The Sibinaf Crisis(PT OPEN)

[Sibinaf]

PT = 1980s technology

Sibinaf a nation of 5 million people. 1 Million of whom were colonists from the Imperial heartland of the "Fatherland" had in the dying days of the 1970s started to strive for new governance than the old vestiges of the old colonial regime.

Fighting hadn't begun yet and at the current moment in the Capital City of Sibinaf, New Alexandria, the Sibinaf people were meeting to discuss their future. The white colonials wanted all the power for themselves but the natives wanted to have a say in government as well. The Colonials had ruled SIbinaf for 200 years before independence had been granted in 1970 and they had ruled with a fair rule for the whites, but not so much for the natives. The jungle and plain villages had seen development, but not as much as the Colonial dominated cities had. This had caused issues between the Sibi and the Colonials and fighting had occured where Colonial Police had been attacked by angry mobs protesting the unfairness of the situation in Sibinaf.

For all of 1979 and into 1980 the talks went on, but no group was willing to give ground on their demands. The Colonials wished to maintain a white minority rule and the Sibi wanted a Sibinaf, run by the Sibi. Neither side could agree on how best to rule the nation so, under influnence from foreign powers, the Sibi declared their own independent state of The Peoples Republic of Sibinaf and declared the Colonials had 72 hours to leave the new nation or become willing new citizens of a Sibi nation.

Following this deadline the Colonials and SIbi have been at a stand still. The Sibi are attempting to secure arms whilst the Colonial Dominated military continues to secure the perimeters around the Cities of New Alexandria, Norfolk and Copen.

The stage is set for a war, but who will fire the first shot and can calmer heads prevail?

Rules
No deploying of troop numbers greater than 5000 and only as peacekeepers until fighting actually begins there is no taking sides militarily.
No Godmodding
No WMDs

[GermanEmpire of kaisereich]

The German Empire supports the Sibinaf revolt, and says that if the colonial government does not surrender, the German Empire will personally intervene.

[Laka Strolistandiler]

The matter if a colonial revolt threatening to further hurt the balance if power in the region was brought up to His Imperial Majesty, the King during his morning News Brief- as part of his morning routine he’d read through a select few notes from the main newspapers with attached intelligence reports hand-picked by his advisors to keep him up to date with information. Later the day, during his usual two-hour-long briefs with the defense minister, the problem would be brought up again, this time resulting in a mode detailed response to the issue. And respond to I’d they will…

The Lakan foreign ministry would hold a press conference a couple of days later on- while the “main course” would be the Lakan reaction to the probability of reintroduction of France into NATO, a second part of the press conference was directly about the issue at hand. Although The Imperial Union do not and will not under any circumstances recognize the legitimacy of the government which would get to power through violent means of overthrowing their rightful colonial masters. That being said, they recognize the need for dialogue between the natives and the colonial government. As part of their devotion to reduce the amount of suffering and to provide humanitarian relief, they will be deploying several Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Axillary and Crown-leased assets. These will include:
HMHS Zirrudic modified Olympic-class-based hospital ship
HMAS Typhonic modified RMS Scythia-class-based fleet tender (with humanitarian package installed)
The Royal Red Cross-leased hospital ship Kryptic
These three vessels are to take anchor off the coast of New Alexandria and will provide the local civilians with free medical care, warm food and warm clothes. If needed, they could also assist the local firefighters in firefighting due to their powerful pumps, etc. It should be noted that amongst all ships, the Typhonic is infamously known for having an awful reputation, killing 28 men during her construction including her chief naval architect, burning down several times during WW2 and the Korean War (both times sustaining damages which should’ve sunken her but for unknown reasons didn’t, and in general being a very good example of a ship with reputation as bad as it possibly gets. Due to extreme levels of automation, it’s crew is much smaller than what is was originally built for, resulting in many areas of the ship being eerily empty. Some rooms aboard haven’t been entered for years- some for a very, very good reason…

OOC: No, the ship is not haunted, yes, it is essentially a nuclear reactor strapped to 1920’s ocean liner. The reactor is well-shielded and is not going to go Chernobyl, but the ship’s age is showing.

[Beric]

Prime Minister Derik Gerenuk stood at his desk, the arthritis threatening to buckle his knees and leaned forward, bracing his knuckles against the great oak desk.

“Such a waste if this goes to war.” The foreign Minister Gregory Simberson ventured while the President sat silently on the conference line.
“If they accept?” Gerenuk asked the room of Ministers
“We have already chartered four heavy cargo planes from Air France and they are in route to Rockland. They can be back in the air within 24 hours with our delegation.” Sam Huck related.

“And per your orders we have mobilized a small force to join the international peacekeepers should it go that way but I warn everyone things like this tend to turn hot very quickly and we could see an open civil war before our delegation even lands.” General Ferns proclaimed to the room.

“Nothing can be done about that. We will do what we can to pull them from the brink but if they pop the cork there will be nothing but a long a dirty war. See it done and I want to know the moment we see a response.” Gerenuk said the last dismissing the room, the conference line went dead and the Ministers started filing out of the room. It was no until he heard the door click shut that the Prime Minister gave in and sank back into his chair. Beric had seen a similar war in its own history. Something he would spare the people of Sibinaf.

OPEN COMMUNIQUE OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF BERIC TO SIBINAF AND THE WORLD On behalf of The Commonwealth of Beric it is my duty to ask both sides to show restraint in the coming days. Adversities such as you are facing today can be as complex as they are defining for your people. While all nations face adversities, we as a common world must work together to help where and when we can and it is appropriate to do so. To that end we must ask that representatives of the Sibinaf government and representatives from the People’s Republic of SIbinaf to show restraint and take no actions that could be considered threatening. Peace, that greatest and most elusive of human experiences must not be thrown away carelessly. I ask that the international community join me in establishing a framework within which the relevant parties can come to an accord and the people of SIbinaf can be spared unnecessary suffering. We ask that diplomatic representatives from neutral nations be allowed to host a conference to settle matters diplomatically. Allowing limited international presence to establish themselves as witnesses and peace keepers for the greater good of Sibinaf. Prime Minister Derik Gerenuk President Robert Oshaw of The Commonwealth of Beric Eric Knowlstrum, Minister of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

consists of 47 members of the diplomatic corps
45 Medical and emergency personnel
120 Mobile Infantry and light vehicles (12 unibuffels, 16 CUCVs).

Diplomatic Corps
Ambassador to the Nation of Sibinaf: Henry Duval (62 years of age)
Ambassador to the People’s Republic of SIbinaf: Paul Von Toren (58 years of age)
Envoy Richard Keel (34)
Envoy Mathew Sabaticus (46)
27 administrative staff
26 Foreign Service officers being deployed to review and report events in the field to the peacekeeping general staff

1 Company of Mobile Infantry, 2nd Company of the Acorn Battalion
Colonel: Derek Morstan
Lieutenant Colonel: Daniel Fischer
Captain: Levy Shworn
Organized into two field platoons and one rear support platoon.
1st platoon - Field element, to be provided 6 unibuffels, four for infantry and two for supplies (for patrol and escorting foreign service representatives across the country.
2nd platoon - Field element, to be provided 6 unibuffels, four for infantry and two for supplies (flagged to maintain presence at the airport to ensure exit strategy, should extraction be required)
3rd platoon -designated as a static troop to support patrolling platoons and maintain security of any conference. Will be running and providing transport via the CUCVs

2 medical camps proposed to start, one at the International airport where the delegation would land and where 2nd platoon would establish itself. One near the designated conference location should the terms be accepted and location negotiated.
15 EMTs
3 Surgeons
5 MDs
15 nurses
7 Equipment techs

[GermanEmpire of kaisereich]

The German Empire will not be able to support the rebels, as it needs soldiers and free money for a war effort, but we will send a group of diplomats, to negotiate with the colonists, to make Sibinaf independent, or we will use nuclear weapons to eradicate the colonists .

