Thus Saith the Lord (PT-PMT) (Semi-Open) (IC)

[Kafair]

"I appreciate it Admiral. I shall be awaiting your call upon the Leviathan. When the maps are done, I would like to meet with you once more Adama, upon my ship next time. Upon that note, I bid you good day Admiral. I have a fleet to command after all."

Javid gets up, and shakes the Uvoan Admiral's hand, and with his guards, walks out, being lead by a sailor upon the battle cruiser. After el-Javid got off the skiff that took them back to the Leviathan, he meets with his guards. Each one was given a job, before they entered the Admiral's office. A piece of paper is given to each, and they begin to relay what they saw.

"Men, what are your opinions of the good admiral?"

The first guard answers.

"A dedicated man, Fleet Admiral. But something is there. He is hiding something from us. A secondary motive perhaps?"
"Fleet Admiral, I agree. Something is off abut that man."
The other 3 guards voice their agreements.

"How can you all tell?"
"We were trained to read people. Something in his eyes and posture is off."
"I will trust your judgment, as I too agree. Something is off. Now, please show me what you all have been doing during our meeting."

Each guard takes the paper and begins to draw. They hand the admiral the papers once finished. Each was tasked with the memorization of something in the Uvoan office. The first guard gives him a copy of the large map on the wall, the second some info from a slightly open file on the desk, and so on. The third made a sketch of the glass battle-cruiser on the admiral's desk, the fourth was involved in watching the guards and their actions, and the fifth, and also most senior was watching Adama.

"Well done men. Diplomacy is a game, and we just got and extra piece. Dismissed."
"Yes sir, Fleet Admiral!"

The men salute, and walk away. Javid hands the papers to a nearby Warrant Officer and instructs him to put it in Javids Office. He wills study the papers later. Javid gets to the bridge, and gets on the radio. He instructs his men to for into blockade position around Skyhooked, and tells the men to get ready for a landing. He than tells the men on the bridge to gather 20 men and bring them to his office. He than walks off, back to his office, sits in his chair, and begins to study the papers, his 4 guards outside the door stopping any from entering. The Admiral has some thinking to do.

[Uvoan]

"Of course, Admiral. We shall meet again." He shakes the Admirals hand, and watches him go. Waiting until they're back aboard their own ship to turn to his guards, in the usual full gas-mask of the Uvoanian Military. "Guards, what do you make of them?" He asks.

The six guards, one in each corner of the room, and two covering the door, take a moment to think. The first one clears his throat to speak. "They were studying us, Admiral. They were all studying us." The other five chime in with agreements. "Admiral Javid seems to be a good character- Dedicated to his cause, with little to hide."

The second one clears his throat. "I'm unsure, but I felt like they were studying the room aswell. They had to have been, with you leaving our fleet movements on the wall." He says, gesturing at the map on the wall. Adama smiling. He's glad his guards are this observant.

The rest chime in with similar comments. As Adama weighs them against his own observations. He pours himself a cup of tea, and takes a drink before answering the six guards. "There is a game I played with Zkto', back before I was the Admiral." He starts, putting the cup down on the desk. "I forget the precise name of it, but think of it as three-dimensional chess." He takes another sip. "Each piece had its own special rules aswell- Where it had the best attack, where it could strike from, how it could defend..." He puts the tea-cup down, now empty. "Diplomacy is that, but even more complicated. I left our fleet movement in the open so they could verify it. I'm sure they have ways to do that, and they'll see the movements were precisely as marked."

A guard shakes his head. "I'll never understand politics, and diplomacy..."

Adama chuckles. "Diplomacy is complex tool. And I've been playing it since before some of your were born. Being a Uvoanian ranking officer isn't just a promotion. It's a daily struggle to climb higher, or ensure you stay at the top." Adama smiles again, that shark-like grin. "And I've kept myself at the top for a very long time. Now dismissed." The guards salute, and file out of the office.

Adama smiles to himself, before going to open a drawer... And noting it was already open. Freezing as he sees the document he left in the open- The modernization of the battlecruiser 'Uvoan'. "...Shit."

He glances around the room, noting what else he left out. The glass model of this battlecruiser, nothing too valuable, the map on the wall... He then shakes his head. Javid clearly has more than Adama wanted to give away. Now it's time to see how it's used.

[Skyhooked]

Drunken admiral, who almost fell asleep from rum recieved the call and picekd it up. Question about place for docking from Uvoan was trivial, but important enough. He said: "Well... *hic*... just... just park your boats anywhere you like. But use your common sense, some placves gonna see some action, and we have yet to tell which ones. Safest place would be Smuggler's coast... right near your position. Here are coordinates... *tells exact coordinates* just be quick."-He says and returns to drinking to get as brave as possible before the action starts.

[Uvoan]

"Affirmative." The communication officer puts the microphone down, and turns to the Captain. "We have our coordinates." He relays them. "I'll start informing the rest of the evacuation fleet, we have a base-camp."

