Crown's Burden [IC, MT, Sign-up]

[Achesia]

Snip

It seemed as soon as the hope they would take the village in a peaceful manner settled on them that it suddenly shattered itself as the first cracks of enemy fire cut through the front element of the SLA forces. Young farm boys who knew only what of war their grandfathers told them began to fall back, their bodies tumbling down the slopes as their crimson stains soiled the Atlish supplied uniforms. Some of the boys were smart though, hitting the dusty hillside just meters from the village's edge and lying flat with their battle rifles bravely thrust forward. A few managed to return fire, but it was questionable if their untrained eyes were shooting at targets or their inexperienced nerves were shooting into oblivion in hopes of keeping the enemy at bay.

As the A company element was frozen on the ridge and the upward slopes of the village, it soon became apparent they were fighting not just professional soldiers, but experienced ones at that. Even more so the sheer amount of fire that was pouring from the village was evidence of a equally sized forced opposing them. David Gillam and the Atliah advisors that accompanied Colonel Hong of the SLA, began to ascend the slope towards the hilltop village behind their main line of troops. Keeping their heads low, the experienced soldiers of various backgrounds within the Atlish Self Defense Force assessed the situation the best they could through the tar black of the moonless Shentong night.

"They have the high ground against us, they knew we were coming." Scotty, a rather short and gruff soldier astutely said what everyone was thinking. The rest of the group seemed less than respondent to the obvious as they looked over the battlefield.

Just as David reached to grab Colonel Hong's shoulder, he watched one of the SLA soldiers throw down his weapon as he aporoched the village, raising his hands in the air to surrender as he trembled at his knees. But whatever hopes he had of turning himself in, the Phallians were not known for taking prisoners, instead he quickly was pierced through the neck with an accurate round that exited his spine with a red mist.

"Colonel!" David shook Hong who was despondent in his prone stance, watching the battle unfold around him. "You need to take control of your men now! We need to do something!" David screamed over the hail of deafening wizzes and pops. Instead the SLA commander shook in his position, not with rifle in the air ready to fight, but head as close to the ground as possible muttering prayers in Sainese. If there was any confidence the Atlish observers had in the commander left, it departed them as a puddle of his craven nature began to flow about his trousers.

"What a fucking joke." David shoved the gutless leader as he rolled closer to his fellow Atlish fighters. "Time to take charge. Give me the radio." He grabbed a large OD green block of a hand held radio from one of the other fighters as he took a good look over the battlefield that seemed to grow increasingly in disfavor of the SLA forces. They could tell there was fire support for these Phallian bastards in the hills around hilltop K13, but they also made special plans for such a situation.

"Delta five, fire for effect, T-R-Ps Lima through Papa."

Back at the weapons company position, over the next hill. The mortar teams began to spring into action, lobbing off 80mm mortars at pre designated target points around the opposite side of the village that the SLA forces were advancing. This would strike the woodline in areas it would be most effective for the enemy to provide supporting fire to its forces in the village, or reinforce its positions on K13.

[Christoslavia]

snip

It was a bloody massacre. SLA men, hell, not even men they were kids were writhing on the ground in the dozens, blood soaked the dirt and their uniforms and it soon became impossible to tell who was even alive down there through the dust and the gunsmoke and the constant crack of gunfire.

"Continue firing on their positions, hold the line"

"Sir, this is First Sergeant Adams of 3rd Company, we got incoming arty!"

"Shit, COVER!", the mortar shells pounded the line where the 3rd Company was, indiscriminately blowing chunks of earth into the air as hellfire and brimstone rained on their position, if they weren't dispersed through the terrain in smaller units, this could have gone a lot worse for them.

"1st Company, continue fire on approaching SLA, 2nd Company, hold the line, 3rd Company fall the fuck back, 4th Company, Sitrep?!"

"Lieutenant Danielson sir, we snuck past the flank, coming up on their mortars, now I see why you made us go the long way"

"CSave the fucking jokes until after we live, take out that god damn artillery before we get blown to bits, we're cut off and 5th Company's blind. Take them out and take over the position, rain hell on the bastards down here for a change!"

"Roger", and with that, the men and women of 4th Company began to scale the hill as the pounding of mortar shells got ever louder, silently at first through the brush, then the heartbeat sensors started beeping more violently, closer, closer, closer.

"Peek a boo motherfuckers, CHARGE!"

[Murovanka]

Kuantong,
Shentong Autonomous Region
A/13 Company, 1st Airborne Brigade

“Falcon Six, Fox Two, we have reports of enemy mortar fire on Hill 15, do you copy?”

“Copy that, we’re on it.” Three Royal Phallian attack helicopters, each bristling with high explosive air-to-ground rockets and machine guns broke formation and headed toward the target location where the Phallian Forward Air Controller attached to the Christoslavian battalion had reported mortar fire which was doing some serious damage to their allied forces.

The rest of the group continued on, circling to what they thought was the rear of the enemy group attacking the town.

“Captain! I can’t see shit. We cannot drop you here.” the pilot of Fox Two shouted to the back where Captain Frommage and fifteen bulky troops sat, all ready to abseil down into action.

“Negative, we’re going down as planned! Find us a good spot!” Frommage shouted back. In his radio he said, “All units, Fennek Actual, we’re going in no matter what. Our orders are clear!”

“Affirmative, Fennek Actual.”

Frommage knew the risks, but this was their chance. The fog and clouds and rain had delayed them until now. Unfortunately, as the 1st Airborne had just been rotated in, most of their elite commando-capable chopper pilots- amongst the best in Phallia, as the 1st Airborne was- were still stuck in Wodin Air Base due to some bureaucratic clusterfuck, and they had to borrow pilots from the Shentong Command, who weren’t half as good as their own.

But he had amongst the best troops in Phallia. There were your conventional Phallian mechanised, light, airborne troops and then the Combat Commandos, the special forces, and then you had 1st Airborne, which combined both commando and special forces capabilities and could be deployed anywhere, anytime, at moments notice, against any threat. The cost to maintain and train the unit was perhaps ten times that of a regular army unit.

Such a large assault was either orchestrated by the Atlish, in which case they were hunting for evidence of their involvement, or it was a chance to annihilate a large chunk of the SLA’s fighting strength. Considering how the Christoslavians on the ground were reporting they were under serious attack this was no minor guerrilla strike.

“Fox Two, Falcon Six, they are practically in the clouds, we need to go too low to get visual! Permission to abort mission!”

“Falcon Six, Fennek Actual, negative, proceed and destroy the mortars! The Christoslavians must hold if we are to survive!”

“Affirmative, Fennek Actual, engaging.”

“Thirty seconds to drop!”

The attack choppers covering the platoon of Captain Frommage’s troops descended first as they veered toward the forest clearing.

“Fox Two, Falcon Three, all clear!”

“Five seconds-“

“GO GO GO!”

The choppers hovered to a stop, ropes thrown out, troops dropping out like flies within seconds. It was quiet, until a burst of gunfire gave Frommage a near heart attack. It took him another second to realise it was coming through his radio.

“Falcons, Molerat Christ, Cease fire! Friendly Fire, you retards!” It was the Phallian Air Controller for the Christoslavians.

“MISSILE LOCK! PULL AWAY-“ What seemed like an explosion, incoherent radio crackling, then silence.

“Falcon Five, under heavy fire, pulling out! Falcon Six…”

“Falcon Six is down.”

“Goddamn.” Frommage’s platoon gathered and marched rapidly, though they soon discovered that they had landed far off from where they had intended to. Above their helicopters rose, reporting back. They had intended to land on the flank of a group of SLA troops outflanking the Christoslavians and pinching off that attack, but now they seemed to be somewhere completely different altogether. Nevertheless a group of armed men were spotted due north of them.

“Falcon Three confirms they’re not friendly.” Frommage’s comms sergeant said.

“Either a reserve group or command element.” Frommage replied. “Let’s take them down.”

It was easy to approach undetected, but likewise it made it hard to find the enemy in the first place. Frommage ordered the choppers to hold fire as they crept up the hill. Rifle shots rang out.

“Bloody hell!”

“Fire, advance, fire!” Frommage shouted, charging up. Fighting exploded around him as enemy machine-guns turned on them, sending his troops to the ground. Grenades were hurled back up and fire promptly returned.

“Fennek, Falcon Three, we’re receiving fire from your hill and are engaging! Keep your men on the other side!”

“Affirmative, Falcon Three, open up.”

The ground rocked as the helicopters bombarded the position with high explosives and miniguns raked blindly. But from such close proximity they seemed to have hit something, at least, and soon the enemy troops scattered and ran.

“Hold fire, Falcon Three, we’re pursuing.”

Frommage’s troops advanced on the escaping soldiers, cutting many down with accurate rifle fire. But it wasn’t to be any clean victory. Falcon Three hovered about, its pilot, maybe some young green conscript who’d never seen combat, sat still like a sitting duck watching the fight, not seeing a flash, that of a rocket-propelled grenade hurtling toward it with pinpoint accuracy.

Smoke billowed from the chopper on impact and it went spiralling down, its pilot screaming Mayday until he hit home with a sickening crunch, blades chopping up trees and its hull flattening against stone rock. In an instant Frommage gave up hope for its crew.

“Falcon Three is down.”

His platoon had secured the hill and had taken several wounded prisoners, more lay dead on the ground. One of the prisoners was singled out, a fair, tall guy, about as distinctly foreign and Atlish as he could be.

“Fox Two, please come down, we have something for you.” Frommage said.

[Christoslavia]

Kuantong,
Shentong Autonomous Region

"Here comes the cavalry! OH SHIT!"

The men watched as the Phallian heloes providing reinforcements went down like flies, Christ it'd be a miracle if anyone survived the crash

"Focus fire on RPG units, focus fire on RPG units!"

"This is 5th Company overwatch over, SLA units coming up the opposite side of the village on the flank"

"Copy 5th, take em down", then Hern turned towards his second in command Lieutenant Quentin, "Take half the Company and move into defensive positions on the other side of the village, stop them in their tracks"

"Aye sir"

Then, the mortars finally stopped, the Phallians and my boys must have done their job.

Hill 15

"FUCK..." *panting* "YOU", Danielson stood up slowly, the Atlish soldier below him had his brains pulverized by the butt of his rifle. Danielson wiped the blood off his face as the Phallians rendevouzed with them and began chasing off the retreating SLA.

"Come in Captain Hern this is 4th Company, Area clear moving to secure mortars"

"Roger, be advised"

The men went around executing SLA survivors, anyone who so much as squirmed got a bullet in the head, no room for survivors. The company got to work getting on the mortars, loading in shells as the scream of FIRE echoed throughout the hilltop

Kuantong
Shentong Autonomous Region

"INCOMING"

"Wait, it's friendly!"

Mortars started raining down like hellfire gain, althought this time we thankfully weren't the target, the rain made vision damn near impossible but from the flashes we could see, SLA units were getting torn to shreds, no one on the other side was returning fire anymore. After 5 minutes of the mortar barrage, everything was...quiet.