[Sibinaf]

New Alexandria
The Dock Yard Police Station

The three officers of the Colonial Police were sat, as they often did, at the table watching the news of the world go around on the small black and white TV in the ready room. Their M16 rifles were slung on the wall and their uniforms were immaculate. "Sir?" One of the younger officers came into the room with a clip board in front of him looking very nervous. "There's reports of ships approaching the coastline nearby. Intel from High Command suggest they are from Laka. Humanitarian aid and such. Do we let them dock?" The Captain of the Dock Yard Police and therefore the current head of the Port Authority looked over the clipboard when it was handed to him, "This People's Republic hasn't done much good so far has it?" He asked rhetorically as the young officer stood there. "Radio them they are allowed to dock and unload their supplies and do their humanitarian duty or some such. Anyway, shows back on."

Message from New Alexandria Porty Authority
TO: The Lakan Humanitarian Ships

You have been granted permission to dock by the order of the Council of 12. The Colonial Authority in Sibinaf will grant your security with a delegation of Colonial Marines to guard your area of operations in the Dock Yard.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Michael Smith
President of The Colonial Council of 12

Message
From: the Sibi Authority of the Peoples Republic of Sibinaf
TO: The Commonwealth of Beric

We welcome any chance to avoid conflict in Sibinaf but cannot promise for the safety of your delegation and troops from local militia groups who are beginning to form in opposition to the Colonial Council of 12 who insist they still rule this country. We are aiming to remove them from the parliament building in the next few days with peaceful protest, but would suggest if your delegates arrive before the 16th December that they stay away from the Government Quarter until the situation has de-escalated.

Thank you,

President Ivan Konev
Leader of the People's Republic of Sibinaf

[Sibinaf]

The German Empire will not be able to support the rebels, as it needs soldiers and free money for a war effort, but we will send a group of diplomats, to negotiate with the colonists, to make Sibinaf independent, or we will use nuclear weapons to eradicate the colonists .

OOC: Rules say no WMD they are in the spoiler at the bottom of the Original Post.

[GermanEmpire of kaisereich]

The German Empire will not be able to support the rebels, as it needs soldiers and free money for a war effort, but we will send a group of diplomats, to negotiate with the colonists, to make Sibinaf independent, or we will use nuclear weapons to eradicate the colonists .

OOC: Rules say no WMD they are in the spoiler at the bottom of the Original Post.

Yeah I know, I said it from the mouth out.

[Beric]

Sibinaf International Airport

Col. Derek Morstan surveyed the tarmac as the Chartered Cargo planes unloaded the last of the vehicles. The soldiers were herding the diplomatic corps to the convoy first. Thankfully the medical staff would not be needed immediately but even so had begun co opting vehicles to set up their facilities.
“All units are reporting green for phase one and we will be ready to head out in five.” The Lt Col Fischer was as curt as he was short as looked at the cargo planes.
“I want eyes in the city.” Morstand watched as the first of the cargo planes started warming back up for take off.
“Understood. I’ll make sure the foreign service inspectors go with them.” Fischer’s eyes also watched as the plane began its preflight plan. “I wish those things were staying.”
“It’s an open contract, they can be back with 8 hours notice.” Fischer repeated the words of the briefing verbattom. It was a cold comfort but unavoidable for a small country like Beric who had to rent planes for long distance transport. They had been marooned on a nation to keep it from tearing itself apart. A tall order for barely 200 men. The entire flight he had hoped more of the international community would join them as a company strong force could never stop a civil war on their own but that was a matter for the politicians and he said nothing as the diplomats started clamoring onto the vehicles.
The 2nd platoon had already split their tasks, the drivers taking their allotted Mrap Unibuffels and joining the convoy to the government quarter, while the rest set up a forward operating base at the Terminal A-4 with the primary medical facility.
Col Morstan and most of the diplomatic corps would proceed directly to the Government Quarter to establish a mediating presence. While the diplomat for the People’s republic would await permission before heading to the rebel government's headquarters.


Open letter to the people of Sibinaf

We the people of Beric give thanks to the warm and peaceful welcome granted to us from all the people of Sibinaf. We are here for your benefit and on your behalf to protect that most precious gift of peace. In the coming days please see those wearing the badge of Beric as peacemakers and help facilitate their jobs as best you can. We ask that you do not obstruct or intimidate in any way our forces, be they civilian or military. May God bless you all.
-Beric Commission for Diplomatic Outreach

Sibi Authority of the People’s Republic of Sibinaf
President Ivan Konev
Leader of the People's Republic of Sibinaf

It is with great respect that I extend our thanks to you for holding back any use of force. It is our most profound hope that we can help mediate the differences that have taken root in SIbinaf. To that end I hope you will consider my requests below.
-First and foremost that peace and diplomacy are given a chance. That your forces take no action, peaceful or hostile for 30 days under good faith and with the understanding that the same applies to the Council of 12’s forces.
-That you grant us permission to hire from your ranks, guides to aid the Foreign Service Officers whose task it is to witness and report all that they see in this great nation of yours. We understand that their security cannot be guaranteed by you and ask only that you aid where and when able to facilitate transparent proceedings.
-Next I would very much appreciate the ability to speak to you face to face and to work with you and your government in person until such time as a delegation is prepared and sent to any peace conference to negotiate a way forward.
-That we be granted the right to establish ourselves in a building of your choosing within the Governmental Quarter. That once granted this place be counted and granted the rights of a Diplomatic Mission and that its sovereignty as such be respected.

Ambassador to the People's Republic Of Sibinaf Henry Duval
Envoy, Richard Keel

The Colonial Council of 12
Michael Smith
President of The Colonial Council of 12

It is only with regret and hope that we have learned of your current plight. It is our most profound hope that we can help mediate the differences that have taken root in SIbinaf. To that end I hope you will consider my requests below.

-First and foremost that peace and diplomacy are given a chance. That your forces take no action, peaceful or hostile for 30 days under good faith and with the understanding that the same applies to the People’s Republican forces.
-That you grant us permission to hire from your ranks, guides to aid the Foreign Service Officers whose task it is to witness and report all that they see in this great nation of yours. We understand that their security cannot be guaranteed by you and ask only that you aid where and when able to facilitate transparent proceedings.
-Next I would very much appreciate the ability to speak to you face to face and to work with you and your government in person until such time as a peace conference to negotiate a way forward can be convened.


Ambassador to the Sibinaf Colonial Council of 12, Paul Von Toren
Envoy, Mathew Sabaticus

4- CUCVs remaining at airport under 2nd platoon
12-unibuffels and 6 CUCVs with a large portion of the diplomatic staff and most of platoons 1 and 3 driving to the Government Quarter. 6 Unibuffels will then return to the airport until the next phase of the mission begins and patrols are run while the remainder will act in a picket fashion between the Government quarter and the rest of the city.
6 CUCVs with two soldiers per vehicle and half of the foreign service officers driving to the outskirts of New Alexandria to gain intelligence and distribution and makeup of the two military forces.

Top

[Sibinaf]

The Berician convoy advanced through the city and as it did the Sibi militia and Colonial troops began to gather as well. "Foreigners!" "Invaders!" Came the shouts of civilians as the vehicles passed them. But, that was a sideshow to the events taking place in the Government Quarter.

