The North Mesder War (IC, TWI ONLY)

[Taziristan]

The North Mesder War

Throughout the last week and a half, Muslims have been being murdered for their religion in Upper Norseland. The day they started, General Nadir and the rest of Taziristan became disgusted at the culture that had appeared to them now. As more and more Taziristani Muslims were murdered, the more and more angry the Government, the public, and General Nadir began. Since the first girl lost her head, General Nadir had been mobilizing troops and formulating strategies. Eventually, he convinced the Council and President Brushed Alkalari that the enemy must be dealt with now or never. That they must be destroyed now while they were still too weak to leave their own borders or risk being attacked later in the future.


Now, the ships are ready, the Fighters are fueled, and the men are awaiting orders.

OOC:
Rules: Upper Norseland and Taziristan have power over any disputes. If we cannot solve them, then they will go to the Secretary of the Interior per TWI constitution. All OOC should be taken care of in this thread: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=387829

[Taziristan]

Taziristani Army Barracks and Training Base
Southeast of Asharke, Taziristan
5 A.M

Sergeant Amir Taylon walked quietly up the sidewalks towards the Barracks with two other Sergeants from his company. No one spoke as they marched towards the barracks, their boots striking the concrete at the same time, each in step with the other. When they neared the barracks, the men split, each heading towards a separate building. As Taylon approached the door, the private on watch stood and silently saluted him. Taylon saluted back, then placed his hand on the door and, like he had a thousand times before, burst into the room.

"EVERYONE OFF YOUR RACKS! GET OFF YOUR ASSES AND STAND AT ATTENTION," he bellowed as he strode across the room, hitting each bed with a small metal rod. Every soldier in barrack jumped out of their bed and stood at attention and before the Sergeant had even made it halfway across the room, there was a line of boys standing straight up with their arms at their sides. "YOU HAVE 15 MINUTES TO GET YOUR GEAR AND ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE!" By now, he was standing at the other side of the long, narrow barrack, preparing to move out the back door. "DON'T BE LATE OR YOU'LL BE PTin ALL DAMN DAY."

"YES, SERGEANT!", the cadets yelled in unison as they stood there.

"HOP TO IT, LADIES."

With that, the sergeant left the room and stormed onto the next barrack, then the next and the next. When he had returned to his Company, every soldier was lined up, Rifle in hand, bags squared away, by Platoon and squad. The sergeant went out and took his place in front of his Squad. Their Captain then stepped up to his position.

"At Ease, company." He watched as they changed position. "Gentlemen, you have 1 hour to stow all your gear for travel. You will then report to your sergeant in this spot and you will board the trucks that will be lined up here and you will take a ride."

"Yes, Sir!" The Company said in unison.

"Very well. Sergeants, dismiss your men. I'll be back in an hour."

Taylon saluted him, then did an about face. "Attention! You heard the man! Stow your gear. Let's get moving!"

Taziristani Eastern Air Base
Southeast of Tazir, Taziristan
6 A.M.

Captain Kudret Mahzun sat silently in the briefing room, looking down on rows of pilots. It was almost time for the briefing. Instead of 75 pilots like was usual at this air base, there were 125. 'It's finally happening,' he thought as he looked around the room. 'They're gonna send us out!'

As he thought this, the colonel strode into the room. "Good morning, gentlemen."

"Morning, sir."

The Colonel smiled, then grew stern again. "As you know, we have been preparing these last couple weeks for a major op. You also know that tonight is the night of that op." He clicked a button and it showed a map of the Kingdom of Upper Norseland. "For the last couple weeks, these bastards have been executing our brothers and sisters, citizens of Taziristan, simply for believing there is one god and essentially declared all monotheistic religions as evil, perverse, and destructive. It has now been decided by our honored General and his Staff that this is a threat to Islam that may not go unanswered! So, here we are." He clicked his button again, showing the armada that had formed over night off the coast. "In less than 12 hours, every one of those ships will be loaded with men, supplies, and ammunition that will be traveling to Upper Norseland."

Kudret looked in amazement at the armada. "Are we invading Upper Norseland, sir?"

"Absolutely, Captain. It will be our job to not only escort these poor bastards to their objective area, but to soften those Norse Heathens up before they land. Squadran leaders, open the packet under your chair." A shuffling of papers went around the room. "These are the target Priorities which we will destroy in an all night bombing campaign starting tonight at 1800. Those escorting the fleet will join in on the action when the fleet arrives around Midnight. Once morning shows on these bastards, we will wipe out whatever is left and, depending on how well you do your jobs, our boys will walk into their streets without a bit of resistance to slow them down." He looked around the room. "You've got 27,000 men who are counting on you. Do NOT let them down."

"Yes, sir!"

"Now, report to your squadrons. You have your orders."

"Yes, sir," they said together as they stood up and began to leave.

[Ostehaar]

Prime Minister Rikard Vulf Dorias surveyed the files he was given once more. He looked carefully at every detail, examined the numbers, and occasionally raised his eyes a bit to look above the papers at his Minister of Foreign Affairs, who was sitting across the desk.

"Alright," he took off his reading glasses and sighed, "I see the League thing didn't help."

"We were told it won't," the Minister replied.

"I know. Have you seen the recent 'Wonderland' material? It's practically what Dihn's folks have said. I think that the only thing they couldn't tell us was the name of the operation..." He chuckled casually.

"I haven't seen the new material, sir," said Minister Brahurer, "but I've been told about it."

"It's remarkable, really. We got their invasion plan step-by-step. There are actually some troubling clauses in there. Please go through it when you get back to your office after we finish here. I'd like your opinion on their 'third phase'. It's... Well, just make sure you read it and tell me your thoughts." Rikard laid the files on his desk and relaxed his arms against the armrests.

"Of course, sir. Shall we make the call now?"

Rikard nodded firmly in agreement. He pressed a button on his desk phone. "Lehna, can you please get President Alkalari or Taziristan for me? Thank you."

[Taziristan]

The Palace

President Brushed Alkalari sat at his desk preparing the statement to the press. As far as he knew, things were going smoothly at the docks of the eastern naval base. He stared at his work for a minute, then write some more before being interrupted by a knock.

"Come in."

His secretary stepped in. "Sir, there's a call from Oster leadership on line 3."

"Thank you, dear."

She shut the door and left. 'Oster leadership?' He thought, 'Why in the devil?' Regarxless, he picked up the phone. "President Alkalari speaking."

[Ostehaar]

"Good morning, mister President," Rikard said, "I hope you're doing well. My compliments on winning the League vote."

"Anyway, I want to get to the point. As you could have guessed, Taziristan's massive military mobilization hasn't escaped our satellites. Now, I've heard about Upper Norseland'd recent actions, of course, and we all agree that those actions are barbaric and worthy of punishment - but please, President Alkalari, tell me you're not going on this wild adventure. Do you even realize how many young Taziristani boys will be lead to their death? Haven't your generals warned you about the nature of Upper Norseland's ground forces?"

[Taziristan]

"I assure you, Mister Prime Minister, that these mobilizations are not what you think they are. These are part of exercises we have been building up for some time. However, if we were to be going on such an adventure, our military could handle the challenge and we would be justified in our actions."

