Ukraine Crisis [IC] [Sign-up 1st] (MT)

[The United Nations Of Europa]

A lot of controversy had hit Europa concerning Ukraine. From people protesting Ukraine joining the United Nations of Europa to others concerns of the nation bringing violence to other states in the nation. It was a long process to admit the nation as a state into the UNE but it was done. But doing so did bring problems along. Although there hasn’t been any violence from Ukraine that has gone into other states of the UNE, there has still been a lot of violence in the new state. All of this lead to officials of Europa and from the ISA to hold a summit to address this situation. They even invited Russian officials to possibly solve it. It wasn’t the most promising thing to hope that the Russians would help but there was always the chance.

Media networks from all around the nation entered the conference building, hoping to catch what was going on. Staff members were quickly readying equipment so as not to miss anything. Soon enough heads of the ISA, and Russia were entering the conference room, gaining attention from many inside the conference room. All the officials sat down with Chancellor Schulte being the only exception. She was to give a speech at the ISA summit in Berlin to welcome everyone who had came.

“We the heads of the ISA and Russia have gathered in Berlin for the security of our nations and populations. We are pleased to have been joined by the heads of Russian state, which we have invited to potentially deal with the rising violence in Ukraine. For the past few years, we have seen an unparalleled level of violence in the region. Countless lives have been lost due to this conflict in Ukraine. Hopefully today we can come together to stop this violence and safen the lives in Ukraine.”

“The goal of the ISA will not change: to make sure that the innocent lives of our nation, our allies and other nations around the world are not put into danger. To ensure that the way our citizens live their lives are not changed or are risked by others who want to harm them. We’ve been able to achieve that goal for decades by making sure innocent lives are not put into risk. The world has evolved like no one had ever thought of before, and with that our enemies have also evolved. They have become more dangerous than ever, being able to hurt others in more ways than ever. The ISA is challenged everyday, and with that we are ready to overcome those challenges no matter the cost.” Random chatter and sounds from video cameras could be heard all around the large conference room. People from all around the world were tuning in to the summit as it could change their way of life.

“Over these past years the ISA has been challenged greatly by the crisis in Ukraine. Sadly it has been very hard for the organization to take action on it due to diplomatic concerns. So we have asked you to come today to help us. To help the thousands being affected by this crisis in Ukraine. We know that relations between the ISA and Russia have not been the best. Yet we can start here and form a strong alliance that can better the world.”

The Russian officials that were invited to the summit knew already why they were here. The Ukraine crisis has been a situation that has stained Eastern Europe with violence for years. Causing many to blame it on Russia for potentially causing it. They knew that Europa and the ISA would push for Russia to play their own part in stopping the crisis but as of now they had no thought in pursuing it. The head of Russian foreign affairs cleared his throat, preparing to respond to the chancellor and heads of the ISA.

“Our nation thanks you for this opportunity to create strong relations between us. We recognize that our relation haven’t been very steady but we hope that we can fix it later on. The Ukraine crisis is one that conflicts with our nation and the lives of our citizens that live near the Ukraine-Russia border. We know that unknown forces in Ukraine have caused this situation and we do hope we can help resolve this matter.”

He knew what he just said was a lie and that Russia had no intention of helping. Why would they when these “unknown” hostiles were trying to give them territory. Although to not create conflict they had to play good guys for a while. Hopefully the heads of Europa and the ISA would buy it.

The conference room was dimmed and a giant screen in the center was lit for everyone to see. The head of the ISA stood up, ready to address the major problems that were creating this crisis. “Ever since 2014 we have seen this problem get ever more problematic. We’ve seen separatist and Russian aggression in the areas that have seen major amounts of violence. There are many factors that contribute to this that will need to be taken care of. We have a list of the major factors that grew this conflict into what it is today. The OSCE organization has been researching these factors and have come back with evidence that does show the traces of these problems. The factors that first started this problem were corrupt Ukrainian politicians that were communicating with Russian politicians to allow separatists to pour in and cause disturbance in Ukraine. With this also came weapons and military vehicles that were crossing the border secretly. Recently Europa intelligence agencies were able to find 5 Ukrainian politicians that were guilty of this. They have all pleaded guilty and gave us evidence of who they were colluding with. As all of us know this violates treaties between Ukraine and Russia that were created in 2014.”

---

Ukraine Crisis Factors

Corrupt Ukraine politicians and officials	Allowed for easy separatist access to Ukraine
Russian officials persuading Ukraine officials	Had Ukraine officials make laws that made it harder for the UNE to investigate them
Russian soldiers training separatists	Allowed for separatists to gain large amounts of training
Separatists traveling from Russia to Ukraine and transporting weapons secretly	Allowed for separatists to resupply weapons without being caught

---

“Yes our heads at Russia do realize that kind of activity does violate those treaties. While we do try to stop this kind of activity from happening, it is challenging to find everyone who is guilty of this. There have been recent corruption crackdowns but sadly we were not able to find these individuals guilty of anything.” The Russian invitee kept spewing out anything he could to try to defend Russia’s role in the crisis. He knew it was false and that many top Russian heads knew about this, but he couldn’t let Europa and ISA officials know that. Back at Russia those “corrupt” politicians working with Ukraine were just doing their job in helping the country, and nothing would happen to them. Talk of corruption in both Russia and in Ukraine continued. As more accusations were put out, it became more evident that Russia was involved in this situation.

“The other major factor of this crisis has obviously been separatists in Ukraine. For the past 2 years these separatists have caused major amounts of violence in the regions of Kharkiv, Luhansk, and Donetsk. There have been many cases where separatists have attacked police forces and local security groups. These attacks in Ukraine have destabilised the state and has caused havoc for the people. A stable Ukraine state is our goal but with the actions of these separatists that can’t be achieved. The OSCE has caught separatists and weapons entering Ukraine from Russia. They have also captured photos of Russian weapons and vehicles being used by the separatists. It is clear that military aid has been sent from Russia to help the separatists in their fight. All of these actions are violations of the previous Minsk peace agreement. We are committed to achieving a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis with Russia but things will need to be done. First and foremost Russia will need to bear responsibility for their backing of separatists. We demand that the Russian de facto authorities take the necessary measures to ensure backing of separatists in Ukraine ends. Despite its declared commitment to the Minsk Agreements, Russia continues its deliberate destabilisation of Ukraine, in violation of international law. Russia continues to provide weapons, equipment, and personnel, as well as financial and other assistance to militant groups. Unless Russia abides by previous peace agreements and cooperates by ending the aid to separatists, Europa and other allies will take matters in their own hands and solve the crisis by force. Do the officials of Russia understand this?” There was only silence in the room. All eyes now on the Russian officials, waiting for their answer.

“Russia does not bear responsibility for these ridiculous claims on our nation. We have not purposely supported these separatists in any way. We will find individuals that are guilty of this but we will not abide by any rules that force our nation take part of a treaty because of corrupt peoples actions. These separatists are just people in Ukraine that want to take their countries matters in their own hands. They want to direct their future in their own ways. We have no role in this and if we do have influence on these separatists then it is by their own means. In conclusion Russia will not be forced to abide by these agreements of yours. ”

Shock spread around the conference room. A couple words from the Russian official had destroyed the goal of this summit. It was clear Russia would not be helping in this situation and that Europa would have to take matters in their own hands. The seriousness of the Ukraine crisis had just exploded. The ISA and OSCE had exposed Russia in front of everyone and got nothing out of it. Russia would be able to get out of this scot-free, like they had been for the past few years. Chancellor Schulte couldn’t believe what happened, but nonetheless she had to let the Russians go and take care of the crisis by herself. She got up and gathered her staff, telling them to meet her in a different conference room. If Europa was going to solve this problem, they had to start right away.



OOC Link

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[Vangaziland]

"Left! LEFT!" The convoy of 4 BMD-4Ms was making their way through a set of narrow roads near a small, local town. It made for tight corners in areas where city planners 100-200 years ago forgot to consider armored personnel carriers. The second vehicle in the convoy made it's way through a tight squeeze of a right turning curve.

In the driver's seat was Benny Bankason, who just turned 19 and got his PFC stripes. He was up in the driver's hole, both hands on the control which floated in the air attached to a single pole facing downward from the dash. The handlebar resembled that of a motorcycle and functioned in a similar way. To turn right, Private First Class Bankason would turn the handlebars to the right, pulling back on the throttle as well to increase power in that direction.

Of course, Benny didn't think about it. His mind was in tune with the input as he fine-tuned his angle to the left.

"There we go, Bankason." There was a pause as the man on the radio clicked to change the channel. Then there was a beep as an antenna was set to transmit to its radio's network. This was a different radio than the one used for internal vehicle communications. The vehicle commander flipped a switch to change the radio, then pressed a button to transmit which caused the beep to let all know the mic was hot.

"Three-Two, Three-One.... Watch this turn coming up." Three-One was also Ghost Six or Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Aelbjorn. He called up to the vehicle which road last in today's marching order. He took a hand's on role, at least in this stage of the operation. The Vangazi convoys were moving from within UNE territory, towards separatist controlled Ukraine.

It had been just over 24 hours since they did a live drop into friendly territory and conducted a training exercise. Now they were driving towards the Separatists, but still holding away from it.

The third member of the crew was Staff Sergeant Joe Grimm. He was pushing 30 and felt stuck playing second fiddle on the commander's truck. He could be a vehicle commander on his own BMD-4M. Instead, he was stuck in a gunner's spot. He was promoted from E-5 SGT but held in the gunner's spot because "the Colonel liked him."

Both Lt. Col. Aelbjorn and SSG Grimm had stations in the cramped middle section of the vehicle. In the compartment behind them were 5 paratroopers. Cavalrymen. They were designed for this very purpose, to parachute into such a landscape and work with international tank regiments.

Word recently came in that Vannish tanks would be joining the fray as well, their deployment previously kept hidden even from the Colonel, as they were making a covert cross-country train shipment. Joining them would be MLRS, which would bring a grid-square clearing attack capability to Blue Forces.

The 5 paratroopers in the back seemed in good spirits. They were laughing and joking, talking loud to yell over the engine which roared so loudly it shook everybody inside. They had a cooler full of energy drinks they used to stay away. Some slept when they could, shaking in their seats as the tractor sped along the muddy road.

They were holding in friendly territory and were still too far to create too much of a buzz. They were more than close enough for the Russians to notice, especially after a speech from a bold, Vannish General. They had no plan to do anything other than hold, but tensions seemed to be escalating.

[Cosparia]

Fort Bannister, Cosparia
Staging area for the 8th Motorized Infantry Battalion
14:10 EST
One week ago

The base was abuzz with activity. There was a feeling of tension among some of the troops prepping for the upcoming deployment. Although it was only on a relatively small scale in terms of total manpower and materiel--not even a full-strength battalion--the amount of aircraft needed to transport the troops and their equipment is fairly extensive; 26 of the newly-adopted Stryker armored vehicles, intended to replace some of the much older M113A3's in the motorized units, need 9 massive C-17 cargo planes to carry them across the ocean to land in Europe. 3 more planes would fly the almost 300 personnel--90 medical personnel, 84 command and support troops, and 120 infantrymen--out for the initial deployment, with yet another 6 planes carrying their unarmored utility vehicles and other heavy equipment needed to set up a protected area. For some, it seemed a tad excessive.

"Sheesh, all this just for a hospital?" remarked Private Shaun Murphy, one of the soldiers in the 8th Motorized Infantry Battalion.

"It's more than just a hospital, Private," Staff Sergeant Thomas Wilson replied. "We're also supposed to provide some basic housing and utilities for those poor bastards that lost theirs. That's why we got extra heavy shelter and kitchen facilities packed away. Besides," he smirks and motions to an armed M1126 being backed into a C-17. "Somebody's gotta keep Ivan off our backs."

Several hours later, before the last of the preparations are made, Lieutenant Colonel William F. Tremblay climbs onto the back of an open-topped Humvee, made into an improvised podium via a microphone and some speakers. He clears his throat, then flicks the microphone on.

"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening." Everyone stops and looks over towards him.

"The other day, a decision was made by our elected officials. A decision that is going to change us, and the lives of thousands of people in the Ukraine. The other day, a summit was held in Berlin, in regards to the crisis in the eastern region of Ukraine, where widespread violence has been going on for three years now. The country was recently admitted as a member state to the United Nations of Europa." He pauses for a second.

"Unfortunately, some folks didn't take too kindly to that. The conflict in the eastern area has only gotten worse. It's flattened massive chunks of cities, and turned scores of people into refugees. Well, that's where we step in. Following the Berlin summit, our President and our Congress has made a deal with the UNE to send in troops to help fix that little problem. You boys and girls are being sent into Ukraine to provide medical assistance, shelter, food, clothing, and other utilities to help these people. A company of infantry, in your new Stryker personnel carriers, are being assigned to provide security to them, and the support troops."

He stops again and smirks.

"The politicians will call this a 'humanitarian' or 'peace-keeping' operation, but make no mistake; we're keeping two more Stryker companies and a company of tanks on-call here, ready on 72 hours' notice if the UNE decides they need more manpower over there. If they deem necessary, we will have the capabilities to launch offensive operations, and bring the fight to these separatist punks. Until then, though, we just lay low and get these homeless Ukrainians a hot meal and a roof over their heads, hoorah?"

"Hoorah!" The soldiers pump their fists in the air.

"Alright, that's what I like to hear. Now let's get the rest of this gear packed up, and head out." LtCol. Tremblay switches the mic off and climbs down from the Humvee.

---

Somewhere in Western Ukraine
21:31 EET
Present day

Two Stryker APCs led a column of vehicles down the highway on the darkened field. Behind it were three of the Medical Evacuation Vehicles, a five-ton, two Humvees, and two more Strykers bringing up rear security. This convoy was the second in a series of four similar-sized convoys, headed towards a vaguely-defined "staging area" assigned by their UNE superiors, to drop off some of their non-essential equipment and await orders to act further. The ride there was less than exciting for some, but others preferred that. They were far enough away from separatist-held territory that they all were mostly relaxed. A number of troops were fast asleep, making what time they had in relative comfort.

From the driver's seat of the lead vehicle, 20-year-old Private Francis Roy expressed his boredom of the drive.

"Dark, cold, wet... and if the signs weren't all in Ukrainian, I'd have thought we were on a training exercise back home." Some soldiers in the back snickered at his remark.

"At least it ain't snowin' like back home," remarked Sergeant Ryan Foreman. "This thing'd stop dead in its tracks if it were, unlike our old one-one-threes."

"Yeah, 'old' is the key word, Sarge." Pvt. Roy speaks again, referring to the age of the vehicles he trained on in mech school. "These Strykers can actually drive, unlike those hunks of scrap." More soldiers snickered, and some nodded in agreement.

The soldiers conversed for some time as they came to a small village. The lead Stryker's commander, after consulting his map and his vehicle's GPS, ordered the convoy to turn left, onto a narrow, clearly low-maintenance dirt road. Pvt. Roy cranked the steering wheel as far as it would go, and cut the power to the left tires, but even that wasn't enough; he accidentally knocked over somebody's mailbox. Two seconds later, the front door of the house it belonged to flew open, and an angry man came out cursing at the foreign armored vehicle. Not that anybody could hear him.

"All Condor callsigns, this is two-six, mind this turn here. Bit of a squeeze. My driver just hit someone's mailbox, it'd be a shame if we smashed his fence too." Lieutenant Owen Campbell advised the rest of the column about the sharp turn. The soldiers who heard him in other vehicles laughed.