"Contact upper storey balcony, fire!" Tank Commander James Bannon was not happy. His Abrams was sat in the middle of a sandbag barricade and gunfire was filling the streets as the main gun of his Abrams fired and destroyed the balcony the Sibi Sniper had been on. "BANNON!" Came the voice of Colonel Sawyer over the radio, chief of the Colonial guard at the Parliament Building Colonel Sawyer was not happy. "Sir?" Bannon responded simply as he watched for more targets. The street was calming down as the militia melted away. It had started an hour before the Bericians arrived with a protest march of civilians. Ivan Konev had been at the front of the procession when it reached Bannons barricade. Bannon had ordered the so called president to withdraw from the Government quarter and not return. The Colonial Marines around the barricade hadn't offered any violence, but when three Sibi militia drove up the street in a techical and demanded the Colonials move or they would shoot, the marines got twitchy. No-one knows who fired the first shot but it was after Konev had diffused the situation to a level the Technical had left with its scary 50. Cal machine gun and the protest march had been diverted to another, safer street which didn't lead to the Parliament building but passed it in clear view of the 12.

Then the Marine and the Sibi had dropped. One shot fired from either behind the marines from their sniper team or from a Sibi sniper had struck the two men and dropped them. The Marines were incensed and opened on the crowd. Konev was hurried away by his body guards as the crowd fled the scene. The shooting drew the roaming militiamen however and a firefight had broken out for the last 15 minutes with militia flooding the street and buildings and pouring round down on the marines. The Marines returned accurate fire and had dropped a count of 24 militiamen and wounded, if the hospital report was to be believed, another 40. They had captured 2 who were being led to the rear now. Bannon climbed out of his tank and jumped down next to the Infantry commander, "LT." He said simply, he was also a Lieutenant but he was a junior Lieutenant to the Senior Lieutenant in front of him. "Bannon. Good shooting, remind me to have the Council of 12 send you the bill from the apartment building owner." The two men laughed as they watched the surrounds.

Message From: President Michael Smith
To: Ambassador Paul Von Toren

Welcome to Sibinaf Ambassador! I am afraid the situation today has dissolved into violence. Whilst not a full out declaration of war, myself and Konev have agreed to try and stop the fighting spreading, it was certainly a shock to see where the weapons from our ransacked armouries have ended up. You have my permission to hire a total number of 20 aides from the Colonial Government and Military branches to assist your Foreign Service Officers in their work.

I understand you have brought your own troops, but I must request you do not leave the compound we have set aside for you in the Northern Quadrant of the Government District without a tank or APC in support. The rebels are heavily armed and take any opportunity to attack understrength units of our forces, I have a suspicision they won't be very friendly to your troops, though I cannot speak for Konev.

Face to face works, I am currently holed up in the Parliament building with the other 11 members of the Council. We will send a car and escort tomorrow once you are settled into the residency.

All the best,

Michael Smith
The President of the Council of 12/quote]

Message from: Ivan Konev President of the People's Republic of Sibinaf
To: Ambassador Henry Duval

Welcome to Sibinaf sir! Sorry our use of force was intended today there is fears one of the militias isn't towing the party line and has decided to make an undeclared war against the Colonial Government. They go by the name the Black Hand and are devout followers of the Goddess Boen. Their members are easy to spot as they will have ritual burns on their hands and wrists. I have dispatched the first platoon of the new Sibinaf Liberation Army 1st Company to escort you to a building we have set aside in the port district. It isn't much but until i have the government quarter it will have to do. It used to be a Colonial Marine Barracks so is easy to fortify and defend if any nastiness should ensue.

You may hire from the local Sibi population of course! We are suffering a job shortage at the moment which developed under Colonial rule, but we have many who are eager to learn and help.

As I can say for myself and the forces under my command we will most certainly give peace a chance. The only fighting to take place over the next few days will be the purging of the Black Hand from our ranks, though we are aiming for peaceful arrests if possible.

Welcome to New Alexandria!

Ivan Konev
President of the Peoples Republic of Sibinaf

[Laka Strolistandiler]

The Lakan ships would move into the bay and begin establishing communications, connecting power lines and bringing out their ambulances to the city. They would heavily interact with the local authorities, the Zirrudic being amongst the best example of this. While it would also treat patients from areas neighboring the port where she was anchored, the Zirrudic would also receive patients with more severe conditions, requiring equipment and personnel unavailable in the general local hospitals. While the Zirrudic’s crew, equipment and general layout was more fitted for an active conflict, during peacetime, it served as a “moveable general hospital”, which was it’s initial task, well, before the hostilities would break out. Despite the active combat, the “brave” and (probably) idiotic Lakan ambulances would often drive with complete disregard for potential damage, blaring out their sirens and being very clearly marked to be an ambulance vehicle. They expect all combatants to be able to differ between, say, a technical, and something which should never be attacked. The Zirrudic would receive patients from both sides of the conflict and treat them almost indifferent of their affiliation- save for the “freedom fighters” being usually redirected towards wards with more guards- the hospital ship would house a company of Royal Marines, whose sole purpose is to prevent the locals from fighting over things. This ship is a neutral ground- and if someone would try to violate this neutrality, they’re in for a world of pain. Despite legally being under protection from several international conventions, Zirrudic is outfitted with several defensive systems, including several BOFORS 40 mm turrets, a relatively functional CIWS installation and several 25-mm cannons. This armament is laughable for a ship this large, moreover, it can hardly protect it from anything better than dinghy boats- which is the reason why it is still protected by conventions despite being armed. The Typhonic would function essentially the same. Both ships would extensively use their helicopters, outfitted with extremely loud sirens, painted in white-and-red liveries clearly visible both in NVD’s and TVD’s. Helis can rapidly deliver patients to the operating table during the “golden hour”- the time after receiving injury most critical to their survival, which is why the helicopters would be used extremely often. While they would avoid landing directly between two firefights, if needed, they’d try to radio in both sides for a temporary ceasefire, to allow them to receive wounded. When flying with patients from both sides, a Royal Marine present aboard would restrain them (as long as it would not threaten their medical condition), just for additional safety measures…

pictured: a Royal Navy ambulance from the Zirrudic

Arguably enough, the worst problem for the Lakan medical personnel would be the language barrier- unable to find enough military interpreters or press some uni students speaking local languages into service, they’d have to rely on vocabularies and phrasebooks to understand the locals- that is before they’ll be able to enlist the help of local English-speaking medical personnel and in general people willing to be enlisted into the Navy. Voluntarily enrolling foreigners while on deployment to positions of low OPSEC risk is a commonplace thing here!

[Beric]

Message from: Ivan Konev President of the People's Republic of Sibinaf
To: Ambassador Henry Duval

Welcome to Sibinaf sir! Sorry our use of force was intended today there is fears one of the militias isn't towing the party line and has decided to make an undeclared war against the Colonial Government. They go by the name the Black Hand and are devout followers of the Goddess Boen. Their members are easy to spot as they will have ritual burns on their hands and wrists. I have dispatched the first platoon of the new Sibinaf Liberation Army 1st Company to escort you to a building we have set aside in the port district. It isn't much but until i have the government quarter it will have to do. It used to be a Colonial Marine Barracks so is easy to fortify and defend if any nastiness should ensue.

You may hire from the local Sibi population of course! We are suffering a job shortage at the moment which developed under Colonial rule, but we have many who are eager to learn and help.

As I can say for myself and the forces under my command we will most certainly give peace a chance. The only fighting to take place over the next few days will be the purging of the Black Hand from our ranks, though we are aiming for peaceful arrests if possible.

Welcome to New Alexandria!

Ivan Konev
President of the Peoples Republic of Sibinaf[/quote]

Response

Message From: Ambassador Henry Duval
To: President Ivan Konev’s office
Thank you for your warm greeting and the clarification regarding the Black Hand. We will certainly make use of the Barracks and I look forward to speaking to you directly as your time permits.
I appreciate the good faith and peaceful nature of your actions and hope to speak soon.
Ambassador Henry Duval

Message From: President Michael Smith
To: Ambassador Paul Von Toren

Welcome to Sibinaf Ambassador! I am afraid the situation today has dissolved into violence. Whilst not a full out declaration of war, myself and Konev have agreed to try and stop the fighting spreading, it was certainly a shock to see where the weapons from our ransacked armouries have ended up. You have my permission to hire a total number of 20 aides from the Colonial Government and Military branches to assist your Foreign Service Officers in their work.