Hern stood, and held his hand in a fist, then signalled his men to move forward out of the village. Each squad moved in formation, guns up and ready for anything, stragglers and survivors were picked off, the goal was to find any Atlish left down here.

As they walked through the fields and forest, body parts were strewn all over the ground, the rain washing the blood like red rivers through the mud and guts, the haunting eyes of these...kids..staring at us with gaping mouths and an expression of fear on their faces.

"Area clear, mission accomplished"

He looked out of the corner of his eye, the fucking irony, some SLA stragglers sprinted back into the woods

"Permission to pursue?"

"Negative, not worth it we got what we came for"

"All companies give me a SITREP"

"1st Company checking in, area clear the SLA Company, or whats left of it, retreated"

"Lieutenant Quentin with the rest of 2nd Company, same over here"

"This is Overwatch, area clear, enemy has made a full retreat"

"Casualty report?"

One of the medics walked up to the Captain, clipboard in hand, "9 dead, 27 wounded, rest accounted for".

"All replaceable. Call in Medevac, lets get the wounded back to the Attrition for treatment...and let's get the dead back home. Rest in peace brothers"

[The Twelve Isles]

Shentong Mountain Region
40,000 Feet

"What have we got?" Captain Wakefield leaned over the seat, looking down at the screens the two technicians on the plane were examining. They were the second out of three Isles Raytheon Sentinels sent to Atla to conduct scouting and support missions. Tensions were high in the region, and after the loss of Plane 1 a few weeks earlier due to Phallian forces, tensions were high on the plane as well. Especially considering their mission. Unlike Plane 1, Wakefields plane, Plane 2 had been sent out to very explicitly support an SLA offensive. If the intentions of the Isles could be questioned before, there was very little to hide behind now. The Empire had chosen its side, and was clearly willing to stick by them. As if the massive training missions back in the Home Isles weren't enough confirmation already.

"It looks like theres a lot of movement around this town here sir." Wakefield looked closer, watching scattered images flit across the screen as soldiers moved to attack a small town, and inside to defend it.

"Thats Kuantong, am I correct?" said Wakefield.

"Yes sir," said the camera technician. "So far, it seems like the place where this campaign is going to be won or lost."

Wakefield stood back up, watching the movements. "Alright," he said. "Keep and eye on it, and start snapping pictures. I want to get images back to base as soon as possible, so it can be given to the brass in charge."

"Copy that sir," said the technician, prepping the planes camera to begin taking pictures.

Wakefield started walking forward to the pilots. He ran his hand over his head, felling the close cropped hair under his palm. He glanced once more at the technicians, watching as they panned the cameras over the battlefield that was forming below them. "Hey," he said, poking his head into the pilots cabin. They looked over at him, the co-pilot shifting his headphones. "Set up orbit over Kuantong. I want to get as many images as we can back to base as fast as we can. Its looking like this little town is going to make or break the SLA's offensive." The pilots nodded at him, before turning back to the window in front of them. Wakefield felt the plane begin to lilt slightly to one side as they began setting up and orbit. He made his way back to his own seat, the mission control sectiong of the plane where he could monitor everything going on. Wakefield sat down, buckling himself in and setting his own headphones back on. He just hoped that his plane wouldn't be shot down as well. If that was to happen, he didn't think that the Isles would stand for it, and would likely be much more willing to go to war. Not to mention, he would be dead.

[Christoslavia]

URGENT TRANSMISSION
MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
TO: CROWN PRINCE ARMAND
FROM: SUPREME OVERLORD

To His Majesty Crown Prince Armand, it is with great concern that I write this message. I fear the situation between you and Phallia may get easily out of hand. Add to the fact that they seem to be building a strong coalition against your nation, I believe my cause for concern is justified.

My unit within Shentong has reported that the Atlish are directly participating in assaults on Phallian positions, and the Islish clearly are spying on our activities by way of the plane your men shot down. The Islish have the power to blockade your country if it comes down to such, I am risking much by helping you in your neo-imperialistic aggression, we need to talk about this sooner than later.

Let me make myself abundantly clear, if you do not find a way to put a handle on this sitation, or it begins to blow out of proportion and Phallia faces a multi-national invasion, as concerned as I am with the meddling of the Islish already, we may no longer be able to assist you, our position will be compromised, and we will either have to commit an army or withdraw completely. The survival of your government is at stake, this could get easily out of control. Vidcon me ASAP, time is of the essense.

[Murovanka]

Crown Prince Armand sat before his monitor. "Greetings, Supreme Overlord. To clarify our position; thank you for your assistance and information so far. I am aware of the quasi Atlish invasion of the Shentong and have ordered mobilisation on the border to, if necessary, take retaliatory action to defend New Phallian sovereignty. However, I am not aware of an international coalition arrayed against us; so far the Islish stand with Atla as they have traditionally done, but that is expected and planned for. Could you please clarify on that.

Secondly, could you clarify on what you mean by Phallia's neo-imperialist aggression, not even the Isles have described our actions as such. Regarding our claims for the Dongshan, we have never recognized, and there is no reason for, Atlish sovereignty over the Dongshan and it was only their opportunism that managed to seize the Dongshan in the last war. Whatever resources lie beneath the mountains are Phallian and Phallian only.

Please note that it is not Phallia that is not willing to compromise and stand down. Atla mobilised first by deploying tank battalions to the border; the Isles spied on us; the Atlish military is actively engaging our forces in the Shentong and is stirring unrest, their refusal to cooperate on the Dundee Dam significantly endangers the Phallian economy. It is not Phallia being the aggressor here.

New Phallia is well capable of defending itself against whatever is thrown at us. I acknowledge that there will be problems if the Isles set up a blockade but so far it seems politically inconvenient for them to do so. Christoslavian help, whether military or diplomatic, is welcome, but you must act in your interests, just as I act in ours. If it does help, Christoslavia will gain a strong ally in Hespera and all benefits from the regions resources and trade zone. If it doesn't, I am thankful for your help and hope we will cooperate more in the future."

[Christoslavia]

SUPREME OVERLORD shot the young Prince a look of disdain before responding.

"I am well aware of your situation and the circumstances surrounding it. I am aware that it is Atla and the Twelve Isles who are in violation of your sovereign rights as a nation.


Son, I have seen it all too often. You are on the right side of history, the world will try to undermine you nonetheless as history is written by the victors. Be aware that the Atlish will have friends, it is a more than safe assumption. You are not safe, your plans are not safe, nothing in this world is sacred anymore, which is why I ask you to stop speaking like a politician and start speaking with some sense.


Now, do not play stupid with me, I'm old but I am not blind. You can not pretend like you haven't had plans to invade Atla for a time, only looking for an excuse. This is a form of neo-colonialism, especially with your antics in Shentong. Now while I am not opposed to it, and even support it, the international community may see it as exactly neo colonialist aggression. Don't tell me your little exercise at Dundee Dam was just classic saber rattling. As for an international coalition, your actions and your relationship with Atla, make you seem like the bad guys so to speak. People feel for the Sainese dogs, and the Democracies and hippies of the world will be inclined to help Atla and bring about your downfall.

Have vigilance, execute your plans faithfully, beware of saboteurs, and do not be so cocky when it comes to your national defense. Pride has been the downfall of a great many nations. Do not be rash, and do not be dumb. Look at this situation pragmatically. And do not fail in your ambitions Your Majesty."

[Murovanka]

-snip-

Prince Armand looked up angrily. "You confuse me. I speak like a politician if speaking like a politician is the way of the civilised world. Are you with us, or against us? You seem to be taking the position of our enemies, and if that is the case, with respect, you do need to reconsider your policy in the region. I do not, like you are doing, view the world as black and white as you do. There are no bad guys. Of course we have invasion plans, we have invasion and contingency plans for Atla, for Chen, for West-Phalia, because without those and without the preparation and dedication of our generals New Phallia would not exist. You want us to give Shentong independence as the international community demands it? Do you know what that means for Phallian national security, disregarding its economic importance to New Phallia? Atla and the Isles would use the Shentong to subjugate New Phallia. Atla already holds the Dongshan, and if they had the Shentong they would be able to strike from their defensive positions there into the Phallian heartland with impunity.

New Phallia is acting in its interest, but where, pray, are we being aggressors? Our lifeline, the Wein, is being destroyed by Atla, we are being invaded in the Shentong, and yet you accuse us of neo-colonialism. Nevertheless I take you advice and will pass on the message that the armed forces will have to act with utmost vigilance. If that is all, I am honored for your audience, Supreme Overlord."

[Christoslavia]

At this, SUPREME OVERLORD's tone shifted to something poisnonous

"You are hearing me boy, but you are not listening. We are with you 100%, and in no way do we share the views of your enemies, however unlike you I take the time to understand the positions of your enemies. You can not hope to beat someone without understanding them.

New Phallia is not the world, if anyone is seeing this as black and white its you Your Majesty. All avenues and consequences must be considered. To them, you are an aggressor, and to them you ARE the bad guy, and they will not see it any other way. Do not dare equate me with these bottom feeding fucking democracies.

As for the Shentong, where and when did I say to give them independence? I am saying that your actions, and may I remind you the use of the Sainese as slave labor, if EVER discovered upon, or if the Atlish even have a suspicion, it's all the more excuse to turn sentiment against New Phallia. I accuse you of nothing, the Atlish, Islish, and others, do and will. Every step in international affairs must be considered and checked and all consequences prepared for and understood. We stand by you and your nation, and will defend it with all our might if need be against the dogs in Atla and elsewhere...

But if you continue to live in your isolated world, and refuse to take criticism, arrogance will undo you faster than the Atlish. This situation as I'm sure you know is sensitive, we are all treading on thin ice boy, understand this. You must strike first, but strike carefully. Any fuck up will backfire terribly. I speak from experience

[Murovanka]

-snip-

Prince Armand relaxed and even smiled to himself at the language used by the Supreme Overlord. It was nearly... Gaulish, the way their diplomacy worked. Except that the Gauls used flowery language and kept mentioning their gods and used difficult to decipher metaphors and similes even while talking amongst friends or family.

"Rest assured, New Phallia is no dictatorship, as well as that would be, and in our cabinet I have Maintefort and that idiot Chancellor Walwerden to deal with, all of whom have much more interest in lining their own pockets instead of working for the good of the Kingdom. This Kingdom will be, nay, is mine, and I understand the responsilibity emplaced upon me.

If you are with us, then you must recognize the terminology that you use is wrong. It is not slave labour, subversive and underdeveloped Sainese undermining the Phallian order are deported to reservations where they pose no harm to the New Phallian State. We do actively try to understand our 'enemies' to solve our problems; we do recognize that the terror campaign is due to lack of development and poverty due to the Sainese unwilling to accept modernity and civilisation. In the reservations, we offer them education and job opportunities that they would never have in the mountains. Remember that the SLA decided to break peace talks by bombing a Phallian village, following significant concessions including the fact that they can run their own region AND institute their own laws. The continued violence- also due to Atlish encouragement and incitements- is only hurting themselves.

