Sunrisian–Rezuan Confrontation (Concluded)

[Sunrisia]

OOC

Background

Sunalaya is going through another “interesting” period in human history. It is even hard to say whether it is distinct from the past or is it just an updated repeat of what has come before. Disease and war are two words that, unfortunately, can apply to any time period, if not almost just about any of them. True, not everything is negative, since where there is dark, there is also light. Opposites coexist simultaneously and it is one of the rules of the universe. It depends on what an individual or society will decide to focus their attention towards. There have been, are and will be beautiful moments of human kindness and empathy being seen in larger scope or in a singled-out and simple everyday situation at any corner of the planet. Without a doubt, that can be seen in Sunalaya today, quite literally, even one chooses to take a look. However, without digging to deep, it seems like the current historical chapter or state of international politics in Sunalaya can be described more accurately by two negatives – war and disease. Those words appear to describe the present situation, before a more original and comprehensive term can be coined. Of course, as frightening and unpleasant as those words sound, human advancement has made the scope of the impact of war and disease differ from the more difficult past that humanity had gone through by comparison.

It is the month of April. Sunalaya is broken apart by international organizations and supranational unions, which have drawn clear, hard borders on the world map, probably even more immobile than the ones existing during the Sunalayan Cold War. It would not be crazy to claim that the international community in Sunalaya is no more, even though there will always be those skeptical of “absolutist” statements like that. Arguably, the situation in international politics is more complicated today than it was in the past, since there are more separate centers of power that existed during both World Wars and the Cold War, where there were mainly two rival camps. However, advancement in all spheres of life, has also changed the rules how these different power blocs now compete, although sometimes it will approach familiar territory, where rounds start openly being fired just like in the past centuries, which arguably had worse and more cynical diplomacy back then. In addition to the greater division of Sunalaya today into more geopolitical camps than before, there is also the Novell Illness, also called the Novell Virus, RETRIT-20/PVAX-20 Virus, Retrovirus and known by many other names. The unprecedented outbreak in the current century has caused a greater closure of borders in a period already seeing regression towards more intense isolation of countries from each other, something that the division into more geopolitical camps has enabled. The peak of globalization once built by organizations like the United Sunalayan Assembly (USA) appears to have been reached, full circle by humanity made and now, the state of world affairs resembles a return towards old rules and a resemblance of moving backwards, while also somehow creating the feeling of advancing and moving forward, something which may not be far from the truth. “History repeats itself” is not a baseless phrase.

Just recently, a situation illustrating how, in a period where different power centers or individual countries compete under new rules, but also rapidly retreat back into old school familiar territory, where rounds start being fired, has developed near the Isles of Soril (Sorilette Isles), Rezuan Empire.

Isles of Soril (Sorilette Isles), Rezuan Empire

On that day, the media in the Rezuan Empire first shook its’ nation with the following announcement:

Tragedy on the High Seas

Sorilette Gazer

Marissa Devonshill

This morning, there was a hostile exchange between Rezuan Naval personnel and a fleet that has been identified as being of Sunrisian origin. During this exchange, The RIN Albatross was struck by a missile and was sunk. Eight Rezuans were killed, twelve are missing, thirty-five were taken captive and others managed to escape. During this exchange, RIN Seagull[i] rushed to attempt to help as well as two squadrons of Kestrels. This attack has sent locals into a panic, protesters outside of the presidential building demanded Rezuan warships be sent in haste to augment the tiny fleet stationed in the Sorilette Isles. As of now, the RIN [i]Helen Lizabont and two of her sister ships are on their way from the Klain Imperial Naval Base in Kurzera. Listed below is an account of what occurred this morning.

At eight in the morning, the RIN Albatross was making its rounds on its regular patrol. There was a heavy mist obscuring the horizon, greatly reducing visibility. Captain Tyler Malson reported all clear and ordered for business as usual to continue. Not thirty minutes later, Captain Malson radioed for permission to open fire on a fleet of unidentified warships. Ensign Andrew Gibble, a survivor from the Albatross explained what happened just before:

I got a ping on our sonar that there was an incoming force. Sometimes we pick up a couple ships. You know, cruise ships and cargo ships. We weren't worried but I kept my eyes peeled. Then when they didn't alter course we tried to radio them but they either didn't receive or didn't acknowledge us. Then they came into view, a small fleet of warships. We radioed them again, warning them that they were going to enter Rezuan waters. They ignored us again, so we followed proper protocol. Captain Malson ordered us to fire a warning shot and we did. The unidentified fleet didn't alter course. So again we radioed them. Once this failed, captain asked for permission to open fire. A squadron of Kestrels was sent and another littoral was diverted to help us. But before anyone got there, we were lit up. Our close in weapons systems knocked two or three but we got hit by a missile in the side.

After the Albatross began to take on water, she tried to flee towards her home harbor, while returning fire. Yet even then the small littoral patrol ship was sinking. The crew took to the life boats, with the assailants quickly gaining on them. These attackers stopped to pick up those stranded in the water but was prevented from claiming all of the survivors when Kestrels appeared on sight. The aircraft harassed the warships with air-to-sea missiles and then escorted the sailors in the remaining lifeboats to the RIN Seagull. Why they were not chased is unknown. Confirmed by Lieutenant Abigail Weber and later drone and satellite images, these warships were Sunrisian. It appeared to be a small fleet guarding an aircraft carrier. The carrier did scramble fighters but did not engage the kestrel squadrons that appeared on sight.

Imperial President Audwin Celwan has placed the isles thousand strong garrison on high alert and has scrambled various interceptors and the remaining littoral and coastal defense ships. In a press conference, President Audwin said that Sunrisia has committed an act of war and has called for a meeting between himself and Sunrisian officials to discuss a formal apology, reparations, and the return of Rezuan sailors.

