Liberation of cursed lands. Semi-closed GD

[The Technocratic Syndicalists]

CENTRAL DIENSTAD THEATER

Although the Arcaenian 1st and 9th fleets had badly mauled The Ordenite Task Forces Nord and Wiking, little did Arcaenian naval planners realize that those were merely diversionary forces intended to tie up the Triumverate in the northern part of the region while the bulk of the Ordenite Kriegsmarine made it's way south to the seas around Krasnova. To make matters worse after several days of around-the-clock operations the Arcaenian carriers had completely exhausted their supply of aircraft launched anti-ship missiles and the majority of their aviation fuel capacity in attacks against the Ordenite task forces. As turning back north and resupplying in Arcaenian ports would take days, if not weeks, the Arcaenian task forces were ordered to chase the Ordenites south, attacking them in piecemeal strike groups with bombs if need be and ensuring they couldn't turn west and escape back to Ordenite waters.

Further south two more Arcaenian fleets totaling some 4,000 warships when combined with the two fleets from the north (representing virtually the entire Arcaenian surface navy) and multiple Imbrinumian fleets with several thousand more ships were moving into the Sea of Crowns from the east. With multiple kríergrups already attacking the in the south and with an entire Kríermak Armada returning from Gothic waters about to enter the fray the Ordenite Kriegmarine was poised to fight a relentless battle on all sides in the Sea of Crowns and around RSU that would almost certainly lead to its virtual annihilation as a fighting force. When these forces made hostile contact with the Ordenite forces fleeing south the two Arcaenian fleets in pursuit from the north would be ordered to turn back towards Arcaenia and head to ports for resupply. These fleets would then be re-armed with land attack weaponry to replace their exhausted stocks of anti-ship missiles and head south where they would bombard targets in and around Krasnova to relieve the Triumvirate forces currently engaged in fighting in the Satrapy.

KRASNOVAN THEATER

While the naval war raged on in the central Deinstad seas the Arcaenian Luftwehr was scheduled to begin it's strategic bombardment of Krasnova in support of the Triumverate forces currently under Siege in the Satrapy from Ordenite invasions. Flying the roughly 20,000 kilometers from Airbases in southern Arcaenia to targets in Krasnova and back meant multiple in-air refueling per trip with virtually every tanker in the Arcaenian Luftwehr assigned to support. Hundreds of Arcaenian B-3 and RB-80 supersonic strategic bombers, loaded with up to sixteen satellite guided 1,000 kilogram armor-piercing bombs each, would fly non-stop sorties attacking the Ordenite airfields in Krasnova to lessen the ability of the Ordenie Luftwaffe in Krasnova to carry out operations against Triumverate forces in the region. Escort in form of Seraph fighters would not be available, instead the Arcaenian bombers would have to rely on their extreme speed (The RB-80) or speed and radar low-observability (the B-3) and copious amounts of stand-in jamming to punch through Luftwaffe interceptors and Ordenite anti-air missile batteries. With bombing raids and air-superiority operations in Krasnova also being conducted by the Golden Throne and the Imbrinians from their own bases in the region and with the Ordenite Luftwaffe's inability to replace its losses in theater, soon the balance of air-power over Krasnova would shift in the favor of the Triumverate and the buildup of Triumverate forces in the Satrapy allowed to accelerate as planned.

[McNernia]

MATAGALPA, SATRAPY OF NICARO
Mcnernian Liaison Team

---

The Mcnernians would talk among themselves for a few moments more. The mention of local forces having problems would raise more than a few eyebrows. The Army was still mobilizing for the forthoming war. And though war had been declared and the Ambassadors had been secured and such the current situation, diverting to Nicaro had raised hackles at the chain of command. The main fight was in Krasnova but being a good ally they kept their mouths shut and sent the word to bring the troops as soon as possible.\

They would wait until they were seated before the briefing table

“Brining the troops will require a lot of retraining, and well tropical warfare is a damn sight different than the issue of the war in Krasnova and training and resupply will take time. But please let use hear what exactly operation GREEN SWEEP Is about, we stand at some several tens of thousand but they must be able to complete training for the jungle environment and the operation is most interesting and not something that we would consider exactly.”

One officer wrote something down. “The issue of problems with the local forces may stem from treatment like prisoners of the civilian population however one cannot deny the effectiveness of the measures seeing as they were implemented in a rather wide swathe of our own colonies before international pressure forced us to withdraw from those areas.”

Suffice to say that the Mcnernians were most impressed with the Macabeans effectiveness and would eagerly wait to hear of the role that the Macabeans had planned in the operation.

---

Cathcride, Mcnernia
Ministry of Defense-Logistics Offices

---

The engine of war is hard to stop, in some ways a war in Dienstad even with nuclear weapons was considered inevitable as Mcnernia had the large army that could take on most foes in the world. Even with the return of Macabeans from Gholgoth the Mcnernian role in the war would be key. Civilians were being arranged to be evacuated from cities and Air Defense was around the capital. Air Defense was key, Nuclear weapons could be used and Mcnernia had prepared for that, building shelters and other things.

The Clerks of the logistics offices were charged with making sure that supplies were arranged. Men and women toiling in suits or uniforms at the behest of the ministers who they did not see often. The place was with windows and without windows. In the offices one scoured the data bases of supplies with the aid of AI and ordered that the supplies be cobbled together from stockpiles.

The clerks would get the order for tropical gear to be delivered to the 12th Army for deployment to Nicaro. That meant fatigues for every man and woman. Camouflage netting and other things such as the tropical drugs needed to ward off diseases. The orders would be processed and sent to the commanders of the arsenals who would contact the Railways Operations Department to ensure that trains would run on time to get the supplies there until the Air Force put in that they could handle the movement of equipment. The war waited for no one as did the wheels of bureaucracy.

[United World Order]

NAVAL THEATER, CENTRAL DIENSTAD.

The battle was already beginning as the Ordenite Wanderjar fleet had come in between Macabean logistics from Indras that was the Satrapy's life line. Two mixed squadrons of surface vessels were part of the force that was sent ahead of the rest of the fleet to scout and identify their enemy. It had became clear to them that Kriergrup 'Indras' had dispersed and were luring lead elements into a large ambush as contact was made and the fighting waged on with losses beginning to build on either side. The large remainder of the fleet began to spread its self out through the natural channel made by neighboring Adeptus Astartes on one side and Qoryx on the other side as they looked to not get caught grouping up together by the enemy who were less in number but still advantageous in their positioning and movement. Type K attack submarines which were in particular attached to the Wanderjar fleet were scrambled focusing on ASW duties for the fleet at large while the surface fleet returned fire when they could. Elements of the fleet would even begin hugging the Qoryxian coast line as they looked to strike their enemies everywhere they could. It would be brought to the attention of the battling fleet that an Imbrinumian fleet was trailing behind them and was beginning to engage their rear vanguard and would mean that if nothing was done the fleet would be enveloped successfully and destroyed. Therefore the fleet's commander had decided that the fleet would begin to attempt a break out through the only viable passage towards Krasnova and that would mean that they would need to pierce through the entirety of Kriergrup 'Indras'. Squadron upon squadron was put together and sent ahead towards the Kriergrup for the opportunity to find a gap in their positioning just outside of the channel in order to break out from the closing jaws of the Triumvirate.

In the Sea of Crowns the situation was also beginning to look dire for the Fleet that was sailing its way towards Krasnova in order to challenge Kriergrup 'Berliston'. Over three thousand vessels began a perilous journey where they looked to survive the onslaught set upon them by the Triumvirate. The fleet had already spread out and broken up into several splinter fleets which looked to make their way through the Sea of Crowns. The impending threat of the combined navies of the Triumvirate now looking to pick at them from all sides kept them vigilant. Ordenite Type K attack submarines looked for openings in order to reposition and find targets among the Imbrinumian and Macabean ships. Task Force 'Nord' and 'Wiking' continued delaying actions and skirmishes in the north against the Arcaenian threat all the while having to deal with losses that had mounted since engaging the Arcaenians in the north.

AIR DEFENSES, REICHSGAU KRASNOVA.

The Ordenite Luftwaffe in Krasnova were locked in a deadly and seemingly endless struggle against the Triumvirate for supremacy in the air over the island. Much attention by Triumvirate bombers and strike aircraft had been paid to early warning systems and anti-air defenses within their grasp and had done some considerable damage in certain areas in that regard. However as the focus soon began to shift to targeting Luftwaffe air fields and airbases, losses would need to be replenished and the Macabeans in New Empire needed to be checked as Operation 'Gilded Sunray' had the potential to heavily impact aerial supremacy over Krasnova. The Luftwaffe began to scramble interceptors from airfields and airbases on the Zvezda penninsula which would cut through the skies above the channel that separated Krasnova from Lyras in which would provide them another angle from which they could intercept Macabean and Imbrinumian bombers and aircraft attempting to invade Krasnovan airspace. Krasnovan interceptors also joined in the efforts of the Ordenites to beat back the Triumvirate bombers as best they could.

THE ORDENITE FRONTLINES.

Thirty kilometers. This was how much the Ordenite and Krasnovans had been able to take from the Satrapy in their lightening offensive that looked to on paper directly challenge Rubino while also challenging Pezlevko and the vital port of Fedorograd. While in reality the objective of the offensive had already been completed and it was simply to create a small buffer in between the Frontier as to then begin assuming defensive positions there and hold back any sort of Triumvirate offensive coming from the Satrapy. The Imbrinumians had begun launching a counter stroke to the gains the Ordenites and Krasnovans had made and had sent several corps sized elements to test and breakthrough Ordenite and Krasnovan lines. Artillery fire was exchanged heavily as the Imbrinumians advanced towards the front lines and looked to break out in which they were able in some areas to create gaps in which Ordenite Panzers would act quickly to plug these gaps while also looking to envelop the Imbrinumian forces and destroy them. Meanwhile the problem of Kysetian fighters still slipping through into Chernaya and into the Ordenite rear was still a looming threat. Additional support from reconnaissance and combat drones would be used for finding and engaging them as their locations when found were relayed to other Ordenite units tasked with finding and eliminating them wherever they popped up.

[Eitoan]

Vladarsik, Eitoan
Randy Braswell Barracks
Building L
High Command Council Conference Room


The meeting droned on into the early afternoon. General Wanda Koincov, Director of the High Command standing at the head of the conference table, brining attention to the next, brief item on the agenda.

"We have the Standard Military Advanced Training Aptitude Test scores for this year's applicants to all the service academies, and I think all of you will be interested in this year's crop. Out of 850 possible points, of course, the Army's Eitoan Military Academy class mean is 747, up 3 points from last year. Most of that was due to better mathematical performance. The Naval War College's mean is 765, down 9 points. I want the Navy to follow up with the outgoing draft class of sailors that have been identified as high potential. Is the trend continuing for our best to get out and pursue a Macabbean education before taking up officer commissions? All of us know what kind of draw Fedala has on these kids, but we've got to explain better the opportunities the Navy can present to them as we expand, and move toward greater regional integration. The College of the Eitoan Air Force leads all the others, again, as usual, at 805, down 2 points. Still, not bad. And The Defense Institute for Security and Intelligence clocks in at 782 up 4 points. Keep up the good work there".

After wrapping up the agenda moved on to operations in Krasnova, the 24th Fighter Wing hanging in on the bitter fight in that distant satrapy. Air Force Chief of Staff General Lyall Zeleny stood up to address the room, proceeding in his usual dry, technical presentation.

"At this time we have sufficient data to assess the 24th's measures of effectiveness in aerial combat against the Luftwaffe, and Krasnovian forces in theater. I think the High Command should be aware of results to date, for future planning and for evaluation of capabilities both in the short run in theater and for other scenarios.

We have an ongoing review of data to provide a 360 degree view of performance for fighter aircraft engaged in Krasnova, both the F-35's and F-36's. In performance by type of adversary craft, we have been facing mostly Krasnovian MiG-31s, Su-30SMs, and Su-355. Both F-35s and F-36s have outpace the MiGs, which are pretty much retreads still in use by the Krasnovians. Generally slower, at a more limited range, and less heavily armed than our aircraft, we've seen a vastly superior kill ration in operations. As of late there have been fewer and fewer MiG sorties. Can't tell if they've been significantly impacted by increased Triumvirate activity, or if the Krasnos are getting gun shy about flying them. The Su-30SMs on the other hand are giving our boys fits, due to more competitive thrust vectoring, both the F-35s and F-36s. At this point most of our air-to-air losses have been at the hands of the 30SMs. Colonel Taylor is heavily involved in reviewing tactics against them, meeting practically daily with our pilots to try to cut down the loss rate. The Su-355 is a craft we haven't seen much of, but very dangerous to our F-35s. Where possible, we scramble F-36s to meet them. I'd say in terms of speed, agility, stealth, and armament our F-36 is about even with those planes.

Moving on to the target attribute factor, we perform best in coordination with Golden Throne and Triumvirate fighter craft to provide a numeric advantage over the Luftwaffe and Krasnovian fleets. That has become more and more of a factor, an important advantage that we've gained in recent weeks as attrition, and scarcity of spare parts has started to wear on the enemy. The armament factor is also becoming more important. We perform well against the R-33's an older missile, probably more plentiful now in both enemy arsenals in theater. The Kh-31 long-range missiles still give us fits, and have continued to take a toll. Hopefully, soon with naval interdiction of Ordenite supply we can see some relief from those. As reported before, targets at greater range suit the 24th, mostly due to complicated maneuvering required for short sorties in the Rubino area. Unfortunately, those have become the 24th's staple run recently.

