False Dawn (closed, MT)

[Birkaine]

Oleksandr Leonenko military base
Oho Island
Divine Moon

The loudspeakers once again came to life all over the many bases in the Birkanian-controlled enclave within the Divine Moon. This time orders, calls and updates were unheard from them, but instead a somewhat joyous military march blared forwards and echoed through all the corners of the large Birkanian military installation, from the administrative buildings to the empty barracks to the monolithic ballistic missile silos and cavern-like vehicle depots. The notes of the melody were further broadcasted by large radio and repeater antennae on a military frequency for all Birkanian assets to hear, sometimes being blared so loudly that people on nearby towns could hear the echoes of trumpets, drums and other instruments in the middle of the night.

Senior General Konstantin Stradonitz Reznik, commander in chief of all the Birkanian forces stationed in the Divine Moon, calmly sat on a chair alongside his higher-ranking lieutenants, overlooking the entire military base from one of the control towers with a cup of wine in his hand and a smug smile in his face. Reznik was not a threatening man by any standards physically, being a short, tubby blond man with large glasses. However, what he lacked in physical appearance he more than made up in his malignant composture, attitude and mannerisms. that gave everybody around him the feeling that he was a commander that had come straight from hell.

A false calm always in his posture hiding an enjoyment of violence that seemed coming straight from the mold of the Birkanian ideal. And yet he was not even fully Birkanian. Hailing from Krovinozh, the northernmost part of Birkaine, he was one of the many Belkan-Birkanians that inhabited the area. More Aryan than Slavic, his short blonde hair was hidden under his decorated peaked cap and his light brown, sharp eyes were unseen through his tinted glasses. Only his wide grin could be seen.

<<Heute wollen wir ein Liedlein singen,
Trinken wollen wir den kuehlen Wein,
Und die Glaeser sollen dazu klingen,
Denn es muss geschieden sein.>>

"Well, well, gentlemen. It seems the time for our grand ouverture has come." Reznik took a sip from his glass "Are our friends listening?"
"Yes, sir" Another high ranking general informed politely behind him, his arms tucked behind his back. "We've got the Tarsians and Battlefleet Tempestus on the line"
"Excellent, excellent!" Reznik seemed to get more excited as the second passed "What about our own musicians?" He asked, crossing his legs.
"All artillery units have responded positively" The general replied again "No incidents so far"


<<Reich mir deine Hand,
Deine weisse Hand!
Leb wohl, mein Schatz, leb wohl, lebe wohl!>>

The walls of the large base were lined up in batteries of rocket artillery, huge trucks with multiple tube-shaped launchers mounted on the back, surrounded by heavy equipment and dozens of soldiers wearing what appeared to be NBC suits overseeing the effort, signaling each other to coordinate the grand attack that effort that would be commencing in a few seconds, each one of them a cog in the machine of destruction that would be unleashed with the motion of Reznik's hand. The cranes swiveled away from the launchers and the personell began evacuating the areas near the launchers, as their huge clusters of launchers were lifted hydraulically after the launcher vehicles came to life, with the roar of its engine and a puff of diesel-scented black smoke.

<<Denn wir fahren, denn wir fahren....>>

"Everything is ready"
"Then let's begin this grand oeuvre" Reznik clapped, shifting on his seat, adjusting himself so he could have a better view, looking more impatient than ever. The generals around him, while they didn't show the same perverse enjoyment as Reznik, also looked eager. Curious to see how a new chapter of history was written by their very own hands, anxious to write it in blood, give Birkaine her well-deserved revenge. To make the targets of the rocket launchers pay for the sins of the target. "Now"

<<Denn wir fahren gegen Monderland, Monderland.>>

The launchers quickly became engulfed in bright smoke, casting a white glow on the base so bright that in some parts it appeared everything happened during the day. From the large clouds of smoke bright arrow-like objects began shooting out, each one leaving a trail of smoke of its own before dissapearing in the distance. Soon the rockets seemed to number as many as the stars in the sky they cleaved through, but they only managed to briefly drown out the music with their whip-like cracking as they distanced themselves from their launchers and neared their targets.

Everything on the vincinities was targeted regardless of its military or infrastructural value. Police stations, towns, farms, roads, Divinese military installations, everything was put under the hammer. The missiles arched across the sky towards its target, but didn't even came into contact with them. They exploded in midair, spraying poisonous chemicals in a wide area and then crashing against whatever was underneath them. The clouds of nerve agents became so thick at some points that they completely engulfed small towns in a halo of pale smoke, but the relentless bombardment continued. As launchers depleted their rockets, more of them began firing. A fog-like layer of smoke was cast all over the base, reaching as high as the control tower, where Reznik didn't even try at hiding his enjoyment.

"Good, good!" Reznik exclaimed, gripping his wine glass tightly "Excellent! Isn't the beat of this symphony the most beautiful thing to grace your ears, Generals?"
"Indeed" His right hand man said "I must congratulate you for all your preparations"
"But the tempo is only what you build your masterpiece on" Reznik replied as poetically as ever. He extended his arms towards the outgoing barrage of fire "This, gentlemen, is the canvas! Let's add more instruments, let's make this our magnum opus for the ages!"

A second radio signal was relayed all across the base. As it went down the ranks, the radio turned into light signals, and then into hand gestures as the gigantic doors of depots and hangars were slowly and ominously slid open, revealing a sea of iron in each one of them. Tanks, APCs, IFVs, jammer vehicles, artillery and countless other vehicles began rolling out of them in tight formations, while helicopter gunships in helipads revved up their engines and with a lot of effort lifted themselves off the ground. The gates of the fortress were opened into the chemical wasteland that the neighboring area had become, and out of them several battalions poured out, flags held high above the steel beats and conquest in the mind of every one of its crewmembers.

[Tarsas]

ITNS Crusader
Flagship of the Rostil Expeditionary Force
December 1, 2010
2:24 am

The carrier sprung alive as the klaxon began to sound. The fleet picked up the call and klaxon began to sound all over the fleet. The 15 fleet carriers were preparing their aircraft. The first wave would compose of ten fighters per carrier totaling 150 aircraft. Twenty light carriers and twenty escort carriers would launch ten more each totaling 550 fighters. These were on the flightdeck now preparing to fly. Seaman First Class Boris Yetzman was originally from Traxa but his family had come to Tarsas during the Five Years War. Now, he was driving the loading vehicle up under his assigned Na-6. He pulled the vehicle under the right wing jerking the wheel to bring the vehicle to a halt. The red "Lined up" light was on and he hit the button and began to raise the ordinance on the back of the vehicle. The hydraulic left began to raise the laser guided bomb up to the pylon above. Several nearby seaman began to secure it to the pylon and gave the thumbs up sign. That was the last ordinance to be loaded and he pushed the "talk" button in the microphone in his helmet and ensured his helmet was securely fastened.

"You're ready to launch Echo 3." The pilot gave an affirmative thumbs up from beside the plane and climbed inside. He drove his vehicle behind the aircraft and two other men connected it to the aircraft. Serving on a carrier was one massive football game as he had learned in basic training. Every man needed to work together to do his part. Things would happen seamlessly and quickly as long as every man did his part. Small parts contributed to the larger goal of accomplishing a mission. He put the vehicle in gear and pushed the accelerator slowly moving the plane backward. He lined it up precisely on the catapult deck like he had practiced so many times. Four men approached the aircraft and did their job connecting it to the catapult and disconnecting his towing/ordinance vehicle. He quickly moved off to the side of the flightdeck out of the way of the aircraft's afterburners that would activate. The aircraft roared to life and twenty seconds later, it had launched down the deck and flew off the end climbing fast. It was the last aircraft zooming off to attack.

Command Bridge
ITNS Crusader
December 1, 2010
2:36 am

Admiral Micheal Ryswich was new to the Tarsan Navy as an Admiral. He had been promoted for his service in the Pashmanistan conflict. He stood in the main control room gazing out of the window. The techs silently worked at their respective consoles around him. He had received news of a Birkaine marching band serenading the troops. He simply couldn't wait to here some find music once he arrived. The numerous missile cruiser elements had been preparing themselves for his order to fire the 2,300 cruise missiles that were targeting major military instillations, key buildings, and even civilian targets. He had a line to all the cruiser captains in the fleet with a microphone and a pair of headphones on his head. The fleet was making seventeen knots toward Oho Island where they would meet up with the Birkainians. He had just watched a dashing show of force with nerve gas from the Birkainian base in Oho and it had inspired him.

He cracked his knuckles preparing for what would come next. "Gentlemen, let us start the waltz. We must have our contribution to the show ready on time of things won't work properly and we could get a bad rating." He smiled and turned to the radar technician. "Anything to report Mr. Sabastian?"

"No sir Admiral. Radar and sonar reports nothing but our own."