In Other News
Number of cases jumps to 340 over the last week and a half in Kurzera
Kurzera debates lockdown

Surprisingly, or to no surprise to some, an ally took a stance immediately and moved urgently, before all pieces of the puzzle even came into place to start shaping some sort of an image:

Talvistova to Deploy Response Force in reaction to Sunrisian Attack on Rezua

TNS Trigg, a member of the Rapid Response Force

After the unfortunate event of a violent confrontation between a Rezuan ship on a regular patrol and a detachment of ships now known to have been from Sunrisia, His Majesty and his Minister of War Johannes Steinmann announced the following in a press release earlier this morning:

The actions of the government of Sunrisia and her people are completely and totally unjustifiable in the enlightened age in which we live. To think that a modern fighting force, with all the modern peacekeeping methods we have, would so brazenly and defiantly ignore all of them and go directly to opening fire on a ship well within its bounds is completely uncalled for and must be met with an immediate response of the highest order. With that in mind, we have formally come to a decision to deploy a naval force to reinforce and assist the Rezuans affected in any way possible. We have also reached a unanimous agreement to momentarily open the Strait of Good Faith to allow those in the Strategic Ventismar Defense Council within the Gulf of Paajarvi access to the Lutentian Ocean in order to more efficiently assist the Rezuan Navy in it's efforts to reestablish control.

The decision to open the strait has had its detractors, with one anonymous critic claiming that 'The decision to open the strait so publicly is practically inviting the Librirans to wreak havoc on the friendly vessels entering the strait, although Minister Steinmann clarified in saying the 3rd Fleet tasked with the security of the strait will remain in position, just that the entry requirements will be greatly reduced.

At this point in time, the ships involved is unknown, although it is widely believed it will be spearheaded by the Cruiser TNS Queen Natalya, and supported by numerous Thor-class Destroyers, Milotic-class Frigates, and City of Karkksa-class Corvettes. We intend to bring more information as it becomes available.

[*]Retrovirus a 'non-issue', health minister states
[*]Kasperi's Deer population appears to be rebounding

Eventually, the other side came forth soon enough:

DEVELOPING

(Image)

Sunrisian And Rezuan Naval Clash Breaks Out Near The Isles Of Soril

State Of Emergency (Quarantine): Day 14

Active Cases: 21 (Being Treated)

Recovered: 3

LIVE BROADCAST

(Image)

(Image)

(Image)

A fleet of the Sunrisian Naval Forces on patrol in the international waters at the Northwestern Hemisphere, was assaulted by Rezuan warships deployed from its’ overseas colonial possession in the region – the Isles of Soril, also called the Sorilette Isles. Rezuan media presented it as Sunrisian incursion into the territorial waters of the Isles of Soril, to which our “trespassing ships”, carrier and accompanying ships included, were given a warning over a radio to turn back. The lack of response and ignoring of the warnings prompted a warning shot to be fired and that is when the Rezuan positions were unjustly hit by a missile in their own waters. Rezuan RIN Albatross was sunk, 8 were killed. Moreover, 12 are missing and 35 taken prisoner by us, according to what the Rezuan media presented as reality. Rezua’s Imperial President Audwin Celwan accused the Nationalist Republic of Sunrisia of an act of war and is now pushing demands for a meeting, an apology, reparations and a return of abducted crew members.

Minister of Security of the Nationalist Republic of Sunrisia Vîsár Inpétăs obviously had to address the issue:

“The other side’s account of what had happened is manipulative and alters certain details or keeps others out. Sunrisian positions faced Rezuan aggression, while on a legal patrol strictly in the international waters, wherever it might be in the world. We make sure not to trespass. It is just that a lot of countries had adopted this sneaky strategy to either expand their maritime boundaries more into international waters or keep them the same, but still throw trespass accusations to justify their pirate-style attacks. A lot of these empires also still possess their overseas territories and colonies to give them an excuse for increased international presence and power projection in other parts of the world, including military bases further away from their actual home. I am not talking about the territorial integrity of any country right now, I am just saying how it is. It is not even my function to address borders because that is for diplomats.

As for what happened near those isles, there was no trespass, there were no warning shots. That is fabricated information. Our service personnel in the navy came under attack straight up, while in the international waters, and acted in self-defense. They are always cautious, when patrolling near overseas possessions of Rhodeve Commonwealth countries or the Englean Kaiserreich. There is tension there every time because something could happened every time. This time it happened and our forces did what they had to.”

Minister of Security Vîsár Inpétăs ended his statement before he could be asked to comment if there were any Rezuans in Sunrisian custody.

Meanwhile, at the Convet, lawmakers from the Civic Nationalist Sovereignty Bloc party had something to say regarding this naval skirmish and not just them:

Member of the Civic Nationalist Sovereignty Bloc: “What an unpleasant coincidence. You know, this is the kind of time when we need to stay united, so I am just going to make this one final statement at the expense of our coalition partners at the Egress Alliance. Remember your statements undermining MDAA and SOWEFTA? And how we said specifically that this might provoke or tempt our enemies into testing us? Well, there you go. There is your example right here with what happened at the Sorilette Isles. However, thanks to the brave navy officers, the aggressor is made to think twice, thrice or more times before making their move, so our full trust and confidence bases itself on them these days.”

