Chasity Day [Earth II]

[Achesia]

June 25th, 2010

Official Statement of the Populous Concilium of the Liberal Union of New Europa

It is a glorious day in the Union today as this past year has brought great prosperity to the people of Brazil as it has seen a new life under our flag. The people of these lands enjoy new freedoms everyday and enjoy a richer and more pure way of life than the fearful terror they experienced under anarchy. This Union has stood strong under the harshest of circumstances and fought against the most sinister of enemies who sought to sap the very purity from our young women and the very essence of our lands. Under this nation we will all remain strong for a thousand years, and beyond that we will triumph by the hand of God. Today marks a turning point in or efforts as it is six months since the last Commonwealths came into our Union through their liberation in the War of the Maiden. Therefore this June 25th shale forever is marked as Chastity Day, a day that will mark the liberation of our Union.

On the heels of this celebration we also must make further decisions to ensure that our Union shall remain strong through the years. These decisions are hard in times when we the people wish that we can live only in peace; however sometimes military action is the only viable course that can be taken by a nation in its defense. In this spirit- and by consent of the Populus Concilium- let it be known that the Liberal Union of New Europa formally annexes the South Shetland Islands. These islands are vital to the national security of the Union and will serve as our southern most military platforms where they will protect and guard the Drake Passage from foreign military aggression. This endeavor to guard the passage will be under taken with our long time allies the United Provinces of Bavin. The world must know that in taking this action our two nations wish to protect our people from harm, not cause international strife. Commercial traffic will be uninhibited in their passage; only military traffic will be scrutinized. We hope that in this spirit we can all understand the reason for our actions. Have a blessed day and God be with you all on this our first Chastity Day.

[Signed]
Wilson Ethelbert, Chairman (LP)
Populus Concilium

[Bavin]

Ronaldo Air Base

The F-109 came down with a jolt on the runway, and began to taxi towards a row of hangers. This fighter was the last to arrive as the base was being turned over from the Pynholtek Navy to the Bavinese Air Force. This was the last base to be turned over, and was the southernmost BAF base, and one of the farthest south in the world. With the Union, as the LUNE was known in Bavin, in control of the South Shetlands, Ronaldo stood to be part of a two-base team that could deny the Drake passage to any hostile battlegroup, whether they be Motoan or Layartebian. This was certainly a potent move by the SATO powers; effectivly cutting off a key transit route from Stanley to the Pacific, forcing the Layartebians to go the long way round. In addition, the Motoan were now completly cut off from the Atlantic unless they went through the Layartebian dominated Indian Ocean.

The United Provinces hearby gives its full support to the Liberal Union's annexation of the South Shetland Islands, and gives its approval of any actions taken towards that end. In addition, the United Provinces supports the Liberal Union's closure of the Drake Passage to unapproved military traffic for the security of all South America. To that end, the United Provinces pledges full military support to the Liberal Union, and will assist in opposing any violators.

[Layarteb]

Official Communique

Priority: High
Recipient: Global Community
Origin: Empire of Layarteb, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Classification Level: Confidential
Subject: Drake Passage


The Empire has received and noted the announcement of the Liberal Union of New Europa concerning the closure of the Drake Passage to military vessels. The Empire will not respect nor honor this declaration. The South Shetland Islands lie no less than nine hundred and forty kilometers away from the Falkland Islands, sovereign, Layartebian territory. This is water clearly defined as international waters and an international passage. The Liberal Union of New Europa has claimed territorial waters out to twelve nautical miles or twenty-two kilometers, which we respect. Any attempt to impede military traffic of the Empire passing through the Drake Passage, through territories not previously declared by the Liberal Union of New Europa will be considered a violation of the Doctrine of Sovereignty.

Sincerely,
The Minister of Foreign Affairs

Classification Levels

Standard: Standard classification is the normal level of encryption. It uses 512-bit RSA encryption methods and has several key ciphers that change unpredictably.

Confidential: Confidential classification uses 1024-bit RSA encryption and several key ciphers within them that change unpredictably to ensure that message traffic is not hacked or decoded. Access to said messages would require heavy cracking software and significant resources but it is not "uncrackable."

Secure: Secure communiques use 2048-bit RSA encryption and multiple key ciphers within it to ensure that cracking it would take such a significant amount of time to accomplish that, should it be done, the message's usefulness would have already expired. Though anything is crackable, because of the methods employed, this level is often considered "uncrackable" by current capabilities. To ensure revolving protecting, ciphers and encryption algorithms will change unpredictably. This level is sufficient until 2030.