Regarding a possible military confrontation, yes, New Phallia will look to seize the Dongshan which would secure us from further Atlish aggression and dismantle the terrorist training camps in Atla. However, the cabinet unanimously agrees not to start the war, even if I personally think that a first strike retaliation against Atla is necessary. But on your insistence, and in retrospection- you may be right that a more measured response will be needed- nevertheless Phallia will not allow Atlish actions to go unpunished. If you could help us arbitrate that would be helpful. New Phallia has stood on the negotiating table for years, alone."

[Christoslavia]

SUPREME OVERLORD at hearing this, took a deep breath, and showed a slight smirk,

"It seems we have reached an understanding then Your Majesty. But be careful not to believe your own propaganda. The truth will not bring about our condemnation in this conversation.

Now, if things come to negotiation, since we only technically have one naval group in your waters and appear neutral, we could very well hold any kind of accords or treaties in Christoslavia.

However, since it seems we will be going towards a miitary solution soon, I am willing to send in actual troops, the other two naval groups I originally intended on sending until the last minute. Or, in terms of the dam, I have a team that can slip in and out, and destroy the dam undetected.

We will make sure Phallia rises victorious in this conflict. The aforementioned are suggestions, but if you have any specific requests either military or diplomatic, do not be afraid to message me directly Your Majesty.

[Murovanka]

-snip-

"I'm afraid we do not have a choice; the Atilsh have made it clear that they weren't interested in a diplomatic solution. I well understand and am taking Christoslavia's concerns into consideration; as you said, neither side wants escalation. New Phallia is well capable of defeating the Atlish, but not so much if they have support. A direct Christoslavian involvement early on may risk escalating the situation and induce more international support for Atla. Your battalion has been much help already, and we are wondering whether they're capable of seizing the dam and holding it until Phallian forces march up the Wein river.

What I'd ask for is that Christoslavia makes its support for New Phallia clear to act as a deterrent against Twelve Isles and alerts its troops. If the Isles do intervene, you can send in forces justifying it as a defence against Islish imperialism in the region.

Our strategic plan can be summed up as: Hit Atla fast and hard, seize the Dongshan and force them to the negotiating table. We may not even demand the entirety of the Dongshan mountains and withdraw from half of it as a concession. Again, New Phallia is only interested in peace, after all, and is willing to make those compromises in exchange for the safety of our peoples." The Crown Prince wondered whether this was it; he had a meeting to attend, but it would be rude to hang up on the Supreme Overlord.

[Christoslavia]

"Very well Your Majesty, my battalion might be able to, but they'd need air support. This can be discussed at a later time with your military brass.

Now, you seem as if you're awaiting something, if you have something to attend please do not let me keep you, aside from the anger, this conversation was a pleasure. I will be releasing a statement soon announcing our support for New Phallia. Good day Your Majesty."

...Several hours later...

BREAKING NEWS
CHRISTOSLAVIAN STATE NEWS NETWORK

"15 minutes ago, SUPREME OVERLORD gave a speech in an emergency session of the Revolutionary Congress announcing Christoslavian support for the nation of New Phallia, which is currently facing aggression by its neighbor the Third Republic of Atla, and the Imperialist Twelve Isles. Janet let's go to the footage."

Ladies and Gentlemen, for too long has New Phallia been victim of blatant aggression and violations of their sovereignty by the Third Republic of Atla. Atla has been knowingly interfering in Phallian affairs, and may even be responsible for the deaths of Phallian soldiers, as The Twelve Isles actually is in the recent naval incident...

...These provocations are clearly acts of war against an innocent and sovereign nation, and we will not stand for such blatant injustice. Christoslavia will support New Phallia to the fullest extent and protect them from foreign aggression, especially in the likes of The Twelve Isles, or any other who dares interfere in the internal affairs of another nation.

The 3rd Naval Group already in Phallian waters has been placed on combat readiness, and we are prepared to defend our newfound ally. Let this serve as a warning to all who may consider, or are currently attacking Phallia for exercising their sovereign rights. We will not stand for this Imperialism.

"So far, the Ministry of War has refused to comment on the extent to which the CAF will be supporting New Phallia, and an official who's name will not be revealed as they aren't authorized to talk to the public, has said that the details of such are being worked out. And now to your 1 o'clock news.

[The Manticoran Empire]

Kilconney, Manticore
25km West of Ranaghy



Manticoran Intelligence Service Senior Agent Tracy Atkinson sat by the window, waiting for the arrival of her team. None of them knew her real name and after so many years of working under an alias, she barely remembered it herself. Brenda Hinton had been a beautiful woman and a loving mother. As she waited for them, she couldn't help but think of her daughter, Miranda. She'd be seven today but Brenda wouldn't be there. Miranda didn't expect her to be, either. According to all official records, Brenda Hinton was dead. Killed in a car accident three years ago, replaced by Tracy Atkinson. A clever deception, Tracy thought, but one which cost more than it gave. She could never be seen by her daughter and a series of plastic surgeries to alter her features meant that DNA was the only way to prove who she really was. She could SEE her daughter, in fact she had purchased a house not far away and just watched Miranda on her off days. Her sister was raising the girl and doing a remarkable job. A job, she remembered bitterly, that should have been hers. She slammed her fist on the wall and fought back tears as she reminisced about vacations with little Miranda, something Brenda had rarely had time for, constantly chasing her career. And now look where it had gotten her. A new identity, a new face, and now no chance to truly connect with her daughter. That comes with the territory, she said to herself and then shook her head, Yeah. And I'll keep telling myself that until it's true.

Captain Kenneth Nash stopped his bike at the end of the drive and looked down the white, pristine path to the less than inconspicuous house beyond. A truck pulled up behind him, revealing Staff Sergeant Thomas Young. "Damn, Cap. Now we know where MIS blows its budget."
"Yeah."
"You tell Jamie where you are?"
"Told her its another training exercise."
"How pissed was she?"
"Unclear. She hasn't spoken to me in about three days."
"You're fucked, man."
Nash smiled and chuckled lightly before turning to face his old friend. "What about you, man? How's this "exercise" going down with Carla?"
"She threw a vase at me and left."
"Damn, dude. What the hell did you say to her?"
"Just that we have an exercise, might be gone a few weeks and that I'd call her when I could. She took that to mean I care more about my job than her."
"Well she's onto something there," a new voice said behind them. Specialist Nicholas Neives and Specialist Edward Politte smiled as they walked up. Young threw a mock punch towards Neives, who made far too much of an effort to dodge it, feigning confusion as to why Young was reacting so strongly. "Easy now, Sergeant. We both know I beat you in hand to hand combat."
"I'm still a better shot than you, little shit."
The two soldiers traded playful insults back and forth as the quartet marched in lockstep up the drive to the door. The woman who answered the door was unmistakable as their MIS handler, Agent Atkinson. The team all entered the house quickly and quietly before walking to the den.
"I'm not going to waste our time with introductions and formalities. We all know each other and we have a time sensitive job to complete." She turned on a projector and opened a set of slides. The first was a map of several countries.

"Say hello to the most volatile region in the world right now. New Phallia and Atla have had conflicts in the past but this one is starting to make the politicians nervous. To put it simply, Atla has closed the Dundee Dam, which is wreaking havoc of New Phallia's agricultural and mining industries. To top it off, there have been several skirmishes in Shentong Autonomous Region, resulting in heavy casualties among Phallian and Shentong soldiers. You will be inserted in Shentong, where you will begin a destabilization campaign. The Sainese rebels, underfunded, untrained, and equipped with obsolete weaponry, are your best friends. Remember, we don't need this turning into another Vietnam. No one can know of your involvement. Once in country, your methods and strategy are up to you. Shentong is your primary goal but remember that Phallia won't stop in Shentong. The President would like to have Atla as the dominant power in this region if at all possible. A libertarian entity is easier to deal with than Phallia. You will infil with a group of humanitarians and once on the ground, you will have limited radio contact with home. Good luck."

[Achesia]

---

The Atlaplex, Austrundus

---

It was the start of a perfectly clear day in Austrundus, the weekend over and the population of Atla's largest city stirring from their sleepy few days off of work. The traffic on the main veins of traffic in the large city was dense as cars of all types imported from various other countries or made by Atla's single manufacturing company, Aurthur, made their way to various offices buildings. Public transport was also a popular way of getting to and from work in the Third Republic, as thousands of citizens squeezed into metal tubes of various types to brave the commuter system with their fellow Atlishman. Many would stand shoulder to shoulder with people they had never met, nor wished to meet in such a fashion ever while they looked out the nearest window trying to avoid eye contact with the intimate stranger. Wouldn't it be nice to have a helicopter?

The EC120 Colibri that flew high over the congestion of the large city was a departure from the mundane life of a regular citizen. It's leather seats and sleek yellow, white, and green livery made it a luxury that many would never have in their lifetime. It was certainly a great perk to being the President of the Third Republic.

President Overton glanced at the onyx face of his Gaulisician Boarex gold plated watch as he impatiently cycled through papers on his lap. A speech had been typed up for him to give at a press conference that he was scheduled to give in just moments on the lawn of the Atlaplex, but since then he had bled red ink all over the face of the paper to the point he was not even sure what he was going to say. For a moment he set the papers aside, cupping his hands over his face as he took a deep and frustrated breath in through his nose. Blinking his eyes he slapped his palms on his thighs and looked over to his security advisor, a petite brunette who sat side saddled in her flight chair with her legs tight at the knees and pencil skirt tucked under her thighs. She was a middle aged woman who didn't look a day over 35, but President Overton did not have the heart to ask her how old she really was. Instead he looked over to her, the bags under his eyes were a puffy red from the night's work in Haslet.

"Give it to me Joanna." He extended his hand. Just moments before the National Security Advisor had briefed him on a situation in the Shentong, a secret operation between Atlish Intelligence, a private Atlish militia, and the Shentong Liberation Army. Evidently from the tone of Joanna's voice things had gone bad.

"These were taken by a Isleish reconnaissance aircraft over the Shentong just yesterday." Her soft voice was cool and calm, something that Overton appreciated in the midst of barking bureaucrats and screeching reporters. She handed over a stack of photos to the President as the helicopter took a wide bank and began its descent to the grounds of the capital complex.

"We are two minutes out Mr. President." The pilot announced as he took the helicopter lower and lower.

Overton nodded, shuffling through the high altitude thermal imaging that he could hardly understand, he needed some sort of degree to read these images, just a bunch of splotchy blurs.

"What am I looking at?" Overton shrugged.