In terms of weather and terrain, maneuverability for both craft remains steady in all cases, the F-36 superior to F-35, of course. As alluded to before, the dive from K-7's mountain location is an impediment, and we are hoping for repositioning of craft when an opportunity presents itself. Climb performance has not impacted our sortie effectiveness, as much of that is comprised of non-combat positioning at return to base. Both craft are performing as expected in dry, rainy, snow, and foggy conditions. Wind shear is a problem close to takeoff and return, due to the mountain location, but otherwise not a problem in actual combat.

Finally, in terms of air speed and physics, the F-35s have not performed as well as the newer F-36s in flights involving a more acute angle of attach, to be expected. Where superior acceleration is needed, the F-36 performs better, and we should continue refining our enhancement programs in this area. It is a significant advantage. At cruising speeds, both craft have performed up to par. Both also work adequately in terms of deceleration."

The Navy, Army, and Joint Military Intelligence Service yawned as Zeleny wrapped up his report.

Wanda moved on to the next item.

"Secretary Maska wants me to update you on the Northern Initiative, Sverni Iniciatat. As all of you know, this is an extremely sensitive matter. We have taken notice of the Slekomanian preparations to aid The Reich early in this conflict, a move that we believe has been blunted by Golden Throne naval success in their home waters, and also Nuskjian's declaration of neutrality and partial mobilization. Nevertheless, the rough draft of the plan for the next few months is to move a more credible offensive force into Free Ralkovia, namely the 5th and 12th armies. This, we believe will allow flexibility in defense of any threat in the northern continental littoral, and allow for rapid and effective assistance should there be a violation of the Nuskjian frontier by Slekomania. Details have not yet been worked out, but there will have to be development of infrastructure in Free Ralkovia, in the Eitoan Occupation Zone to support an effective strike force. This is a complicated undertaking - it will require building from scratch for the most part. Regarding naval operations in the far north, these would be dependent on missile and drone forces, our navy having limited access to portage in the area, and Ralkovian facilities completely wrecked. And early on we would need to ascertain the loyalties of the Morridane Sector's commandant. Very cagey guy. Is he pro Lothwyn, or a Viktor man? Nobody knows. If Viktor, can he be turned, or, is it wet work time?"

The Army's Bernard Haytotter shot back "Well, what's our official position. Foreign Affairs doesn't say much, but weasels out the recognition of Lothwyn as de-jure queen, yet relations with the Commonwealth carry on as normal".

"Or, he could just be some poor slob that the Morridane Army stuck in that blasted, distant wasteland" added General Nancy Regdev, Director of Joint Military Intelligence Service, unhelpfully.

[The Macabees]

MATAGALPA, SATRAPY OF NICARO
Response to McNernia (12/14/2019).

"Soon," said Leutstrategos Herron Kalep when the McNernian commander asked him about GREEN SWEEP.

They arrived soon thereafter to the nuklek of Barbakán Simón Cristoforo, where the base's administrative heart lived. Their vehicle stopped in front of one of the many brick buildings and they were escorted inside and taken through the hallways until they finally arrived to a large conference room that was already filled with bodies sitting in chairs and three officers standing in front of them. They were all looking at a map of the Prefecture of Nicaro, a small insert showing it relative to the rest of the satrapy. Kalep pointed the McNernians to their seats, which were arrayed at the front and facing the other chairs.

As they walked to the front, one of the officers standing greeted them, "Ah, the McNernians have arrived. My name is Komstrategos Juper Jesani, commander of all imperial forces within Komsektor VI. Komsektor VI is, of course, the area in which Operation GREEN SWEEP, which I'm sure Leutstrategos Kalep has already introduced you to, will take place. Sit, please, I am just beginning the debriefing."

There were no natives amongst those seated in front of them. Though, not all of them looked like what most outsiders knew as "ethnic Macabéans." Some did, with their tall frames, blue eyes, and blonde hair, but there was a great mix of peoples. A trained eye would recognize some as Frommians, Sarcanzans, and from elsewhere within the provincial empire. Others were from the Havenic Territories and Guffingford. But, all were commanders of Ejermacht forces, whether regulares, regulíes, or auxiliaries. That so many non-Macabéans had risen to the ranks of command was evidence of the toll that mobilization and largescale warfare had taken, with the corresponding opportunities in promotion and advancement.

"Gentlemen," said Jesani to the others, his hand sweeping toward the McNernians, "these men represent our allies, which are arriving in the satrapy in the coming days. They will play a major role in GREEN SWEEP, providing a large chunk of the forces earmarked to take part in the operation. You all will have time to introduce yourselves to them after and vice versa. And I cannot stress the importance of getting to know them and their men enough. Integration and coordination will be vital if GREEN SWEEP is to be a success."

Suddenly, he slammed the tip of his pointer against a spot on the map. "This is counterinsurgency par excellence, boys. That means no big cordon and search. Time and time again, conventional, traditional tactics have failed us. Our military is learning really fast, thanks in no small part to the number of wildfires we're putting out across the empire, including this one right here in the prefecture [ed. of Nicaro]. Instead, we're trying what worked for us up north and in Zarbia, small unit patrols designed to cover as much ground as possible. We'll be patrolling the jungles of southern Nicaro in platoon-sized groups or smaller. While the grunts are combing through the forest, our artillery forces along the Nicaroan Frontier will be repositioned into small fire support bases throughout the prefecture. In fact, this repositioning has already begun. From these bases, they'll be able to provide long-range fire support within three minutes or less of the start of a firefight. The Laerihans, in conjunction with the satrapical air force, are deploying all of their GLI-23s down here, too. We'll have plenty of firepower to back up our isolated platoons when they're isolated and ambushed."

"Indeed," he continued, "what we've found is that the big cordon-and-searches force the enemy to hide. They're more willing to engage with us if we look vulnerable to their attack. So let's look vulnerable while fighting tough. Understood? Good. You will all receive further detail and orders over the coming days. Operation GREEN SWEEP is scheduled to begin within thirty days. I hope that's enough time for your men to get here and be equipped," he said, looking at the McNernians. "You can count on our logistics network here to support you wherever needed."

Facing all the officers in the room, he said, "And the new rules of engagement apply. Violence against civilians is to be kept to a minimum. Soldiers caught committing what are deemed war crimes will be summarily tried and executed. Units that lack discipline will be punished collectively. Yes, decimation. As for the insurgents, kill them if they don't surrender, but prisoners of war are to be treated according to the same standard we would treat prisoners of war from any civilized nation. Again, a lack of discipline here will be punished collectively. Understood? Good."

Wrapping the debriefing up, he added, "Tonight at 0700 hours we will dine together. Meet the McNernians, and McNernians meet the officers who will lead the soldiers that will share the jungle floor with you. Good? Good."



KRÍERGRUPS 'INDRAS' AND 'BERLISTON'

Map of the situation explained below.

The hybrid-electric submarine, like its diesel-electric brother, was a dangerous tool of war. Nowadays, there was much emphasis on the use of nuclear-powered submarines, with their longer range and capability of remaining below the surface for longer periods of time. But, the nuclear submarine would never be able to supplant its hybrid-electric cousin, not in all roles. Quieter, and with their fuel-cell air-independent propulsion system they could remain submerged for weeks at a time. They were also smaller, easier to conceal and more difficult to see, allowing them to hide within the narrow waters of Greater Díenstad's central seas, especially where they were at their most narrow. The space between Qoryx and Adaptes Astrates was a strait and it lay right inside the edge of what the Golden Throne considered its 'interior waters.' Natural, then, that it be infested by dozens of Macabéan Type As, waiting silently for the approaching enemy fleet. It was not long before the vast noise of the multitude of ships traveling on the surface overwhelmed any and all SONARs, friendly and enemy both.

For the Type As, it was a target-rich environment. They waited for a large part of the Ordenite fleet to pass through, much like an ambushing force allows the vanguard to drive along undisturbed. Better to divide a force and conquer the three separate bodies independently, isolating them from each other. But, when enough of the Reich's fleet had gone through, the Type A's began to engage.

Aerial forces operating out of airfields in eastern Holy Panooly and northern Indras began engaging much sooner than that. Indeed, the Laerihans had begun to bite at the fleet as soon as it had come north out of the Lamonian Sea. Now, these attacks were intensifying, the harassment occurring all along the edge of the Ordenite's outer pickett lines. Weaken and break these, and the capital ship task forces in the center would be vulnerable. This did mean that aircraft that would otherwise be bombing Ordenite assets in Krasnova were now shifting their attention to the naval battle.

'Indras,' which had now linked up with 'Berliston,' was now seated just north of Adaptes Astrates. It sat on the edge of Ordenite's eastern fleet's path. That is where 'Indras' would stand.

'Berliston' could only participate to the extent of securing 'Indras' northern flank. The second Ordenite fleet sailing east, toward Krasnova, was being battered on all sides, but it would still force 'Berliston' into an engagement or otherwise be allowed to retreat to the waters of Krasnova.

What had begun as a series of maneuvers between the four fleets was now turning into a true naval battle. 'Berliston' would hold its position and engage the oncoming Ordenite fleet from the west. Indeed, its forward pickett lines composed of raid eskúadras was already beginning to engage the forward-deployed squadrons of the enemy. The Reich would have to fight if it wanted to continue east, and it faced not just resistance from that direction but also from the north and west, where the third kríergrup and other allied forces were converging to join the fight.

As the Ordenite's squadrons in the vanguard entered the seas south and southeast of Krasnova, 'Indras' began its attack. Carrier-based aircraft joined their land-based brethren in attacking these enemy forces, helped on the surface by elements of the kríergrup's raid eskúadras. These latter ships, which included destroyers and battlecruisers, engaged with the enemy's outer pickett lines. Thus, in the north, the Ordenite task force would face 'Indras' while, from the south, it suffered an ongoing pattern of air attacks from fighters and bombers based in Indras and Holy Panooly. And if its northern squadrons were engaged by 'Indras' and the middle by the Type As, then its south was the purview of the Imbrinumian fleet approaching from the same direction that the Reich's naval forces had come from.

The elements favored the Triumvirate. Its forces were numerous and coming from every direction. The big picture may have been making itself clear, but the details had fates of their own. 'Indras' and 'Berliston' were about to face an intense pressure that it would have to struggle to withstand. Their only escape route lay west, between Adaptes Astrates and Independent Hitmen.

In turn, the Ordenites had an escape route of their own. They could move north, toward the waters between eastern Krasnova and Lyras.



GROUND DEFENSES, SATRAPY OF PEZLEVKO-RUBINO

At one moment, the Ejermacht was fighting for its life. In the next, the Ordenite offensive suddenly stopped. Instead, the enemy dug-in.

Given some breathing room, imperial ground forces in Pezlevko-Rubino were still not strong enough to go on the attack. Hell, they were probably less capable of doing so now than they were at the beginning of the war, even with the hundred thousand fresh reinforcements that had arrived and were just beginning to make their way to the front. Indeed, casualties had been heavy over the past few days fighting. Very heavy. The reinforcements had done little more than replace the bodies.

Thus, they dug-in as well. Besides, the orders were to conserve on ammunition and other supplies. 'Indras' still held a tenuous connection with Fedorograd, but the naval battle would put this to the test. If the supply lines were severed, the ground and air forces in Pezlevko-Rubino would find a new enemy in time. They had to conserve strength if they were to survive.

Still, there was quite a bit of activity. Shells and ammunition supplies on the front and in the mountains were restocked. The forces manning the very frontlines dug entrenchments, fox holes, and even concrete and steel pillboxes. They were turning this once-temporary fallback line into a major line of defense. New minefields were lain almost indiscriminately, artillery guns firing shells that dispersed into dozens of anti-personnel mines. Anti-tank mines were placed, as well, along with obstacles of all sorts. At intervals, channels without mines nor obstacles were left open. These were the kill-zones. The men, hiring local labor at exorbitant prices, hurried to complete these preparations while they still had time.

The main offensive arm remained the Imbrinumians, fighting their own battles against the Ordenites, and the Kysetians. The latter continued their operations, thousands making concentrated attacks through terrain that was well-known to them to break into the Ordenite rear and, once there, disperse and hide. Many died. Those that made it through, however, were indispensable to the evolving guerrilla war being waged against both the Ordenites and the Sheikhists.

The air, regardless, belonged to the Ordenites. Only the skies of Pezlevko-Rubino could claimed to be held or even contested. The mountain-based SAM batteries continued to be a strong detente against Luftwaffe air raids into the satrapy, and the Laerihans still had many fighters flying from their mountain-based airfields, including a squadron of Eitoan allies. But, aerial assistance from the fleets, from Indras, and Holy Panooly, was mostly ended for the time being, as their attention shifted to the naval battle. The only respite came from the need for the Luftwaffe to protect itself from Triumvirate bombing raids precedent from the north.