Encrypted: Encrypted classification uses 3072-bit RSA encryption and multiple key ciphers that change unpredictably. It can provide protection past 2030.

Maximum: Maximum classification is the highest level of classification available. It uses 15360-bit RSA encryption and multiple key ciphers that change unpredictably. It was previously experimental but now is recognized as maximum.

[Hi No Moto]

OOC: Bavin my nations demonym is Hi No Moton. It is not Hi No Motoan and never has been. Please stop calling it that.

Foreign Office of The Greater Empire of Hi No Moto

To: Liberal Union of New Europa
Encryption: Medium
Importance: High

The Greater Empire of Hi No Moto has received the recent announcement made by the Liberal Union of New Europa and has concluded that the text referring to the status of the Drake Passage is ludicrous. The Empire of Hi No Moto will not respect this declaration made by the Liberal Union and if need be will not hesitate to use military force to safeguard its right to travel through international waters.

The Empire requests that the Liberal Union revise this declaration and make its claims over the Drake Passage void. The right to travel through international waters is one of the few unofficial laws that have held strong for many years and we would hope that you respect this.

Minister of Foreign Affairs

[The Four Heatons]

TO: The Liberal Union of New Europa

Subject: Drake Passage

Encryption Level: Secure

The United Federation has received the annoucement regarding Drake Passage, and we have deemed it neccisery to make the following statement to you, regarding this action.

The area in question is large, much larger than your nations claimed Territorial Waters, which over course the United Federation will respect. The closing of the Drake Passage however effectivly cuts of the Atlantic from those in the pacific, and being international waters, this cannot be accepted.

Therefore, when it is required, United Federation Military vessels will continue to use that passage to make it's way to wherever it has to be. We will not hesitate to use force to protect our vessels and personnel as they travel. Any attack on United Federation Military forces traversing this passage, will be considered an act of war.

[Layarteb]

June 26, 2010 - 08:00 [UTC-4]
Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

Operation FREE PASSAGE was only moments from being underway. FREE PASSAGE was an operation that the Empire had put on the shelf years earlier. It was to coincide with the Doctrine of Sovereignty and challenge any excessive, maritime, territorial claims. The Empire claimed twenty-four nautical miles and could respect claims up to forty-eight nautical miles. Anything more an the Empire would be issuing challenges. The aim of FREE PASSAGE was as simple as its name, to provide free passage through international waters for all civilian and military traffic. With the European claim over the entire Drake Passage, FREE PASSAGE was quickly ripped off the shelves and dusted off, ready for action. The Drake Passage was the main passage that ships took to reach the Falkland Islands from the Pacific Ocean and, as such, it was crucial to the Empire to have it open. Any attempt to close it off was definitely going to be challenged and while that was expected to come from the Bavinese, it mattered not. The actions were the same, regardless of who was doing the deed. FREE PASSAGE called for a simple transit, through "closed waters" by a small force. If that small force went unopposed, it would invalidate the closure worldwide and, if it were opposed, a larger force would transit, a force capable of attacking. Depending on how the opposition was made, the initial force could fire back, eliminating its enemy. It was going to be no surprise either that this was to be done. The Empire had already made its announcement to the world that it opposed the closure and now, it would not make it a secret that it was going to challenge it. In broad daylight, for all spies and satellites to sea, three naval vessels from Port Stanley would be leaving, an Acheron class destroyer, a Verrazano class ASW destroyer, and a Virginia Flight II class attack submarine. They would transit south, five hundred and fifty-eight nautical miles, into the Drake Passage, at 59°30' S and 64° 0' W. That was about two hundred nautical miles from the South Shetland Islands, well beyond the LUNE's declared, twelve nautical mile territorial boundary.

The ships would depart port at 08:30 hours, local time, fully loaded with supplies, and weaponry. Once they got into the open sea, they would run their speed up to fifteen knots, making their transit a little over thirty-eight hours. The submarine would dive and patrol underneath the choppy, wintry seas of the Drake Passage while the Acheron searched for surface and aerial targets. The Verrazano would be tasked mainly with anti-submarine warfare but also anti-surface warfare. The Verrazano would also be carrying the new RUM-250 Avenger, a long-range, anti-submarine rocket that carried a single, Mark 50 Barracuda torpedo as far out as one hundred and twenty-five miles. Using a staggered patrol, all three vessels would be far enough away from each other that they could expand their coverage but close enough that they could all defend each other. The submarine would carry a combined load of cruise missiles, Avenger SUBROCs, and torpedoes. The surface ships would be able to carry a wide array of weaponry. By themselves, they weren't capable of fighting off a carrier battle group but they could severely cripple a carrier, even sink it if they had to, using the powerful, long-range, RGM-239 Vampire missile. Not far away, operating in the South Atlantic, was a small patrol consisting of a single, Venom class missile boat and her escort, a Hunter class attack submarine. Normally, they would be on station to attack the Bavinese but now, things were a bit different. A similar patrol was operating in the Pacific as well, close enough to South America to be a potent foe.