I understand you have brought your own troops, but I must request you do not leave the compound we have set aside for you in the Northern Quadrant of the Government District without a tank or APC in support. The rebels are heavily armed and take any opportunity to attack understrength units of our forces, I have a suspicision they won't be very friendly to your troops, though I cannot speak for Konev.

Face to face works, I am currently holed up in the Parliament building with the other 11 members of the Council. We will send a car and escort tomorrow once you are settled into the residency.

All the best,

Michael Smith
The President of the Council of 12

Response

Message From: Paul Von Toren
To: Office of President Micheal Smith
Thank you sir. Your warning is being heeded. While we do have armored vehicles of our own we will not deploy them for scouting missions until our residency. At that time we will also begin the recruitment of local assets.
I look forward to speaking to you tomorrow.
Be safe and God bless.
Ambassador, Paul Von Toren

"How do expect a single company to invade them?" The question came from a private further up the bench just as the top heavy MRAP slowed for a turn eliciting groans as the uneven swaying of the bulky vehicle left the civilians on board retching. Envoy Richard Keel looked up the rack of his peers to the private who was sitting there smiling, apparently not bothered by the vehicle's motion.
"They don't know. They just see us as foreign masters like the colonists." Richard explained the rhetorical question.
"Never mind that. Did you acknowledge receipt of their message?" Henry Duval cut in, his own head resting against the seat as Richard pulled up his ipad scanning outgoing messages.
"Yes sir and your return message is delivered." Rich replied
"And the FSOs are in the city outskirts?" Duval was running down his mental list but not listening to the radio chatter.
"No sir. Per the advice of the Konev's office all our scouts have been recalled. We are setting up at the airport and at the compound. At least until our buffels can be retasked and the offices are established.”


Radio communication between Col. Morstan and Ambassadors Duval and Von Torsen in transit

Col.:If what they are saying is true there is no guarantee the diplomatic protections we have received will keep us from coming under attack.
Duval: So you think we should keep to our resident forts?
Von Toren: We can’t. We will be blind.
Col: No, I am saying the wide disbursement of the foreign service officers is not feasible. Instead we will use the 1st platoon as an escort once we are established. They have armor and will be better able to navigate the situation once we have hired local guides.
Duval: That's fine. So long as we can get a sense of the city from within our walls.
Von Toren: Agreed.

Berics Diplomatic mission pulled the scout cars deployed on arrival back. Traveling in their convoy the CUCVs are in the middle with six Unibuffels in front and in back deploying the diplomatic offices to their residences while the medical office at the airport has begun taking patients. Once in position the two residences will a full squad to fortify and guard from 3rd Platoon. 2nd Platoon has dug in at the airport terminal while 1st platoon is splitting its forces and deploying six armored Unibuffels to each residence until the locals have been hired to act as guides.
Personnel have been warned of the identifying marks of the black hand.
The Chartered planes that delivered the diplomatic mission have departed.

[Upper Magica]

Carrier: EASTERN UNION TELEGRAM CO.

THE UNITED MAGICAN FRUIT CO.
Office of Special Affairs

Addressed to The Colonial Council of Sibinaf

To Who It May Concern

We are aware of a developing situation in your country that worries our stakeholders greatly as the commercial interests of the company seem to be threatened.

In short, our enterprise is sympathetic to your country's plight and we wish to offer our support and aid. We cannot detail our proposal in this letter - due to operational security reasons, we would rather send a delegate to your Colonial Council or a representative of your choosing.

Should you give us a positive response, our representative will be en route to discuss with your government the package of support we offer within the day.

Best,
David Doe
COO, United Magican Fruit Co.

...meanwhile, in a nondescript location somewhere in Upper Magica:

The two men sat at a table in the sterile-looking cafeteria. Both were dressed for business, and business they had to discuss.

"Well, we've sent the Sibinaf colonial government our proposal. I don't know why we're bothering with a small country like that, anyway. Too far away, if you ask me, and too little power to be a reliable ally."

The other man dug into the equally sterile-looking mashed potatoes on his tray.

Taking a bite, after he swallowed his tasteless spoonful of rehydrated potato flakes, he went on:

"It's not about geopolitics, amigo. Sibinaf could be a good base for Company operations. It's small, coastal, and after we get in good, they won't ask questions about what we get up to. Not only that, we assume the 'native' government are Reds. The domino effect is real, and with each one that falls, the more our own Red Menace to the north will be emboldened to strike."

"So if we get the green light on this, we're going ASAP, huh?"

"That is the plan, si."

The two men waited in silence, awaiting the go-ahead for their business trip while digging into their third-rate meals.

[Soveiniesberg]

OOC: le T&P, also tag and i will post later

[Sibinaf]

Carrier: EASTERN UNION TELEGRAM CO.

THE UNITED MAGICAN FRUIT CO.
Office of Special Affairs

Addressed to The Colonial Council of Sibinaf

To Who It May Concern

We are aware of a developing situation in your country that worries our stakeholders greatly as the commercial interests of the company seem to be threatened.

In short, our enterprise is sympathetic to your country's plight and we wish to offer our support and aid. We cannot detail our proposal in this letter - due to operational security reasons, we would rather send a delegate to your Colonial Council or a representative of your choosing.

Should you give us a positive response, our representative will be en route to discuss with your government the package of support we offer within the day.

Best,
David Doe
COO, United Magican Fruit Co.

Message from the Colonial Council of 12, Office of President Michael Smith
To: United Magican Fruit Co.

We are not aware of any business interests related to your company taking place in Sibinaf, but we are not fully aware of all the going ons in our country. A delegate is welcome to discuss support and future cooperation.

Hope to see you soon,

President Michael Smith

President Konevs office in the Port

Konev was stood on the balcony of his Presidential Office watching a procession of Colonial prisoners be led into the Port for processing. Some had been wounded and were receiving aid at the Hospital ships from the foreign power here in the dock. Some had begun to be taken to the airport as the Sibinaf hospitals were either turning away people wounded in the fighting an hour ago as they didn't want to be seen taking sides, or they were run by the Colonial government and were refusing SIbi people rights to enter the buildings. Konev sighed as he saw that one of the prisoners was a Colonial Marine. He uniform was torn and he had a bandage wrapped around his head, but he held his head up with pride still. He hoped the SLA would take mercy on him.

"Mister President?" Konev snapped out of his thoughts and turned to the room behind him. "Ah! Kochek." He said as he re-entered his office looking at the young man in front of him who had become the leader of the SIbinaf Liberation Army, a loose conglomerate of differing militia groups who were slowly being standardised with equipment from the raided Colonial Armouries and trained by former Sibi Rifles soldiers and NCOs who had changed sides to the Peoples Republic in the early days of the Crisis. "Mister President we have word that the Ambassador from Beric has arrived at the compound we set aside for him. I mean I'm sure you noted their arrival?" The Barracks that the Sibi had set aside for the Ambassador Henry Duval was literally across the street from the government building. Suddenly a roar of gunfire filled the air. "That will be our men securing the port authority." Kochek said simply looking at a clip board of reports. "Fancy a scotch?" Konev asked walking towards his drinks cabinet, the one thing he had brought with him from his former offices in the Government quarter. "What year?" Kochek asked placing the clip board on the long meeting table in the middle of the room in front of Konevs desk. "Only one that was released last year an '87 Beruvian." Konev replied pouring two glasses. The two men drank in silence then, when their glasses were empty, Konev stood up from where he had sat behind his desk. "I'll go meet this ambassador, fetch my honour guard." He said simply.