[The Technocratic Syndicalists]

KRASNOVAN THEATER

For the last week Ordenite held Krasnova had been under day and night siege by Triumverate aircraft. Arcaenian RB-80s, having exhausted a significant percentage of their guided air-to-surface missile stocks, had resorted to dropping thousands of unguided iron or 'dumb' bombs on Luftwaffe airfields and other targets. Attacking from over 25,000 meters up the circular error probability was unimpressive, on the order of several hundred meters, but with a flight of four RB-80 bombers able to carry a mix of either 64 PC-1000 1,000 kg general purpose bombs or 128 PC-500 500 kg general purpose bombs a target the size of a large airfield could be effectively attacked. The preferred Arcaenian airfield attack was to have each of the four bombers attack runways and taxiways from a direction 90 degrees apart and drop its bombs in a line, creating a giant box from the intersecting lines of craters that would trap the aircraft in the base and prevent them from taking off until a second Arcaenian bomber flight, usually armed with guided or unguided cluster bombs, would destroy the trapped planes. Missions had been flown with increasing number of F/A-36 Seraph escorts flying to Krasnova from airbases in Holy Panooly. Unable to keep up with the Mach 3.2+ capable RB-80s the Serpah's were sent ahead of bomber flights to 'sanitize' the airspace of Luftwaffe interceptors, approaching known Ordenite airbases completely radar and radio silent and then ambushing the Luftwaffe fighters as they took off. The winter weather was an aid rather than a hindrance; Arcaenian bombers and fighters flew at 20,000 meters and above, well above the cloud layer and any adverse weather, and the winter snowfall and snow storms reduced the performance of Ordenite air-surveillance radars. Arcaenian submarine in the southern part of the Sea of Crowns had also contributed to the bombardment, launching hundreds of cruise missiles at Luftwaffe airfields and C3I targets throughout Krasnova.

Some of the stealthier B-3 bombers had been diverted away from strategic bombing missions to provide close air-support to the Macabean troops defending against the Ordenites around the satrapy of Pezlevko-Rubino. Flying at night while dodging Luftwaffe interceptor and SAM batteries the B-3s would fly parallel to the front line and launch "Hammer" electro-optically guided glide bombs fitted with either 1,000 kilogram general purpose or 1,000 kilogram fuel-air explosive (FAE) warheads capable of vaporizing earthworks and other defensive structures at Ordenite defensive positions along the front lines that had been identified by satellite reconnaissance. To preserve stored of precision guided munitions some B-3 strikes had resorted to carpet bombing Ordenite positions with stocks of older unguided SC-250 250 kilogram demolition bombs, each B-3 capable of carrying 80 in its cavernous bomb bay.

[Morrdh]

Fort Bainsbury
Occupied (East) Mordent

The tavern was partially sunken beneath street level, occupying as it did part of the basement level of a tenant block. A partially faded sign proclaimed it as 'Delaney's Pub' and worn stone steps led down from the pavement to the bar's entrance. Anti-occupation and anti-Imbrinium slogans were graffitied all along the brick wall, the bar's owner seemed to apply a fresh lick of paint to this graffiti rather than trying to scrub it off. Inside was aged wooden furnishings complete with wooden wall panels and the Commonwealth's Emerald Saltire flag that graced one of the walls. It was one of countless pubs and bars across occupied East Mordent that still considered themselves Commonwealth loyalists and were hostile to the occupation authorities, even to the point of refusing to serve Imbrinium soldiers.

Recently a new slogan started appearing, both at Delaney's and other locations across East Mordent; Sinn Féin.

Translating as 'We Ourselves', it had appeared as graffiti scrawled on walls, sown onto banners strung from streetlights and an oft-stated cry at anti-occupation protests and marches. Even the flag at Delaney's proudly bore the words and the patrons frequently toasted it. Though today it was spreading across Fort Bainsbury as the words were pass from housewife to housewife, child to child. Soon the city became almost like a ghost town as mothers hurried home and ushered their children indoors as men left Delaney's and other bars and pubs like it. The air was charged with static as the city was poised on a knife edge, the calm before the storm.

It started with a car bomb, an innocently enough looking vehicle parked in the middle of a row of cars along one side of a residential street. A Imbrinium patrol happened to be passing as it detonated, catching the convoy and blowing out glass windows up and down the street. The front of the house it was parked by was blown out by the explosion, the houses to either side also sustained damage. Round ten seconds later another car bomb, in a vehicle parked on the opposite side of the street, detonated and wrought similar devastation to the first. The Imbrinium soldiers, still reeling from the double bomb attack, were then subjected to a drive-by shooting from a third car that screeched along the street at speed and skidded round the corner at the far end of the street. Similar attacks, including sniper attacks, struck almost at once against Imbrinium forces within the greater Fort Bainsbury area. It was a co-ordinated effort that struck at multiple targets at once, attacks that soon spread over the next 24 hours to cover the rest of occupied Mordent.

The attacks had one purpose; To light the flames of revolt.

[McNernia]

Matgalpa, Satrapy of Nicaro
Fort/Barbak Simón Cristoforo
Nuklek/Command Center
Mcnernian Liaison Team

---

“No problems sir, I firmly believe that elements of the 12th can be outfitted and on the ground in 30 days, the question is how much troops do you need. If soldiers are a priority we can have Airborne dispatched post haste, they are on alert.”

The Mcnernians who had come as representatives of 12th Army staff HQ were inclined to listen as the professionals they were. Standing up when that was needed and sitting down when that was needed. There were comments though among themselves.

“Macabeans don’t F—k around.”

“You got that right.”

“Decimation, God, seems like they don’t have well respect for…”

“What ever it is, shut your bloody mouth Major.”

“Yes sir.”

Of course, all this was said in Gaelic which would prevent the Macabeans from picking it up out of nicety rather than concern that they really cared.

The leader was the Deputy Chief of Staff for the 12th army. An aristocrat like many who were in the service. The noble families of the Kingdom and the young officer with a Lieutenant Generals insignia on both shoulders was rather like the officer who led the 12th Army and also like one who would lead the Central Dienstad Fleet. Another younger officer with plenty of skill. But this was the first time going to war really. In a long time…maybe since forever.

The Mcnernians would make full use of the quarters that they would be issued. And would ask whether or not there would be a dress requirement for the evening mess.

Also the air controllers would have received a flight plan for a C-10 Minotaur transport flight of two that was carrying various supplies for the

---

Fort Sovereign, Home of the Airborne


The training range was a sprawling area where there could be various things enacted. There had been research into the environment of Nicaro and the rather wild area was used for special forces training. The Macabean Attaché would be invited to witness a rather unique exercise. A demonstration of the counter insurgency tactics that the Mcnernians could hone abroad only undone by the political will of the wider world beyond the bounds of Dienstad.

The troops were the First Airborne and the 8th Airborne division, elite troops far more than the Mechanized Infantry or the tanks that were going to the front lines. There was Army media there to see them off to war. The King addressed the 12th Army’s blessing of the colors which would be going to the front lines with the battalions. It was a rather impressive sight when one saw the turbo prop transports coming in over the forests which were somewhat like jungles as there was a similarity, canopy and floor and temperature.

They were excited about the prospect of conflict. Though older NCOs would say.

“Its one thing to jump in training, when actually the flak starts to fly and you plunge down into a nest of nazis, you know things are much different.”

They would await the arrival of the Attaché for inspection and a demonstration.

[Imbrinium]

At multiple airbases around the southern central Dienstad, Imbrinium royal air force bomber wings had a stand down in a change of strategy in the bombing campaign. The shift from long-range standoff missile attacks to bombing more strategic targets.

More bombers had arrived from the Crown to place more pressure on the Reich air defenses, the goal is to destroy the airbases and air defense sites along with transportation hubs.

Some three thousand air force bombers and five hundred naval bombers would be taken part in this new phase of bomber raids.
Some thirty air force wings and five naval bomber wings will be coming from all points of the compass. Some three hundred naval bombers would be focused on the Reich fleet coming up from the south around Sumer.

Intelligence had confirmed that there was a large fleet coming up to reinforce Krasnova, the goal was inflicting as much damage on the fleet that they would become combat ineffective.

With ten wings of support aircraft to do the ECM, ECCM, and SAM suppression, these aircraft would take off before and with the bombers to clear some of the skies of the counter-air threat.

The allied bombers would be operating in the same zones twenty-four hours just like the Imbrinium’s forces.

The time came to the bomber crews where briefed on their targets and updated intelligence of missile and aircraft threats. Since the total allied force had been running shared intelligence was key not only with targets but also what was remaining as a threat over the target zones.

Shortly after midnight the bomber and support aircraft crew checked their aircraft and loads and began their journey of a lifetime.


The squadrons of support aircraft would approach Krasnova first, the EB-1Rs, EB-90Rs at about 500kms out would turn on their jamming system and launch long-range hummingbird MK8s. The hummingbird was a highly modified Hellion II missile, replacing the warhead with one that would only destroy the missile once the fuel is gone or becomes under attack. This missile has several ECM, ECCM, and chaff systems. The outside of the missile is one of the few missiles purposely modified for the task it was modified with more stealth features to keep it hidden from the most advanced radar systems.

The goal of the hummingbird missile is to confuse radars and mask bombers coming into a denied airspace to protect crews and aircraft. There where different models to do and counter different systems.

The support aircraft hit their mark and launched hundreds of hummingbird missiles from almost all points of the compass this in effect should shut down of limit multiple types of radar ad radio systems to hinder the response. Some missiles after launch shot up to very high altitudes and with the latest weather reports before takeoff they would deploy a massive cloud of chaff that would fall at different rates to weight and size and design to ride the wind streams to choke out radar with a cloud of returns that would somewhat hide the bombers.

The support aircraft also carried long-range HARM missiles to knockout those radar within each aircrafts zones. The support aircraft also protected themselves with jamming systems and medium-range air to air missiles but those where only used in the last-ditch effort in a just in case. They only carried four missiles the electronics on board were to be their shield and sword.

Within an hour after the support aircraft made their way into Krasnova the bombers made landfall or feet dry as the pilots would say some aircraft had already have met their end from interceptors lucky enough to make it through the active jamming. The bombers had their support aircraft by there side mixed in with the flights but only in the routes that were expected to have the most interceptor aircraft and SAM sites. The targets would start on the coast and move deeper into the country of Krasnova hitting their primary and secondary targets. Once and the flight was empty they would turn and head from home but this was a deep strike mission the one of what would become day and night targeting infrastructure support for war efforts and airfields and headquarters.

Thousands and tons of missiles and bombs are and will be dropped in the first deep raid into Krasnova.

[Imbrinium]

Fort Bainsbury

With a joint government of East and West Mordent leadership, some elected some appointed and the Crown’s government officials, the day to day run of the country had long been turned over to the East Mordent government and now working the west into the governing of the overall country the Crown had long since taken a backseat.

With the third-largest Imbrinian population outside the kingdom, the Crown had a vested interest in the government of Mordent. The Imbrinium military bases inside East Mordent held a massive amount of might if ever needed. With the treaty, the military wasn’t allowed in mass outside the base with two of the bases joined by a corridor for training between the Army and Marine forces there.

There were an entire army group and marine expeditionary force along with three aircraft wings and navy fleet headquarters. The East Mordent had its military, grown slowly into a real fighting force even for its size.

East Mordent had seen a blast of industrial energy after the invasion and years of being there, with over a million refugees and moving the country decades ahead almost overnight to a mecca of building and growth. But not everyone liked the moving forward into the modern age.

With the issue of marshall law, the treaty that held the IAFM at bay was lifted, but the only forces that were requested were military police units to help free up law enforcement units to border operations. With very little info coming out of Morrdh, no one in the leadership knew what to expect.

Military police units would be attached to a local police patrol some on foot and some in vehicles but the orders were to back up the East Mordent police units.

The 2nd and 4th IAFM platoons of the 2 /348th military police brigade were assigned to one of the roughest areas of Bainsbury from what they were told by the local police. The area was mostly blue-collar families.

The first and second squad were on patrol in their soft skin patrol vehicles each vehicle having five soldiers each following a Bainsbury police vehicle. Each vehicle was manned with a driver, truck commander, two dismounts and a gunner. The gunner was only armed with a light machine gun which was set on condition two, which was loaded but not chambered and on safe. The others in the trucks were set up the same. There hadn’t been an attack on an imbrinian in a couple of years and tensions seemed to have lifted and the worse thing that the patrols had encountered was fights and drunks nothing more.

The patrol moving through a residential area when a VBIED went off right beside the lead vehicle killing the driver and the dismount behind him the gunner was injured but the turret armor saved his life. The crew was disordered, eardrums busted and bleeding the dismount behind the truck commander was injured with the blast and shrapnel wounds. The rear vehicle started to call it in as the dismounts were getting out to help and the gunner was loading his machine gun.
“This is kilo 24 under attack kilo 2……..”

The radio traffic was cut off as the second VBIED detonated next to the second vehicle killing the dismount and gunner and knocking out the truck commander. The driver’s head was smashed against the window and he had a large cut on his left side of his face.

As the dismount tried to radio out on his radio but gunfire stopped that as she was shot in the legs as she dove for cover behind a car and returned fire as best she could.

Within minutes multiple reports came into the command post set up in the local police station that patrols where being shot at and attacked. The QRF quick reaction force was dispatched in armored MRAPs. The QRF was coming from battalion level and was kilometers away it would take at least fifteen minutes to make to the car bombing. The Battalion commander called for a QRF from high and it was sent but it would take longer this would also come with air support.

Star 64 was on an aerial patrol when the bomb was seen through their night vision and moved into the area also making the call for more units to respond, to include medevac bird on standby.