Within a few hours, the radio crackled alive again. LtCol. Tremblay announced that they were drawing closer to separatist territory, and that they would be stopping by dawn to make final checks, hold at the staging area to meet other allied forces working in the area, and construct their aid station. The men and women of the Cosparian deployment remained in high spirits, conversing and cracking jokes, jeering about significant others back home, and generally making merry. Upon reaching their destination, they would dismount and set up their forward-operating base, but had no other plans beyond that besides await further orders.

[Vangaziland]

The Vangazi arrived at their new Forward Operating Base. It was set up on what was once a farm home on a high point surrounding local farmland. The slight change in elevation provides a view for miles, including over the fields which the Vannish Army has built around.

The complex was reinforced with Hesko dirt-filled barriers and concrete blast walls. The buildings were Spartan but were insulated and heated. Nobody expected Separatists to push back this far, but guards watched from each corner of the base from rustic guard towers just for the sake of protocol.

After all, the locals were not all fond of Vangazi. A small group had gathered even late at night as the Vangazi rolled into the complex for the first time. Of course, the overwhelming majority of locals supported the pro-Europan forces. There was still always a minority.

From deep inside a complex in the FOB, Lieutenant Colonel Nate Aelbjorn watched the movement of local forces on a zoomed out Blue Force tracker. He tapped a keyboard attached to the digital computer, sending a digital flash message to several elements in the Strykers.

"Bankason!" The colonel yelled for the Private First Class who was slotted as the team's driver. The young soldier ran into the room and snapped to attention, looking anxious. "Relax. Say. Do the Cosparians have their digital computers up?"

"They should, sir."

"I'm trying to send them a flash text."

The colonel tapped away, leaning forward towards the screen.

From: Spirit 6-HHT-5BATT-10ACD
To: Command Group Cosparia, Regional

-Let us know if you need anything from the North flank. We have a surplus of arctic white over-suit gear if you have any surplus for trade, or if you just have the need. Temperatures are over 45 Fahrenheit here this week though. Of course, things can change at any given time.

Spirit 6

-----

"There", said the colonel. "Now we're cordial."

"Yes sir."

"Tell Sergeant Grimm to spin up the platoon. I want time out the gate by 1600 hours. The trucks should be prepped. So people should get their stuff together and get to the trucks."

"Yes sir."

"Go Bankason."

The PFC abruptly left the room. He was still fairly new and had to be brought into the fold. It was all to build a sense of urgency within him. That was the start of it all... To make the civilian realize time is precious.

Bankason was just nervous being so far away from Vangaziland and his home on base. The colonel knew he was keeping him focused. As the driver, the PFC had to handle runner duties and answer the phone all day during this deployment while not in the driver's seat. Of course, there was talk they'd all move east.

The colonel stood and walked over to his vest which had a spot where one would normally hang a coat in a corner closet. He slid the plate carrier over his shoulders and fastened the various straps around his sides. He couldn't wait to get out on the road. He spent the morning making sure each crew gave their vehicles a PMCS (maintenance) once-over. After the long trip, he wanted to be certain each vehicle was in operating condition and that deficiencies were identified.

Many repair parts were still flying in on C-5 or C-17. All sorts of gear would eventually be helicoptered in after the long jet flight from The Empire.

The colonel grabbed his helmet and his HK416 and stepped out of the office.

[Cosparia]

Osypenko Aid Station, Osypenko, Ukraine
Cosparian designation FOB Yukon
17:44 EET
9.5 miles from nearest road entry into Donetsk Oblast

LtCol. Tremblay observed the main gate as the Europan sentries let the last of the Strykers and trucks through and into their FOB, the battalion's new home for the near future. He halted the lead vehicle, whose commander opened the hatch and popped his head out. The senior officer motioned towards a rather large open area, where the rest of the vehicles were parked, and instructed the Stryker commander to relay an order to dismount, unpack the trucks, and immediately begin pitching the GP tents they'd brought along. The commander saluted the colonel, who retreated back into the Stryker, followed by a *SLAM* as the hatch closed. Engines revved, and the remaining vehicles pulled ahead.

The colonel wandered over to an observation tower at the rough center of the base, and climbed up to the top.

FOB Yukon, as the Cosparian detachment called it, was situated just east of the town of Osypenko, right off the local E58 highway. It was a fairly sizable construction, with space to set up about 20 general-purpose tents for the scores of displaced civilians they were expecting to help. Guard towers were placed every 20 meters or so along the walls, with a shallow trench line and machine gun nests along the northeastern sections outside. A few soldiers balked at this, but considering their relative proximity to the Zaporiz'ka-Donetsk border, others considered it a fairly sensible step.

"Colonel Tremblay!" Private Shaun Murphy called up to the colonel from below the tower. The senior officer started climbing down.

"Colonel Tremblay, sir." Pvt. Murphy quickly saluted his superior, who returned the gesture.

"Private?"

"Flash message for you on the BFT. It's from the commander of the Vannish forces farther up north."

"Thank you, Private." The young Private rushed off, and the colonel walked towards the headquarters Commander's Vehicle. When he got there, he stepped inside and looked at the Blue Force tracker screen by his seat. He opened the message that was waiting for him.

From: Spirit 6-HHT-5BATT-10ACD
To: Command Group Cosparia, Regional

-Let us know if you need anything from the North flank. We have a surplus of arctic white over-suit gear if you have any surplus for trade, or if you just have the need. Temperatures are over 45 Fahrenheit here this week though. Of course, things can change at any given time.

Spirit 6

Tremblay paused and thought for a minute. He reached for the keyboard and began typing a response.

From: Falcon 6-HHC-8MBAT-3MEBCG
To: Commander of Vangazi Forces

We should be good for now. All we have extras of is beans and band-aids, and that might be subject to change soon. Otherwise my unit is fine. I made extra sure everyone packed their full cold-weather system with them; weather might call for 45 F, but remember that we are in Eastern Europe, in November. I don't want to repeat the mistakes of the last two commanders who sent troops through here.

Falcon 6

The colonel sent his reply over the BFT, and exited his vehicle.

He wandered over to the officers' quarters that he had spent a few minutes in when he arrived at the base. His woodland-camouflaged body armor and helmet sat on a small wooden cross-stand, his C5A2 assault carbine leaning against the right "arm", and his Browning P-35 lay in its holster on his pillow. LtCol. Tremblay pulled a map out of his uniform's breast pocket and unfolded it; red diamonds marked expected enemy positions, arrows and blue rectangles marked friendly troop movements, and brevity codes and dates for said troop movements were printed at the top. He looked over the map and particularly the arrows moving from FOB Yukon towards the northeast--right into separatist-occupied Donetsk Oblast.

The colonel quickly strapped his sidearm to his right leg, and made his way to the telephone post.

[New Hayesalia]

To the Emperor of the Vannish People His Royal Highness Emperor Helios Amirya Vang 6th of November, 2017 Dear Helios, It is always a pleasure to hear from you, my friend, and our phone call of yesterday was certainly an enjoyable one. I am always glad to hear from our Vannish friends and counterparts, and as always I appreciate the time you give to this nation. I, and my Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, have received your request for support in the matter of maintaining security in the Ukrainian region of the United Nations of Europe. We have been reliably informed by our Ambassadors and reporting services of the ongoing regional situation, as well as the security and political considerations of your nation within this matter. We have furthermore been in contact with your Government through our Ambassador Julian Erreas, and your Ambassador His Excellency Jay Armsen. As I have indicated during our call, I do not intend to send a team from Foreign Affairs to the ISA Summit, as the interests of Vangaziland and indeed all parties are not a matter of concern for the Greater Island Kingdom. On the matter of providing limited supported to the Vannish mission, we have developed a deployment of approximately 600 members of the New Hayesalian Army and Air Force to support this operation. These members will largely be made up of the 3rd Commando Division, of the Special Forces Legion, with the relevant detachment having been just informed to prepare for deployment. The New Hayesalian Air Force is preparing a number of C-17 and C-65 aircraft to transport this force to the operational theatre, with plans to refuel at Vannish Air Force bases before returning to New Hayesalia. This matter remains secret. In the potential preparation for this operation, I have directed the NH Army Auxiliary Ship the NHAAS New Arnhem to sail to the Mediterranean Sea and conduct a transshipment of military goods for transportation to the seaport of Odessa. This will allow the establishment of forward operating bases and the development of the southern edge of Dnipropetrovsk International Airport which will meet our military needs. In order to process this matter, I have placed a request to your Department of Defence that a platoon or other small unit be despatched to the International Airport at an agreed time in order to provide security for the arrival of New Hayesalian military personnel and vehicles on their arrival, to be reinforced by two flights of Airfield Defence Guards. I have appointed Lieutenant Colonel Aleksandr Sokolov of the New Hayesalian Army to become the detachment commander during this mission. I have furthermore directed the Chief of Military to provide him with an acting promotion to the rank of Colonel. I must note that it is not the interest of New Hayesalia to support aggressive or determined military assaults, attacks, and operations. Our role is simply the maintenance of security, with a particular focus on protecting Vannish forces within this operational theatre. Their mandate shall include: provision of security support to the Vannish and UNE forces within their area of responsibility; the provision of support to Internally Displaced Persons to access support resources; to monitor the movement and activities of separatist forces and; to respond with decisive military force to neutralise separatist forces to achieve this mandate or to prevent atrocities and war crimes. We have noted that Cosparia, the UNE, and indeed your own nation have made efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to local people. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is evaluating if providing the same from the international aid budget or the NH Red Crystal Society would be appropriate to this situation. Our diplomatic personnel and defence attaches in Emeros will be eagerly kept abreast of this situation, as will their opposites here in Revnami. We remain strong allies of the Vannish Empire, and we welcome the chance to support your objectives to maintain regional peace. I personally send my best regards to you, and wish that this operation will be a successful affair for both our nations. Daniel Hayes, MP, ONH, Commander of the Order of the Helios Star Prime Minister of New Hayesalia The Greater Island Kingdom of New Hayesalia Amalgamated July 21, 2009 This is an official message of the New Hayesalian Government. This message may be disseminated in accordance with the security classification noted above.

---

ZUNIT BARRACKS, TANES, ASHANA - SOME DAYS LATER

"We look like the damn Air Force."

The officer's mess at Zunit Barracks had hosted the last launch for this collection of freshly-dressed team of Army and Air Force officers. This detachment, now known as Taskforce 700, had officially joined together and were ready for a deployment to the chilly Ukranian. Two men had stayed behind after the meeting, both dressed in the expressly woodland camouflage common to the members of the New Hayesalian Air Force. The need for their transitional uniform would be extremely limited in the green fields of the winter Ukraine, and as such they'd been quickly reissued with the green and browns.

"The New Arnhem just arrived in Algeciras." said the other, younger officer. "The NEF should have them on the trains to Dnipropetrovsk by the time we offload the Javelins."

"I guess it is nice to make an unforced landing from time to time."

The older officer stood tall over the younger, his comically round head host to a thick moustache that traced his upper lip. The rank insignia pinned to his Wraith camouflage fatigues proudly read New Hayesalia, and hosted two of the nation's Suns and the Arms of History located on that of New Hayesalia. This was his new, acting, rank of Colonel - a rank which Aleksandr Sokolov quietly relished. A career officer of the New Hayesalian Commando divisions, he had commanded men in the field in locations as far away as the Free Missourian states, Blakchovek, Zellatia, and yet other skirmishes as a junior officer of the commandos. His men were tough, and rigorously trained, the opening spear of the Special Forces legion.

The younger man, with a flop of blonde - greying - hair was Major Kevin Lavaline, commander of the Air Component of this taskforce, who would maintain a presence in the 'rear headquarters' of the Taskforce on their arrival. He would take charge of the flight-suited officers of the Army and Air Force that would be accompanying the 400 ground pounders on this Operation.

Operation Levee.

The two officers made some final comments of note, before putting on green camo'd boonie hats, stepping into the blaring sun of the Ashanan tropics. Outdoors, the parade ground of the Zunit barracks had been made practical. Nearly 600 men and women were locked in a wide formation, each with their equipment spread out in front of them on camouflage 'hutchie' covers, acting as a shield to the well kept green grass. The non commissioned officers and their commanders would carefully inspect the collections of their troops, with the Corporals and Lance-Corporals going through checklists to ensure the full gear of their soldiers had been collected. This included just about everything, and this was also an opportunity. Other soldiers in the regular Army uniform moved through the ranks, issuing special equipment to the soldiers and gathering signatures to see who had what. Everything from intrasquad radios to body armour plates, night vision goggles, solar blankets, and other special equipment was being checked. The only thing the soldiers did not yet possess were their weapons and ammunition.

A special addition had been made to the usual packing list. Full alpine uniform, including snowy camouflage overliners, was required. The upkeep and fit of the issued balaclavas, mid layer jackets, and outer insulation jackets was closely done by the specialised logistics soldiers. This area of the Ukranian region was known to get down to levels as low as minus 5, but other regions could get to negative 10 or 15. The troops would have to be ready for bad weather, just in case.

Calling a company to conduct a full equipment inspection generally meant one of a few things. One, some douche had lost a more expensive piece of gear. Second, a company-wide stocktake. Third, a punishment or retraining. Or, as in this case, as the preparation to a major exercise or an operation. If it had been an exercise, surely, these soldiers would have been told well in advance. Each soldier, and additionally a light infantry force of specially trained Airfield Defence Guards from the Air Force, was gradually 'ticked off' as being fully equipped to deploy. Some would need to quickly get a new piece of gear, with a long order form passed to the logistics team, for fulfilment in the next hour. The soldiers were instructed to pack up, which they quickly did, leaving their load bearing vests and 'fighting load' out on top of their packs. This was rapidly followed by an order to form into ranks of three, jogging on the spot. In this new row of three, backing up some 200 soldiers long, they began a job to the base theatre. Able to host up to 1,500, the troops fit in with ease.

Already waiting for them was a less elite group. Three journalists had been offered classified access to this operation, to be embedded in one of the four troops or the two flights that made up Taskforce 700. They were Julian Velro, a writer from the Unionist; as well as Hannah Burlow and Jung Min of Union 24 news, acting as reporter and cameraman. Also awaiting were 20 additional service members, who had already been issued the full suite of necessary equipment, with 19 drawn from various Army battalions, plus a member of the New Hayesalian Marines. They were all able to speak both excellent Ukrainian and Russian, and would act as interpreters for the Taskforce.

The journalists would look out of place with their civilian clothes and slightly under- or over-sized protective gear. They had also been issued with a white cover for their green helmets and a bib that would fit snugly around their body armour, bearing the symbol of the Red Cross. Usually, they'd have gone through a week of training in a 'Hostile Environments' course, providing them with instruction on how best to stay alive on deployment. The quick deployment of this Taskforce had not made that possible, but this informed the choice of these journalists - each had undertaken this work in dangerous overseas environments before, and hopefully the field manual they'd been supplied would make a nice read on the plane.

Assembled, the detailed brief of Operation Levee began.

---

THE SKIES ABOVE THE UNITED NATIONS OF EUROPE, A DAY LATER

A fleet of New Hayesalian heavy lifters had been assembled to bring Taskforce 700 to bear. As trains loaded with just over 200 twenty-foot containers were making their way into the nearby township, Vannish forces in the city of Dnipropetrovsk had been tasked with a mission from their New Hayesalian comrades. A sweep of the nearly 2,900 metre long runway, conducted with the assistance of the surprised local staff, had ensured foreign object debris was not around.