[Achesia]

July 26, 2010 - 08:00 [UTC-4]
Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

Operation FREE PASSAGE was only moments from being underway. FREE PASSAGE was an operation that the Empire had put on the shelf years earlier. It was to coincide with the Doctrine of Sovereignty and challenge any excessive, maritime, territorial claims. The Empire claimed twenty-four nautical miles and could respect claims up to forty-eight nautical miles. Anything more an the Empire would be issuing challenges. The aim of FREE PASSAGE was as simple as its name, to provide free passage through international waters for all civilian and military traffic. With the European claim over the entire Drake Passage, FREE PASSAGE was quickly ripped off the shelves and dusted off, ready for action. The Drake Passage was the main passage that ships took to reach the Falkland Islands from the Pacific Ocean and, as such, it was crucial to the Empire to have it open. Any attempt to close it off was definitely going to be challenged and while that was expected to come from the Bavinese, it mattered not. The actions were the same, regardless of who was doing the deed. FREE PASSAGE called for a simple transit, through "closed waters" by a small force. If that small force went unopposed, it would invalidate the closure worldwide and, if it were opposed, a larger force would transit, a force capable of attacking. Depending on how the opposition was made, the initial force could fire back, eliminating its enemy. It was going to be no surprise either that this was to be done. The Empire had already made its announcement to the world that it opposed the closure and now, it would not make it a secret that it was going to challenge it. In broad daylight, for all spies and satellites to sea, three naval vessels from Port Stanley would be leaving, an Acheron class destroyer, a Verrazano class ASW destroyer, and a Virginia Flight II class attack submarine. They would transit south, five hundred and fifty-eight nautical miles, into the Drake Passage, at 59°30' S and 64° 0' W. That was about two hundred nautical miles from the South Shetland Islands, well beyond the LUNE's declared, twelve nautical mile territorial boundary.

The ships would depart port at 08:30 hours, local time, fully loaded with supplies, and weaponry. Once they got into the open sea, they would run their speed up to fifteen knots, making their transit a little over thirty-eight hours. The submarine would dive and patrol underneath the choppy, wintry seas of the Drake Passage while the Acheron searched for surface and aerial targets. The Verrazano would be tasked mainly with anti-submarine warfare but also anti-surface warfare. The Verrazano would also be carrying the new RUM-250 Avenger, a long-range, anti-submarine rocket that carried a single, Mark 50 Barracuda torpedo as far out as one hundred and twenty-five miles. Using a staggered patrol, all three vessels would be far enough away from each other that they could expand their coverage but close enough that they could all defend each other. The submarine would carry a combined load of cruise missiles, Avenger SUBROCs, and torpedoes. The surface ships would be able to carry a wide array of weaponry. By themselves, they weren't capable of fighting off a carrier battle group but they could severely cripple a carrier, even sink it if they had to, using the powerful, long-range, RGM-239 Vampire missile. Not far away, operating in the South Atlantic, was a small patrol consisting of a single, Venom class missile boat and her escort, a Hunter class attack submarine. Normally, they would be on station to attack the Bavinese but now, things were a bit different. A similar patrol was operating in the Pacific as well, close enough to South America to be a potent foe.

OOC: Why does it say July 26th? The claim started the 25th of June, and I havnt even had a chance to get ships down there. Your time line is moving a bit fast....

EDIT: Oh shit, nvm thats my fault there was a typo in my first post, that is ment to say June.

[Achesia]

Task Force Natal, South Shetland Islands, South Atlantic Ocean, June 29th, 2010, 0945 Hours

The South Shetland Islands are an island chain containing twenty one islands that stretch over three hundred miles across the southern Atlantic Ocean just north of the Antarctic wastes. The islands themselves are uninhabited by any human settlements, the only residence of these barren islands are those of the international research teams that many nations have sent over the years to study the arctic conditions and conduct many science experiments. Today however, a great power would come to lay its hand over the small island chain. The Liberal Union of New Europa with their announcement just four days ago have started international controversy by laying claim Shetland Islands and positioning themselves as the Drake Passage Police, and monitor of all military traffic. This claim has sparked the anger of many nations world wide due to their non alignment with the Liberal Union and their fears that with its new tenants the Drake Passage would be closed to them outright.