The Captain nods, before turning to the navigator. "Take us there, and quickly." The Navigator snaps off a quick salute, and turns to his station. The transport soon swinging into the Coast, dropping its forward ramp, as a few troops exit. Setting up a quick station, so they can begin the evacuation process...

The Evacuation has begun. Now it's time to see how well it goes.

[Kafair]

Javid marches, inspecting the men. The 20 men before him were the most skilled disguise artists in the Kafairian military, known as the Faceless. This came from a myth about them trading in disguises and names like faces, almost like masks. These men had no visible weapons, though each has a small knife and pistol hidden in his clothing. They were all dressed in refugee clothing, without their turbines or uniforms.

"Men. It is your mission today, which hold the balance of this war in its hands. Do you see that camp down there?"

Javid points at the ever growing refugee camp, set up by the Uvoans. There were refugees everywhere.

"You are to make your way there, mingle, and find information. Stay next to any troops, and overhear whatever possible. When you have found out all you can, return to the skiff through the trees over there..."

Javid points to a clump of trees to the right of the camp.

"and return to the ship. You have 5 hours. After that, the skiff will leave. Remember your mission. Bring glory to the Sultan men."
"Yes Sir Fleet Admiral!"

The men walk off, and climb into a small skiff, and are driven, quietly, to behind the trees. They get off, rub themselves down in dust, and walk over to the camp. The men had even lighten thier skin color, to eliminate the iconic Kafairan color. They looked indestingishabe from the other refugees in the camp, and Javid lost sight of them all within a minute of them joining the camp's population. Nodding his head, Javid called over General Salal el-Zadeh, in charge of the 9th, 12th, and 18th Regiments, all of which were with the fleet. Both saluted, and Javid began to talk.

"General el-Zadeh, are your men ready?"
"They are Admiral el-Javid"

Both men were very respectful of each other, as Kafarian military doctrine dictates.

"Good. The transports are ready. Set up the beachhead and radio back. I will move in the 5th, 7th, 11th, along with the 23rd Mounted to reinforce your position."
"We were lucky to find the area. It's entirely open, and the other artillery is unable to hit it. A open mile of beachhead is valuable"
"We were. It was only a matter of time before those damn anarchists reinforced it. Keep your guard up always. Have your men looking to the trees at all times"
"I shall. They wont beat us back. I will see you soon Admiral. I will send off the men."
"Good luck General."

General el-Zadeh walked off, back to his single transport, carrying his 6104 men. 6000 for the combat force, 4 radio men, and 100 engineers. After around 3 minutes, the transport, sitting low on the water, and painted a mix of blue and green to blend into the water, quietly moved off. He saw the men land, and watched as they quickly moved to set up a beachhead. After some time, the radio man next to the Admiral gave him the radio as it crackled to life.

"Admiral?"
"What is it General?"
"We have a beach head"
"Well done. The rest of the men will be over in 5 minutes. Do not leave your position. You will have 13,250 men with you, and we will send the rest of the men over once the first and second fleets arrive. I am also sending the 3 elite regiments."
"Thank you Admiral."
"No, thank you General. el-Javid, out"

He handed back the radio, and turned away, walking to the bridge of the Leviathan. Arriving on the bridge, he walked over to a officer manning the radios.

"Officer, radio for the 5th, 7th, 11th, along with the 23rd Mounted to move in, and join el-Zadeh."
"Yes sir Fleet Admiral!"

He waited as the man relays the order, and watches until the shape of the transports stop at the beachhead, ans the troops disembark. Sighing in relief, he orders the officer to send 5 destroyers off to The Chuck. He tells the officer to inform the sub captains that: "The files we found showed a ship being refitted there. Shadow it. Watch it, and get any info possible. Whatever you do, do not fire unless fired upon. Even then, run. They are refitting some of our ships. Don't want to make them angry. Have the Kafarian crew men there carry out recon activities." The officer saluted, and 10 minutes later, the destroyers sail off, towards The Chuck. Overjoyed with the success, so far at least, of the missions, Javid stepped back to the deck of the Leviathan, and watches the beachhead and refugee camp, waiting for any development. A young radioman ran up to him and saluted.

"Info Admiral. Radio chatter has found that a allied nation to Skyhooked, known as Robosia, is planning to invade."

Javid informs him to ask all crusader nations to send assistance to Kafair, to repel this up coming invasion. He than looks to the beach and waits.