Sandy 33 and sandy 36 were dispatched as medevac response but couldn’t make the scene without the site being secured.

As Star 64 hovered overhead they reported that two IAFM vehicles were down and two houses were on fire and what looked like we have bodies on the ground. The helicopter turned and made more circles before finding a landing place to drop off the four soldiers that were being carried.

The helicopter hovered as the team jumped out and circled their way a block away to help secure the area. It would be at least a half-hour at best before help would arrive.

[Imbrinium]

Southern Centbloc

From bases in Indra, Sumer and Holy Panooly some five hundred naval bombers prepared for their role in the battle for Krasnova. Intelligence had reported that a large Reich fleet had left Wanderjar weeks ago and was now within range of the royal navy’s long-range bombers.

Every allied airfield and airport was being used for counter shipping operations this was the big break the start of the end of the Reich navy. It wasn’t going to be pretty nor without cost, the bombers would be attacking much closer than their air force brethren.

They would close to within five hundred kilometers of the fleet to launch their heavy anti-ship missiles, at this range they would be well within the counter-strike range of the fleet defense fighters. The hope was to overwhelm the missile defenses and hopefully destroy some of the capital or escort ships.

The main target where capital ships and supply ships to hinder the fleet's ability to fight. The Reich fleet was being tailed by a royal navy task force and with the combine fleets moving south of the allied fleets it was hoped to destroy the fleet.

This was a first of many strikes the missions from this one to the last would be costly in both men and machine on both sides but a price that was needed to be paid and in full for the freedom of the people of Krasnova the order was given and would be carried out in full.

Without the support aircraft of the air force, the B-12Rs would have to use their own ECM, ECCM suites to keep them protected as much as possible only a few aircraft would be carrying hummingbirds Mk7 and 8Ns which were used by the navy. The bulk of the weight carried would be anti-ship missiles to inflict maximum damage.
The B-12Rs were loaded with LY4045 HASM and BGM-195 HASMs the aircraft would be loaded with twenty-five or thirty depending on missile type.

As the crews got their last briefings and intelligence reports the crews inspected their aircraft and prepped their craft, lined up for take-off within hours some five hundred aircraft would be moving toward the Reich fleet with their deadly load.

About a thousand kilometers out the bombers hit their jammers and those with hummingbirds launched their decoys. Only time would tell how much they would help approaching the fleet

[United World Order]

CHERNAYA THEATER, REICHSGAU KRASNOVA

Dozens of towns and villages made up the battleground from which a escalating guerilla war was being waged as Shiekhist rebels looked to contest and undermine Ordenite control over Chernaya. Elements of the Krasnovan Army that had not yet been pressed to the main front lines were instead deployed in this area to combat not only the Shiekhists but now the Kysetian host. For the first few days since the Kysetians had begun to slip into the Chernaya region through terrain they knew best the Krasnovan Army there was attempting to plug in the holes. Miles upon miles of road and highway were to be fought for in what was looking as if to be a war within a war however with different belligerents. While the Ordenite Waffen-SS had pledged some of their security forces to assist in quelling the Shiekhists and now the Kysetians, much of their focus was on the main frontlines and ensuring that their logistics chain which also ran through the region were not harassed. In which meant that the Ordenites would only react and engage the enemy when they struck at their supply convoys that were heading towards the front lines, other than that it was left to the Krasnovan Army to root out the enemy.

Much of the Krasnovan Army that were meeting the Sheikhist and Kysetian rebels in combat were focused around the city of Chernaya. The rest of the region which was open plains and full of villages and towns and other localities saw a lesser presence from the Krasnovan Army and more so of a concentrated presence from the Krasnovan Orthodox Army. The KOA were one of several major Krasnovan paramilitary groups that at one point fought collectively against the former communist regime and it's iterations after the island's occupation by the Ordenite Reich, at one time being known as the Army of the Black Star. Following the dismantlement of the former Ordenite puppet government, the Black Star were disbanded and splintered into several paramilitary groups which sought favor from different aspects of Krasnova under Ordenite rule. The Krasnovan Orthodox Army in it's formation following the splinter leaned more towards the Krasnovan Orthodox Church and the struggle against the godless communists and Kysetian pagans. As days became weeks the routes the Kysetians were taking would begin to become kill zones in which the KOA constructed fortified positions among the villages and towns in their path. Those that had been able to slip through in the beginning of their incursions were slowly being rooted out from their hiding spots as they tended to launch further attacks on logistics convoys elsewhere.

In instances in which the Kysetians who had got through but were now cornered by the Krasnovans opted in some cases to commit suicide through grenades but if they were even more desperate they killed themselves out right charging their foes. However instances of Kysetians having to surrender were seen in several villages mostly through force and instead of being sent to the rear for processing into a POW camp. The Krasnovans had other ideas in mind for their new captives. Which were to simply have their captives strung up to wooden crosses erected along the roads leading to the villages and setting them on fire. Standard counter insurgency tactics were implemented to address any other Kysetians who had managed to also slip through and attempt to harass the Ordenite rear.

As the overall offensive into the Satrapy had ended and transitioning was underway to commit to the frontier in a defensive nature, the 50th Ordenite Army Group had began arriving into the region. Defenses were immediately beginning construction as the engineers had deemed it necessary to utilize the local population. Several labor camp facilities in the area were called upon as tens of thousands of forced laborers all of them being Krasnovan were marched to where they were to toil away digging trench systems. The Ordenite Army planners and engineers had already put their pieces into motion as several defensive lines were to be built up with the first one being just parallel with the neighboring frontier and outside of Chernaya its self. Despite the vigorous bombing and artillery strikes on their relative positions, the men on the front lines within their foothold inside the satrapy were also busy bringing up defenses among the shattered Macabean lines that they had been able to break in their offensive. Logistics was still relatively unbothered by the Kysetian guerilla activity and the increasingly ramped up bombing efforts as munitions and other needed supplies were able to be transported to those that needed it. Lessons had been learned since the beginning of open hostilities with the Triumvirate and as any modern military, the Ordenites began to adapt to their precarious environment.

The Luftwaffe command for the Chernaya region had recently been given orders to cease large scale deployments and engagement of the enemies aircraft. Instead the Luftwaffe in the region would only respond to threats against their own airbases and airfields and consolidate their strength instead of getting caught up in the numbers game. Desperately needed buffering of Anti-Air defenses for the region was mediated as the arriving 50th Army Group began deploying and positioning it's forces which contained plenty of Anti-Air units. The same could be said elsewhere along the frontier such as with the forces arrayed north of Rubino as the 45th Ordenite Army Group also arrived to beef up the new front lines with the satrapy.

NORTH OF RUBINO, ORDENITE FRONT LINES.

The Imbrinumians had been consistent and relentless with their probing against the newly established front lines. While a smaller force than what was expected the Imbrinumians were able to inflict considerable damage on the defending Krasnovans that opposed them. A small opening had been created by the Imbrinumians after they were able to route an entire Krasnovan Army Corps from the area and were pulling back while the enemy continued to push through in order to exploit the gap made. However it would be swiftly communicated to their Ordenite counterparts of this gap made by the Imbrinumians and in typical Ordenite fashion would be dealt with extreme prejudice. Self propelled howitzers and rocket artillery alike began opening up from Ordenite positions as a seemingly endless salvo of munitions were fired in anger at the breakthrough in the form of a creeping barrage. The barrage would be immediately followed by a counter attack from the Krasnovan Army and supporting Ordenite Army units in the area as to drive the Imbrinumians back and close the gap that was made before it became a bigger problem for the defenders. Meanwhile the armies of the Krasnovans and Ordenites continued to dig in and fortify their gains before a significant counter offensive could be mounted against them all the while being harrassed by Triumvirate air power.

NAVAL THEATER, CENTRAL DIENSTAD.

The naval situation was already looking grim as it had before in the previous major war over Krasnova. A short emergency meeting had been held with various Kriegsmarine generals and officers in which addressed their concern over the current situation for the various surface fleets attempting to make their way to Krasnova its self. Assailed on all sides and to the silent dismay of the Oberkommando des Kriegsmarine, Reichsfuhrer Grossmann ordered that the fleets were not to break off from their current objective. The larger fleet heading through the gauntlet that was the Sea of Crowns would have to brave the onslaught and continue to push through in order to breakthrough Krierarmada 'Berliston'. The multiple splinter fleets that had broke off from the main force as they left Ordenite waters were then tasked with guarding the core of the main task force and would sacrifice themselves and engage the enemy wherever they came from. Meanwhile the Wanderjar fleet continued to attempt to hold down the waters in between Indras and Holy Panooly, following the order by the Reichsfuhrer to continue fighting at all costs.

[Morrdh]

Fort Bainsbury
Occupied (East) Mordent

The militants had more than one trick up their sleeve.

Their first trick was to disperse, moving as individuals and going to ground in the surrounding houses and maze of alleyways. Most, if not all, of the houses that the militants ran through were owned by collaborators who would do their best to obstruct or misdirect the Imbrinium soldiers giving pursuit. A critical fact about these houses is that, at the time of the car bombing, they were occupied by housewives and their children meaning that the Imbriniums had to tread carefully or risk throwing more fuel on the flames of revolt. Also, if they got the chance, the housewives would act as an informal communication network by ringing their neighbours and alerting them to the progress of the Imbrinium and in turn the militants would be tipped off.

The trick the militants had was a MANPAD, a man-portable surface-to-air missile. It was a simple fire-and-forget design, though it would be a threat that the Imbriniums couldn't ignore especially as it was fired at the 'Star 64' callsign helicopter. The missile streaked into the air on a column of smoke as it's firer discarded the launcher and disappeared into the alleyways. It would certainly be a rude awakening for the Imbriniums to learn that the militants had their hands on such weapons, also an uncomfortable question whether the militants processed other MANPADs in their arsenal.

Round the same time, the police received a number of calls reporting bombs at various locations round Fort Bainsbury, resulting on widespread disruptions as the authorities were forced to cordon off large areas of the city until the bombs were verified and dealt with if needed. This had the effect of tying up a good chunk of the police's resources, thus allowing civil unrest to fester unchecked. Riots started popping up and quickly spread like wildfire as the already thinly stretched police force struggled to respond to them. Against this backdrop more banners and more graffiti started appearing, the aforementioned 'Sinn Féin' slogan and also a new one; 'Not Our War.'

[The Technocratic Syndicalists]

CENTRAL DIENSTAD THEATER

Carrier and surface groups from the Arcaenian fleets engaged in central Dienstad had begun to pull back from combat, heading to friendly ports in Triumverate ally Imbrinium for repairs and for resupply of their depleted missile magazines. Meanwhile in the south of Arcaenia the vehicles and equipment for two army corps was being loaded onto high speed roll-on/roll-off ships to be transported to Macabean occupied Holy Panooly as part of the buildup of Triumverate ground forces which would be sent to the Macean occupied Satrapy and used for the counter-invasion of Ordenite controlled Krasnova. The transports would first head south to Imbrinian where they would be joined by the reloaded Arcaenian surface warships and aircraft carriers who would escort them to Holy Panooly. After escorting the invasion forces the Arcaenian warships would then turn back North, heading to the waters around RSU where they would join in the assault on the Ordenite Wanderjar fleet and then bombard Ordenite military positions with ship and submarine launched ballistic and cruise missiles while Arcaenian carrier aircraft would join in the Triumvirate air war over the island. When the Ordenite Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine in and around RSU had been sufficiently attrited to the point where neither could carry out any major operations the Triumverate counter-invasion would begin; the Triumvirate ground forces currently staging in Holy Panooly would land in the Satrapy and then push north into Krasnova.

[Eitoan]

---

0549 Eastern Ralkovian Time
D-Day,Sverni Iniciatat
Milestone 604, Checkpoint at Eitoan-Morridane Interzonal Border


Just another sleepy morning at the remote outpost. Overnight traffic had been the usual trickle. The usual rickety trucks and carts wending their way down what remained of Imperial Route W-6, ambling carefully down the curve of the pockmarked highway from Ussuralsk, what remained of a market town 7 miles inside the Eitoan zone, laden with the usual load of shriveled potatoes, undersized cabbages, and occasional cookware. The driver's documents briefly inspected by the Eitoan guards, and stopped for more thorough investigation by their Morridane counterparts. Then, upon the sergeants and enlisted Morridanes lightening the load, the vehicles continued down the road. Ralkovian service was dreaded by the Morridane officers in charge as a career stopper, but viewed more cheerfully by their noncoms, often returning home with a tidy fortune through their control of the zone's black market. For lonely privates, service there was known as "pussy heaven".

Air traffic was unusually heavy in the pre-dawn hours of that day, Eitoan helicopters buzzing in a more or less constant patrol starting at 0400. No special instructions had been issued to guards on either side of the border. Eitoan Air Force fighters, mostly F-35s, usually in groups of five were heard further overhead at regular intervals. Overall, the men on the ground thought it was a normal operation, such as they had seen many times before.

Traffic from the Morridane zone early that morning was also normal, and scant. The usual trickle of ordinary Ralkovians and freed slaves headed toward what work they could find in Ussuralsk. And the usual two green and white busses, returning their cargo of young, at by the end of night very tired, nubile Balkovian maidens. As per normal, the second bus ground to a halt as two Morridane privates, one a strapping redhead, the other a pudgy towheaded lad interviewed the returning girls. The redhead exited the bus with a very young, sultry girl, she of luscious, pouty lips, disheveled medium length brown curls, of fine figure and ample bosom. He guided her roughly behind the bus, out of view of his superiors and the Eitoans across the border.

