Little Tank on the Prairie

[Thaumantica]

Preria Flatland Range
Captaincy of Komenoge

Flocks of armored tanks and assault vehicles began assuming number coded positions in a series of echelons that were more crooked then straight. Few drivers corrected their alignment with any sense of urgency, as parade maneuvers were not scheduled to begin until deep in to the next evening. Days before brawny armored cavalry, logistics teams comprised of lightly supplied units began the simple task of prospecting southern Preria, in the Captaincy of Komenoge. The land was flat with rare exceptions, ranging exclusively from low grassy hills to easily crossable rivers and petite ponds. And to their flank lurked the slow but well endowed rear logistics attachments, carefully marking routes for future supply lines in an out of Zarvaj to this and many other forward positions that the Union Army might advance to.

Deployment to the far flung rebel infested pit of Abruzicstan was obviously out of the question, men of the 1st Cavalry Division were well aware of this. Doctrinally trained for a central european styled engagement, 1-CD was an unlikely candidate for Southern Abruzzi deployment. But even so, a Brigade of Air Troopers were ordered in to position not 10km southeast of 1-CD. In the skies itself, helicopters and planes of all military makes and models were conducting patrols, supply runs, and even Medevac extractions for non-combat related medical emergencies.

Due east stationed soldiers illustrated a similar situation, instead heartily comprised with standard Infantry and several battalions of Artillery. Their pieces cleaned nearly every hour on the hour, ton after ton of artillery rounds trailed to their respective gun emplacements and ammo sheds, taxied in by yet another trucking convoy of logistics soldiers. A wargame of this magnitude seemed impossible even to the "gun-bunny" artillerymen, who were regularly perhaps only lucky to have fired five-to-ten live fire rounds two times a year. Yet now their impromptu ammunition depots were overflowing with a steady current of focused fire rounds.

Coinciding with their planned movements, a Maresal Order mobilized sixty percent of the Active Duty, Union Army; putting the rest, including the Reservists, in waiting with a standby status advisory. Across the nation Militiamen were gathering in pubs, city halls, and camp grounds to discuss their part in a national mobilization. No Militia Commander had been informed whether the Prerian Operation was a drill, except perhaps for Brigadir Fedzinski and his Third Herd Militiamens Brigade. Even with this display of combined Armor, Cavalry, Artillery, and Infantry bulk, there were several days or even weeks left of preparation before an operation or wargame like the Maresal was planning could begin.

 

[Thaumantica]

S. Preria Air Force Base
Captaincy of Komenoge

Scarcely armed but distinctly elegant bombers preceded several ravenous looking fighter aircraft upon the beehive of what used to be a placid motionless air force base. Životinje's highest rated air traffic controllers from were converging upon SPAF*, SEFA*, and remote air fields in the featureless flatlands of Preria.

Bojnik Mrjani, body lazily thrown in to a black leather chair, flicked his index finger over a receiver connected to intercoms spread throughout the entire Air Force Base "Afternoon Airmen, Commander Brjanik here. Prepare to receive the 2nd Special Service Wing within the hour, and the 2nd Air Group Supply Convoy in two hours. This is a busy day Airmen, the Maresal himself is counting on you . . " Mrjani allowed a short chuckle, perfectly aware that the entire Airbase would pick up on his sarcasm, "In other words, don't fuck up boys".

Preventing the Commander from being a liar, as he had foretold, the 2nd Special Services Wing began its descent with an aircraft thirty minutes later, bearing down on strip three. It was a sight like very few others, that of the K-11 Pujzač. However it was not the sight of the ground assault aircraft, not the teeth painted in beside rotating machine guns and light missiles, it was the deafening roar of the little beast itself. Designed with the exact intent of getting off as many rounds from one area of flight to one target, the Pujzač was not for the pilot with a weak stomach or soft heart. The warplane wanted its victims to know it was coming, so its teeth would be the last thing they would ever see with their own two eyes.

Highway 17, Konstanjika
Captaincy of Divovia

"Get the fuck out of our way!" an Air Trooper roared towards civilian tractor drivers taking up most of the road. An ironically faint horn followed his rude growls, disproportionate from the hum of its over sized engine.