The take off and landing runs of the aircraft in use had been particularly considered. Both the C-17 and the C-65, at their loaded weights, would capably land within the allocated areas, but the pilots would need to be extremely careful to touch down at the very foot of the runway. The risk of MANPADs or other separatist actions also needed to be considered, and each plane was fully loaded with their countermeasures. They had practiced this challenge in the simulators available to them, with all succeeding, but the real thing was always that little bit different.

Well ahead of the entire pack was a single C-17 Globemaster III. It's cargo was considerably lighter than the other aircraft behind - consisting of six additional C-17s loaded with personnel and their equipment, and eight C-65s that carried the bulk of the Taskforce's combat vehicles, consisting mainly of the venerable Javelin IFV that had made it's mark in all New Hayesalian fields of battle since Amalgamation in 2009. They would be crucial in the defence of New Hayesalia's soldiers. The first Globemaster, however, contained a critical force. Two platoons of light infantry in a blue hat, made up from the 423 Air Operations Security and Support Squadron, would be charged to secure the airfield runway and taxiway. The plan was simple - and informed by the loss in Zellatia of a New Hayesalian C-130 that had resulted in the horrific deaths - that the unloading would be rapidly done and the aircraft would depart again before the next landed.

The light of early morning cracked a golden sky through clouds, and New Hayesalian boots and rifles prepared to be the first on the fields of the Ukraine.

[Vangaziland]

To Daniel Hayes,
MP, ONH, Commander of the Order of the Helios Star

It is with great comfort that I have learned of New Hayesalia's decision to help with the situation in Ukraine. Since the Soviet Union fell and left Ukraine to its own devices, poverty has hit Ukraine hard. Some estimates say 14,000,000 people live in extreme poverty. Another shocking estimate claims close to sixty percent live below the international standard of the poverty line.

Just as our military organizations will cooperate, so should our humanitarian organizations. The Order of the Purple Cross was established on Christmas 2014 and has been built into a major force since then. The organization is stacked with special equipment and personnel on standby. It may be a good idea for us all to coordinate with Chancellor Schulte of the UNE to see exactly what sort of help would be best suited to these regions.

Of course, the Russian element to Separatist forces would not like this operation. Many reasons certain Ukrainians want to separate is because of their nation's poverty issue. Medical services are hard to come by. Education is substandard. Civil services are non-existant. If we can secure certain towns and move in NGO humanitarian doctors, teachers and engineers, the hope is that news will spread to the other regions.

We'll hope to win hearts & minds in exchange for their medical bills.

The combat situation around Ukraine is complicated. It's hoped that Vangaziland's involvement can help stop the situation from turning into total war. The Russians will be less likely to send forces en masse deeper into Ukraine with such an aggressive nuclear deterrent opposing them.

The Vannish people thank New Hayesalia for its commitment to upholding global standards of prosperity and ethics in a way that makes many nations double check their own policies. Prince Fritz, Prime Minister Goodson and myself often reign in our aggressive policies by asking one question.

'What would New Hayesalia do?'

As such we hope to put pressure on Russia, but not antagonize them. Goodson has still used aggressive language as of late, in his typical bullish form. We have several diplomats reaching out to Russia in private channels that are more agreeable. Still, we have not reached acceptable terms with the Russians, who barely admit they have forces in Ukraine.

Let's hope our combined military and humanitarian alliance can aid the people of Ukraine and help resolve the separatist issue.

Emperor H. Vang
-Of The Vannish Empire

From: Spirit 6-HHT-5BATT-10ACD
To: Falcon 6-HHC-8MBAT-3MEBCG

Roger that. Remember, if things take a turn, we have extra artic white oversuits. Our country has large artic regions so we issue the bunny suits. Some more temperate nations do not. Not sure where your troops fall in on that spectrum. Good luck with your campaign.

Spirit 6

[The United Nations Of Europa]

1st Lt. Davis
Hulyaipole, Ukraine
FOB Frederick


Aircraft soared across the skies over Ukraine, partaking in their usual routines. Everywhere you looked there was EFF personnel in the area. The campaign in Ukraine was in full effect and it seemed the UNE was in its best interest to finish it as fast as possible. Davis had just been stationed to Ukraine 2 weeks ago in the small city of Hulyaipole. The city wasn’t as lively as other places back home. The place was empty, boring and cold but the other tank crew members made up for it. Kids were running around occasionally to meet some of the men and women that were stationed in their home country. It was unsettling to see children in a warzone like this, but luckily the UNE and her allies were to help. Davis was taking part of a tank convoy that was heading to FOB Frederick, an EFF base that would be housing most of the armored regiments deployed to Ukraine. The convoy was driving through Hulyaipole, tank crew waving and greeting people that gathered onto the streets to see them.

“Oi Davis, what do you think about Ukraine so far. Doesn’t seem too different from Scotland I
have to admit!” 2nd Lt. Stewart jokingly said.

“You’re only saying that because the sun isn’t out burning your Scottish vampire ass.”

“Ohhh haha that’s sooo- fuck you.”

The tank convoy made their way to the outskirts of the city. The base was about 20 miles west of the city would it would still take some time. The tank crews behind Davis’s tank were blasting music and cracking jokes to lighten the mood. Everything seemed peaceful on the Western side of Ukraine but everyone knew that would change once they headed out East. Out there it was a completely different story.

The last part of the drive to the base was unbearable, nothing but empty buildings and farmland for miles. The environment back in the UNE was much more lively, hopefully once all this fighting is over with Ukraine can enjoy that same kind of feeling too. Luckily it wasn’t raining so Davis could at least look out the hatch to see what was going on.

“Ay Stewart I’m going to take a nap for the last part of this drive, wake me up when we get there.”

Sure trying to sleep in the tank wasn’t the most comfortable but it was sleep nonetheless. Davis tried to slump down a little, trying to get in any comfortable position he could. A couple minutes went by and Davis was about to doze off but was immediately woken up as a friendly jet flew over the convoy. “Oi Davis I think your alarm clock is a little too loud.” Stewart said as he was laughing. The tank convoy pulled up to the front gates of the base awaiting for access inside. An EFF sentry walked up making sure everything was in line with reports. After checking everything out he ran back to the front. “Uh which one of you is 1st Lt. Davis?”

“That’d be me!” Davis yelled over the noise of the tanks. “What do you need from me?”

“Col. Adams wants to see you, apparently some of your tanks are needed. Just park the tanks in the back so they can refuel then head over to the CO’s office.”

“Alright, I’ll head over there after we're done. Tanks forward!”

The convoy moved forward to the refueling stations where they would be refueled and be parked in storage, except for a few tanks but it was still unknown to Davis why this was. After everything was done he headed to the CO’s office where he would be informed of what he needed to do. After entering the building he noticed how busy everyone was. Staff members rushing around trying to get documents to their appropriate location. Davis eventually got to the CO’s office and knocked on the door waiting for a response to come in.

“Come in.” a voice from inside the room said.

“Ah, Davis I’ve been waiting for you.”

“What is it that you want me to do sir.”

“Well I’d like you to get me a coffee if you wouldn’t mind, but sadly that isn’t your job. Anyways as I’m sure many of you already know that the EFF is already at the forefront of this fight trying to reclaim separatist territory. About a month ago, a large attack force was sent to Donetsk Oblast to take back control of the region. They’ve pushed the separatist forces back to the city of Donetsk. Enemy artillery has been going off nonstop and hit our guys in the 26th Infantry company. They have a lot of casualties and are in need of medical evac but our helicopters can’t get in the area and any vehicles in the city are already busy.

Drones were sent to recon the area and we saw that the separatists have some pretty nasty equipment. Damn Russians supplied these bastards modern AA vehicles and other AA guns. So our aircraft is staying out of the city until the AA is destroyed by ground units. I want you to gather 5 of your tanks and head out to Pokrovsk where you’ll meet up with Cosparian medical teams. Some of our medical vehicles and LAV’s will be going along with you. Your job is to escort these guys to the city so they can retrieve the injured and get them out of the city so they can be brought back for medical care. Once that’s done go back into the city and help flush out any separatist forces that are there. Once that’s done we’ll have other teams take out the AA and our forces will have total control of the city. Our medical crews are getting ready right now so get your tanks up and ready. You’ll all move out once the message gets to FOB Yukon.”

To: Command Group Cosparia
From: Spöke 8-HHA-EOBC-5SG
EFF forces were sent to take Donetsk Oblast last month. They have been successful in their attacks and have pushed the enemy back to the city of Donetsk. Separatist forces are arming themselves to the teeth and are defending the center of the city with everything they have. Our 26th Infantry Company was hit badly by artillery last night and have 20 Injured soldiers. About 40 civilians were in the crossfire last night and are in need of immediate evac. FOB Yukon is to send 2 medical evacuation vehicles to the location of the 26th Infantry Company. They will meet up with 8 other EFF medical evacuation vehicles that are 5 miles away from FOB Yukon. The vehicle convoy will be escorted by 5 EFF MBT-90’s and an infantry platoon that are being sent as reinforcements for 26th Company. It is advised that you should send an escort force of your own when traveling to Pokrovsk. Once the medical evacuation convoy secures all injured personnel, they will need to move to the outskirts of the city where they will be meet by EFF Viper helicopters at the Donetsk checkpoint. Help get the injured onto the helicopters so they can be brought back to FOB Yukon for medical care. The helicopters will have fuel with them so the medical vehicles can refuel and get back home. The convoy will take the main road from Pokrovsk to Donetsk as that's the safest road to there as of now. Temperatures are going to get cold so be prepared for the weather.

Spöke 8

“Yes sir” Davis replied after giving a salute. He quickly exited the building to go notify every one of the sudden mission. Stewart and the other tank crews were all eating together, cracking jokes and sometimes taking the piss on Stewart when the opportunity was given. Stewart looked up and saw Davis running towards the group,” What’s the hurry Davis?”

“CO just gave us a job to do. I’m going to need 4 other tanks to be ready real soon.”

“Well, what’s the job?”

“We have to escort a bunch of medical vehicles and platoon of guys to Donestk. Apparently, some of the EFF forces in Donetsk were hit badly and now they’ve got a lot of casualties on their hands. So we have to escort the medical crews into the city and back out so the wounded can be airlifted out.”

“Well alrighty then, up and at ‘em boys we got work to do. Uhh, Frandsen, Virtanen, Martin, and Fischer get your tanks ready, you're going with us.”

“Who said you were giving commands Stewart. Frandsen, Virtanen, Martin, and Fischer go get your tanks ready! You know what Stewart, I really do make good commands as a tank platoon leader. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“You know that you’re a fucking twally-washer right?”

[Cosparia]

FOB Yukon, Osypenko, Ukraine
20:04 EET

Second Lieutenant Phillip Harrison had assisted some of the men in his platoon finish constructing some of the last dorm tents for the aid station. He walked over to one of his Privates, who he could tell was having a little bit of a hard time already. 2/Lt. Harrison knelt down next to him and put his hand on the kid's shoulder.

"Hey Private, you look like you're havin' a rough time out here. What's eating you up?" The junior officer gave his subordinate a friendly smile.

"Nothing. Just... just thinking about home. My girl, my dog." The young soldier bit his lip and shook his head slightly. Lt. Harrison felt like he could relate, himself only 22. He nodded and tried to comfort the kid.

"Hey, man, I understand. I know what you're talking about. Honestly..." He took a quick glance at the silver band around his right finger. "... I feel the same way. I actually just proposed to my girl about a month before we left. But you know what? That just gives me something to look forward to." The homesick soldier looks up at his officer.

"It doesn't bother you being so far away?"

"Well, it does, but I know we'll be back home before long. The UNE doesn't expect this shenanigan to last longer than another month, anyways. I don't mean to tempt fate or anything, but you should be home to share Christmas dinner with your family." Lt. Harrison smiles and pats the Pvt's shoulder.

"Heh. I guess." The kid smiles and nods. "Alright, I'll look forward to that. We'll be back pretty soon."

"That's the spirit, Private. Now get up, and go help those guys with that tent over there. Keep yourself busy till then." The junior officer stood up and helped the younger soldier to his feet, who then ran off to another squad assembling the frame for another tent. He had hoped his words helped ease the kid's homesickness. Harrison wanted to be home just as much as he did. Seriously, though, he thought to himself, who doesn't?

---

A few minutes later

LtCol. Tremblay had spoken to the full colonel in charge of his brigade, requesting that the rest of the detachment be ready to depart the next time he called. Afterwards, he headed back to his command vehicle and sat down in front of the BFT's screen, noticing two new flash messages from other units--one from Spirit 6, the Vannish commander, and another from the EFF forces they were operating alongside. Tremblay opened and read Spirit 6's message first, typing out a reply.

From: Falcon 6-HHC-8MBAT-3MEBCG
To: Spirit 6-HHT-5BATT-10ACD

Thanks for the offer. Our country's winters have gotten as cold as -40 F, so my men know how to dress for the cold; that said, if we need anything, we will let you know. Good luck, and godspeed.

Falcon 6

He sent the message and opened up the one from the EFF commander. This one was much longer than the one from Spirit 6; to him, that meant it was important. The senior officer took extra time to read and reread the pertinent sections of the message. He then began typing a response.

To: Spöke 8-HHA-EOBC-5SG
From: Falcon 6-HHC-8MBAT-3MEBCG

This is Lieutenant Colonel William Tremblay of Command Group Cosparia. Your message has been received and understood. I will notify my men about the movement and to prepare their vehicles. We will provide the requested 2 M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicles; they can only transport 6 casualties each, so we will also send two M997 HMMWV ambulances to be able to evacuate all 20 wounded soldiers in one movement. Two M923 cargo trucks will also be attached to evacuate the civilians; I recommend to have your helicopters carry additional fuel to compensate for this. An infantry rifle platoon carried in 4 M1126 Armored Personnel Carriers will escort this convoy. To improve inter-force communications, we will tune our radios to the established joint service frequencies, and monitor radio traffic during the mission. Will advise troops of expected cold temperatures. Cosparia has had harsh winters in the recent past, so we know how to dress warm.

Additionally: I have called my senior officers back home and advised them to keep the rest of our detachment on rapid response. If Cosparian forces are called on to make further movements into separatist-controlled territory, I request that the remainder of our forces--two more infantry companies, and a company of tanks--be brought into theatre to provide the necessary manpower for us to make an offensive push.

LtCol. Tremblay sent his message back to the Europan command center, and stepped from his CV to gather the men necessary to deploy the convoy he'd promised. He had the captain in charge of the infantry company call out a platoon officer, and have him take his squad leaders and some medical personnel to be briefed by the lieutenant colonel's CV.

"Second Lieutenant Harrison!" The Captain barked. "Round up your squad leaders, and meet by the colonel's command vehicle. We got a job that needs to be done." He walked over to the medical section and pointed a few medical specialists to the same location.

2/Lt. Harrison took his Sergeants, and waited by the CV.

This is gonna be interesting, the junior officer thought to himself.

[New Hayesalia]

DNIPROPETROVSK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, UKRAINE REGION, THE UNITED NATIONS OF EUROPE

The thudding of boots on the runway was inaudible over the roar of the C-17 jet engines, kicking up dust from the edges of the relatively skinny runways of this minor airport. Taxiing at a lazy walking speed allowed the aircraft to keep up the pace, with it’s rear ramp dropping to allow the exfiltration of two rifle flights of the New Hayesalian Air Force. With their interpreters and two working dogs in tow, the fifty men ran from the aircraft ramp and began taking up positions along the side of the runway, moving tactically to clear both north and south of the runway. The C-17, as well, began a turn to the right-hand taxiway, quickly endeavouring to make a 180 degree turn on the aircraft apron. It resumed immediately it’s position on the runway and powered up, the 100% charge of it’s engines propelling the now empty aircraft towards the end. With some hundreds of metres to spare it lifted back to the golden clouds, and departed north-westerly for an airfield in Vangaziland.