Emissary for Adversary Exchanges (EAE) of the Nationalist Republic of Sunrisia Esécăs Abstántâ had an indirect response to the demands of Rezua’s Imperial President. No names were mentioned:

“Sunrisia has nothing to apologize for. Our naval officers were unjustly attacked in the territorial waters by the forces of an empire that sees too much of this planet as its’ own backyard. They’re not the first, not the last, not the only one to have that kind of an attitude or outlook, because they see the world through their own unique goggles. It is true that 8 Rezuan officers were killed, however, if they had participated in the attack, then there is not anything else you can expect to happen to you. If they acted boisterously in a certain way and acted on their own understanding and conscious choice to harass our navy, then they got what was coming. If they were just pawns of the empire they work for and were “just following orders” and not acting independently or being fully sure of what they were doing, well these casualties are unfortunate.”

A lightning bolt can be expected simply from the weather outside. The thunder is mostly a clear indicator. However, when tension is building up somewhere, it is much less predictable. It seems like you can expect that the built-up tension will naturally cause cracks on the surface eventually, because just like any energy, tension cannot evaporate into the air. And yet, it is always difficult to guess or foresee the moment when that is going to happen, while still maintaining the realization in your mind, that it will. The relationship, which ranges between being tenuous and hostile, that exists between Nationalist Sunrisia and the countries of the Rhodeve Commonwealth like the Rezuan Empire, or, countries like the Englean Kaiserreich exclusively, resembles that metaphoric tension. The surface is cracking yet again. Will the structure collapse?

[Sunrisia]

Originally, it could have appeared that the armed skirmish resembled an isolated incident. It would not be the first and would not be the last such occurrence of an isolated military exchange. Often times even what appears to be an isolated incident could be a provocation to create a prolonged conflict, during which the provocateur might seek to win something. At other times, it might genuinely be an isolated exchange, where neither of the involved parties sought anything and soon returned to previous positions. However, in the case of the clash near the Sorilette Isles skirmish, it did not seem like this was, where the story would end.

On the next day, the Sunrisian media reported a second incident and the actions the government would be taking in response. It occurred near the island of Oblaren, belong to Oblaren and Vesvai. Similar to how the Rezuan side accused the Sunrisian side of the abduction of 35 Rezuan sailors officially in the first skirmish, the Sunrisian side now reported that 29 of its’ own navy officers were taken captive by Rezuan forces during the second clash near the island of Oblaren.

Orentan, Nationalist Republic of Sunrisia

Unlike the other side with its’ warnings and demands after the first incident, the Sunrisian side did not wait. While not officially confirming or denying the existence of 35 Rezuan sailors in Sunrisian custody, the Sunrisian government insisted that 29 Sunrisian navy officers were indeed taken captive. In response to that, the Convet of the Nationalist Republic of Sunrisia voted to impose an embargo on Rezua, which would exclude humanitarian-related exports to that country, like food, medicine, etc, especially in the current era of the virus epidemic. Sunrisia was already closed off from trade with Rezua de facto, even though there were no sanctions de jure. Now the non-existence of trade would be made de jure and not just de facto.

The vote on an embargo was the first legislation adopted by this Convet so unanimously. The lawmakers demonstrated their ability to be united in the face of a foreign threat, governing coalition and opposition alike. The legislation went to President Addél Dîlectên, after being adopted by MPs (or MCs) to be signed into law. The head of state, who is also the commander-in-chief, promised in an earlier statement he would sign the legislation “indefinitely.” However, the embargo legislation was not the only one that the Convet had prepped. After a National Defense Council meeting, reported by the Sunrisian media, but not transparently announced or confirmed by the Sunrisian government, the Convet now had a prepared legislation for a declaration of a state of war between Sunrisia and Rezua. In case that gets voted on, adopted and passed, the state of war would technically create a lot of conditions that would normally be stepping outside international law. For one, regarding those captured on both sides, they would now have the status of POWs.

The question now is if that second legislation will even be considered and if the Sunrisian side even needs this entire mess? Or will there be an advance straight towards a prisoner swap, now that both conflicting parties have something to exchange with each other and walk their separate ways again?

[New Vesvai]

Perloveu, New Vesvai

New Vesvai’s government didn’t give an official statement on what has been happening with Sunrisia and Rezua. Even after the sides fought each other around Oblaren there was still no reaction. Not even the Union of Oblaren and Vesvai reacted even if the clash happened right next to their territory. There now was a risk that the next clash could happen wherever in this part of the world. The next exchange could be near the island of Vesvai and that’s when New Vesvai could get affected too. Officials avoided causing panic in the media but were discussing strategic action nonetheless.

New Vesvai’s Deputy Prime Minister Nikau Pasvecal took the charge. He was still the head of government in the absence of Prime Minister Letago who was still in quarantine after returning from a SOWEFTA–New Vesvai meeting. He had contact with Sunrisians who have the Novell Ilness in their nation. PM Letago and New Vesvai’s delegates from that meeting agreed to self-isolate for an incubation period. Neither has reported symptoms so far. Their early tests were negative but they might soon take new ones to see how they are doing.

Deputy PM Nikau Pasvecal spoke in front of the Parliament of the crisis without the presence of journalists. He then initiated a meeting of himself and officials from the Ministry of the Vesvaian Revolutionary Army. They decided on an increased activity of the Vesvaian Revolutionary Navy to protect New Vesvai’s waters from all directions. This might be the only thing that the government considered to be more open about with the press. Other diplomatic statements would not be made but it was pretty much unanimous that New Vesvai sympathized with Sunrisia in this crisis. There just wouldn’t be any statements made about it because New Vesvai does not wish to become a party to this conflict unless it absolutely has to.

After Deputy PM Nikau Pasvecal and the Ministry of the Vesvaian Revolutionary Army agreed on their plan the head of government returned to the Parliament. Pasvecal told MPs of a plan for an increased protection of territorial waters and asked the Parliament to support it.