Standing atop the armored hood, the loud troopers truck commander frowned as he caught sight of an an olive green snake reaching back across Highway 17 as far as the eye could see. In moments like these the tireless urge to either laugh or cry strayed his mind away from the ground level logistics of running an eight man fire squad. Somewhere one mile backwards or forwards there was a Non-Commissioned Officer responsible for the well being and discipline of this entire unit, the 1st Mountaineer Division of Task Force Preria.

"SERD" the loud one yelled this time "can I shoot him?", waving his loaded magazine gracefully with his right hand like a conductor commanding his symphony with a black baton.

Serdzhant Delko recovered from his daydream quick enough to catch the bloodthirsty Privates gaze, a scowl firmly forming upon his freshly trimmed face. "Yes the supply trucks are ahead of us for once, but that's no god damned excuse to waste lead on this farmers tractor. But I am glad that you have found something to do with that hand of yours besides jerking off while you think we are sleeping.

The Private blushed, finally ceasing the erratic flicking of his iron baton from conducting any further imaginary tunes as hoots and hollers of laughter emerged from passengers in the back.

 

[Thaumantica]

Operacija: Prvival
0300​

15km Northeast of Pifoli
Preria Province, Captaincy of Komenoge

Respective engines revved in a low passive growl as the 2nd Steer Regiment, 9th Combat Aviation Brigade, 5th Cavalry, 10th Infantry, and 25th Air & Missile Detachment put use to vehicle formations planned several days ago by their commanders in the Union Army. Absolutely alone in the dark, only drivers, gunners, and select truck commanders were issued with night vision goggles. With fewer NVG's, the devices were coveted as dearly as a well maintained rifle -- vision in the battlefields darkest places is after all a deadly weapon itself for the modern warrior.

Their aerial counterparts performed last minute spot-checks on bombing, attack, and support aircraft as the ten thousand mixed specialty ground soldiers rolled out toward their objective in Barazi, a notable city named Guzellik in the northeast quarter of Millyetci's realms. At only a little over ten thousand soldiers, this eastern contingent of Union soldiers was lacking in sheer mass compared to the southwestern front, a numeric disadvantage that was weighing heavily on the minds of several strategists in Sjadnbrdo, the military capitol of Huszar's Administrative Union. Ground personnel would have Medevac capabilities in select landing zones, and support from attack helicopters belonging to the 9th CAB when the outlying supply line or weather would permit.

Boots on the ground was one thing, but in order to truly shock her enemy Životinje would obliterate cities like Guzellik like the war depended on it. Warplanes from the 2nd Air Corps, 'First & Finest' Air Group consisted of two Bomber Wing's, a Ground Assault Wing, and a support and defense Fighter Wing to protect the formers.

At precisely 0300 air and ground elements were participating in their laid out operational protocol, a mad dash to Guzellik. For Air Elements that meant targeting air defense batteries, scuttling aircraft, and by 0400 attempting to lay waste to high-profile targets in the heart of the city. In the chaos of aerial warfare, the Air Corps expected to hit less then thirty percent of marked targets. Discretion was vested with the bomber pilots themselves, they were not to waste time or munitions on impossible targets, if a mass of buildings, militants, or even if civilians were visible they could be targeted and considered fair game for this opening volley.

For Ground Elements of the southeastern invasion party, the mission was to push through kilometers of open country and road until reaching what hopefully was to be the rubble of Guzellik. Protocol dictated that forces on the ground would push through as many battles as possible before laying siege to the city, where their orders were to hunker down to prepare for a counter-attack or at best reinforcements by the end of the week.

Tribrdo, Preria
Captaincy of Komenoge

Frenzy born out of order overtook the Tribrdo Camp billeting rows as the likes of the Union Army 1st Cavalry Division, and the Zaktrupa Task Force Preria vacated the invasion prep footprint. At the airfields, five thousand five hundred Air Troopers shuffled loudly in to their transporters, swearing out jesting insults to an enemy miles away, soon also hundreds of feet below their airborne feet. Their Paratrooper "Blood-Wings" painted on either side of grey kevlar helmets indicated completion of a four month basic training course, the latter half focusing on both airborne and air assault practices. With rambunctious tactics, their drop in to the western city of Sevenmek was the crown jewel of military maneuvers planned for the invasion. Escorting these transports was the 2nd Air Group complimented by two fighter wings, a ground assault wing, and the infamous 1st PsychOps Wing; broadcasting AM, FM, and Television Band propaganda over the region. "Idea-Bombs" like the ones used by 1-POW served as a precursor and later a centerpiece of counter-insurgency warfare in Abruzicstan. Unlike the Southeast Invasion Contingency, the Western battle group intended to meet, engage, and destroy everything in its path. The 1st Cavalry drove a Main Battle Tank inspired by Wieser and Sarmatian designs, their Combat Aviation support flew close and frequently to the core of battles, adding an unprecedented element to the Division's severe output of firepower.