On the ground, the airfield defence guards split into their sections of five men apiece, rifle teams to the outside and heavy weapons teams taking up the inside stretch. Supported by his team, the commander of the ADGs made his way to the covertly positioned, Multicam-coated Vannish soldiers. Flight Leader Ryan Young took the Vannish team commanders hand to shake it, and began a quick brief on the next incoming flight.

Some 90 seconds after the first C-17 had returned to the sky, a second began it’s landing run and executed the same landing style, moving to the taxiway and apron. Once it had arrived, armed and armoured Air Force loadmasters led two columns of New Hayesalian commandos from the aircraft’s rear. Just shy of 100 men, and including the three embedded press members, this first ‘chalk’ moved speedily under the weight of their fighting load and extended patrol packs, moving at a high speed to positions surrounding the runway and airport. There, they would drop their packs and use them as cover and support from the prone position, awaiting yet more aircraft.

This pattern repeated yet more times, though each flight took gradually longer. The next two aircraft unloaded pallets, speedily removed from the operational areas by a packed forklift, to an airside spot. Yet more soldiers took positions, looking keenly down the scopes of their Ripper Mk3 rifles and other weapons to locate any hostile actions. The sudden dawn arrival of the New Hayesalians had taken the airport staff by surprise, however the arrival of these foreign soldiers encouraged more of them to leave the area than to stop and stare.

The first of the protected mobility vehicles were offloaded in this time, with Bushmaster mobile workshop variants assuming positions to return fire if necessary with mounted 7.62mm machine guns. With this, the first of the blended wing body C-65 Auroras touched down with great force, the blast of their massive engines surely waking up any civilians in the immediate region. They braked particularly hard on the unforgiving runway stretch, certainly enough to cause some maintainers back at base the headache of staying overtime, but it was of course an operational need. Like the Globemasters, the Auroras moved to the marshalling apron, where their cargo was dismounted Each carried up to six Javelin infantry fighting vehicles, each of which immediately ‘crewed up’ and started their engines as loadmasters quickly unlatched and released the vehicles. One by one, they slowly made their way down the rear ramp of the Aurora, setting treads upon this Slavic land. Like their dismounted comrades, the armoured Commandos took up defensive positions, as the rest of the aircraft arrived.

It was not more than an hour and 45 minutes before all aircraft had landed, dropped the troops and vehicles, as well as a small stock of important supplies. The important gear had recently arrived in the city’s west, at the rail hub.

The United European Nations had activated a small police force to guard both the airport and rail facility, and now the New Hayesalians made their move, On the rear of each Javelin was mounted a tow bar suitable for carrying the weight of the 20 foot containers. Dismounted troops carefully stepped over the large bars as they accessed the rear ramp of the Javelin – they would have to memorise it’s location if they required a quick escape.

In convoy, and led by two cars of the UNE police, a fleet of Javelins made their way directly to the rail receiving area. Each Javelin would carry a single container to their Troop’s future forward operating base sight, conducting this mission with such speed that their Troop’s assault pioneer would be able to begin marking the location of the required tools using his suite of surveying equipment. Alpha and Bravo Troops would be on their own soon – Charlie would join with the Xray-Zulu headquarters troop, and create a similar but larger FOB.

Driving through these streets opened a new world for the crewmen of the IFVs, who maintained the ability to see outside of their boxes on tracks. The movement to the rail yards followed back roads that had been carefully evaluated by the battalion intelligence platoons for their make, widths, and likelihood of obstacles. Kamaz trucks pulled from the 80s and 90s lined roads along with cheap little Yugos and Ladas, interspersed with the occasional European or American make from some years ago. The greenery of the countryside was better expressed as brownish, the winter chill that had struck the arriving soldiers as a miserable part of their future doing the very same to the native flora. Ditches along the roadside spoke to the lack of stormwater systems, and the cheap wooden fences and village houses only added to this effect. This was certainly a developing region. Dew that had formed in the night was shaken from the leaves of trees and shrubbery, as thundering tankettes made their way through the backroads, their bristling components sometimes wiping the moisture from the natural environment. In some windows, men, women, and children looked in shock – perhaps horror – at the brown-green painted IFVs rolling down their road. They meant no harm, though the sight of nearly 100 vehicles in a convoy formation did little to soothe nerves.

---

PRIME MINISTER’S PRESS BRIEFING ROOM, PARLIAMENT COMPLEX, REVNAMI

The window overlooking the bridges of Revnami, the old district and the north end of the towering Central Business District spoke of an area of importance. The Parliament Complex, with it’s white walls and open glass facades, was a tremendous village of governance. Embassies, departments, and other facilities surrounded the large Parliament Complex proper. This room was filled from top to bottom with press and journalists, the cameras of the Associated Press lining the window side and rear of the room for this particularly busy briefing.

The arrival of the Prime Minister was heralded by the opening of the glassdoor by a member of his RMG security detail, and the blonde hair – now beginning to glisten strands of white – heralded the arrival of Prime Minister Daniel Hayes. Accompanying him was a cross section of his core ministry, with the Deputy PM, Defence Minister, Foreign Minister, Chief of Military, and the Minister Assisting for International Development all accompanying the Prime Minister to the slim podium.

“Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen,” the Prime Minister began in his near-trademarked deep voice, one that equally soothed citizens and worried foes to emanate from a man more clay than golem. “At about 1:35pm in Revnami, members of the 3rd Commando Division, assisted by a team of other Army and Air Force members, made landing at the Dnipropetrovsk International Airport in the United Nations of Europe. This deployment is known as Taskforce 700, and are now a part of Operation ‘Levee.’ Þorarinn Baier, our Defence Minister, will take the floor from here.”

The shorter, tank-like form of the Defence Minister came to fore. A veteran himself, the now-accomplished politician lead the room with the overview of the Operation.

“Operation Levee has been developed as a result of a request for assistance made by the governments of the United Nations of Europe and the Vannish Empire. We have considered this deployment extremely carefully, and we have decided to meet the requests of these governments by providing a small force, totalling 600 soldiers, to achieve a number of military objectives.”

“The mandate of this mission is limited, at this time, to protection of themselves, of our allied partners, of civilians and non-combatants, an the provision of a stabilising force to prevent seperatist violence in the UNE from escalating to a major international crisis. These forces are being led by an experienced Army officer, and we are working very closely with Vangaziland and the UNE."

“New Hayesalia is a member of this coalition of nations, but we have expressed a clear desire not to be a leading member. Our deployment is limited in it’s mandate and we have clearly authorised our soldiers all the material and conditions they require to conduct this operation without extreme risk to their safety. Our deployment of the elite Commando Division is a symbol of this, as these specially trained soldiers are uniquely qualified to secure their situation effectively.”

“We are furthermore working with the New Hayesalian Society of the Red Crystal, as well as opposite numbers including the UNE Red Cross and Vannish Purple Cross, to outline what humanitarian relief we can deliver to the people of this local area.

The press continued by asking questions and hurridely tweeted and alerted readers to the fact of another deployment of New Hayesalian forces, as those forces proceeded to build and fortify their positions in the region.

---

EN ROUTE TO OBVODNA RAILWAY STATION, UKRAINE REGION

The convoy of tracked vehicles moved across shuttered highways and residential streets, making the long way around the just-stirring town, where their locomotive with it's carrying cabs awaited the arriving IFVs. Troops had been loaded 10-heavy into the IFVs, their rucks on the exterior connectors. The grey buildings and small cottages of this soviet-esque town flashed by crew hatches, as the head of the convoy began to turn into the industrial area. Civilians had begun filming the passing New Hayesalians on cheap phone cameras, as a crane at the rail hub began unloading the 20 foot containers.

The first containers contained the towing assemblies for a number of the ones following, and their containers would be left behind and probably claimed by an industrious local. Connecting towing assemblies to IFVs, followed by the 20 foot 'battle boxes' loaded atop them was an easy process, facilitated by a properly trained craneman operating above them under the guide of local staff. Most soldiers remained tightly buttoned up in their troop transports, though ready to dismount if needed, while two platoons took up positions around the convoy to secure it.

The loading took some time, and the information displayed on each box as to it's intended recipients and contents were keenly read by officers and assault pioneers. Mist and coldness made their job hardly fun, and even the relatively close quarters of the Javelins began to feel a hint of a chill. This loading process, as with the unloading, took some time, and the sun of 8am was rising as Alpha Troop readied to return to the International Airport to ready their cargo. Each troop would make two trips to fully acquire the gear they needed, plus an assembly for the Air Component at the airport's south side.

Smaller convoys began to move through the town as the tedious, and challenging team of offloading and towing the 20 foot containers to the airport went on.

With 80% of the shipment located at the airport, and the rest on their way to arrive, a flash message from their coalition partners about an event in the Dnipro area.

[Vangaziland]

"Sir, sir... What's the first thing that pops up when you google Poltava?'

A serial of 8 T-90 tanks was driving from the airport at Dnipro up to the Poltava region. It took two C-5 flights a day for four days to get this convoy from Vangaziland to Ukraine. The C-5 is an extra large cargo aircraft capable of swallowing an entire, stripped C-130 fuselage or in this case, two tanks. They were designed to carry two M1 Abrahams, but Vangaziland made sure they'd be compatible with the basically Russian designs.

It was ironic that Vangaziland would be using mostly Russian combat vehicles in this sector. They weren't purchased from Russia, but from one of their allies with a production license, more sympathetic to the Vangazi and vice versa.

"Farms, besides the city", the young lieutenant answered. He was the leader of first platoon, 1LT Frank Kelderson. His driver asked him the question over the headset."

"No! A marriage agency."

"You have to pay for that", said SGT Elstrom, a chubby and ruddy young buck SGT. He sat in the gunners chair. "And they don't want to marry some E-4."

"Roger, sergeant."

"There's actually a really nice city in the region. We're staying way outside of that area in a bunch of farmlands.", the officer added.

"It's pretty out here, sir", said the driver. His tank sped as fast as it could down the open road. The tank convoy was pushing their speed, taking in the sights of a landscape not that different from central Vangaziland. Both nations had a taiga-like steppe.


"Don't like it too much. This is no staycation."

"What the hell is a staycation, el-tee?", asked SGT Elstrom.

"A vacation where you stay."

"Stay forever? Then how is it a vacation?"

"It's a staycation", the 1LT replied once again. The driver laughed up front but didn't transmit it over the headset. The engine and even the sound of the tracks rumbling drowned out any interior noise not broadcast over the headset. The tanks hustled on the road through the steppe, towards their FOB.

The final two tanks of the last tank platoon would arrive later tonight. They would convoy with vehicles from headquarters company including the recovery vehicle and a few assorted trucks.

[TURTLESHROOM II]

(REMOVED DUE TO FAILURE TO HONOR OOC SIGN UP/INVITE SHEET REQUIREMENT)

[Vangaziland]

((OOC: WARNING. You must sign up first. You must read the rules. This is spam on your part. It says open, but it is not so it's not your fault. But it's clear now. It is also NOT OPEN to opposition forces. It's a one way tale. Sorry, them's the breaks. Also, this RP is more complex and one paragraph RP is severely frowned upon.))

[The United Nations Of Europa]

It was just about 20 minutes ago since Col. Adams sent Davis to prepare for the escort mission. Maps and new documents just came in, probably about other missions that would need to be tackled later. Adams was rocking back in forth in his chair, waiting for a response from FOB Yukon. Time passed on and he was about to leave his office when a response alert finally came through. He rushed back to his computer to read the message.

To: Spöke 8-HHA-EOBC-5SG
From: Falcon 6-HHC-8MBAT-3MEBCG

This is Lieutenant Colonel William Tremblay of Command Group Cosparia. Your message has been received and understood. I will notify my men about the movement and to prepare their vehicles. We will provide the requested 2 M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicles; they can only transport 6 casualties each, so we will also send two M997 HMMWV ambulances to be able to evacuate all 20 wounded soldiers in one movement. Two M923 cargo trucks will also be attached to evacuate the civilians; I recommend to have your helicopters carry additional fuel to compensate for this. An infantry rifle platoon carried in 4 M1126 Armored Personnel Carriers will escort this convoy. To improve inter-force communications, we will tune our radios to the established joint service frequencies, and monitor radio traffic during the mission. Will advise troops of expected cold temperatures. Cosparia has had harsh winters in the recent past, so we know how to dress warm.

Additionally: I have called my senior officers back home and advised them to keep the rest of our detachment on rapid response. If Cosparian forces are called on to make further movements into separatist-controlled territory, I request that the remainder of our forces--two more infantry companies, and a company of tanks--be brought into theatre to provide the necessary manpower for us to make an offensive push.

Well damn, seems like we got ourselves a moving fortress. After reading the message he proceeded to respond quickly so he could notify Davis.

To: Falcon 6-HHC-8MBAT-3MEBCG
From: Spöke 8-HHA-EOBC-5SG

Roger that. Have your forces take the main road to Pokrovsk, it has been secured so you shouldn’t be meet by any hostiles. Once they get to Pokrovsk, your medical vehicles will join with an EFF reinforcement convoy going to Donestk. All of the vehicles will refuel there at a small base we set up in Pokrovsk. There will be 5 MBT-90’s, and an infantry platoon that are traveling in Panther LAV’s. They’ll take on the role of escorting the medical vehicles once the convoy starts moving to Donetsk. Once you get to Donetsk the convoy will have to go behind friendly lines to retrieve the wounded. Get all the injured soldiers and civilians back to the outskirts of the city where our Viper helicopters will take them back to FOB Yukon and Frederick. They’ll fuel with them so the convoy can come back home. God speed Col.

After relaying the message, Adams exited his office and walked towards the communications desk in the building. Notify Lt. David and tell his platoon to get a move on. Cosparian forces are starting to move.

Yes sir I’ll notify them right away.

---

1st Lt. Davis
Hulyaipole, Ukraine
FOB Frederick


“Hurry up guys get everything together. Make sure the tanks are fully loaded and all electronics are working fine.”

The tank crews that were being sent to Donetsk were scrambling to get everything ready. Ammunition was to be loaded, secondary guns needed to be checked and all electronics had to be checked before they could leave.

“Oi Davis where is it that we’re going?”

“We’re going to some town called Pokrovsk. I guess we have to meet up with some Cosparian forces and head to Donetsk with them. We’ll be their escort force along the way.”

“But why can’t they just send a helicopter to go get them?”

“Too much anti-air weapons in Donetsk. It’d be too risky to have the helicopters fly directly in there.”

Fischer came running back to tell Davis they were ready. He was a tank commander of one of the tanks that’d be going along. Fischer was part of the German tank division of the EFF. He and Davis had been commanding tank platoons for a while but it had been a while since they’ve been in combat. “Davis the MBT-90’s are ready to go also all the LAV platoons are ready and waiting for our mark”

“Great, now we just have to wait for the CO.” Davis stood silent for a while, staring at the MBT-90’s they were commanding. “Man aren’t they beautiful Fischer?”

“What the tanks?”

“Well yah.”

“Well if you find a 140mm smoothbore cannon, a 25mm gun, and M134 miniguns beautiful then I’d have to say that those tanks are some of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”

“How’s your wife been Fischer?”

“She’s been doing good. Her and the kids were getting ready for Christmas shopping the last time I talked to her.”

“Christmas shopping ay, hell that’s the real war there.”

“No kiddi-.” Fischer was interrupted by a yell from behind. Both Davis and him turned around to see one of the base staff running towards them.

“Are you Lt.Davis?”

“Yes.”

