Oil & Ice
Volume VIII
Operation Sonnenfinsternis
Operation Sonnenfinsternis
Siovanija & Teusland Defence Force Headquarters, Stelburg, Teusland
There was silence as the participants in today’s meeting gathered around the table. Due to the time zone difference, some of the participants had been woken up around 4 in the morning for this. But it wasn’t a lack of sleep that was causing the silence - it was the news report burned into everyone’s mind.
”...breaking news from Sankt Konrad tonight as protests against the Blue Sun government have turned deadly…”
“...following Sankt Konrad leader Valljas Bancu’s speech, which observers described as ‘a new flash point in tensions,’ crowds of Teus and Albmot opposition to the would-be dictator erupted into mass panic…”
“...in the ensuing panic, shots were fired into the crowd by the Sankt Konrad police…”
“...RBC News understands at this hour that 27 protestors have been killed, and upwards of 60 more were wounded…”
“...of the protestors killed, 15 of them were Teus citizens on Sankt Konrad…”
Around the table, faces were gray and determined. Sitting around the table were Chancellor Lara Hauser, President Gerd Steiner, Foreign Minister Josef Wimmer, Transport Minister Rudolf Pesek and Defence Minister Johan Thiel. Across from them were the chiefs of staff of the Army, Navy and Air Force. Field Marshall Magnus Oppert, Grand Admiral Friedrich Schaab, and Air Marshall Bojidar Vitanov were joined by Field Marshall Bastian Lang, who had been put in charge of the Sankt Konrad theater and was the commander of the forces based in Sankt Leopold.
“Gentlemen,” began the Chancellor. “We’re gathered here now because we have no other choice. There is no room left for negotiation, and no room left to tolerate these attacks. Not only has this rogue government killed and arrested our own citizens, they have now directly attacked their own citizens, the Teus people, and have threatened drastic actions. Furthermore, they have violated every treaty signed between our nations. This most recent incident is simply the final culmination of a path that, unfortunately, has seemed inevitable for some time now.”
The Chancellor paused, understanding the weight of the words she was about to speak. “I have gathered the National Security Council here this morning to approve a military invasion of Sankt Konrad.”
There was a short pause. “If anyone has any reservations about such an action, now would be the time to speak.”
The room was silent. By this point, everyone had agreed that this was the only course of action - and when the Teus people woke up in a few hours to the news of the 27 murdered protestors, they would demand that the Blue Sun government’s reign be ended.
“Then it is settled,” said the Chancellor. President Steiner, the elder statesman in the room, put a hand on her shoulder - he knew how difficult this was going to be. Hauser and Wimmer, the two old colleagues, nodded at each other to show they supported one another.
The Foreign Minister spoke up. “War is, of course, the last possible resort for us here. But even some of our allies have spoken up, privately, to give us support. Banija, our longest-standing and deepest ally, have of course offered to help out with the oil reserves - a deal we should take regardless of what happens next here, but that’s another conversation - and in a TS level addendum added their support for ‘whatever decisions you have to make.’ Valanora, one of our strongest relationships in the region, have also offered support. Believe me, I trained as a diplomat, the last thing I want is war - but sometimes, there is only one language these tyrants like Bancu understand.”
Then, Field Marshall Oppert spoke. “With the understanding that this situation could potentially escalate into a conflict, the Defence Force has prepared a plan for such an undertaking. Operation Sonnenfinsternis.”
The name meant Solar Eclipse in the Teus language, and was perhaps the most symbolic name possible - it was time to block out the Blue Sun permanently. Next, Grand Admiral Schaab spoke.
“Our submarines have been patrolling the waters for weeks now, learning the patterns of their coast guard and analyzing the situation on the seas. There are 5 battalions of marines based on the supercarrier URS Monchengau and the navy has enough landing craft to support an amphibious operation. In addition, our destroyers and submarines are prepared to support the craft as necessary. However, the Navy’s role in this will mostly be to provide a forward base for the air force and army. I’ll pass it over to the Air Marshall.”
Air Marshall Vitanov spoke next. “With the intelligence provided to us by the Navy, we’ve noted that there is always a change in patrol for their coast guard at around 3am. At that exact time, all 6 of their coast guard patrol ships are in the harbour at once.”
He paused. “A bombing campaign against towns and infrastructure was ruled out for obvious reasons. However, at 3am, a precision strike will be launched and their coast guard will be wiped out in the harbour by a squadron of jets equipped with missiles. We expect to send a squadron of 24 planes for this mission, who will be met unopposed other than the potential of small arms fire from the ground.”
Field Marshall Lang entered the discussion now. “Once the coast guard has been wiped out, of course we will lose the element of surprise. However, considering we expect very small opposition - the Police Force, which will be spread across the island, and Blue Sun loyalists who may take up arms against us - we are not worried about this.”
“At exactly 0330, when the strike against the coast guard is complete, our landing craft will leave the Monchengau escorted by submarines and another squadron of 12 planes. We expect it will take about 2.5 hours to reach the shore, implying a landing time of 0600. A beachhead has been marked out along the black sand beach approximately 5km north of Wilhelmstadt.”
Field Marshall Oppert spoke up now. “There was a discussion about a landing on the east side of the island, closer to our base at Sankt Leopold, to allow our troops to link up easily. However, the east side of the island’s coast is mainly cliffs and rocks. Landing on the beachhead near Wilhelmstadt offers us the smoothest possible landing.”
It was back over to Vitanov for the next phase of the presentation. “As the marines are landing on the island, our planes will fly overhead and prepare for a drop of paratroopers. We have marked out a drop zone between the towns of Deatnu and Sankt Leopold on the east coast. The terrain in the drop zone is quite flat, and there are no trees or structures in the area.”