The first objective of the Liberal Union however would be to secure the long stretch of islands in the deep south Atlantic. This job would be an easy one to say the least as the human population of the islands is almost null. The most resistance that the Task Force dubbed “Natal”- after the flag ship a Brazil Class LPD- should encounter would be the frigid arctic winds and large chunks of ice that float around in the southern waters. Prepared for all contingencies however the task force arrived in the Shetlands just four days after the announcement was made. Consisting of ships from the 1st Liberal Naval Fleet, it boasted two Tenacious Class DDG’s- the LNS Trotter and the LNS Service- One Tigershark Class AA FFG- the LNS Rio Verde- One SSK Tupi Class Attack Submarine- the LNS Saint Drake- One Healy Class Icebreaker- LNS Roberto- and one Brazil Class LPD- LNS Natal- which was carrying four hundred and fifty soldiers from the 2nd Regiment, 1st Amphibious Division, along with one hundred engineers from the 1st Amphibious Engineer Battalion, four EC 725 Super Cougar’s from the 5th Aviation Battalion, fifty soldiers from the 1st Field Artillery Battalion, thirty AMX-10P APC’s, ten Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks, five 81 KRH 71 Y artillery pieces, various engineering equipment and light vehicles, and finally two Navy AV-8B Harrier II’s from the 4th Naval Strike Fighter Squadron "Slicks". A mouth full for sure, but the caution was needed do to the very controversy of the mission.

Message from Liberal Naval Command, Brasilia to Task Force Natal

Admiral Franciscus, commander Task Force Natal, it has been reported by the Foreign Ministry that the international tension that the Chairman’s announcement four days ago has caused has reached a new level. Naval Intelligence reports that a Layartebian Naval task force has been sent to the Drake Passage to attempt to defy the will of the Union. However; no hostile action is to be taken against any foreign military units unless provoked. Continue with annexation of the Shetlands only. Good luck.

Message to: the Empire of Layarteb, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
From: the Liberal Union of New Europa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Your messaged is clear to me that you do not understand the nature of our police action. You use the word “closure” which is a word that the Liberal Union has not used nor implied. Our message simply stated that military traffic would be “scrutinized”. This does not say that we would impede the traffic of any such vessel only that it would be watched carefully for threat. Please read into the messages of other nations better next time before the Empire starts and international incident.

[Signed]
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Morgan Beauregard

[Layarteb]

Official Communique

Priority: High
Recipient: Liberal Union of New Europa
Origin: Empire of Layarteb, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Classification Level: Confidential
Subject: Drake Passage


The Empire knows full well of the language used in your communique. Scrutiny is only the first step in the process of seeking an unjust closure of a passage or body of water. As such, the Empire will oppose any measures to inhibit the traffic of any vessel, military or civilian, through the international waters of the Drake Passage.

Sincerely,
The Minister of Foreign Affairs

[Phillippanoa]

From: The African Republic
To: The Liberal Union of New Europa
Importance: High
Encryption: Secure

The African Republic has noted the declaration by the Liberal Union. We will not respect the declaration as the claim extends well beyond your territorial waters. This passage is the safest way for ships to move from the Atlantic into the Pacific and lies just to the south of Tierra del Fuego, partially controlled by the Republic. Any attempt to restrict Republican naval movements to and from the Tierra del Fuego special status area will be considered an act of war. The Drake passage must remain a neutral passage, free of restrictions for all nations. The Republic will only respect the territorial waters of New Europa.

Sincerely,
Joseph Ndongo
Minister of Foreign Affairs.

[Achesia]

Official Communique

Priority: High
Recipient: Liberal Union of New Europa
Origin: Empire of Layarteb, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Classification Level: Confidential
Subject: Drake Passage


The Empire knows full well of the language used in your communique. Scrutiny is only the first step in the process of seeking an unjust closure of a passage or body of water. As such, the Empire will oppose any measures to inhibit the traffic of any vessel, military or civilian, through the international waters of the Drake Passage.

Sincerely,
The Minister of Foreign Affairs

Message to: the Empire of Layarteb, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
From: the Liberal Union of New Europa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

However; the Liberal Union of New Europa has no harsh feelings towards the Empire. Maybe an agreement can be reached to allow your ships to pass through the passage?

