Green Tides [MT | FINISHED] (IC)

[Qirmizi Azerbaycan]

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN

FROM: Commissariat of Foreign Affairs
TO: People's Commissariat of External Relations (PR Aztlān)
ENCR: Qara Div (highest)

Wonderful, comrades! We look forward to working with you in advancing our shared cause. We shall shortly dispatch our diplomat to the People's Republic of Aztlān, so that he may travel with your own mission to Samporna. We shall also reroute a cargo ship, controlled by a shell company managed by our Commissariat of Internal Security, to cross the Pacific and provide you with the necessary products and weapons. We hope that it shall be sufficient for now. Long live the people's revolution, and death to the imperialists!

The people-masses of Azerbaijan

Hong Kong
People's Republic of China

---

The ASR's Commissariat of Internal Security controlled an extensive smuggling operation across Central Asia, transporting goods, mostly oil and valuable ores, across the continent in order to help finance the socialist Azeri regime. The New Silk Road, as they termed it, ran across the Caspian Sea, into Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and then continued south into Pakistan and India, or east into China. The Chinese government quietly tolerated the smuggling operation within its borders, so long as the ASR didn't threaten Chinese interests and continued to threaten their geopolitical rivals, they were fairly content to allow the enterprise to continue. China served as the gateway for landlocked Azerbaijan to trade on the global scale, selling oil, gold and weapons to various groups around the world. One of their biggest customers was North Korea, the hermit kingdom gulping down Azeri oil while in return providing more advanced weapons concepts and allegedly even assistance in designing and constructing nuclear devices.

To facilitate their criminal behaviour, the Commissariat operated a variety of fronts and shell corporations, providing a layer of secrecy and deniability to their activities. One of these companies, Silver Dawn Shipping, controlled several cargo vessels used by the Commissariat to smuggle their wares abroad, across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, into the Americas and Africa. Now, one of these vessels, the Azure Star, was being sent to Aztlān, crewed by Commissariat agents and carrying a wide array of supplies, some civilian in nature, and others decidedly not. The great vessel, having been granted permission to depart by an easily-bribed inspector, now set off into the South China Sea, heading east into the Pacific, and towards their destination. Piracy was of course a concern, for these waters were certainly not the safest, but the crew were heavily armed, and could likely see off anyone foolish enough to try their luck in seizing the leviathan craft and its cargo. An inspection by a military force was a greater threat, although considered even less likely. After all, why would anyone bother?

[Rhunnland]

AU-79, South China Sea
1615 Hours

"Conn, sonar, new contact, bearing 221, designation: Sierra 4!" The sonar operator's message was a routine one. The South China Sea was full of merchant ships, and Sierra 4 was most likely one of those. "Conn, sonar, Sierra 4 identified as: Silver Dawn Shipping Merchant Ship. Foreign Neutral." Commander Kohler stood in the middle of AU-79's control room, watching his crew and officers man their stations. The Chief Engineer, Klaus Graf, approached him.

"Sir, we inspected the reactor and all is well. All systems are working perfectly."

"Wonderful," the Commander Responded. "XO," he yelled towards the submarines Executive Officer, Leah Martin, "when does the current shift end?"

"Forty-five minutes, sir!"

Kohler reclined in his seat. Nothing bad had happened. At least not yet, anyway.

---

Public Relations Committee, Chancellory
1630 Hours

Chancellor Rabenhaus entered one of the Chancellory's many conference rooms. Today, Conference Room 12b housed a meeting of the Public Relations Committee, regarding Rhunnland's official stance on Samporna. The PRC was responsible for, essentially, advising the Chancellor on how not to stir up a controversy by saying something politically incorrect. Accidently referred to an ethnic group my a mildly offensive slur in a speech draft? The PRC was there to check for that. Taking a stance that many would see as controversial? The PRC would make sure the Chancellor wouldn't do that. Made up of political advisors and strategists, the PRC was convened to discuss Samporna.

While Rhunnland had supported the new Sampornese government in a letter to the nation, the Rhunnlandian government had not taken an official stance yet. The general consensus of the PRC was to not take a public stance. Many in Rhunnland would be angered to see their leaders supporting a communist regime. Rabenhaus knew the geopolitical advantages of supporting the new government, however. It would give Rhunnland a friend near the South China Sea, helping keeping trade lanes safe. It would give Rhunnland easier access to Sampornese oil deposits. If the original government of Samporna retook power, however, relations with them would not be tarnished, as Rhunnland officially never took a stance on the issue. Rhunnland would publically take no stance, but would continue to secretly support Samporna.

Later that day, the Secretary of the Press, leader of the PRC and the government's PR operations, stepped into the Chancellory's press hall for the daily press briefing. After going over a handful of domestic policies and regular updates, Press Secretary Angela Freidl addressed Samporna.

"I'm sure many of you are wondering about Samporna. We can assure you that the situation there is not a threat to Rhunnland or it's interests overseas, and that we are doing everything we can to keep Rhunnlandians in the region safe. The Navy has taken measures to protect trade in the region, and I urge any Rhunnlandians in the country to make sure they're safe."

"What stance is the administration taking?" a journalist asked.

"At this moment, the Rhunnlandian government has no official stance on the issue. We will allow the Sampornese people to decide their fate on their own. Any comments by any government officials suggesting the contrary do not represent the official stance of Rhunnland."

"What measures are being taken by the Navy to protect trade?"

"Joint Strategic Command and Naval Command do not comment on any current operations in the region,"

After another dozen or so questions, the Press Breifing was over, and Secretary Freidl went back to her office. She looked out her window, wondering how the situation would develop.

---

Rhunnich Times Broadcast

[Samporna]

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE DIRECTORATE, REVNAMI, NEW HAYESALIA

The 5am Top Secret General brief was as double edged as a sword could get. A role that represented of excellence as an intelligence analysis in the intelligence department of the Republic & Kingdom of New Hayesalia, as only senior and well-performing analysts received the distinction of duty in its preparation. Of course the graveyard shifts were a pain in the ass - that, and the more senior 9am team often used their brief as a convenient subsidy for their own work.

The brief, largely for intelligence stakeholders in New Hayesalia’s eastern provinces who were a few hours ahead in time, provided timely and useful daily information with a distinctly foreign affairs edge. This meant that their group of interested people was somewhat limited - their brief was also incorporated into the Cabinet Briefing Authority’s own regular briefs for general audiences such as political leaders - but the people that needed it were thankful for the more specific and useful background information.

Don Manrell, the lead briefer today, had just finished the morning’s brief across a variety of secure video and data links, coming in a minute shy of his allotted half hour. His last major piece had been on the “Green Tide” affecting the new Jamahiriya in Samporna. It had been previously addressed in other such briefings as part of the “Other Affairs” section that gave a quick and nasty overview of less significant, but important enough, geopolitical events. Often it was about as useful as a Union 24 news report on the subject, just sharpened for minds that could grasp the connotations of the issue with political and military success. “Most of them, anyway” mused Don, after ending the brief, with a quiet smile.

The coup d’état experienced in the smaller state had attracted a bigger fish’s attention, in the form of the Khataiyi religious and political leadership - not that there was really much delineation between the two things. They’d called for an armed struggle and development of a training campaign to wrest control back, but in the name of an Islamist government. This was of obvious attention to the scattering of Intelligence Corps agencies that involved themselves with counter-terrorism, and of course within a country as large as New Hayesalia, it could only be assumed there would be some Sampornan expats or sympathisers with half a mind or more to follow up on that offer. The New Hayesalia Government, like any, struggled with terrorism’s modern face - yet progressive policies and an effective security apparatus had generally fared well against these challenges.

“Update on the Samporno” another member of the team said, referring to an official document but employing an obviously unofficial name.

“What’s the go, Sam?” Don replied, taking a gulp of water after his talk-fest.

“The Zhouranese have gotten involved. They’ve identified political support for the rebels, which isn’t quite in keeping with their usual way of doing diplomacy.”

“I see.”

A pause filled the room as Don formulated a quick mental pathway.

“So all being said the rebels are twice as international recognised as they were a few hours ago. That makes for a harder time for us to just sweep the bastards under the rug.”

“You always get a peanut gallery of nations that will recognise any two-bit thug having a gun in the right presidential palace as being the god-given leader of men. Half a dozen countries think the Communist party is the rightful government here. Why is this any different?”

“Playing the devil’s advocate is fun, Sam, but we try to let the contributing analysts have those fights. It’s ok, but something to be aware of as you get more experience in the team.” Sam Pattellar was indeed the newest man in the team, good at his usual job though he was.

“Oil is a big driver of course,” Don said, reading over the dossier appropriate to this matter. “Promising $9.4 billion to the cause and sending military aide is a much stranger thing to see though, especially since the Pan Asian States already got a buyer’s deal on the stuff. It’s unlikely the Zhouranese are just doing this for good money.”

“So what are they doing it for?”

“Same thing we make economically shitty deals. To make a friend with benefits.” Don confirmed, wearily, closing the dossier.

“Sure enough. You’d think these countries would learn not to sleep with two-faced people by now, though.”

The two men took coffees just delivered outside the locked door, and prepared to finish the last 90 minutes of their shifts.