"The SLA battalion we were aiding secretly." Joanna folded her hands in her lap. Her small coat was draped over her legs to keep her warm, the white thin blouse doing her no favors. "They were scheduled to take this hill" She leaned across the cabin to point with her pencil at a splotchy blur on the picture he held. "K13, our militia contacts were with them to advise and assist. However it seems they ran into far more resistance than they first thought." She moved her non-pencil holding hand to lean on over, just as the helicopter took a deeper dive. Joanna slipped and her hand came to rest on the President's lap. Quickly she retracted as a warm blush crept along the crest of her nose. "Apologies sir." She calmly stated as she got back to business, pointing at another splotch on the image. "Here and here. We think the Phallians lost a helicopter in the battle, but this area here is curious as the soldiers fighting the SLA do not seem to behave like Phallians."

President Overton leaned in closer to Joanna to make it easier for her to advise him. The woman gulped as his face drew closer to hers.

"So who are they?" He asked, Joanna could almost feel the vibrations of his voice they were that close. The president had a deep tune to his vocal cords.

"Word is still out on that Sir. But I'd like you to see this, the most troubling part." She moved the pencil up more. "Right here, we think they are taking someone prisoner, and judging by the height since the Sainese are on average, shorter people, we think it's one of the Atlish militiamen."

"Damnit... This is bad." President Overton leaned back. Just as the helicopter began flying near the treetops of the large park like complex near the capitol building.

"But we are not sure Sir." She looked him in the eyes, she had a pretty dark blueish hue to her eyes.

"So watch this space?" The President looked over and grinned as he door to the now landed helicopter slid open. A few of the President's security detail were crouched low outside as the blades of the aircraft still turned.

"Yes Sir!" Joanna yelled over the rotor wash.

"Tonight my office." The President stepped out of the helicopter with his head low as well. His detail flanking him as he turned for one last word. "yes, my office, give me an update, say 9pm?"

Joanna nodded. It was a late office call. But that was the nature of the job. She struggled to keep her blouse and coat together as the wind blew around the cabin. She watched the President as he walked towards the crowd of reporters just a few meters away.

The gaggle of reporters had horseshoed around a contemporary styled podium that had been set up on the lawn to the south of the two large towers known as the Atlaplex, the Capitol Complex that housed the entirety of the executive branch of the Third Republic of Atla. There was nearly four dozen men and women each with note pads, recorders, and microphones in hand. The podium which featured the seal of Atla, a pine tree circled in yellow, was bristling with microphones from all the major networks. Atlish News Now, National News Broadcast, Atla Broadcasting Service, Achesian National, Rhynovia Broadcasting Company, all had tuned in to hear the words of the President that day.

Stepping behind the podium, Overton grasped its sides firmly after placing his notes in front of him. He took a moment before beginning his speech, the press corps silent as they waiting for the first words from the President.

Flexing his fingers slightly, President Overton watched as Joanna stepped out of the now powered down helicopter, looking out towards him as he stood silent before world. Clearing his throat he began.

“Good Morning. I come to you today to address an issue that our small nation has not faced in over two-hundred years. The recent acts of aggression from the Kingdom of New Phallia have put this humble nation in awe and fear for the collective safety of its people. From the covert attack on the largest energy facility and dam in Atla, to the shooting down of our close ally, the Twelve Isle’s aircraft over the Shentong, and further to the recent buildup for military forces in the autonomous region of the Shentong.”

Overton paused for effect. “These actions display nothing less than a hostile intent to the people of Atla. The Kingdom of New Phallia, wishes to return our republic back to the serfdom of two-hundred years hence. But I stand here to tell you all that I, the government, and the people of Atla, will not silently submit to such whims of a crazed Monarch.”

He knew his words would cause controversy. Atla was in a unique position within a region that was filled with a majority of Monarchies. Atla was one of the few true free Republics. “Today I call on the nations of the region, to condemn the brash actions of New Phallia, and join Atla and its economic collation in the sanctions against Phallian goods. I know I speak for the sentiment of my fellow Atlish people, we are a peace loving nation. And do not wish to submit to the power across the mountains. At this time I will take your questions.”

The dozens of reporters collectively jumped from their skins as they flailed their hands in front of them to garner the first question of the day. President Overton pointed beyond the cluster of microphones in front of him to a young blonde reporter who seemed to employ the tactic of buttoning her blouse one step lower than everyone else to gain attention. Lucky for her, President Overton was susceptible to things like this.

“Yes Ms. Bradey, ANN.” He pointed, then taking a sip from a bottle of water in front of him.

“Mr. President, do you have any comment about the recent BuzzBoard interactions between members of the Achesian Royal Family, the Queen of Rhynovia, and Crown Prince Armand of New Phallia regarding his persistent outspoken feelings against Atla?” She held her recorder forward as she awaited him to surface from his deep diving gaze into her chest.

Swallowing, Overton quickly thought through his response. “No, I do not have any thoughts about a few children and their rants on social media. But it does go to show the sentiment of the Phallian Royal Family.”

Before another question could be asked, one of the President’s security detail approached Overton just before he pointed towards a second busty reporter.

“Sir there is an emergent situation that needs your attention.” The guard whispered into the President’s ear.

Overton turned towards the crowd of reporters who were clamoring to raise their hands for the next question.

“Apologies, we will have to cut things short today.” He raised his hand sympathetically as he was led from the lawn and into a side door of the Atlaplex.

The two towers were over forty-two stories tall and featured multi-level gardens on the middle levels of each tower. Over 1,000+ offices for all departments of the executive branch were dotted around the towers along with conference rooms, briefing rooms, stores, restaurants, gyms, and clinics. The Atlaplex was built in 1986 and has since been a wonder to the world with its futuristic architecture. Several companies within Austrundus even sought to copy its design for their own offices.

Through several winding halls, an elevator ride, and a trio of security bypasses. The president and his small staff was brought to the top of tower one, where a suite of offices were located for the President and his staff. One particular briefing room was already filled with several members of the National Security team and the entirety of the President’s cabinet, excluding the Energy Secretary who was still recovering.

As President Overton walked into the darkly colored room, he looked over the center conference table full of his cabinet who looked as eager to hear what this meeting had been called for.. just as he did.

The dozen or so occupants rose to their feet as the President entered.

“Mr. President.” They each chimed.

“Good Morning.” Overton nodded to them all as he smiled, walking to the head of the table and taking out a large brown leather seat. Sitting down, he focused on the front of the room where a projected presentation was featured on screen, and the chief national security advisor awaited to begin.

As the rest took their seats once more, President Overton folded his hands before him. “Hugh, I trust there is something of great importance to be called here today so suddenly?”

“Indeed there is sir.” The large man of considerable girth folded his lapel and clicked the slideshow to cycle to the next screen. “I’d like to remind everyone here that this is a top secret briefing featuring information that is not to be shared without permission outside of this room.” The slide then suddenly switched to a large map of the border region between New Phallia and Atla. Several formation symbols of Phallian military units were featured along the border with red arrows pointing in towards Atla.

“What is this?” Secretary if the Interior Woodwroth spoke up, his eyes tracing the various confusing symbols on the board.

“Just an hour ago, the Republic of Noveos released to us several documents they managed to gain from a Phallian server in a massive cyber attack on their online assets. These documents featured plans by the Phallian military for the invasion of Atla.”

The room erupted into a cloud of murmurs and mutterings as the collective heads of the Atlish government mulled over the thought of a Phallian invasion of their homeland.

“Do we think this is recent?” Secretary of Defense Lupold questioned.

“The documents were dated just a few days ago.”

“Christ.” The Secretary of Defense took off his glasses and presed his hands against his face.

“What's our response to this?” The secretary of commerce asked as he waved to the screen.

“Well firstly we need to know if we can defend against this!” The Interior secretary shouted.

“Those are large Phallian formations. We don’t have near the size military the Phallians do.” The secretary of defense leaned back in his chair as he observed the screen.

“Then we need to solicit outside help?” President Overton leaned in over the table as he observed his panicking cabinet.

“I think that is our first step.” The Secretary of Foreign Affairs nodded as he wrote down a few notes. “I think the Twelve Isle’s is our first choice. We don’t have many other options… Rhynovia maybe but they have been struggling economically and likely cannot support us.”

“Then send an encrypted messages to the Twelve Isle’s, tell them to send what they can.” He turned to his secretary of defense. “And get our military on high alert, we need to begin air patrols and spin up our mountain teams.”

“Yes sir.” The secretary of foreign affairs nodded, standing from his chair and preparing to do just as he was ordered.

“Sir.. we don’t have much time if this is true. There is no actionable intelligence to say when this will come. And a massive mobilization of our forces will make it look as if we are the aggressors.” The defense secretary outlined

President Overton thought back to the Atlish militiaman who was captured by the Phallians. Indeed after that it would look bad if the entire Land Self Defense Force were to mobilize to the border.

“Just get them on stand by. We already have the tank battalions at the border, and the Mountaineers on patrol.”

“Yes sir.” The Defense Secretary closed his notes. “God help us.”

“Which god?” The President muttered, there really were too many these days.

---

CLASSIFIED State Communication from the Office of the President Third Republic of Atla To Whom It May Concern, Twelve Isles. We have recently been given information of New Phallian plans for the invasion of Atla. We do not have intelligence on when this is to happen but we are concerned that the forces New Phallia is planning to pit against us will quickly overcome our own. We are contacting you to request aid in the form of military reinforcements from your country. If you are able to assist, ports of entry can be coordinated with our Defense Department. This is an urgent request. President Lewis Overton The Third Republic of Atla

[Murovanka]

Ultimatum to the Third Republic

In light of the recent capture of an Atlish officer fighting on behalf of the terror organisation the Shentong Liberation Army in blatant offence to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, the Kingdom of New Phallia hereby ends all diplomatic relations with the Third Republic of Atla. The Phallian ambassador to Atla has returned home safely.

The Third Republic’s actions have constituted repeated acts of war against the Kingdom, with the secret invasion of the Shentong, the repeated intrusions into our airspace and waters, and now the mobilisation of the Atlish Self-Defence Force in preparation for full-scale invasion on the border.

The Third Republic has forty eight hours to apologise for its invasion of New Phallia and complete its withdrawal of troops and weapons as well as announce the cessation of support for the Shentong Liberation Army. Failure of which will lead to a state of war existing between the Third Republic of Atla and the Kingdom of New Phallia.

Above Phallian-Atlish Border
80km from Yamam

The pilots tensed as they approached the border, knowing that Atlish radar would likely catch them anytime soon. Still, flying low through the mountains, the six strike jets hoped to avoid detection until they were well on their way back to safety. Radars remained passive as they listened in for enemy ground radars. This mission was as much a strike as it was for intelligence-gathering. Information on type and location of radars was always crucial.

The leading fighter was only armed with two short-ranged air-to-air missiles, instead carrying a large laser marking device which would ‘paint’ their target for the other fighters to guide their load of air-to-ground missiles toward. Three of them each carried a load of 3 heavy AGMs in addition to two infrared-guide AAMs, while the flight of two fighters, flying even higher above were fully loaded in preparation for an air-to-air dogfight.