Open Territory
Border of Barazi & Životinje

Directer Gurevich of the Unija Istraživanje Službeni (UIS) wanted his very best in Abruzicstan fighting the insurgency, but Maresal Huszar had other plans altogether with the Intelligence Services' field combative units (FCU), specifically a black ops group nicknamed Task Force Pljačkaš. Recently cycled in from the war in Orion, Abruzicstan only weeks ago, their replaced gear scratched against them with a crisp stitched effect upon the skin.

Nestled between two near clone special forces units, the Pljačkaš rode in open top jeeps. By 0315 most were out of military fatigues, and changed to traditional Khazar garb to blend with the "target" population who they would be fighting beside, and not against, if the Partisans agreed to lend Khazar Militias for the war effort. Concessions were to be promised for service to the Union, perhaps territories in Komeonge for nomadic habitants, or modern rifles to replace their Great War era relics.

With the Khazar Partisans leading the charge, UIS would attempt to rove straight through central Barazi with impunity, clearing the way for the tenderfoot Army Reserve divisions scheduled to follow in weeks to come. Arming and leading the Militias was the primary objective, but Pljačkaš were to place homing beacons for surgical strikes in minor towns they might encounter during the invasion.

 

[Thaumantica]

Open Letter to Akhaltsikhe​

Herald for the Union
Drafted at the Maresal's Desk

Životinje lacks the resources or the motivation to mimic the theatrics of imperialism, any scholar or fourth grade level historian is aware of the historic battles this Union has fought against Imperial legions of Monarchy, Communism, and now Ultra Militant Fascism. So let us be well versed in the staples of honesty, as opposed to committing thousands of young souls to a conflict each of us knows is not for Akhaltsikhe to toil with.

Even if this war were to go the distance, former economic treaties, pacts, and deals would be honored and protected vehemently until native patriots could retake the reigns. Suggesting otherwise to the Acting-Executor was a tug on the string by Barazi puppeteers, as if Akhaltsikhe has something legitimate to lose from the fall of a Millyetci regime.

Committing thirty-thousand young warriors to a conflict begun only yesterday is impractical, especially when there is a clear opportunity for negotiation between our two nations. Creating ripples in this great European pond of ours has great ramifications, one might even say a quarrel between us is an example of such, but it is not too early to prevent fiscal, military, and political waste from both sides.

The honorable Acting-Executor must also recall that the territories of modern Barazi belong not to a few political elites, but to the democracy starved people of Barazi herself. If this were about wealth, Životinje would have bribed or blackmailed the right people to profit from Barazi years ago. However, this is about making a difference, setting a new standard of freedom that any liberty loving people can meet. Any desperate body, a million strong or an army of one, knows how to fight to the death, it is an honest soldier who knows why he risks his soul. You are preparing to make a bet with fate, Mister Acting-Executor, that thirty-thousand men should each understand why he is risking his life and that of his warrior comrades for an ally made weeks ago by a group of politicians.

Our adversary will be back in due time to refute, rather puppeteer, a desperate excuse as to why the Battle for Barazi has anything to do with Akhaltsikhe sovereignty, security, or prosperity. Instead, consult with the ground level soldier who you have committed to this conflict, ask him what stake he has in risking his life to oppress the citizens of Barazi and deny them a chance to pave their own destiny with their first taste of freedom.

For the sake of humanity,
Bojnik Konavle,
Herald for the Union

 

[Clarenthia]

Acting-Executor Abkhaz stood before nearly 10,000 troops. The force that Akhaltsikhe was gathering had not yet been completely assembled. Regardless, Abkhaz was here to make a point. He wanted to further elaborate on Akhaltsikhe’s mission in Barazi, what the nation was determined to accomplish. Another part was to make Životinje feel foolish for their claims.