---

180nm NORTH-EAST OF PORT EASTGATE, ROYAL SEA, NEW HAYESALIA

New Hayesalia’s Navy was a functional necessity. A country formed of thousands upon thousands of islands, her external borders were effectively the 12 nautical miles that separated territorial sea from otherwise. A large and efficient Coast Guard took responsibility for security and law enforcement within the territorial sea border, and up to 188 nautical miles outside of it. This put the NHS Admiral’s, so named for the city and not the rank, well within the territory of the Coast Guard.

Following her stint in dry dock on the eastern side of the country after a particularly bad entanglement with a loose fishing net, just a day after her departure on exercises, she had been recovered and ordered to rejoin a small patrol group trading in for another Decatur-class frigate that had remarkably met the same fate, and was now being tugged back into a dock in Sharles.

The crew of Admiral’s, under the command of Commander Deepika Kapoor, was making fast time to rejoin the small patrol group, acting both as an exercise for larger patrols and a genuine step in protecting New Hayesalia’s massive merchant marine.

The time had just clicked over to 11am, and the Captain was spending it in conference with her Executive Officer and the ship’s Warrant Officer considering what the most appropriate post-lunch drill to run would be. Man overboard drills were always fun, but that would slow them down - a battle stations drill would instead be put into play to give the ship’s crew of 180 a good test in the art of seamanship.

A knock at the door interrupted them, and a Midshipman - a young officer recruit on his placement from the Navy Academy in Retalimora, entered with a well-practiced salute, returned with a sit-fast.

“Ma’am,” the Midshipman began, “the office of the watch is reporting a vessel in distress ten nautical miles from our position.”

The call was met with the Commander donning her white beret as she made speed from the cabin to the captain’s chair, where the crew were called to her attention as she demanded full information.

“The oil tanker Moonrose has called distress. She’s saying that there are suspected pirates aboard, but they’re not sure how they got there. She’s 10 nautical miles to our north at 10 degrees, ma’am.” The officer of the watch, Lieutenant Randall Grave, reported the situation with immediacy in his voice.

“Where’s the Coast Guard?” she asked immediately.

“The NHCG Cape March is the closest but she’s 20 miles north of him, and their helicopter is getting a rotor blade fixed. They already asked us to check it out.”

“All hands flying stations.”

“Aye ma’am all hands flying stations!” The Lieutenant confirmed, before piping the order down the ship-wide announcement system. Immediately, the Navy crew responsible for the ship’s EC-725 Caracal helicopter set about their work, with the support crew members readying the aircraft itself and elevating it from the stealthy concealed hangar to the flight deck. The officers that would fly her - Peakedcap, as they called it, as the top of the Admiral’s supposed accessories - ran to the bridge to receive orders as well.

As this occurred, a similar order was passed for a boarding team to standby - armed and armoured. The ship was used to serving an anti-piracy role... but so close to home shores?

More radio details filtered through to the warship, as the Caracal began peeping over the ship’s deck. It was unsure how many people were assaulting the crew of the oil tanker, a Sampornan flagged vessel, with a crew of 30. Only 22 were accounted for, and a few of those were either dead or injured it appeared.

As the Admiral’s leadership team discussed the situation, a New Hayesalia’s Air Force P-8 Poseidon was being scrambled from north eastern Montmaray to interrogate the vessel. They would arrive on station after the ship’s own helicopter, but they would provide a welcome over watch and potentially distraction for the pirates.

A pair of Goldfish RHIBs were now being winched alongside the frigate, sporting two crews of 12 each for full firepower and effect. The boats could easily reach 75 knots in good conditions, but on the open sea they would be striking for 30. That would still get them on target within 20 minutes. The crew were armed with a selection of equipment. This included a Model 9 Defender pistol for every crew member, plus the requisite Model 10 sub machine gun and in some cases a Model 12 Scattergun for extra firepower at close ranges. The boats themselves had no additional weapons mounted, so it was up to the pair of boarding parties to protect them on the way to the ship. They would mount a wire ladder to make the journey from sea to deck and it would be a tight trip the entire way up.

As the two vessels came closer, the grey naval helicopter netted overhead at five times their speed, the loadmaster’s machine gun trained forwards onto the tanker over the horizon. Armed combatants on the deck would be targeted and more likely than not, eliminated.

As the helicopter went overhead, identifying the large commercial vessel, she noted no souls on the deck. Her electro optical camera skewed, searching the vessel and the bridge, looking for any sign of humans.

Without warning, the low flying helicopter was rocked by a red hot blast, the tanker detonating in a section of her storage. The rest of the loaded tanker also blasted apart. The helicopter, by either shrapnel or blast, stalled and fell to the sea. The crew, equally surprised, reacted as best they could to the situation, implementing their HUET training and conducting a quick escape.

The Goldfish boats were still as some distance, and were safe from the effects of the blast, though the shockwave still rocked the crew in their chairs. Without a radio return, the helicopter was presumed down, and one of the vessels was redeployed to provide first aid and rescue.

The water around the ship was slick with oil, with spot fires blazing eerily across the waves. The helicopter pilot, a Lieutenant, had possessed the consciousness to dive his helicopter as far from the vessel’s inevitable fiery doom as possible, thus saving the crew from the oil slick nearby. He and his injured three colleagues were pulled from the water and brought immediately back to the Admiral’s, where a Coast Guard V-280 would be rushing for an emergency pickup and drop-off to the nearest hospital.

The other boat remained at a distance as the P-8 loomed overhead. The wreck was an environmental disaster in the potential making, and thusly, the New Hayesalia Environmental Protection Agency activated a portion of their fleet of Maritime Spill Response Vessels, to be accompanied by investigators from the Navy, the Maritime Police, and the Transport Incident Investigatiom Board - Sea (TTIB-S).

There was no premonition of political ramifications as yet. What had happened to the Moonrose would escalate to a matter of international intrigue.

OOC:
Excuse me, yes? I do not recall you signing up in the OOC thread.

YOU MUST SIGN-UP TO JOIN THIS RP. YOUR POST IS NULLED.

[Khataiy]

Doha, Qatar

Doha's skyline at night

---

With the influx of Sampornese citizens escaping from Samporna's regime to the Gulf States, this showed the regime's unpopularity with Samporna's upper class giving the signal that it was time to approach the rich, capitalists, industrialists and other members of Samporna's upper class being targeted by the new regime. It was determined that a spy was to be sent to penetrate the upper class and learn about the true situation in the country and build connections, a Khataiyi spy was sent to Qatar and a meeting was held with the Qatari government about a joint effort to fund an armed insurgency against the Sampornese regime like the way they had coordinated in Libya to support Free Libyan forces and later Syrian.

The spy, Tufail Mustafa was part of the Directorate of State Security he had mostly been tasked with operations in Turkey and Europe regarding finances and technology making him the most qualified for the task to pose as a Qatari investor with the alias Ali Obaidan, he was issued a Qatari passport, driver's license and other necessary forms of identification to prove he was a "citizen" of Qatar. To help him get around while in Samporna and communicate a Samponrese expat living in Qatar who is fluent in Arabic, English and his native language was also recruited after a vigorous process to determine his willingness to help the growing opposition he was also given Khataiyi citizenship for his service to the country.

He was to take off with his Sampornese guide slightly after sunset around 19:00 local time, he was given a first class suite on the airliner along with his guide and reviewed details of his task to build support among the nation's wealthy members of its society to convince them to voice the opposition and finance the rebellion, other tasks would include finding farmers who were having their estates being taken over, and even small business owners suffering from the new policies and people linked to the former royal family.

After flying for 14 hours Tufail and his guide landed in Samporna and now had to face possibly the biggest challenge of this mission getting through customs.

[Samporna]

South China Sea

Ever vigilant, were the patrols of the Sampornese Navy. Consisting largely of many small missile boats and patrol craft, the Sampornese Navy relied not much on heavy firepower, but more upon hit-and-run tactics; as well as having a vast array of patrol craft scattered across the seas to be able to alert the high command the very moment they detect possible enemy ships. Knowing that it is difficult to reinforce the islands of the archipelago with troops and supplies, the Sampornese Navy always does its best to ensure that no single ship lands upon Sampornese islands without their consent; and as such has proven to be extremely cautious when it came to military vessels within the vicinity of the archipelago.

With an unidentified submarine within the vicinity, the Sampornese Navy made haste; arming themselves with ASW weaponry, and heading to its location almost immediately.

Code: Select all

TO: Unidentified Submarine
FROM: The Sampornese People's National Navy
You are within the vicinity of the Sampornese archipelago. Identify yourself now or prepare to be fired upon.

Non-Basic People's Conference, Kutawatu

Made of hundreds of representatives from the hundreds of BPCs in Samporna, the Non-Basic People's Conference or NBPC was the major legislative body of the Sampornese Jamahiriya. However, considering these numbers and its nature as a true democracy; debates can often get heated enough to last weeks or even months. As such was the case now, with the debate over relations with Rhunnland. With the naturally Westenophobic nature of the Sampornese people due to Samporna's historical interactions with Western nations such as the Spanish, the British, the Dutch, and the Americans; the NBPC had also developed a Westenophobic attitude, thus being distrustful towards Western nations such as Rhunnland.