Nafku, idi syada! Whore - come here, he commanded in crude, syllabic Ralkovian.

The disappeared behind a nearby oak tree. Twenty minutes of grunting and moaning followed as he backed her up to the tree, her legs wrapped around him, followed by a high pitched squeal heard all the way to the guard shack. Eighteen minutes of her on all fours produced the same sound effect. He was on top in the usual for another 19, followed by the Little Dipper for 25 minutes, ending in another ear splitting squeal. Giving his back a break, the private wrapped up with Cowgirl style. Meanwhile, the Morridane sergeant directed the bus to the side of the road, to allow the scant traffic to pass through.

Rode hard and put to bed wet, the Balkovian returned to the bus, escorted by the redhead private. He followed her inside, and emerged with two of the least desiccated cabbages she had been toting.

Sergeant Dugan was enjoying a smoke with his Eitoan counterpart, Sergeant Chapman. Enjoying their Zhivagos as much as anyone could be said to enjoy the harsh Ralkovian product, mostly marketed to slaves before the war, now widely in circulation.

"How is that boy able to stand up?" asked Chapman. Dugan shrugged.

As dawn broke above the snow capped peaks in the distance, a rumble was heard in the distance, emanating from the direction of Ussuralsk. Headlights appeared down that road, belonging to the lead vehicle of an Eitoan caravan, a troop carrier. A number of these followed, interspersed with supply trucks. Further back, at 1.5 mile breaks was a long line of trucks, flatbeds carrying construction equipment, trailers full of building materials and communication equipment. The lead truck stopped short of the border gates.

A tall, lanky Captain hopped out of the lead vehicle. Sergeant Chapman came to attention and snapped him a smart salute. Addressing both sergeants, the Captain announced. Good morning gentlemen. I'll have to request that you clear traffic from this point on, all the way down W-6. If you have any questions, feel free to verify with your commanding officers. And thank you for your cooperation.

Dugan was taken aback. He addressed the Captain politely. Yes. Please, let me verify...

Dugan disappeared into his outpost. His lieutenant seemed surprised, but put him through the Sector commander, a Captain McHaney.

McHaney's voice answered Dugan's inquiry Yes, of course. It's all perfectly normal. Been cleared for weeks. These things are kept under wraps, security being tight. Go ahead - let 'em through.

Of course, the voice sounded like McHaney, carefully mimicked through the patched together, partially analog telecommunication network that served Security in Free Ralkovia. And that network was safely under the control of the Eitoan Joint Military Intelligence Service, and for the most part operated by Central Eitoan Business Services, the fourth largest telecommunications company in Eitoan.

The column crossed the border, heading deeper into the Morridane zone.

[Eitoan]

Berwyn Central District Court,
Main Courthouse Building
Courtroom 3-A


The entire courthouse was on lockdown. Sentencing videoed remote only, under the control of the Berwyn Police. Since early in the morning all entrants to the court restricted to special passed, issued in the previous eight hours. Heavily armed police in every hallway and stairwell. All other trials and hearings cancelled for the first sentencing of the Berwyn rioters.

At 1:15 PM, Judge Timothy Frost entered the courtroom, empty except for the prosecution team, the defense team, bailiffs and police, and the seven unhappy defendants.

The Chief Bailiff bellowed out "All rise. Hear now the Honorable Judge Timothy Frost, his sentencing decision in Eitoan vs. Shvedov Tikhonovich, Hunter P'ynch, et. al."

Judge Frost took his seat, glanced briefly at his notes. looked up and instructed the courtroom. "Defendants and counsel are to remain standing. Otherwise, you may be seated."

Continuing on, Frost cleared his throat, his voice rising to fill the room.

"As pursuant to verdict rendered her Wednesday last, and upon careful review of the circumstances attendant to the riots and their consequences, as guided by Eitoan Revised Criminal Code Article 515, Chapter 1, and Article 30, Chapter 315, this court sentences the defendants as follows:

Defendant Shvedov Tikhonovich, having been found guilty of eight counts of aggravated murder in the first degree, one count of incitement to riot, two counts of incitement to mayhem, one count of desecration of protected religious practice, and fourteen counts of looting, the court sentences you to hang from the neck until dead, at the site of the murder of the Camalgehey wedding party as determined in these proceedings, execution to take place 48 hours after conclusion of any appeals or other legal issue.

Defendant Hunter P'ynch, having been found guilty of eight counts of aggravated murder in the first degree, one count of incitement to riot, two counts of incitement to mayhem, one count of desecration of protected religious practice, and fourteen counts of looting, the court sentences you to hang from the neck until dead, at the site of the murder of the Camalgehey wedding party as determined in these proceedings, execution to take place 48 hours after conclusion of any appeals or other legal issue.

Defendant Moses Cash, having been found guilty of eight counts of aggravated murder in the first degree, one count of incitement to riot, two counts of incitement to mayhem, one count of desecration of protected religious practice, and fourteen counts of looting, the court sentences you to hang from the neck until dead, at the site of the murder of the Camalgehey wedding party as determined in these proceedings, execution to take place 48 hours after conclusion of any appeals or other legal issue.

Defendant Bernard Andrews, having been found guilty of eight counts of aggravated murder in the first degree, one count of incitement to riot, two counts of incitement to mayhem, one count of desecration of protected religious practice, the court sentences you to hang from the neck until dead, at the site of the murder of the Camalgehey wedding party as determined in these proceedings, execution to take place 48 hours after conclusion of any appeals or other legal issue.

Defendant Steven Cliffton, having been found guilty of eight counts of aggravated murder in the first degree, one count of incitement to riot, one count of incitement to mayhem, one count of desecration of protected religious practice, and six counts of looting, the court sentences you to hang from the neck until dead, at the site of the murder of the Camalgehey wedding party as determined in these proceedings, execution to take place 48 hours after conclusion of any appeals or other legal issue.

Defendant Daniel Vell, having been found guilty of eight counts of aggravated murder in the first degree, one count of incitement to riot, one counts of incitement to mayhem, one count of desecration of protected religious practice, and three counts of looting, the court sentences you to hang from the neck until dead, at the site of the murder of the Camalgehey wedding party as determined in these proceedings, execution to take place 48 hours after conclusion of any appeals or other legal issue.

Defendant Sam Baretll, having been found guilty of one count of aggravated murder in the first degree, two counts of incitement to mayhem, one count of desecration of protected religious practice, and two counts of looting, the court sentences you to hang from the neck until dead, at the site of the murder of the Camalgehey wedding party as determined in these proceedings, execution to take place 48 hours after conclusion of any appeals or other legal issue.

As noted by the Berwyn Prosecutor's office, the investigation of defendants Tikhonovich, P'ynch, and Cash on accusation of treason and espionage still pending, execution of this sentence is stayed for these three through conclusion of that investigation and subsequent legal action."

Glaring at the angry, red faced Tikhonovich, Judge Frost continued.

"Notwithstanding the participation in and leadership of the defendants in ENADAP, your commission of these crimes on the innocent people of Berwyn, and the disruption of their lives stand on their own as a blot in the history of our nation. Justice, and common human decency demand forfeiture of your lives in repayment of your murderous acts, and as a deterrent to any and all that would thus disrupt society.

So it is written in our canon of law, and so it will be done.

Now, as is common practice in these cases, the judge will extend to defendants, or to their counsel, the courtesy of addressing this court. Do any defendants or the defendant bench wish to address the court?"

The chief defense counsel canvassed the seven defendants briefly. Six of the seven declined to speak, and all indicated Tikhonovich would address the court. There was further discussion between Tikhonovich and the defense bench. The chief counsel, resigned, informed Judge Frost "Defendant Tikhonovich will address the bench".

Proud, unapologetic, Shvedov Tikhonovich stood tall, his pointed, short beard bristling, his eyes ablaze.

"We do not recognize the authority of this court, or our inferiors to pass judgement on we stalwarts of ENADAP. We are the true masters of the territory you refer to as "The Republic of Eitoan". Over time we of pure Ralkovian blood have proven again and again our natural superiority to you of mixed and inferior parentage. We owe you nothing - not our loyalty, and not any obedience to inferior races or their inferior law. And we will go to our deaths gladly, if need be, having performed the service or ridding our beloved land of the Camalgehay and Rozhroz pagan scum that serve only as parasites, tolerated for too long by the miserable and feeble Vladarsik swindlers!"

Tikhonovich sat down, leering at the judge.

Frost collected his thoughts briefly, and concluded the proceedings.

"Defense counsel is advised that defendant Tikhonovich's statement may be presented as evidence in the investigation of the three aforementioned defendants on charges of espionage and treason. Bailiff, all defendants are to be remanded to prison to await execution of the sentence.

Court is now adjourned

[Morrdh]

OOC: Follow-on to this post; viewtopic.php?p=36897002#p36897002

Fort Bainsbury
East Mordent

News of the Imbrinium withdrawal spread quickly and soon crowds of people were out on the streets waving banners and shouting "Imbs out! Imbs out!". Here and there the Emerald Saltire flag of the Commonwealth was being unfurled as it's Imbrinium counterpart was torn down, soiled and even lit alight. Anti-Imbrinium sentiment grew as the haunting wail of bagpipes echoed over the rooftops as the Morridane national anthem was played, the pipers themselves were cheered on by the protesters.

Soldiers of the East Mordent Defence Force, charged with trying to maintain order, simply stood to one side as the protesters gained momentum with some of the soldiers joining the throng of people. The march wound it's way through the streets, shouting as it went, and made it's way to the seat of the East Mordent government. The crowds clamoured outside the building for quite some time before some official, probably one who'd drawn the short straw, emerged with a loudspeaker and asked for the crowd's attention. A hush fell upon the scene as the man declared that the East Mordent government had effectively been dissolved and one of it's last acts was to petition for the Commonwealth to takeover governance.

The crowd was stunned for a moment before it erupted into a chorus of cheering and celebration.

---

In Lindun the Lord Steward of Mordent, Sean Gallagher, greeted the news with less enthusiasm. He was conscious of the fact that it could potentially sour relations with the Kingdom of Imbrinium, which was the last thing he needed with the recent coup in Morrdh. Though it was clear that the Kingdom was losing control of East Mordent with the people more eager than ever to return to the Commonwealth's fold. He would have to be careful with how he approached the matter, after much thought he drafted a communique.

To HM Imbrinium Government

In these grave and trying times I write concerning recent developments in East Mordent, namely the widespread civil unrest that has engulfed it along with the resultant breakdown of governance. I understand feelings amongst the people there are running high in conjunction with hostile views of your fair nation.

And so I ask, I beg, you to give your consent to officers of the Mordentish Gardaí being sent to restore order in East Mordent with the eventual goal of restoring governance.

I await your reply.

S. Gallagher

Lord Steward of Mordent.

[Morrdh]

Ordenite Territorial Waters

As a swell rolled along ahead of a storm pushing it's way into the Sea of Ordena, below the waves was a much more serene atmosphere. A nuclear-powered attack submarine of the Royal Morridane Navy, the Siorc, particularly drifted along on the current. Her propeller turned slowly, though just enough to push her through the water at a mere 5 knots as she ran silent. She was on the prowl and had been for some time.

Pickings were slim due to the naval losses inflicted upon the Kriegsmarine by the triumvirate and also due to the encroaching storm coming in from the west. The Siorc had picked up some surface contacts, a handful of merchant vessels hugging the Ordenite coastline which counted a tanker amongst their number that was finding the worsening sea state increasingly rough going. There was another contact, designated Sierra 2 as it was the second sonar contact to be picked up, but that was proving stubborn to identify.

The Siorc's captain, Mallory, felt his frustration grow as Sierra 2 refused to reveal itself. There was no question that it was a surface contact, it's course had been tracked by the Siorc and strongly suspected to be a patrol vessel of some description. Trouble was, it was quiet and thus much more difficult to identify. There was a big difference between a simple patrol boat and an escort vessel like a frigate or a destroyer, it certainly paid to know what they could possibly go up against. But Sierra 2 was proving shy and the Siorc would have to resort to other means of identification, though that would expose the boat to increased risk.

But Mallory had to know.

"Come to periscope depth." Mallory ordered, though taking care to keep his voice low least it gave them away. He waited for the boat to be at the right depth, raised the periscope for a quick look and lowered it again. He counted down in his head, then raised the periscope once more for another quick look before lowering it again. The trick with the periscope was to be sparing with it, using it for too long meant a far greater risk of the submarine being detected by enemy ships. Quick, short looks for a few seconds at a time was the order of the day even if it meant having to raise and lower the periscope multiple times.

Though Mallory's efforts were rewarded.

Sierra 2, though now upgraded to Master 2 thanks to visual identification via the periscope, proved to be an escort vessel. Quick cross-reference with the book revealed that this vessel was most likely a Ritter-class destroyer, another nuclear powered vessel and thus why she had proven to be so quiet. Though the destroyer was at a disadvantage due to the rough seas, no doubt too busy fighting the elements than proving effective ASW. Still risky, but too much of an opportunity to pass up.