“Here, I stand before thousands of the heroes of Akhaltsikhe. You always hear the term, ‘hero’ but what is it truly? In my opinion, a hero is someone who is willing to give up anything for the prosperity or lives of another. There is another term, Villain. What is a villain? A villain is evil; evil is deliberately causing great harm, pain, or upset to a people. Why am I telling you this? Because in today’s world, you all are heroes, you all are willing to put everything on the line to defend against evil, in this case, Životinje. A nation that has made an unprovoked attack against another nation and wishes to cause harm to said nation. This is the definition of evil, so in Akhaltsikhe, Životinje should be regarded as a villain, nothing more.

Earlier today, this villain sent a letter to my office. In this letter they talked about not having the resources to commit to imperialism and has been victim of imperialism. Strange how a victim of imperialism is committing imperialism and has gone far enough to claim they are not. It is imperialistic to overthrow a nation to install a government more favorable to their interests. We know imperialism, we know what it looks like, and we know it exists in Životinje.

Životinje then stated that we are wrong in our commitment to supply 30,000 troops to Barazi’s defense and asked us why it concerns us. I decided to answer this question. We are committing 30,000 troops to Barazi because we have been victim to imperialism under the guise of “righteousness” for centuries! I will be damned if I am going to stand idle and watch as an ally falls victim to the same thing we have been victim to. We are committing troops because you all are heroes and heroes will fight oppression abroad!”

Abkhaz stood back as thunderous applause came from the crowd. He had a natural reflex to smile, but he fought it with all his strength, he kept that ominous look that had made him so respected and recognizable in the nation. He waited for the cheers to subside and he continued to speak.

“This conflict concerns us because Barazi is an ally of this nation, we will defend our allies from oppression. If Barazi invaded another nation, we would consider the actions before we acted, but this wasn’t the case, Barazi was invaded, attacked by a villain. We will send our heroes to aid in the defense of Barazi from this villain because that is the moralistic thing to do. Životinje talks about the ability to have negotiations, something though tells me that a nation that has planned out a method of attack and has launched a powerful offense really doesn’t intend to have negotiations, but actually have surrender talks. So, we will stand in defense of Barazi and push back Životinje’s forces. Thank you for your time, heroes.”

Abkhaz took a step back from the podium and waved to the soldiers and let out a small smile and turned and walked into the military complex.

 

[Barazi]

As the armors and troops have already been deployed to the northwest, the Rehber, with a clear angered expression and a ticking vain, had just landed in southern Barazi from Jizhou. The sudden leaving felt embarassing to the Rehber who was merely ytrying to establish diplomatic relations abroad. Never in his military career has a sneek-attack such as this one occured - especially after publically accepting to have peace talks with Životinje only a week ago, with little to no response.

Rows or armed personnel surrounded the undisclosed landing strip. Denkuvvetler Admiral Yuksel Ozdem was the first to greet the Rehber back home even though the circusmstances were quite unfortunate.
"Yilmaz has been informed of your arrival my Rehber."
With a slight coldness about him, the Rehber proceed to seclude himself only to realease a state,ent on the current situations.

"It's quite unfortunate that it had to come to this. After showing interest in intergrating us into eastern soceity, the blue soldiers to the north have done nothing but attempt to belittle us. We've never had a quarrel beforehand and it litterally came as a shock to Barazi. Manifestations of Barazians proudly waving flags have been taking place across the nation which isn't a red zone. They, the people, want the invaders gone. Životinje does not know of our society, Životinje does not know of our culture and Životinje knows squat about what Barazians want. I would like to thank Jizhou for their support as well as Akhaltsikhe for its committment to ward off the Zivs if a compromise of some sort is not met. Until then, our brave men will do their utmost best to defend their fatherland whom they want to remain Barazi under the Milliyetci. We are not monsters, we are not oppressors, we are simply here because we believe that we can do better as nationlists and that's all there is to it. We will defend ourselves - and we can do it. Especially when nobody has any proof of any sort of wrong-doing in Barazi. the only "proof" they have is through word of mouth."