[The Chuck]

The Chuck - Grand Basin - Grand Basin Heavy Industries Ship Yard

Similar to when the Uvoan came in for repairs and retrofitting, the Kafair ships were met with a naval escort and brought into port. Once payment was collected, workers started to descend upon the ships like a hoard of locusts. Each worker had a specific job and each knew how to do their jobs to the best of their abilities. While they worked hard to quickly retrofit the Kafair ships, across the bay, work was being done on the Uvoan. Workers had been on shift 24/7 to speedily retrofit this aged warship with the most modern of technology. The old coal fired steam turbines had been removed and a team of specialists had installed a molten salt nuclear reactor to power two new steam turbines. On the exterior of the ship, the three 15 inch gun turrets had been removed and replaced and sensors were being added onto the mast of the ship. The A turret had been replaced with a 48 cell vertical Launch System, the B turret was replaced with a RIM-116 C-RAM system, and the C turret was replaced with a helipad and another RIM-116 C-RAM system. On the helipad, a new MH-60R Seahawk was landed for anti-submarine warfare. Along the side rails of the Uvoan, the single torpedo tubes were removed and replaced with two Mark 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tube systems, each with three torpedo tubes. The sensor array on the mast of the ship was also being wired to the bridge where new machinery and equipment was being installed like fire control systems and other electronic devices. On the hull of the ship, a section was cut out and a new passive sonar system was implemented to give the Uvoan the ability to pick up submarines up to 75 kilometers away. As work continued on the well aged vessel, the sailors from the Uvoan were being given crash courses on how to operate the advanced weaponry and systems being implemented on their ship.

[Uvoan]

New Asan, Pier 38

The bulk-transport 'Atlantis' had been docked in the port of New Asan for a few hours now. Its cargo bays had been open to the elements, as the lashing rain smashed against the side of the ship. Cranes worked through the storm, however, as 84 armored cars were lowered into the hold. The three locomotives had been the first things on, three armored monsters of Uvoan's railroad might, and each rail-car alone was compared to a tank.

The hold of the 'Atlantis' was well suited to carry it, however, as the last car was soon lashed into place. It was let go from the pier, as tugs pulled it into open sea. Someone was paying well for this cargo to get there on time, and the crew would make damn sure it did.

---

The Chuck - Grand Basin - Grand Basin Heavy Industries Ship Yard

The Uvoan crew members had proven quick learners. Adjusting to modern systems shockingly fast, and asking questions when needed. But they learned very fast. Very, very fast. Sonar, targeting, the new engines, and everything else the Chuckians had installed.

[Kafair]

On the beach, General el-Zadeh inspected his position. His 7 regiments of 13 thousand have set up a position on mile wide stretch of beach. Their engineers have set up stone and brick barricades, the men have dismounted the 16 machine guns mounted on the transports, and set them up in different locations along the line, creating kill zones. The men were set up in long lines behind the barricades, 4 deep, with staggered barricade and lines. To reach the command tent, opponents would need to overcome 4 layers of defenses, each manned to last breath. Guard towers were set up and snipers of the 3rd elite were watching the land for any sign of enemy attack. The 1st elite was training a force of men in anti-infantry tactics, which they were renown for, while the 2nd elite was reinforcing the position against tank and other land armor attacks. Small supply craft were moving from the Kafariain fleet to the beach head, bringing more and more material and men. The 23rd mounted force was on guard duty, on their horses, stationed at different areas of the beach, so they could quickly responded to an attack. At the same time, the Kafairian blockade grew in size even more, with the first and second fleets joining the main force, bringing with them 2 battleships, 11 cruisers, 20 transports and 10 destroyers. These two fleets also has the Sun Guard Elite Mounted Force of 1000 men, the Moon Guard Elite Mounted Force of 1000 men, the Sun Flare Elite Legion, as well of 1000 men, among another 150 engineers to join the 100 already at the beachhead. Of the 14,750 combat personnel before the rest of the fleets arrived, the general now had 17,750 men at his disposable. The troops are now only waiting for the rest of the crusader armies to arrive to their beach head, to begin their full attack. el-Zadeh radioed Fleet Admiral el-Javid, and continued his inspection. The men were on constant guard, with the men taking long shifts, with long breaks. Moral was sky high due to the location they were in, and the General felt good about his current situation. The Sun fleet was also much larger now, able to surround the whole of Skyhooked, with ships to spare for reinforcement and providing sea artillery if an counter attack arrives at the beachhead. There were also 4000 men of the 6th Defense Corp on a transport about a minute from the shore. If an attack comes, the men would be unloaded to reinforce the position further. The Kafarian Commanders now await the arrival of their allies.

[Knights Mare Nostrum]

Meanwhile, .
As the beaches, once calm and vibrant, layed tense with the threat of the oncoming Nostrumic invasion , the deployed fleet of 1 battleship 5 amphibious assault ships, 12 missile cruisers, 10 patrol boats, 12 frigates and 15 submarines made its way to the coast, aboard the battleship M.N.S Eve resided Commander Julien du Casse, leading the 1st Salvatrucha Army. Seeing the Kafairian fleet nearby, ready to deploy, he went into the intercom as he sent a radio to the channel which el-Zadeh and el-Javid were being in.

"Thus is Commander du Casse reporting in. Ready to deploy when you are." He said, the battleship turning on its side as it aimed it's cannons on the shores, a row of archers also deploying as they notched their arrows.

[Kafair]

As Commander Julien du Casse ships moved in the join the Kafairn fleet, he joined el-Javid and el-Zadeh’s channel and concerned their arrival.

“Commander de Casse! Welcome! Hear, bring the Eve along side the Leviathan.”