[Ostehaar]

"Justified?" Rikard asked determinedly. "Even if you would find a way to justify such actions to the international community, I doubt that you'd be able to justify them to your own people after so many bodies would return."

Rikard took a long, deep breath and exhaled in discouragement. "Mister Preisdent, if you are saying that this is just an exercise... then I'll take your word for it, of course. If this turns out to be an invasion eventually, then remember not to expect Ostehaar's support. Not for such an action, and not in the diplomatic nightmare that would follow."

"In any case, I thank you for your time. Have a good Friday prayer, President Alkalari."

Minister Brahurer waited for the Prime Minister to hang up the phone before she released a long sigh. "I assume he didn't cooperate."

"No. Let's talk to Alex, Dihn, and Aarin. We'll have to send some people down there to monitor the situation up close."

[Wellsia]

Governor Hamish Dewar looked out of his office window at the town and base below. In his hand he held a crumbled piece of paper. "What the hell are they thinking?" What was Ealdwic thinking?" he spoke out loud to nobody.
Looking across the bay he watched the Keomoran flag pop in the wind, first they give up part of the naval base to the Keomorans and now I'm suppose to let Taziristan use the airbase for their war maneuvers in the Mesder Sea. The way things are going you would think the Cabinet is giving us away.
The good thing was the powerful naval fleet of eight war ships including the battlecruiser HWMS Warsprite and the carrier HWMS Victorious had just arrived and now floated at anchor across from the Keomorans warships floating in the harbor.

[Upper Norseland]

September 2nd, 2016, 1812 Hours
City of Aelderich
Kingdom of the Upper Norselands

Lief had never been so infuriated all his life. He threw down his stick and bracers in frustration, panting for breath as his anger boiled inside him. Twirling his stick nonchalantly, Storri sauntered across the field whistling.
"Better luck next time, my friend." Lief had never liked Storri. They'd lived near each other for years, had trained together at the Enleggen, had chased after the same girls. Lief's father had done everything in his power to push the boys together, and as such, Lief had learned to smile and play nice very early on. But since the end of this year's Enleggen, their last, Storri had become insufferable. It was time for some retribution.
Charging forward, Lief smashed into Storri's torso beneath his right arm, catching him entirely by surprise and allowing the smaller, weaker Lief to easily tackle him to the ground. Capitalizing quickly, he slammed his elbow down hard on Storri's wrist, producing a horrific crunch as his fingers contorted, disarming him of his Bandrol stick and causing him to cry out in pain. By this point, Storri's teammates had realized what was going on, and Ander and Sigurd were already yanking him off. Lief got a few good kiscks in as he was pulled away, before Ander knocked the wind out of him with a very well-placed knee. Dropping to his knee, Lief wheezed out some threat or another as the two boys went to check on Storri, writhing in pain on the ground. Lief rolled over to gaze at the sky, and a look of perplexion crossed his face.
"Oh, Gods..." Lief was interrupted by the massive explosions which rocked the surrounding buldings.

1835 Hours
Royal Hunting Lodge,
Thursalendvaed, Aelderfold
Kingdom of the Upper Norseland

His Royal Majesty Ulfred III of the House of Lopjarn, King of the Upper Norselands, Lord of the Greater Norse Dominion, Chief Protector of the Temples and First Son of the Aesir rolled over and sighed contentedly. Gazing up at the elaborate design carved into the stone ceiling, a particular piece kept drawing his attention. A depiction of Thor facing the World Serpent, Jormungandr, after accidentaly catching it while fishing. It wasn't as if this motif was uncommon, quite the opposite, it was present in near every home in the Norselands. But something about the valiant God, standing in his boat, chest thrust out in defiance of the monster...
"Do you suppose we should make some sort of statement?" Iola Pryce, Ulfred's recent bride and Queen ran her fingers gently through the King's long hair.
"Oh?" Ulfred responded, a slight chuckle heard through his usually stern manner. "And what did you have in mind?"
"Well, I could always do for a more impressive set of titles." Queen Iola tugged his hair playfully and they laughed a moment, before the door burst open and three Royal Guardsmen marched in, bearing a sense of urgency that did not augur well.
"Your Royal Majesty," the lead Guardsman knelt and placed a fist over his heart in the traditional salute. "We have recieved reports of a, uh...of a..." the man faltered, his breathing quickened. Throwing aside his bedcovers, Ulfred rose and faced the men.
"Speak, soldier." The Guardsman gulped audibly and lowered his eyes to the floor.
"An attack, your majesty. Coordinated airstrikes on close to a dozen Jarls and several Holy Sites." Iola gasped, and Ulfred's fists clenched.
"Your Royal Majesties, we have to get you to safety, at once." Turning, Ulfred picked up his longsword, always ready and within reach of the bed. Drawing the sword, he gazed cor a moment at his reflection in the blade.

"Have there been any strikes in this area?" Ulfred's voice was slow, deliberate.
"Ah, no, sir, the aircraft would have a difficult time targeting us with precision in these mountains."
"Then it would seem to me, soldier, that we are as safe as we could be without running all the way to Stagentvaed. We shall remain here."
"Majesty," the Guardsman made to stand. "I would not recommend..." in an instant, Ulfred's sword was at his throat.
"We will remain here, soldier. From this instant on, you will consider every word from my mouth as the word of Odin himself. We are at war, and I am your Supreme Commander. You will do as I say, when I say, with no questions. Understood?" A heavy silence followed for a brief moment.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I am your instrument." The Guardsman prostrated himself before his King. Ulfred sheathed his sword and walked to the window, looking out over the beautiful forests of Aelderfold. This war would ravage his people, and he knew that there was nothing he could do to save them. They would fight to the last, every man, woman, and child. They would make the invaders pay for every step with blood and misery. But in the end, it would not be enough.
"Guardsmen." The soldiers snapped to attention behind him. "Contact Lord Storri Storrison of the House of Raedvorn. I would have words." Saluting, the Guardsmen filed out.
"Well, my love." Turning to his Queen, Ulfred's face broke into a sad, apologetic smile. "It is my great displeasure to inform you that you have ben wed to the doomed monarch of a doomed land." Placing his sword upon the end table, Ulfred sat on the edge of his bed. "The Gods must really have it in for you."

[Keomora]

Perm, Wellsia
What the hell are they afraid of? mused Elizabeth Karma to herself as she sat on a lawn chair overseeing the Wellsian fleet on the edge of her ship, the Razor Class Assault Ship, The Retribution. A majority of her Task Force, a hastily assembled force of her ship in addition to Yiakova-class Destroyer, two older Diasmo-class Destroyers and two Jakara-class frigates were no longer in fighting condition thanks to the devastating aerial attack performed by Athara Magarat. While her ship avoided a majority of the damage the other ships were not as lucky. The Shao-li, the Yiakova Destroyer was hit starboard side by a bomb, while the Kilong and Kao-wong suffered from heavier damages: one had its helipad partially destroyed. But the worst of was the Ba-shing, having its communication and radar system disabled due to a hit by a missile, with half of its bridge missing. 37 sailors died before the flame was taken out. It managed to move very slowly, which aided the Retribution and Shao-li in towing it to safety.
At the moment her ships were no threat to Wellsia. But the presence of the eight ships, in particular the carrier unnerved her.
What are they afraid of? Elizabeth asked herself as she rose and began to pace back to the bridge. Suddenly she heard the tell-tale sound of a supersonic jet and when she looked up she saw a F-41 fly overhead. Soon that jet was followed by another, until a dozen flew over her wounded pack of ships. With men running outside and pointing to the sky Elizabeth cursed and started to run.