General Ulvi Yilmaz has officially returned the position of commander-in-chief to the Rehber. All airguns have been activated and set to shoot at any enemy activity airborn to the northwest. Still, we remain confident.

 

[Barazi]

Milliyetci Command Base
Location: Undisclosed

Entering the flag-galour hall of the Command Base, General Ulvi Yilmaz had with him a briefcase containing important information regarding the recent attacks on Barazian soil. Yilmaz looked stressed and hid his tiresome look with sun shades.
He was saluted as he entered the base and made his way down the long hall and to the top floor. He entered the Rehber's quarters where he was standing - arms behind his back facing the window. He was observing the scrambling of soliders making their way to the defense of the invaded north. He turned to Yilmaz, "What's the verdict?" He asked.

Top ministers such as Bora Corbaci, Sinasi Denktash and Osman Polati sat comfortably inuniform facing the Rehber. General Yilmaz made his way to the gathering and opened his briefcase and retriving the documents with the damage toll. "There was an airborn assault on Sevinmek and a bombing in Guzellik. We never saw any of it coming my Rehber." Yilmaz explained.
The Rehber pounded his oak desk, "Then maybe next time you'll have a heftier amount of border guards! What do you think this is, some sort of game?" He rubbed his head and sipped a glass of water. "Alright, as I understand it, we have a wave of Barazians taking to the streets in the major citites targeted. Has it gotten violent?"

Yilmaz peered to his papers. "We're getting positive feedback from the people so far, but the Koruma has confirmed that Turkmen and Khazar groups may be conspiring with the invaders to the north."
The Rehber shook his head at this news and chuckled. "That's no surprise."
"As for the loyalists, some are vowing to get violent with the invaders if the invasion iteself progress' any further."

The Rehber nodded, "With my public statement made and the troops on their way to the defense of the victims to the north, I am confident that this may flow in our favour. I hope the world will see who the imperialist invaders really are here."

 

[Clarenthia]

Akhaltsikhi Troops began to land in Barazi at 3:00 AM on May 23, 2010, a day behind schedule. Numerous supply and transport ships accompanied by escort ships were flooding into the harbor. At this time, nearly 3,400 Akhaltsikhi Troops were here, with transport planes coming in by the hour, dropping off troops by the hundreds.

The force sent to Barazi was given some of the best toys in Akhaltsikhe’s arsenal. Abkhaz wanted to take no chances in this war and made sure his men were given the best. Životinje needed to be repelled back across the border. Once that goal was reached, the Acting-Executor wanted massive bombing raids to begin in Životinje, try to lower morale. This war could either bring great honor to Akhaltsikhe or ruin the nation’s ability to defend itself.

None of that was important right now, Barazi needed Akhaltsikhe’s forces to be in position, so the forces immediately dispersed to get to those positions. Oddly, these men from Životinje were determined to get their meaningless, imperialist war going. It wouldn’t be an easy fight, but it was an essential fight.

 

[Barazi]

Milliyetci Base
Guzellik, Yapistirmak district
0300

Commander and Yapistirmak governor Eyup Taskopru recieved the urgent call of a sudden insurgency coming from the northwest. By 0300, it had been confirmed by Koruma officials that Barazi, mainly the city of Guzellik, was under attack by the forces of Životinje. The Minister of Defense Ulvi Yilmaz had ordered the immediate dispersement of Milliyetci ground forces to seek out the appropriate areas to station brigades of ground forces and eventually get some artillery within the city. Of course, as Tasko knew, time may not be on their side. The count of militants from Životinje was still undisclosed, which meant the Milliyetci would prepare themselves and attempt to heavily fortify larger areas of Guzellik.

In the air force, or Denkuvvetler, branch, Yuksel Ozdem had confirmed to launch an air assault from the base in response to airborne attacks from the Zivs. B-129 attack helicopters, F-35 fighter jets and a plan to bomb the border - dispersing three bombers in key areas. Ozdem hoped that this would put a halt to the air assault, or at least repel them.