Coastline, New Vesvai

With parliamentary approval the Vesvaian Revolutionary Navy became more active in New Vesvai’s territorial waters and the nation’s sea borders. The vessels will be on patrol to make sure there are not spillovers into New Vesvai if the current conflict sparks up against anywhere close to the island of Vesvai.

[Talvistova]

TNS Queen Natalya, Talvistovan Response Fleet, Eastern Lutentian Ocean
The oceanic sun broke over the bow of the once crown jewel of the Royal Navy, the beloved 'Natty'. It had served with honor as the navy's flagship before the Admiral Jokinen was aqcuired from the Kaiserreich. Although it was no longer the main fighting ship, the presence of an Englean carrier on nearby Kleinaruscha had made bringing the Jokinen unnecessary, which meant it was once again Natty's time to shine. The fleet was now on it's second day, and after linking up with the TNS Sustainment, to help keep the 6 under prepared City of Karkksa corvettes running, and was making good on its time to make it to the rally point with the Rezuans. All of this was done with the simple open faced intention of assisting a fellow member of the SVDC against a foreign threat, but there was a sinking feeling among the ship commanders and the admiral on the Natalya that this was truly an attempt to re-establish Talvistova on the world stage as opposed to just Ventismar in more than just hockey and soccer.

Nationellakongressen, Ljustad
The debates had been raging since last night, and neither side showed signs of stopping. As per the usual, the pro-intervention Union Party was big into assisting a fellow ally in its fight against a foreigner, and the isolationist Talvistova First Party had dug in its heels on what it saw as a gross misuse of the King's power to control the military. The minor parties of the Democracy Now Party, as well as the Catholic Party had both declared neutrality, which meant both sides were very busy wooing labor union congressmen in order to carry on as usual, or be able to file a formal complaint against the King, depending on who won. But only one thing was for sure now: there would be very little sleep in the Riksdag for the forseeable future.

[West Zilveren Berg]

New Kengara, West Zilveren Berg

West Zilveren Berg has now taken on the role of the mediator between Sunrisia and Rezua that it offered. This task was assigned to Secretary of Foreign Affairs Aart Teuling, who is handling it as the head of West Zilveren diplomacy. He already passed on the message that Sunrisian Emissary for Adversary Exchanges Esécăs Abstántâ gave to pass to the Rezuan leadership. The Secretary was not asked to be discrete about it and pass it on straight to the recipient. Thus, he came out before the media one day and quoted or paraphrased what the Sunrisian Emissary was telling the Rezuan leadership.

On that day, Chief Secretary Faas Van Hoebeek met with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Aart Teuling after the message’s public disclosure. The two agreed that West Zilveren Berg would continue doing this as the mediator. The West Zilveren government was now awaiting for new messages to pass on. At the moment, it is was the turn of Rezua to respond to the propositions and conditions included in the Sunrisian messages.

[Sunrisia]

Lutentian Ocean, Northwestern Hemisphere

A burning military drone, or what was left of it, plummeted into the Lutentian Ocean like a falling star. Moments earlier, the sky briefly had a spark in it, also comparable to star-related phenomena in the sky. Unfortunately, these metaphors, while comparing what was happening to beautiful nature phenomena, were about something much more serious.

The spark in the sky was because of a shot fired from a Sunrisian warship at the drone, which it believed belonged to the military of Rezua. The drone was circling over the warship earlier. The crew on board did not take the risk of trying to find out whether it was an attack drone or a reconnaissance drone. In either case it was bad, according to them, because an attack drone could have struck the ships immediately. A reconnaissance drone could gather information for Rezuan forces, which they could have used for an incoming larger attack. So a decision was made to act quickly and take the target out. The drone was shot down. Its’ pieces that plummeted into the ocean and were heading for the bottom, were now sought to be fished out by the warship crew. Their plan was to keep the ocean from being polluted, as one of the reason, however, the crew also wanted to examine pieces of the destroyed drone to prove that this was a Rezuan drone, despite being confident of it themselves. The proof was more for any possible skeptics, so that the incident would not need theories to be created or so that the Rezuans would not have deniability.

After the crew onboard reached out to other warships in that geographical area to inform them of their confrontation with a Rezuan drone, other Sunrisian warships in the area soon headed in that location as reinforcements to their fellow military service personnel, especially in the same branch of the navy that they were in. This movement to reinforce the fellow warship that took down the Rezuan drone, was given a green light from the main command of the Sunrisian Defense Force (SDF) in direct contact with commander-in-chief President Addél Dîlectên back in Orentan, Sunrisia.

Orentan, Nationalist Republic of Sunrisia

The media in Sunrisia, large networks and smaller outlets, soon informed the country’s population of what had occurred in the Lutentian Ocean and how the Sunrisian Naval Forces took down a Rezuan drone that was “hanging out” near a single Sunrisian warship “too close for comfort” for the crew, which also motivated their decision to take it down. The Department of Security praised the actions of the crew on that warship. Emissary for Adversary Exchanges (EAE) of the Nationalist Republic of Sunrisia Esécăs Abstántâ had the tougher task of staying composed and announce, through grinding teeth, that the Sunrisian side will still go ahead with the first exchange of 12 Rezuan sailors for 12 Sunrisian navy officers, but added that the Dîlectên administration would not rest until all 29 Sunrisian navy officers are returned home safely from Rezuan captivity. The administration of the President has been repeating that more frequently over the growing pressure from citizens to bring back all captive Sunrisians home and also over pressure from the Convet, which is pushing the administration to achieve this by any means. Of course, parties in the Convet itself, have different approaches on how to do it, including diplomatic and military ones aimed at Rezua.