Ultimatum or not, on insistence of the Crown Prince, they were to retaliate against Atla by bombing a known SLA training camp in Atla. The Atlish liked to call it a refugee camp, and no doubt there were some refugees there, but due to the presence of firing ranges and a steady stream of trained armed Sainese men leaving it again it was designated a terrorist base by the Phallian military.

Feisten
Kingdom of New Phallia

The once quiet town of Feisten, where occasionally the Phallian mountain troops visited to train, now had all its roads clogged up and its military base overfilled. Soldiers swamped the cafes and bars and wherever one looked there were men in uniform; indeed the new arrivals had almost doubled the town’s inhabitants and the number of vehicles wearing out its roads was unprecedented.

The Phallian military was fully motorised and mechanised and the High Command prided itself in being able to put nearly a million troops in the field with barely any of them having to march on foot anywhere. Theoretically speaking. Because getting the fuel and spare parts and maintenance crews for hundreds of thousands of vehicles was simply impossible, but the army was not eager to part with old IFVs or personnel carriers.

The citizens of Feisten, used to a slow life in the peaceful countryside, watched closely as the Phallian war machine was revved up for action once again. Not unfamiliar, the men in the town, like every able-bodied male in Phallia (apart from troublesome ethnic minorities) was a reservist and they had received alert notices to be ready to be called up at any instant.

Some twenty thousand troops were now stationed in Feisten forming the ‘4th Mountain Division’. The divisional structure had been done away with some time and so it was really just a grouping of three brigades, the 2nd and 6th Mountain as well as the 4th Mechanised. Ammunition, fuel and all other supplies necessary to keep the brigades running were being stockpiled at the base. It was expected that the logistical situation would be hazardous either way.

While the operational plans had not even been released to the division’s commander, pretty much everyone was aware of roughly what a war would look like. For decades the Generality had laid out plans for the seizing of the Dongshan as part of securing Phallia’s border and economically vital areas in the major cities of Pelin and Sehnstadt, which the current border was far too close to for comfort. The Wein valley was another likely target. Phallia would not look to completely destroy and annex Atla- the two countries were as distinctly different as could be- but subjugation in every form was key.

1st Armored Division
7th Mechanised Brigade
1st Airborne Brigade
3rd Armored Brigade

2nd Mountain Division
3rd Mountain Brigade
6th Mountain Brigade
4th Mechanised Brigade

3rd Paratrooper Group
2nd Airborne Brigade
1st Light Infantry Brigade

4th Mountain Division
2nd Mountain Brigade
5th Mountain Brigade
4th Mechanised Brigade

5th Armored Division
3rd Armored Brigade
5th Mechanised Brigade
3rd Light Infantry Brigade

6th Infantry Division
1st Mechanised Brigade
4th Mountain Brigade
5th Armored Brigade

Total: ~85,000 troops, 470 tanks, 400 aircraft, 200 artillery
(This as with all ORBATs are linked on the OP, screenshots of the battlemaps will also be located there)

[Christoslavia]

OFFICIAL MESSAGE TO THE KINGDOM OF THE TWELVE ISLES
CHRISTOSLAVIAN MINISTRY OF WAR

To whomever this message reaches, let it serve as a warning. Islish intervention in the Shentong is already being taken as an act of war, if the Twelve Isles directly commits troops to the impending war between The Kingdom of New Phallia and The Third Republic of Atla, The Eternal Empire of Christoslavia will respond similarly.

Now, we have no intention of going to war with your nation, but as I have said before, if you commit directly to this theater by way of blockading New Phallia, landing troops ashore, or other militaristic actions, we will have no choice but to confront your forces with forces of our own. Several fleets are being mobilized as is, tread lightly or suffer the consequences of a more involved and drawn out conflict.

Regards, High General Rupert Adriack, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Minister of War





Port Aqualor
Christoslavia
Victory Class Supercarrier CNS Revolution, 7th Naval Group, 3rd Fleet

Seaman Arden was awoken by the blaring, piercing sound of sirens onboard the Supercarrier CNS Revolution. Disoriented and trying to compose himself out of a dead sleep, he rolled out of his bunk, fumbling with his boots as he tried to tie them.

"Get the fuck up and get going Seaman, all hands on deck!"
"Fucking move it men go, go, go! All hands to assigned stations!"

Various enlisted were barking orders that echoed throughout the metallic halls of the ship, along with the clambering of a thousand boots and the constant droning of the PA system "All hands report to stations", it was a miracle he could hear anything.
Groggy but alert he ran from his bunk, strapped on his sidearm, and headed to weapons deck C. His job description was Naval Weapons Specialist, meaning he had the wonderful duty of checking the ammunition for the jets, heloes, and all onboard weapons systems on the Revolution to make sure they were in working order, along with loading weapons onto said apparatuses, and generally guaranteeing we had the firepower to give someone a bad day.

"Check, check, check, where the hell is Arden?!"
"Reporting for duty Chief Petty Officer!"
"Perfect, all accounted for, you're late sleeping beauty."
"My apologies sir."
"Save it, boys I won't be light, we might be going to war."
No one in the weapons crew murmured for fear of being reprimanded, but you could see the panic in their faces, especially looking at the steely eyed Chief Petty Officer Howe, who had served in the Conquest Wars and wasn't necessarily one for joviality. I knew god damn well that half these guys were only in their first year or two of service, and they, like any rational human would, were probably scared shitless in the moment, but would have to put that aside and be professional as expected and taught when shit hit the fan. They were soldiers dammit, but no one liked to think about the possibility of dying. It was something we'd have to forget.

"Now, if you men happened to keep up with the bulletins, you'd be aware that the situation in New Phallia and Atla is heating up. New Phallia is now actively pursuing war against Atla for various infractions. Our problem is that the country of The Twelve Isles has shown inclination to send troops to support Atla. Our job is to make sure that doesn't happen."

"Now, everyone get to your subdecks, positions, stations, etc., and make sure the Revolution is combat ready. 7th and 12th Naval Groups, and the 14th Auxiliary Fleets are being mobilized in the event Twelve Isles ignores us. Get it done."


Emergency Cabinet Meeting
Revolutionry Palace
1 Hour earlier

SUPREME OVERLORD slammed through the door followed by his escort, awaiting him were a conglomeration of the upper echelons of the bureaucracy frantically reading over files and folders and briefs, screaming at each other and overall turning the conference room into anarchy.
But as soon as they noticed he had entered the room, it went dead silent, you could have heard a pin drop.

Supreme Overlord stared down everyone in the room, a look of rage on his face, but a measured rage. You don't want to fuck with someone who's calm when they're angry. They know what they're doing.
"HAIL!"
"Everyone, take a seat." SUPREME OVERLORD walked to his leather chair at the head of the table as all the Military and Political officials sat down quietly, and a holo map pulled up on the center of the table.
"First question," he looked at the Director of Foreign Intelligence, "...what the fuck happened?!"
The info files pulled up on everyone's computers and the map, "Sir, Phallia has suffered a massive cyberattack recently, they didn't detect a server breach and now the Atlish know about the invasion. We're losing our leverage."

SUPREME OVERLORD slammed his fist into the table, spilling his coffee and sending a shockwave of flinches and gasps throughout the room.
He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, in an almost annoyed voice, he asked, "Are we compromised?"
"That's a negative sir, no one knows of our involvement, the only fallback right now is on New Phallia."

SUPREME OVERLORD breathed a sigh of relief and slumped in his chair. "Suggestions, anyone?"

Minister of External Affairs Katelyn Jewan was the first to speak, she was probably the most visibly composed of everyone in the room, she took a small sip of her coffee and began, "My lord, seeing as how we personally still have leverage in the fact that our direct participation remains undiscovered, we have the authority to mediate."

He looked at her quizzically, "Explain Kate"

"Well, now that the war is public, we can make our intentions clear that Phallia is only acting appropriately in response to transgressions by Atla..." she paused for a moment, now taking a noticeable gulp of water from the glass before her,"...As for the Twelve Isles, I reccommend we make our stance especially clear to them."

He thought on it, and smiled, we now had an excuse to show a little muscle, he turned to High General Adriack, "Rupert, thoughts?"

"I can send a message to the Twelve Isles warning them that direct involvement will lead us to retaliate."

Then Grand Admiral Hishaw stood to speak, his measured and neutral tone easing the room, "My Lord, the Naval Groups we did not send can be activated prematurely in the event the Twelve Isles ignores our warning. Along with an auxiliary fleet since it seems we are about to take more...public...action"

"Very well, everyone, return to your duties, Rupert I want that message out within the hour, as for you Hiram, get the fleet at Aqualor mobilized. Dismissed"

All in attendance stood sharply, giving the hail and salute to SUPREME OVERLORD.

[Noveos]

12 Hours Ago
Foreign INSIGHT, National Intellignece Agency
Noveos City
Province of Aetherion
The Noveos Republic

Boom.

The desk softly thundered as his head hit the surface, knocking over a take-out box of noodles. He groggily raised his head as he heard the Director pace towards him.

Crap. Now I get to be his love interest

"Is there a problem Orion Bulkoch? Not enough sleep? Well I don't give a damn!" bellowed the Director. "I don't care that you look like the women you try to seduce, especially your bullshit excuse of hair. I do care that we're looking for something to tip the balance between us and Atla!"

What?

Orion felt his hair.

Damn it

He brushed away the noodles in his hair, which made him look like a travesty of a pop idol.

It had been months of long hours of scouring Phallian communications, media, and computer networks, and now that Christoslavia had pledged their support, his life was hell, especially considering that they were supposed to discreetly attack Phallian servers. They've found nothing new besides developments pertaining to the dam and its resulting conflicts.

Well, almost everything was not new

Orion had managed to get his hands on some nudes of the Crown Prince. He shuddered as he remembered the obscene images appearing on his screen after some decryption.

He looked up at the Director.

"Apologies, sir. I may be the best of the NIA, but I'm no zombie."

"Apologies accepted. Just keep your mind sharp. Our shift ends pretty soon."

"I-"

He was cut short as his monitor flashed. A message from Hohenfall Castle, which he had been watching as part of his assignment.

Please no nudes

They weren't nudes.

"Director, I think I have something new. No nudes this time, I promise."

"Well, Orion, you know what to do," replied the Director.

Orion began to decrypt the message using the Agency's powerful supercomputer.

"Done. I've also translated it into our language"

The Director stepped closer as both began to read the message.

When he was done, he stepped away and took a deep breath.

"Speak to no one about this. I'm convening an emergency meeting with the Noveos Prime and other high-profile officials. Atla and its allies are at risk, and so are we, for more and less obvious reasons. You know the less obvious reasons."

Orion nodded.

"What should I do, sir?"

The Director stepped closer to the exit, and turned around as he replied.

"This is what we've been looking for. We're going to begin a more active role in this conflict. It begins."