[Signed]
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Morgan Beauregard

[Achesia]

From: The African Republic
To: The Liberal Union of New Europa
Importance: High
Encryption: Secure

The African Republic has noted the declaration by the Liberal Union. We will not respect the declaration as the claim extends well beyond your territorial waters. This passage is the safest way for ships to move from the Atlantic into the Pacific and lies just to the south of Tierra del Fuego, partially controlled by the Republic. Any attempt to restrict Republican naval movements to and from the Tierra del Fuego special status area will be considered an act of war. The Drake passage must remain a neutral passage, free of restrictions for all nations. The Republic will only respect the territorial waters of New Europa.

Sincerely,
Joseph Ndongo
Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Message to: The African Republic
From: the Liberal Union of New Europa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Liberal Union of New Europa does not fear the idle threats of such a regime who seeks to sap the life from our beloved America's. Nor will the people allow you to do so unchecked.

[Signed]
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Morgan Beauregard

[Layarteb]

Official Communique

Priority: High
Recipient: Liberal Union of New Europa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Origin: Empire of Layarteb, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Classification Level: Secure
Subject: Drake Passage


The Empire is simply acting in accordance with Article VII, Section III of the Doctrine of Sovereignty. "Any territorial claim considered excessive by the Empire, in regards to air, maritime, and terrestrial zones will not be honored by the Empire and any attempt to impede or infringe upon the Empire will be considered casus belli and appropriate action will be taken." The authority exercised by the Liberal Union of New Europa over the Drake Passage is not recognized by the Empire in any way, shape, or form. As such, we don't see your government with any viable position with which to bargain with over the Drake Passage. We are highly surprised of the actions you have taken over the Drake Passage. We have never had anything sort of fantastic relations with one another; however, this single incident is not nearly enough to damage all of our established relations. The Drake Passage is absolutely crucial to the Empire's holdings in the Falkland Islands and we will continue our use of it, without scrutiny.

Sincerely,
The Minister of Foreign Affairs

[Achesia]

Official Communique

Priority: High
Recipient: Liberal Union of New Europa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Origin: Empire of Layarteb, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Classification Level: Secure
Subject: Drake Passage


The Empire is simply acting in accordance with Article VII, Section III of the Doctrine of Sovereignty. "Any territorial claim considered excessive by the Empire, in regards to air, maritime, and terrestrial zones will not be honored by the Empire and any attempt to impede or infringe upon the Empire will be considered casus belli and appropriate action will be taken." The authority exercised by the Liberal Union of New Europa over the Drake Passage is not recognized by the Empire in any way, shape, or form. As such, we don't see your government with any viable position with which to bargain with over the Drake Passage. We are highly surprised of the actions you have taken over the Drake Passage. We have never had anything sort of fantastic relations with one another; however, this single incident is not nearly enough to damage all of our established relations. The Drake Passage is absolutely crucial to the Empire's holdings in the Falkland Islands and we will continue our use of it, without scrutiny.

Sincerely,
The Minister of Foreign Affairs

Message to: Empire of Layarteb, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
From: the Liberal Union of New Europa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

I believe there has been further miscommunication on this matter with regards to the Drake Passage. It is not our intentions to "claim" the passage as territorial waters. That is not what we are here to do; we simply just wish to have a localized base in the area to look out for the Union's interests in the passage, and even the interests of its allies like you. Say a foreign entity from the east sent a fleet to attack the Empire and logically was forced to choose the Drake Passage as its means of reaching you. Well then with our base in the area the ability to stop and hinder that fleet from doing so is greatly increased. It is in all of our best interests.
[Signed]
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Morgan Beauregard

[Layarteb]

Official Communique

Priority: High
Recipient: Liberal Union of New Europa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Origin: Empire of Layarteb, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Classification Level: Secure
Subject: Drake Passage


Despite the availability of the Drake Passage to foreign enemies of the Empire, we cannot endorse any claims to sovereignty over international zones whether aerial, terrestrial, or maritime. As such, the Empire will not respect any scrutinization attempt by the LUNE over the Empire's vessels and aircraft in the Drake Passage.

Sincerely,
The Minister of Foreign Affairs

[Cotland]

Official Statement

His Majesty's Government does not recognize the right of the Liberal Union of New Europa, henceforth referred to as "LUNE", to infringe upon the principle of free passage through international waters, which the statement issued by the LUNE Government on 25 June d.y. As a matter of principle, His Majesty's Government reserves the right to transit shipping under the protection of His Majesty* without outside interference in international waters.