"We cannot let these Westerners have our oil!" says Yunos bin Lukman, a secratariat for his own village BPC. "The West has always been, and always will be; the imperialist opportunists that they have been in the past. If we even begin to let these dogs trade with us, they will corner us back to a single island!"

"We cannot let xenophobia take over our politics, comrade;" argues Minah binti Bijaya, as she sneers towards Yunos. "Rhunnland is already an ally of the Pan-Asiatic States, and they may be a valuable trading partner as well as military ally. Their aid and support could be invaluable."

"Even so comrades, I fear that Rhunnland only seeks our resources and trade; and does not at all sympathize with our righteous cause," points out Teh bin Yeop; as he calmly sips on a cup of tea. "I do not believe this Rhunnland is socialist, neither are they our oriental brothers. Moreover, they have not declared public support for Samporna. I do not trust them."

The debate may take a while, days or even weeks; considering that there are hundreds of members of the NBPC, representing the thousands of people in their own hundreds of BPCs. With a population well over 33 million, true democracy would be ever more difficult to manage.

[Rhunnland]

AU-79, in the vicinity of Samporna
0700 Hours

"Conn, radio, new VLF transmission from unknown source. Unencrypted. Large size, expect full download in 10 minutes." Odd, Kohler thought to himself. A large VLF transmission from an unknown sender.

Kohler yelled across the room, "Navigator, where are we?"

"Off the coast of Samporna, sir!"

"Are we in their territorial waters?"

"Yes, sir!"

They must have detected us. Kohler pounded his fist on the table. "Damn! Make for international waters as soon as possible while still maintaining some stealth and then rig for ultra-silent."

"Yessir. Helm, navigation, set heading 330. Ahead 1/3," the navigator ordered.

---

Ten Minutes Later

"Conn, radio, VLF transmission downloaded and sent to the conn. Transmission originated from Samporna."

Leo Kohler went over to the control room's main computer terminal and opened up the transmission.

Code: Select all

TO: Unidentified Submarine
FROM: The Sampornese People's National Navy
You are within the vicinity of the Sampornese archipelago. Identify yourself now or prepare to be fired upon.

"How the hell do they expect us to identify ourselves?" he thought out loud, "We don't have large enough transmitters on board to send water-penetrating VLF signals, and it would be a massive breach in protocol to surface and raise the radio mast!"

"Command ordered radio silence, as well, sir," the XO piped in.

"Exactly. Navigator, are we in international waters yet?"

"Just entered them, sir!"

"XO, rig for ultra-silent and general quarters. They might fire upon us after we don't respond. If they were stupid enough to send a large VLF signal they're probably stupid enough to do this."

The XO ran to the aft of the control room, to a pair of buttons. One read GENERAL QUARTERS, the other reading ULTRA-SILENT. She pressed the first one, which sounded two "ding" sounds in quick succession, informing the crew to get to battle stations. She then pressed the other one, turning all the lights on the submarine blue, signifying that all non-essential noise-making tasks should be halted, the crew should be as silent as possible, and the reactor should be set to it's lowest setting while still maintaining propulsion. Kohler was on his toes as he watched the intercom, hoping the sonar operator wouldn't scream something about a torpedo detection. This better not go wrong.

[Samporna]

Doha, Qatar

(Image)
Doha's skyline at night

---

With the influx of Sampornese citizens escaping from Samporna's regime to the Gulf States, this showed the regime's unpopularity with Samporna's upper class giving the signal that it was time to approach the rich, capitalists, industrialists and other members of Samporna's upper class being targeted by the new regime. It was determined that a spy was to be sent to penetrate the upper class and learn about the true situation in the country and build connections, a Khataiyi spy was sent to Qatar and a meeting was held with the Qatari government about a joint effort to fund an armed insurgency against the Sampornese regime like the way they had coordinated in Libya to support Free Libyan forces and later Syrian.

The spy, Tufail Mustafa was part of the Directorate of State Security he had mostly been tasked with operations in Turkey and Europe regarding finances and technology making him the most qualified for the task to pose as a Qatari investor with the alias Ali Obaidan, he was issued a Qatari passport, driver's license and other necessary forms of identification to prove he was a "citizen" of Qatar. To help him get around while in Samporna and communicate a Samponrese expat living in Qatar who is fluent in Arabic, English and his native language was also recruited after a vigorous process to determine his willingness to help the growing opposition he was also given Khataiyi citizenship for his service to the country.

He was to take off with his Sampornese guide slightly after sunset around 19:00 local time, he was given a first class suite on the airliner along with his guide and reviewed details of his task to build support among the nation's wealthy members of its society to convince them to voice the opposition and finance the rebellion, other tasks would include finding farmers who were having their estates being taken over, and even small business owners suffering from the new policies and people linked to the former royal family.

After flying for 14 hours Tufail and his guide landed in Samporna and now had to face possibly the biggest challenge of this mission getting through customs.

The Qatari man's background was checked carefully, as caution was now practiced when it came to incoming traffic from the Gulf States. His social media was checked carefully, and any inconsistencies were checked. Such inconsistencies included but were not limited to, the lack of dates, contradictory information, and missing information.

Revolutionary Committee of Samporna

---

ADDRESSED TO : The Zhouranese Administration
FROM : Faatrik bin Samporna, Leader of Samporna

---

As-Salamu Alaykom. Your aid and support is much appreciated, and we are grateful. While I would be happy to receive your military advisors into my nation, I am afraid you are directing your interests towards the wrong person; as I am no more than a guide to the Sampornese people, much like Gaddafi as the Guide of the Revolution. Rather, I recommend you would direct your letters to the People's Conference. Although were I the one in charge, I'd nevertheless be happy to receive your support.

[Rhunnland]

This is just a filler post to keep the RP going

AU-79, South China Sea
1200 Hours

It had been a week or so since the incident with the Sampornese Navy, and other than that nothing interesting had come up. A few neutral merchant ships, Rhunnlandian cargo vessels, and the occasional naval patrol was the only thing that AU-79 had encountered. No combat, no danger. While many would be disappointed in this lack of action, Commander Leo Kohler was content with the seemingly boring patrol. The less combat, the safer it is for my crew, he thought to himself. That would soon change, however.

"Conn, sonar, new contact bearing 345, designation Sierra 12,"

Hmm, Kohler thought, another merchant.

"Conn, sonar, Sierra 12 identified as: Rhunnlandian Merchant,"

Yup

"Conn, sonar, new contact bearing 347, designation Sierra 13,"

Another?

"Conn, sonar, Sierra 13 identified as: Hostile Vessel, gunshots detected, approximate target Sierra 12,"

Someone's shooting at the merchant ship! Kohler ran to the aft of the Control Room, hitting the GENERAL QUARTERS button. The crew got ready for battle.

"Conn, sonar, Sierra 13 identified as: Probable Pirate Vessel,"

"Sonar, conn, how sure are you of that identification?"

"Conn, sonar, Sierra 13's engine sounds amateur and non-military. It seems sloppily put together based on what I can hear."

Kohler yelled to a man sitting at a control panel, "Ready a single Torpedo for firing at Sierra 13!"

"Aye, sir," responded the Weapons Officer. He pushed a few buttons on the panel, selecting Tube 1, surface depth, bearing 347, et cetera."

"Weapons, torpedo bay, ready Tube 1 with Torpedo,"

"Torpedo bay, weapons, Tube 1 already loaded,"

The weapons officer pressed a button on his panel, and a faint "whoosh" could be heard throughout the submarine as the torpedo flew out of it's tube and towards the target. As the torpedo neared the pirate ship, the weapons officer corrected it's course using the wire. Once it went active, it quickly locked onto the enemy vessel. During all this, the submarine rose to periscope depth to identify the pirates more clearly. Kohler raised the periscope and looked into it.

The enemy ship was a small vessel, with only a few weapons aboard. Most importantly, it had a pirate flag, and no national one. If the submarine sunk it, Rhunnland would not be responsible for any diplomatic backlash.

"10 meters out," the Weapons Officer yelled. Kohler pressed the RECORD button on the periscope. A video of them sinking the pirates would help boost morale a lot.

A large splash emerged just where the pirate boat used to be. The torpedo hit it's mark, and Kohler could see them jumping into he water. He ended the recording and lowered the periscope. AU-79 drove back into the depths of the Sea, continuing along on it's patrol.

[Samporna]

South China Sea, West of Palawan

Ragged and wet, and dancing in the shape of the tides. The sun is bright with summer, as it peeks through the cotton clouds. Squawking or singing, one might call it; the noise of the seagulls. A torn flag floats upon the waters under the summer sky, and right before the last pockets of air release and the cloth finally becomes heavy enough to sink; past the gulls, the winds, and the tides, the engine of a boat can be heard thrumming nearby.

A single Sampornese patrol boat goes about its daily rounds, on whatever would seem like an ever dull and ordinary day. Adrift nearby would they spot, a torn piece of cloth.

"Kapten! Look, in the water!" calls out a crewman, as the captain rushes to see the ragged cloth.It was a nationless flag, a pirate's flag; torn and ruined, adrift across the sea.