[Wellsia]

The chime of the ancient coo-coo clock marked the time as 1:30, looking out the window again he saw the Keomoran flag in the wind, this reminded him of the battered Keomoran task force that had limped into the shared harbor. Face-palm himself he thought "What would my parents think!". Pushing the intercom call button, he waited patently for Miss Weatherberry to enter, the thought of his shapely secretary made him glad his wife was back on Wellsia Island. "Miss Weatherberry, I have been remiss, please invite The Keomoran Admiral, what is his name?"
"Sir," replied Miss Agnes Weatherberry,with a smile on her face "the Keomoran Admiral is a woman sir, an Admiral Elizabeth Karma, if I'm not mistaken."
Governor Dewar shook his head, "I will never understand these damn foreigners, giving command of a battlegroup to a woman, no wonder it's in the shape it's in." Coming back to the matter at hand, he proclaimed, "Never mind, Miss Weatherberry will you please send a formal invitation to Admiral Karma to join us for tea at 3:30, also send an invite to Admiral Halfhyde to join us as well." Chuckling, "Perhaps they will have something to talk about, Admiral to Admiral."
Just as he finished the loud sound of jets disturbed the evening. Looking out the window, he wondered what was going through the minds of the people of Grand Harbor and Perm. "Well they will know the Taziristani are here," is exclaimed with a deep sigh.

Admiral Vincent Halfhyde stood on the bridge of the battlecruiser Warsprite. He looked at the shot up remains of the Keomoran Fleet, turning he looked at his Flag Captain, "Send a message to Admiral Karma and to Governor Dewar, let both know that the Navy approves of the uses of all docks and workmen to assist in the repairs to the Keomoran ships, also let her know that our medical facilities are also open to her wounded."
Before the Captain could turn the sound of jets exploded over the fleet, looking up at the Islamic symbols on the side of the planes, he cursed the Cabinet and the First Lord for giving into the Tazristani to use the airbase on Perm.

[Upper Norseland]

2215 Hours
Jarl's Estate
Aelderich, Kingdom of the Upper Norselands

It was unsurprising that the Jarl of Aelderich was one of the first Nobles to be targeted by the Taziri airstrikes. After all, Aelderich had the largest military force, the most ships, the best infrastructure for the housing and care of its soldiery. It would have been one of his first targets, too. His Excellency Ragnar Sigmund Ragnarsson, Jarl of Aelderich, was wrenched from his slumber by the deafening sound and blinding light of explosions, bombs and missiles, dropped and fired from airplanes high, high above in the inky blackness of night. Ragnar had expected the strikes that had come before, the surgical strikes on his barracks, his training facilities, his Retinues' housing. But to strike his manor? To go after him? This he could not condone.

It was with no small amount of confusion and panic that the Commander of the Jarl's Personal Guard watched him charge across the front yard of his manor, brandishing two longswords, clad in only a pair of black suit trousers and an unbuttoned white silk shirt. Coming to a halt, his bare feet skidding slightly in the moist grass, the Jarl swung his swords down violently and screamed, a terrifying scream of pure rage, into the sky.
"Come out and fight me, you cowardly, horrid, worthless swine-who-would-call-yourselves-men!"
The commander halted for a moment. He had never heard the Jarl's voice carry such fury. It reminded him of the Berserkers, that feeling of visceral terror.
"Too afraid to fight like true men!? Too cowardly to show your faces!? I ride to Valhalla, you Mohammedan shits, and I'll send every damned Gods-forsaken last one of you to Nilfheim for the trouble!"

"Sir, I'm afraid I'm going to have to..."
"You will hold your fucking tongue this instant or, Freya fucking help me, I will rip it out of your skull!" The Jarl did not even turn, raising his sword at lightning speed to mere millimeters from the Commander's left eye. "Now, unless I misunderstood our relationship, it is you who are subordinate to me, and thefefore I will stand where I wish, when I wish, and I couldn't give even the smallest fraction of a consideration about your recommendations." As Ragnar's head whirled to face him, the Commander could not think of a more terrifying visage, a smile of pure exhileration capped by eyes that burned with endless rage and hatred.
"They will pay, Commander. I will see to it that they do." Nodding, the Jarl's guard gently pushed the sword away from his face and stepped forward.
"Not if you're fallen, sir. We should move." Nodding weakly, seemingly disoriented, Ragnar made no move to stop his guard from guiding him towards his bunker.

[Perawin]

Anee, Perawin
The Coliseum

Queen Aster looked out the window at the protesters. They weren't particularly dangerous, since guns were banned for the general public, and the majority of protesters were for one side elderly people and the other young people waving their cell phone flashlights at the windows of the Coliseum. Annoying, but not very effective.

Behind her, though, a far more dangerous battle reigned; the Council, attempting to decide on what to do about Ubatan's stock plummeting and the ban of devil's snare to Upper Norseland.

The screaming and fists banging on the table were as chaotic as the queen had ever witnessed the Council acting; for certain, the next dawn and the opening of the market would change Perawani history forever.

Not all of them would make it out alive.

[Moukere]

Vertaque Military Base
Moukere

General Sakimbi smiled as he saw reports of the Taziristani invasion flicker across the screen of the television. He fully anticipated the call that would come in moments from General Habariya calling them forwards to support their Muslim brothers. It was just right. The Norse had killed the Ummah and attempted to stop it. That did not do. He held his AK-47 in his hand, stroking down the barrel. He knewvthatbit would need some targets soon.

A phone rang in the back of the room. He got up quickly, knowing in his heart that the time had come. He picked up the phone slowly, anticipation building up in his body.

"General Sakimbi! It's Habariya. Ley time has come for us to strike."

Sakimbi smiled softly. "Your will is mah command, General"

He put down the phone quickly, took his rifle and ran into the barracks, where his soldiers sat down. Many were playing cards, some smoking. They were bored. Nothing had happened since the Huytis had been suppressed. They all looked up when Sakimbi ran up to the door. From his energy they could tell something was up.

"Mah Frés! Det time is here for us to defend da Ummah!"

They sat up. He had their attention now.

"Get yow sorry Boundas out dere on da airstrip! Arm up and get ready. We going to fly to Wellshah den get on a ship to da action. Fè vit!"

The soldiers got up quickly and grabbed their rifles and any other weapons that they owned. Soon 350 men were standing out on the dusty airstrip. Three old Shaobing aircraft and several other Antonov transports sat out on the tarmack, fuelling up as their pilots began to mount in. The soldiers were armed with all manner of weaponry, some brandishing machetes. They piled into the transport aircraft, far on the recommended amount of passengers. In each, the seats had been replaced with rough benches to fit more people and ammunition was stored in the holds below. The planes took off slowly, and were soon in the air above the southern sea. A lone condor escorted the fleet. Moukere could not spare any more fuel.