As the Eve pulled up alongside the Leviathan, a long bridge was brought out, and used to connect the two ships. As Fleet Admiral el-Javid walked onto the Eve, he shook de Casse’s hand, and explained the current situation. Offering to take de Casse and his men to the beach to inspect the troops, a transport was prepared, and the men entered it. As the transport pulled up to the beach, the 1st Salvatrucha Army, which they had brought with them on the transport, were instructed to meet the men of the 1st elite regiment, to be briefed and prepared. Than, el-Javid took de Casse too meet the General in charge of the area. They saw el-Zadeh checking the barricades on the farthest point of the beach, the area closest to the hostiles. el-Zadeh turned around, and with obvious happiness, shook de Casse’s hand, and lead him on an inspection of the beach head. He than asked de Casse if he knew of any other crusaders sending aid? And he waited for his answer

[Yegla Islands]

Approximately 80 nautical miles behind the Knights' fleet
YIV Nakhimov

Admiral Guskov made his way to the bridge, and seated himself in the command chair. Like some exotic flower, the screen array unfolded around him, lighting up with coordinates and vectors. The enemy was in position - drone feed even gave him crystal clear footage of the the Commander and Admiral shaking hands. Their attack was likely imminent, and striking now would place the combined fleets into disarray. Who knows, perhaps the two commanding officers could be eliminated before the fighting started. And yet, waiting for allied support would likely be the wiser choice - exposing themselves so soon was reckless and inadvisable.

He thought to the assets he had at his disposal - a fleet presence capable of outranging practically anything fielded by the enemy, a reliable option of escape, a contingent of veteran thaumaturges...

"Get me a direct line to Pan-Asiatic command. I think I have a plan, of sorts, but support will be required. Oh, and signal the CARDINAL operatives we've got on board. Have them ready for action within the next fifteen minutes."

Throughout the Yeglan ships, preparations were already being made. Gunners idled at their stations, while capacitor after capacitor charged in preparation for deployment. Torpedoes were chambered, and engineers fervently checked every system and subsystem for malfunctions and defects. The Third Preliminary Battlefleet lurked beneath the waves, ready to engage.

[Kafair]

Vice Admiral el-Zukov was suspicious. Looking around the ship, he saw some sailors acting strangely. Looking out to sea, and finding it empty, he quickly made a choice. With the fleet surrounding the island, and the Knight's fleet with them, he saw how disorganized they were. He knew that Skyhooked had allies, and not seeing them yet put him on edge, thinking they might ambush them now, in their most weaken state. He ordered a fleet of 3 battleships, 6 cruisers and 9 destroyers to form a ring around the blockade, facing outwards. He also ordered the Leviathan to turn its guns out to sea, to give a full broadside if needed. Combined, he now had 168 total cannons and one piece of heavy artillery aimed to sea(OOC: I did the math), with around 40 more from other ships on standby. el-Zukov was worried about an attack. He saw how disorganize the fleet was, and quickly informed Fleet Admiral el-Javid of this fact. Knowing that el-Zukov was right, he quickly returned to the Leviathan. el-Javid sent out a group of 3 destroyers 2 cruisers to scout the seas and watch for an attack.

In terms of cannons, all destroyers had 18in cannons, rated range of 19 NM, with an A, B, and C turrets, on duel artillery(two cannons per turret), and they possessed depth charges.
The cruisers had 23in cannons with a rated range of around 25 NM, with A, B, C, and D turrets with duel artillery, and they possessed depth charges.
The 3 battleships had each 27 in cannons, with a range of 30 NM, on A, B, C, and D turrets with tri-artillery(3 to a turret)
The Leviathan herself had 35in cannons, equal in size to the Tsar Cannon, ale to hit 46NM, on A, B, C, D, and E turrets, with tri-artillery, and it also had a 37in howitzer on the back, on a large swivel, rated to hit 50NM.

el-Zukov was walking to the bridge when he passes a large tarp covered shape, and quickly called over 8 sailors. This is was Pathfinder, a Kafairian anti-sub sonar system that was normal deactivated due to power usage. The tarp housed its controls. He ordered the sailors to activate it, and set its range to max, at 70 NM. Now with el-Javid by his side, he made it to the bridge, and inspecting the fleet once more. Checking on the state of the torpedo tubs along the ship, and nodding his head, Javid gave the order to go to max readiness, and the 3 battleships, 6 cruisers and 9 destroyer, plus the Leviathan went to high alert, weapons pointed out to sea, ready for any incoming attack. Now, Fleet Admiral el-Javid and Vice Admiral el-Zukov waited, looking for any sign of attack. He also ordered Regiment 3, men trained from birth on loyalty and duty to the Sultan, who also happen to be the most elite troops Kafair had, to be stationed around all cannons, the engine and on the bridge. Every spot on the ship was watched by the men. Any sign of treason or cowardice would be stopped by them. No spot was left un-watched. This was the same for all other ships in the fleet. The Sultan was taking no chances when he sent the fleet out, and the admirals would take none either. On the shore, General el-Zadeh was prepping his men for an attack on the coastal defenses of the Skyhooked military. They would be ready for combat within around 3 hours, as they needed to ready their weapons. el-Zukov also informed the Knights as to their suspicions, and suggested they move into a more defensive position at sea and go to high alert.