"Bring it aboard before it sinks, also prepare to contact high command," the captain responds. "This flag belonged to a pirate ship somewhere, and it must have been attacked and destroyed to reach this state. We're not alone here, return to shore and alert high command."

[Samporna]

The Morning Crow of the People's Rooster

---

Unknown Military Vessel suspected to be Lurking Around South China Sea
by Mariam binti Che
May 6, 2019

Earlier this week, the Sampornese People's National Navy had discovered a large unidentified object suspected to be a submarine swimming in Sampornese waters. No culprits have been identified, but many are suspicious of Khataiy's possible involvement. Sampornese navymen had relayed a message, asking the identification of the possible submarine; however, it had quickly left Sampornese waters before returning a reply.

Just yesterday however, the wreckage of what was most likely a pirate ship was discovered adrift by a Sampornese patrol boat. Captain Selamat bin Daut tells us, that "Only military-grade weaponry could wreck this boat that badly." Indeed, the wreckage was found to be in such a terrible condition that could not have possibly caused by a simple accident or civilian involvement.

Faatrik bin Samporna, Commander-in-Chief and Guide of the Revolution; has placed the navy on full alert, and asked all ships going to and from Samporna to be careful and report any suspicious activity.

[Rhunnland]

Joint Strategic Command
0730 Hours

Grand Admiral Karl Goldstein, Chairman of JSC, was holding a Sampornese news article just as the Chancellor entered the underground conferance room.

Unknown Military Vessel suspected to be Lurking Around South China Sea
by Mariam binti Che
May 6, 2019

Earlier this week, the Sampornese People's National Navy had discovered a large unidentified object suspected to be a submarine swimming in Sampornese waters. No culprits have been identified, but many are suspicious of Khataiy's possible involvement. Sampornese navymen had relayed a message, asking the identification of the possible submarine; however, it had quickly left Sampornese waters before returning a reply.

Just yesterday however, the wreckage of what was most likely a pirate ship was discovered adrift by a Sampornese patrol boat. Captain Selamat bin Daut tells us, that "Only military-grade weaponry could wreck this boat that badly." Indeed, the wreckage was found to be in such a terrible condition that could not have possibly caused by a simple accident or civilian involvement.

Faatrik bin Samporna, Commander-in-Chief and Guide of the Revolution; has placed the navy on full alert, and asked all ships going to and from Samporna to be careful and report any suspicious activity.

"Mr. Chancellor," the Admiral started, "the Sampornese know of our submarine in the South China Sea. We've already detected VLF signals from them aimed at our sub, and now it seems they found a pirate boat AU-79 sunk."

"Were the pirates attacking Rhunnlandian shipping?" Rabenhaus asked.

"Yes, they were. Now it seems that the Sampornese are getting suspicious and are on higher alert. This news article states that, but the National Security Bureau can confirm this as well. However, they seem to believe that Khataiy is behind it all, not us. I'd like to keep it that way"

"What should we do, then? Withdraw the sub? Continue operations as usual?"

"Well, it seems that the conflict there is not escalating, at least not at the moment. The threat of piracy in the region isn't super high to begin with, so I advise we take the submarine off escort duties and have it just do reconnaissance, quietly."

"I concur," another officer stated.

"Alright. Let me know if anything comes up," the Chancellor said, before leaving to attend to other duties.

---

AU-79, South China Sea
0740 Hours

"Conn, radio, new VLF transmission reading: END ESCORT. BEGIN RECON, U-SILENT,"

"Radio, conn, aye," responded Commander Kohler. He relayed to new orders to the XO, who ordered the navigator the adjust their patrol pattern. Kohler then ran to the aft of the ship, hitting the ULTRA-SILENT button.

[Khataiy]

Antakya, Khataiy

President Khairallah celebrating Ramadan with Khataiyi tribesmen

---

As the holy month of Ramadan began Khairallah gave up his beloved cigars for the whole month even during the nights, he even would turn down relations with his beloved wife and took part in public religious acts, visiting various Mosques, helping charities and associating with the Arab tribes in rural areas.

He had met with a large clan near the capital's countryside, he was televised and during his meeting he gave a speech to the clan,

"In the name of Allah, the most Gracious the most Merciful,

Ramadhan Mubarak brothers, peace be upon you. I am honored for this noble clan to invite me, and I am honored that we have such generous people in our great Islamic nation. During this month we fast, we pray and we show our obediance to Allah more so than anyother time because he blesses us more during this month, Ramadhan is also the month of Jihad and conquest. We can see the situation in Syria and Yemen where the armies of Islam and the Arab nations unite as Allah commanded to wage Jihad against the Safavid apostates and Zoroastrians and we say sincerly may Allah grant them a swift victory against them, in Syria escpially in their struggles against the Safavid Zoroastrians and the Kurdish atheists in the PKK.

But we also need to look at Samporna, a non-Arab nation, but they are still our brothers in religion and we put them above our heads. The regime there is oppressive, the regime is stealing and the regime is lying accusing us of attacking their navy, how could we have such capabilities? They wish to emulate the tyrant Ghaddafi who, all glory be to Allah was overthrown, Samporna's people deserve better and their leaders are taking advantage of them, and will become pawns of foreign states as a result for imperialist reasons.

I also say to you, oh honorable tribes that we must remain united, we must stand firm together against our enemies and the hypocrites, recently I was in Venezuela, ans I met President Maduro and he is a patron of the party of Satan (Hezbollah) yet we came to a logical understanding, perhaps we can do the same with Samporna in the spirit of Ramadhan, but until such a time is met Jihad is obligatory in Samporna and Syria, and Yemen.

I also urge our oppressed brothers in Iran to take up arms and fight for your freedom as we will support you, in the words of the Martyr President, brother Saddam Hussein, may Allah accept him as a martyr, 'those who fight in God's cause will be voctorious' this is God's cause, thank you and May Allah bless you."

After the speech the clan's head shook the hand of Khairallah and they kissed eachother's cheeks while the rest of the clan proceded to do the same, afterwards the men began celebrating by firing guns in the air and doing traditional Arab dances, and singing nasheeds and receiting poetry until the time for prayer came then the iftaar.

---

Samporna

At the airport, the spy was caught off guard being asked for social media, he had none, he did however have business cards for his fake company, his Sampornese guide also explained to secuirty that Tufail liked to keep things private as he is very wealthy, and he is here to help invest in Samporna's new government and he admired Ghaddafi era Libya.

[Samporna]

Samporna

At the airport, the spy was caught off guard being asked for social media, he had none, he did however have business cards for his fake company, his Sampornese guide also explained to secuirty that Tufail liked to keep things private as he is very wealthy, and he is here to help invest in Samporna's new government and he admired Ghaddafi era Libya.

The fact that the man had no social media was suspicious, extremely suspicious. However, there was no clear evidence that the foreigner was a spy; and so he was instructed to head to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Investment in Kutawatu, in order to receive instructions regarding his investments. However, he would be constantly followed by agents of the Sampornese Ministry of State Security; who would keep a watchful eye over the foreigner, and the METI Department in Kutawatu had been informed in advance of the suspicious foreigner. As such, there would always be someone keeping tabs and an eye over the foreigner.

[Khataiy]

Samporna

At the airport, the spy was caught off guard being asked for social media, he had none, he did however have business cards for his fake company, his Sampornese guide also explained to secuirty that Tufail liked to keep things private as he is very wealthy, and he is here to help invest in Samporna's new government and he admired Ghaddafi era Libya.

The fact that the man had no social media was suspicious, extremely suspicious. However, there was no clear evidence that the foreigner was a spy; and so he was instructed to head to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Investment in Kutawatu, in order to receive instructions regarding his investments. However, he would be constantly followed by agents of the Sampornese Ministry of State Security; who would keep a watchful eye over the foreigner, and the METI Department in Kutawatu had been informed in advance of the suspicious foreigner. As such, there would always be someone keeping tabs and an eye over the foreigner.

Samporna

Tufail was worried he would be discovered, the question about social media was something he wouldn't have expected, even though he got through, he still felt uncomfortable something didn't sit right with him, he spoke to his guide in Arabic "Something is wrong." His guide replied, "Be calm, we can do this." They continued on their way to the economic ministry, he had a backstory prepared for his made up persona as a rich Qatari investor that was a staunch Arab nationalist who admired Qaddafi and other Arab leaders like Nasser. He arrived at a hotel after a taxi ride with his guide, and settled in and got ready for his meeting with the economic ministry. The plan was to convince the ministry he is a true a believer in the cause and that he wishes to invest in a state like Samporna to support the ideology and prove it can be a successful form of governance, however the true goal was to collect intel on the reality behind dissidence in the country, and the allegations of seizing property from private citizens, as well as about rich capitalists and business owners being targeted. He had a phone number for the economic ministry and made the call to set up an appointment.

[Samporna]

The fact that the man had no social media was suspicious, extremely suspicious. However, there was no clear evidence that the foreigner was a spy; and so he was instructed to head to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Investment in Kutawatu, in order to receive instructions regarding his investments. However, he would be constantly followed by agents of the Sampornese Ministry of State Security; who would keep a watchful eye over the foreigner, and the METI Department in Kutawatu had been informed in advance of the suspicious foreigner. As such, there would always be someone keeping tabs and an eye over the foreigner.