[Atnaia]

Wessich skimmed the report on his tablet as he moved down the halls of the Hegemonic Administration Building after a meeting with the Quorum. The information regarding the battles in Norseland interested him not for possible Atnaian involvement, but for the vast possibilities they opened up. He hand the tablet to Bartimaeus Yorke, his right hand man and turned to Afram Kwaku, who had brought him the report in the first place.

"You're Muslim, yes? What do you think?"

Afram tucked his hands in his pockets. "I don't think my being Muslim has anything to do with it. I think you can already see the doors that are opening."

"Yes," Wessich itched his beard. "Yes I can. Would either of them be stable enough, though?"

"We have a better chance with Taziristan," Yorke mused. He handed the tablet back as they rounded a corner. "Its closer, has more of the amenities required to support an occupation already in place, we don't have a nasty historical precedent and their culture isn't predicated on slitting throats."

"I agree," Kwaku said. "Plus, it solidifies our sphere of hegemonic influence in the Mesder. We can't overlook the importance of unity."

Wessich nodded. "Certainly not. This is a tightrope walk, though. We can't be seen giving aid to either side. We have to appear visibly neutral."

"Why?" Yorke asked. "It would be easier to just eliminate the appropriate individuals and ensure installation of a regime that would support us."

"Easier but more dangerous," Wessich replied. "Our best bet is to use the League to legitimize our expansion. We need international support. We can't provoke hostilities. Not with SOAR and Merrit still on the burners. Afram, can you draft a plan for Barbury? He needs to be brought in."

"Of course," Kwaku nodded.

"And North?" Yorke asked.

"Busy with the development projects for Merrit, but he needs to be kept abreast," Wessich replied. "Let him know and I'll speak with him later."

[Keomora]

Perm, Wellsia
"Officer on Bridge"
Immediately every soul on the bridge jumped to attention. "Where the hell are the planes heading to?" Elizabeth asked, before shaking her head. "And please tell me they're not heading north.
"They are ma'am."
"F*ck."
The knowledge that these ships were heading north had several implications. Of course they could be simply doing an exercise but an air strike against KUN could also be likely. But didn't they just sign that resolution on the league? Elizabeth thought to herself. They're not going to be stupid enough to actually attack KUN.
"Ma'am we have a message from Governor Dewar inviting you to tea at 1500. In addition Admiral Halfhyde has offered their medical facilities for our wounded in addition to additional docks and Wellsian aid in repairing our ships." Announced the Communication Officer William Shayeed. Elizabeth nodded her head in acknowledgement.
"Tell the Governor I accept. And thank the Admiral. However tell him that the medical facilities will not be necessary. Our wounded are currently in Akar. When will the ships be ready?"
"The Retribution is combat ready alongside the Shao-li. With Wellsian aid the Diasmo Destroyers should be ready in a few days if we repair them 24/7. The Ba-shing is a different story. It might take a month to be repaired."
"Well then give the order to fix the ship within two weeks. Commander Arteries you will be in charge while I'm gone. You know what to do. And alert High Command regarding the recent developments."
With that she headed to her cabin.

[Taziristan]

Off the Coast of Upper Norseland
2cnd Reserve Regiment, 1st Reserve Division

At 6 A.M. the next morning, Sergeant Amir was sitting in front of his men, looking each over as they prepared to board the landing craft. Despite all the shit talking they had done on the way here, he could see they were scared. Amir nodded and looked around at the other boys. Most had bags under their eyes from lack of sleep, or worry, or seasickness. Others seemed well rested, but pale. Almost all were shaking. One boy was shaking so badly he couldn't buckle his pack on. Amir sighed and reached out to buckle if for him, but the soldier simply stopped shaking as Amir did and buckled it himself. Amir smiled back at him.

"You alright, Halit? It's alright if you're not."

"Yes, Sergeant. I know, Sergeant."

Sergeant Amir took another look around at the faces of these scared boys who he was about lead into battle. "Gentlemen," he said slowly. "It's almost time for us to board that craft and head ashore into a nation that is going to be fighting to their last breath to protect their nation and to kill you. They say we are here because this is a morally destructive culture that we need to modernize. I have heard some of you stating your disbelief in that statement and I can't honestly tell you whether I believe that statement is true or if I agree with it if it is. What I can tell you is this: Out there, it doesn't matter why we are here. What will matter is that every living thing in this God-forsaken country is going to be trying to kill you in the most gruesome manner they can possibly imagine. So, when it comes down to it, the why is no longer relevant. There are only three things you need to remember out there: How to follow orders, how to fight, and how to keep yourself and your brothers in arms alive and I promise you that I will do everything I can to get you all home without desecration whether you are dead or alive."

His squad of 24 sat silently as he spoke, unnerved, but understanding. Behind the Sergeant, the light buzzed green. "Alright, you know the drill. Remember what I said and remember your training." He look around at them for a second, then grabbed his rifle and stood up. "Now get up! Let's go, load the craft! Let's go!"

With that, the squad stood up and quickly shuffled into the craft. The Sergeant stepped in last, making him the first to get off. He turned back to his men as the engines roared to life. All were quiet. Soon, the landing craft was pushing out of the assault ship and moving off towards the city of Aelderich. As the craft left the ship, the soldiers began to gawk and point, causing Amir to turn around. All night, the fighters and planes had been running nonstop over the country. It had kept them awake, it had annoyed them, and it had frightened some and given others hope. But now, in the broad daylight, their massive effect could be seen in all directions.

All across the land of Upper Norseland, black smoke was billowing high. For every place that a building could have stood along the shoreline, there was now a pile of rubble with flames still burning. In some places, huge patches of woodland were burning, despite being far away from the city itself.

"Holy crap," Halit said. "There can't be anything left! How could anyone survive that?"

Amir looked back at him. "It's a city of hundreds of thousands of people. I'm sure at least some survived and I'm also sure that they are going to be pissed." He looked back at the rest of the men. "Don't get cocky gentlemen. Just imagine this is your home that was destroyed and you will realize how hard it will be to fight these people." The squad became quiet and Amir looked around. "It'll be alright."

"You've got about 20 seconds till the gate drops!" The driver called out. "Doesn't look like anyone is shooting yet."

As the driver said it, two SU-25s flew over head and hit the entire shoreline ahead of where the troops would land with Napalm. In one huge white, orange, and black explosion, the tree line was set aflame.

"Good God, it's like we're walking into hell!"

"Least it's their hell," another said.

Amir nodded as the craft stopped and the gate dropped. "Alright, everyone off! Let's move! Let's move! Get off and assemble off the beach!"

The squad began to get off, jumping into waist deep water as they pushed ashore. Besides the fire burning in front of them, there was nothing there to kill them as hundreds of landing craft dropped their troops off and went back to the Assault Ships. Soon, their company was assembled and Captain Azat Hasip stood together with his NCO's and Lieutenants. He pulled a map out of his jacket then opened it up. "Alright, gentlemen, this is where we've landed. We are about a half a kilometer away from the city." He pointed to a series of roads, then showed a smaller one further inland than the ones marked in red. "Our company is going to be covering the flank of the main approach from the East while the 3rd and 4th Regiments get to take land in the city itself. We should be in the city in 20 Minutes. Assemble the men and lets get moving."

Amir nodded and walked back to his men. "Alright, get your rifle and move out."