Ten minutes later Konev was in his full suit with an honour guard of 10 StormTroopers. The Storm Troopers were ex colonial serving soldiers of sibi birth who had joined the People's Republic. Elite compared to the militiamen of the SLA they would work as body guards for now. The SLA troops who were meant to be guarding the Berician compound smiled and saluted their President as he approached. "Good Evening Sir." A young Lieutenant said as the President entered the compounds outer perimeter and headed to where the Berician men were guarding. "Hello I am President Konev, I come in peace." Konev joked as he stopped by the gate.

New Alexandria Parliament Building,
Meeting of the Council of 12

"Thats what they want us to think!" Councilman Ryan James was furious. The skirmish earlier had rattled alot of members of the 12 and they were trying to decide if they should retaliate. "Councilman you are not recognised by the Council at this time, sit down!" President Michael was a slightly calmer presence in the chamber but he was also rattled by the sounds of gun fire that had reached the parliament builidng. "The Rebels are seizing vital infrastructure in the city Mister President, we have to act. I have reports from our military advisers that the port authority fell ten minutes ago. No word on casualities." The junoir Councilmen tried to avoid voicing their opinions but the representative for Nomacn the Northern Province was not going to stay quiet today. "I understand that Corvan, but we have to be patient. The Bericians have asked that we hold fire for at least 30 days whilst talks are organised. I promise you gentlemen we will have the power in any future government. These rebels will be crushed, but if we do it through diplomacy its a much sweeter victory." The council mumbled agreement. "Mister President I would like to go meet with the Ambassador from Beric." General Vladimir was a tall man with a ramrod straight back and broad shoulders. Aged 48 he had served in the Independence War ten years ago and was now leader of the Colonial Marine Corp. He commanded approximately 400,000 Marines spread across an air detachment, armour and other supporting and combat branches. He was staunchly aware the majority of his Sibi troops had deserted to join the Peoples Republic, but he had about 4000 of them remaining. "I would like to get an assessment from him on the mission he is here to under take before he meets you tomorrow." Vladimir was calm as he spoke and the calmness seemed to spread through the room. Michael Smith looked at the general and nodded. "Very well General. You may take a Humvee to Mr Torens compound they should have arrived by now." The President watched Vladimir leave the room as the council descended into 'debate' once more.

[Beric]

New Alexandria International Airport, Terminal A 4

Captain Schrown stands near the glass windows furthest from the patients. Dr. Mason looms over the short bull of a man.
“They are going to have to get over it. We don’t have enough space and I need these patients organized by priority. “ Dr. Mason was a lean man with a voice an octave to light for Capt. Schrown’s liking. Something he remedied by consistently taking small steps as he spoke.
“ I am telling you it may not matter for your critical patiences but anyone in recovery needs to be segregated or we are going to have problems. “
The stone lipped glare and the slight shuffle backwards from the Dr. pleased and irritated Schrown in equal measure.
“Have your staff reported any of the wounded carrying the Black Hand’s mark?”
“What? No. I mean…”
Stepping closer, Schrown's voice was deadpan, “They are radicals. Whatever your feelings on the politics here we don;t know what they are capable of and I can’t have a suicide bomber in your ward.”
Returning from the settling of the Diplomatic Residences the armored elements of the convoy rumbled into the established base camp behind Capt Schrown. The medical detachment had overtaken the majority of the terminal and were actively treating the wounded irregardless of of the side they represented. Within minutes Schrown established screening of all new patients upon arrival by a squad of his infantry while another squad started reviewing the patients that had already arrived. He had intended to begin a three point patrol between the residences and the airport terminal but the safety of their terminal took precedence.

New Alexandria Compound

Within the compound soldiers stood at their posts, the council's representatives' arrival having been reported inside to the surprise of the diplomatic corps.
“Isn’t this what you are here for?” Col. Morstan walked with Ambassador Von Toren towards the entryway of their compound to greet the guests who would have been reported but not stopped by the guards forming a loose picket line around the compound. Trusting the Council’s soldiers to maintain some measure of control over the district, the guards maintained a watchful eye on the perimeter but as a diplomatic mission did not stop the humvee.
“Yes, of course and their eagerness bodes for their intentions.”
The two men walked side to side, the dark suit of the diplomat contrasting with the fatigues of the Colonel but both wearing the badge of Beric (a white armband with the symbol of their nation) on their left arms like all staff and soldiers of the mission. Behind them the compound was a flurry of activity as Envoy Sabaticus ordered the staff to vacate the reception conference room for the meeting.
As they approached General both men offered solemn nods before Duval took the lead and the Col. offered a quick salute to the general.
“Good to make your acquaintance. Ambassador Henry Duval and this is Colonel Mostan.”
Behind the general the pair of soldiers that had received the general outside turned and went back to their posts. With only one squad in the compound the soldiers’ presence was light and overshadowed by the diplomatic staff.


Barracks residence by the Port

The President would see improvised Berician technicals (CUCVs with MG-74s) at the entrance. The chain link gate pulled open before the honor guard reached the gate. One of two improvised dugouts stood within the compound to support the gate while the structure itself sees signs of fortification. Spotters on the barracks had reported the approach and the reception from the SLA militias that were to be guarding the compound. With two squads the barracks was being quickly made defensible while patrols of the perimeter were randomized three times an hour.

The soldier the president spoke to stepped aside at parade ease. The soldiers in the technicals were watchful but carefully keeping all weaponry turned away from the President and his guard and removing their hands from the machine guns at his approach. The crackles of gun fire in the distance eliciting no jumps from the seasoned soldiers it would be clear they were on guard.
“Welcome sir.” His blue eyes staring out from beneath his helmet while a middle aged man with sandy blonde hair and a tie that was obviously tightened in haste and sat too tight.
“Mr. President. I am diplomatic Envoy Keel at your service and pleased to welcome you.” Inclining his head and standing aside while motioning inwards as the figures of Ambassador Von Toren and Lt Col Fischer walked out of the barracks, the head of a handful of administrative staff formed a line to the side of the door as a reception committee.
“We are still setting up but we have a conference room and refreshments available.” Keel spoke evenly leading the president and his honor guard towards the building. With two squads of soldiers the number of personnel was nearly even between the diplomatic staff and soldiers.

[Soveiniesberg]

The Federal Democratic States of Tergovymi and Periadzya. A nation formed out of strange circumstances. A lesser-known, tiny trade empire invaded by a communist power. What came out of it was the nation of Tergovymi and Periadzya. Once two sides of a river united, now a bustling island in a lesser known region.

The boat creaked and croaked. Soldiers were weary and looked like they had not slept in days. It was an old boat, a coal-fired steamer. It was reliable enough to get the soldiers where they needed to be. They had come from a base in Ternyiev, in Periadzya. The soldiers jokingly called themselves the "black ants", as they figured if a war broke out, they would be squashed like ants. 300 men, without helmets, with light gear, going on a peacekeeping mission.

What could go wrong?

[Sibinaf]

New Alexandria Government Quarter Berician Compound

General Vladimir looked at the two men in front of him with a sense of promise, especially when saluted by the foreign Colonel. "Mister Duval and Colonel Mostan, it is a pleasure to meet you. I have come on behalf of my President, before you meet him tomorrow, to get an appraisal of the situation your troops find themselves in. In turn I wanted to see the compound we had put you up in," The General looked around at the, what appeared to him, to be meagre guard the Diplomat had around him in the compound and the compound itself. Three buildings made up the compound as far as the General could tell. One large one with accomdation and office space and two smaller buildings where he assumed people would be sleeping. He didn't much care for the formality of diplomats, "Shall we carry on to your office Mister Duval? I hope you have had a chance to set it up." The General went to make his way into the main building.