He turned again toward the window with a smile. "Good. Now, cruiser captains. Fire your ordinance at its assigned targets on my mark." The silo hatches began to open on the 45 cruisers that were key elements of the fleet. Techs dialed coordinates into targeting systems to hit targets that had been spotted by scout aircraft and satellites. Consoles all over the fleet beeped affirmative as targets were located and dialed in. "Fire when ready", said the Admiral. The sky lit up as missiles leaped up in a plume of fire toward their targets. Impact would be t minus seventeen minutes as the missiles went at speeds in excess of mach 3 toward their targets. The fleet was closing the gap and soon it would be time for the next phase.

ITNS Sea Serpent
December 1, 2010
4:32 am

Captain Alan Langsdorf had received his first orders of the mission. He was in command of one of the fourteen SSN submarines and the twenty six U214 submarines that was accompanying the fleet. He had been ordered to begin a steady process of raiding Divinese shipping. Now, the subs were splitting up into groups of four and five to being to hunt ships. The SSNs could make much greater speed and had far better range and were not held down by the same limitations as the diesel electric subs and therefore had went in their own wolfpacks. They would work to raid shipping better once a port had been captured, a prospect that wasn't given to much thought due to how quick it would be done, or so naval command said. The sub continued onward at 21 knots heading into the Han Sea where they would attack any ship hailing from Divine Moon. They moved on.

TO: [Open Communique]
FROM: The Empire of Tarsas
Subject: Divine Moon

The Commonwealth of Birkaine has embarked on a grand crusade to subjugate the rebellious people of Divine Moon and to avenge the atrocities said people committed against them sixty years ago. Therefore, the empire shall declare its official support for them in the form of military aid. We will throw our lot with the commonwealth within the region where we have holdings and shall commit to assault Divine Moon with them. The people of Divine Moon have shown they are not fit to run their country and therefore now others must rule it for them.

signed
Emperor Alexis IV
Keeper of the Golden Throne
Lord of the Empire of Tarsas

[The Motherland Of Mu]

Imperial Pyramid
City of Adraniel
Mu Empire

The main situation room was ablaze with activity. Reports had been coming in of a murderous nerve gas attack by the Commonwealth of Birkaine against the Shogunate of Divine Moon. Though some in Mu had bad feelings towards the Divinese... a legacy of the treasonous Shogun that had led there in the Second Rostillian War, they were still a part of the Empire. The people should not suffer extermination for the actions of a ruler long since dead.

The Imperial military had gone on full alert. The army was mobilizing to deploy to Divine Moon in order to aid in their defense against the Birkainians and their Tarsan allies. Submarines, carrier groups, and surface action units had mde to sea. They did not close the Birkainian fleet...yet, but were ready for action and on full war alert. The coastal defense system, Wraith and Nightbringer cells was on standby, though the enemy fleets were currently outside their range.

Patrols of fighters streaked through the skies above the islands of Mu, carrying full loads of Anti-air ordnance. Avren-Lael and the SDS bases were also on full alert. War seemed likely. Unlike their cousins in Gholgoth, the Naacalians of Mu were not desirous of war. Emperor Neirda sat at his desk, writing out a diplomatic communique. Hoping against all hope to stop it all from going further.
The Emperor recalled the conferrence call he held with Director Nialyth of the Nialyth Province, and Emperor Lerian XII of Gholgothian Naacal. The other two parts of the Empire could not send any material assistance... Gholgoth and Tyrrhenia were simply too far away from Rostil. His fellow rulers had sent what moral support they could, and the haunting words of Director Nialyth seemed to ring in Neirda's mind... Now perhaps, you see the flaws in your philosophy of peace, Anais...

Finishing the note, Emperor Neirda handed it to a member of the Ministry of State, who promptly sent it to the comms center.

TO: All of Rostil
FROM: The Motherland Of Mu
Subject: War against Divine Moon

As of this moment, Birkainian and Tarsan forces have launched a treacherous, genocidal attack against the people of Divine Moon. The opening salvo from Birkaine consisted of saturation rocket attacks carrying nerve gas. This is not revenge...the traitors in the Divinese government were executed soon after the Second Rostillian War, this is an act of genocide and aggression by a hate-filled nation of psychopaths who have been a blight on Rostil for centuries.

Divine Moon is an Imperial Province of the Mu Empire, as such a State of War now exists between the Mu Empire and the nations of Birkaine and Tarsas. If you withdraw immediately from Divine Moon immediately and pay reparations to the Divinese, this war can be averted. If not... may the First Triune have mercy on you, for we shall not.

I appeal to the Tarsan Empire, if any shred of humanity exists within you. Do not follow the barbarous Birkainians in this.

I appeal to all the nations of Rostil, stand with Divine Moon, and put down forever the mad animals known as the Birkainians. This is a battle against Darkness. Stand at our side, or wait for your turn under Birkainian Tyranny. The choice is yours.

Signed:

Emperor Neirda I
Emperor Of Mu

[Xin Han]

Weiyang Palace, Capital District, Chang'an, Xin Han

Ministers and officials throughout the Empire stormed into the the grand hall that served as the meeting place for the Imperial Council of Advisors (a semi-democratically elected body that advises the Emperor). A joint session of the Imperial Council had been called, which demanded that all members of the Imperial Central Government and the Provincial and Commandery governments attend. The recent nerve gas strike against Divine Moon threatened to spill over into Xin Han, which could mean that thousands upon millions of citizens could die. The possibility of a full scale war erupting in RosAsia also added to the urgency of the meeting.

His Imperial Majesty was furious. RosAsia had been a peaceful continent for years, never truly involving itself in any major conflicts. How could such a travesty happen? Emperor Liu Quan was determined to end it. The finishing touches were being made to his ceremonial mianfu, but time was precious. Quan quickly exited his dressing room and took his rightful place at the podium of the Noble Speaker of the Imperial Council of Advisors.

Cameras were everywhere. This meeting and speech would be aired throughout the Empire and all of Rostil and the various Xin Han news networks, the most popular being the Xin Han Central News Network. Liu Quan waited a few moments, allowing the cameras to get their shots of a various poised leader who appeared calm under dire stress (which is the exact opposite of Quan's personality, but he needed to keep up a good face for the people). Finally, the Son of Heaven began to speak.

"People and citizens of the Great Xin Han Empire and Dynasty, people of RosAsia and the World; tonight is a night of darkness and anger. Just recently, the Commonwealth of Birkaine launched a major nerve gas strike upon the Shogunate of Divine Moon, a fellow member of RosEastAsia. This nerve gas has the potential to spill across the Xin Han border and possibly kill millions of innocent civilians. That is why We have ordered an evacuation of all coastal areas and have provided gas masks for all people currently residing in the Empire.

"Nation, We must act in a peaceful manner. In no way must the peace in RosAsia be destroyed. We declare that if any Birkainian or Birkainian allied vessel should enter the Han Sea, named after Our glorious Empire, then We shall escort them out of Our territorial waters. Yes, as of now, the Xin Han Empire is declaring full jurisdiction over the Han Sea. Our people, please pray for peace and pray for Our enemies. Shangdi shall eventually guide Our region to victory!"

[The Divine Moon]

Years it had been, years since the thunder of war had rumbled across the islands that made up Grand Mu Shogunate of the Divine Moon. Not since that bloody war that was the Second Rostilian War had the Divinese people suffered a level of death that the Birkainians & Tarsians had just delivered. The attack had came as a complete surprise with no time to respond or get out the warning.

Most of the nation was rural in nature, as with their Naacalian brothers in the Motherland of Mu the Divinese People for the most part had no real sense of materialism, seeking to only live out their lives in peace and in honor. Though by the order of the Shogun and backed by those in the Divine Moon who sought material wealth, the Capitals of each island were large sprawling metropolises where Divinese industry was concentrated. Where the sounds of industry, people, and many other things were commonplace and seen as the sounds of modern power, but now the city laid quiet and covered in an invisible fog of death save for the sounds of burning buildings. Even the small towns & villages in the countryside laid covered in the deadly fog, families & friends curled up in their homes, workplaces, and on the streets.

Waichirō Imperial Army Base, Oho Island
The Grand Mu Shogunate of the Divine Moon

On Oho Island, the Divinese Military had 10 military bases, 8 of which were within 70km of the Birkainian & formerly Belkan bases, the range of which the attacks had taken place. The largest of these bases was Waichirō Imperial Army Base, home to half of the 4th Armored Division. Most of the base had been hit and covered in the nerve gas, but some areas had been missed, at least until the gas is blown into those areas. One such area that had either been missed or not targeted at all was Waichirō IAB's open military range, where a tank crew were completing their required quota of time on the training field practicing solo maneuvers.

“Command? Command? Can you hear me, Command?” spoke 2nd Lt. Saidani Umetarō, Commander of his crew's Type 74 MBT. “Where in the name of Tsukiyomi are they, taking a bathroom break?” Looking over at Saidani was the tank's gunner, Cpl. Koizumi Yakumo “More likely that we just can't receive their response. The part of the radio antenna got damaged when you drove through that thicket of trees, so lets just head back to the depot and get it fixed.” “Alright then, it's getting near dinner time and mess is serving sake today anyway, so lets head home.” responded Saidani, “Driver, take us to the depot.” “Yes sir!” Came the driver Cpl. Niibori Matsusuke.