Within a few minutes the Siorc had firing solutions on both the destroyer and the tanker, one Spearfish torpedo each. The torpedoes would be wire-guided and kept on passive sonar mode, going active at almost the last moment to maintain the element of surprise. Still risky, but every submariner knew that you tended to stack the odds in your favour as much as possible. Mallory waited another minute, making sure that the destroyer was otherwise occupied before committing to the attack.

"Tubes one and two," Mallory said, still keeping his voice low. "Fire."

[The Macabees]

KRÍERGRUPS 'INDRAS' AND 'BERLISTON'

Map of the situation explained below.

'Indras' and 'Berliston' held their own, creating something of a seawall against which Ordenite fleets coming from either side of the region would run of against. But, the damage they had sustained meant that at the conclusion of this battle — regardless of it being a victory or loss — they would no longer be effective as fighting forces. They most likely wouldn't be deemed operations-ready until after the war and, even then, their resuscitation would come at the loss of other kríergrups returning from Gholgoth. Their sacrifice was well worth it, as it looked as if the Triumvirate would hold the seas around Krasnova and that meant that the Satrapy of Pezlevko-Rubino now had heightened chances of surviving the war without being occupied by the Wehrmacht. For, if the satrapy were to be cut off from resupply, even for a matter of mere months, the garrison there would be forced to surrender.

Of course, 'Indras' and 'Berliston' were aided greatly by the incenssant bombardment of the Kriegsmarine from all sides and angles. Bombers and their escorts dropped their armaments against the enemy's warships, precedent from New Empire, Indras, and Holy Panooly. Imbrinumian aircraft aided too, and the Imbrinumian fleet attacking the Ordenite 'Wanderjar' force proved crucial. Assailed from all ends by overwhelming forces, the Kriegsmarine around Krasnova suffered their fair battering. Yet, for all the damage dealt to it, the Reich's fleets fought well and admirably.

So well, indeed, that imperial forces began to evolve their strategy to force an end game to the battle. Behind the enemy fleet precedent from the Ordenite mainland closed-in Kríergrup 'Paquat,' which 'til then had been harassing the northern picket lines and splinter fleets of the Reich. They were joined by any Imbrinumian naval forces fighting alongside them. Triumvirate forces began to reduce the surface area of the battle, bringing enemy forces closer together and making them easier to find and engage until sunk. Relentless aerial bombardment, if not the omnipresent Triumvirate ships and submarines, escalated the pressure to finish the job once and for all.

All the while, supplies were run to the satrapy through the port of Fedorograd. The port was reduced in the amount of capacity it could handle, given the Ordenite artillery and aerial bombardment, but it syphoned supplies as it could coming from cargo ships sailing through the sea between Independent Hitmen and Holy Panooly. This protected route passed right under the nose of the former and their ally Stevid, the latter a neutral member of the Triumvirate.

It was this route that 'Indras' and 'Berliston' had sacrificed themselves to defend.



GROUND DEFENSES, SATRAPY OF PEZLEVKO-RUBINO

Outside of the imperial mainland and the returning forces from Gholgoth, the largest grouping of imperial ground forces existed in Theohuanacu. This wealth of manpower had already been tapped for the invasion of the Scandinvan Empire, but it would now be called upon to move reinforcements into Pezlevko-Rubino. The Ejermacht wanted to quadruple their forces in the satrapy over a period of fourteen days, and then double that by the end of a month's time.

The best-of-all-worlds plan, however, was not one that could come into fruition. Not with tactical Ordenite air superiority. Any large troop ships brought en masse would most certainly become the targets of the Luftwaffe, and casualties would be unacceptably high. Instead, reinforcements had to be brought slowly and in small amounts at a time. The garrison's size was just smaller than it had been to start with, despite reinforcements. It simply had suffered that many casualties, and although the Ordenite offensive had stopped that did not mean that men did not die to artillery fire, aerial bombardment, or the various firefights which erupted along all parts of the frontlines as the two sides continued to harrass each other. It was strengthened at a rate about 100,000 men a week or less, who often disembarked at a distance and were brought in by small craft better able to escape detection.

It behooved imperial ground forces to diversify the source of their resupply and reinforcement. Unfortunately, only Fedorograd's harbor was truly capable of handling incoming resupply in bulk. However, to bring men into the satrapy the Ejermacht established mobile welcome parties south of the rugged mountains that covered the western end of Pezlevko-Rubino to create impromptu and temporary harbors that smaller craft could unload their personnel, equipment, and even vehicles. This gave reinforcement operations more protection from Luftwaffe raids.

Despite the desperation that beset defending ground forces, outnumbered as they were, the truth was that there was a hidden swing of the pendelum. The Ejermacht had severely reduced their operations against the Wehrmacht, instead accepting the lull in the battle created by the halt of the Reich's offensive. This allowed them to conserve ammunition, shells, and bombs. The imperial offensive against the Wehrmacht in Krasnova was mostly aerial now or through the Kysetian partisans fighting in Chernaya. Thus, new supplies coming into Krasnova began exceeding immediate requirements. These were meant for something else. Perhaps the expectation of a renewed Ordenite effort, one that would require a healthy pool of resources, but also it could imply an intention to ultimately go on the offensive. Perhaps an attempt to recover ground lost to the Ordenites during their offensive, but also perhaps an attempt to go even further than that.

First, though, before any effective counteroffensive in Pezlevko-Rubino could be launched, the Kriegsmarine had to be defeated, the Kríermada's air arm had to turn its complete attention to defeating the Luftwaffe in Krasnova, and the imperial garrison in Pezlevko-Rubino would have to be increased many times its current size.



PAQUAT, NEW EMPIRE

Although Kríermak 'Est,' the large collection of fleets that had been involved in the invasion of the Scandinvan Empire in Gholgoth, still held the bulk of its strength at Car'gún Diehlaht, a large fraction of it had been redeployed to Greater Díenstad as quickly as possible. Of the almost 12,000 ships involved in the invasion, three-quarters had filled the naval facilities along the New Imperial coastline — including Berliston and Paquat. However, from there they would have to be refueled, rearmed, and go through a battery of assorted logistical programs to ready them for combat. Nevertheless, a smaller force of some 1,200 ships that had been prepared at Car'gun Diehlaht were readied to reinforce imperial naval forces defending the waterways between the Ordenite mainland and Krasnova. This was Kríergrup 'Tyrano,' after its commanding officer Admiránt Gregor Tyrano.

A flotilla of troop transports and cargo ships had also been readied for a force of more than 200,000 men and their equipment for a major amphibious operation that Imperial High Command was now keen on launching as soon as the Kriegsmarine around Krasnova had been mopped up. Their immediate objective: Port Dathel. The victim of a nuclear attack during the Second Krasnovan War, it was underway of being rebuilt by Navitek before the outbreak of the current conflict and it would make for a good supply port independent of Fedorograd, which has suffered major damage on its installations.

But, before any landing could take place, the seas around Krasnova had to be secured. Kríergrup 'Tyrano' sailed west and then south, around New Empire, toward the chaos that engulfed the southeast Sea of Crowns. They were welcomed reinforcements, as 'Indras' and 'Berliston' exausted themselves holding and containing the Kriegsmarine while this latter force was battered by both ships, ship-based aircraft, and their land-based counterparts.

The Ordenite fleets could not hold out for much longer, their weapon stores would run out — at least, this was what was expected. But, if they proved especially stubborn, 'Tyrano' would add another major force that would surely be enough to irretrievably tip the balance in favor of the Triumvirate.

[United World Order]

Naval theater, Central Dienstad.

To the silent dismay of many in the Oberkommando des Marine and in other Wehrmacht circles, the once prized surface fleets of the Kriegsmarine were in absolute shambles and on the verge of being out right destroyed. The combined fleets and air power of the Triumvirate and the order directly from Reichsfuhrer Grossmann to continue the fight no matter what the cost had now saw to the destruction of much of the Kriegsmarine's offensive capacity in the region. Assailed on all sides what vessels of which most were submersibles could slip away did and attempted to head for the mainland.

What surface vessels had not been out right destroyed in the fierce battles against the Triumvirate navies were ordered to scuttle their vessels and abandon them. Tens of thousands of Ordenite sailors floated and drifted about Central Dienstad in life boats awaiting rescue for their future as prisoners of war.

Closer to the Krasnovan mainland, the Kriegsmarine in and around the island had been able to escape the overall carnage and were now hugging the coast line. Some of the Kriegsmarine remnants re-organized themselves while they could and formed a defensive perimeter around the Port of Datosk which had before been attacked by Triumvirate bombers. Kriegsmarine facilities within the Port of Datosk that had not been completely destroyed in the previous air campaign began to rush munitions and other supplies to the Kriegsmarine remnants. The remnants were also joined by Missile boat squadrons of the Krasnovan Navy who arrived to reinforce in the likelihood of a attempt to seize Datosk as a beachhead.

The arrival of the Krasnovan Navy to the Kriegsmarine's aid was only the beginning of a wider mobilization of the Krasnovan Armed Forces that were now to take up the defense of their motherland alongside the Ordenite Wehrmacht. Unlike their Ordenite counterparts, the Krasnovans only maintained a green water Navy at best comprised of mostly missile and gun boats and frigates. The Krasnovans were now beginning to scramble their squadrons out to scour and patrol the wide coastline of Ordenite Krasnova waiting for any signs of the Triumvirate, acting as a sort of early warning force.

Air theater, Krasnova.

The Ordenite Luftwaffe were now finally able to catch their breath as the majority of Macabean air power was being refocused on the battles in the high seas between Triumvirate and Kriegsmarine navies. With now relatively clear airspace the Luftwaffe began to ever so slightly begin swift repairs to it's airfields and air bases across much of Western Krasnova. This being done with assistance by both the Reich Labor Service and countless thousands of Krasnovan forced laborers from labor camps across the Western half of the island. Supplies were also now being circumvented throughout to keep the Luftwaffe's war planes still operational well armed and fueled for the coming battles. Luftwaffe UCAVs now began to take to the skies once again closer to the front lines within the satrapy its self gathering intelligence and if necessary using it's offensive capabilities to deliver surgical strikes on AA emplacements and RADAR systems along with other targets of opportunity. Much of these UCAVs were more and more being directed into Chernaya to keep the encroaching Kysetian host forces in check who had been attempting to infiltrate the region.

Due to the nature of the conflict and the deteriorating situation concerning the Kriegsmarine's supremacy in Central Dienstad and the likely coming threat of dwindling supplies. Much of the Luftwaffe in the East were to remain grounded but on high alert as to conserve fuel and munitions for any attempts by the Triumvirate to open a new front there. Even in the West much of the Luftwaffe were now dedicated to only defending their airfields and bases from resumed Triumvirate bombings and airstrikes. This however did not mean that the Ordenites were simply going to stop contesting the skies over the satrapy, instead this would begin to be primarily left in the hands of the Krasnovan Aerospace Forces. Who until now had only intervened seldom times if Triumvirate aircraft were spotted near facilities of their own.

The majority of the Triumvirate's air power were concentrated on the Ordenite Luftwaffe and had almost entirely left the Krasnovans unmolested. This revelation was one card still in the sleeve of the Ordenites in the defense of Krasnova and was now going to be played. The Krasnovans maintained a vast fleet of warplanes with it's most modern being it's Lu-45 Multi Role fighters gifted to them by the Golden Throne themselves when relations were still normal. Besides the Lu-45s, the vast majority of the Krasnovans air fleet was decades older than the current planes fielded by the Triumvirate and even the Ordenite Luftwaffe. Now it would seem that Krasnova's communist past would now come to the benefit of the Ordenites and haunt the Triumvirate's precarious situation on the island. Across much of Western Krasnova throughout the various airfields and bases operated by the Krasnovan Aerospace Forces, squadrons of MiG 23M's and MiG 31BM's took to the skies to fill in the task of overall air defense among the front lines.

Further to the East of the island flights of Krasnovan Tu-22M's began to take off approaching the satrapy from Chernaya at low altitudes to avoid RADAR detection before letting off it's stand off payload of Kh-32s intended to strike deep into the overall defenses of the satrapy.

Chernaya Region, Krasnova.
With much of the Triumvirate's airpower now focused on the destruction of the Kriegsmarine
the Krasnovan Army directed by the Wehrmacht go on the offensive in the East.

While Ordenite Heer and some Krasnovan Army units held down their positions just north of Rubino in the face of Imperial and other Triumvirate ground forces. The finishing touches of a gradual build up of the Krasnovan Army in the Chernaya region was now coming to fruition as a renewed offensive against the Satrapy. The Krasnovans had arrayed two whole Army Groups from it's Eastern military district for the task ahead of them which was to close in the Satrapy's eastern flank and on Pezlevko its self. The Ordenite Heer would also take part in the new offensive as it slated two armies from the 107th Armeegruppe based around Dubrovnoye. The overall plan was to attack as one front south of Chernaya and begin advancing with best hopes being the offensive is able to split the satrapy in half however most commanders both Krasnovan and Ordenite realistically only planned for minor gains on the eastern flank. The offensive would also address the Kysetians who were attempting to infiltrate into the Chernaya region by attacking them head on and hopefully driving them away from the frontier.