“Col. Adams just got a message from FOB Yukon. They said they’re ready to go. He wants you guys to move out.”

“Well alright. Everyone up, we’re heading to Pokrovsk!”

Chancellor Linda Schulte
Copenhagen, UNE

Classical music softly played in Schulte’s office. Making the environment in the room calmer for her to work in. A TV in the corner was on, playing the latest news stories. Unsurprisingly most of the news was about the fighting in Ukraine. Nonstop reports about the military campaign were coming in. The news reports reminded her of the fighting there. Yet she knew that pushing the separatists out of Ukraine would be the only way to stop the violence it had been experiencing for years. Schulte was going through documents but stopped when she heard a knock on her door.

“Come in. Ah Klara it’s you, how have you been?”

“I've been doing good. I uh, have more documents on Ukraine.”

“Just put them with the rest.”

“So Schulte, what's the progress on Ukraine?”

“Well, I got news that the EFF has pushed the separatists in Donetsk back to the eastern half of the oblast. Right now there's an ongoing operation to take the city of Dontesk. Our allies are settling in and getting everything ready for themselves right now.”

“Don't you think they're going to want something in return for fighting?”

“Well I'm sure they would. We have to be grateful for their appearance in this crisis. If it wasn't for them then we’d still be dealing with Russia for all we know.”

“So what would we give them?”

“Well I don't know actually.”

The two sat in silence for a while, thinking of what trade deals could be given. Schulte broke the silence by giving an idea, “Klara contact the leaders of our allies. We’ll have a meeting with them and discuss it during the meeting.”

[Cosparia]

FOB Yukon, Osypenko, Ukraine
Relief forces plan an incursion into hostile territory...

Lt/Col. Tremblay received another message from EFF command, soaking in the information provided to him. He would speak to his deputy battalion commander and Btn. Master Sergeant to formulate a quick plan to bring their vehicles to the EFF troops, and what to do if they happen to run into unfriendly forces. They discussed briefly, then the Colonel replied to the flash message.

To: Spöke 8-HHA-EOBC-5SG
From: Falcon 6-HHC-8MBAT-3MBCG

Understood. Our convoy has a low tooth:tail ratio, so the MBT's will be a welcome sight. I'll advise my drivers of the refuel point and my infantrymen of the escort. We will have our convoy moving shortly. Good luck to your men, and godspeed.

---

Second Lieutenant Harrison, Staff Sergeant Wilson, and the other Sergeants in Harrison's platoon had gathered in front of Col. Tremblay's vehicle, along with several medical specialists and APC crewmen. The senior officer stepped out and gave his men a short briefing.

"Alright gentlemen, I've received word that EFF forces were involved in a nasty firefight in Donetsk some while ago. They have about 20 injured troops, and around twice that many civilians were caught in the crossfire, so our job right now is to send a relief convoy into Donetsk and pull those unlucky saps out of there. You folks will be meeting up with an EFF convoy at a refueling point in the city of Pokrovsk a little way up north. Major, map please." Tremblay's deputy commander, a Major who normally commands the 8th Motorized Btn., hurried into the command vehicle and retrieved a large paper map of the Cosparian detachment's area of responsibility. The deputy and battalion Master Sgt. unfurled the map and stuck magnets in place to hold it to the vehicle.

"Thank you." The senior officer continued. "Drivers, you are going to take this main road north past Pokrovs'ke, turn right onto another main highway, and that will take you straight to... Pokrovsk..." He did a double-take at the map, and the men at the briefing gave him a bewildered 'what the fuck's the difference' look. "Anyways, I'll mark your route on the BFT, and that should put it into the GPS's on your vehicles. When you get there, the EFF will have a platoon each of their own tanks and infantry to help bring our medical vehicles into the hot zone. The roads ahead have been cleared and secured by the EFF, so you shouldn't get any resistance. That said, everyone with a rifle should have their full combat load just to be safe. Remember that our medics are unarmed, so it's the infantry's job to keep them safe if things get out of hand."

"Alright, any questions?" Lt/Col. Tremblay looked at his troops for a few seconds, but no hands went up. "Good. Lieutenant Harrison, have your NCO's disseminate this to the rest of your platoon. Everyone else, grab your gear and get moving. Dismissed."

---

2/Lt. Harrison gathered his troops and had his squad leaders, Sergeants Foreman, Conley, and Matson, tell their respective squads about the mission. Harrison himself retreated to his quarters, and sat on his bunk by the T-stand holding his equipment. He removed his heavy woodland-camouflaged body armor and helmet from the stand, and took his carbine and laid it on his bunk. The young lieutenant hoisted his bulky body armor over his head and fastened it shut. He placed his Kevlar helmet on his head, snapping the chinstrap into place, and placed his holster against his leg, strapping it into place. He made sure his Browning pistol was loaded, before flicking the safety catch on and holstering it.

Harrison left the officer's quarters, assault carbine in hand, and directed his infantrymen to the supply tent for ammunition. There, they were each given seven fully-loaded 30-round magazines for their C16A3 assault rifles. The men slid their ammunition into the magazine pouches on their armored vests, before securing the pouches shut and leaving the tent.

Outside, the armed Strykers were readying to move, with the squads loading into them through the back. As he was going to his Stryker, Harrison noticed the nervous young private he had spoken to earlier. He went up to the kid again.

"Hey Private, Private... McDermid?" He looked at the name tape on the kid's vest.

"Oh, Lieutenant sir. You... you ready to, uh, get some? Heh." The young soldier nervously spoke.

"Ready as I'll ever be, I guess. Hey kid, you feeling alright?"

"Just... just a little, uh, jittery. I uh, haven't fired this thing since infantry school." The private motions to his rifle.

"Relax, it's alright. Neither have a lot of guys. You had good instructors at infantry school. You got nothin' to worry about." The junior officer smiled.

"I guess..."

"Hey, remember what I said earlier? You'll be fine. It's just a quick relief run, we'll be in and out in a couple hours."

"Well, okay. Let's do it."

"Haha, there ya go." The junior officer patted his subordinate on the shoulder. "Get to your squad. See ya out there." He went to his Stryker and boarded it.

---

Somewhere near Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine
About an hour later

The sizeable convoy rolled down the highway at a fairly leisurely pace. They had been cruising the whole way without incident so far, and it looked like things were going well. As they went along, Private Francis Roy took in some of the sights along the tail end of their route.

"Kinda looks a bit like up north back home, eh Lieutenant?"

"You could say that. At least there ain't six feet of snow everywhere." Lieutenant Campbell replied. Cosparian climate this time of year typically dumped a decent amount of snow on people. Never quite enough to cancel school for the kids, but always just enough to foil the drive to work, or complicate a training exercise. Fortunately, the Ukrainian climate was more forgiving.

"Hey, when do we meet up with these Europan guys, do you think?" Corporal Alex Kowalewski said, with the faintest hint of a Russian accent in his voice.

"Probably within a few minutes. We're not that far from Pokrovsk." Lt. Campbell spoke up. "Corporal, you still know plenty of Russian, da?"

"Конечно. Моя семья всегда говорит об этом дома." Cpl. Kowalewski replied flawlessly. Everyone in the back looked at him. Campbell blinked.

"I'll take that as a 'yes'."

Eventually, the convoy pulled up to an EFF checkpoint. Lt. Campbell poked his head out of his vehicle and informed the sentries of their mission. They let them through to the fueling station and awaited the arrival of their escort.

[New Hayesalia]

FOB BALACLAVA, EAST OF DNIPROPETROVSK, UKRAINE REGION

“Send it!”

A Javelin driver pushed forwards the control columns of his powerful machine, the tracks tearing across the waist-high grasses at considerable speed. This was under weight, with a 20 foot container held behind quickly deploying an unfolding HESCO bastion. These concertainers, which would soon be chock full of filler, were being deployed as according to the pink quidelines placed by the Troop’s assault pioneer, the Sergeant who overlooked the light engineering needs of the 100 men of Bravo Troop. Similar activities were taking place in Charlie Troop, as well as the slightly larger shared FOB of Alpha and Zulu. The three bases, oriented in a loose line of three some 20-or-so kilometres away from the city and spread apart by about 20 kilometres each, would use Tactical Towers to overlook each other and their gunpits to ensure shared security, allowing for increased operational tempos by each Troop.

For Bravo troop, the transport platoon had deployed it’s Javelin IFV’s in a guard’s circle around the rapidly establishing facility. Their 20 foot units had been dropped off, and as the signalmen listened closely to the affair of the stranded medical unit some way away, they stood vanguard over the immediate region.

Soldiers had been quick to work to build the facility. Two ran alongside the 77 metre long barrier, their weapons slapping across their body armour as they did so, ensuring the Javelin driver remained on course. The boxes were being re-inspected and re-assigned by the soldiers in a variety of ways. The ‘ablutions’ box, containing two toilets, four showers, and a set of washer/dryers, was being plumbed by a sapper. Another sapper, with the assistance of a few soldiers, was establishing the telescoping pole of the Tactical Tower. This would grant the facility a 30 kilometre daytime view of the area around themselves, with 20km at night. Rocket and mortar detecting arrays were being calibrated by another sapper, and another directed the command platoon now establishing the central ‘Command and Control’ area of the FOB. One box, containing the ‘Dexcavator,’ was being rolled out. The Caterpillar earthmover, painted army drab, featured a capable scoop that would . The crew of the Panthera armoured recovery vehicle, built on the hull of a main battle tank, was off somewhat in the distance, digging up a hefty mound of dirt. That would be reloaded into the 20 foot containers that once contained the Hesco barriers, and the excavator would be able to fill the four walls of the compound within 12 hours of work. It wasn’t the funnest job, and under combat conditions not the safest, but the Level III glass and armoured cab would provide some protection for the soldier behind the sticks. All this was of course under guard of the IFVs, and of the ‘gunpits’ being established from 20 foot containers at each corner of the facility – both they and the static gunpit positions hosted a powerful 30mm cannon.

The Troop Commanding Officer now established a line of communications with his opposite numbers, and began developing mission concepts. Hustle and bustle represented the start of this camping trip, as his own little fortress grew around him. The chill of the Ukraine went through him, and he looked at his heater with wishful eyes – until the sappers established a connection to local power or alternatively put together the camp’s solar arrays and generators, he’d be counting on his jacket for warmth.

A patrol of New Hayesalian troops had been dispatched, with an eye towards getting the ‘lay of the land.’ A five man rifle section, led by Corporal Dennis Jackman, set out on this objective. The waist-high grass, turned brown in the winter snap, washed around the troops moving in a staggered column. The FOB was located, it seemed, nearabouts to the middle of nowhere. Built near a maidan, a gathering place for local people, it would be important for the section to evaluate it’s usefulness.

The area surrounding them was apparently dead. Though only a few kilometres from the oblast border with the tumultuous eastern parts, no civilian farmers walked these fields. The odd Lada or car that drove along the small, nearby highway had drivers that rubbernecked at the new military facility. None stopped to see more. As the Tactical Tower reached it’s full height of 96 feet, it’s operators began the scan of the local area – aided by a light ground radar that could spot a man walking at 7.5 kilometres away.

FOB ARKANGEL, TO THE NORTH-WEST

Colonel Sokolov adjusted his AirFrame Augmented helmet, a full-colour New Hayesalian flag patch velcroid to each side, as he stepped out of his Battlebox office in the main facility. Like the two smaller FOBs, this headquarters variant had platoons of soldiers eagerly assembling to plan their home for the next however-long. The capsule-hotel style barracks boxes would be soon decorated with personal pictures, though anything that could identify a soldier’s home life – like phone numbers or addresses – had been strictly banned, in case there was ever a need to evacuate the facility.

No more salutes would be exchanged as the officer stepped out, a tent-like cover being placed over the several boxes that constituted the command and control area and briefing room. Other soldiers moved in a horizontal line to beat down the grass and place folding chairs and tables, making a shared messing and briefing area for the 140-odd soldiers here.

A full platoon of soldiers, plus the crews of three Javelin fighting vehicles, awaited the Colonel’s arrival. Their first mission was a simple enough one, though the danger was always present. The troops and the Colonel already briefed, they set out.

“Tactical Tower isn’t showing any particular activity around the area,” reported Lieutenant John Bellany, the infantry platoon commander. “We’ve got a UAV around the city now, so we’ll be using that to keep an eye on the ground below. Charlie platoon is in charge of that one, callsign Alpha Three Raven.”

“Good, Lieutenant.” Replied the Colonel, simply.

The Javelin crew, wearing their camouflage FieldSuit fatigues, eagerly climbed behind the wheel and control column of their vehicle. Each of the long IFVs carried up to ten soldiers in somewhat cramped conditions, having been specially-built to withstand hard hits. The two-man crews lacked a commander who would usually oversee the area around the IFV, though the high level of technology available to the two-man crew reduced their workload significantly enough to allow this. A soldier in the rear would, however, be handed a rugged tablet to control the EO-IR camera located on the Javelin’s top.

The roar of starting engines predicated the hydraulic whirring of the closing ramp, the interior cavern going dark but for internal lighting. The total of 26 soldiers, plus three journalists and an additional Army translator assisting them, would travel in convoy to a city hall. There, they’d be met by local leaders. Sokolov, a native speaker of Ukrainian and Russian, was specially positioned to make this important connection.

Again, armoured vehicles rolled forth, under the watchful eye of the Tactical Tower and granted some ease of mind from the overhead Raven UAV, and the existence of the Quick Response Force totalling an infantry platoon and three more IFVs.

Inside the machine, Sokolov sat to the front. Directly opposite sat the cameraman, Ming written on the name tape velcroed above the Red Cross bib he wore. Beside Sokolov was Ming’s associate, Burlow. The two were eager to ask questions, and the Colonel exchanged a quick look with a private, a rifleman, sitting diagonally across from him – a look of ‘don’t make us look stupid, now.’

“Colonel, separatist activity in this region has been growing for some time now. Why has New Hayesalia only begun it’s operations now?”

“Well Hannah, very simply we haven’t held a great strategic interest in this part of the world. We’re here because Vangaziland has requested our assistance as a country, and the 3rd Commando Division we hold both the skills and the motivation necessary to undertake missions far away from home and largely independently.” He responded – a bit of the party line.

“Do you feel like this is a particularly dangerous mission? We know the separatists have a lot of equipment and sympathetic people, is there a chance we might come under attack?”

“Well of course there’s a chance. It’s why we’re carrying guns, wearing helmets, and travelling in very well-armoured vehicles like this. It’s why the Air Force is bringing over a flight of ground attack aircraft, because if we do come under fire from separatists, that’ll be what we need to fight back. But do I think this is a dangerous mission? Look, frankly, I don’t at this point. We are only here as a stabilising force, and most combat is occurring in the east of our locations.”

“What is your main concern?”

“At this point, I am focused on getting our troops secured within their forward operating bases, where they’ll be protected from heavy attacks. We’ll work through the night to achieve that if we need to. Right now, we’re on a mission to shake hands with local leaders. I want to establish a good working relationship with them at this early stage, understand what, if any, special assets we will need to bring in to help our mission, and how we whould go about achieving our mission.”

“What is our mission?”

“Exactly as advertised. Help to maintain the relative peace in this region, work to provide our Vannish friends with security assistance as required, prevent war crimes and atrocities, and be ready to start distributing humanitarian aid if the UNE and New Hayesalian Governments agree that such a thing would be desirable.”