[Uvoan]

To, Charles Rock, McAllister Munitions Company,
Caldwell McAllister III
1895 Bullet Blvd.
Suite 1
Charles Rock, The Chuck 1895-2018

As discussed in our communications about modernizing the Uvoanian Army, the agreed upon sum of 47,500,000,000 shall be paid in full, for the modernization of 16 infantry armies, 8 tank divisions, along with miscellaneous costs, including ammo and transport.

The bullion is ready for pick-up upon delivery, and is being held awaiting the arrival of your ships. It will be transferred, and we shall take delivery of the military supplies.

It has been a pleasure doing business with your company.

Fair Winds and Profits,
-Zkto' Zovban, Minister of Military

[The Chuck]

Charles Rock - McAllister Munitions Company - Corporate Office

When Caldwell McAllister III had been contacted by the Uvoan government, he could practically smell the profits that could be made from this current situation in the Caribbean. As he had read over the first communications letter this instinct was confirmed, it was made all the better by the fact that the Uvoan military was using drastically outdated weaponry and wanted to modernize in one fowl swoop. This was a golden opportunity to make a literal killing off of this conflict and Caldwell would see this through. Upon sending back an acceptance communication, Caldwell leaned back in his chair with a wide malicious grin on his lips.

---

Charles Rock - McAllister Munitions Company - Factory Floor/Dockyards

Upon receiving word from the corporate office about the size of the new contract, all machines on the factory floor were powered up with workers moving steadily to feed materials into them to craft the tools of war. As gloves, helmets, plate carriers, vests, rifles, bullets, flashlights, and other equipment started to be manufactured, the finished products were loaded up into containers and driven down to the docks where a massive fleet of 60 Silverport Dockyards LTD.Pattern 253 Freighters awaited their cargo. As the shipping containers were being brought down to the dockyards, modern MBTs were being lifted up by massive cranes and loaded into the storage holds of some of the ships. As the workers of the company toiled, the first couple ships started to depart, bound for Uvoan.

[Knights Mare Nostrum]

Du Casse had quickly informed the Admiral that he also had the Teutonic Army beside him ready for a second wave of deployment if the Salvatrucha were ineffective, the Teutons, lead by Seigfried von Goethenburg. He also had a strange, somewhat spiritual feeling of something going awry, and whilst at first he ignored it, he soon got an order from el-Zukov to get into a more defensive position, complying with the order as he moved outwards at sea, the battleship Eve staying in position near the Leviathan whilst moving off to the side to give more room to fire

[Democratic Exodian Territories]

To: All Pan-Asiatic warships or military vessels operating within the Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico
From: Exodian Ministry of Defense
ENCRYPTION: Turquiose (Open-source and unencrypted)

We do not appreciate your incursion near our borders and coastlines.
Let it be known that while Exodia will not instigate a conflict, we are perfectly willing to retaliate in case of an instance where any civilian, military personnel, or Exodian-affiliated foreigner is harmed or detained in any way through your forces. All Pan-Asiatic naval vessels, as well as several Pan-Asiatic ground forces deployed to Skyhooked are perfectly within land-based cruise missiles and Morning Star long-range artillery, as with any entering the Panama Canal.
In addition, if the Exodian mainland is attacked or aggressed against in any way, we will not hesitate to seek redress in kind in regards to any Pan-Asiatic movements, military or civilian, around the globe.

A most honourable suggestion, for the purposes of diplomatic resolve and the maintenance of peace and stability, is the immediate ceasing of operations and a full withdrawal of all military vessels and craft, as well as all personnel, "peacekeeping" or otherwise, from the Skyhookedian radius of military operations.

We shall not be tested in this regard.

Admiral Thomas Scottson
Grandmaster, Exodian Armed Forces, and Minister of Defense

To: All parties involved with military operations in the regard of Skyhooked
From: Exodian Ministry of State
ENCRYPTION: Turquiose (Open-source and unencrypted)

As it is maintained by the decision of our people and our Senate, our good nation of Exodia shall remain diplomatically neutral in the regards of current alliances and the geopolitical situation, but we are to pursue a plan of action as dictated by the geographical proximity of the conflict to our borders, our coasts.

We have no quarrel with Skyhooked and we shall act in their defense, and we highly respect the will of God and the Church in their regards- what we are against are atrocities committed on shores not far from our own, of Communist and Socialist militant expansionism, of feudalism, serfdom and slavery, absolute monarchism, totalitarianism, tyranny, and the oppression of man's right to worship God and man's right to a Free and Just State and a Free Market.

Thus, we enter this conflict with these goals, and are willing to help negotiate a treaty with swift peace and resolve.
God save us all, and God save this Democracy.