New Alexandria Port, Barracks Residence, President Konev

President Konev was impressed by the sight of the Berician Technicals with their machine guns and ready crews. He was also impressed when the gun fire went off, causing him to flinch, that the soldiers around him didn't move a muscle. He was aware they were all on guard and wanted to ease tension, "Captain Makarov?" He said to the lead of his ten man bodyguard, "Go wait with our troops in the outer perimeter. I believe I will be quite safe with the Bericians." Makarov nodded and turned leading his bodyguard team away. "Diplomatic Envoy? That's an impressive title Mr Keel. Oh and a welcoming committee oh how nice, could do with some like minded individuals in my staff, but sadly they are limited in brain capacity some of my staff when it comes to politeness. Lead on to your Ambassador." Konev followed Keel till he met the two men walking out of the barracks. "I assume from the Suit you are Mister Von Toren? And who is this magnificently uniformed character with you?" Konev offered his hand.

[Upper Magica]

Above New Alexandria Int'l Airport

Alejandro waited pensively. His partner was in the back of the Learjet upchucking his lunch - there'd been turbulence on the way, and combined with the stress of an upcoming mission... he couldn't take it any more. The security team of 5, dressed in khakis, Hawaiian shirts, and flak-jackets, were dead silent the entire flight over - to be expected from the Company's trained killers. The brick in his briefcase rang - a satellite phone, they called it - he unlatched the case open and pressed a button on the massive device, awkwardly holding it to his ear.

"This is Head Office," a voice rang out from the other end. "Don't offer them everything right off the bat. They're going to be suspicious. This acquisition must happen, you understand? You have a blank check and full latitude with this deal. Do and say whatever it takes to close. We will await word of you and your partner's success back here."

"Understood, Head Office. Uh, what's the earnings report looking like? Do we have any other bids?"

"Our quarry's financial performance is... way below target, but when we start infusing them with cash, I think they'll have a good chance of standing up to their competition unless other firms step in. And yes, there are a couple of other bids, but they're pretty passive so far. Be suspicious, though - they're foreigners."

"Yes sir. Is that all?"

"One more thing - if you need to press them - we can have some wonderful gifts airmailed and shipped in to the city in bulk as soon as they agree to cooperate. We've got 747s on standby back home and a bulk cargo ship loitering in international waters. I don't think they'll turn away, since the situation is desperate from what we're seeing back home."

"Yes, sir. I'm just concerned we're going to arrive too late to make any real difference in the negotiations."

"You'll make it through. Nobody got anywhere by thinking negatively, son. Head Office out. Good luck."

The call ended. Before long, the pilot could be heard on the radio:

"Uh, New Alexandria Tower, this is United Fruit Company One - requesting permission to land, over."

[Soveiniesberg]

The coal-fired packet steamer came into port, it's "passengers" looking as if they were about to piss themselves. They had shovels, .410 caliber shotgun shell "Howdah" pistols (two shot over-under pistols), NM-33 autoloading pistols, NM-56 semi-automatic battle rifles, Southwaterian Martin 1966 and 1973 rifles in 7mm Sawfish (.276 Pederson), certain grenades and mines, tripflares, and Petolchatka rifles. They had remarkably light gear, having small rucksacks and magazine pouches, with plenty of room for tools on their webbing belts. Some had barbed wire in spools in a metal tin on their belts, some had many tools, and pouches full of food and other items on their belts.

They got on the dock, and nervously looked around as the boat pulled away from port...

[Beric]

New Alexandria International Airport, Terminal A 4
Doctors have continued to treat patients while the armored convoy is refueled and the two platoons set defensive procedures and plan a patrol route to deliver reinforcements to the residences and deploy the FSOs.

New Alexandria Compound

Within the compound soldiers stood at their posts, the council's representatives' arrival having been reported inside to the surprise of the diplomatic corps.
” Col. Morstan Envoy Sabaticus ordered the staff to vacate the reception conference room for the meeting.
As they approached General both men offered solemn nods before Duval took the lead.
“Good to make your acquaintance. Ambassador Henry Duval and this is Colonel Mostan.”

“Most excellent of course. Please join us.” Duval’s wide smile contrasted sharply with Col’s more dower face.
As they walked the col offered a concise description.
“To be honest we had hoped for a larger international presence to cooperate with to create a buffer zone and this position is guarded less well than I'd like though we will be reinforcing it by dawn.”
Through the building it was clear that while efforts to fortify the main building had begun more effort had been given over to preparations for the meetings in the coming day and few of the staff looked like they had slept but were organizing in half a dozen small meetings within the building. The soldiers were nonexistent inside having had one team posted on the exterior as a guard, another team running patrols twice an hour at randomized intervals and another acting as spotters and a reaction force. Shutting the door to the office it was spartan but established and adjoined a similarly prepared conference room.
“Your office has been most helpful and we appreciate your men’s position.” Duval offered a seat to the General while walking around the desk to his own, though neither he nor the Col sat, instead waiting for the guest to do so. Now that they were alone, Fischer continued more bluntly.

“On our own we cannot hope to keep the kind of crowds we have been seeing at arms distance and with reports of rogue militias we have pulled our men close. Particularly in the dock district. Your people are professionals but the residence in the port is likely at greater risk from the Sibi militias.”
“The door firmly latched behind them, the ambassador cut in.
“That is not to say we believe the black hand to be agents of Konev.”
“We have no direct proof but we have our doubts if he can keep his coalition together through an extended peace.”



Barracks residence by the Port

Keel offered a polite smile and nod at President Konev’s compliment as he led the Konev to the entrance and slowed allowing the senior members of the delegation to take the lead.
It was the man in the blue three piece suit that replied to the President’s question.
“Mr President.We are so pleased to make your acquaintance. Indeed I am Paul Van Toren and this is Lt. Col Fischer who will be sitting in on our meeting today if you approve. “
The Col inclined his head as he spoke a word of greeting. “Sir”
Leading the president into the building Von Toren walked a step behind the President while Keel led the group down the hall. While the exterior of the structure had clearly been fortified to a degree the interior had maintained a clean and professional set up.
“I wanted to thank you for taking the time to join us. Beric is most sympathetic to your people’s plight and hope we can be a mediating presence between you and the colonists.”

[Sibinaf]

Above New Alexandria Int'l Airport

Alejandro waited pensively. His partner was in the back of the Learjet upchucking his lunch - there'd been turbulence on the way, and combined with the stress of an upcoming mission... he couldn't take it any more. The security team of 5, dressed in khakis, Hawaiian shirts, and flak-jackets, were dead silent the entire flight over - to be expected from the Company's trained killers. The brick in his briefcase rang - a satellite phone, they called it - he unlatched the case open and pressed a button on the massive device, awkwardly holding it to his ear.

"This is Head Office," a voice rang out from the other end. "Don't offer them everything right off the bat. They're going to be suspicious. This acquisition must happen, you understand? You have a blank check and full latitude with this deal. Do and say whatever it takes to close. We will await word of you and your partner's success back here."

"Understood, Head Office. Uh, what's the earnings report looking like? Do we have any other bids?"

"Our quarry's financial performance is... way below target, but when we start infusing them with cash, I think they'll have a good chance of standing up to their competition unless other firms step in. And yes, there are a couple of other bids, but they're pretty passive so far. Be suspicious, though - they're foreigners."

"Yes sir. Is that all?"

"One more thing - if you need to press them - we can have some wonderful gifts airmailed and shipped in to the city in bulk as soon as they agree to cooperate. We've got 747s on standby back home and a bulk cargo ship loitering in international waters. I don't think they'll turn away, since the situation is desperate from what we're seeing back home."