Samporna

Tufail was worried he would be discovered, the question about social media was something he wouldn't have expected, even though he got through, he still felt uncomfortable something didn't sit right with him, he spoke to his guide in Arabic "Something is wrong." His guide replied, "Be calm, we can do this." They continued on their way to the economic ministry, he had a backstory prepared for his made up persona as a rich Qatari investor that was a staunch Arab nationalist who admired Qaddafi and other Arab leaders like Nasser. He arrived at a hotel after a taxi ride with his guide, and settled in and got ready for his meeting with the economic ministry. The plan was to convince the ministry he is a true a believer in the cause and that he wishes to invest in a state like Samporna to support the ideology and prove it can be a successful form of governance, however the true goal was to collect intel on the reality behind dissidence in the country, and the allegations of seizing property from private citizens, as well as about rich capitalists and business owners being targeted. He had a phone number for the economic ministry and made the call to set up an appointment.

The man would be allowed a stay at a hotel for foreigners, which was closed of to Sampornese, run of course by a Sampornese People's Committee working under the Ministry of Tourism. He was given a list of possible businesses to invest in, all of which were run by people's committees. These businesses included but were not limited to, the Liguasan Oil Company, the Velez Farms, and the Butuan Mining Company.

[Rhunnland]

In the vicinity of Dess Naval Base, Guam
1500 Hours

Ensign Elbert Malt stood aboard the forward deck of the destroyer SMS Rhunnland. It was his first assignment in the Imperial Navy, and he was excited to get first-hand experience in Naval life. The Rhunnland was ordered to join the 2nd Carrier Task Force currently patrolling the North Pacific and had just left port in Guam a few hours ago. Malt recalled how, just a few days after graduating boot camp, he was put on a plane headed for the far-off island, one of the last vestiges of the colonial age. While doing a routine check on a CIWS unit, Elbert noticed a disturbance in the water. He put his hand to his forehead to block out the sun's glare, and saw a black Type XII Submarine rise out of the water. Excited to see a submarine for the first time, Malt noted the hull number on the side of the sub's conning tower. "AU-79." He'd surely tell his friends about this over dinner.

---

AU-79 pulled into a dock at Dess Naval Bass after a long patrol. After leaving the South China Sea, it raised its radio communication mast while approaching Guam, informing Naval Command of its run-in with the Sampornese Navy and the Pirate Vessel. It then surfaced just off the coast, passed a Destroyer, and pulled into port. The 'B' crew, which was aboard the ship at the time, got off and would take flights home over the course of the day. The 'A' crew, which had been on leave for the past 80 days, was coming to Guam as well. Such was the pattern of Submarine crews. They would alternate in order to give crew members time with their families. Underwater life can be a stressful thing. Engineers and mechanics came to the submarine to examine and repair it as the B crew left. Commander Leo Kohler, the only crewmember who was with the Submarine at all times, was escorted to the command building at Dess. He was seated with Fleet Admiral Rudolf Bern, the commander of Rhunnlandian naval assets in the Pacific.

"Sir!" Kohler saluted upon entering the Admiral's office.

"At ease, Commander," the Admiral replied. "I've been informed you had a run-in with the Sampornese Navy, yes?"

"Indeed we did, Admiral. We entered their territorial waters for a brief period, as is normal procedure, but they detected us while we were there. They sent a VLF transmission telling us to leave their waters or be fired upon. We left, obviously." Kohler was visibly stressed, worried that he would be disciplined for letting AU-79 be detected. Bern noticed.

"You did nothing wrong, Commander. You were on a routine patrol and were not expected to be as silent as possible. Stealth is still important, of course, but it's not uncommon for peacetime patrols to be detected for brief periods. Anyway, what happened after?"

"We left their waters, as they asked, and enabled ultra-silent mode in order not to be detected. They didn't fire upon us, luckily."

"Wonderful." Admiral Bern reached behind himself to a filing cabinet, pulling out a document. He pushed it across the desk to Kohler. "Additionally, it seems the Sampornese found the pirate ship you sunk. They knew, then, that there was a submarine somewhere in the South China Sea."

"That was why you gave the ultra-silent order,"

"Yes, it was. JSC decided to retract the escort order and just have you carry out reconnaissance. The Sampornese also assumed the submarine was from Khataiy, which saved us from any diplomatic backlash. Remember, Commander, do not speak of your missions to anyone. This is protocal, but I wanted to make sure."

"Of course, sir, always."

"Good. AU-79 should be ready for redeployment in about a week."

"That's it? Isn't it usually about a month?"

"We need you back out there as soon as possible. You'll have that time to unwind, but you must stay here at Dess. Understood?"

"Yessir."

"Alright, dismissed."

Kohler exited the room, and was escorted by a junior officer to his barracks.

---

One week later

Kohler stepped across the gangplank onto the deck of AU-79. He was greeted by the 'A' crew's XO, Lev Telt.

"Good to see you again, Commander,"

"Good to see you, too, Telt."

The XO smiled, and the two of them climbed into the submarine. A couple of hours later, it was submerging back into the depths of the ocean, going to the South China Sea for more recon.

---

Joint Strategic Command
1700 Hours

JSC had convened to discuss the possibility of war with Samporna. Rhunnland has no intention of starting a war with the Sampornese, or with anyone for that matter, but with the recent run-in between a Rhunnlandian submarine and a Sampornese patrol, the government decided to plan for a conflict, if it may come to that. The members of Joint Strategic Command sat at a table in the Central Command Center in a bunker under the Chancellory. On the far wall sat a large screen, with a map of Samporna in the middle, the flag of the nation in the corner, and other assorted information scattered throughout. JSC had been discussing for about an hour.

"Okay, to conclude, here's the plan," Grand Admiral Goldstein started, "we start with TLAM cruise missile strikes against strategic targets, such as infrastructure and military bases, launched from ships in the region. Guam starts running air sorties along with the 2nd Carrier Task Force to strike more targets in Samporna. The Marines then launch from Guam aboard ships escorted by cruisers, destroyers, and the like. They get near Samporna, deploy in Amphibious Assault Vehicles, and establish beachheads here and here." He indicated to locations in northeastern Borneo and Mindanao. "They are then reinforced by army units, while the Navy and Luftwaffe continue to hit them with missiles."

"What kind of naval defenses do they have?" the Chancellor asked.

"From what the NSB has gathered," the Director of the National Security Bureau said, "their Navy is mostly made up of small patrol and missile boats. Their defensive doctrine seems to be focused on preventing an amphibious assault to begin with, as it is hard to defend a multitude of islands, logistically."

"How effective are their missiles and ships?"

"We don't know, but judging on their economy and overall nation, we don't expect the most high-tech of weaponry. That being said, they will still put up a fight, and we will still need to do our best."

"Okay. I think we're done here. Remember everyone, no going off to war unless we're attacked first. Got it?" Everyone at the table nodded. "Okay then. You're free to go."

Chancellor Rabenhaus took the elevator back up to the Chancellory, laid on a couch in the Residence, and hoped that Rhunnland would never have to go to war. He got a text on his phone. Something about a public appearance. He got up, and walked to his office to continue his day.

[Samporna]

Butuan, Sampornese Mindanao

Suspected of conspiring with the SRA, chemist Jati bin Mat was to be hunted down by the Sampornese National Army. However, the notion that he worked with the Sampornese Royal Army is more rather false than true. While he did work with insurgents in the past, and he did make and sell bombs illegally; he was not in league with Muslim monarchists. He was in fact, an animist with some Hindu-Buddhist leanings. It was not likely for him to side with Islamic militants.

It mattered little now however, as the Sampornese National Army was in town; and he had likely been discovered.

Rolling through the streets, Sampornese Urutu Class Armored Personnel Carriers were already enroute to Jati's location. Each one of these APCs had 11 passengers; alongside a driver and a gunner, making them 13 people all in all per vehicle. With around 3 of these APCs, that would make it so that a small platoon was being dispatched to take care of Jati. For one man, this might seem overkill; but one must always be prepared for the worst.

And the worst did happen. At 6:13 PM, May 17; a bomb explodes right under one of the APCs, sending it flying into the air before landing on its backside. The road is blocked, with one squad trapped inside the capsized APC; and two squads within APCs unable to move forward. Screaming and shouting commands, the other two APCs attempt to move backwards; but are met by unexpected trucks, crashing into the rear like kamikazes, trapping the platoon and damaging the rearmost APC.

Armed and ready, the gunners of the two APCs at the rear were prepared for anything; as 22 soldiers climbed out, and attempted to help the remaining 11 get out of their capsized vehicle.

From above, gunfire rained down hard on the troops; as armed militia begun to fire upon them from the rooftops. As the Sampornese soldiers fired back, they heard no takbir, or any other sort of Islamic battlecry. They knew now, they were not dealing with the Sampornese Royal Army; but the Lumad Liberation Front.