As the Type 74 roared along the road to the depot, sensors on the tank began to issue warnings of poison gas, specifically Tabun & VX. Watching as the NBC panel lit up like a Christmas tree, Saidani muttered the only thing he could think of, “What the hell? Why the hell is there Tabun & VX!?” Overheard by the Loader, Cpl. Tani Umenosuke, Tani responded to Saidani's question, “Obviously we've been attacked, and by the Zazeans I bet. They issued another threat of attacks on our people last week if we don't return the Waka Provence to them. Never thought they'd do it after years of threats like those...” “Let's not get ahead of ourselves.” came Niibori over the radio from the Driver's station in the hull. “We don't know if this is an attack, it could be an accident or a faulty sensor. Let's just get to the depot and go from there.”

After half an hour, they arrived at the exit to the range, and just outside the depot. “Want to tell me this wasn't an attack?” Tani retorted sarcastically as he looked out of his hatch's periscope. All around the area was troops & personnel laying on the ground curled up dead. “By the Kamis...” muttered Koizumi “Commander, see if you can raise anyone of the short range radio on open frequency...” “Right...” responded Saidani who pushed the switch for open frequency, “This is 2nd Lieutenant Saidani Umetarō of the 4th Brigade, can anyone hear me? Repeat, this is 2nd Lieutenant Saidani Umetarō of the 4th Brigade, can anyone hear me?”

Imperial Shogunate Palace, Iwarebiko Island
The Grand Mu Shogunate of the Divine Moon

Within the walls of the oldest and mightiest castle of the Grand Mu Shogunate of the Divine Moon, the air was extremely tense. Less than 2 hours before, all communications with Central Oho Island had been lost just moments after radars had detected artillery rocket fire out of the Enclave, under the control of the Commonwealth of Birkaine. And with the Motherland confirming it and issuing a declaration of support for the Divine Moon, the Shogun was not pleased at all.

“HOW DARE THEY ATTACK US?!” Roared Shogun Shintaro Yoshiyuki, “WE HAVE DONE NOTHING TO WARRANT THIS AGGRESTION!!” Sitting before him in a line were his 5 advisers, the adviser to the far right replied “We do not their true reasoning at this time, however an open communique from the Empire of Tarsas states this is a war of punishment for the crimes commited by your grandfather during the Great War, and thus our government because of thoise crimes the Shogunate is unfit to rule the Divine Moon.” “Bah, far more likely they just desire to rule over us. Well, if they wish to rule the Divine Moon, they'll rule over a ruined land, for I shall not be the Shogun that allowed this nation to fall to foreign powers. Spread the word to the people and the army, fight for honor and to the death! LET THOSE FOOLS PAY IN MILLIONS OF THEIR SOLDIERS TO TAKE THIS LAND!!”

[Birkaine]

"Our people, please pray for peace and pray for Our enemies. Shangdi shall eventually guide Our region to victory!"

"This is a battle against Darkness. Stand at our side, or wait for your turn under Birkainian Tyranny."

Oleksandr Leonenko military base
Oho Island
Divine Moon

"Wonderful, wonderful!" Clapped Stradonitz atop of the control tower with a warm smile just as the roar of the batteries gradually came to an end, leaving only the military marches and the sound of engines echoing through the base. "We've got our audience's attention now!"
"According to our own artillery tracking" Said Stradonitz' right hand man "Most of the rockets arrived to their designated targets. Comms has independently confirmed the impacts: all communications from cities and bases within the attack range have ceased."
"Excellent." The General gestured "However, the view from here is less than spectacular. Let's go to the balcony, gentlemen, shall we?"

Stradonitz's "balcony" was actually an Il-82 command post aircraft that had rolled out of the hangar and waiting for other fighters to clear up the runway, being surrounded by its ground crew on the meantime. It was also flanked by a similar aircraft, an MB-39 arsenal craft that was charged with protecting it from missile attack once it was airborne. Both airframes derived from the extensively produced Il-72.
The command staff came out of the control tower building down the stairs, finding a chilly night air, albeit nothing compared to the bitter Birkanian winters. Stradonitz walked proudly in the tarmac towards his aircraft as everybody else ran or drove from one side to the other following his orders, all of them wearing gasmasks. Oddly enough, a filming crew came running from behind Stradonitz, carrying a large camera, lightning equipment and a parabolic antenna. They passed by the General's side and installed themselves in between two guards.

"So, this is all you could bring me?" Stradonitz asked as he came to a halt in front of the camera crew, who were setting up their equipment "Quite dissapointing."
"None of them went down easily. Two commited suicide. Left four of our men in the hospital." Replied an MP.

Four battered Divinese military officers that were normally stationed in the base to take care of diplomatic and judicial affairs between the Divine Moon and the Birkanian enclave kneeled in front of the camera crew, their faces covered in blood, blood that didn't manage to cover the burning hatred they felt for their captors, and the desire to rip every single one of them to shreds with their bare hands if it weren't for their tight bounds and the gags that prevented them from moving an inch or muttering a word. The two guards looked over them to prevent any attempt of escape or other suspicious activity. Stradonitz walked towards them, keeping his annoying grin on his face and his coat thrown over his shoulders, large numbers of condecorations visible on them.
He looked at the Divinese with a certain curious amusement as he put on white gloves over his hands. Everybody stepped aside. He adjusted his belt, specks of dust off his lapels and in general cleaned up like he was about to meet royalty, constantly asking the camera crew if he was looking good enough to the puzzling of the captured.
This was the first thing Stradonitz thought of after hearing the Naacalian communique, which he considered interruptive to his own operations.

The lights came on and brightly illuminated Stradonitz and the prisoniers while the technicians gestured amongst themselves to adjust the different settings of the camera as well as the satellital antenna that would be sending the footage into the Divinese capital, and probably onto the Naacalian eyes that were meant to witness the video. In addition to the foreign diplomats, he was also adressing his own troops through a radio relay, albeit in an audio-only fashion.

"Gentlemen, I like war.
Gentlemen, I like war.
I like blitzkrieg, I like a war of attrition, I like guerrilla warfare, I like naval warfare, I like maneuver warfare, I like siege warfare, I like unconventional warfare, I like proxy warfare... I like every single and all types of warfare that can be waged in this planet.
I liked when the Divinese hit our shores, reaping through our troops weakened by war against each other. I liked when our captured troops screamed in synchrony with the gunshot. I liked it when our brothers, husbands and fathers ran out of their disabled tanks only to be shredded by machinegun fire. I liked when the torn-up bodies of our young soldiers were thrown into the air after the hit of artillery shells. It made my heart dance when their pieces rained down! I liked it when our soldiers were thrown into dissarray, and when the village they were protecting was wiped out and the children killed and the women raped repeatedly.... it was so sad"

He said all of this with a smirk and an expression that was as haunting and pleasured as it was disgusting. He walked in circles in front of the Divinese captors until he finally stopped in front of one of them. He took out a small Ratnik revolver and carefully inspected it, brushing something off the barrel, probably more dust. He then turned the weapon against the prisonier and fired, hitting him in the gut. As if nothing had happened, he continued his speech above the muffled screams and grunting of the wounded man.

"Now I tell you what I like more than that: I will like when Divinese and Naacalian war machines will be crushed and destroyed beneath our mighty threads, and their crewmembers will be sent fleeing like insects from the light, that's so demeaning! I will like seeing the burning hate of my troops in a young soldier stabbing his enemy despite he's already dead, I will like it when your foolish desertors will end up hanging from poles, I will like it when the pitiful Divinese resistance will run to us in a blaze of glory despite inferior weaponry, it will be incredible!"

He seemed to get more and more excited as he spoke, to the point where he didn't even pay attention to the second and third prisoniers he shot, hitting them somewhere in the back. He spoke louder and louder.

"Gentlemen... what I want to wage is a war that is like hell itself. A merciless bloodbath on both sides!
I want to remind those who have forgotten, awaken those who fell asleep, we will pull them from their hair, open their eyes and force them to remember! We will remind them what the taste of fear is! We will remind them of the sound of our boots, we will remind them that in between heaven and Earth there are things that they didn't think possible even in their wildest dreams! I wish for war!
All of our might is here, ready to strike! But for those who have made us wait six decades in slumber a mere war will not be enough!
I wish for a war that will surpass the limits of iron and fire until every being in three thousand worlds has been killed!

Now, gentlemen..."

He executed the last prisonier, and looked straight into the camera, as if not looking into a lens but instead into the eyes of the Shogun himself, as well as the Mu Emperor. As if he was right next to them, adressing the royalty in person. It wasn't a threat. It was an invitation.

"Let's make an inferno"

The transmission was cut. Stradonitz was already quite excited after letting his innermost desires through, exposing them, screaming them into the air, leaving his soldiers thirsting and his enemmies trembling. His hands trembled with excitement, and he didn't even feel the cold of the night anymore. He continued walking towards the staircase that connected with the Il-82 that had been given takeoff clearance for takeoff, and was beggining to rev up its engines in preparation for the conflict that would soon come.