Western Aelderich, Upper Norseland
4th Reserve Regiment, 1st Reserve Division

Corporal Cengiz Mesud walked carefully with his squad as they entered Aelderich. Everything they had past so far was completely destroyed with piles of rubble surrounding them, which made it difficult for the vehicles to get through at times. But now, as they entered the actual city, he found that many buildings were still intact. Either they had just gotten lucky or the Air Force didn't see the need to flatten this area as well. However, there wasn't a single Norseman to be found. The lack of life in the city so far made it silent as night. As the squad continued down the street, the came to a clear section with almost no rubble except on the sidewalks. The houses all had their windows shut. Mesud shifted nervously. He didn't like this.

"Hey sarg," he finally said. "This doesn't feel right..."

Then all of the windows of the houses in front of them and behind them opened up with a rifle pointing out of every window.

"Oh shit!" Was all Mesud could say as they opened up. He immediately darted to the right and down an alley as the bullets started to kick up the dust from the concrete sidewalk. Behind him, he heard his friends screaming as they were raked with AK and machine gun fire. Mesud kept running until he found a low wall that he jumped behind. In front of him was the back door to another house and he sat there staring at it as he shook, but his rifle was across his lap. Silently, he made a prayer. 'Allah,' he thought. 'Please help us.' As he finished his prayer, the door in front of him opened. Mused grabbed his rifle and shot it immediately and a woman cried out.

"Oh god..." he thought. But as soon as the shots had rang out, a door he hadn't seen to his right burst open and 4 men carrying what looked like longswords and axes charged him before he could move his rifle and an ax blade went by his face and into his gut. His whole body exploded in pain and he screamed loudly as yet another blade entered him. He kept screaming until the ax was taken from his gut and applied cleanly to his neck. Cengiz Mesud's body fell over and the men around him let out a brutish cry.

[Taziristan]

Adam Ruh, Taziristan
War Room, The Palace

General Nadir sat at the end of a long table with officers lined up at each side. All were pouring over maps, making different marks, and moving small pieces around on a large, boxed in map of Upper Norseland. They had been here all night tracking targets across the country as they were wiped out by the air attacks and he had just returned from a couple hours of sleep. Now, as troops were being landed, they were tracking the development of the beach heads. Reports were already coming in from Aelderich that combat patrols were going missing after the sounds of massive shoot outs.

"Commander," General nadir said to one of the many officers. "Give me a situation report."

The commander handed him a file. "Well, sir, the landings at Olferich have all gone as planned. They set up a beach head about 30 Kilometers from the city and have secured the perimeter. The Second Brigade is moving up the road by 2 kilometers to further the perimeter until the equipment has been loaded. In Aeselrich, both landings seem to be going well. They landed about 2 Kilometers away from the suburbs and are offloading equipment now. The First Brigade has sent out combat patrols close to the suburbs and reported minimal resistance. They should be ready to move into the actual city tomorrow morning."

"Yes, we knew they would draw us into the cities to actually fight," General Nadir said slowly. "The suburbs will be less defended than the actual city as there will be fewer places to hide." He Looked through the file and saw the reports of missing patrols. "What's going on in Aelderich?"

The commander shifted uncomfortably. "As you know, the only good landing grounds on either side of the city were half a Kilometer from Aelderich in either direction. The Eastern Landing is going well and the troops are preparing to move into the suburbs and set up a perimeter there. They've unloaded a few APCs and infantry and moving forward on foot to seek out any ambushes." The Commander moved turned a page in the General's file. "We have concerns about the Western landing, though. Their attempts to establish a perimeter in the suburbs with just patrols have ended in heavy resistance. We have a firm defensive line set up just outside the city, but we are worried about them actually gaining access. It was the best place to unload some of the tanks, but its looking like the rubble and ambushes will make this difficult."

"Have we ordered more air strikes?"

"Yes, sir, and they are underway as we speak."

General Nadir sighed. "Ok, guess it will be up to the 4th and 5th Regiments to take care of that. Have we set up the supply base in Wellsia?"

"No sir, we are just refueling and rearming our plains from there. Wellsia hasn't allowed us to put more than that on the ground yet."

"It's ok," Nadir said, "We can supply our troops well enough from here. Just means we have a longer supply line to defend. Just send out the request to put troops on the ground."

Official Request from the Theocracy of Taziristan to the Nation of Wellsia

My friends,

We request that we be able to set up a logistics base as we continue an assault on Upper Norseland. We understand that the Keomorans have set up a naval base there and promise you that there will be no conflict between us or in your nation.

General Nadir, Chairman of the Islamic Guard

Forces Deployed by City:

Aelderich:

2cnd and 4th Regiments are on the western approach
3rd and 5th Regiments are on the Eastern approach

Aeselrich:

The First Brigade of the First Division are deployed here.
1st and 2cnd Regiments have the Northwestern Approach
3rd and 4th Regiments have the Southeastern Approach.

Olferich:

Second Brigade, First division have set up shop here and are backed up by the 1st regiment of the First Reserve Division.
The second brigade will encircle the city to prevent escape of any leadership there with reinforcements from the 1st reserve regiment to guard the beachhead and provide reinforcements if necessary.

[Covonant]

Intelligence and Data Centre (IDC), Malvern Alstaer, Sharoni

The Head of the Intelligence and Data Centre, Lucius Frith had called a private meeting to be held in a unauthorized disclosed area within the IDC. Attending the meeting was the Chief of the Defense Staff General Claudio Machelli, Head of the Covonant Marine Corp General Petronius Cassia, and Head of the Covonant Naval and Maritime Department Admiral Tiberius Commodore. The movements of these men attending the meeting was cautious and well coordinated.

Inside the meeting area

Once all men had assembled, the look of confusion was etched on their faces. They had no knowledge of what would be expressed within these walls.

Mr. Frith entered the area, his face was pale and emotionless as he dreaded the information he was about to give to some of the most powerful and influential men in the country.

"Good Morning, General Machelli, General Cassia, and Admiral Commodore. The looks on your face tells me you are all wondering why I have called you all here so urgently, so I will be concise, brief and to the point. We have reason to believe that there is a move of retaliation by the Taziristani people towards the Norselanders in the form of military intervention. We have satellite data showing troops and military equipment movements and also reports from on the ground of their attacks on an area in the country."

The news came as shock to the men, there was a moment of silent before Mr. Frith had continued.

"No one apart from me and very high officials in the IDC know of such events, not even high ranking government officials including the Minister of Defense, nor the Prime Minister knows of such events. But we have to see it that they gain knowledge of this before it reaches the news."

General Machelli interjected at this point.

"Are you sure Mr. Frith that there isn't any misinterpretation or misreading of the satellite data?" Asked the General

"I can assure you, we are at best 100% sure that there as been attacks made on KUN." Mr. Frith responded

The men all looked at each other somewhat nervously, as they in that moment could forsee the headlines, the protest, the anger, The Prime Minister.