"Yes, sir. I'm just concerned we're going to arrive too late to make any real difference in the negotiations."

"You'll make it through. Nobody got anywhere by thinking negatively, son. Head Office out. Good luck."

The call ended. Before long, the pilot could be heard on the radio:

"Uh, New Alexandria Tower, this is United Fruit Company One - requesting permission to land, over."

"United Fruist Company One you have permission to land Runway 2 if you would please." The Air Traffic Controller was a Colonial the Airport staff having maintained their mix composition of Colonial and Sibi to try and maintain aid and foreign support coming into the country. "That the Fruit guys?" One of the other air traffic controllers asked the first. He nodded, "See what they bring to the table." He smiled as he lit his cigarette and swigged his coffee from its plastic cup.

The coal-fired packet steamer came into port, it's "passengers" looking as if they were about to piss themselves. They had shovels, .410 caliber shotgun shell "Howdah" pistols (two shot over-under pistols), NM-33 autoloading pistols, NM-56 semi-automatic battle rifles, Southwaterian Martin 1966 and 1973 rifles in 7mm Sawfish (.276 Pederson), certain grenades and mines, tripflares, and Petolchatka rifles. They had remarkably light gear, having small rucksacks and magazine pouches, with plenty of room for tools on their webbing belts. Some had barbed wire in spools in a metal tin on their belts, some had many tools, and pouches full of food and other items on their belts.

They got on the dock, and nervously looked around as the boat pulled away from port...

New Alexandria Port landing area

The small coal fired ship had been spoted coming up the coast by SLA scouts and they were ready for them when they arrived. As the lightly armed people began to disembark the SLA militia had barricaded the end of the pier and set up a firing line. They sat there staring at the strangers unsure who they were or why they were there. "Who are you?" Came a shout from a small SLA Captain. His black beret stood slightly to the side of his head as if he had put it on in a rush, which he had. The M16s and M4s of the militia all were pointed down the pier.

New Alexandria Port, Barracks Residence

Konev was impressed by the sight of the Ambassador in his Blue suit and thought that he could maybe pull something similar off if he ever got control of the textiles district. He was sure a Blue Suit would look good on him if he ever had an opportunity to wear one. "No need to thank me Ambassador the sooner we can get to discussions with the Colonials the better. The Black Hand took Porto last night, its only a small town, but from reports from refugees we have atrocities taking place in the town. Indoctrination is high on the Black Hands list of priorities and it seems they are taking it on with great vigor in Porto."

New Alexandria, Government Quarter, Berician Compound

General Vladimir followed the Ambassador and the Colonel to the small office. He smiled at the Spartan nature of the office, he had no time for over the top decorations and frivolities of that sort so a desk and chairs made him comfortable. He sat in the othered chair and removed his beret smiling at the two others as they too sat. "Mister Ambassador I can have a company of my marines come to help secure the compound if you wish? Also the Sibi Militia are indeed a wild card, I'm sure you've heard of the contact we had with them shortly before your arrival here? The Government Quarter is secure again now but we fear another protest march turning violent. In turn the Black Hand you mentioned, could you fill me in with any intelligence you have on them? Our intelligence gathering on the separate militia groups is sorely lacking."

New Alexandria International Airport, Terminal A4

The Black Hand had watched with increasing anger as their people flocked to foreigners to seek aid. They had been planning an attack on the airport and now they had a proper target. "Brothers!" The young Poltical officer was stood on top of the technical looking around at the men in their black outfits and masks. "Today we take the fight to the foreigner and the enemy. Blue team you will strike the Colonial Barracks at the north end of the Runway, Red and Green you will strike the foreigners and the traitors to our people in the terminal. When the mortar rounds stop i want you all going!"
"OOORA!" The men and women shouted with glee.

The mortars were set up in the city and were connected to Political Officer Ibram Gaunt via a hand held radio he had bought from a store. He spoke softly into it, "Begin bombardment." The mortars acknowledged and the first few rounds began to be fired into the airport striking the Colonial Barracks, catching the colonial marines there off guard and on parade killing several and wounded 20 more. As the mortars stopped firing on the barracks the rounds shifted to the terminal where they landed in amongst the queues of waiting wounded and ill civilians. Several rounds landed on the roof of the building but if they penetrated Gaunt didn't know. The bombardment of both targets lasted 20 minutes in total before the technicals began to roll towards their targets guns firing and flame thrower units at the ready.

[Beric]

New Alexandria International Airport, Terminal A 4
Dr. Mason stood over a young man who had received a gut shot in the earlier fighting. The surgery had taken several hours but they were suturing him up now. Not that he expected that would be it for today. No he had at least one leg that needed to be amputated and the terminal was full of the wounded and scared. Ironically now that the most complicated part of the surgery was over his little table was one of the calmer parts of the terminal and so intent on his sutures his hands didn’t even shake when the first burst landed outside. When the large panels of glass overlooking the tarmac shattered he was twisting his hand clockwise bringing the needle back up. When the glass shattered he jerked and ripped the forceps up involuntarily ripping the skin.

Looking down in shock at what he had done Dr. Mason was relieved the patient was still under anesthesia and looked up to his nurse only to see him ducking under the table. Looking around he could see people running and was frozen in place. That wasn’t supposed to happen, he told himself. Explosions shook the building and people were panicking, running. Looking down at his nurse Samantha was crying and the table didn’t have wheels. Looking at the patient Mason was still unsure what to do when he leaned down to drag the nurse back up so they could try and move the patient. It was at this moment the ceiling above them rained down as another blast drowned out any other sounds.

Captain Schrown had been outside reviewing the patient queues when the bombing of the colonial barracks began. As a precaution he had the queues of people disbursed. Any injuries not deemed critical were asked leave while those already being treated or seriously wounded were moved inside. The troops strengthened their perimeter and fifteen minutes into the bombardment of the colonial barracks the unibuffels were loaded and ready under his direction.
During those minutes the idea of evacuating the terminal turned medical facility never occurred to him. Instead his men had radioed the barracks notifying them of their heading and what their casualties were. His men would deploy and pull the wounded back to the airport for treatment. The only notice given to those inside was to prepare for an influx of triage patients.
When the shells started landing amongst the queue of people who were no longer being admitted but had refused instruction to depart he was mortified. There was no telling how many of the civilians were injured but by the time the shells started landing on the building the doctors on the armored trucks had already been pulled off and replaced with soldiers. Several minutes into the attack a wider attack was evident from the assortment of technicals coming in.
The first return shot came from the platoon sniper still alive on the roof of the terminal at the incoming troops while Captain Shcrown issued orders for a counter attack before the militia reached the terminal or the civilians. Keeping platoon 3 at the terminal they maintained the perimeter Platoon 1 took to their armored mraps. Manned by platoon 1 he split the armor into two parts. Six unibuffel mraps with M-74s drove out from the terminal seeking to engage the technicals head on.
Meanwhile the other 6 (four armed with M-74s) formed a column to attempt an envelopment of the enemy infantry. As a diplomatic force they were under armed anti-tank ordinance and so the fire that faced the militia was machine guns and M203s as they came in range.
Casualties from the motor attack
Medical staff: 3 nurses, 1 surgeon deceased, 4 nurses and 3 doctors (including Mason) injured.
Platoon 1: deployed in the rear prepping the armor no casualties,
Platoon 3: deployed on perimeter and along the queue, 4 injured one critically so plus two dead that had been on the roof with the sniper. The number is low as the attack on the barracks had put them on alert.