---

Meanwhile, a flight of attack planes headed to the nearest Divinese airbase, rightly considering the other base in the vincinities, Waichiro, to be completely destroyed. These aircraft, of Birkanian origin in their entirety, were loaded with a vaiety of bombs, ranging from cluster anti-runway munitions to laser-guided bunker busters to simple iron bombs. They were meant primarily for the destruction of the hangars and other facilities at the Divinese airbase, while preferably leaving the runway and tarmac intact for the arrival of Tarsas' own airforces.

[Star Trek America]

The United Federation of America
New Cairo


The Imperial Palace was alight with life already; the conflict with Birkaine required attention around the clock, information flooding in from the front and the army bases here in the Home Land. When the Emperor of Mu's communique arrived the American Emperor was haggard looking, lacking sleep and energy as he had been pouring over battle plans and strategies with his Generals, it was not by mere 'Divine Right' one became Emperor of America after all; you had to prove yourself and the Emperor had once been a fine tactician and he had so far proven that had not dulled over the years.

"Dispatch the 5th Federal Battle Fleet to Divine Moon." The Emperor less 'declared' and more gave off the astuteness of a military order. A General nodded and walked out as the Emperor continued speaking to put down any idea of dissenting his order. "We are honor bound by the Treaty of Cairo to support the Mu Empire in it's time of need. As quickly as I would send allied support to the Russo-Spaniards I would send it to the Mu. Any of you who disagree may as well leave; I don't need disagreement right now I need results."

There was no dissent, no disagreement just a murmur of agreement and a mutterings of 'Hail Majesty.' basically the royal version of 'yes sir'.

"Deploy the 5th and 9th Marine Regiments, and the 3rd Armored Army to Divine Moon to reinforce the Mu Empire."

"Hail Majesty." Another General walked out to relay these orders to the field; the command center that the throne room was to become was not yet set up completely.

"General Konstantine." The Emperor spoke once more and a senior looking man looked up, his uniform aged like himself.

"Majesty?"

"I want you in command of the operations in Divine Moon, your genius is unsurpassed; your tactics unrivaled. I know this is unfair to ask of you; but your experience is invalable." The Emperor responded as he rubbed at his temples lightly.

"As you command, Majesty." The General responded with a stiff bow.

"And General." The Emperor spoke one more time.

"Aye, Majesty?"

"No prisoners. Instruct your men that neither man nor woman survives if it flies the flag of the Commonwealth or the flag of Tarsas."

"I will relay so my Emperor." The General bowed once more and removed himself from the throne room that was steadily transforming into a command center.

---

USS - Azadstan
Gerald R. Ford-class Aircraft Carrier

Named for the Kingdom of Azadstan, the only official dependancy of the Federation which was still it's own semi-autonomous government. The USS - Azadstan was the first in the new line of aircraft carriers that would replace the legendary Nimitz-class that had been in American Service since as long as anyone could remember. As equally massive and similarly designed she supported newer systems and technologies devolped since the Enterprise's debute as the first ship of the Nimitz-class.

Now her maiden voyage was of simple design; assure the independence of another soverign body. Because it was the right of none to subjugate any.
Her Honour Guard was small but elite; primarily made up of ships and vessels that would've made an Estainian turn green with sickness. Guided Missile Destroyers, Frigates and the massive hulking form of the Ebon Atoll-class Cruisers. Admist this formation of ships of war; already on alert because of the war with Birkaine were a multitude of logistical support ships loading on supplies and Marines and Federal Soldiers to assist the Divinese and the Mu.

This process would take time however; all the Americans could do now was as move as quickly as possible and hope that the Mu could hold out long enough for reinforcement to arrive.

[The Motherland Of Mu]

Imperial Pyramid
City Of Adraniel
Mu Empire

The Imperial War Council and the Emperor watched Stradonitz ranting as he executed the prisoners. Some of the council looked aghast. Emperor Neirda merely watched calmly, almost too calmly. Many in the Empire considered Neirda too peaceful, some of the Enrialists in Gholgoth considered him weak. What he said now would have chilled the hearts of those who thought him weak... and made the Enrialists of Gholgothian Naacal smile with sadistic glee...

"Gentlemen... this Stradonitz wants more then a war... he wants an inferno... He shall get his wish!" Neirda's face took on an almost ghoulish visage, like something out of the ancient times. "He starts his so-called 'Symphony' with the deaths of the innocent! He is below an animal! He is like the filth that the First Triune cleansed from our lands so many millenia ago!" The men and women of the Imperial War Council pressed back unconsciously into their seats...more terrified of the Emperor then of anything that Stradonitz has done...seeing a side of their ruler that no one had ever seen.

"I am authorizing the use of all non-strategic weapons, including Marel. I want these Birkainian subcreatures erased from the face of Divine Moon! By the time we are through, those troops will know despair before they die. The despair of knowing their children will grow up without fathers, their wives without husbands!" Neirda took a moment to regard the looks of horror on the faces of his war council. "They shall die in loneliness. No songs will be sung of their valor, No stories told of their bravery in battle. They shall die like the vermin they are, unknown to the world!"

General M'rel-Areth, commander of the Imperial Army, looked to the Emperor "Your Majesty, this will be war with Birkaine." Neirda smiled, then said in a loud tone "THIS IS NOT WAR, THIS IS PEST CONTROL!" General M'Rel-Areth winced for a split second, then asked "Orders, Majesty?"

"I want that Birkainian Enclave to know they are not invulnerable. Hit them with Marel. Then deploy our ground forces to the isle of Iwarebeko. We will coordinate our efforts with the Divinese Army. Admiral?" Neirda turned to Fleet Admiral Lerinil, CinC of the Imperial Fleet. Lerinil was one of the few female flag ranked officers in the Mu Empire. Her scores on the Tests Of Competence rivaled even the legendary Adrmial Nalreth of Gholgothian Naacal. Bowing slightly to the Emperor, she simply said "Majesty?"

"I want the Imperial Fleet to begin working on plans for submarine, air, and missile attacks on the Birkainian naval assets. Try for Triaxial attacks if at all possible. I also want the coastal defense system on full alert, The air defenses and Avren-Lael as well." Admiral Lerinil bowed and said "As you Command, Majesty."

Emperor Neirda looked around at the Council one last time. "This Birkainian animal wishes for a holocaust, he shall get his wish and more."

"Let the Second Judgment War Begin!"

IMS Ebon Star
Sea of Adria
Rostil

IMS Ebon Star was an Ebon Abyss class SSCN. She cruised silently below the waves, approximately 900 miles from the shore of Divine Moon. Her patrol had been uneventful, like most of the patrols she and the other ships and submarines of the Imperial Navy made. The crew was in good morale, but was somewhat bored. That was about to change.

The deep blue lights of the EAM panel started flashing. Captain Xelen and his XO Commander Am'relen walked to the console. Xelen took the message printout, while Am'relen stood by at the code book. "We have EAM code Aleph-5-Lan-12-Xi-29-Mim-1-Aleph-7." Looking through the codebook, Am'relen said professionally "Authenticating code, Aleph-5-Lan-12-Xi-29-Mim-1-Aleph-7. Captain we have an authenticated EAM."

Going to the safe, the Captain and XO each dialed in a combination, and let the laser scanners check their retina patterns. The Safe opened. Removing the proper packet, and their launch keys. They looked over the orders.

Code: Select all

Launch Two-Zero Wraith-M missiles. Target coordinates follow.
Fleet Admiral Lerinil, CinC Imperial Fleet.
May Enrial Bring you Victory!


"It's the Birks." Xelen said. Then started laughing. Commander Am'relen look at his Captain. "What is so funny Captain, we are going to nerve gas a few thousand people!" Captain Xelen looked at his XO with a wide smile. "Exhilirating, isn't it?"

Shortly thereafter, twenty Wraith-M cruise missiles broke the surface of the water, their boosters rocketing them towards Divine Moon. The boosters soon fell away, and the turbojet engines carried the missiles and their lethal cargo at Mach 1.4 towards their targets, staying low to the water to reduce radar contact.

[Tarsas]

ITNS Crusader
Flagship of the Rostil Expeditionary Force
300km off the Coast of Oho Island

Admiral Micheal Ryswich was very much enjoying himself. He was on the bridge in the early morning after having a good night's sleep. The night watchmen were nearing the end of their shift at the consoles. There was only a few men on the quiet bridge working the bare necessities in the early morning light. Though they were on a combat mission, reports on the Divinese navy had led the Admiral to allow it to be treated like a patrol. The aircraft were just sending pictures of the damage. He looked through the printed photos at destroyed city blocks, bases, villages, fields, vehicles, and dead bodies. Thousands and thousands of dead bodies everywhere. The cruise missiles had been more for terror than for actual structural damage. The aircraft would be the catalysts of the true firestorm. They were equipped with enough laser guided bombs to level entire suburbs. Once their bombs were dropped, air to air missiles would provide a response for any aircraft that tried to intercept them. The admiral smiled. Such a fine plan he had come up with. The screens and consoles of the bridge glowed in the morning light as the radar beeped its identification of potential targets. A nearby console in the corner of the bridge beeped. The tech sitting at it looked up. "Sir, you have a message from High Command. Shall I print it?"