"Mr. Frith if you are so sure, why not convey the message to the leaders of this country. Why us?" Asked Admiral Commodore

"You men are some of the most powerful and influential persons within the Union. You all command a great number of our country's armed forces. I would thought it best to get your reactions and opinion on the matter before I make moves to inform our leaders" responded Mr. Frith

"That is not how things are to be done Mr. Frith. The Prime Minister is the Chief Commander of our armed forces. You telling us this is pointless. We can't act without his knowledge on the matter, worst yet without his approval. And besides I think I can speak for all of us when I say we should not have an opinion on this matter until the Minister of Defense and the Prime Minister knows about this" responded General Cassia

The Chief of Defense Staff seeming a bit annoyed, sought information on what this may mean for Covonant.

"I am not in a position to say how the Union will respond, or if we will respond" implied Mr. Frith

"In our own backyard, we will not respond? Madness. I see why you are only a Director. I applaud your moves of informing us but I will have you know, I can't act without the approval of the Minister of Defense, who can't act without the approval of the Prime Minister who most certainly can't act without the approval of the Consul, with some other technicalities along those lines." Expressed Admiral Commodore

"We have to see this report on the Minister's desk immediately, and have him tell the Chief Commander. I remember my last encounter informing the Prime Minister of bringing our troops to intervene in foreign matters. I can assure you this event will be a blow for the Union that must be approached with caution." General Machelli stated

The men all exited the area in a coordinated manner. The Chief of the Defense Staff boarded a military plane bound for Coventry to deliver confidential classified reports to the Minister of Defense to hand over to the Chief Commander of the Covonantian Armed forces.

[Wellsia]

Christopher Vane was cold, he didn't like cold and he sure didn't like Upper Norseland. Once a promising career as a reporter for the Ealdwic Times, he was now writing tour guides for Wellsian cruise lines. He could here the sound of the thunder, but the sound of revelry from the beerhouse below was drawing him to it, then without warning world exploded around him. Jumping up Christopher raced to the window and gazed upon the gates of hell, jets flew overhead as bombs tore through the city.
With a smile on his face Christopher Vane said a prayer of thanks what better story to cover then the start of a war.

[Upper Norseland]

September 3rd, 2015 Hours
City of Aeselrich,
KUN

Sigismund felt, rather than heard, the shuddering as he passed in the dark, blasted out hallway. "Hey," he whispered into the dark, kneeling down. He heard a small scratching sound, probably trying to get away from him. "Don't worry. I'm not a Muslim." His upper lip curled, and the contempt dripped off his tongue as he spoke the word, fumbling for his cell phone. The shuddering lessened, and the figure was apparently still. Flicking the phone's flashlight on, he suppressed his gasp as he saw the young woman, (couldn't be older than 16, he thought to himself) her long red hair matted with blood and dirt, stark naked, and gripping the hilt of the small dagger desperately, her eyes wild and fierce.
"Great Eir above..." Sigismund sighed softly. Composing himself, he removed his thick outer coat and offered it to the girl.
"What happened?" He asked, after she had snatched the coat from his hand and draped it around herself.
"Show me." Her voice was soft and gentle, but her words were harsh and grating.
"Eh?"
"Shine that light on yourself. Let's see if you are what you say." Sigismund did find it difficult to believe that a Mohammedan could speak Norse as fluently as he could, but he indulged her, sweeping the beam of light around to illuminate his face. As she gazed at his long, braided hair and beard, Sigismund could hear the girl sob, and sweeping the light back to her, he could see her face buried in her hands, dagger still clutched tightly, her body convulsing with grief. He moved slowly, but she made no effort to stop him, and in a few moments he held her in a tight embrace, her whole body pulsating with each sob, her tears staining his sleeve.

1845 Hours
Royal Hunting Lodge
KUN

"Your --jest--, you can--- --erious!" The static on the line forced Ulfred to yank the small black telephone away from his face.
"For Thor's fucking sake, what sort of 'important call' is this, when I can't even understand what they're saying?" The King growled at the Royal Guardsman manning the console.
"One with my ex-wife's mother." One of the other men muttered, and a wave of sniggers swept the room.
"Do you honestly believe that this is the time for humor, soldier?" The Queen's words were biting as she gazed incredulously at the mutterer.
"No, Majesty. Just trying to keep morale up." The Guardsmen responded, fairly jovially, and took a deep swig of his coffee. Ulfred held up his hand, silencing the room.
"Commander?" The King directed his eyes pointedly at the phone.

"Ah, no, sir." Freydis Ragnarsdotter, Commander of the Royal Guard, leaned forward slightly. "The Taziri airstrikes have knocked out most of the comms towers, and we're operating under the assumption that they have aerial and naval scramblers in place. They're trying to effect a blackout, sir." Ulfred sighed and rubbed his temple in exasperation. "If we were back in Olferich, Majesty, it's very possible that..."
"If we were back in Olferich, Commander, we would likely already be dead." Freydis silenced herself and nodded solemnly.

"Lod Storri. You will keep your responses brief. Every moment we squander here will see more Norsemen fall to the Muslims." Ulfred's voice was soft, as always, but held in it a resolve that straightened the backs and focused the minds of many of the Guardsmen present. "At the present moment, I have very little information on the state of my own forces, and even less about my enemy's. You, Lord Storri, will remedy this." Clearing his throat a moment, Ulfred resumed.
"Lord Storri. You will invoke Section VII of the Charter of the Coalition of the Great Path, and will request the immediate assistance of Ahern Banach of Shanowinn and Lord Protector Delwin Pryce of Prestatyn."
"Y--, Majes---, with --- help, we will ----,"
"No, Lord Storri. I will not surrender my Kingdom, but I will not ask my allies, those who have placed their trust in me, to send their children to our slaughter. From these two leaders, I require two distinct things."
"Maje-ty?"
"From Shanowinn, I require information. I need to know what my men are facing. Their numbers. Their equipment. Their deployments. Their movements. Any and every iota of information I can garner." Queen Iola nodded in approval.
"Of ---rse, M---sty."
"And from Prestatyn," Ulfred paused, his eyes darted for a moment to the ceiling. "I require an extraction." Iola reacted quickly, stepping forward.
"Ulfred..." her urgency was clear in her voice, before the King held up his hand and stared into the eyes of his wife of three days.
"When I die..."
"If!"
"When," Ulfred's voice steeled and his eyes narrowed. "I ride to Odin's Great Hall, and when I take my place among the Glorious Einherjar, Queen Iola Pryce will become Queen of these Norselands." The room and the line was deathly silent as those assembled processed the King's words. "She will be a ruler afar, but rule she must. If she falls, this Kingdom will devolve into chaos and anarchy. She must be kept safe." Ulfred took his Queen's hand and held it close for a moment.
"Y--, your maj---. It sh-- be ----."