[Engleberg]

It was the moment that the nation had been waiting for, an armed conflict between a nation allied to the Empire and Sunrisia. For years it had been hoped for that this situation would occur, so the Empire would not have to become involved through its own means and appear to be an aggressor state in the conflict. Since the end of the Cold War ended and Librira became less of an immediate threat, the nation went without an organised enemy. This changed, however, in the 21st Century with the beginning of low relations with the nation of Sunrisia in Corentia. Further animosity developed when the Weniges incident occurred, which saw the neighbouring nation (and former colony) Daredland split between multiple secessionist states. The Kaiserreich, through Kleinaruscha, had immediately worked to assist this state from military repercussions through the recognition of its sovereignty. Sunrisia, and the MDAA, then became involved through the support of Daredland. Since this event, the two nations have been consistently "butting heads" in the region.

As with the normal militaristic nature of the Englean General Staff, multiple ways of dealing with the Sunrisian problem have been created within the past few years. However, many of these plans involved direct action on the part of the Kaiserreich and were denied by the Emperor who wished to keep the nation's international reputation clean. Thus began the period in which not much would happen between the nations, nicknamed by field officers as the "_Sitzkrieg_" (Sitting War).

Now things have changed. While Sunrisia is known for its confrontational and expansionist nature, many incidents between it and other major powers usually amounted to nothing due to the nature of the events as relatively mild. This engagement between Sunrisian and Rezuan forces, however, was an act of war. Prisoners taken and ships destroyed. Much like Sunrisia, the Rezuan Empire itself was a part of a defensive alliance (although it has been argued that the MDAA is anything but defensive) that called upon other military members to defend a member if they are attacked. Of course this portion of the alliance had been designed for a united defence against a Cold War Libriran offensive, it now applied to situations such as this. It was now time to lock and load, as some would say.


Siegesplatz, Engelberg

As the monarch of the Englean Empire, SIegfried was delegated the powers of head of state, government, and military. In the 21st Century, this was a very uncommon practice due to many nations transitioning to more democratic systems that would see these powers delegated to multiple individuals. However, the system has been improved so much during the 1,145 years since the founding of the Empire that it has been wholly unnecessary. Because of his status, the Emperor hears about everything that is happening around the world and within the nation. By the time the meeting that was scheduled for today occurs, he would have already been well aware of the situation. However, now it was time to hear the formal proposition from his generals as to how they wish to proceed.

Standing in his office looking over the river Litz, the young monarch observed the action of the water as it flowed into the city. It was the remaining peace that would be seen by the man, as he knew what was coming soon. The peace would be broken by the entrance of an officer of the Imperial Guard, who stated that two men had arrived for him. "Yes, yes, let them in," he stated to the officer. Not a moment later, two men entered through the doorway. Dressed in uniforms adorned with medals and decorations, it was apparent that these were officers of the Imperial General Staff. As per tradition in the armed forces, both men quickly tapped their heels as a salute to the monarch. Both men were dressed in uniforms of the Imperial Navy, with one being of an admiral and the other of a vice-admiral, and carried their dress hats under their arms. "Your majesty, the naval command has concluded its planning and are ready for your approval." They then handed the emperor a folder with various documents within. The plan was to assist the fleets of Rezua and Talvistova in the Lutentian through the deployment of the III. Flugzeugträgerkampfgruppe, led by the carrier SMS Lüderitz currently in exercises off the coast of Kleinaruscha. It had been determined that this combined fleet would be sufficient to counter Sunrisian forces in the area, especially when combined with allied fleets. The area in which the current conflict resided was also the area in which the group was due to traverse anyway, in order to reach a scheduled stop in Rhodevus. Due to the location of the III. FzTKG, it would be beneficial as they would be approaching Sunrisian vessels from behind as a form of pincer movement. Vessels of the Kleinaruschan Republican Navy would act as shadows to Sunrisian vessels, as Kleinaruscha did not wish to enter into hostilities with Sunrisia due to its location on the border.

After looking through the plans, he decided it was the best approach at the time. "You have my approval gentlemen, but do take care of those vessels. I do not want them wasted as if they were easily expendable vessels of the last world war."

[West Zilveren Berg]

New Kengara, West Zilveren Berg

At a government meeting, Chief Secretary Faas Van Hoebeek told the rest of the Cabinet of Ministers that West Zilveren Berg was ready to host a meeting between the warring sides, if they were to switch to direct diplomatic dialogue. Right now, West Zilveren Berg acts accordingly to the mediator position it has assumed. However, with a clear bias in favor of Sunrisia due to a special relationship with that country, West Zilveren Berg is more appropriately a messenger rather than a neutral messenger.

The Chief Secretary singled out Secretary of Foreign Affairs Aart Teuling, who, as head of West Zilveren diplomacy, was responsible for handling West Zilveren Berg’s messenger role in helping create communication between both sides. The Foreign Secretary was told to keep transferring Sunrisian messages to the Rezuans. Recently, it has been very quiet and no new messages have been sent. Most likely, this has been related to the drone incident that had just happened. Therefore, the Foreign Secretary was told to reach out to Sunrisia as well, in order to probably convince them to keep the dialogue going, instead of cutting communication off via West Zilveren Berg.

[Sunrisia]

Lutentian Ocean, Northwestern Hemisphere

2 military drones were flying over the Lutentian Ocean in Sunalaya’s Northwestern Hemisphere. The soldiers operating them were cautious of Talvistovan and Englean naval presence in the region, which has increased since this whole thing started. However, their primary lookout was the main adversary in this conflict, which was Rezua. 1 of 2 military drones was for reconnaissance, while the other was an armed attack drone, which was sent alongside reconnaissance drone as an escort and protection for both drones. In case of an attack from land or from the same level that the drones were on – air, the armed drone was supposed to ensure a counter-attack. Unfortunately for the Sunrisian Military, it had not succeeded in this objective.