The Admiral turned to him. "Yes sailor. Go ahead." The whir whir whir of the printer could be heard in the quiet bridge and a small white peace of paper was handed to the Admiral.

Code: Select all

**1. You are to assume full combat protocol
<STOP>
**2. Xin Han issued declaration to exercise full policing patrol over the Han Sea in protection of RosEastAsia
<STOP>
**3. Any Han fleet attempting to commit a hostile act against you is to be sunk
<STOP>
**4. You are to remain out of the Han Sea until further orders are issued on the subject
<STOP>
**5. Fleet is to be in full combat readiness at all times
<STOP>
**6. Permission given to land on Oho Island and reinforce Birkainian troops
<STOP>
**7. At this time, all enemies of Birkaine are your enemies
<STOP>
**8. Deal with them accordingly
<STOP>
**9. Good hunting and may God be with you
<STOP>
<END MESSAGE>


"This is excellent. We were just given permission to fire on any fleet that attempts to attack us." He put the piece of paper into his pocket and continued to stare out of the window. The sky was beautiful this time of year. The Admiral had always enjoyed Rostil in his years of serving here. He had never enjoyed the hot, wet climate of the homeland. The fleet sailed onward steadily toward Divine Moon at 21 knots.

[Star Trek America]

USS - Azadstan
Gerald R. Ford-class Aircraft Carrier

"We're out numbered. This is like comparing the Heavenly Host to the Daemonic Sigil, and to put this out here; we're the Sigil." The First Officer spoke calmly, all of the higher ranking members of the fleet were crammed into the Captain's Ready-Room onboard the Carrier. "These people manage to operate more carriers than the combined American-Estainian Fleet has ships and manage to have a reasonable economy through some miracle of God."

"Aye, by all rights they should be like Zaze." The Captain responded simply as she stared over digital constructs of maps of the coast of Divine Moon where more than ten score jet fighters were operating like Angels descended from Heaven to reek vengence upon man.

"No matter." She smiled brightly. "The American Navy is renown for overcoming sucicidal adversity. We've ambushed the Birkanians, the single most powerful force in the region and we've got them on the run. Foreigners are no different, the flag changes, the tactics don't."

"The Birkanians don't outnumber us 40 to 1." Someone noted dully, the Captain's smile only grew, sickly almost in nature. "You know I'm half Estainian, yes?" They nodded. "As my half-side argues often with my American blood I for once agree with my other half. 'No Honour for the dishonourable'." She grinned wickedly. "Send message to the USS - Syl. Tactical deployment Omega; blanket them in starfire." Her eyes lit up, pleased with herself almost; it was a little creepy to be honest.

---

[Filler.]

[Birkaine]

The general resumed his walk towards the large lumbering aircraft that waited for him on the tarmac, staircase deployed, taking momentary pauses to look around and notice the smaller details of the whole operation, saluting everybody from the high-ranking generals in his entourage to the lowest ditch digger with the same excited smile that didn't confort anyone in the slightest. They knew how te man could order mass killings and artillery strikes on undefended targets and treat that as a form of entertatinment, so watching such cruel man smile and acknowledge everyone of his subordinates seemed somewhat alien to the ground crews, who could only smile back and try to follow his game as a sign of respect.

One of the many crewmembers of the aircraft stood in the entrance of the aircraft donning a gasmask, impatiently watching Stradonitz wander around the base, seemingly wanting to check everything himself. He finally got exasperated and walked up to the man. Despite his youth, the crewmember was significantly taller than Stradonitz, who he respectfully saluted, stiffening up.

"Sir!" He said, his voice muffled by the gasmask "You must get into the aircraft quickly, it's dangerous out here. Weather monitoring indicates the wind could get unpredictable quickly, and some of the gas could end up being washed back here"

Stradonitz giggled, with all of his generals looking down on the young man "How considerate" He smiled, pulling his coat above his shoulders "Worried about the safety of your commanding officer. That is how wars are won, young man. But our own nerve gas? Eh, the worst thing that could do is kill me." He said nonchalantly.

"...sir, excuse me?" The airman said, somewhat confused at Stradonitz's last statement.

The generals looked at each other with grins, as if enjoying the fact that the airman clearly didn't know something that was a fact of life for all of them. Somewhat embarrassed, the airman could only wonder what was up with the high command. Stradonitz extended his hand and patted him in the shoulder. He spoke with the usual caring smile with which he adressed his companions.

"When we take off and look through the infrared scopes" He began "All you're gonna be able to pick up will be corpses. Soldiers, civilians, men, women, children, elders, a magnificent sea of corpses that will extend as far as the eye can see. Corpses stacked on each other, corpses tucked in beds, corpses clinging onto the corpses of their loved ones as if it helped any against our weaponry." He adjusted his glasses "One macabre exhibition in each town, all of them butchered without discrimination. And yet we are not the barbarians here. We could snatch every child from the arms of their mothers in this nation and strangle them with our bare hands and we still wouldn't be. The worthless peasants that populates this island are not the barbarians either. Simply look up to the east to find them. They take more pleasure in a single kill than I will do from this whole war, they leave you begging for the release of insanity as if it was the only thing in the universe."

He remained silent for a couple seconds, sharing glares with his top command and the airman could only stand in front of him, looking somewhat intimidating. All of a sudden Stradonitz broke into a laugh, and so did his generals. The general patted the airman on the shoulder again.

"I'm just kidding." He said "Let's get in the plane before we are all asphixiated like cattle. By our own weapons, no less."

The generals climbed up the stairs, which were afterwards removed from the plane. The door was sealed and the commanders sat down and fastened their seatbelts. The crew of the aircraft put on headphones and prepared for the busy night that would follow as the aircraft began to gain speed, taxiing up to its designated runway.

---

The group of missiles was not detected by their launch point, but instead were only seen through Birkanian radar once they came inside the range of the AWACS that patrolled the airspace above the base, one of the many Il-76 derivatives that in addition to executing specific tasks to keep the Birkanian force up and running, also served as decoys from the command craft that looked practically undistinguishable from them for a long-range radar.

The AWACS operators kept track of the low-flying contacts for a couple seconds, positively identifying them as missiles after they showed no signs of maneuver and RCSs slightly smaller than fighter jets.

"Attention all flights, this is AWACS Voltaire, we've got enemy cruise missile fire bearing 073, mach 1, angels zero" The operator said through the comms system, calling in for the combat air patrols currently flying. "Nozh flight, intercept at once, top priority"

<<Voltaire 1-1 this is Nozh lead, flight copies all>> The pilot of one of the Su-2000s of the Nozh flight said, before giving several voice commands to his aircraft <<We're engaging, over>>

"Roger that, good luck"

The six Koronas diverted their attention to the missiles, igniting their afterburners which caused a blue flame to erupt from their engine nozzles, quickly pressing the pilots against their seats with the force of acceleration as they boosted towards the missiles and increased their altitude so as to give their air-to-air missiles a better chance of destroying their targets. After a short period of flight, the missiles appeared on the pilots' radars as green dots on their helmet-mounted displays. Taking the safeties off, the pilots prepared to destroy them.

"AWACS Voltaire, this is Nozh lead, I've got them on my scope..." The leader of the formation said. "Have you detected the launcher, AWACS?"

<<AWACS Voltaire here, negative>> The controller replied <<No surface ships or aircraft on our screens>>

"Nozh 1-3 here, Those things obviously don't come from the mainland" One of the pilots noted "Do we have any reports on Divinese cruise missile subs?"

"Can't be, their navy isn't worth a damn"

After succesfully achieving a lock-on, the internal bays on the Koronas opened, revealing the large arsenal that each of the aircraft carried. Two short-range air-to-air missiles, and six long-range R-77 missiles that would be used for taking out the missiles. Flying to close in on the submarine-launched cruise missiles so the R-77s wouldn't spend all their propellant before reaching their targets, the pilots pressed the switch, which caused a missile to be launched from their aircraft for each one of the targets.

The missiles flew fairly smoothly towards the enemy contacts, with the exception of one of them that remained stuck on the launch rail. A second missile failed when its proximity fuse didn't activate, so it merely flew past its designated Wraith and crashed against the surface of the sea.

"Nozh lead to all units, we've got 18 confirmed kills out of twenty targets" The pilot said as the missiles passed below them, banking his aircraft to the left to continue the pursuit, quickly catching up with the missiles. "Do we engage the remaining ones?"

<<Negative, Nozh flight, land at the base to resupply, we'll take care of those>>

"Roger that, you guys owe us the drinks tonight"

The remaining two missiles, carefully tracked by the AWACS were engaged by SAMs. Launched from VLS sites installed on the perimeter of the base, the hgue missiles were pumped out of their launch sites before their motors ignited and swiveled the surface to air missile towards its target, which it quickly anihilated. One of the missiles actually missed its target by a few meters, but the sheer force of the directed blast and the resulting hailstorm of shrapnel caused the last Wraith to crash against the surface of the sea, with none of its intended targets ever realizing the deadly payload that it was ready to unleash.

