a little bit of sugar whiskey."

END OF STORY