Krasnovan artillery batteries consisting of BM-30 Smerch and BM-27 Uragan MLRS marked the initation of the offensive as they opened up with tactically planned salvos of 220mm and 300mm rockets on defensive positions arrayed before them. The Ordenites attached to them also joined in kind with salvos of cluster filled rockets from Sd.Kfz 260 LARS MLRS batteries. Which would shower the Triumvirate defenders in anti-personnel and anti-tank penetrators, surely to wreck havoc. The advance would begin with the Krasnovans pushing forward with it's Motorized Rifle and Tank Corps comprised primarily of Macabean Nakil MBTs and Shalamanser IFVs both having had been delivered to the Krasnovans in past modernization efforts. These were primarily assigned to the more professional soldiers as the largely conscript force rode into battle in older T-90M main battle tanks and BTR-2 IFVs for support while the motorized infantry rode in BMP-2s. A reserve pool was also on standby within the Chernaya region for the Krasnovan Army to utilize as well as additional Ordenite Heer forces.

The Krasnovans were allowed to advance forward first as the two Ordenite armies stayed primarily in their rear for the time being. They would intervene primarily if things began to go awry for the Krasnovans on the offensive. Which was something the Wehrmacht were expecting as the war weary but very patriotic Krasnovans rode head first into what was to be a costly battle.

[The Macabees]

KRÍERGRUP 'INDRAS'

The Kriegsmarine had been broken, finally. The large Ordenite fleets converging on Krasnova had been shattered and their remnants were now limping towards the nearest port, seeking to hook up with the Krasnovan Navy in last attempts to delay the scaling of Triumvirate operations on the island. The victory had cost 'Indras' dearly, though. While 'Berliston' had helped to take on the pressure in the west, it was 'Indras' which had fought the Reich's Wanderjar fleet head-on and the immensity of the struggle was evident in how 'Indras' finished the engagement.

In another context, with hundreds of ships sunk or severely damaged, 'Indras' would have been allowed to return entirely to port. Its sailors would have been given a short rest and refitting, but perhaps quickly allocated elsewhere for the immediate needs of war. The fleet group's ships, those that remained, would be repaired and resupplied, but would nevertheless sit the rest of the war out. Alas, this was a luxury that the Kríermada could not entirely afford.

Instead, 'Indras' was to be split. Her raid and amphibious eskúadras were sent south to Vasozia, on the northern coast of Indras, for rest and refit. However, her carriers and their escorts were still needed in the war and they would be resupplied and reinforced by sea and air. Thus, these moved north once again toward Fedorograd, with some of their assets focused on fleet defense and hunting remaining enemy ships, while the bulk of her aircraft reoriented themselves towards the defense of the satrapy. GLI-76s screaming off the steel flight decks of their carriers engaged their counterparts in the Luftwaffe and Krasnovan Air Force, engaging often from beyond visual range but also willing to use their smaller frames and agility to get closer and fire medium- and short-range missiles.

For the most part, carrier-based aircraft precedent from 'Indras' used satrapical airspace as much as possible. Most imperial air defense assets were in the mountains, where they were more protected from Ordenite air and ground attack. Beneath this defensive umbrella imperial aircraft made their approach against the enemy, focused on relieving ground forces from the unrelenting pressure of the renewed Ordenite and Krasnovan offensive.

All the while, smaller ships took on the responsibility of retrieving Ordenite sailors who had abandoned their sinking or damaged ships. These were taken aboard, transferred to larger cargo ships that were coming from the civilian ports of Indras, and then sailed to Theohuanacu. There, they were distributed among prisoner of war camps built along the western coastline of the continent, where they would live out the rest of the war. Like any other prisoner in the Golden Throne, they would toil in public construction efforts in the region, whether that was paving new highways, erecting triumphal arcs or statues in the various cities, or in constructing the new factories, wharves, and warehouses dotting a quickly capitalizing landscape. Doing these things and others, Ordenite prisoners of war would be paired with common criminal thugs, including murderers and rapists. They'd also work alongside pirate prisoners, many of whom would never experience liberty again, and Scandinvan prisoners of wars not yet processed out and released back to their home country.


KRÍERGRUPS 'BERLISTON' AND 'TYRANO'

'Berliston,' like 'Indras,' had suffered its fair share during the battle. Under other conditions, it too would return to its homeport and remain there for the remainder of the war. However, it too was still needed around Krasnova. 'Berliston's' immediate objective was the blockading of western Krasnova, disallowing the enemy access to the island from the west. The Imbrinumian fleet that had been trailing the Kriegsmarine's Wanderjar fleet would link up from the east and complete the blockade from that direction. Kríergrup 'Tyrano' would reinforce the Imbrinumians, although the bulk of it would sit between Fedorograd and 'Berliston' to aid in the coming ground operations targeting Datosk and the surrounding area. One more fleet group precedent from Gholgoth would join the blockade of Krasnova, otherwise, the bulk of the Kríermada west of Ordena would focus on the blockade of the Reich's western coastline.

Being responsible for preparing the floor for major operations around Datosk, 'Berliston' picked up the role earnestly while still cognizant of the remaining enemy fleet and submarine assets. Thus, while still mopping up the seas, the fleet group turned much of its carrier and offshore firepower to the port city and the Krasnovan-Ordenite defensive forces mobilized in its defense. Between large-caliber guns, missiles, and aircraft, Datosk, its defenses, and enemy forces in the valley between the two mountain ranges that cradled the city and its hinterland.

Similarly, parts of 'Berliston' were doing to same to enemy forces around Sterlya, another coastal — but not port — city in eastern Krasnova. Sterlya would soon be a major target of ground operations as well, so the area had to be "buttered up" through relentless bombardment. Day and night, the bombing of eastern Krasnova continued with impunity, but it was not just surface and aerial elements at play.

Small groups of Grup Koda, naval special forces, were inserted along the coastline, oftentimes nearer to the mountains. These then made their trek behind enemy lines, avoiding the enemy and not ordered to attack. Instead, their function was to observe and locate. They sought out Ordenite and Krasnovan air defense assets, artillery emplacements, major ground force concentrations, radars, and other strategic targets. To do this they used themselves, of course, lasing targets for the guidance of inbound munitions originating somewhere offshore. But, they also had small, light UAVs to amplify their reconnaissance efforts, as well as UGVs and UUVs. These latter tools were often used to patrol submarine and surface element movements in and out of Datosk. These Grup Koda were the most advanced ground elements of a rapidly growing force that was gathering off the western coast of Krasnova.

Around 200,000 soldiers were being prepared for an audacious amphibious landing north and south of Datosk. They would compose the initial wave of the invasion, followed up by hundreds of thousands more depending on their success. It was planned that landings would eventually take place further south, as well, southwest of Sterlya. If all went according to plan, there would be a million soldiers pouring into western Krasnova within the month.



OPERATION 'SEA SWEEP'

Operation 'Gilded Sunray,' or the bombardment of Krasnova by air forces stationed in New Empire, had been largely put on pause during the duration of the Battle of Crowns' Sea. Their attention was needed back on the island, but there was still unfinished business as surviving Kriegsmarine elements huddled close to allied ports in Krasnova and joined with their vassal's navy. To continue the fight against these and protect the large imperial surface fleets tightening their blockade around the island, bomber forces in New Empire began Operation 'SEA SWEEP.'

'SEA SWEEP' called for hunting and eliminating all enemy surface and submarine assets. To do this, maritime patrol UAVs in conjunction with manned counterparts, looked for their prey, then called in the attack dogs in the shape of fast-flying Lu-45s, GLI-76s, and F/A-36s.

Ships weren't the only targets. All naval infrastructure and its defenses were considered primary target objectives, as well. These included ports — civilian and military —, air defense systems and their elements, and coastal airfields. Against these, larger GLI-34 bombers carried more significant payloads to export destruction on a larger scale.



KRÍERGRUP 'PAQUAT'

'Paquat,' which was still very much intact, at strength, and ready for combat, continued is voyage southwest to fill the void in the Sea of Crowns. Now that the Kriegsmarine was broken, it turned its attention west and began to solidify the blockade of Ordena's eastern coastline. By doing so it not only provided another layer of defenses against remaining Kriegsmarine ships and submarines thinking of contesting the sea between the Reich's mainland and its holdings in Krasnova, but also hampered enemy naval operations closer to their mainland and guarded against the threat of an amphibious attack the Killian State of New Hemett. In that way, it linked allied naval efforts between combat operations in Krasnova and those in the Killian Republic. To the latter's benefit, 'Paquat' began offshore bombardment operations on Reich ground forces blitzkrieging northward toward the eastern half of "the neck."

These events, regardless, were removed from the immediate relevance of Krasnova outside of its effect of strengthening the blockade on Krasnova by making Ordenite naval movements in the Sea of Crown that much more difficult.



KRÍERMAK 'MACABEA' EST

A sizeable chunk of Kríermak ' Macabea' had been "stuck" in Macabea and along the northern coast of the imperial home continent during the war so far. But, with 'Paquat' now providing support and helping in the suppression of onshore Ordenite anti-shipping forces, her commanders now thought it a good time to join the war in a more active role.

The old capital, now the provincial capital of Díenstad, was protected by three kríergrups, or around 3,600 ships. They were not at full strength, as they had participated in the defense of the mainland from the Luftwaffe's bombardment and were considered an important screen. Still, it was a formidable force that was still, comparatively, fresh. It would have been a shame not to take advantage of them at all, and so they soon began their voyage northeast. As they moved in that direction, the distance between Ordena and the northern imperial home continent decreased, making these waters relatively less safe to traverse as there was less distance between them and enemy aircraft and their missiles. The task was now easier without the Kriegsmarine to contest it, but 'easier' is relative and the mission was by no means 'easy.'

To help protect the three kríergrups as they traveled northwest, aircraft based on the imperial mainland operated to provide an air screen. It was not only the Luftwaffe they were protecting from, but also submarines and onshore anti-shipping batteries. They were not attacking the Ordenite mainland enmasse or on a grand scale, their objective was more limited and focused on the safeguarding of the fleet groups.

These three fleet groups would eventually sit just southeast of the Ordenite mainland, restricting access into the channel between the two warring powers. They were the final seal in the blockading of the Ordenite mainland, linking up of course with 'Paquat' to their north.

In their wake, coastal defense ships continued their functions as light screens against aerial attacks on the imperial mainland but, more importantly, there remained a considerable number of hybrid-electric submarines that did not stir from their positions except to restock on air and supplies. These now, along with nuclear-powered counterparts, also more actively patrolled the southern coast of Ordena, restricting enemy naval activity in those parts as well.


GROUND DEFENSES, SATRAPY OF PEZLEVKO-RUBINO

Outside of their military presence, Rubino and Pezlevko were almost devoid of life. Surrounding towns and villages had cleared out too, mostly on the volition of the inhabitants themselves. The first Ordenite offensive into the satrapy had resulted in major territorial losses and now the enemy was on the move again. Most civilians feared the worst, so they fled west toward the mountains.

Not that there was anything all that lucrative about the mountains. Except that these were a stronghold of imperial forces, which were using them to protect their limited land-based aircraft and their considerable air defenses from direct bombardment. As such, the refugees flowed in that direction, hopeful that perhaps in the mountains they could hold out and avoid the pains of life under Ordenite occupation until the war's end. The roads streaming westward out from Rubino and Pezlevko were chockfull with cars and millions more on foot.

In the mountains, hastily constructed refugee camps rarely had running water supplies aside from the mountain rains and the receiving lakes and springs. These were quickly polluted with excrement and waste, although refugees with few other choices still drank their water. Neither was their electricity or gas, and even food was scarce so many people took up eating rats and other rodents, and finally even the pets they had brought with them.

Food could have been imported and distributed, but the empire's focus was on the desperate defense of the satrapy. So most food and medical supplies that came in were given to the armed forces, and much of the rest of the cargo space was reserved for soldiers, their equipment, and their machinery. And now that the Kriegsmarine had been broken, the pace of these reinforcements accelerated earnestly.

However, forces on the ground were still limited compared to the combined strength of the Heer and the Krasnovan Army. There were still only some 300,000 soldiers able to fight, about the same there was at the start of the first Ordenite offensive. There were Imbrinumian ground forces, as well. But, these were on the offensive, moving toward the taiga just south of the mountains southeast of Chernaya. The defense of the satrapy would now have to consider their safety and their rear, which could very well imply the need to abandon Rubino.

For the time being, imperial ground forces would continue to defend both cities of the satrapy. However, depending on the developing situation, abandoning Rubino would allow these ground forces to concentrate further south on the defense of Pezlevko and the more important port-city of Fedorograd. The worst-case scenario envisioned a "last stand" perimeter around Fedorograd, to defend their source of reinforcements and from which they would eventually launch counteroffensives to recapture lost territory and then out from there.

For now, these were all hypothetical scenarios. Ground forces in the satrapy had been restocked and defensive positions reinforced during the brief lull, and so they responded to the enemy offensive with just a vitriolic a counter-bombardment. Krasnovan and Ordenite artillery was savagely targeted by counterbattery fire, which was increasingly coming from the protected mountains as the front got closer to their foothills. Aircraft from the mountains and those from 'Indras' joined in on the defense, fighting the Luftwaffe and Krasnovan Air Force in conjunction with the imperial air defense umbrella while also bombing the attacking armies. On the floor, the Krasnovans and Ordenites would run into heavy ground defenses meant for a war of attrition, with trench lines, fortifications, extensive minefields, and the ever-present threat of local counterattacks. To help in this defense, Kysetians not yet in the Ordenite rear were quickly reallocated to shore up the defenses and bolster allied ranks.