The Q and A session continued a little longer, the cool-headed Colonel faithful in his Commandos to maintain security as they arrived. He was, himself, armed with a Ripper Mk3 rifle and Model 9 pistol. No desk soldier, Sokolov maintained his combat skills in his usual role as the Lieutenant Colonel in charge of the 15th Commando Infantry Battalion, a team of 1,000 men just like the ones in front of him. His battalion was currently on a ‘rest’ cycle, wherein the members of it received a bulk of their leave and time off. The Army, and other services, followed this rotational readiness cycle, focused on 3 months of ‘rest,’ 6 months of training at various intensities, and 3 months of ‘readiness’ where they could be called at a moment’s notice. With his special language skills, however, Sokolov was ideal to lead this mission, and he hoped that his appointment to the rank of Colonel would soon enough be made permanent.

After some twenty minutes in the back of the rumbling fighting vehicle, twists and turns in the road began to suggest they’d entered the city. The live display of the EO-IR cameras being controlled from within proved this so, as the cameraman ensured his batteries and memory cards were ready.

A tension had emerged on the mood of the Javelin crew, understated but clear. Burlow chewed a piece of chewing gum, rather than gritting her teeth, as she eyed the bulky rifles and machine guns held by the Commandos before her. Going armed with nothing more than a microphone and recorder did very little to soothe her nerves.

“Look this way,” the Colonel said, as she complied. He took hold of her helmet’s straps, and checked their tightness and the fit of the bulky thing. “You ever been shot at before?” he asked.

“Well,” she said, beginning a thought. Though she’d reported overseas before, where there had been the chance of it happening, she’d never heard the snap and crack of a bullet. “Not quite, really.”

“You won’t realise what it is at first. You’ll know it’s not great, but if you do get shot at, make yourself scarce. Drop, dive, get behind cover or concealment. You can trust me that if you do hear one coming at you, there’ll be a hundred going the opposite direction. And half of those are the size of your fist.”

“Thanks, Colonel.” she said, simply. That being said, the idea of returning fire didn’t excite her as much as her veteran friend.

From the outside, the greying houses and businesses of Dnipropetrovsk took centre stage around the Javelin convoy. Each gunner oriented their secondary cameras to cover an area of 360 degrees around their Javelins. Civilians, going about their mornings, took the opportunity to withdraw phones and snap photos of the powerful vehicles, the markings of the New Hayesalian Army certain to make those photos worthy of international media attention.

The fourth largest city in the Ukraine, Dnipro possessed both the grey decay characteristic of this region but a reinvigoration, spurred by European Nations investment. The convoy passed the ‘Yunit’ sculpture of a man and woman on a small boat, past a monument, and across the concrete broadwalk on the River Dnieper. The simple yet study Tsentralnyi bridge linked the disparate parts of the city, though it needn’t serve a purpose for the amphibious Javelins.

The meeting place was the high-walled Dnipro State Circus. Dilapidated yet charming, and built over a surface of irregular tiles one could expect to see as a luxury home finish, this uniquely shaped building resembled a lotus flower in bloom.

The three Javelins, as planned, formed a loose wagon wheel in a side area. This would permit them focus over only two arcs of fire, rather than the full 360 degrees. Assisting the three well-armed vehicles would be one of the platoon’s weapons sections, exceptionally well armed with a dizzying array of weapons effective at extended ranges.

The ramps reopened, and the soldiers wasted no time for the cameras. Riflemen ran forth with weapons directed at their well-rehearsed arcs of fire, ensuring the rear security. The light machine gunner flicked up their Reaper support arm, backing the weight his M240 LW gun to the core of his body, holding it with as much ease as his Ripper carrying comrades.

The Colonel stepped away, holding his own rifle loosely at the patrol position. Other than the rank insignia on his upper right sleeve and front of his body armour, the senior soldier looked every bit the same as his troops. Nonetheless, he made a conscious effort to move quickly to the meeting hall at the side of the building. Escorted by one of his rifle sections as well as the platoon commander – who had secured the area well – Colonel Sokolov entered the building at relative ease.

Within was a quickly-assembled body of leaders, some in religious dress and others in the relatively cheap suits characteristic of developing nations. Nearly all were men, with only one women among their ranks.

The soldier shook the hand of the first man, the council chairperson – Oleg Sayevsky. A short, fat, and blustery looking sort, with a five oclock shadow and somehow the hint of aftershave, greeted the soldier. In a display of trust, the Colonel removed his helmet and body armour, keeping only his Model 9 pistol strapped to his leg. The ease of the Ukrainians was immediately felt as the Colonel began a speech to them, explaining the presence of Sun-patched soldiers.

OUTSIDE FOB BALACLAVA

On their short patrol, the five soldiers of the rifle section led by Corporal Jackman maintained a steady surveillance. Supported by the Tactical Tower, they felt confident in their capacity to undertake this mission. The grass and fields grew taller and shorter, the irrigated landscape crumbly under their boots. In full combat gear, such a patrol in New Hayesalia would be a hot task. In the twilight of winter now experienced in this region, some were considering if they should’ve worn jackets.

“They’re getting set up at Air Component.” reported Lance Corporal Tim Willik, the team’s rifleman and part-time signalman. “C-65s are bringing in the first flight of Caracal choppers now.”

“When do the Machetes get here?” asked Private Torry Budalyo, an ethnic Hindia Belandese. “Those fuckers are gonna be more useful than a pair of 7.62mm guns.”

“They’re slow. The Air Force is sending the version with propellers, so they have to fly past a whole bunch of bases first. I think they left at the same time as us.” Replied Willik.

“You ever seen them in action?” asked the team marksman from the rear, a Private Martin Weimar.

“Nah,” the Corporal said. “But I did see the A-3 Dragoons, the old ones they just phased out a couple of years ago. That was back in the first Zellatian Civil War. They didn’t have the big brrrrrt GAU’s, just six fifty cals in the wings. A burst of that can still really fuck your day up though, those things worked like bloody combine harvesters.”

“So do you reckon – “

The snap of a bullet striking metal rung through the air. The as-yet silent machine gunner, Private Sapphus, dropped to the floor, his M240 LW dropping to the side. “CONTACT!” came the call of the section, who spread into line as they hit the deck.

“Willik! Get on the fucking radio! Weimar, get to Sapphus!”

The soldiers moved and scanned, looking for the location of the shot. The Tactical Tower had already seen the shot being made, and with the ground detection radar plus Boomerang shot detection undergoing calibration at the moment, it was up to old-fashioned soldiering to track the shooter.

Tossing a blue smoke grenade to add some cover and affix their relative position, two Javelin IFVs rolled out to garner support to the soldiers. The young Private Weimar moved rapidly to the downed man. Dropping down, the soldier was clearly conscious and operational, in the process of taking back up his M240 LW. The crater of a bullet, and the ripped fabric of his helmet cover, added some character to his AirFrame helmet – the item that had clearly saved his life.

“Fucking fuckers!”

The shot had come from an otherwise unassuming car, parked just off to the side of a highway. Having been parked there for some time apparently unattended, and at a distance of some hundred metres, the impressively skilled separatist marksman had certainly believed he would get away with a run and gun-style attack.

The north-western facing Gunpit established at FOB Balaclava, under the remote control of another soldier, was more than capable of using it’s high fidelity cameras to find the target, lock onto it, calculate range, and certify it’s distance from known civilians. However, the operator of the massive 30 mm cannon did not fire – identifying nearby civilians required a firmer hand.

The bullet of an SVD marksman’s rifle is no small affair, but the separatist’s first shot would appear to be his only. With information relayed to the small section, the team marksman – with the suppressive fire of the other four guns – delivered a flurry of shots from his HK417 to the engine block and tyres of the vehicle. At the FOB, another soldier launched an at-the-ready Raven drone, which rapidly gained height and tracked the individual. His heat signature was clear, and his expectation of a rabble of soldiers caught off-guard had turned out manifestly untrue. The team of two Javelins took over the chase, with the soldier setting into a field in an escape attempt. One Javelin picked up the team of five to join the hunt as the other tracked onwards, giving chase.

The separatist marksman, needing speed in his futility, dropped his main rifle, with only a Makarov pistol tucked beneath his belt. His speed picked up, but it was nothing compared to the ease and speed with which the armoured vehicles pursued him. The two vehicles communicated well, and authorised a show of force.

One followed the escaping man with some closeness, maintaining a topping distance so as not to run him over and transform him into a pancake. The other came alongside, the main 30mm cannon tilted left and down. At the highest speed, a round of five 30 mm rounds exploded at a relatively safe distance ahead of the man, who fell. The already-opening door of the IFV let loose the five targeted men. With the man dropped in the dirt and barely starting to get back up again, and with two armoured vehicles taking up positions at his behind and right, he made no attempt to resist the five armoured soldiers, of whom three had decided to tackle him. He was quickly searched, his weapon confiscated, SVD recovered, and without a death in action on either side. The man was an unknown person as yet, and so he was quickly tied by the hands, dressed with a makeshift blindfold, and moved back to FOB Balaclava. There, he and the New Hayesalian soldier would be inspected by the Company Medic. Private Sapphus would probably see something of a headache tomorrow, but his impacted helmet was a fine marker of the first shots against New Hayesalia in this battle. The man would later be handed over to the UNE police – but not after being shown videos from Al-Khalifiyah, showing how much death and destruction a New Hayesalian mechanised company could bring to bear. Call it psy-ops, but without a death wish, this man wouldn’t be taking on the New Hayesalians again. That being said – it was unlikely he’d be doing so from inside a cell, sentenced for treason.

[The United Nations Of Europa]

1st Lt. Davis
Hulyaipole, Ukraine
FOB Frederick

“How much longer till we get there Davis?”, Stewart yelled from inside the tank. “BFT says about 40 minutes Stewart. We should get to the checkpoint base about 10 minutes after the Cosparian convoy arrives.”

“Hey Davis, would you live in Ukraine once all this shit is over with?”

“Well once you take the separatists out of the picture then yeah I’d live here. Sad to see what all this violence has done to this place. Hopefully, people can get back to their lives once all the separatist are out of here.”

“No kidding.”

The area the convoy was in was completely deserted. Buildings were run down and shot up by rifles. Heavy fighting that involved artillery brought whole apartments down, killing many in the process. The fighting in Donetsk had pushed civilians to either move West or East, depending on who they supported. Ukraine had been divided, the nation between European and Russian support. Hopefully the UNE could get a large grip on Ukraine before the whole nation fell apart.

“20 minutes and we'll be in Pokrovsk boys!” David yelled.

The convoy entered a small town. The town was very quiet and rundown, with the vegetation reclaiming the area. Surprisingly people were still living in the town. Residing in the buildings that were damaged by fighting in the area.

Davis closed the tank hatch and went back in the tank, getting on the radio to alert the other tank commanders. “Keep an eye out. I don't think some of these people are too happy to see us.”

“Davis I have eyes on something.”

“What is it Stewart?”

“There are two men on the apartment balcony looking at the convoy. One of them is wearing a mask and is talking on a phone.”

“Maybe he's talking to his girl.”, Fischer said over the radio.

“Yeah I doubt that. Stewart, get on the 25mm and watch those two.”

“Roger.”

“Everyone else turn on your APS systems. Anyone of these guys could be carrying rocket launchers with them.”

The convoy slowly made their way out of the small town. They would be entering Pokrovsk in about 10 minutes. As the group moved on they approached a small gas station on the side of the road. It was abandoned like many other buildings. Davis noticed something odd when looking through the tank cameras. There were treads and knocked over trees leading to the forest behind the gas station.



“Johnson stop the tank, something seems off.” The driver slowed the tank down and eventually coming to a stop, allowing for Davis to inspect the area. “Fischer did we get any information about any other friendly vehicles in the area?”

“No the checkpoints in Pokrovsk didn't get any vehicles and the Cosparian convoy came from the South. We’re the only ones who took this route.”

“Then why the hell is ther-.” Davis stopped his sentence immediately, something in the forest caught his eyes. As he focused his vision he saw an object's form take place behind the trees. He squinted his eyes for a little, trying to see what was there.

“Oh shit enemy tank behind the trees!” Davis shouted. The enemy tank in the forest fired a shot at Fischer’s tank, luckily the shot bounced off the angled turret.

“All vehicles deploy smoke and reverse.”

A sudden burst of smoke came from the tanks allowing for the LAV’s and tanks to reverse behind a large mount of dirt and rubble. The enemy tank that fired started to pull back into the forest, still firing its armaments at the convoy.

“Fischer got back on the radio, “Davis I got eyes on two more T-72’s in the forest dead ahead.”

“Do you have a shot at them?”

“Only on their turrets, shots will probably bounce off if we fire.”

“Suppress them with the 25mm guns while we flank them. Their sights will be obstructed and it'll give us time to move. Once we get past the road we’re going to fire on them. Hopefully they'll expose the weaker part of their turrets towards you guys.”

“You heard Davis, suppressing fire!”

Fischer and the other tanks laid down suppressive on the T-72’s. Making it harder for the enemy to track them.

“Johnson full speed towards the forest!”

The tank sped towards the enemy's flank. The powerful engine of the MBT-90 allowed for the tank to quickly get into position before the T-72's knew they were there. Davis’s tank found itself in the perfect spot for a side shot on one of the T-72's.

“Take the shot Stewart!”

“Firing!”

The 140mm gun shot a large sabot round to the side of the T-72. The blast from the gun caused dirt and dust to fly around. The Soviet era tank was no match for a modern battle tank of this era. The shot fired earlier easily went through the thin armor, the shell fragmenting into many pieces of metal. Fire rose from the top of the turret, incinerating anyone inside. Davis looked at the other two T-72’s turning their turrets at his tank, only to be shot by the other MBT-90’s in his convoy.

“Enemy tanks down Davis.”

“Good job everyone. Are the LAV’s alright?”

“Yup no one was hurt.”

“Alright lets get a move on, the Cosparians will be waiting.”

The convoy quickly moved on as to get out of the way of more enemies. The sudden engagement was a large adrenaline booster. Fischer was lucky to be alive, as a well aimed shot into the side of his tank could've been the end of him. The enemy tanks were probably tank operators with little experience. Eventually the convoy made its way to Pokrovsk. They stopped at the checkpoint, awaiting for the checkpoint sentries to let them in. One of the sentries walked up to Fischers tank, curious about the damage on his tank.

“What happened to the tank?”

“A couple of enemy tanks engaged us. Luckily the shot bounced off the turret.”

The sentry looked confused, “There are enemy tanks this close by?”

“Well this checkpoint was set up recently so I’m not surprised.”

“FOB Frederick is sending more forces to protect Pokrovsk by tomorrow, so it should be much safer by then. Well alright you guys are all clear to go in. Cosparian convoy came in a little bit earlier, they’re refueling over at the stations.”

The vehicle crews moved onto the fueling stations where they’d meet the Cosparians. Most of the crew members went off to get some food or rest before they had to set off again. Davis, Fischer, and Stewart in the meantime went to introduce themselves to their allies. Hopefully to get to know each other before they set off for their next mission. The three found the group at the back of the station, preparing the medical convoy for the mission.

“So you guys must be the Cosparian forces. Name is Davis.”