Marcus Diaz
Exodian Minister of State

For a peace treaty to see success, it must be written in the blood spilled on the field of battle.

[Yegla Islands]

To: Exodian Ministry of Defense, all Exodian forces currently stationed within the Carribbean or Gulf of Mexico
From: Yeglan Ministry of Defense
ENCRYPTION: Turquiose (Open-source and unencrypted)

Your motivations and goals within this conflict have been noted, and will be taken into account. Be aware that, while we currently bear no hostile intent towards Exodia or any of its currently deployed forces, we are fully invested in the defense of Skyhooked from foreign aggression. According to engagement guidelines, any military action undertaken with the intent or consequence of disrupting defensive preparations or integrity will be viewed as an act of aggression, and reacted upon with disproportionate force until the neutralization of all hostile parties. Due to the role of Pan-Asiatic forces within the conflict, any hostile action undertaken against them at this stage will be viewed as a breach of engagement guidelines, and acted upon accordingly. The same may be said for any hostile action undertaken against Yeglan assets directly. Force responses may include, but are not limited to:

• Redirection of presently deployed assets towards elimination of hostile parties
• Deployment of additional assets
• Activation of presently inactive, non-conventional assets

Albrecht von Liebowitz
Yeglan Minister of Defense

[Democratic Exodian Territories]

Caribbean Sea
The ESS Mission Park, Enterprise-class missile cruiser/troopship
5.4 hours away from Skyhooked


The soldier knelt down, clutching a small brass crucifix inlaid with a tiny jewel, connected to a tin-and-wood-beaded rosary. Much of his comrades were already asleep, trying to get in a few more hours before they were called for briefing and their landing. Some others on the farther sides were barely awake, doing field-strips on their service weapons or reading, praying, or meditating to themselves in a similar way.

He crossed himself, taking a deep breath and reciting a Glory Be and an Our Father.
Indigo waves crashed around the metal shell around him, as well as the rest of the fleet, 28 other armored sea monsters that bobbed in the sea, steaming at full speed towards the Caribbean.
Another 16 ships would be on their way to blockade the Panama Canal, maintain a strict barricade to any other newcomers to the conflict.

The private inhaled and exhaled again, meditating.
"My God-
I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with Your help,
to do penance,
to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
in His name, my God, have mercy."

He recited a Hail Mary, then whispered to himself-
Lord, help me know what's right. Help me face these men who call themselves Yours, and help me keep your Grace.

Crossing himself once more, he moved to get back into his bunk when the skipper's voice came over the shipwide intercom.

"Sunrise at our Eleven. Current time; 6:45 Eastern. Approaching land."

[Uvoan]

To the Yelgan Ministry of Foreign Relations

As discussed in our communications about modernizing the Uvoanian Army, the agreed upon sum shall be delivered upon delivery of the agreed upon total of items.

The Uvoanian Government is quite thrilled to see how trade thrives even in this time.

Fair Winds and Profits,
-Zkto' Zovban, Minister of Military

---

Uvoan Aerodrome 'Voroan Central'

Zkto' stood in the control tower of the field. Grinning to himself as he saw old air-planes getting loaded onto trucks, to be transferred for scrap. The old war-birds were being replaced for something much more modern. The first P/F-36s had touched down an hour ago, and radar operators confirmed a steady stream approaching. They'd be arriving over the next few days, steadily, that was for sure. And the trainers were already flying teaching Uvoanian pilots how to fly the most modern in aircraft...

But Zkto' felt confident. He could deploy his first fighter-jet squadron quite quickly. He smiled to himself, before walking out of the tower. Walking to a rail-station, where his private train sat idling. He had quite a few other projects to tour before the day was out. The Uvoanian Military didn't stop for anyone- Not even its minister...

---

Refugee Camp Alpha One

The Uvoanian Troops had worked quickly- A constant stream of light craft plied the waves between the transports and the beach. A few pathfinders had been sent out- In classical uvoanian gear, so it was impossible to mistake them for anyone else. They hadn't given any answers for what they were doing besides 'scouting'. A few maps had been sent back to Admiral Adama...

And the evacuation was proceeding precisely on schedule.

---

Battlecruiser 'Zkto' Zovban'

Admiral Adama looked over the maps, carefully. His aide was making careful copies, but leaving bits out at Adamas guidance. Minor details, enough to be overlooked. Smiling to himself...

Diplomacy was a game he knew well.

[Veise]

The Veiser troopers finally made their departure from Colombia, seeing as the Crusaders were about to arrive. They had been itching to finally see some combat; itching to destroy and plunder. Veise needed to make a profit off of this war anyways. The Kingdom had paid millions for their transport and thus would steal millions from the incoming conflict. There was the added bonus of harming an ideological enemy. Morale was high, bloodthirst was high. The VEF was ready.

[Democratic Exodian Territories]

Northeast Skyhookedian Coastline
The ESS Buckingham intermediate battlecruiser

"Land ho, starboard side! All hands to stations!"