“From the drop point, the paratroopers will proceed to Sankt Leopold, where our military base is. The town of Sankt Leopold is a Teus majority population and the locals should pose no risk to our efforts. Once a link is made to the base, we will have access to motor vehicles and more firepower.”
Field Marshall Lang spoke again. “The marines who landed near Wilhelmstadt will have the task of reaching the National Ring Road and encircling the capital, cutting it off from any reinforcement. The paratroopers and those from the Sankt Leopold base will proceed by vehicle across the island via both the Ring Road and the Deatnu-Divtasvuodno road. They will liberate the Divtasvuodno Prison and bring our 5 citizens to the safety of the base. The remaining force will link up with the marines surrounding Wilhelmstadt.”
“There we can expect the final battle,” said Field Marshall Oppert. “We expect about 800 police officers, and around 2500 poorly trained Blue Sun members to defend the city. Urban combat will make the situation difficult, but our force will capture the city with relative ease.”
Chancellor Hauser now spoke. “How long do we estimate the operation to last? And how about estimated casualties?”
“Of course. There are best case and worst case scenarios, of course - you can expect something in between. In the best case scenario, with almost no opposition until Wilhelmstadt and a short battle in the city, we expect the operation to take a full day and estimate around 50 casualties. In the worst case scenario, where we face fierce resistance at the Divtasvuodno Prison as well as in the city, the operation could take up to 5 days and we estimate around 150 casualties. Luckily, the operation is taking place in summer and not the harsh Sankt Konrad winters, when our movement would be hindered by ice and snow.”
Everyone in the room paused now. The only thing left to do was give approval to the plan. Everyone looked at Chancellor Hauser.
“The plan will proceed at the earliest opportune moment.”
“According to our weather radar, Frau Chancellor, the skies and sea will be clear tonight. That will be our move.”
The military meeting was over, and the officers left the room and began setting the background work of the plan into action. Field Marshall Lang would actually be flown to the Monchengau to direct the operation from up close, while the others would remain in Stelburg.
For the political leaders, however, the night was not yet over. Next it was to the Presidential Office in Stelburg, to record a broadcast to the nation. In the car ride over, there was a fierce debate over who exactly should give the address - in the end, President Steiner volunteered for the task.
And so, in the Presidential room, flanked by the national flag, Steiner began to speak. This recorded message would play on television and radio across the country as of 6pm - 3am in Sankt Konrad time, when the strike would begin.
“Siovanijans, Teus. My fellow citizens of the United Republics.”
“Today, our nation has undertaken the heaviest decision it has made in many years. Following a complete breakdown of relations with Sankt Konrad, following the deaths of our citizens and of those of our nation, following a long string of hostile actions by this fascist government, we have decided to act decisively to bring peace to Sankt Konrad.”
“As I speak, those who have done harm to our country and its people are receiving justice.”
“Valljas Bancu is a thug, and now a criminal, who seems determined to drive his country and its people into an authoritarian system that serves him alone. We cannot allow this to happen. The Treaty of Felsenkirchen, signed in 1897, gave Siovanija & Teusland the responsibility to defend Sankt Konrad. That is a responsibility to the people of the island, who we will now act to support. Our objective is the removal of the Blue Sun government. Then, democracy, freedom of speech, minority language rights, safety for all Teus and all Albmot, will return to Sankt Konrad. Positive relations between our states, and a united, stronger Sankt Konrad, will be the result. I ask those on Sankt Konrad who oppose this government to stand strong, to have no fear - help is on its way.”
“In this difficult time for our nation, we must all be good citizens and good neighbours. Support each other. Leave nobody behind. We will return the ‘Sankt Konrad Five’ to the freedom that they deserve.”
“My fellow citizens. We must remain united. And, as we have done for over 150 years, and as we will do forever, we will honour these words: Concordia, Patria, Libertatem.”
When the clock hit 5:59, the President, Chancellor, and the rest of the National Security Council once again gathered around the table at the military HQ. The time had come.
Oclea 1-2 Siovanija & Teusland
XI: Kranz; Schwefel, Rodl, Apel (Burger 82'), Gellner (Reichenbach 67'); von Stein, Winter, Le Meji; Korlikov (Vadimic 67'), Zschokke, Hackl
Goals: Xorge Le Meji 43', Reto Zschokke 87'
Man of the Match: Reto Zschokke (1G)
Siovanija & Teusland 5-2 Kronbia
XI: Bodeker; Metzger, Steinhausl (Apel 55'), Rodl, Reichenbach; Porsche, Prekmurje, Rosberg; Vadimic (Korlikov 46'), A. Kosch-Kovarik, Burger (Dezelac 82')
Goals: Aleksander Kosch-Kovarik 26', 73', Veljko Vadimic 39', Jesper Porsche 50', Michael Burger 80'
Man of the Match: Aleksander Kosch-Kovarik (2G, 1A)
Siovanija & Teusland 23 man squad for international window 8
Away vs Valentine Z
Goalkeepers: Holz, Bodeker, Krziz
Defenders: Schwefel, Wimmer, Reichenbach, Fiser, Steinhausl, Rodl, Breslau
Midfielders: Porsche, J. Kosch-Kovarik, Prekmurje, Winter, Rosberg, Le Meji
Wingers: Vadimic, Korlikov, A. Kosch-Kovarik, Zschokke
Forwards: Burger, Hackl, Zak
Expected XI vs Valentine Z: Holz; Schwefel, Steinhausl, Rodl, Reichenbach; Porsche, Prekmurje, Rosberg; Vadimic, A. Kosch-Kovarik, Burger