Those Kysetians who were in the rear, either because they had broken through or because the front lines had by now moved beyond the northeastern satrapical lands of the Kysetians, dispersed at the dedicated efforts to find, pursue, and destroy them. They withdrew toward the forests east of Chernaya and southeast toward the taiga and mountains. They retreated to where they could, breaking into small units that were more difficult to pin down. The Kysetians were fighting a guerilla war, it did not behoove them to engage the Ordenite and Krasnovan armies on equal terms. Instead, they would make themselves hard to find, bide their time, and wait for the perfect moment to renew their offensive.

All the while, reinforcements continued to come in through Fedorograd, now at a rhythm of more than 200,000 per week.

[The Technocratic Syndicalists]

CENTRAL DIENSTAD THEATER

With the Kriegsmarine in ruins the Arcaenian fleets enraged in the Sea of Crowns had retreated to ports in Arcaenia and Imbrinium for repair and resupply. Arcaenian surface forces had engaged in relatively little actual combat; the overwhelming amount of damage done to the Kriegsmarine had come from Arcaenian nuclear cruise missile submarines and the Arcaenian land based patrol bombing squadrons consisting of land based Proteus maritime patrol aircraft and Wraith bombers from the Arcaenian Air Force operating from airfields in Imbrinium. Created after Arcaenia's experience in the naval war against Ralkovia the composite patrol bombing squadrons used the long endurance and advanced maritime surveillance sensors of the Proteus to find and designate targets for the Arcaenian Air Force's Wraith bombers which despite lacking sensors optimized for maritime surveillance combined supersonic speed, radar low-serviceability, and the ability to carry large numbers of long range cruise missiles, creating 'hunter-killer' teams that would sweep the ocean in search of hostile surface vessels. With the Kriegsmarine having been effectively eliminated as a blue water navy the Arcaenian patrol bombing squadrons had been disbanded and the bombers sent back to the Air Force for use in strikes against the Krasnovan mainland. Arcaenian surface ships had their VLS cells reloaded with land attack weapons and had traveled south to the waters around RSU where they would provide fire support for Triumvirate forces involved in the invasion of Krasnova.

KRANSOVAN THEATER

With the Kriegsmarine largely defeated the next phase of the Triumverate operation involved the military invasion and conquest of Ordenite occupied Krasnova. The Arcaenian I and III Panzer Corps, a force of four panzer and four panzergenadier divisions who were veterans of the invasion and occupation of Ralkovia, had been transported from Arcaenia to the port of Tongoka-Massao in Macabean controlled Holy Panooly and then sent to Fedorograd using the Arcaenian Navy's high speed RORO vessels. Capable of cruising at speeds over 32 knots these ships could make the fairly short trip from Tongoka-Massao to Fedorograd in less than 2 days and could complete four rounds trips before needing refueling, ensuring that a nearly constant stream of Arcaenian troops and heavy equipment and thousands of tons of ammunition and millions of gallons of fuel were pouring into the Macabean controlled Satrapy. The I and II Corps currently deploying to the Satrapy would shortly be joined by two more Arcaenian Panzer Corps before moving to reinforce Macabean and Imbrinumian defensive positions. Arcaenia had also deployed its I Airborne Corps, a rapid-reaction force consisting of two fallschirmjäger and one gebirgsjäger division which had been deployed to the Satrapy from Arcaenia and was in the process of deploying by sea and air to the Satrapy.

The buildup on the ground had been accompanied by constant air operations. The Arcaenian Air Force's Wraith bombers, feed of their ship hunting responsibilities, had been deployed to Holy Panooly where they superconducting 24/7 bombing operations over Ordenite territory in Krasnova. Any Triumverate invasion of krasnova was contingent on complete air superiority and thus Arcaenian planners had concentrated all their efforts on destroying the Luftwaffe's airfields and other ground facilities in the region at the expense of virtually all other military targets. Escorted by the Seraph fighters the Wraiths were responsible for pummeling Luftwaffe and kransovan airfields with concrete piercing bombs and cluster munitions. Seraph fighters escorting the bombers were responsible for conducting fighter sweeps ahead of the bombers and sanitizing the airspace of Ordenite and Krasnovan interceptor aircraft. Arcaenian Air force Bombers had been supported by the Arcaenian Navy's carrier air wings of Sea Seraph and Ghost aircraft flying off carriers to the north and east of RSU. The intensity of the air campaign was approaching that of Arcaenia's air campaign against Ralkovia during the Ralkovian Wars, Arcaenian aircraft were averaging 2,500 sorties and 2,000 tonnes of ordinance expended per day necessitating almost constant 24/7 supply shipments of ordinance and aviation fuel from the Arcaenian mainland.

[Morrdh]

RMAF Réalta Dhearg (Red Star)
Airbase K-11
Satrapy of Pezlevko-Rubino

With screaming engines, the lumbering C-10 Minotaur roared over the threshold of the runway and touched-down on protesting wheels. The engines' pitched changed as they were throttled into reverse to help slow down the gigantic aircraft so that it could safely taxi off the runway and onto the flight line area where it could disgorge it's cargo. Whilst the aircraft's immense size may have drawn attention, what probably attracted more attention was the words 'Royal Morridane Air Force' that the aircraft bore on either side along with the roundel of the RMAF.

Sure enough personnel wearing the standard DPM uniforms of the Morridane Armed Forces started disembarking from the aircraft and set about unloading vehicles and equipment from within the Minotaur's vast hold. Amongst the new arrivals was Air Commodore Orla Gallaghar, the officer commanding the Morridane contribution to the Macabean war effort in Krasnova in the form of No.57 Expeditionary Air Group (57 EAG). Though Orla had mixed feelings, her excitement of commanding a detachment was tempered by the fact that the deployment was part of a deal made by Ard Righ Viktor Cathmore and the Golden Throne. There was still alot of unease in the ranks over the coup, but the deployment gave them a distraction to focus their minds on.

Orla's other concern was having to possibly work with the Imbriniums, it was at their hands that Clan Gallaghar's holdings in Mordent had suffered so much.

Getting back to the here and now, she had a task to do. She'd arrived with 57 EAG's advance party in order to setup the infrastructure and logistical support before the Group's aircraft arrived. They had alot of work ahead of them as five squadrons of Raven F.4 fighters, three squadrons of Eagle GR.3 strike aircraft, air mobility assets and a RMAF Regiment field squadron would be arriving over the next few days. There was also the munitions, fuel, rations and spare parts that would also be arriving and needed space found.

Busy indeed.

Orla's first order of business was to meet with the Macabean commander at the base.

[Eitoan]

Command Center Conference Room
Airbase K-7, Satrapy of Pezlevko-Rubino

Smittie wrapped up the briefing reports. All his reports looked grizzled, the result of the wear and tear weighing heavily on their pilots and crew alike since the ramp-up of fighting in the Rubino sectors. Although the relentless pounding by the Luftwaffe was not felt directly at K-7, the stress was still palpable. Missions diverted from ground support to interdiction of enemy bombers that had ground that city into a pile of rubble. The increased peril of supply runs wending their way through the mountains. And the vague torpor of the Eitoans in that faraway land, as short, dangerous missions grew and supplies became more and more basic staples: the thick crusted rye bread, stringy lamb and beef, and much more barley. Still, a better life than the poor civilians caught in the onslaught.

Hookers in the mostly abandoned crossroads bars took on a gaunt look. Mostly worn out old hags, and skinny, flat chested poorer village girls lately. Not a lot of fun.

To Smittie’s right sat Leutkoronel Frederick Stanley of The Golden Throne Air Force, his counterpart in the sector, and a welcome guest. His visits usually meant important news. Across from Smittie were arrayed his three fighter squadron commanders, Lt. Colonel Ed Lowry of the 72nd, the 31st’s Colonel Jon Clifford, and Lt. Colonel Frank Gibbons of the 661st. Support unit commanders were seated behind them.

“Very well, then”, continued Smittie, “Evacuation drills will continue. Plans remain the same in any likelihood of being cut off by an Ordenite advance. Routes remain the same: fighters directly to bases in the vicinity of Theounacu to be determined at go time, service aircraft and crew evacuating by C-279 and overland destination Fedorograd. Leutkoronel Stanley here will be visiting in a few days our newly arrived friends from the RMAF over at K-11.”

Lowry spoke up “I hear she’s a girl”.

Smittie shot him a dirty look. “Never you mind. You’ve got your hands full keeping the 72nd flying. I’ve asked the Leutkoronel to attend today because in the middle of all this shit, I’m pleased to make this announcement. Frank, come on up here. Oh, and you can take off that silver leaf salad.”

Gibbons sprung up next to Smitty. Lowry frowned.

Smittie held up the letter, gold leaf framed, under the flowing signature of his boss, Major General Erskine Tichy, Commander of the 3rd Air Force. He cleared his throat and read it to the assembled.

To: Colonel Douglas Taylor,
24th Fighter Wing, Eitoan Air Force

It gives me distinct pleasure to inform you that by decision of the Air Force Board of Evaluation, endorsed by Air Force Chief of Staff General Lyall Zeleny, that you are to announce effective immediately the promotion of Lieutenant Colonel Frank Gibbons of the 661st Fighter Squadron to the rank of Colonel. Colonel Gibbons has performed all duties admirably under challenging conditions in combat in Pezlevko-Rubino, and is deserving this increase in rank. The staff of the 3rd regrets that his family is unable to join him at this occasion, given considerations regarding their safety in travel to an active combat zone.

Please convey our congratulations to Colonel Gibbons, on behalf of the 3rd Air Force and a grateful nation.

Keep ‘em flying”

Smittie reached over and pinned the rampant tiger facing left of an Air Force Colonel on a beaming Frank Gibbons. The combat squadron commanders crowded in to shake his hand. Leutkoronel Stanley slapped him on the back, greeting him with “Good show, Frank!”

The gathering applauded.

Smittie turned his back to them, bending down into the liquor cabinet and retrieving a prized possession; a fifth of Green Label Vodka.

“I do believe this is the last extant bottle in the Satrapy. Well, it’s had a good life, preceded by many fine pilots. But, it must do it’s duty!”

The officers lined up for their shot, measured carefully.

Smittie made the toast.

“A long life and safe flying, Colonel Gibbons. And give ‘em hell!”

[United World Order]

South East of Rubino, Satrapy of Pezlevko-Rubino.
While on the offensive the Wehrmacht catch wind of the advancing Imbrimium 24th Army.

As the Krasnovan Army and Ordenite Heer began to advance from the South East of Chernaya, Luftwaffe UCAVs and reconnaissance UAVs discovered the advancing Imbrimium 24th Army which was making its way along the coastline eastwards. What reserves had been slated for the on-going offensive were now being re-directed to meet the advancing 24th Army. A Krasnovan Army Group which were initially reserves were now moving to put themselves in front of where the Imbrimians were advancing. Forward elements of the 24th Army were already well within the Chernaya region by several kilometers as Krasnovan militia fought running battles against them but could do little without additional support to stop them. This additional support would begin to arrive in the form of several Krasnovan Air Assault Brigades traveling in Mi-17 Medium Transport helicopters along with armored vehicles and assorted artillery being delivered by parachute from accompanying cargo aircraft. In a matter of hours to even one day, several thousand Krasnovan paratroopers began combat operations against the forward Imbrimian units of the 24th Army. Further support would soon arrive as Krasnovan Mechanized and Tank units brought forth more heavier and competent armor to contend against the Imbrimians. Krasnovan artillery would soon begin raining down in the form of MLRS and Self propelled howitzers alongside them Ordenite UCAVs that had originally spotted the 24th Army would now begin surgically picking away at Imbrimian armored assets and AA alike.

As the new offensive had begun to gain ground and pass up the 24th Army further to the south, the two Ordenite armies arrayed in the Krasnovan offensive's rear were now being diverted to strike at the northern flank of the Imbrimians. A combined force of over 180,000 Ordenite Heer now turned it's attention to the south and began to advance in order to pin the 24th Army to the coast while the Krasnovans confronted them in Chernaya head on. Once the two Ordenite armies were within effective combat range of the Imbrimians they would begin a savage artillery barrage which would include MLRS launched cluster munitions in which strong Panzergrenadier and Panzer forces would move to make contact against the Imbrimians, hoping to trap them with their backs against the coastline further prying away man power from the enemy defenders near Fedorograd. All the while the Krasnovan advance into the Satrapy from the Chernaya region was having moderate success albeit with gradually rising casualties. Significant Kysetian forces were being arrayed into the defense of the satrapy which made the advance and on-going battles even more brutal.

Krasnovan artillery were constantly on the move to escape enemy counter battery fire and also firing back at the defenders and pounding the trenches and fortifications the Krasnovan offensive would need to breakthrough. Despite the magnitude of the defenses the enemy had amassed, the Krasnovans proved to be strong willed and of relatively high morale as they mounted attack after attack against the Macabean and Kysetian defenders. This ultimately led to savage attrition style trench warfare with Krasnovan armor being the only benefactor to their situation as they blasted away at enemy pill boxes and fixed positions. The Krasnovan Air Force participated when it could albeit while dodging or suppressing enemy air defenses, those that could launched stand off munitions in support of the ground forces advance. Mean while in the North, Ordenite and Krasnovan forces north of Rubino within their newly reinforced gains began posturing against the defenders before them, increasing the tempo of their raids and artillery strikes as if hinting at the beginning of a new offensive.