The voice of the vessel's boatswain, Commander Halpert, rang out through the bowels of the ship, as combat personnel scurried about the vessel and checked their weapons and equipment, sailors and technicians tending to the various whims of their boat.

The Peacekeeping Task Force had arrived- all 28 vessels of diverse purpose and model, now on station for the coming offensive and defensive.
Operation Charon's Trail was now fully underway.

To: Skyhookedian Naval Headquarters
From: Peacekeeper's Task Force, Exodian Navy
ENCRYPTION: Lime (Closed-source, light encryption)

Requesting appropriate location for the landing and mooring of our vessels.
While currently most allied forces are in fact, hostile to Exodia, we're willing to put forward forces to the defense, stability, and peace in a fellow free state and trade partner.

Commodore Alvin Olison
Peacekeeper's Task Force, Exodian Navy

[Kafair]

el-Javid was waiting. He couldn't give General el-Zadeh the go ahead if they didn't have the maps for the Skyhooked landscape. He had a sailor go to the deck of the Leviathan and check in on the Uvoan fleet. He was waiting on Admiral Adama, and with each hour that passed he became more and more suspicious.

Turning his head, he sees what looks like another fleet on the horizon. Not being able to identify them, he sends out 5 destroyers to investigate and question the ships. As a precaution though, he turned the guns of the Leviathan and that of the 3 other battle ships towards thre oncoming fleet. Now having over 40 30in or more caliber cannons aimed at the oncoming fleet, and having them in easy range of the weapons, to where an accurate shot is a piece of cake for the gunners, el-Javid waited for news of who they were. As the destroyers pulled up in front of the fleet, the radio cracked to life. In the background, the men on the Leviathan's bridge could hear the captain of the destroyer Stonewall, requesting the other fleet to inform him of where they are headed to, and telling them they are in war time waters. The man on the radio, a ensign on the destroyer informs el-Javid that the fleet has 28 ships, with plenty of troops and guns. Confused now, Javid informed him to retreat if the talks go bad, and keeps watch on the horizon. Now it was a game of waiting.

[Uvoan]

Adama sits at his desk in his office, the files shuffled about.

He had just been informed the rest of the fleet, the two battlecruisers 'Victory' and 'Vengeance'. Four more destroyers. Seven more troopships aswell, all burdened down with the rest of the Uvoanian First, had all appeared over the horizon. He was also awaiting news of when the 'Uvoan', his new flagship, was to be freed from dry-dock.

But now, with those assets inbound, it was time for him to play ball again. He'd heard of brawls breaking out on the troop-fleet as it made its way here. Everyone was deeply divided.

He stood, and looked at the maps on his desk. Three copies. One for himself. One for the Government, and one for his potential ally...

Speaking of them, what were they doing...? He grabbed a spyglass, the maps, and then walked outside. Scanning the fleet, and noting the movement. They were focusing on something not him, or his fleet.

He turned to a junior officer. "Get together a detachment. My guards, and two specials. Prepare a row. I want us to be ready in fifteen minutes." The junior saluted with a crisp 'Aye aye!', and ran off to do his orders.

Adama turned his attention to where he could feel the wind blowing in from. The fresh air told him a hundred stories. The least of which was of brewing tension, and the smell of metal...

[Democratic Exodian Territories]

el-Javid was waiting. He couldn't give General el-Zadeh the go ahead if they didn't have the maps for the Skyhooked landscape. He had a sailor go to the deck of the Leviathan and check in on the Uvoan fleet. He was waiting on Admiral Adama, and with each hour that passed he became more and more suspicious.

Turning his head, he sees what looks like another fleet on the horizon. Not being able to identify them, he sends out 5 destroyers to investigate and question the ships. As a precaution though, he turned the guns of the Leviathan and that of the 3 other battle ships towards thre oncoming fleet. Now having over 40 30in or more caliber cannons aimed at the oncoming fleet, and having them in easy range of the weapons, to where an accurate shot is a piece of cake for the gunners, el-Javid waited for news of who they were. As the destroyers pulled up in front of the fleet, the radio cracked to life. In the background, the men on the Leviathan's bridge could hear the captain of the destroyer Stonewall, requesting the other fleet to inform him of where they are headed to, and telling them they are in war time waters. The man on the radio, a ensign on the destroyer informs el-Javid that the fleet has 28 ships, with plenty of troops and guns. Confused now, Javid informed him to retreat if the talks go bad, and keeps watch on the horizon. Now it was a game of waiting.

"Son of a bitch. Aim fourteen-inch railguns for unidentified potential targets, and full back, immediately!"

"Get us out of bloody range from those fuckin' destroyers, now! Scramble EH-2s and XF-45s from the Virtue and the Patriot! Why didn't we see them coming sooner? All vessels, fall back and ready all armaments for potential engagement; subsurface vessels, deploy APMS and put Metal Gear Sireni on standby, now!"