Ruling out surface-based launchers or aircraft, a small squad of anti-submarine aircraft consisting of two Su-34FNs and a single larger Il-38 armed with a variety of aircraft-launched torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and depth charges were vectored out of the base accompained by a small AWACS. The Il-38 began to search in the point where the missiles had been detected by using sonobuoys, small depth charges and magnetic anomaly detectors, and upon finding nothing it began to fly alongside the same path that the missiles had taken after their launch, getting closer to the Naacalian submarine.

[Xin Han]

Shanghai, Yang Province

The Xuan Wu, Xuanlong, Jiaolong Fleets had finally been called to assemble in order to meet the Birkainian and Tarsan threat in RosEastAsia. It had been decades since the Imperial Navy was last in combat. Of course, back then, the Navy (Republican) had been easily crushed by forces during the Second Rostilian War. Fortunately for today, the Navy was at a period of strength that could hold its own in battle.

Despite the fact that Shanghai was the second largest city in Xin Han and the "financial capital of RosAsia and RosEastAsia", it was acting fairly normally considering the second largest fleet in all of Xin Han history was being amassed at its port. The stock market was down, but that is very normal in times of "conflict". However, the only non-normal aspect of the city was the presence of numerous anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-missile systems; as well as a large presence of military forces. Shanghai could not be prepared enough for the future.

Senior Admiral of the Imperial Navy Zhou He looked out upon the fleets in stoicism. Deep down he could not believe that RosEastAsia had been invaded by the White Devils of the West. It was sheer insanity to invade RosEastAsia, where numerous like minded nations could easily surround an enemy in a pincer and then crush them when they were down. That is what Zhou desired to do, but knew that it may require Xin Han involvement.

"Admiral Zheng Yu of the Combined Fleets Protecting the Han Sea!"

"Yes, Senior Admiral, sir!"

"How ready are we to face the combined forces of a Birkanian and Tarsan combined naval force?"

"As you know sir, the Imperial Navy is good, but not great. We will have to rely on our allies if we desire to drive them out of RosEastAsia and back to the West."

"Good. His Imperial Majesty would prefer it if we could simply drive them out. He despises war and desires for this to be short.
"Zheng, go and set forth. For Shangdi, Emperor, and Empire! Virtue Above All Else!"

"For Shangdi, Emperor, and Empire!"

With that, the Combined Fleets Protecting the Han Sea would depart on the Emperor's orders.

Weiyang Palace, Chang'an, Capital District

Emperor Liu Quan was, to say the least, stressed and exhausted. His body ached and his mind was growing old. This would be his final war. After it was over, he would abdicate the Dragon Throne and hand it over to his daughter, Baihe, who had been elected Heir Apparent by the Xin Han people.

Quan's closest friend and advisor, Chancellor Zhuge Luo, sat across from the Emperor in the Emperor's personal and luxurious study.

The Emperor was currently typing up two letters that were to be sent to all those involved in the conflict. While attempting not to make the letter to Birkaine and Tarsas spiteful and full of malice, some rhetoric had to be added due to the closeness of the situation to Xin Han.

TO: His Excellency the Honorable, President-General Zavomir Yulianov and His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Alexis IV
FROM: The Imperial Central Government of the Xin Han Empire
RE: Divine Moon Incident

Equals,

The Government, Nation, and People of the Xin Han Empire sincerely ask for the true reason behind these terrorist attacks upon the Grand Mu Shogunate of Divine Moon. Revenge is not a valid answer, nor is desire for power within RosEastAsia.

This region has been peaceful since the Second Rostilian War, not once attempting to exert its influence upon the rest of Rostil, or the World for that matter.

As of now, we have complete and total jurisdiction over the Han Sea. We politely and graciously ask for you to remove your forces from RosEastAsia. We are willing to completely forget this incident in order to assure that this region remains peaceful. If this request is not met, then your nations shall be condemned, embargoed, and at war with the Great Empire and Dynasty of Xin Han.

Consider our offer.

With the Utmost Sincerity,

Liu Quan
Emperor of the Great Empire and Dynasty of Xin Han, Son of Heaven, Lord of Ten Thousand Years and of the Present Time, Supreme Governor and Protector of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Xin Han, Patriarch of the Imperial Clan of Liu

Zhuge Luo
Chancellor of the Great Empire and Dynasty of Xin Han, Marquis of Wu

Guan Yun
Grand Commandant of the Great Empire and Dynasty of Xin Han, Marquis of Zhuangmou, Lord of Fan

Zhou Man
Director of Dependent States

TO: Divine Moon, Mu, Star Trek America
FROM: Xin Han
RE: War of Unfounded Aggression Against Divine Moon

Brothers in Arms,

This war in RosAsia, our own domain, is an atrocity. Targeting civilians is the worst form of combat. Never have we experienced such a travesty in the modern era.

If the the enemy does not leave now, then my nation shall be with you. RosAsia shall never fall into the hands of foreigners.

Sincerely,

Liu Quan

"Zhuge, prepare Tianlong and the Dragon's Breath. We may need these to make this conflict quick."

[The Divine Moon]

Imperial Shogunate Palace, Iwarebiko Island
The Grand Mu Shogunate of the Divine Moon

“To be honest Mi'lord, trying to retake Oho Island this early on would be a near impossibility.” Spoke one of the military advisers to the Shogun in the War Chambers, “We lack the resources to deliver reinforcements to the island without being sitting ducks for the Birkainian & Tarsan forces for several hours as the reinforcements sailed to Oho on the ferries. Taking this into mind, I believe we should follow General Daiki Ryuunosuke of the 1st Armored Division's plan.” Pointing to a large table map, the Adviser described the General's plan. “Have half of the surviving 4th Airwing launch mass airstrikes on the Tarsan Fleet in conjecture with surviving elements of 4th Armored Division, 3rd Anti-Ship Missile Brigade. Meanwhile the 7th Infantry Division makes their way south to ascertain the exact location of the Birkainians and slow them down as much as possible with support from the other half of the surviving 4th Airwing.” The Shogun frowned “Gen. Daiki's plan reeks of my predecessor's ideals of suicidal attacks, I do not like it.” “I'm well aware of that Mi'lord, but we have no other viable plan of action that won't lead to the utter destruction of our military forces.” responded the Adviser.

“Very well, we'll follow General Daiki's plan, with 1 adjustment. I want the TBM Brigades from the 3rd Armored Division to launch a sustained bombardment of the Enclave until either they run out of missiles, or the 7th is destroyed.” The Shogun ordered with a grim voice. “Now, what of our allies?”


Waichirō Imperial Army Base, Oho Island
The Grand Mu Shogunate of the Divine Moon

Sitting in his tank, a young Private sat reading a magazine as his fellow crew member & Commander sat on top of the hull playing card when his radio crackled to life, “...Repeat, this is 2nd Lieutenant Saidani Umetarō of the 4th Brigade, can anyone hear me?” “Hmm!! Corporal, we got survivors!” yelled the Private to his Commander up top before grabbing the radio and responding to the call, “ This is Private 1st Class Hiroshi Ichiro of the 1st Brigade, I read you!” “Oh thank Tsukiyomi, I was beginning to fear we were the only ones to survive. Tell me Private, do you know anything about who attacked us?” Hiroshi was about to respond when his commander dropped down into the tank and turned on her radio headset, “This is Corporal Tsubame Kiku, who is this?” “2nd Lieutenant Saidani Umetarō, now please answer my question. Who has attacked us?” Came Saidani over the radio, easily sounding annoyed at the Corporal's interruption. “Sorry sir! Unfortunately we lost contact with the outside world when the attack began. We were in our garage when it started, sensors detected the gas and the garage sealed itself and started an overpressure to keep the gas out. But one of the tanks outside lost control and drove into the Comms tower, at least that's what looks like what happened from the garage's upper story windows.” Answered Tsubame. “Damn... What garage are you located? We need to refuel our tank.” Asked Saidani to which Tsubame answered “Garage 32 sir, we'll get seal the upper floor while we open up the garage's door. ETA?” “...Now? We just passed Garage 32.”

After 15 minutes of waiting, the doors to Garage 32 opened and the Type 74 tank rolled into the hanger. The first thing they noticed was the Type 10 tank parked off to the side, then they noticed a person standing over by a control panel, who once the Type 74 passed the doors, flip a lever and the doors behind them closed. After another 10 minutes, the NBC warning lights in the Garage and the Type 74 switched off, showing that the gas inside the garage had been removed & filtered out.


Yuzuki Air Force Base, Oho Island
The Grand Mu Shogunate of the Divine Moon

After receiving orders from the Shogun, all combat aircraft at Yuzuki AFB had been armed and readied for combat. While the crews had been told they were to head for bases on Shikitsuhiko Island once they expended all ordinance, they knew that the likelihood of them surviving long enough to do so was nil. But their training & honor told them to not shy away, but to face their enemies head-on, show no fear. Thus they followed their orders and boarded their planes, 48 F-2As and 12 P-3C, all loaded with Type 93 AShMs with the F-2s also carrying a pair of AAM-4s to counter any fighters.