[Keomora]

Benezandria, Keomora
"What is the situation," inquired President John Darkwill as he sat down in the Situation Room, with his Defense Cabinet.
"At the moment it appears to be a retaliatory attack by Taziristan on Upper Norseland," Admiral Weyton Khar Kharadeen began, pushing up his glasses," reports from our Squadron in Wellsia suggest that Taziristan began with several airstrikes by what appears to be F-41s. In addition the Squadron's attached Wolfpack patrolling the Mesder Sea has also spotted several ships heading north, presumably to KUN. Most interesting was that these ships were silent in regards of communication."
"Troop movements?" Asked Garry McIntyre, the gruff and solemn Chief of Staff.
"Presumably yes, however we are unsure of where they are, how many troops there are, and other information. At the moment we are blind in KUN."
None of the men, especially the President appreciated that fact.
"Any way we can get eyes on the ground?"
The Intelligence Director cleared his throat.
"Yes. We could insert a few teams into the country to report the current state of things. Preferably STG and KIA."
"Do it." Ordered the President as he was browsing through the files.
"What about Norse leaderships? Their Jarls and their King? What is their status."
"Unknown at the time."
"This is bad." President Darkwill began to massage his forehead," Taziristan just committed diplomatic suicide. With the passing of Resolution 14 they have defied the will of the League and sullied their honor if not their reputation. Madam Secretary I want our delegate to the League to be informed, alongside gathering the heads of our allies, Grand Force, Maplou, Perawin, Ipland, alongside Coalition of Four.
Alright. I want a report every 15 minutes. And move us to Defcon 3, and we will meet again in 3 hour's.

[Atnaia]

"What do you mean we won't respond?" General Albright slammed his fist on the Quorum Round Table. "It's in our own goddamn waters, practically. I'm tired of pussy-footing around with regional diplomacy, Mr. Hegemon. We have Merrit, we have forces there. We should be showing the Isles that we are willing to defend our interests!"

"I understand the consternation, Peter," Wessich replied. "But, with all due respect, foreign policy is my area of concern, not yours."

"What if the war shifts to Taziristan?" Albright asked. "We'd have a bunch of blood-hungry Norse sitting practically on top of us."

Wessich smiled. "Would that be such a bad thing?"

Albright blinked and his brow furrowed. The man had broad brows, and the action made him look decidedly primordial. "Of course it would be. You think they would hesitate to move on to us? Another monotheistic nation right on the doorstep, with their blood hot and the rage on them? Norsemen aren't known for their powers of reason..."

Wessich raised a finger. "Firstly, we are avowedly secular," he said. "And we should remember to present ourselves as such on the world stage. Balnianism is a tradition, not a government stance. Understand?"

Albright sighed and looked for back-up from the other members of the Quorum. None came. Wessich raised a second finger and continued. "Secondly, I ask that you all now open the files in front of you."

There was a moment of silence and rustling papers as the Quorum flipped open their deep, purple folders. As the Quorum read, with the distinct caveats of Barty Yorke, Afram Kwaku and Robert North, who all just scanned the room with bemused expressions, Wessich spoke.

"What I have presented you is a series of plans concerning the conflict, which we will collectively refer to as the Nortaz Doctrine. There are three predicted outcomes covered by the Doctrine, and the plans cover Atnaian response to each outcome. Naturally, I do not need your permission to enact the Doctrine, but I am providing it to you for your input."

The Quorum read, their faces showing a combination of confusion, pride and disgust. Finally, Lady Lostwith spoke up. "This is...well..."

"Yes, Jessica?"

"It's morally reprehensible."

"History will not view it that way, I assure you," Wessich replied.

"It's outright imperialism! It will have the world at our throats," Lostwith replied.

"Oh, I highly doubt so," Wessich smiled. "In fact, if all goes as I believe it will, we will be applauded as heroes and liberators. As we should be."

Albright grinned. "Damn it, Thomas, this is more like it."

"I'm certain that I don't need to remind you all that this plan is coded Ultraviolet," Wessich said. "Speaking a word of it to anyone outside of this room is high treason. I assure you, I will know if you do."

No one argued that. "This doesn't read like a full plan," Tulio Postelli said.

"It's a first step," Wessich said. "Regardless of how it plays out, regardless of where we dirty our boots, the time has come. Atnaia has been a diplomatic wallflower for too long, afraid to step on any toes. We cannot take that stance and continue our growth. The Atnaian people need unity, room to grow. And I will provide it. We will not be a wallflower any longer. It's time for Atnaia to take the spotlight."

[Taziristan]

Adam Ruh, Taziristan
War Room, The Palace

General Nadir walked impatiently around the room. "Come on, when will 2cnd Brigade be ready to move? They're late!"

All morning, the troops outside of Aeselrich had been preparing to move into the city. After a series of delays, the First Brigade had been able to begin their advance only moments ago. The troops in Aelderich were also beginning to move inward from the East, but the Western Movement was stalled as they had entered the city again. The main issue was the rubble and ambushes. It was finally decided that armor would have to be pushed down the side roads after even more bombing through the night had made the main road impassible. It was a dangerous situation for those boys. The Second Brigade in Olferich were the ones that were frustrating the General, though.

"Commander, what is going on down there? Why are we having trouble with even getting to Olferich?"

"Unfortunately, sir, the roads that we thought were roads are just trails wide enough for one apc. It will take time for them to finally access what is confirmed to be the road we were looking for. It will be midday before they complete the encirclement of Olferich."

Nadir grunted and took a sip of coffee. "Just keep the bombing up there. If anyone of importance is there, they will be dead by the time we arrive. and tell 2cnd Brigade to do their jobs and scout out roads leading away from Olferich. We'll have recon flights, but these forests are sometimes impossible to see through and we don't want to damage the road by burning it all out."

"Yes, sir, I'll be sure, sir." The Commander looked back at Nadir. "Also, sir, the Council is requesting an update on the situation. What should we tell them?"

"We don't tell them anything. I will have intelligence write up a report for them. Just tell them they will have a detailed sitrep by midnight."

"Yes, sir."

---

Off the Coast of Upper Norseland
INS Kurtuluş

Fleet Admiral Amir Muhammet stood on the bridge of the Kurtulus, one of the four destroyers in the Taziristani Navy. Before him stood the commander of the Moukere troops that had just arrived via ship transport and were now awaiting instruction.

"Welcome, Commander, to the INS Kurtulus. I am pleased your nation has contributed to our cause and I know your men eagerly await action on the beaches." He allowed the translator to keep going for him. "I do hope your ride was comfortable, but I believe it is time to consider where your men shall see action." He motioned to a map of Aelderich on the table. "Your 350 men will be greatly appreciated to reinforce my Western push into the city. If you accept that posting, then we can get you and your men on the ground in a half hour."

He awaited the Commander's response.

Outside of Aeselrich
Charlie Company, 1st Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Division

Private Muhtar Yiğit walked silently beside his squad mates as they entered the secured section of the Suburbs. Like he was sure most cities in the KUN were like at the moment, the suburbs were almost completely destroyed, though the bombing had been less intense here and the roads weren't bad. Still, piles of rubble and still burning buildings dotted the roads and landscape as his squad walked along side the Boragh APCs with their auto-cannons. He wished he could be in it instead of walking out in the open, but then again, they are just bullet magnets.

Muhtar adjusted his pack and looked ahead at the city with all its burning buildings and black plumes of smoke. Despite the look of it and the feel of it, he knew they would be alive. If he had learned anything from his history major back at Tazir University, it was that in every war across the world, people had always been like roaches. Even if a city appeared cleared out after intense bombing or shelling or whatever else the offending army had to offer, the enemy would always reappear. Like roaches, they always came out to play when you least expected them.