At the bark of Commodore Olison's command, the entire Exodian surface fleet pushed itself backwards, driving itself ever so slightly out of range from the approaching Kafarian vessels; their engines churning backwards and accelerating, trying to get itself out of reach. At the same time, every gun, both electromagnetic and conventional, were aimed towards the newcomers, while torpedoes and guided missiles were readied in their tubes and silos.

The fleet's full complement of 32 APMS "Whirlpool" 1-man midget submarines, equipped with supercaptivating antiship torpedoes as well as smaller weapons, as well as a quarter of their fixed-wing V/STOL fighter jets with bunker-busting bombs, began to orbit the air around them, alert to break from their racetrack flight patterns and attack the Kafarians should make any attacking move.

A message was sent over both mounted speakers on the ships and radio and cellular channels, hoping to hail them.

"Unidentified naval vessels, you have moved past minimum safe distance and we will engage if you do not withdraw immediately! Identify yourself and abandon current course or face full defensive action!"

[Kafair]

el-Javid was waiting. He couldn't give General el-Zadeh the go ahead if they didn't have the maps for the Skyhooked landscape. He had a sailor go to the deck of the Leviathan and check in on the Uvoan fleet. He was waiting on Admiral Adama, and with each hour that passed he became more and more suspicious.

Turning his head, he sees what looks like another fleet on the horizon. Not being able to identify them, he sends out 5 destroyers to investigate and question the ships. As a precaution though, he turned the guns of the Leviathan and that of the 3 other battle ships towards thre oncoming fleet. Now having over 40 30in or more caliber cannons aimed at the oncoming fleet, and having them in easy range of the weapons, to where an accurate shot is a piece of cake for the gunners, el-Javid waited for news of who they were. As the destroyers pulled up in front of the fleet, the radio cracked to life. In the background, the men on the Leviathan's bridge could hear the captain of the destroyer Stonewall, requesting the other fleet to inform him of where they are headed to, and telling them they are in war time waters. The man on the radio, a ensign on the destroyer informs el-Javid that the fleet has 28 ships, with plenty of troops and guns. Confused now, Javid informed him to retreat if the talks go bad, and keeps watch on the horizon. Now it was a game of waiting.

"Son of a bitch. Aim fourteen-inch railguns for unidentified potential targets, and full back, immediately!"

"Get us out of bloody range from those fuckin' destroyers, now! Scramble EH-2s and XF-45s from the Virtue and the Patriot! Why didn't we see them coming sooner? All vessels, fall back and ready all armaments for potential engagement; subsurface vessels, deploy APMS and put Metal Gear Sireni on standby, now!"

At the bark of Commodore Olison's command, the entire Exodian surface fleet pushed itself backwards, driving itself ever so slightly out of range from the approaching Kafarian vessels; their engines churning backwards and accelerating, trying to get itself out of reach. At the same time, every gun, both electromagnetic and conventional, were aimed towards the newcomers, while torpedoes and guided missiles were readied in their tubes and silos.

The fleet's full complement of 32 APMS "Whirlpool" 1-man midget submarines, equipped with supercaptivating antiship torpedoes as well as smaller weapons, as well as a quarter of their fixed-wing V/STOL fighter jets with bunker-busting bombs, began to orbit the air around them, alert to break from their racetrack flight patterns and attack the Kafarians should make any attacking move.

A message was sent over both mounted speakers on the ships and radio and cellular channels, hoping to hail them.

"Unidentified naval vessels, you have moved past minimum safe distance and we will engage if you do not withdraw immediately! Identify yourself and abandon current course or face full defensive action!"

Vice Admeral el-Zukov, who was sent to question this fleet, quickly ordered his ships to halt, and turn to give full broadside, their 18in guns and small duel torpedo launchers on standby. He ordered and ensign to send an update to the fleet, and walked up to the deck of the Stonewall, the destroyer he was using to head this small task force. Using a megaphone, he relayed his message.

"Unidentified fleet! This is task force 3 of the RKN, the Royal Kafairian Navy, a part of the Sun Fleet, here on orders from the Royal Sultan himself Sultan Adil el-Karim. I am Vice Admiral of the Sun Fleet el-Zukov. You have entered a confirmed war zone with a large fleet. Please state your business here immediately! If you refuse, we shall be forced to open fire.

Stepping back, Zukov waited for a response. He quietly ordered for 3 cruisers from the main fleet to break off and join them. If things got ugly, he would be ready. He ordered for the Leviathan to open fire on the larger ships, and to avoid the troop transports. He would not fire on unarmed men. He had the 5 snipers scattered n his ships to fire on the enemy captain if things go south. Hopefully that would force them to pull back. He also ordered the 20 Royal Guards and 40 marines with shotguns and sabers to prep for boarding. They would move in and board the flagship of the enemy fleet to buy time for the rest of the Sun fleet to respond. He also ordered his 2 Fireharts to join the boarding parry as well. Fireharts, armed with flamethrowers, are trained in boarding and work closes with the Royal Guard. They were very dangerous opponents, and incredibly well trained in CQB. Zukov now waited for a response.