10 Hours Ago
The Prime House
Noveos City

The Noveos Prime rose from his seat at the head of a marble and glass table as he finished the message. He walked over to a projector in the side of the room, and turned it on. A holographic map of the Atla-Phallia region was displayed as he input the contents of the message. Arrows criss-crossed the map as stars and dots sprinkled the projection.

He then turned to The Director, his Generals, and his Foreign Diplomacy advisor.

"Well what do you think?"

One of his Generals, General Lupin, spoke up.

"I think this gives us the perfect opportunity to fly our birds into the region. We can pledge official military support to Atla, extending our influence zone into New Phallia. If the world needs a reason for our entry, we can just say we are aiding our ally and protecting our interests."

The Foreign Diplomacy Secretary replied, "I feel a sudden entrance is too excessive. We can just join in on the international sanctions against New Phallia, and stop there. If it is inexorably imperative that we join the conflict, then we will."

The Noveos Prime nodded.

"Thank you Lupin and Pacis. I have to agree with Pacis here. While Atla is our ally, we cannot risk exacerbating the turmoil. We ought to play it safe, and play our cards right. Besides, we don't want to announce any less obvious reasons for aiding Atla. However, Generals, begin on an ORBAT."

The Generals nodded and begin to leave the room at the Noveos Prime's gesture.

"And what of me sir?" quipped the Director.

"I want you to begin to conduct more active cyberwarfare. Also, leaks those nudes. But of the plan by Phallia to invade Atla, we must keep a tight lid on it. We need our advantage."

The Director nodded, and left the room

"Pacis, I want you to work on those sanctions," said the Noveos Prime. "I'm going to forward this message to Atla. They'll need it."

"Understood, sir." said Secretary Pacis. "But if you don't mind me asking, what will happen?"

The Noveos Prime's face drew together tightly.

"War."

[The Manticoran Empire]

Kilconney, Manticore
25km West of Ranaghy

(Image)

Manticoran Intelligence Service Senior Agent Tracy Atkinson sat by the window, waiting for the arrival of her team. None of them knew her real name and after so many years of working under an alias, she barely remembered it herself. Brenda Hinton had been a beautiful woman and a loving mother. As she waited for them, she couldn't help but think of her daughter, Miranda. She'd be seven today but Brenda wouldn't be there. Miranda didn't expect her to be, either. According to all official records, Brenda Hinton was dead. Killed in a car accident three years ago, replaced by Tracy Atkinson. A clever deception, Tracy thought, but one which cost more than it gave. She could never be seen by her daughter and a series of plastic surgeries to alter her features meant that DNA was the only way to prove who she really was. She could SEE her daughter, in fact she had purchased a house not far away and just watched Miranda on her off days. Her sister was raising the girl and doing a remarkable job. A job, she remembered bitterly, that should have been hers. She slammed her fist on the wall and fought back tears as she reminisced about vacations with little Miranda, something Brenda had rarely had time for, constantly chasing her career. And now look where it had gotten her. A new identity, a new face, and now no chance to truly connect with her daughter. That comes with the territory, she said to herself and then shook her head, Yeah. And I'll keep telling myself that until it's true.

Captain Kenneth Nash stopped his bike at the end of the drive and looked down the white, pristine path to the less than inconspicuous house beyond. A truck pulled up behind him, revealing Staff Sergeant Thomas Young. "Damn, Cap. Now we know where MIS blows its budget."
"Yeah."
"You tell Jamie where you are?"
"Told her its another training exercise."
"How pissed was she?"
"Unclear. She hasn't spoken to me in about three days."
"You're fucked, man."
Nash smiled and chuckled lightly before turning to face his old friend. "What about you, man? How's this "exercise" going down with Carla?"
"She threw a vase at me and left."
"Damn, dude. What the hell did you say to her?"
"Just that we have an exercise, might be gone a few weeks and that I'd call her when I could. She took that to mean I care more about my job than her."
"Well she's onto something there," a new voice said behind them. Specialist Nicholas Neives and Specialist Edward Politte smiled as they walked up. Young threw a mock punch towards Neives, who made far too much of an effort to dodge it, feigning confusion as to why Young was reacting so strongly. "Easy now, Sergeant. We both know I beat you in hand to hand combat."
"I'm still a better shot than you, little shit."
The two soldiers traded playful insults back and forth as the quartet marched in lockstep up the drive to the door. The woman who answered the door was unmistakable as their MIS handler, Agent Atkinson. The team all entered the house quickly and quietly before walking to the den.
"I'm not going to waste our time with introductions and formalities. We all know each other and we have a time sensitive job to complete." She turned on a projector and opened a set of slides. The first was a map of several countries.
(Image)
"Say hello to the most volatile region in the world right now. New Phallia and Atla have had conflicts in the past but this one is starting to make the politicians nervous. To put it simply, Atla has closed the Dundee Dam, which is wreaking havoc of New Phallia's agricultural and mining industries. To top it off, there have been several skirmishes in Shentong Autonomous Region, resulting in heavy casualties among Phallian and Shentong soldiers. You will be inserted in Shentong, where you will begin a destabilization campaign. The Sainese rebels, underfunded, untrained, and equipped with obsolete weaponry, are your best friends. Remember, we don't need this turning into another Vietnam. No one can know of your involvement. Once in country, your methods and strategy are up to you. Shentong is your primary goal but remember that Phallia won't stop in Shentong. The President would like to have Atla as the dominant power in this region if at all possible. A libertarian entity is easier to deal with than Phallia. You will infil with a group of humanitarians and once on the ground, you will have limited radio contact with home. Good luck."

Ganling, Shentong Autonomous Region
CPT. Kenneth Nash looked at the Phallian firebase through the scope of his Arctic Warfare Magnum sniper rifle, watching the bustle of soldiers as they went through their daily activities. He saw three soldiers doing circuit drills with improvised weights. He saw four playing a game of poker. There was a basketball game going on near the far side of the base. A small voice whispered through his headset, "Kinda weird how these guys can be so calm with all the shit going on."
"They have to be, Tom. Otherwise they'll go batshit."
"What, like you, Nick?"
"Worse."
"Impossible."
"Oi, cut the chatter. Gotta a pair of howitzers here."
"OK, those will be the primary target. Make sure to plant charges near fuel and ammunition before we exfil. If we can wreak some general mayhem, it will delay their ability to respond to future rebel actions in this region."
Kenneth continued to scan the area, looking for additional hostiles. A firebase with a pair of howitzers would need at least sixty men. Sabotaging the guns and destroying ammunition, vehicles, and fuel while simultaneously avoiding five dozen soldiers would be a difficult task, unless they were willing to wait for nearly nine hours until the sun set and most of the soldiers racked out. Which meant that Kenneth and his guys needed to make themselves comfortable.

The hours dragged on like days, stretching out as Nash and his team fought off the urge to sleep and move. The common phrase "Snipers Wear Diapers" took on new meaning as they waited for nightfall.
The firebase remained a center of activity for most of that time. Patrols left and returned periodically, some of them more worse for wear than others. But, for the most part, as the sun started to set, the firebase started to show less activity.
At long last, the soldiers were largely in their bunks, sleeping as best they could. Those that were still awake were too tired to notice the quartet of bushy figures beginning to slowly move down the hill.

The team reached the edge of the firebase's concertainer wall and moved carefully towards the entrance. A single soldier was there, leisurely puffing on a cigarette. Nash reached into his pocket, withdrawing a ballistic knife before leaning over to give himself a shot. The soldier didn't appear to notice him and Nash pressed the release button. A small release of gas pushed the knife towards the New Phallian soldier at over 70 kilometers an hour and tore into the hapless man's throat. The soldier's hands flew to his throat and a soft gurgle of blood mixing with air as the man tried to scream could be heard as the team moved into the base. Young pulled the soldier behind a wall out of sight of any roving guards before sneaking over towards the ammunition shed.

Nash walked over to the howitzers, taking care to avoid lights and open areas. He didn't have to kill any other soldiers, for which he was grateful. Bodies required time to hide. The howitzers would require two blocks of C4, placed in the breeches. The complication, of course, was the steel breechblocks were rather noisy to open. So, instead of placing them in the breech, he wedged each demo charge in the elevation-traverse gears. It would accomplish the same goal but would also be more susceptible to discovery.

Young snuck through the shadows cast by the buildings, avoiding roving guards as he approached the armory. A couple of demolition charges inside would make some very nice fireworks. But first he had to pick the lock, which would take time. He set to work, using a lockpicking set he had bought back home.

Neives crept up to the motor pool and he knew his task. He took several C4 charges, placing them in the engines of the trucks. That placing would also cause fuel fires, which would allow the damage to spread before being contained. He placed another on a fuel trailer on the far end of the motor pool before creeping back towards the entrance.

Nash had started creeping away from the howitzer when a rifle round cracked past him. He heard a body fall to the ground and turned around. A New Phallian soldier was laying face down, blood flowing from a through and through where his heart should have been. He looked back towards the ridge, wondering where Politte had decided to set up his blind.

Young was finally in the armory and began placing demo charges. It didn't take long for him to run out of charges and he was soon carefully walking back to the entrance, closing and relocking the door behind him.

A few minutes later, the team regrouped back on the ridge. Nash, Neives, and Young all held their detonators and Nash looked down at the firebase. "Alright guys. Ready, ready, now." Three detonators were pressed simultaneously, with virtually instantaneous results. The thunderous explosions were a clear signal to the team, who made haste over to their vehicle on the far side of the ridge.

[The Twelve Isles]

Alexander stood in front of the Press Association, reporters all looking up at him expectantly. He was flanked on either side by Lay's and Hayes, both of them standing tall in crisp military uniforms, decorations adorning their chests. Either one of them had an impressive stack to boast, but together they looked like a modern art museum. Behind them were Imperial Guards, standing at tight attention, their uniforms pressed and cleaned, gloves pearly white, and their shoes spit shined so bright you could eat off of them.

Alexander looked down at his papers, shifting them around before looking back up at the Press. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "I would like to thank everyone here for coming. At approximately 3:30 this morning, we received communication from the Atlish government concerning Isles assistance. The Atlish government, in light of growing tensions between Atla and the Kingdom of New Phallia, has asked that we commit military forces to assist in the defense of Atla, and to deter the Phallians from making any more aggressive, imperialistic moves in the region. With that said, I would like to say that as of tomorrow, the Special Marine Operations Division, as well as elements from the Army Air Force, Artillery platoons, and other Isles elements will be deployed to Atla, to help secure their borders and protect Isles interests."

There was a clamor of voices as Alexander stopped talking. He looked over the crowd of reporters, all raising their hands and shouting questions at him. He pointed to a young man with a series of runes tattooed across his forehead, pointing at him and nodding.

"Thank you sir," said the man, standing and holding a recorder out to the Emperor. "Thomas Kane, Morley Isle Sun. What are your plans, if any for the Navy? After all, the Isles has a far superior naval force than New Phallia, we could easily blockade them."