Naturally, His Majesty's Government and shipping sailing under the protection of His Majesty will observe and respect the internationally recognized LUNE territorial water limit of twelve nautical miles. However, outside this internationally recognized limit, His Majesty's Government does not recognize LUNE or any other authority's right to infringe upon shipping of any nature.

Failure to respect the sanctity of the protection of His Majesty will be considered an act of hostility towards not only His Majesty's person, but also towards His Majesty's Government and Realm. Any such acts of hostility will be met with appropriate measures.


Issued in the city of Oslo on the 29th day of June, 2010.

Signed,

Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Realm of Cotland

* = The phrase "under the protection of His Majesty" here means any shipping flying the flag of Cotland.

Three weeks later
Drake Passage
July 21, 2010

Flåtehangarstridsgruppe 7 (FSG 7) was a powerful formation, built around the fleet aircraft carriers HMS Frøya (R.27), which functioned as the formation flagship, and HMS Bjarmeland (R.47). These two powerful carriers were escorted by a small fleet of escorts, namely two cruisers in the Saga class (more specifically HMS Inge Krokrygg (C.190) and HMS Olav Håkonsson (C.193)) and six destroyers in the Mankell class. This powerful formation of warships were complemented by two Forsørger class replenishment vessels and a single Kaiser class fleet oiler, rounding out the formation which was fast approaching the Drake Passage after a 12-hour refuelling layover at the Falkland Islands.

The Royal Cottish Navy had long planned to reestablish a Cottish aircraft carrier presence in the Pacific Ocean, especially now after the aggressive tendencies of Hi No Moto had become blatantly clear, but the choice to send the fleet down along the South American continent and past the Drake Passage had only been decided after the blatantly imperialistic communiqué from the Liberal Union a few weeks earlier, after the formation left Cottish waters. They had spent the better part of a week in Caribbean waters, conducting joint exercises with the Imperial Layartebian Navy and Defense Force, before setting course south towards the Drake Passage. The plan was very simple: Traverse the Drake Passage and prove to the world that the LUNE were unable to enforce a restriction of passage through the Drake Passage.

The Cottish didn't have any particular beef with the LUNE, but for some strange reason, most Cots didn't think much of the regime that had established itself there. It could possibly have something to do with the repressive policies of that nation when it came to sexual liberties and alcohol, two things the vast majority of Cots loved, or the repression of women that took place, again, something most Cots found to be repulsive.

The two genders had equal standings in Cotland, with equal opportunities, rights and responsibilities. Women, just as men, were expected to serve their country for two years through National Service, either in the military or in the civilian life. While most young women chose to serve their National Service in the civilian sector, where they worked in hospitals, kindergartens, retirement homes, schools, or similar areas, quite a few chose to serve in the military, where they had equal status to men. This extended as far as physical requirements, where the requirements for women were the same as for men, since in actual combat, the skills needed to survive were no different for women than they were for men. As a consequence of this, along with the Cottish policy of giving the most qualified persons the respective positions, it wasn't too uncommon to find females in leadership positions, even through many of the women in the military found themselves serving in support units rather than combat units.

This difference in views between the Cottish and the New Europeans may have played a minor role in contributing to the Cottish choice to challenge the LUNE, and was something the roughly 14,000 (including roughly 3,000 female) crewmembers of the thirteen Cottish vessels jokingly commented on and joked about as the ships made their way towards the Pacific, one nautical mile at the time.

The tight formation one often associated with surface task forces were never used in real operations, since it reduced the manouvering space for each ship and increased the chances of detection. Instead, the Cottish warships travelled in a regular combat spread formation, with several nautical miles between each ship in order to maximise the ship's sensor range and at the same time reducing the chances of a single missile damaging several ships in one detonation. Operating under regular peacetime procedure, the Cottish had their navigation radars running continuously and navigational lights turned on, lest they pose a hazard to navigation, while keeping all their other sensors online but in passive mode, meaning they didn't emit any form of electronic noise that could be picked up by anyone snooping around out there.

As per normal procedure, a single E.11C airborne early warning aircraft was airborne, using its powerful radar set to passively monitor the air and sea area around the Cottish formation, while a pair of F.77C Kovas air superiority fighters flying CAP around the formation circled lazily around the formation, keeping its radar turned off and relying on information transmitted via datalink from the E.11C to maintain situational awareness. It was a standard peacetime transit, although another four F.77Cs and another E.11C were held on 10 minute readiness on the two carriers, ready to be sent aloft in the event of a development.