Also on the tarmac being loaded were another 48 F-2As, these with freefall bombs & rockets. They would provide aerial support to the 7th Mech. Infantry, who were already making their way south with 15,000 men.


The stage of the Battle of Oho Island had been set.

[Eslovakia]

Ekaterinberg House
Ekaterinberg
Eslovakia

"We've got a civil war in USEA, political instability here, a war in Divine Moon and general elections coming up." sulked President Kuname. "Seems like my time's nearly up whilst the world seems to take a turn for the worst."

"Everything has an ending" said Viktor Voychek, the Presidents most trusted Personal Advisor. "As for Divine Moon, I don't think it'll be wise sending a large support element there"

"Yes, focus on the problems at home as well as USEA, supporting the Divine Moon would send us into an economic downturn. Something we can't currently afford." replied President Kuname

"But there is one thing we can do." said Viktor Voychek

"Hmm?" wondered the President curiously. "What may that be?"

"We do have a major naval base in Koshigaya in the Kanagawa-Shindo area. We could supply the Divine Moon with humanitarian aid or help transport civilians as well as the wounded soldiers." said Viktor Voychek.

"So we deploy a few hospital ships as well cargo planes for the Divinese, help them out, but just watch them die from the sidelines when they're attacked again." said the President with a disappointed look.

"You can't please everyone nor help everyone out there" said Viktor Voychek. "The Divine Moon is already recieving military support from other countries so we would only be an extra force."

"Indeed. Alright, contact the Joint Cheifs of Staff and tell them about our plan. I won't be able to attend as I have an important meeting to attend to. When a decision is made, contact the Divine Moon leader and tell him about our plans. Put the forces in Koshigaya on standby." said the President preparing to leave.

"Yes sir."

----------

(One week later)
Happaranda Naval Air Station, Kanagawa-Shindo
Kosatsuhi Prefecture
Koshigaya

Large white vessels with a blood red cross on it were all docked at the base being loaded with supplies and equipment whilst large cargo aircraft were being loaded with same thing. A small security force as well as a helicopter squadron was to accompmany the supply force towards DM. All the personnel were eagerly waiting for the go ahead signal from the higher up officials. They had all been notified about the situation and what to do and what not. If the force was attacked in any way then Eslovakia would take that as an act of war and prepare a retaliation strike without massing a large strike force from Eslovakia itself rather use the forces stationed in Koshigaya.

[Tarsas]

Oleksandr Leonenko Naval Base
Divine Moon

Finally the landing craft had arrived at their destinations. The large convoy of smaller landing ships that had came with the fleet had safely arrived at port. One hundred thousand men of the Imperial Tarsan Expeditionary Force were getting ready to move out and subdue the people of Divine Moon. The first wave would compose of one mechanized infantry division composing of 10,000 men. The supporting elements would be two artillery divisions and the XIX "Knights of Tarisan" Armored Division of the Imperial Inquisition would be spearheading the assault. Two more armored divisions would be kept in reserve for an overwhelming spearhead designed to bring down Divine Moon quickly. General Iberius Talla had achieved his position by cunning and had been the first choice after David Salisburg was deposed for failure in Pashmanistan. He knew he would have to prove himself here, in Divine Moon, if he was to keep his job. He walked slowly down the long ramp that lead up to his former command center, the landing ship Tallos. The Tallos was a converted cruiser that had carried part of the invasion force.

Below on the concrete dock, a motorcade was waiting. The Birkainians had fulfilled his request to have cars ready. Good. He didn’t like to wait on things and valuable room for vehicles would have to have been taken up to transport cars. His general staff followed closely behind with his personal aid, Gerhold Hoyt, opened the door for him and climbed in behind him. Hoyt had been his aid for seven months now. The last one had been returned to his command post due to his outspokenness about the potential treatment of civilians this front might require. He had done well so far, rarely stepping out of line. The motorcade began to drive out of the base. Hoyt clutched his clipboard and began to speak. “We have done as you requested General. There is a town outside the naval base that has been secure for quite a while. Some Divinese nobility had a vacation mansion there. We found some bodies of a crown noble prince of some sort. “

The General smiled. “As to be expected Hoyt. The more that this gas killed, the more we don’t have to deal with later. I will be taking any artifacts of value in said mansion. Have you set up my command center?”

“Yes sir. That was done a while ago. We’re coming up on the mansion now.” While the General had been talking, the motorcade had travelled down a paved and then dirt road to a fine stone mansion that was clearly in Asian style architecture. A truck was sitting outside the gate and bodies were being tossed into it. Hoyt pointed at the truck. “Those were taken from the yard. There was quite a host of dead soldiers in the yard. We’re assuming there was some sort of cultural display going on when the gas hit.” Talla didn’t reply and the motorcade moved through the gate and up to the entrance. A large, red door with some text on it that Talla could not nor cared to read was opened to allow him inside as the group exited the cars. The first sight that greeted him was the great room. Many local elements were still in the room but a massive Tarsan flag had been hung from the second story stair banisters. Various state paraphernalia had been placed around the entire mansion including portraits of high ranking officials, official embroidered table cloths with the Tarsan coat of arms on them, and a good many ceremonial weapons on wall mounts. Talla continued up the stairs through the myriad of rooms to his private office at the back of the mansion. The large master bedroom had been modified to suit his needs. A burning pile of furniture in the garden below took care of whatever he had chosen not to keep out of what was in the mansion. He sat down behind the large teak wood desk that had been the property of the former residences. They wouldn’t need it where they were. Outside, twenty two portable SAM sites were being set up in the area along with a myriad of other defenses to protect his command center from unfortunate incidents. They would have complete and total air superiority as soon as the other ground forces were unloaded in their full number due to the sixty other fighters that would be offloaded with the 5,500 carrier planes available to intercept any Divinese air strikes.

A report came in via the ICRN Comm System. The armored divisions and the mechanized divisions had been offloaded. During loading, everything had been carefully and painstakingly loaded in a manner that would allow for quick and organized offloading when they arrived at Divine Moon. Offloading had started a day ago and with a 24 hour shift by multiple shifts of men, three divisions were ready to spearhead the advance. Over 20 more infantry divisions and 13 more armored divisions would eventually come to reinforce the full assault force with more in reserve. Good. It was time for the next phase of Operation Divine Justice.

Forward Camp 1
Tarsan Oho Island Front

Colonel Marcus Sarepho was the go to man for forward camp 1. He was in full command of the entire front lines for Tarsan forces.
The three divisions had begun their advance and covered forty miles today. Forward Camp 1 was only a mere six miles from the main offensive line. You couldn’t exactly call if an offensive line since they were encountering absolutely no resistance. The Birkaines had killed everything. It was somewhat refreshing that his biggest task was to order the main lone to drive down an empty road and count the dead. Reports had so far calculated two million dead from gassing and the dead were still coming in. Why command wanted him to keep such good records, he didn’t know, but he did as he was told. The phone in his command tent rang. He picked it up and uttered his usual “Sarepho”.

“Colonel Sarepho, this is General Talla. We’ve communicated with the Birkaine General Staff and High Command has recommended its course of action but given me overall clearance to do as I see fit. The war between Greenland and Hardenburgh seems to be on a higher priority list even though we have no forces officially deployed. Now then, it seems the Birks have their advance route planned out. I want our line to advance south and secure that portion of the island. The fighting will get far heavier once you get outside of the Birkainian Resistance Free Zone. Certain elements of the Divinese armed forces may be intact there. You are to wipe out any resistance. That means civilians. Show no mercy.”

Sarepho wasn’t surprised. He had been hearing some chatter about how the invaders were intending to treat the Divinese people. “Yes sir. May I ask why such brutal tactics are being deployed?”
Talla’s voice grew annoyed. “No. That is not something I am at liberty to tell a Colonel. Remember, do not fail me Colonel. Much rides upon your success. May God be with you and good hunting.”

“Yes sir. Thank you sir.” Serapho hung up the phone and stood up walking outside the tent into the moist air. This place was not nearly as bad as the homeland or that cursed tundra that he had spent ten months of his life serving on. Outside, his two “guards” stood. These men permeated the army put in place by high ranking officials to watch their subordinates. He had never shown dissent, always followed his orders. He had no reason to worry. He continued on to a nearby staff vehicle, one of the thousands of Pessac P series vehicles employed. This was the luxury kind gifted to high ranking officers by High Command. He sighed, it was time for him to inspect the construction of Airbase Vexan. The driver stepped out and opened his door and he climbed inside.

The vehicle swiftly started and drove away from the camp of garrison tents. It would soon be time for him to choose a proper command center for his V Corps, which would lead the invasion of Divine Moon. It was composed of three infantry divisions, one armored division, and a full artillery division. He had originally protested so little armor until he learned it would be the Knights of Tarisan. They were of the Inquisition armored force, meaning they would be more than enough to handle any Divinese armor in the area. The unlimited air support and light C-2 carrier gunships would be a great help in the operation as well. In fact, so crucial was air supremacy considered by high command that the right behind the first advance construction on a base had quickly began. It was, of course, prefabricated, meaning it could be taken down or set up in a matter of two weeks. A more permanent solution would be sought later.