New Alexandria Compound
“What we have so far indicates that they are a religious organization that mobilized during the same time as much of the other Sibi militias and with them until the militia coalition agreed to talks. The details of their religion are lost to us but their baptism includes the burning of marks into the skin.”
Leaning forward Morstan asked the question burning in his mind. “The Sibi militias based on our reports were newer grassrooted groups but this kind of religious radicalism indicates deeper roots. What I need to know is if this Black Hand is a group you have been monitoring or if they really did show up overnight?”




Barracks residence by the Port
“I see”
Von Toren weighed Konev's lax reporting of the militia's activities while he took his seat.
“Forgive me if I am over stepping but I must ask if your men have or will do anything to cordon off Porto?”
Lt Col Fischer sat quietly with intent interest as the ambassador continued.
“I think we can all agree that open fighting between the two sides should be avoided as much as possible and this militia is likely to threaten that.”
The face of Von Toren was a mask of passive interest while Fischer kept his tone as light as possible.

[Sibinaf]

New Alexandria, Airport Attack

The Black Hand were swarming the Colonial barracks. Gunfire filled the air and fire lit the slowly darkening day. Two Black hand Fighters had established a position with a machine gun and were using grazing fire to keep the enemies heads pinned down in the Barracks. The Colonial Marines were fighting hard and dying even harder. For every one marine killed at least five militia were brought down. The bayonet became the marines best friend in the outbuildings as Black Hand infiltrated the armoury and medical centre. Men fought like animals as the two forces clashed their blades and improvised weapons filling the air with screams and blood.

Meanwhile the technicals driving on the terminal building began to open fire. The long line of 10 or 12 vehicles fired away with heavy machine guns their heavy rounds sending chunks of masonry out of the building as they fired non stop at the foreign troops. The infantry coming up behind however got left behind and flanked by the foreigners armoured vehicles. Diving for cover the men and women of the infantry found a ditch on the other side of the runway from the armoured vehicles. Of 40 infantry 15 were dead and 5 were heavily wounded. 5 of the dead had been incinerated when one of the flame thrower carriers had been hit and in his death throes pulled the trigger on his flame thrower burning the 4 militia around him. “Keep pushing! Keep pushing!” Political Officer Gaunt kept shouting as he fired his M4 at the turret of the armoured vehicle nearest him. He was about to shout something, if it would be inspirational or not is unknown as suddenly a .50 cal round hit him in the throat. His head fell from his shoulders and the Black Hand began to withdraw as fast as they could leaving their wounded behind.

New Alexandria Government Quarter Compound

General Vladimir let out a sigh that sounded almost like a growl at the Colonels question. He wondered how much to answer truthfully and how much to deflect. He decided he would give the best assessment he could of the intelligence his men had gathered on the Black Hand. “The Black Hand aren’t just a Militia. The religious unity of our nation leaves something to be desired the Sibi worship a mixture of Ancestor Gods and have some shamanistic practices. However the Sibi also have Beon. He is the Burning God who brings vengeance and death to the people of the world who don’t follow him. The Black Hand is his Temple Leaders, or they were. They weren’t really on our radar till a few weeks ago when a weapons shipment was intercepted crossing the Eastern Border in the Sinai. It’s proving difficult to keep a tab on the number of weapons stolen now but by all estimates of all the weapons and munitions taken. The Black Hand have about 70% of all them. So that’s how they ended up in the SLA by offering to give them weapons. Then they turn on the Sibi rebel government when they decide to be peaceful. So not a sprung up overnight as such, but they armed themselves overnight almost.” Vladimir sat back in his chair and pulled a cigar from his shirt pocket, “Do you mind?” He asked as he pulled his lighter from his other pocket.

New Alexandria Port, Barracks Residence

Konev realized he wasn’t portraying himself very well and sat up in his chair. “My SLA has two companies holding the only two bridges in and out of Porto. The Black Hand uprising there is contained, but with the threat from the Colonials in the Capital I can’t risk pressing the issue in Porto. But this may come in handy for our purposes. The Colonials will begin-“ Konev was cut short as the sound of a huge explosion rocked the air. He blanched and looked out the window. “Car bomb.” He muttered at the wreckage of the car that had run the checkpoint. The leaflets falling from the air around the car indicated something. “Excuse me ambassador I need to call my security advisor.” Konev looked around for a phone.

[Beric]

New Alexandria International Airport, Terminal A 4
Under the rumble of engines and gunfire the Berician counter attack came under heavy fire from the technicals. Captain Schowrn watched as the front line of 6 unibuffels and the dozen technicals charged straight for eachother machine guns firing. The Bericians trusting in their better armor to carry them through though the drivers protective glass cracked and faltered under the heavy 50 Cal machine guns. Two of their unibuffels stalled out under the heavy bombardment either because the driver had been hit or the heavy fire killed the engine.

Schrown could not tell the final result as his own column of six came under heavy fire from the infantry left behind. “All units. Give it to em.”
Most of his platoon had been split up between the armored vehicles leaving three or four per truck raking fire down amongst the soldiers from the machine guns and the side ports. When the militia started fleeing the Bericians followed their training in regards to insurgent militias and continued pouring fire into the backs of the retreating troops while his own truck’s gunner fell in a bloody heap.
“Madison up top now.” Schorwn dragged the body towards the benches as another soldier took his place to maintain fire on the enemy. The pings along the body of the truck were constant and aiming his M4 through the firing port Schrown joined his men in firing at the militia trying to find cover in the ditch.
The trucks continued to press the attack regardless of any wounded left on the field, only turning back towards the terminal when sight of the enemy was lost. Only then did Schrown turn his column back to see the results of the machine charge he had lost sight of. “Sector Orange about turn and head back.” Whatever the fate of the marines at the barracks, Schrown's first duty was the integrity of the Terminal, though the idea of leaving them to their fate turned his stomach green. Sparing a glance the red pool from the dead Private Deacon had reached his boots.
Further up the six unibuffels that had formed the main line had taken heavy fire from the technicals, 2 having stalled while the other 4 turned to offer their metal sides to the on coming barrage as they laid down fire.

The Bericians would take prinenors only if the enemy combatants openly surrendered. Having faced a long insurgent war of its own Beric did not extend the same rights to criminal militias as they did to recognized military combatants..

Medical staff: 8 EMTs and 6 FSOs were hit attempting to aid the civilians in and outside the terminal when the technicals opened fire. How many survive will depend on how long the fight continues.
Platoon 2: 3 wounded, one critically
Platoon 1: Two unibuffels are out of commission after the fight and will need servicing before being operational again. 6 dead, 8 wounded.


New Alexandria Compound
Ducal grimaced at the news regarding the Black Hand while Morstan’s face indicated he had just eaten sand.
“So they have been looking for the matches and now that it has begun are going to cleanse both sides in their fire of religious fundamentalism no matter what agreements are made?”
The Colnerals response earned him a glade from Duval when the Envoy Sabaticus barged in. “The airport and the port residence are under attack.” The two men looked briefly to each other and then the General before standing moving towards the door.
“My apologies General, you are welcome to join us or return but this meeting will have to wait.”



Barracks residence by the Port
Von Toren watched the President catch and try to right himself and began
“A good start but” Von Torens response was cut short by the explosion outside. The lights flickered and the walls shook. Ducking under his desk and standing back up as Konev started talking about his phone Fischer had already slammed the door shut behind him as he headed outside.
The site that greeted him at the exterior of the building was a blackened hulk. The glass in the front of the building was largely shattered while the gate in the distance was in bad shape but not destroyed. One of the two technicals had been flipped over by the blast while the dugout supporting the gate partially collapsed from the blast.
The soldiers had not opened fire until the car gunned it and even so the car made it well past the gate though not close enough to destroy the building.
Casualties
Diplomatic staff: 14 with minor wounds, 3 who were closer to the front seriously so, 2 dead.
Soldiers: 9 dead, 4 seriously wounded, and 8 others with light wounds.