[Luhanskaya]

Senior Sergeant Vladimir "Vova" Yurchak
OP Wolverine《Rosamakha》 37К ГВ 1522 9037
37км West of Donetsk, Near Selydove
2nd Squad, 4th Company, 87th Seperate Motor Rifle Brigade, В/Ч 22874
Ukrainian ATO Forces, Task Force "Pekelnybog"

Vova sat up from his "bed". In reality it was empty wooden crates that at one point had contained metal tins of 5.45x39 ammunition. The crates were stacked into a low platform about the width and length of a twin size bed. Another night had passed. He sat there staring at the floor. In the background he could hear the gentle tapping of rain and the water leaking from the imorovised pallet roof topped with sand bags into the trench. This was the life the remnants of 4th company had lived for the last 5 months. Out of the whole company there were only 20 or so that remained. They had sent over half the company away as "gruz 200" in the DPR's summer offensive alone. The 109th still had one battery consisting of 2 2S19's some 15км to the west. Vova got up and began to make his "bed". Laying his sleeping bag out flat, and laying his few and usless thin blankets over it. He chuckled to himself that he did this every morning. Next he began by putting on his plate carrier. He threw it up over his head and the weight was soon enough resting on his shoulders. Vova was only 24 but already had the joint pains of a 60 year old. He reach and grabbed the side pannels of the vest buckling them in the front. Turning and looking in the mirror he could see his unkempt messy hair that was out of regulations along with a patchy beard that was growing in. He pulled his beanie on and grabbed his kalash and undermounted 《obuvka》as he exited his "room". Pulling the plash palatka groundsheet out of the way and ducking as he came out from under the crudely made cover. The smell hit him as it did every morning. The air smelled of war. By that I mean smoke, gunpowder, burning vehicles and decaying corpses, but at the same time you could still smell the fresh scent of rain, grass, and other foliage. He began making his way to the eastern apex of the trench. As he walked through the trench the water splashed around at his feet. At this point It was around 5-8см "2-3in" deep. The trench was dug roughly to nametape defilade and was dug in a triangular formation, with a command area dug into the middle with a tent set up and direct paths to all 3 apexes. The command area also housed the HQ element that remained. All 4 of them..."Kobayashi" was the medic, a decently built man with features of a mongol, thus deriving his nicknane. Next was "Fixa" originally an RTO in a recon battalion. But here he was part of the great 87th Mot. Rifles. Not that he was useful anyway, the radio seldomly worked, and couldn't even talk to allied forces. The remaining two were "Mantis" the FO, and "Cherniy" the only remaining Mortarman. The 2 vehicles the unit had were dug into fighting positions and heavily concealed. The trench walls had crates of all sorts, 5.45x39, 7.62x54R, even crates for fly launcher tubes packed full of earth and stacked up to provide cover and act as parapits for the soldiers. Cut into the walls were shelves that held everything from ammo, to magazines, to the previously mentioned fly launchers. Once reaching the apex Vova greeted the gunner that sat on a rigged PKT that they had pulled out of a burned out T-72.

The tripod it sat on was crudley welded together and a rigged trigger and stock assembly replaced the original firing mechanism. The PKT didn't have ironsights on it being as it was originally a coaxial gun inside a turret. But the weaver mount welded onto the top cover held a generic aimpoint sight. In reality the sight was useless and the top cover rattled as It fired so no zero would hold anyway. But it was better than having no aim assist at all. The position sat overlooking a long stretch of plains with sparsely grouped patches of conifer trees in the direction of the M04 Highway. The fields at this point were heavily shelled and more so resembled the surface of the moon rather than farmland. Vova fell into a trance. The rain tapped his head gently as he stared out into the foggy abyss that lay infront of him. The craters had began to fill with water and the field and trench were now cold, muddy, inhospitable slabs of earth. Just then the whistle of incoming artillery could be heard followed closely by bursts of machine gun fire from the forested areas. "K boyu! Agon!" On command the gunner on the PKT began firing. In all honesty they still had no idea where they were taking fire from. Everybody on the trench was now in position at there firing ports and opening up. Vova scanned the landscape with his binos and located the enemy position. "1200 mils, 600м by the burned out BMP" shouted Vova. With this the entire element shifted fire in between the bursts of gun fire were the delicate sounding but devestating thuds leaving the muzzles of the GP-30 launchers. Cherniy had positioned the "podnos" mortar in the correct position and began hanging rounds down the tube. Fire continued to exchange on both sides the PKT created a mirage like effect infront of Vova from the heat radiating off the barrel, The gun at this point had a continuously altering rate of fire it would slow down and speed up at it's own will. Through the mirage like effect the mortar rounds could be seen impacting on target. Then a red RSP flare shot into the sky from the attackers position. This was followed by a slowing of fire, until an eventual halt as the attackers broke contact, back from where they had come. And just like that, the attack was over after a solid 10 minutes of machine gun exchange and some indirect. The DPR artillery had targeted the 2S25 Sprut SD APC,
but luckily it was still safe. These attacks were common, but this one had far more violence of action in it. Vova patted the gunner on the back as he left the position and made his rounds throughout the trench. Vova assembled himself and 7 others to make their way to the ambush site. They filed out through the muddy stairwell up and over the trench wall, dispersing in to a wedge formation as they hit the surface. They bounded through the freezing, muddy, cratered, wasteland in teams of four. They reached the BMP, and the results could already be seen. Bodies laid strewed out in all directions in a ragdoll like manner. It looked liked a child had just thrown their dolls all over the floor. There were 6 bodies in total. All in assorted camos , St. George ribbons tied to them in some manner and balaclavas pulled over their faces. The 8 man team searched the immediate area, collected ammo, weapons, and any other personal things they wanted. Before putting controlled pairs in them and making there way back to the trench. Immediately upon returning to the trench ammo was redistributed and Vova checked to see if Fixa had been able to contact any friendly units on the radio. But It had been months since they heard from Brigade, and the Battalion was basically wiped out. So this wasn't unusual. The only units we could reach were the 109th the "Azov" battalion, and ironically some groups of DPR fighters. Vova slumped down on the makeshift couch next to Fixa and the radio. Fixa held one earpiece up to his head messing with the ancient equipment that was the R-159. Over the radio it could be heard that the ATO forces were pushing further into the zone and intense fighting was going on in the village of Avdiivka. Fixa tried to reach command, but it was no use. As usual the radio wouldn't relay any messages. Fixa threw the headset down "blyat, yebat' chyort" he shouted. In the distance shelling could be heard resuming again. Luckily it was friendly MLRS systems from the Azov battalion. Probably shelling Avdiivka before the assault.

[The United Nations Of Europa]

The Ukraine military campaign was about to reach 3 months of duration. To most people, this seemed normal for a military campaign. For the people of Eastern Ukraine, this was just 3 months added to the hell they've been experiencing for years. For the past three months, the EFF and allied forces had pushed the separatists in Donetsk back to the eastern half of the oblast. Everything seemed to be going as planned right? Well not exactly. While the EFF was fighting in Donetsk, the separatists along the Ukraine-Russia border were asking for more aid to fight; and Russia was all too happy to help. Tanks, IFV's and even Russian soldiers came over. Hell, Russia even sent over Spetnaz to come and fight. If any of their soldiers were found in Ukraine then Russian diplomats would just say they left the country to volunteer. You gotta give it to them, no matter what happened, they always had an excuse. You’d think Russia would learn their lesson after the summit in Berlin. But this is Russia we’re talking about, and if you think they'd stop after being confronted. Then hell you don't know Russia. It doesn’t matter if you put sanctions on them or not, they’re still going to do what they want. With nobody to actually watch the border, weapons and vehicles were able to go across and right into the hands of the separatists. If the weapons that Russia provided were found in Ukraine, then the separatists would say they were captured from Ukrainian forces. And it was hard to challenge that as it did happen a lot. Once more and more weapons were captured by allied forces then it was pretty obvious that they weren’t all captured from Ukraine forces. But until the border was secured and there was more proof that Russia was still providing aid, aid from them would still be coming over.


Col. Adams
Hulyaipole, Ukraine
FOB Frederick


Julia can you send Jerek into my office, he’s needed immediately. Adams was back in the office for his usual routine. Check on the base, check on the ongoing operations, and give any orders needed; it was nothing new to him. Yet today was different.

“You wanted me to see me Col.?”

“Yes, take a seat. Earlier today I received drone images from a covert recon team in Luhansk. They reported an unusually large number of enemy vehicles in the region.”

“So what seems to be the problem? The separatists could’ve just captured those. We've seen some Ukrainian forces just give up their weapons before.”

“Problem is that we did some digging and found that the number of vehicles captured by the separatists does not equal to that found in Luhansk. We believe that Russia is still supplying weapons with parts of the border under separatist control.”

“So where do I come into this?”

“I need you to contact Ukraine ATO forces close to Donetsk. They'll be the quickest to pick up and bring back to the base.”

“Sir we might not be able to make contact very fast. It'll probably take a while so I'm not sure if this how we should pursue this problem.”

“You are going to contact those ATO forces and that's final. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good. Take those documents and get on it.”

“Roger that.”

As Jerek left Adam’s office, he turned to his computer to send a message to the Vanish base. They would be needed for the next major mission.

From: Spöke 8-HHA-EOBC-5SG
To: Spirit 6-HHT-5BATT-10ACD
An unexpected enemy presence in Luhansk has caused concerns for us. Reports of many enemy vehicles in the area have came in. We’ve decided to start a recon operation by next week. We need your help though. We noticed that you guys use similar vehicles to the separatists. We’re going to need some of your soldiers drive your bmp’s for the mission. Also, would it be possible for you or the Hayesalians to send a small amount of SOF’s with ours to the mission?”

Kostya Avramenko
FOB Frederick
Hulyaipole, Ukraine
ATOC Center
Anti-Terrorist Operation Communications Center

This was only Kostya’s 3rd week in ATOC since he left Donetsk. He was part of the recently evacuated civilians from Eastern Ukraine. Now he was part of the ATOC teams whose role was to communicate with the Ukraine forces still in the area of Donetsk. It had been a long day in the communications center but it was much better than being in Donetsk right now. The offices were busy all week with employees try to catch up with what had been going on. Civilians and Ukrainian forces were communicating with the ATOC center all day. Calls from forces who needed aid to distressed families in need of help were all that came in. Having to listen to distraught families made Kostya want the war to end even faster. This was his home that was being attacked and he wanted to help in any way he could. Kostya was looking through some documents when someone knocked on his door. “Come in.”

“How’s it going Kostya?”

“Ah Jerek, everything is going fine. What’d you come by for?” Jerek was one of the first friends Kotya made at the base. He was one of the higher staff members in the facility. He used to work in the Czech Republic but was deployed to Ukraine to help with the ATOC teams.

“Well I just received orders from the CO. He wants us to set up communication with ATO forces near Donetsk. There’s a small group of them near Selydove that he wants you to contact. See if they need anything. Oh and tell them to keep their comms on once you contact them. CO has something to tell them apparently.”

“Well alright. I’ll get right on it.”

“Great! Here’s the information you’ll probably need. They should be on that channel listed if they still have operational radios.”

Once Jarek left, Kotya looked over the documents. They contained information about comms and the location of where the ATO forces should be. Hopefully, he’d be able to contact them.

“Ukrainian ATO Forces...glad to see they’re still trying to fight.” Kotya left his office to go to the communications center where he would contact the ATO forces. The room had location devices which would track radio signals to signal where someone was. Once someone found the location, all they had to do was try to connect to the same channel and try to communicate. Once entering the room, he sat down and started to connect to comm channels to find the one they were on.

“привіт, хтось там?”
(Hello, someone there?)
“Чи є хто там?”
(Is anyone there?)

[Vangaziland]

A Vannish E-4 filled in on rotating radio guard in the officer's BMD-4M. He'd monitored the digital radio which fed to a screen across from the bare, uncushioned, metal bench soldiers would ride to and from their missions on.

"Sir, we've got a fipper", he shouted. The enlisted man didn't open the message, which he saw as a flashing yellow beacon in the corner of the screen. It was above his pay grade.

Lt. Col. Aelbjorn stepped in from outside in the makeshift motorpool. He'd been standing just outside of the vehicle. The BMD-4Ms all had their engines running as the HQ platoon was preparing for a ride across town. A group had been 'smoking and joking' with the colonel, who was getting to know his soldiers.

The specialist moved to the opposite side of the vehicle and slid out of the vehicle as the colonel slid his way in. Pulling up the keyboard, Lt. Col. Aelbjorn started to type.

From: Spirit 6-HHT-5BATT-10ACD
To: Spöke 8-HHA-EOBC-5SG

We can definitely have our forces move to that area. As airborne cavalry, we are prepared for long range recon, so we do not NEED to be on this base. How many platoons do you require? Each one would be roughly four vics. Keep in mind, we do not operate the BMP, but have the BMD-4M. It may appear similar to us westerners. The Russians will know it is very different from the standard troop carrier. We may pass off as a vehicle which has been air-dropped, as the BMD-4M is designed specifically for airborne operations.

I will also contact the SF commander on site and request his presence. Expect their participation, as well.

The colonel tapped send before sliding out of the low height of the vehicle. Turning to the circle of soldiers who stood outside, huddled between vehicles in their parking spaces to avoid the wind, LTC Aelbjorn said, "I hope you chuckleheads appreciate me standing out here with you. I should be in an office somewhere." The wind picked up in a chilly gust, almost on cue.

"With a coffee machine, sir", chimed in PFC Bankason. They were having a lighthearted conversation, and the PFC was definitely teasing.

"Shut up, Bankason", the colonel said playfully. Then he asked in a more serious tone, "Oh, and get me some coffee."

"Roger, sir", said the driver. He figured he'd be sent to get the drink. He'd basically offer to go by bringing it up. It was, unofficially, the role of the driver to handle such tasks. The PFC also knew the LTC couldn't just wander off to get coffee, especially not with messages rolling in. He kept his military bearing and held back the laugh brewing at the colonel's jab. Instead he headed to the makeshift chow hall, where tall green mermites held warm coffee in bulk.

[Luhanskaya]

Senior Sergeant Vladimir "Vova" Yurchak
OP Wolverine《Rosamakha》 37К ГВ 1522 9037
37км West of Donetsk, Near Selydove
2nd Squad, 4th Company, 87th Seperate Motor Rifle Brigade, В/Ч 22874
Ukrainian ATO Forces, Task Force "Pekelnybog"

Vova was exhausted. For 3 years this war had been ongoing. What started it had been lost sight of long ago. Countless cease fires broken, millions of civilians displaced, thousands of young men being killed. To the rest of the world this may have just been another trivial shoestring conflict, that had long since been forgotten. To the men and women involved however, this was a brutal and chaotic war with family members and fellow sister nations locked in conflict. An entire generation of children growing up homeless, fatherless, and motherless. If he were being honest, at this point no side could win this. Nothing could bring back the casualties of this conflict. To win in the headlines required a great sacrifice by the men and women on the ground who fought day in and night out.

Cherniy stumbled into the small tent. He was a 25 year old Junior Sergeant of a former mortar section, and native of Kyiv. Each step caused his soaked boots to make a "squish" noise as water seeped out of the vent holes. He was covered in mud from the mortar base plate kicking up the ground during the attack.

"Anything from KomBat?" Cherniy asked

"No, nothing yet. The 109th checked on us after the firing had stopped, but that was about It. And the Azov are locked down in a battle somewhere in the east. Apparently they got hit by an ambush traveling the M04. We couldn't make out much of what was said. But it's been quiet for a while" stated Fixa as he held up the headset and ate crackers from an IRP.

Vova got up from the seat and began making his way out of the tent. He continued his rotation through the trench. Shell casings made a mettalic floor along the walkway. Each step pushed the brass into the mud where it would disapear into the earth. Soldiers lay curled up with plash palatkas wrapped around them in their fighting positions that had been carved down into the sides of the trenches. Coming towards him were two soldiers carrying a crate of 12.7 ammo over to the HMWWV.

The HMWWV was in a dugout connected to the trench system. Only the turret was visible. The Utes' had been one of the primary reasons they've lasted this long at the OP.