Suddenly, the attack drone was hit by an attack that came from the land level and an attack, which came out of nowhere. The hit drone lit up in the sky like a shining started and headed down, while the reconnaissance drone was moved away further from the hit attack drone. The burning attack drone now resembled not just a shining star, but a falling one, which was now heading down. The hit attack drone could land in the ocean or on the nearest dry land, which would naturally be under the sovereignty of some country, as there is not a lot of unclaimed land left out there.

Meanwhile, rather than keeping the reconnaissance drone on location, the decision was made to move it in the opposite direction for now, but not entirely withdraw it back to base from where it was launched. The moving of the drone in another location was obviously done to avoid it getting hit like the attack drone was. The strategy now was to have the reconnaissance drone continue its’ mission on its; own, when there is a safe opening again, or send it back on its’ mission with new protection. The approach would have to be recalculated, taking into account the fact that both drones were expected not to be all that visible to the enemy and blend into the sky. However, the enemy did manage to trace them out and take one of them down.

There was a responsive measure being discussed in the ranks of the Sunrisian Naval Forces, which was to send a smaller fleet in that direction of the Northwestern Hemisphere as a signal of refusal to step back after the attack drone was shot down as another move towards an attempt to intimidate. The skeptics of this idea simply called upon the proponents to consider the increase of a naval confrontation it would create not just with the Rezuans, but also with the Talvistovans and with the Engleans at a close proximity. However, rather than seeing this as a warning, the proponents described it as a pursued goal and also partially as strategic power projection. There was also a separate faction in the proponent camp, which said that their preference would be to deploy a fleet of unmanned warships, however, there were only prototypes, not yet ready for service, available for the Sunrisian Naval Forces and not in the kind of numbers that would be enough to assemble a decent-size fleet.

[West Zilveren Berg]

New Kengara, West Zilveren Berg

Chief Secretary Faas Van Hoebeek and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Aart Teuling were in the office of the Chief Secretary in a personal meeting. They were conversing about the conflict between Sunrisia and Rezua, and West Zilveren Berg’s role as either a mediator or a messenger of Sunrisia to Rezua, since the Sunrisian government is not engaging with the Rezuan leadership directly. This particular conflict is not a hot all-out war between the parties, but it was not quite a cold war either. It was an active series of military engagements that sparked up at any random part of the Hemisphere at any random moment. Any such further clash could lead to an all-out hot war at any moment.

The West Zilveren government feared that perspective as a country in the Hemisphere. West Zilveren Berg originally offered itself as a mediator to fortify its’ neutral and non-aligned status in international politics, but the country evolved more into Sunrisia’s messenger, which helped keep up the diplomatic dialogue. That was because of West Zilveren Berg’s clear pro-Sunrisian attitudes duo to all of Sunrisia’s help to West Zilveren statehood and well-being of its’ citizens. After Sunrisian navy officers ended up abducted during the conflict, West Zilveren Berg did not want to see that happen to any more Sunrisians, not to mention having any Sunrisians hurt or killed during these periodical clashes or an all-out war that could escalate.

Fearing an all-out war for West Zilveren Berg as a country in the Hemisphere was natural, because it could reach its’ territory. There was also the factor of the Security Treaty with Sunrisia, according to which West Zilveren Berg receives Sunrisian military protection, while West Zilveren Berg gives Sunrisia non-combat military aid of whatever type. West Zilveren peacekeepers are currently part of the Sunrisian-led ACREFOR peacekeeping mission in the Haspera region of Daredland, which is another ally of West Zilveren Berg in the Council of 3. However, in case of a larger conflict, there is no ruling out that West Zilveren Berg could be dragged into fighting on Sunrisia’s side or just fighting for its’ own defense, in case the war escalates and affects this entire part of the world.

Chief Secretary Faas Van Hoebeek asked Secretary of Foreign Affairs Aart Teuling to reach out to the Sunrisian government after the most recent shoot-down of a Sunrisian drone by the Rezuans and see if the stagnating diplomatic process can continue.

[Sunrisia]

Near the Isles of Soril, Lutentian Ocean, Northwestern Hemisphere

6 Sunrisian warships approached Rezua’s Isles of Soril closer. The Sunrisian Naval Forces had not yet deployed an additional fleet to the Lutentian Ocean, which was a move debated between the Sunrisian government and military as one of the responses to the shoot-down of a Sunrisian drone by the Rezuans. For now, a different approach was decided on. The warships that were already on location, would retaliate for the drone destruction. Using careful reconnaissance, to avoid another drone shoot-down, along with intelligence gathering and spy techniques, the Sunrisian Defense Force (SDF) has singled out several targets on the territory of the Isles of Soril. They were of military category could serve a strategic purpose for the enemy, but they also were not the ones that saw frequent human presence there. The Sunrisian Military wanted a symbolic strike on targets in the Isles of Soril, but without fatalities, since this would be a retaliation for the destruction of a lifeless machine that the drone is, thus the other side did not deserve blood for a single drone. 6 Sunrisian warships launched cruise missiles one after another, aimed for U-boat bases in the Isles of Soril. In case the Rezuan side decides to retaliate against the warships for this limited strike, that is when the SDF command would propose that commander-in-chief President Addél Dîlectên would send in a fresh fleet to reinforce those 6 warships in the Northwestern Hemisphere that launched these cruise missile strikes.

[Rezua]

Bechett Airfield and Surrounding Air Space

"This is Tower. You are cleared for take-off. Hit 'em hard Sentinel."

"Copy, have lunch ready when I'm back. Ham and cheese."