The vehicle continued to rumble down the road. The driver arrived at the designated turn and bared a hard left almost oversteering. If they didn’t sent him a better drive, he was sure this one would get him killed someday. After driving down a pathetically paved road, the four vehicles arrived at a checkpoint. The Checkpoint Guard cleared them as soon as the driver presented ID and they continued on driving over the crest of a hill. The airbase came into view. There was only a single building fully operational and the easy to lay “quick tarmac” wasn’t proving to be so quick and easy. Sure, they could use Birkainian air bases, but High Command desired Tarsan forces to have their own. They drove into the midst of a group of garrison tents. A man came out to greet them as the Colonel exited and saluted. “Major Jackson Henderson of the 23rd Engineering Support Division at your behest sir. What can I do for you today?”

“At ease Major. I’ve come to see the progress on the Vexan base. High Command has set it a priority that we get this base up as quickly as possible and from what the reports I’ve received have stated, you have received more than enough material and manpower.”

The Major fidgeted his collar nervously and motioned the Colonel to enter his tent. Once the men were seated, he began. “Well sir, the base is going well. We’re keeping close to if not right on schedule. There have been delays, however, as every project on this scale has.”

“I do not need a lecture on the ratio of project scales to delays. What sort of delays Major?” Sarepho’s face took on a hard frown.
“Well sir, to be honest, materials simply aren’t shipping in fast enough and the runway is not being laid down as nearly as fast as anticipated. We’ve only completed ¾ of what we were supposed to have done by now. The delays haven’t significantly put us behind schedule but we’ll need more time I believe.”

Sarepho’s frown deepened. “I can only grant you so much time Major. If you aren’t fit to command this project, keep in mind, you are expendable. We’ve managed to factor in an extra six days in case of delays. You may make use of these six days and they can be added to your project. However, do not abuse my trust in you. I can only grant you another three extra days if six days are not enough. After that, if the project is not completed on the revised schedule, you will be removed and I will appoint another to take your place. Are we clear?”

The Major fidgeted nervously, his face taking on a scowl. “Yes sir. I will not fail you. The air base will be completed on or ahead of schedule. I thank you for granting me extra time.”

“See that you use it properly. Good day.” Sarepho stepped out of the tent and got back into the rear seat of his vehicle. That idiot, he had no idea how that man ever got in command of such an important project. Sarepho had been harsher than need be. He always was. It instilled a sense of fear into his subordinates. He made sure they respected him, for if they failed, he took the heat. The car drove off back down the road again.

Battlefleet Alpha
160 km off the coast of Divine Moon

Admiral Micheal Ryswick stood in his favorite spot, the observation deck of the tower. The observation deck was a long balcony like structure built into the upper part of the tower. It granted him a bird’s eye view of the ocean and the operations aboard his flagship. It was cloudy today. The weathermen predicted heavy rains and rough seas. Not a very good day to conduct an operation. Regardless of his opinion, Naval High Command had sent orders for the fighting elements of the task force to set sail this morning shortly after the first divisions had hit Divinese soil. A few warships had been left in dock to guard the base but the majority was with him. He had still received no word as to why he was out here. A man walked up to him and saluted. “Sir, Warrant Officer Asagi Korlugin with orders from command.” Korlugin was originally from Kagetora. His family had immigrated to Tarsas when he was a young boy. Somehow, he had joined up with the navy only to be sent to the hellish icebox that was Martania. Ryswick felt sorry for him.

“Thank you Warrant Officer. Dismissed.” The man saluted and stepped back into the tower. He began to read the paper. It was in a different format than the usual burst transmissions that created the traditional “stop” in between every major sentence ending. They had sent it straight over satellite via a heavily encrypted network. It was obvious that this mission would be important. Admiral Micheal Ryswick, you are to take Taskforce Alpha and move it north off of the coast of the second island directly north of Oho. Here you will launch missile strikes on major targets. Cities, defenses, airstrips, airports, naval bases, and anything else that you deem a target. Use good judgment when choosing targets. Be indiscriminate. Civilian casualties will not generate the backlash it would generate in Tarquinia. Satellite tracking and a pre determined recommended target list has been prepared. May God be with you and good hunting. Ryswick rummaged around in his pocket and pulled out his cigar lighter. He smoked occasionally at social events. He rapidly burned the paper with the orders. It was time. He swiftly entered the tower door and ascended the stairs back onto the bridge. The men were surprised when he barged in. “Alright men, we are to launch cruise missiles strikes on the next island. Fifty percent of these will be from the Valor class ships carrying nerve gas weapons, the other 50% will be regular explosive missiles from the remainder of the ships. Ensure all carrier pilots are on standby to intercept any sorties Divinese forces fly against us. Ships will fire on my order. Also, prepare sixty fighters to fire long range anti-radar missiles at any signatures detected.”

A unanimous “yes sir” was quickly stated by the bridge crew as they began their work. Four minutes later, the hatches on cruisers and destroyers around the fleet opened up. A predetermined list of important targets had been determined by the spy satellites watching Divine Moon but as the pictures began to flow in, he added several more targets to the list. The nerve gas missiles would all hit major population centers while the conventional missiles went for military instillations. Fighters began to roar off the decks of the carriers. Cargo vessels behind the fleet had brought in more new Na-8A.6 stealth fighters for his air groups. They wouldn’t even get near the shore. They would fire their missiles ninety kilometers out and they would seek and take out anything emitting a radar signature. The powerful array of the Na-6 would make targeting the missiles all the easier. The Admiral prepared himself mentally for what was to come next and uttered one word, “fire”. Flashes of light lit up the sky like an explosion as missiles began leaving ships all around the fleet. The long, bright streaks that left the ships began to climb higher and higher. Soon, it would be time for the judgment of the Divinese people.

Airgroup Alpha
Squadron Epsilon II

Airman First Class Lionel Erickson had been on Taskforce Alpha for four months now. He had been transferred from the former Barvus Corps as it demilitarized and began to leave Barvus to defend itself. He had not flown off of a carrier before but he had been in the Air force for three years now and he knew the ropes well. Somehow, he had managed to survive fighting the ethnic violence in Barvus. It was all a memory now, that was two years ago, but during that brief conflict, he had tasted true war. Now, it was time to taste that again. His radar beeped and his in helmet display ran data in front of his eyes. He had detected a SAM site emitting from its search radar. He was carrying one large Anti Radiation Missile. He was 105 kilometers out from the target. It was almost time for firing.

The enormous radar on the Na-6A.6 stealth variant had a range of 230 kilometers. The weapons management computer beeped its affirmative sound that told him the missile was primed. He locked its guidance system on the radar that the SAM was using to search the air. The range timer began to calculate the stats. The machine predicted a 99% chance of destroying the target. Travel time would be just over 20 minutes. He leveled the fighter out using the stick. The Weapons Management Computer selected the proper pylon and set the eject sequence. The computer in the missile would send a signal that would release the clamps and set the missile free as soon as its boosters fired up. Modern fighters were getting more and more easy to operate. He placed his thumb on the firing button as the countdown began. Five, four, three, two, one, fire. He pressed the button and the rocket motor fired. The missile ejected seamlessly and it was off toward its target. He turned his aircraft around and regrouped with his squad, who were also firing their missiles off. If all worked out, Divine Moon would not be able to mount a response. The ARMs would hit their SAMs and the cruise missiles would impact any airbase and leave the runway and the hangars in shambles. This would be easy.

Strategic Command Forward Base 1
La’ Crevelle Mansion

General Iberius Talla stood beside the massive digital map screen that had been installed just yesterday. From various sources, it showed real time updates of where known enemy, allied, and Tarsan forces were at all times. The system had holes. What AWACs, radar, recon, and satellites didn’t detect weren’t there and that could cause issues during an attack. They had to make sure their reconnaissance was as good as possible during a time like this. The general activated a filter called “Allied Forces Only”. He turned toward the group of high ranking field commanders in the room sitting in chairs watching him. “Gentlemen, after receiving full authority from High Command to command this theatre as I see fit, I have decided our main battle plan. Our forces shall occupy the southern portion of Oho Island. This should offer little to no resistance to our occupation. At the same time, the Admiral has received orders to commence fleet operations on Shikit…Shipit….shim it.”

His aid whispered in his ear. “Its Shikitsuhiko Island Island sir.”

“As I was saying the fleet will commence operations on Shikitsuhiko Island and commence landings with 200,000 men and accompanying forces. This force will engage all Divinese forces on Shikitsuhiko Island and destroy them. We will capture who we can and kill who we can’t. Once we occupy the second island, we will hatch another plan for the third island and eventually the capital island. Now, I will contact you for times for our next meeting. Dismissed.” The men got up and started leaving to go do their duties.