[Pan-Asiatic States]

Pan-Asiatic Federal News Agency and Official State-Media (PAFNA-OSM) Press Release | Pahayag | 新闻稿 Pan-Asiatic States Estados Pan-Asyatiko 泛亚洲国家 ENGLISH | INGLES | 英语 RE: Beginning the Ratification of Defense Cooperation, Addressed to the People's Congress of the Jamahiriya AGAINST the perpetuation of terrorism in the Sampornese Jamahiriya, after a thorough investigation into the reactionary adversaries held against the national sovereignty of the newborn revolutionary government, the Federated People's Republic of Pan-Asiatic States extends its hand towards joint military assistance between the Pan-Asiatic States Armed Forces and the Sampornese National Army. Surmounted by rising local insurgencies, as well as foreign pressure, the Pan-Asiatic States deems assistance necessary, and is willing to make several offers purely in the interest of Samporna's national security, agreements from one post-revolutionary nation to another. In short, we hope to stabilize Samporna in order to ascertain a much more secure endeavor for future political self-sufficiency for Samporna, in the interests of transparency between Asia and his allies. Speaking on behalf of an informal conference between the Sixth Administration's constituents, and coming from a context wherein the People's Congress of the Jamahiriya had already ratified an executive act to urge diplomatic talks regarding trans-national defense coordination (a treaty included with the communique regarding an application for ambassadorship), the Pan-Asiatic Ministry of Defense's consultants have agreed upon an intervention-based approach regarding local counter-insurgency. That is to say, we intend to put-down radical elements of the resistance in the best interests of peace. However, we would like to secure an official greenlight sanction from the Jamahiriya, as well as the stance of the perpetuating administration on the issue before carying-out further notions of intervention. As per suggested by the Ministry of Defense, the Pan-Asiatic States is willing to carry-out the following: The cession of five (5) expeditionary divisions to the Sampornese Jamahiriya, from both the ranks of the People's Intervention Unit (PIU) and Special Forces Unit (SFU) of the Pan-Asiatic States Armed Forces, operating under the strategic command of the Pan-Asiatic States Armed Forces, but under the approval of the Jamahiriya. These divisions will include the 21st Siamese Echelon "Bang Klang Haw" Mobile Artillery Division (PIU), 11th Okinawa Echelon "Suliko" Ranger Division (PIU), 42nd Pan-Asiatic Frontier Infantry Division (PIU), 5th Irregular Partisan Regiment (SFU), and 36th Jungle Combat Company "Undas" (SFU). The ratification of a ten-year mutual defense pact that binds an agreement of guaranteeing each party's sovereignty (i.e, automatically declaring a state of war with those on the opposing side of any conflict INITIATED against one or both nations). This agreement will not bind ex post facto. Included with the above defense pact, the construction of Samporna-Asiatic exclusive bases in the Chinese Confederation, Pan-Asiatic States; as well as the Sampornese People's Congress' ratification of an agreement that does vise versa in the near future, but with a set completion deadline. While times ahead appear to be dark, with imperialist threats looming both of our countries, we, the People of the Pan-Asiatic States, hope to create a friendship with the Sampornese Jamahiriya that will act as a lantern in the shrouding uncertainty of the future. We continue to stand with the revolutionary struggle of the Jamahiriya of Samporna! Wei Renmin Fuwu! Signed: Guanyu "Abra" Abramovich y Florante Jr. Chairman of the Asian Communist Party Secretary-General of the Pan-Asiatic States

[Samporna]

(Image) Pan-Asiatic Federal News Agency and Official State-Media (PAFNA-OSM) (Image) Press Release | Pahayag | 新闻稿 Pan-Asiatic States Estados Pan-Asyatiko 泛亚洲国家 ENGLISH | INGLES | 英语 RE: Beginning the Ratification of Defense Cooperation, Addressed to the People's Congress of the Jamahiriya AGAINST the perpetuation of terrorism in the Sampornese Jamahiriya, after a thorough investigation into the reactionary adversaries held against the national sovereignty of the newborn revolutionary government, the Federated People's Republic of Pan-Asiatic States extends its hand towards joint military assistance between the Pan-Asiatic States Armed Forces and the Sampornese National Army. Surmounted by rising local insurgencies, as well as foreign pressure, the Pan-Asiatic States deems assistance necessary, and is willing to make several offers purely in the interest of Samporna's national security, agreements from one post-revolutionary nation to another. In short, we hope to stabilize Samporna in order to ascertain a much more secure endeavor for future political self-sufficiency for Samporna, in the interests of transparency between Asia and his allies. Speaking on behalf of an informal conference between the Sixth Administration's constituents, and coming from a context wherein the People's Congress of the Jamahiriya had already ratified an executive act to urge diplomatic talks regarding trans-national defense coordination (a treaty included with the communique regarding an application for ambassadorship), the Pan-Asiatic Ministry of Defense's consultants have agreed upon an intervention-based approach regarding local counter-insurgency. That is to say, we intend to put-down radical elements of the resistance in the best interests of peace. However, we would like to secure an official greenlight sanction from the Jamahiriya, as well as the stance of the perpetuating administration on the issue before carying-out further notions of intervention. As per suggested by the Ministry of Defense, the Pan-Asiatic States is willing to carry-out the following: The cession of five (5) expeditionary divisions to the Sampornese Jamahiriya, from both the ranks of the People's Intervention Unit (PIU) and Special Forces Unit (SFU) of the Pan-Asiatic States Armed Forces, operating under the strategic command of the Pan-Asiatic States Armed Forces, but under the approval of the Jamahiriya. These divisions will include the 21st Siamese Echelon "Bang Klang Haw" Mobile Artillery Division (PIU), 11th Okinawa Echelon "Suliko" Ranger Division (PIU), 42nd Pan-Asiatic Frontier Infantry Division (PIU), 5th Irregular Partisan Regiment (SFU), and 36th Jungle Combat Company "Undas" (SFU). The ratification of a ten-year mutual defense pact that binds an agreement of guaranteeing each party's sovereignty (i.e, automatically declaring a state of war with those on the opposing side of any conflict INITIATED against one or both nations). This agreement will not bind ex post facto. Included with the above defense pact, the construction of Samporna-Asiatic exclusive bases in the Chinese Confederation, Pan-Asiatic States; as well as the Sampornese People's Congress' ratification of an agreement that does vise versa in the near future, but with a set completion deadline. While times ahead appear to be dark, with imperialist threats looming both of our countries, we, the People of the Pan-Asiatic States, hope to create a friendship with the Sampornese Jamahiriya that will act as a lantern in the shrouding uncertainty of the future. We continue to stand with the revolutionary struggle of the Jamahiriya of Samporna! Wei Renmin Fuwu! (Image) Signed: (Image) Guanyu "Abra" Abramovich y Florante Jr. Chairman of the Asian Communist Party Secretary-General of the Pan-Asiatic States

OOC : Military support, intervention, or action is not allowed without providing an ORBAT and proper military facebooks in the OOC thread. Military equipment must be MT, not PMT. No mechas allowed.

[Samporna]

(Image) Pan-Asiatic Federal News Agency and Official State-Media (PAFNA-OSM) (Image) Press Release | Pahayag | 新闻稿 Pan-Asiatic States Estados Pan-Asyatiko 泛亚洲国家 ENGLISH | INGLES | 英语 RE: Beginning the Ratification of Defense Cooperation, Addressed to the People's Congress of the Jamahiriya AGAINST the perpetuation of terrorism in the Sampornese Jamahiriya, after a thorough investigation into the reactionary adversaries held against the national sovereignty of the newborn revolutionary government, the Federated People's Republic of Pan-Asiatic States extends its hand towards joint military assistance between the Pan-Asiatic States Armed Forces and the Sampornese National Army. Surmounted by rising local insurgencies, as well as foreign pressure, the Pan-Asiatic States deems assistance necessary, and is willing to make several offers purely in the interest of Samporna's national security, agreements from one post-revolutionary nation to another. In short, we hope to stabilize Samporna in order to ascertain a much more secure endeavor for future political self-sufficiency for Samporna, in the interests of transparency between Asia and his allies. Speaking on behalf of an informal conference between the Sixth Administration's constituents, and coming from a context wherein the People's Congress of the Jamahiriya had already ratified an executive act to urge diplomatic talks regarding trans-national defense coordination (a treaty included with the communique regarding an application for ambassadorship), the Pan-Asiatic Ministry of Defense's consultants have agreed upon an intervention-based approach regarding local counter-insurgency. That is to say, we intend to put-down radical elements of the resistance in the best interests of peace. However, we would like to secure an official greenlight sanction from the Jamahiriya, as well as the stance of the perpetuating administration on the issue before carying-out further notions of intervention. As per suggested by the Ministry of Defense, the Pan-Asiatic States is willing to carry-out the following: The cession of five (5) expeditionary divisions to the Sampornese Jamahiriya, from both the ranks of the People's Intervention Unit (PIU) and Special Forces Unit (SFU) of the Pan-Asiatic States Armed Forces, operating under the strategic command of the Pan-Asiatic States Armed Forces, but under the approval of the Jamahiriya. These divisions will include the 21st Siamese Echelon "Bang Klang Haw" Mobile Artillery Division (PIU), 11th Okinawa Echelon "Suliko" Ranger Division (PIU), 42nd Pan-Asiatic Frontier Infantry Division (PIU), 5th Irregular Partisan Regiment (SFU), and 36th Jungle Combat Company "Undas" (SFU). The ratification of a ten-year mutual defense pact that binds an agreement of guaranteeing each party's sovereignty (i.e, automatically declaring a state of war with those on the opposing side of any conflict INITIATED against one or both nations). This agreement will not bind ex post facto. Included with the above defense pact, the construction of Samporna-Asiatic exclusive bases in the Chinese Confederation, Pan-Asiatic States; as well as the Sampornese People's Congress' ratification of an agreement that does vise versa in the near future, but with a set completion deadline. While times ahead appear to be dark, with imperialist threats looming both of our countries, we, the People of the Pan-Asiatic States, hope to create a friendship with the Sampornese Jamahiriya that will act as a lantern in the shrouding uncertainty of the future. We continue to stand with the revolutionary struggle of the Jamahiriya of Samporna! Wei Renmin Fuwu! (Image) Signed: (Image) Guanyu "Abra" Abramovich y Florante Jr. Chairman of the Asian Communist Party Secretary-General of the Pan-Asiatic States

People's Conference of Samporna

---

ADDRESSED TO : The Administration of the Pan-Asiatic States
FROM : The Popular Conference of Samporna

---

RECOGNIZING the need to fight against foreign imperialism and internal insurgency in order to secure a future of peace and prosperity with the Jamahiriya.