"At the moment we have no plans for the navy other than increased patrols near Phallian waters. Should hostility's break out, we intend to blockade New Phallia. Next question."

He pointed to a middle aged woman next, watching as she tripped slightly as she stood. "Melisa Stradford, Townhill Daily News. If hostilitys are to break out, what is the end game of the Isles? Do we wish to install a new government in New Phallia? Free Shentong?"

"The goals for the Isles are to protect Atla and free Shentong. We do not wish to interfere in New Phallia any more than we have to to achieve these goals. Next question. . ."

ENCRYPTION: MAX
To: Whom it may concern, Atla
From: The Desk of Emperor Alexander Cartwine

The Empire of the Twelve Isles would be honored to commit forces in the defense of our longtime ally and trading partner in Atla. In light of recent events in the Shentong Mountain Region, such as the attack on the Dundee Dam and the shooting down of an Islish recon plane, we shall be sending the elite Special Marine Operations Division, as well as other supporting artillery, air force and Airborne units. It is our hope that with a show of force, New Phallia will back down and this conflict can be resolved.

Signed
Emperor Alexander Cartwine, Acting Regent
Empire of the Twelve Isles

LCpl Jimmy Barrow
Special Marine Operations Division
"GUYS!" Jimmy yelled over the clamor of the airplane, looking around rapidly as he stood up to address everyone who would listen to him. No one did, the 100 sum odd soldiers on the plane with him all just ignored what he had to say. "GUYS!" he yelled again, louder this time to try and make his voice carry. "GOD DAMMIT! LISTEN TO ME OR I WILL FUCK YOU IN THE ASS WITH A TORTILLA!" this got the attention of some of the soldiers, who looked his way with awkward grins and giggles. Paulsen looked up at Jimmy from his seat, quietly wishing his friend would shut up for once. He had heard the plan in Jimmy's head, and he felt certain that it was absolutely retarded.

"The fuck did you just say Barrow?" said one of them, looking over at the platoon goof.

"You head what I said, I said I would fuck you in the ass with a tortilla, and GOD DAMMIT! LISTEN TO ME YOU MOTHERFUCKERS!"

A few more turned around, and eventually Jimmy had managed to get the attention of enough of his comrades to adequately. "Alright everyone, yall know the flight attendant,"

"Which one!" came the call from the crowd. There were two after all, so the distinction of course had to be made.

"The pretty one," said Jimmy. The other one was an older man who had shown absolutely zero interest in being polite, so they had all collectively written him off and moved on to hoping the female flight attendant would come by to ask if they wanted any refreshments on the flight to Atla. Caroline was her name, and she had managed to gain the attention of an entire plane of Isles Naval Marines just because of how perfect she was. She was currently at the back of the plane, and Jimmy hoped wasnt hearing his plan. The soldier who asked received a punch in the arm for the stupidity of his question. Of course it was the pretty one, Caroline, that Jimmy was talking about. Fuck the other dude.

"Anyways," continued Jimmy, "When she comes back we need to all sing 'Sweet Caroline.' She deserves our rendition."

There was a collective nodding through the group, as all of them thought the idea through.

"Why?' said another soldier, who also quickly gained a punch in the arm.

"Because, Caroline is the bomb dude," said Jimmy. "She's been nothing but sweet and I want to sing her a song."

As he said this, Caroline the Flight Attendant pushed through the blue divider curtain that separated different parts of the plane. Jimmy looked over at her, and then out at the rest of his comrades, and then back again at Caroline. No one sang but him. He sang it badly, and she gave him a look. He smiled though, showing off his missing tooth and extending his arms outwards like he was in a barbershop quartet. Below him, Paulsen started singing, and then the three soldiers in front of them. Slowly, the song spread through the plane, an entire 100 man company of soldiers serenading one girl. She smiled, and as she made her way through the row offering drinks and other refreshments as she went, each soldiers shook her hand in thanks.
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Islish Forces Arriving In Atla

One they had reached Atla, the Marines of SMOD quickly learned that the barracks they were assigned were cramped. Up 10 people had to share a room, and many of them had to sleep on the floor. Not to mention, the amount of bags, clothing, flak jackets, helmets and gear that the soldiers had brought had turned each room into a pile of bullshit as far as the soldiers were concerned. Many Atlish soldiers had watched bemused as their Islish allies had learned that there wasn't enough room for them and began to complain like champions. The calls had echoed up and down the halls as Naval Marines shouted about how it was all complete bullshit, and that they were gonna take a shit on someones lawn to prove their distaste for the current arrangements. No one took any shits on lawns, but the men were grumpy. Almost like children. Highly trained children with rifles, machine guns and armored vehicles coming in with them.

Jimmy and the rest of his squad sat around a table in a nearby town, all complaining together. Their officers had been kind enough to give some of them the day off to settle in, and would do the same for the other half of them tomorrow. After that, it would be business, so the Atlish civilians had gotten a to experience a sudden stream of fresh business as Islish soldiers poured into their town looking for entertainment before they had to start acting like soldiers again. Jimmy's Sgt had brought them all to dinner, insisting that they would enjoy the fruits of civilization one more time before anything to crazy happened. Jimmy had hoped he was giving them all porno mags, but instead it was food.

This wasn't to say that they didnt enjoy it. Each of the soldiers in Jimmy's squad tore into the food like animals, enjoying every bit of it they could. It wasn't every day they got to have real food instead of MRE's, and they were enjoying it. Possibly a little to much. They were in a rather upscale restaurant, and when the had arrived, dressed in crisp dress uniforms, freshly shaved with their fancy white gloves, they had all seen many Atlish women look at them with a certain stare of interest. They had all tried to act as suave and exotic as they could, putting on a show as they tried to scope out the scene, at least until the food arrived.

Now, an older couple were staring at the squad of foreign soldiers shoveling food into their mouths with an air of confusion and disgust. Sgt Wainwright saw the couple look, and swallowed his latest bite before saying in broken Atlish, "Dont worry, you just keep your hands and feet away from their mouths, and they wont hurt you." Jimmy looked up and smiled at them through a mouthful of food, Paulsen looking at the couple from next to Jimmy. The older woman put her head in her hands and laughed a little at the ridiculousness.

"I think we made a scene Sergeant," said Private McVeigh. Wainright looked at him, and the two of them shook their heads before returning to their food. They probably wouldn't get this kind of experience again for a while.

Just for a little extra information, here's Jimmy's squad.
SGT Timothy Wainwright: Team Leader, Grenadier
LCpl Christopher Patson: Rifleman, Vehicle Driver
Cpl Jonathon Paulsen: SAW Gunner
Pvt Pierce McVeigh: Rifleman
And finally, our dashing hero himself, LCpl Jimmy Barrow: Rifleman, Vehicle Gunner

[Christoslavia]

The Citadel
Press Briefing Room

And it is with great disappointment that I say The Twelve Isles have refused to heed our warning, and have sent combat troops into the Third Republic of Atla. If they are so insistent on supporting a state sponsor of terrorism and a nation that continually violates the internal affairs of their neighbor, so be it. As promised, Christoslavia will respond in earnest by deployng forces of our own to New Phallia, to be kept on standby until the warmongering Atlish and Islish make their inevitable assault.

[Murovanka]

Burgunder Zeitung | English Edition | Home

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MEISEN GRID SHUTDOWN: NEW PHALLIA BLAMES ISLISH HACKERS

MEISEN- Downstream on the Lower Wein, the city of Meisen experienced a full power blackout with everything reliant on the city’s electrical grid rendered unusable. While power has been restored to some parts of the city as spare generators have been brought in, emergency services are still well underway to assist the majority of its citizens where public transport has ceased to function, water supply cut and cell services unavailable. Relief efforts were severely impeded as government computer networks and websites were paralysed in what New Phallian authorities have described a “large-scale sophisticated cyberattack”, the first of its kind in the region.

New Phallian Chancellor Walwerden described it as a “pointless, dangerous assault” on the New Phallian nation. In a press conference, RSS Director Riegen said that there was “reliable evidence” that Islish hackers were responsible. “We have detected a new kind of malware implanted in the electric grid capable not only of temporary disruption but a full wipe of data.” He said the RSS Cybersecurity Division was conducting investigations into all city electrical grids as well as military and government communication systems to search for malware. Meanwhile, the government has advised citizens to stockpile emergency rations and radios to prepare for a repeat attack.

It comes as the region verges on the brink of war with New Phallia yesterday giving a two-day ultimatum to Atla which has not yet been answered by the Atlish government. Meisen is a key military node for the New Phallian Defence Forces and having seen increased activity as New Phallia “prepared for an Atlish invasion”. According to an unnamed RSS source the logistical situation was significantly complicated by the cyberattack as relief services impeded mobilisation efforts. Meanwhile, larger powers are being drawn into the conflict as all sides eye the regions rich natural resources and vital position in Hesperan maritime trade. With the Twelve Isles ignoring Christoslavia’s warning that if the Isles deployed troops, Christoslavia would do similarly, it threatens to turn a dispute over borders and the Shentong into a wider regional war. The Isles have declared that it was deploying troops to deter New Phallia and has sent ships to patrol the Phallian/Hesperan Gulf with Emperor Cartwine saying the Isles could “easily blockade them [New Phallia]”. Meanwhile Christoslavian naval forces are on exercise with the New Phallian Navy, and many see the collision course the two coalitions are heading toward.

[Achesia]

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Atlish Air Self Defense Force Base, Somewhere Near Kohlor, Atla

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24-hr shift duty could be some of the most boring work one has in the Atlish Self Defense Force, unless you were a pilot. Pilots seemed to get the best of everything, the best food, the beat luxuries, the best equipment, and the best entertainment. The pilots waiting lounge where stand by fighter pilots waited out their 24/hr duty was the epitome of this stereotype of the luxurious living. Pool tables, full kitchen, soft beds, great visiting hours, computers, games, everything a man could envy.

But LT Sam Axon didn't care, he served his time as a grunt in the LSDF, now was his turn to kick back. What better way to do so then to watch the news scroll by with family?

LT Axon sat back in the deeply cushioned couch as the Atlish News Now rambled on about the Buzzboard lamentations of far off royalty. His two younger sisters each sat on his legs, watching on as the Buzzes from Princess Alexandra Requient were repeated and repeated by the talking heads of the tabloid news show.

Sarah was in her second year of college not far from Kohlor Air Base where her brother just five years older than her was stationed. She was of a thicker athletic build with long blonde hair that matched the tone of her fighter pilot brother's own locks. She lay back across his thigh after adjusting her yellow tank top, resting her head in the pocket of Sam's shoulder.

"What a bunch of attention whores." She remarked at the continued coverage of the dual princesses of the Achesian monarchy whose Buzzboard accounts were the focus of as much attention as some of the smaller nations around the region hoped to get in a year.