The rumble of the airplane going down the runway was soon followed by the whoosh of becoming airborne. Runaway soon was joined by trees. The trees swallowed up the runaway, only to be over-shadowed by sand. Roads snaked around, the cars on them became dots. Buildings were swept away almost as fast as they appeared. Then all there was below was the ocean. Christina breathed in, unable to smell the sea not physically. But she could smell it in her heart, in her memory. It was a part of her, much as the feeling of flight had become part of her too. In Rhodevus, Christina had learned to love the sea. Sierra had taught her how to sail. It was on one of the trips Sierra had dragged Flight LO-01 to the beach with her. The Princess Squadron. It had taken many trips after that one, but it was there that Christina pushed a sailboat out to sea with her friends. All that remained of them was Sierra. They sailed when they could, when country and family could wait. Flying would not be completely replaced, but there was a certain laziness that Christina enjoyed about sailing. Today was about being able to step back for awhile, as good as it was to fly in a Kestrel again. Gone was the girl looking for purpose, throwing caution into the wind using a multi-million Rusig warplane. Now was the time to pass on her knowledge.

Once at cruising attitude, Christina addressed her students, "Look at that everyone, no one forgot to pull up this time." She smiled, recalling the then-worrying moment when Gambit had been too slow on the ascent and had to quickly abort the attempt and start over. He'd been fine, a bit shaken from it though. Christina looked over her shoulder, as if she could she his face.

"You know what they say Sentinel. The student never fails, it's the teacher who failed." Gambit chirped back. He sounded like is usual cheerful self, though a bit nervous about today's mission. He was from Kurzera, dark skinned and broad shouldered. Gambit was almost unable to be a pilot, if he was an inch taller he wouldn't fit into the planes. Christina was not one for keeping up formalities anymore. She had quickly taught her students that the first rule to flying was to get the stick out of your ass. Many believed the military had to be a strict hierarchy, but Christina wasn’t fond of being saluted. Respect each other, respect your commander, and don't be afraid of making conversation with either. You could make stronger bonds with people you knew than just "fellow soldiers". That was the key to the Winged Lilies. They weren't just coutnrytmen, they were friends. In unity there was strength, in friendship there was the power to overcome anything. Christina knew that firsthand.

Christina responded to the young pilot, "If you’re my only failure I would consider that a success. Letting you fly a Kestrel permanently would be expensive." Before the conversation continued, Christina returned to business, "Now then, allow me to read out your callsigns so we know we didn't leave any ducklings behind. Wrangler, Caravan, Citadel, Gambit, and of course me, Sentinel. Wonderful. Now listen up students. Today I'm taking you on a combat mission. You knew this. However, I know that you're all still in some degree of training. This is fine. I want this to be a learning experience for you. When I was eighteen, I learned to fly and to fight. I went into King James' War cold. Today, I want to give you a little bit of experience so you're better prepared than I was. This is why you're flying Kestrels, our nation's best warplanes. You have the chance to learn while relatively safe against a simple drone. Make no mistake though, a drone can be dangerous. This particular drone is not designed for dog-fighting but can still fight back. I have a scar that runs the length of my thigh from a clash I had with a Kiezan death drone in 2015. Don't underestimate the enemy. Stick close to me when we make our pass, I will be able to protect you should the need arise. That said, do not rely on me. I will not be with you when you become part of a wing. Rely on yourselves, rely on your wingmate."

"Sorry to interrupt Sentinel but, I've got something on radar" said Caravan. She was the oldest of the bunch of students and quite bright when it came to aerial combat. While unassuming in build on the ground, up here, she was probably the most deadly after Christina. She would become a wing leader one day, Christina had no doubt about it. "I've got it too Caravan" replied Wrangler. A moment later from Citadel, "Me too."

"Excellent, you've found an enemy drone." Christina said, "Time for step two, pull up over the drone. Don't get any closer, for all it knows we're on a patrol. Besides, my usual Kestrel is still on the run-away. I bet they'll be too focused eyeing that up." Christina banked left and then up, moving away and up from the drone. Her students followed suit, climbing over the drone but maintaining the range of their weapons systems. Once above the drone, they formed up into a wedge with Christina at the front. "Now that it's attack time what do you think we should do?" Christina asked. Citadel answered first, "Strike it from range." The princess rejected that idea, "If it wasn't on route to blowup our base then sure. But missiles don't always hit, and it might have counter-measures." Another student - Caravan - proposed a new idea "We'll attack from above, using long range attacks. We'll have two pilots break off, one right and one left. They'll use short range missiles to get the drone if it evades the first attack." In response, Christina moved away from the lead spot "Take it from here Caravan." she said.

Caravan took point, Christina and Citadel on either side. "I have the drone in sight, Sentinel and Citadel stay with me. Gambit, go left, Wrangler go right." The planes moved into position, the three in the center locked onto the drone with their missiles. There was a slight hesitation as Caravan waited for Christina to confirm the order to attack. She gave a simple response, "Fire."

Three missiles screamed at the drone from above. As Christina had expected, the drone fired countermeasures and dove down, trying to get closer to the sea. Christina rolled after it, trying to lock on again. "Wrangler join the chase!" Caravan said, gunning past Christina in an attempt to close in on the drone. The drone turned quickly, making Caravan overshoot completely. Christina turned with the drone, however, still trying to get it in a lock-on. If the drone reached the sea, it would be too risky for a manned craft to follow, because a drone was expendable and a pilot was not. If the ocean swept away the drone, it was basically dead anyway. If it took a Rezuan with it as they stupidly followed too close to the ocean, even better for the Sunrisians. The drone turned again, moving out of Christina's aiming system again. And then Christina saw a missile shoot after it. "I'm right after it." Gambit said, appearing from underneath the diving drone. He pulled up and away just as his missile collided with it, destroying it.