ACKNOWLEDGING that the fall of the Sampornese Royal Army and the Sampornese Republik has created a power vacuum for insurgents such as the Lumad Liberation Front (LLF).

FEARING that foreign powers and insurgents may take advantage of the weakness in the transition of Samporna into a Jamahiriya.

THE POPULAR CONFERENCE OF SAMPORNA HEREBY grants the Pan-Asiatic States military access and clearance, in hopes of military cooperation between the PASAF and the SNAF in order to help defend the Sampornese people from terrorism and imperialism.

---

The Morning Crow of the People's Rooster

---

LLF Ambush in Streets of Butuan
by Mariam binti Che
May 18, 2019

At 6:13, May 17; a small platoon of Sampornese National Army soldiers was ambushed in the streets of Butuan by members of the Lumad Liberation Front (LLF). The platoon was enroute to capture Jati bin Mat, a chemist suspected to have been working with the Sampornese Royal Army and illegally creating bombs for them. Officers now suspect that the fugitive Jati bin Mat is in league with Lumad insurgents, rather than royalist insurgents.

Fighting started when a bomb went off and crashed one of the APC vehicles, after which two trucks kamikaze crashed into the platoon from behind; blocking off the road, and any means of escape. LLF soldiers began to open fire upon SNA soldiers from the rooftops, and the fighting continued. 11 of the LLF soldiers were killed, and 3 were captured. Out of the 39 men in the platoon, 13 were unharmed, 15 were injured, and 11 were killed. 18 SNA weapons were reported to have been stolen by the LLF in the fighting, before reinforcements arrived.

The Lumad Liberation Force (LLF) is an insurgent group of Lumad separatists, who hope to gain independence for non-Muslim Mindanao from Muslim Samporna. With the fall of the SRA and the previous Sampornese regime, the LLF has gained more prominence with lesser rivals.

[Pan-Asiatic States]

A Red Storm Rising
Lingayen Gulf, Tagalog Soviet Socialist Republic
Pan-Asiatic States

---

The clear morning sky of the 18th shone on a nation that was still mourning the death of its Supreme Commissary, but as the barges rolled-up on the beaches where hundreds of PASAF troops stood in line, the men in their 'black pajamas' knew that the time had come to wipe the tears away, pick-up the gun, and fight to ensure a future for Socialism in Greater Asia.

The first section of the landing corp carried rocket-artillery trucks and multi-purpose wheeled artillery with them. Tall, pale Indochinese men stood in attention, prepared to board the crafts which would lead them unto the P.A.S Hanoi. Most of the men here were veterans, middle-aged warriors who have confined themselves to their work. A race-based echelon was an organization of troops within the Armed Forces that formed due to large portions of a state-population vying to enlist. These Siamese men had been in many conflicts together, and is led by one Datu Pranon Singharattanapan. This great, muscular Datu had survived multiple tours of duty; a man with bloodlust in his eyes, with a desperate hunger to make war despite all its hardships. Nobody understood whether ideological indoctrination simply got the best of him, or he was merely a mortal with an addiction to spilling the guts of his fellow men. Alike to most men in the 'Bang Klang Haw' (a division infamously named after a Siamese King), he was married to war and his children were the citizens of the Federation.

The second section are the 'Suliko Rangers'. Continuing years after Japan's defeat in the Third Pacific War, racial persecution in the Armed Forces remained rampant. After all, most veterans of that war still lived, with many still enlisted. The scars of the old tropical battlefields in the Home Islands were still fresh. But the Okinawa people, a people oppressed for the majority of their history, was used to the persecution but had a deep sense of wanting to make a name for their community through service in the military. Legend has it that the Suliko Rangers had their roots in the original Anti-Imperialist guerillas which the Soviets funneled support for during the years in between the Second and Third Pacific Wars. The deadly sharpshooters of the 11th were always the first into the fray ever since then. The children of the original Suliko Rangers continued the service of their forefathers, a tradition which will perpetuate for generations. Commanding them is a short, weasel-like Datu: Ōshiro Nagato. A 50-year-old who had been a Lieutenant all throughout the Pacific Wars, Ōshiro may not have been the best of his comrades, but he was one of the youngest during that period of service within his community, and had the most can-do attitude.

The next two sections, the 42nd Frontier and the 5th Irregular, in stark contrast to the Suliko Rangers and the Bang Klang Haw Division, are a mixed bunch, but were mostly filled with young men conscripted into the army. Nonetheless, they were the backbone of the military. Armed with some of the most powerful infantry weapons licensed and manufactured by the Pan-Asiatic States, they were most learned in conventional warfare. Many had only just come back from some of Asia's most recent interventions, such as the ones in Israel and Cromwell Island. Their young looks were deceiving, with most composite of the two divisions aging from around 25-36 years of age, but they had already received their tribulation under fire during those previous tours. The 42nd is led by a female career-officer, Datu Mao Zexi; and the 5th is led by a recently-promoted and recently-transferred jungle-combat specialist Irregular, Datu Xu Peng.

The last section of the men boarding the crafts are the men of the 36th "Undas" JCC. This outfit was most recently used to put-down Neo-Kuomintang Fascist rebels in Northern China, but many of its most experienced were transferred to the Special Police Force unit drafted by the Ministry of Defense following the uprisings in Melanesia during the March 25th riots. Those who were retained felt a desire to bring themselves back into the limelight, and were eager to prove it blood-for-blood. A Major-General from Victory City (Napyidaw), led the 36th into the fray; a Burmese officer, Datu Yaza Bo Wai, who had family connections with some very large military fraternities in the Pan-Asiatic States Armed Forces.

As the sun rose high into the afternoon sky, the Hanoi readied to receive the divisions. A magnificent and large piece of work, the Hanoi could carry the hundreds of men to Samporna, as well as several Air Squadrons of the Air Force. Two corvettes accompanied its approach, both of which accommodated the officers in special transports. They prepared to set sail into the vast, open azure. The path ahead was full of uncertainty, and everyone had their own reasons for fighting. But every single man was a proud soldier of the Pan-Asiatic States Armed Forces. Every single man was a representative of the Orientalist Revolution. And the Revolution would not let-up so easily.

[Samporna]

Sematan, Sarawak

The ocean tides crashed gently against the sandy shores of the fishing village of Sematan, as the gulls chirped with the sound of the ocean under the quiet night. Hidden under veil of clouds and lit only by moonlight, a single vinta was being pushed from sand to sea. Unlike most vintas, this craft was not bright nor colorful; and seemed to blend in with the evening sea. It carried alongside its crew, a single passenger.

Its passenger was not a very tall man, and was somewhat short. He had brown skin, and a wrinkled face. He also had what seemed like a goatee, and rough messy black hair under a songkok. He wore a black suit, the same one the average businessman would; and with him a suitcase.

As the boat sailed into the night, the crew would speak no word of Biru bin Rajah; as long as their pockets were lined with his money.

Somewhere in Eastern Mindanao

A dimly lit room with a single table in the middle. Around the table, several people gather; including a woman. One might recognize this woman, as Dania bin Nagi; formerly chairman of the Sampornese Liberal Party, and ex-wife of Faatrik bin Samporna.

"Our plans have gone well Dania." one of the men say. "With the Jamahiriya forces focused on the LLF, we've managed to create an opening to let Biru bin Rajah escape. By now he should be on a boat to Singapore."

"Yes, all too well." said Dania. "Now, to make sure nobody traces it back to us; we'll need to tie up loose ends. First off, I want Biru's body double killed in his place; we'll spread rumors he was assassinated by Faatrik. The contact who tipped Jati bin Mat's location 'killed' and given a new identity, and finally records of the old government funds we funneled toward the LLF destroyed."