“You're just jealous they have more followers than you.” Sam’s younger sister Melissa interjected, just before she received a loving and playful kick from Sarah. She was in her final year of high school, a much thinner build with a certain ampleness about her. She had wavy strawberry blonde hair that flowed past the small of her back. She too lay down in the pocket of her brother’s shoulder, the trio starring on at the television for what seemed like eleven hours.

The two girls often visited their brother when he was on duty to keep him occupied, they usually had little chance to spend with their brother who often was busy gaining more and more flight hours towards a future promotion. It was just mere minutes until he was off duty, and a new fighter pilot would be on duty. The trio had planned to return to their brother’s apartment just outside the gate, where they could all spend some quality time together.

“Gold five, stand too, Gold Seven stand too, flight orders, stand too departure, emergency scramble.”

Their time was now cut short, after the loud PA announcement a sharp and deafening klaxon emanated around the building as commotion could be heard in many of the adjoining rooms.

“Is that you?” The youngest girl, Melissa turned her head towards her brother’s, his scruff scratching her forehead as she whimpered her objections. Her tone was sad and almost a whine, their time together curtailed just before they could have had the rest of the evening together as a family.

“I’m afraid so.” LT Axon frowned as he looked to the speaker above them.

“Be safe.” Sarah the oldest girl said as she slid her legs off her brothers and onto the couch. She leaned in and gave him a smack on the cheek as he got up from his seat. Wiping the wrinkles from his green flight suit.

The door opposite to them flung open, several men dressed in fatigues and moisture wicking shirts stood in the threshold with serious expressions.

“LT, your ship is ready.” The large black man said with an urgent tone.

Axon nodded to his crew chief and the two enlisted mechanics that held his flight helmet and gear.

“Just go back to my place. I’ll be home before you know it.” Sam Axon leaned in and kissed Melissa on the cheek for an extended moment until he strode away just as quickly towards his crew.

The girls were soon left in the lounge alone, the message to scramble still repeating over the speakers as the klaxons chimes past the farewells they sent their brother.

Running down the hall, the three mechanics and LT Axon strode out towards the hangar where Axon’s JAS 39 Gripen- A sat fueled and loaded out.

“Sir, your sisters are pretty… uh pretty.” A younger ginger mechanic remarked as he huffed and puffed down the hall.

Axon who had no problem with their stride turned back towards the enlisted man.
“Don’t get any ideas.. they… they uh... have boyfriends.” He turned his head eyes forward, remarking no longer on the subject as he thought about Sarah and Melissa and the times they had and we're going to spend together all the way towards his cockpit.

Outside the hanger, the two girls were making their way to the car, the cool air coming off the foothills giving their bare legs a chill and their minds a second thought about wearing short shorts and tank tops.

“Gold Five, LAUNCH!” The loud speakers around the base screamed as the jetwash of the Gripen drowned out all other sound, its afterburners firing it streaked into the sky at an almost vertical angle.

“Gold Seven, LAUNCH!”

The blonde and strawberry hair flung as the two girls jerked their head as they watching their brothers fighter too streak into the sky. The dark blue livery of the top of the aircraft and the white underbelly melting into the sky as it climbed farther into the heavens.

The youngest girl Melissa’s tear struck the asphalt parking lot as her loving brother disappeared into infinity.

“Don’t worry.” Sarah rubbed her sister’s back. “He said he would be back soon.”

“Let’s pray.” Melissa responded, getting into the car with her sister and heading back to warm their brother’s apartment for his joyus return.

At altitude, the pair of JAS 39 Gripen-As made for due south east, their radars pinging for enemy aircraft as the massive Shentong Mountains loomed before them.

“Kohlor Command, this is Gold Flight. We are at altitude and on point to target.” Gold 5, the ranking pilot called back to base as they flew side by side.

“Gold Flight, targets are 234 flying low, confirm when located.”

The two Gripens kept close, LT Axon and his flight leader scanning the horizon visually and with their instruments as they prepared to intercept.

“Eyes on.” Axon soon blurrted out, his eyes on the six ship formation that was flying low.

“Call out your angels.” Kohlor Command responded urgently.

“Four ships, angels two… two ships angels eight.” Axon turned his fighter craft with his leader to point their noses at the aggressor aircraft.

“Gold flight permission to engage, fire when ready.”

“I don’t have a tone.” Gold 5 responded bluntly as they both switched on their long range Sparrow missiles.

Now was the battle as the two JAS 39s headed to face the Phallian threat.

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Along the Border, the Conflict Begins

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The word was out that the Phallian forces were massing at their side of the mountain. No greater threat existed to the Third Republic of Atla, and plans had been in place for this eventuality for decades since he modern renaissance of the Atlish defense forces. Thousands of troops now assembled with their upper formations, prepared to traverse the many routes of forward movement towards what had been designated the front lines of this conflict by the brass.

Many Atlish citizens lived in the Greater Atlish Valley for this reason, the mountains were a dangerous place to lay one's head, any sort of conflict was bound to boil down in the smoky peaks of the Shentong. But those who did decide the risk was worth it, were now under mandatory evacuation from their mountain villages. Cities like Haslet and Linsest were parking lots of cars and buses headed northwest to escape the soon to be fighting. But for as many that were leaving, there were a select percentage of the population that was headed in.

Above the Shentong several C-130s flew low. Their destination, an opening just large enough in the wilderness of the Shentong mountains to drop their cargo, two full regiments of Mountain Commandos whose specialty and specific strategic job was to insert themselves into the mountains and harass any enemy advance there. These were some of the most elite soldiers in the Land Self Defense Force and would join the LSDF Mountaineers in a guerrilla campaign against any advancing Phallian elements.

In addition to the Mountain Commandos, two Brigades of Mountain infantry would deploy into the Shentong to bring a more direct fight to the horde of Phallians villains. The sole Airborne brigade would also drop into Haslet, the largest city within the Shentong mountains and a significant population center. Even behind that the brigades of regular infantry and armored units would soon prepare to deploy towards the Shentong. Protecting the valley and it’s people from the menace at hand.

[The Manticoran Empire]

The Citadel
Vicuna, Manticore

The Imperial Armed Forces had been watching the situation with growing concern. Many businesses did business with New Phallia and Atlish and the conflict was making trade more expensive. The prices hadn't been raised domestically, yet, but that wouldn't hold out forever. Several Congressmen were receiving letters from their constituents, demanding that the Empire take some form of action. Congress was making noises that said "economic sanctions" and yet the military was wondering how they would react if war became necessary. And, for General Martin Samuels, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, war seemed inevitable now. The presence of Islish and Christovian warships and troops suggested that sanctions against those nations would result in greater aggression, this time against the Empire. "Marty, we need to convince Congress to put at least one CSG in the region, to show we are serious." Admiral Claude Reynolds, the Chief of Naval Operations and military head of the Imperial Navy, wasn't known for being a reactionary, which meant that Martin was inclined to trust his judgement. "Claude, if you think we need it, I'll move heaven and earth to get it for you. However, we also need to attempt to bring about a peaceful resolution to this conflict. After all, if this war escalates any further, the economic repercussions for the Empire will be severe."
"I know, Marty. Which is why they need to know we are not bluffing."
"Hmph. A nice missile strike and some Marines would get that message across," General Joshua King, the Commandant of the Imperial Marine Corps said, gruffly.
"That's not an option on the table right now, General. Congress wants to do this peaceably so we are going to do it peaceably."
"It would be much simpler to do it my way."
"And I agree with you. Unfortunately, our bosses don't. And we don't do what we want. We do what our bosses want and our bosses want peace."
The officers walked to a new room, a conference room where they were joined by General Joel Samuels, the Air Force Chief of Staff and General Christine Richards, the Army Chief of Staff, who were followed closely by the Senate Armed Services Committee. Twenty-seven Senators walked in, headed by Senator Guillermo Shingleton, the Chairman of the Committee and a former member of the Joint Chiefs. "Senator Shingleton, welcome. I'm glad you could join us," Martin said, pleasantly smiling while extending his hand. Senator Shingleton took his hand and said, "Thank you, General. I'm honored to be able to attend. I understand you have a military briefing for us about the situation on the Phallia-Atlish border?"
"That I do, sir. Please, sit."
The senators took their seats and focused their attention on the projection screen, which presently had a title screen that said, "The situation and state of affairs in the border clash between Atla and Phallia."
Martin looked around the room and then said, "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. For those of you who don't know, I'm General Martin Samuels, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. My purpose today is to explain the situation in a rather volatile yet economically important area of the world."
He clicked the next slide, bringing up a map.

"This is the Hesperan Sea region, home to the Kingdom of New Phallia and the Third Republic of Atla. These two countries have a history of economic and open warfare and, despite a period of peace, tensions have been rising out of control after Atla threatened to close the Dundee Dam. In the last thirty six hours, however, the situation has gone from bad to worse."
He clicked the slides again.

"Two nations have openly come out in support of New Phallia or Atla. New Phallia is receiving naval and ground support from Christovania, who has deployed a carrier group and we believe a submarine as well. The Twelve Isles have come out in open support for Atla, deploying what appears to be three aircraft carriers, ten corvettes, and two submarines. What we aren't sure about is the extent of Twelve Isles support."
He clicked again.

"Unfortunately, the ground situation is far worse. Six New Phallian Divisions stand across the border from several smaller units, no larger than brigade strength. To the best of our knowledge, the Atlish Army has two infantry regiments, two armored battalions, two mountain regiments, three infantry brigades, and an aviation brigade close to the border. Further out, three armored brigades and two infantry brigades form a reserve. However, it is our general consensus that Atla does not have the forces to hold out against New Phallia for long. Especially not with the naval situation."
Martin then looked at the committee and said, "The Empire has millions of dollars in economic interests in the region. Oil, rare earth elements, gems, and other supplies of resources are threatened as long as this war continues. As such, we are requesting that you ask Congress to approve the deployment of Carrier Strike Group 21 to the Hesperan Sea. The group is already conducting operations several hundred kilometers south. In addition, we would also like you to open negotiations with Inoroth to allow us to build a joint air and naval base on Isola Guardia. We are NOT asking for a declaration of war or a declaration of support for either side. Rather, we would like to provide a show of force to reinforce economic and political sanctions."

The Committee left a few hours later, returning to the Palace of the Legislature where a joint session of Congress began to debate the severity of the sanctions.
After almost a full day of bickering, they announced the results.
President James Martin held a press conference in which he said, "Let it be known that, as of 21:00 on this day, the 20th of March 2017, the Manticoran Empire is enacting economic and political sanctions against the nations of Atla, New Phallia, Christovania, and the Twelve Isles. In addition, Carrier Strike Group 21 is being redeployed to the Hesperan Sea, to impress upon the aforementioned nations the potential consequences of continued aggression. There are many roads to the same destination. In this modern age, one would expect that nations would seek the roads of peace and goodwill, not war and wanton destruction. To that end, I am offering to host a peace conference here in Vicuna, in the hopes of reaching a peaceful compromise which will end the bloodshed."