Off the Coast of Fargan Isle

With news of the destruction of the drone, the small fleet moved in to engage the Sunrisian carrier. Captain Bren Carlso of the RIN Vigilant turned his attention to the ship's internal radio. He cleared his throat and pressed a button. "Crew, we are about to make contact with the enemy. Remain in battle stations after we have hit their carrier and have pulled safely back into our own waters."

The Vigilant turned out to sea and increased speed. On sonar, the sight of the Sunrisians was clear and their path had remained unaltered. They had seen the Rezuans too, but the Rezuans had taken steps to keep their attack a surprise. Each Rezuan warship was spread out, much more so than any regular fleet would have done. Additionally, each ship kept to a set patrol route they had been given. Yet each ship's route was so carefully planned that they would all be equidistant from the Sunrisians at the exact same time.

With the Vigilant in attack position, Bren called to the other ships on a secured line "This is Captain Carslo, the Vigilant is in attack position. I'm ready to fire." He waited to hear in from the other six warships before he gave the order to fire. Already prepared for such an order, Weapons Calculations had already targeted the Sunrisian carrier. In total, each warship would be firing multiple missiles at the carrier, with orders to knock out escorts if possible. A blip on the radar alerted Captain Carslo that the Winged Lilies had joined the fray, drawing the fire and attention of the carrier. Now was the time. "Open fire, take out that carrier." Bren ordered sternly. The sight of a missile ejecting from the bow sent smoke in front of the bridge and a loud roar. Bren watched it go, hoping it made its mark. Then he turned his attention to a countdown screen. Two minutes. Then he had to escape. More missiles left his ship but Carlso was focused on the time. Just as he ordered his ship to withdraw, an alarm went off.

"Sir, enemy missile headed right for us." one of the officers said. Bren acted quickly, "Turn us thirty degrees to port and keep us going toward home. Let our defenses on that side have more time to handle it." The Vigilant turned, its close-in-weapons system came to life, barrels spinning as it prepared to fire. The Sunrisian missile began its descend, jetting towards the warship. Then the missile defense opened fire, firing a stream of bullets into the projected path of the missile. For a tense few seconds the missile kept screaming towards the Rezuans before it ignited in a spectacular spray of fire and metal. The Vigilant had done its job and was on its way back to port.

[Sunrisia]

The Prisoner Exchange – Sunrisian News Coverage

DEVELOPING

(Image)

Sunrisia And Rezua Finally Exchange Prisoners: 15 Of 29 Sunrisian Prisoners Diagnosed With Either RETRIT-20 Or PVAX-20 After Being Returned

National Quarantine

Active Cases: 26 (+15) (Being Treated)

Recovered: 14

LIVE BROADCAST

(Image)

Despite National Quarantine, a “socially-distanced” crowd of Sunrisians from all walks of life gathered to welcome the returned Sunrisian prisoners.

The nation is rejoicing. With the diplomatic help of West Zilveren Berg as our country’s messenger, the Nationalist Republic of Sunrisia has returned our 29 navy officers from Rezuan captivity. The exchange between the parties to the conflict happened in the Lutentian Ocean, in a neutral area half-way between Northwestern and Southwestern Hemispheres. Sunrisian soldiers gave 35 Rezuan prisoners back to their own military on a Rezuan boat. The Rezuan prisoners were provided with respirators, gloves and had their hands disinfected due to the RETRIT-20/PVAX-20 pandemic prior to being passed on to their own team. The other side gave back the 29 Sunrisian navy officers over to our military on a Sunrisian boat in the same matter. The ships turned their separate ways in the opposite directions after the transaction, or more appropriately an exchange, happened. The exchange itself was conducted by unarmed navy ships on both sides, although combat warships were not too far behind, watching the ordeal in case of anything. But the cold exchanging of prisoners happened without excesses from start to finish.

The arrival of 29 Sunrisian prisoners at an eastern port in Sunrisia was welcomed by President Addél Dîlectên, Vice President Césâ Gáûdĕr, Minister of Security of the Nationalist Republic of Sunrisia Vîsár Inpétăs, Minister of International Relations of the Nationalist Republic of Sunrisia Vénî Adsécĕr, other members of the Cabinet of Ministers, Speaker of the Convet of the Nationalist Republic of Sunrisia Flórên Infána, and a large crowd of Sunrisian civilians, journalists, activists, celebrities, clergy of various Sunrisian religions and many other social groups in the country. The authorities were present to make sure it was a “socially-distanced crowd”, even though it was still risky to have such a large gathering of people during a pandemic and an active National Quarantine.

The welcomed heroes were later taken to military medical facilities, where they were all checked for RETRIT-20 and PVAX-20, as many of them had symptoms of either. Unfortunately, 15 of the navy officers have tested positive for either RETRIT-20 or PVAX-20. More than half of the total number of prisoners, which is 29. They will be undergoing treatment in those same facilities, where 14 individuals have already been cured and others are also undergoing treatment. With 15 navy officers testing positive for viruses, the total number of cases in the country has risen up to 26, but they are expected to be aided in recovery like those before them have been. The 14 officers that have not tested positive, will undergo an incubation period due to contact with their infected colleagues, while being given medical aid and rest after having finally been freed from foreign imprisonment.

Even if not everyone is in the best of shape, today is the day of celebration in Sunrisia, because all our captured navy officers have finally been returned home and Sunrisian citizens are commemorating this as a joyous occasion, since the nation was pressuring the Sunrisian government and the hostile foreign power holding those officers prisoner, to release them and bring them home. That demand and stubbornness, even during a pandemic, has achieved all pursued results.