[Samporna]

The Morning Crow of the People's Rooster

---

Former Leader Biru bin Rajah Missing
by Mariam binti Che
May 24, 2019

For a period of more than a week, former leader Biru bin Rajah had been nowhere to be found. The man was last seen on May 18, in a cafe, before his disappearance. When the police searched his house, they had found that most of the man's belongings were gone; and that there was no trace of Biru bin Rajah.

Due to such, the Sampornese people are generally cautious; as the former chairman of the Sampornese National Party may be gathering allies elsewhere in order to regain power. "The National Armed Forces of the Sampornese Jamahiriya is prepared for anything," General Senin bin Sagari tells us, "For the Sampornese people's liberty, we will fight forever no matter the enemy."

---

City Square, Kutawatu

Faatrik would arrive in the city square in an armored vehicle, which he would favor over any private car; knowing his many enemies. Police and soldiers alike swept across the area, checking for any suspicious characters or activity; and even now is the area surrounded with such caution. A crowd gathers in the square, with cameras and news reporters everywhere; as several helicopters hover above.

Faatrik knew that in such times of distress, with the rise of the Sampornese people's old enemies; he would have to address his people, as well as those responsible. Stepping out of the armed vehicles, he was greeted immediately with camera flashes and questions from the audience; which he had no answer to until he walked to the designated speaking area, right before them.

He stood tall and he stood proud, as he adjusted his glasses slightly and held the mike up to his face. "Ramadan Mubarak everyone, I hope you've all had a pleasant suhoor. We have much to discuss, so I hope you all have a full stomach and enough hydration to listen and continue fasting afterwards. It is with great honor and pleasure that I am here today, helping guide a revolutionary people; the people of Samporna. However, with our liberty; comes those who wish to challenge it and monopolize it! Enemies of the Jamahiriya, who threaten its very existence! I speak of course; of insurgents such as the LLF and the SRA, former oligarchs such as Biru bin Rajah, and let us never forget the foreign powers that seek to vanquish our revolutionary freedom!

Even before our transition to the Jamahiriya, our nation had already been in conflict with insurgent groups such as the LLF in the 1930s, and the SRA in the 1950s. They are not a new threat, and I do not believe they can win. Our Armed Forces have already dispersed the SRA, and their leaders have been vanquished by our righteous hand; they are no more threat alone, but like many before us, they may receive aid from bigger enemies. The LLF we had already defeated once, but only under a fascist regime in the Second World War; almost a century ago! Right under our noses, while we were occupied with the SRA; the LLF had been growing by each day and each hour for almost a century, waiting for the right time to strike. And now here they are, in Mindanao, vying for independence from our people's Jamahiriya! What must we do, you ask? Well, it may surprise you; but I think we should talk to them. The LLF fights us, only because they have no other way to send us their message. And thus, do I conclude, that in order to avoid further bloodshed, we must talk with the LLF. I am sure that many of you are confused, even disgusted by this idea because the LLF had already killed several of our own, and that there is no way our true democracy would allow it. But let me tell you this, the LLF claim to represent the spirit of the Lumad nation, which is occupied by Samporna. If so, then the Lumad GPCs within our democracy may even feel sympathy for them; and even be influenced by the LLF. By the Popular Conference, I do indeed believe these talks will happen.

Just today, you had all received some terrible news; one after another. Biru bin Rajah, missing. Where could he have gone you ask? We don't know. For all we know, he could be dead in a ditch; beaten by some of our own angry people, and his belongings taken and redistributed. But I for one, find such unlikely. He may be here, walking among you in hiding; or he may be abroad, gathering his allies in preparation to strike back and regain power. Either way, he is a major threat to our nation; and I assure you, the people of the Sampornese Jamahiriya, that we will not rest until Biru bin Rajah is found and whatever threats he has prepared are vanquished!

Last, but not the least; are threats overseas. Foreign powers that be, other nations reviled by our freedom and liberty; nations such as Khataiy, who have only shown us hostility when we have offered friendship. Even now they speak against us, and continue to work against our State of the Masses; proving a danger to all our freedoms! While we find that they may not even directly attack us now, they may find other ways to undermine our freedom; by providing support to our other enemies. They may be conspiring with the LLF, the SRA, Biru bin Rajah, or who knows who. Either way, they are the biggest threat to our nation's freedom; and I promise you that we will never cease to fight for it if ever they come to threaten it!

From now until the future, we are the People's Jamahiriya, and we will never relinquish our freedom for anyone but Allah! Let our enemies know that we will not fall so easily, and that it shall be no simple task to take away our freedom! Be you the LLF, the SRA, the SNP, or Khataiy; we will stand tall and proud to defend our freedom! Thank you all, and Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair!"

[Pan-Asiatic States]

The Forests of Samporna

---

"RPG on your Six!", yelled a far-away Sergeant. A sniper's bullet found its way to his neck. The Sergeant dropped dead.

Aspirant First Class Tsukino Kane swiftly dodged a Lumad rocket from behind him, lunging into a foxhole. The projectile found its way to the jeep he had been using for cover. An explosion consumed its driver, turning him into a pile of ash. With fire all around him, and covered in dirt, he reloaded his KN-3 Light Machine Gun, firing controlled bursts to his left and right, downing three insurgents. His squad's position had been compromised, but he was not going to die in this tropical hellscape.

Minutes ago, he would not have even considered that rebels were capable of organizing themselves so coherently, and with such rigor. But only seconds ago, he had seen his commanding-officer shot with precision and hatred. And now, he was facing the Lumad threat head-on, boots-on-the-ground.

An hour ago, AFC Tsukino's pathfinder company, a part of the 5th Irregular Partisan Regiment, had been sent to scout for a suitable insertion point for the 36th JCC to be paradropped into. Forty-nine minutes of walking and two limpet charges later they were brutally ambushed by an enemy advance regiment. This battle could only end two ways, either they survived and were to warn the 36th of the very dangers of even paradropping under such conditions, or they failed and this enemy regiment would find the sensitive documents revealing Pan-Asiatic strongholds in the region. And AFC Tsukino was not eager to let the latter happen.

The KN-3's open bolt design made overheating less susceptible. The Private fortified his position and braced for another wave. Beside him was a Pan-Asiatic officer's corpse, on it, a short-distance radio and a Valladolid Model 5 Revolver. He took both. He reached to his back pocket and set-off his emergency responder.

"This is Aspirant First Class Tsukino Kane, Section 2 of the 5th Irregular Partisan Regiment, 2 clicks from Base Omega! It's a fucking trap! They have us on all sides! Requesting immeadiate support! I repeat, requesting immediate support!"

He waited two minutes. The moment he began to doubt the likelihood of a response, the signal came through and back again.

"This is Base Omega, over. We receive your emergency responder's coordinates. All forces are currently engaged elsewhere. However, we can send artillery support on your location."

Tsukino pondered this for a few moments. Calling-in artillery would practically be suicide, but then again...

Two bullets put holes into Tsukino's sandbag fortifications. One bullet ricochets off a nearby metal mug. Fuck it, thought the PFC.

"Affirmative, Base Omega. This sector is lost! Rain death!"

[Pan-Asiatic States]

Base Omega
21st Siamese Echelon "Bang Klang Haw" Mobile Artillery Division

---

The heat of May was something most Siamese conscripts of the 21st were accustomed to but, like things political, this heat stirred the Asians more in Samporna. Officially, they should be on standby, but they surprisingly hadn't received any orders for days, and the artillery operators were beginning to doubt whether they would even ever see action. For most of their time in Samporna, it had felt like a vacation. The past week had been quiet. All too quiet.

In the middle of this lazy afternoon, a skimpy, thin young Siamese boy, one of the youngest in the Division, of a little less than 29 years of age, frantically approached the main battery operators with a thin piece of paper. On it, strict coordinates. A mobilization alarm was rung, producing a noise ear-piercing enough to get a man gambling away his Labor Vouchers over Blackjack to grab his service rifle and arm his station. Within minutes, the whole Division was on the move, positioning their Self-Propelled Howitzers close enough to be within range but faraway enough to evade detection by Lumad pathfinders quickly. PLZ-05s and Type-82s calculated their projection. The men loaded HE shells. The operators covered their ears. Another loud, ear-piercing noise echoed through the forestry. The booming of the artillery shells caused the trees to shake and the hills to tremble.

On the other side of the firing, flames engulfed the land. The Lumad insurrectionists had used thick underbrushes to cover their equipment. With the massive guns concentrating their fire, minding not the possibility of friendly fire, the earth was scorched by pure fear and violence themselves. Every second for both the Lumads and the Pan-Asians became a fight for their lives.

Aspirant Tsukino heard the wooshing of the artillery, a banshee wail one never wanted to hear. And yet he did hear it, and forever would he remember the smell of burning flesh that he now associated with it: the kerosene odor mixing with the thick gunpowder clouds. He took the enemy's sandbags together and tried to fortify his foxhole. If a shell took him from above, he would still be dead but it would at least protect him from the flying shrapnel and sharp debris. One shell landed mere centimeters beside his fortifications, blowing the sandbags off. Another detonated behind him, causing the earth to shake and his body to stagger. As his face met the floor, he found himself praying and crying: if this would be the end of him, as it seemed to be, he hoped it would be quick and painless. He found himself truly unready for this kind of warfare. He was preparing himself for death.