"Sergeant, the locals are bringing supplies from Lysivka to the 109th today, they're wondering if we can cover the junction at the E50 as they pick it up? We'll be meeting with a few other trucks from the government to secure it." Stated Kasper, a young rifleman and native of Slavyansk.

"Take the HMWWV and bring Babnik and Fedya with you" replied Vova

"Tak tochna sergeant" as he climbed on to the truck.

The soldiers lifted the crate into the truck and began loading the belts into the ammo cans. An Mi-8 helicopter had been the way they'd normally recieved resupply but the amount of ZU-23's, SAMs and MPADS in the area had increased significantly lately. Where the east was getting them from wasn't a mystery, but it didn't help that high ranking officials and corrupt officers played a game of "Viktor Bout" on the side. And military convoys were dangerous along the M04. All this led to the use of civilians to deliver supplies or government forces using civilian vehicles.

Fedya began walking up to Vova. He was looking at the truck where Babnik and Kasper were setting a poncho up over the turret so the gunner could stay dry while on the gun.

"So you think this is a good idea? We haven't got any word back from Azov. If they've lost control of the check points to the east there's no telling where the separists are." Fedya stated as he pulled his hood up. It was still raining, but had turned into a light drizzle at this point.

"We have no choice. The 109th is the closest friendly element we have. Plus we can't abandon our people that are running the supplies. You'll leave in 5 minutes. Just keep the radio on, and conduct radio checks every 15 minutes with Fixa" Vova remarked as he patted Fedya on the back and began walking away.

Fedya grabbed his rifle and climbed into the front passenger seat, followed by Babnik getting in the driver seat and Kasper getting on the gun. The truck rattled to a start and the windshield wipers cleared the glass of any rain drops built up on the windshield. Kasper pulled his goggles down over his eyes, and his balaclava up over his nose. He charged the gun and an authoritative clack was made as the bolt locked to the rear.

"Eh, Fixa radio check" said Fedya over the net

"Tak tochna, I hear you" replied Fixa in between bites of the kasha from his ration

"Beginning movement now"

"Affirmative, next check in 15 minutes"

At this point, people rarely bothered with call signs unless they were initially calling in. Let alone took the time to phonetically pronounce anything. Radio etiquette is beautiful in a book, but honestly in combat you reverted back to you're natural speech pattern and still used fuck like a comma.

Looking at the HMWWV as it drove along the muddy trail to get to the road Vova made his way to the tent. Fixa turned to see him come in. Just then over the net came a voice speaking in the fast, and error flawed dialect, native to the Donetsk region.

“привіт, хтось там?”
(Hello, someone there?)
“Чи є хто там?”
(Is anyone there?)

"Ухм позитивно, я чую тебе. хто це?"
(Uhm affirmative, I hear you. Who is this?")

Fixa said over the radio avoiding to use his calling and looking back at Vova in confusion. Not knowing if the radio would even transmit the message back.

[The United Nations Of Europa]

Col. Adams
Hulyaipole, Ukraine
FOB Frederick
With the Vanish forces receiving Adams's message, it was only a matter of time till the new mission took off. Only the higher officials in the FOB knew details about it. The EFF had to be careful with the information that concerned the mission, as the separatists could easily get their hands on it if word got out. The base would be heavily watched to make sure no word about it got out. Adam's was called into a meeting room with some officials that arrived at the base. As he started to leave, a notification came up on his laptop. He quickly went back to his desk to check what it was.

From: Spirit 6-HHT-5BATT-10ACD
To: Spöke 8-HHA-EOBC-5SG

We can definitely have our forces move to that area. As airborne cavalry, we are prepared for long range recon, so we do not NEED to be on this base. How many platoons do you require? Each one would be roughly four vics. Keep in mind, we do not operate the BMP, but have the BMD-4M. It may appear similar to us westerners. The Russians will know it is very different from the standard troop carrier. We may pass off as a vehicle which has been air-dropped, as the BMD-4M is designed specifically for airborne operations.

I will also contact the SF commander on site and request his presence. Expect their participation, as well.

After reading the message he proceeded to quickly respond before left for the meeting.

To: Spirit 6-HHT-5BATT-10ACD
From: Spöke 8-HHA-EOBC-5SG
We're going to need about 2 platoons with one BMD-4M. We will be using 2 BTR-80's that the Ukrainians captured earlier. Both of our special forces will be working alongside with Ukrainian ATO forces to help communicate with separatists. We had intelligence teams go undercover as separatists to help gather information. I can't tell you who the informant is until we brief your teams at the base. There is a "separatist" team working with us in Luhansk that has a small airport out in the country that we will be using. Your guys will work with our special forces and the Ukrainian ATO forces to go undercover and gather information on separatist supply routes. There will also be a package that is at an enemy comms center that will need to be retrieved. You'll be informed on the rest once all teams are gathered together at FOB Frederick.

"Man this is going to be a busy week."

Once he sent the message to the Vanish Colonel, Adams started to walk to the meeting room. Officials from the OSCE and other UNE intelligence groups came together today to show the info they had gathered these past months. Once inside the room, Adams sat down with the rest of the officials.

"I'd like to thank everybody for joining us today. As we all know, it has come to our attention that there has been some serious activity in Luhansk recently. With our forces currently busy in Donetsk, the separatists have taken this opportunity to gather more equipment across the border. I'm sure that most of us already know that Russia sends weapons to them already but it seems that the separatists have gotten their hands on a lot more weapons lately. It's only a matter of time before our forces move further into the separatist-held territory. We'd like to tackle this problem before our boys end up facing unknown amounts of enemy vehicles."

The spokesmen from the OSCE stood up, ready to present the groups' information they brought.

"We have brought with us today some more photos that our drones took in Luhansk. These were taken about 2 weeks ago and show the progress the separatists have made to try to defend their territory. You can clearly see that they have been setting up entrenchments with main battle tanks. I'm guessing they know they're going to lose Donetsk soon so they're getting ready to defend Luhansk and Kharkiv with everything they have. And it seems like they've been getting some early Christmas presents to help out. Ukranian intelligence told us earlier that the separatists had around 112 tanks in service with them; most of them that we know of are t-64's or t-72's. The problem with this is that there have been reports of a lot more tanks in the area than 112. Right now we estimate that there are probably around 230 tanks, with most of them being newer versions of the t-72. There have also been reports of small numbers of t-90's in the area. With the separatists being supplied modern weapons, it has brought a whole new level of lethality that the separatists yield. We have concluded that Russia has been sending more weapons and vehicles through hidden routes. We have sent more drones in Eastern Ukraine to try to further investigate activity in the area yet many of them have been shot down recently. So as of now, we're stuck in a situation where we're limited in how much surveillance we can do. Unless you guys have a plan, we won't be able to know how many more weapons are going to cross the border."

"Well, actually we have come up with a covert mission lately. If all goes planned then we should be able to gather information on supply routes the separatists use."

"And how do you plan on going through on this, Colonel?"

"I'm sorry but that information is only available between the top members at the base."

"Well then. I guess we're done here."

"I guess we are. Thank you for the information you brought; it'll help us out a lot."

As Adams and the OSCE officials started to leave, one of the EFF officers turned to Adams, "Hold on Adams, we still need to talk to you."

"Uh, okay sir."

Adams went back to his seat, uncertain about what was going to be asked of him.

"What's the progress on the ATO communications? Have you made contact with Yurchak's squad yet?"

"We have found his location and are getting Ukrainian communications staff to contact his squad. We should be able to get transport over there very soon."

"Hurry up with that Adams, we have no idea how much longer Ivanov is going to stay around. If we don't get him now he'll be gone and we will have missed our only opportunity to get him."

"Roger that sir."

---

Kostya Avramenko
FOB Frederick Hulyaipole, Ukraine
ATOC Center
Anti-Terrorist Operation Communications Center


Kostya had recently been put in charge in contacting ATO forces. With the war escalating, it became harder for contact to be made. ATO forces could lose communications or separatists would overrun positions that were low on supplies. Once they did that, they would take radios and mess with comms. It made it harder to figure out who you were talking with, but the job had to be done.

“привіт, хтось там?”
(Hello, someone there?)

“Чи є хто там?”
(Is anyone there?)

"Ухм позитивно, я чую тебе. хто це?"
(Uhm affirmative, I hear you. Who is this?")

“My name is Kostya, I work at the EFF ATOC Communications center. The EFF has been contacting Ukrainian ATO forces to see if they're in need of supplies and reinforcements. We can send them over to you but we need a name of who's in charge of your squad."

[Vangaziland]

A contingent of Vannish forces had made their way to the base in Luhansk. The Vannish forces had been working with the European forces in preparation for a mission. Two different units would be involved.

The main unit involved was from the airborne cavalry unit which normally operated the BMD-4M. The group rode through in these vehicles, although new vehicles would be waiting for them in Luhansk. It seemed like people wanted the teams undercover in BMPs.

On that note, the Vannish Army bought 4 x BMP-2 apcs from the Ukrainians. The Vannish crews, used to the more modern, airborne capable BMD-4M were using a vehicle not often found in Vannish coffers. Still, there was a time and a place. The markings were done up to look like Separatist vehicles as well, at least lacking any western markings.

Moving and training with these vehicles crews and cavalrymen were another group of soldiers. VSF-1 had a team in the area. These were tier 1 operators currently attached to the paratroopers. They carried state of the art equipment and were ready to bring a wealth of battlefield knowledge and experience to the region.

The teams practiced battle drills every date, setting up different rooms with tape and sticks and then systematically clearing them. The teams trained almost all day, every day. They were preparing to go behind enemy lines, if need be.

[Luhanskaya]

Senior Sergeant Vladimir "Vova" Yurchak
OP Wolverine《Rosamakha》 37К ГВ 1522 9037
37км West of Donetsk, Near Selydove
2nd Squad, 4th Company, 87th Seperate Motor Rifle Brigade, В/Ч 22874
Ukrainian ATO Forces, Task Force "Pekelnybog"

There was a brief moment of silence, it had seemed like an eternity as Vova and Fixa awaited a response from the man on the other end of the radio. The room was so silent the expression of "you could hear a pin drop" was an understatement. Radio communication had become one of the most dangerous thing in this war. You never knew who you were speaking too. The silence was broken by the response.

“My name is Kostya, I work at the EFF ATOC Communications center. The EFF has been contacting Ukrainian ATO forces to see if they're in need of supplies and reinforcements. We can send them over to you but we need a name of who's in charge of your squad."

Fixa looked at Vova questioningly. His eyes implying the question of whether or not he should tell the man on the radio Vova's name. Vova took a pause, and let out a sigh while taking his helmet off. He ran his hand through his messy disheveled hair and shook his head yes.

"Yurchak, Vladimir Yurchak" Replied Fixa over the radio

Vova checked his watch. "If they're on this channel, whoever it is on the other end, be it who he says he is or the "Vatnikiy" knows that Fedya, Babnik and Kasper left in the humvee. Send out the word to clear the net and we'll change the hand held radio over to their new channel."

Fixa turned on the secondary radio. "Sonyachniy zakhid (сонячний захід), I say again Sonyachniy zakhid."

[The United Nations Of Europa]

Captain Wiktor “Petro” Nowak
FOB Frederick
JW GROM

FOB Frederick was more lively than ever since the push into Donetsk Oblast was accelerating. Friendly forces were close to taking the city of Donetsk and the UNE wasn’t going to let that go to waste. Numerous platoons were being sent back and forth from the base everyday. An EFF transport helicopter was being flown into the base, flying an 8 man squad of EFF special forces recently called into action. Łowca was the leader of the platoon but the mission still hadn’t been explained to him. No information about the mission had been let out to any of the squad members for security measures.

He looked out of one windows in the helicopter, taking in the scenery of the new UNE state. “First time being in Ukraine for me, how about you guys?”

One of the other squad members looked back at him, “Oh we’re in Ukraine? Thought we were still in Poland.” Some of the others chuckled at the remark. Many of them were from JW GROM with some from the Baltic Special Forces. All were handpicked as only operatives who could also speak Ukrainian or Russian were selected. Being able to speak one of the two languages were going to be very important.

A radio from above started to crackle with a voice from the pilots coming right after, “Get your gear boys, we’ll be landing in one minute. The Col. will meet you guys in section F at the HQ.”

“Roger that.”

Col. Adams
Hulyaipole, Ukraine
FOB Frederick

Col. Adams was one of the top officials organizing the SF mission. Weeks of finding operators and waiting for the fighting to come down all came to this mission. With the right time coming up, Adams was communicating with the Chancellor to inform her about any updates about the mission.

“The mission is to take place soon Madam Chancellor, we are orchestrating teams as we speak. Our combined SF teams will get together soon. They’ll set out once we get our final plans approved.”

“What’s the progress on Donetsk Col. Adams?”

“Our forces are making their final pushes into the city but the massive snow storms have slowed them down a little. We estimate that Donetsk should be taken very soon though.”

Someone in the hallway started to knock on his office door. He quickly covered the phone with his hand and told the person to come in.

“Mr. Adams, Viper 2 will be arriving soon.”

“Notify them that I’ll be in the HQ.”

Adam’s conversation with the Chancellor continued for another minute. Once it finished, he set out to the main HQ building where he would be waiting for the operators to the base. Many military operations for the EFF in this conflict had been made in the HQ building. Missions that ranged from peacekeeping or patrol were all planned here. Yet Adams would be going in a different section of the HQ. Section F of the HQ building was for SF mission planning, only the top officials on the base or operators who were participating in missions were allowed in. Adams took a seat in the conference room, waiting for the new operatives that came in. He was alone in the room for a couple minutes until the door opened and 8 men entered the room.

“I’m guessing you guys are drużyna alfa. Which one is the squad leader?”

One of the men raised his hand. A patch on his arm signified that he was part of JW GROM.

“Callsign “Łowca”, I’m the squad leader.”

“Nice to see you men here today. You will be part of our upcoming SF mission. As of now you’ll be stationed here until all teams are brought together. You’ll be working with Vanish Special Forces and potentially Ukrainian ATO forces. Once the Vanish forces arrive at the base then we’ll inform all of you on the rest of the mission. Is that clear?”

“Yes sir!”


Kostya Avramenko
FOB Frederick Hulyaipole, Ukraine
ATOC Center
Anti-Terrorist Operation Communications Center

There was a small break between Kostya’s question, after what seemed like forever an answer was finally given.

"Yurchak, Vladimir Yurchak"

Kostya quickly wrote on a document that confirmed Yurchak’s location after the response was given. He turned to one of the staff after jotting down the info, “Hurry up and get Jerek.” The staff worker quickly got up after given the order. “Please stay on the channel Mr. Yurchak. I’ll be right back with some new info.”

After a couple minutes passed by and there was no sign of Jerek. Kostya started to get anxious after waiting. Jerek finally showed up with the staff worker that was sent to get him.

“What’s the matter Kostya.”

“I got a hold of Sergeant Yurchak and have found his location. He’s on the channel with me as we speak.”

Jerek tapped his foot on the floor, thinking of a response that could be given to this sudden news. “You said you have his location right?”

“Yes.”

“Make sure Yurchak stays on the channel. I’m sending 4 transport choppers to his location. They’ll fly in platoons to reinforce their position and will bring Yurchak’s squad back to the base once the area is secured. Notify him that they’ll be at his position in 30 minutes.”

“Alright.”

Jerek quickly left the room to organize the helicopter team leaving Kostya to return to his station. “Mr. Yurchak I’m back. I’m here to notify you that the EFF has sent a small squadron of transport helicopters to your position. They’ll have friendly platoons to reinforce your position and to bring your squad back to FOB Frederick. Do you copy?”