17 Kilometers Outside of Olferich
Alpha Company, 1st Regiment, 2cnd Brigade, 1st Division

Captain Selman Miraç stood at the back of an APC with a map laid out between 2 of his NCO's laps as they looked over the roads leading to Olferich. So far, small, barely paved roads were all they had seen, despite all maps they had of Upper Norseland saying this was a highway. Ever since they landed, the progress had been slow going, but according to plan. They hadn't seen one enemy fighter yet and Selman knew it was making his troops complacent. "Sergeant, get me a sitrep on that patrol heading to make sure Highway 280 is actually a highway."

"Yes, sir." The sergeant said. "Alpha 1 to Alpha 1P, need a sitrep on your progress, over."

"We're facing heavy resistance, sergeant!"

Selman grabbed the radio. "Say again, Corporal! Did you say you were facing heavy resistance?"

"Yes, sir. It's the bugs. They're everywhere!"

He sighed, then clicked the radio again. "Corporal, you make another wise crack like that again and, God help me, I'll douse you in honey and leave you out there for them to eat you alive. Keep that shit off the radio until you reach the highway!"

"Yes, sir."

There was some laughter from his NCO's. He glared at them and handed the radio back to the sergeant he'd gotten it from. "Sergeant, teach your men some fucking respect before I have to teach your whole squad with latrine duty for the duration of our stay here in Upper Norseland."

"Yes, sir."

The Captain looked back down at the map. "If our scouts are right, then we should be hitting pavement in about a half hour. Then we can finally get rolling again."

East of Aelderich
Dog Company, 2cnd Regiment, 1st Reserve Brigade, 1st Reserve Division

Sergeant Amir stepped slowly over some rubble on the small route his company was taking into the city as they covered the flank of the main advance. His squad had been ordered to take point as they marched through the suburbs and it put him on edge. After hearing about the last patrols into the city, he wasn't exactly thrilled with being in front. But, then again, he wouldn't want to wish it upon any other squad either. He sighed and kept marching as some F-41s flew over head and hit a building in the center of the city. With a massive explosion, the building was no more.

"I wish they'd stop bombing shit so we could get our APCs through a bit easier," Halit said slowly. "Would be a lot easier than hikin it up to the city."

"We're on point, Halit," Amir said as he kicked a larger stone out of his way. "We'd be hikin it no matter what."

"Yeah, but damn," Halit said, stopping to lift up his boot. "These rocks are just getting all in my boots." As he was about to step on back down he heard a click and something that sounded like a fuse. He looked over towards the source of the sound and picked up a larger piece of rubble. Under it sat a small device with a radio attached to it. It kept clicking. Halit jumped back. "IED!!! IED!!!"

Sergeant Amir swung around. "Everyone move up away from it! Tashir, radio back to the captain and tell him-" He was interupted by a series of loud cracks as bullets pinged off the rocks by him. "Where'd that come from?"

"Partially destroyed house on the left!" Halit yelled as more bullets pinged off the rocks.

"Take cover behind the rubble and lay down fire on that building! Tashir! Amit! On me!"

As the rest of the squad jumped behind the cover and laid down fire on the building in small bursts, Amir ran into an alley that led behind the house. They moved up it quickly, checking corners and windows for other fighters. When they approached the house, a fighter saw them coming down the alley and fired some rounds off at him, then disappeared into the house. "Tashir, frag that window! Amit prep a flashbang!"

The soldiers nodded and Tashir stepped out with an M67 frag then threw it over his head into the house. There was an explosion and glass broke out of the remaining windows. Amit and Amir reached the back door of the house. "You ready, Amit?"

"Yes, sergeant."

With that, Tashir ran up and kicked in the door as Amit popped a flashbang in through the window. Amir drew his handgun and they went inside. "Check your corners, don't miss a thing!" He went through to the right as and checked the kitchen and dining room of the house. "Clear!" he yelled.

"First floor clear!"

"Alright, you two on my six and lets clear the next floor!" The soldiers then filed up the stairs, which entered a hallway leading to the left and right of the stairs. "Amir, Tashir, go left. I'll check right."

They silently obeyed. Outside, the squad had ceased fire, which created an eerie calm as he entered the room. He moved slowly and deliberately until he came to a door that was locked. As he started to mess with the knob, a burly, red haired man came around the corner to his left, growling as he approached his prey. The man swung his swoard around, but Amir jumped back and shot him with his handgun until it gave that ominous click. The man crashed into the wall and hit the floor hard, a pool of blood now covering the floor. Amir started to sit up, but then an ax wielding man came from the room that had been locked and swung around at him. Amir dropped his gun and rolled away from it, then jumped up with his eyes wide in fear. The axman saw this, then charged him with the ax. Amir sidstepped and hit his back as he passed, the man's momentum bringing him to floor. But, in almost the same instant as he hit the floor, he was pushing himself back up to face his enemy. Amir Fumbled back and picked up the fallen man's sword and held it at the ready.

For a moment, the men stood there, looking each other down. The man's face contorted into a smile as he realized what was happening, his blood lust filling his eyes. Amir stood there, waiting for his enemy to strike as he tried to remember his fencing lessons from his childhood. Down the hall, noise of a similar struggle was filling his ears. The man across from him relaxed a bit, then held up his hand as he moved to block the door. Then he signaled Amir to try and get past.

Amir launched forward and dodged as the man tried to bring his ax down on him, then made a fake move to the left, then went right. As the inevitable opening appeared, Amir stabbed the man in the gut and tore the sharp sword across it, blood spilling onto the floor as the man fell to his knees. Amir then let go of the sword and picked up his rifle which had fallen from his shoulder when he was attacked earlier. As he turned to walk out, the man groaned something in English.

"Fuck you," he spat as blood poured onto the floor.

Amir Spit at him, then kicked him onto the floor, driving the sword deeper into his gut, then turned and went down the hallway where Tashir was emerging, his clothes covered in blood. "Where's Amit?" Tashir looked at him, then shook his head. "Come on, son," Amir said as a plane flew over head. "Let's get out of here."

When they got back to the squad, they stared in horror at the blood. "Where's Amit?" one asked.

"New rule," Amir growled in return. "Every time we enter a house, we frag every room."

[Keomora]

Over the skies of Alederich, Upper Norseland
It was quiet inside the specially modified C27J. Yaurin Galena noted that as he oversaw the others. Usually there would have been some small talk, a few jokes but tonight there would be none of that. Tonight they were focused solely on the mission. From the back he had a perfect view of his comrades, fellow members of STG, or Strategic Team Gamma. Thirty strong their task was to escort the 9 KIA (Keomoran Intelligence Agents) and the one rumored AIS-3 operative. And Yaurin was afraid of her. Sitting across him the supposed AIS-3 agent, a woman in her early twenty's who never said a word since she was put on the plane. He was unsure why she was there but he didn't question it. He was given a mission and he would do everything in his power to carry it out. Their mission more or less was simple, get eyes on the ground and gauge the situation. However they also had a secondary task: the Jarl. His survival was imperative to mission success. He also knew of two other planes carrying a similar team as his. But what their mission was he did not know. Humming Aelor Vinilchi or an ode to death when the pilot announced they were over their LZ he entered what others call "Ice Man Phase".
"Alright ladies and gents once that light turn green you know what to do. Once we drop and we're on the ground we group at the designated location."
He nodded when they shouted in comfirmation. Taking a deep breath he saw the light turn green. With the door open he sent a prayer to the gods and jumped into the dark of night.