Milliyetci Base
Sevinmek, Kuzey district
0300

Commander Mirim Tufan of the Kuzey Milliyetci, ordered the movement of ten B-155 self-propeled howitzers with groups of ground forces following behind them in an attempt to take back what was theirs. Sevinmek was important to both sides in this conflict, and Com. Tufan was damned if he let it go down the wrong way. Ozdem and the Denkuvvetler sent out twice the amount of assault jets and helicopters towards the western front, with one bomber fo the three mentioned previously to target insurgency areas. the herat of Sevinmek was the most heavily fortified, with air defense guns and stationed artillery ready for deployment. Milliyetcis were ordered to destroy any enemy at the appropriate and tactical time.

Apart from that, Com. Tufan was expecting to recieve forces from Akhaltsikhe to participate in counter-attacks, but time will only tell when the forces of Akhaltsikhe will arrive near Sevinmek. Caravans, jeeps and even buses were awaiting their arrival to the south of Barazi.

The Birlikmeclisi, Kraliyet

A flood of proud Barazins swarmed the Birlikmeclisi - waving their flags and cheering for the Rehber and the Milliyetci with their fists to their hearts and onward. Serhan Oscelik was expected to rally a group such as this one to make his point of patriotism and nationalist pride which he knew Barazians had. He appeared on the front balcony, decorated with red, white and gold as were the colours of Barazi. The crowd roared as he appeared before them and removed his shades. To his left stood Ulvi Yilmaz and to his right Bora Corbaci. Security was heavy and fully equipped with sniper towers and stations on the Birlikmeclisi. The Gilusapolis provided the ground security.

My friends and countrymen,

It's with a heavy heart for those who may have already been harmed in this tragic mess, but I have the misfortune to announce that Barazi is under attack. Yes, once again the meddling forces of the west as seeping their way eastward. It seems Barazi was the first piece of their imperial puzzle. The forces of Životinje are disturbing the peace that has been long installed here since the Milliyetci saved this nation!

[crowd cheers]

Not only is this invasion unjustified, but it has yet to be discouraged by other outside forces. Two of our patron cities - the cities where history lays deep within the concrete, Guzellik and Sevinmek are in the works of being ripped from our grasp right under our very noses! But they don't know Barazi, they don't know what this land and its people are capable, and willing, to do in the name of freedom and apparently justice!
For how many more years do we have to suffer with meddling forces such as these constantly looking over everyone's shoulder? These people claim that Barazi is dangerous and that we are a menace on a world-scale level. If our enemy truly knew us, or cared, they would see that Barazi under the Milliyetci has a significant role to play in the east as the last remaining independent Turkic state! [crowd cheers] We're imperialists? Ha! [crowd laughs and cheers]

With a vast mass of armed men and equipment ready to defen what is rightfully ours, we will prevail and we will send the Zivs back home - the hard way if they do not wish to cooperate!

[crowd cheers]

Here this my friends, for today you have a new enemy. The enemy is blue!

[crowd roars]

The Rehber waved to the public for a span of five minutes before returning to his chambers in the Birlikmeclisi. Walking in the halls he turned to Yilmaz, "I want your men and all you have in your grasp, Yilmaz, to be fully prepared for a deployment of future invasions. This is not time to screw around with the national preservation of this country." He spoke with an angered tone, one that made Yilmaz understand very thouroughly.
"Yes Rehber." He responded and saluted. The trio stopped in the hall as the Rehber turned to Corbaci.
"And you, I want your men to discreetly infiltrate Turkmen and Orghuz reserves as well as Khazar communities and find out if any cooperation is in motion with the forces of the west. It's not too much of a worry, but it's good to be prepared. You will know when you smell swine."
"Yes Rehber." He responded, "I will use whatever I have in my power to help the cause." He saluted. Both ministers left leaving the Rehber time to think as he walked through the halls alone.

 

[Thaumantica]

Operacija Prvival
0900-2300
​

An Airborne Afternoon

Union steel stood at ease in a disturbing standstill along the Northeastern outskirts of Sevenmek, Barazi. Within the city, Air Troopers had conducted what was estimated to be the largest Airborne Assault since the waning days of Europe's Great War. Nearly five thousand had been scattered across Sevenmek, linking up with each other with mixed success and a committed resistance from adrenaline fueled Barazian scourge.

Their fellow Zaktrupa brethren lurked not so far behind aboard Varvarin rotary wing transports, as there's was a more subtle approach. Roughly half the size of the airborne element, chopper borne Air Assault Troops touched down in landing zones created by Pathfinders embedded amongst the airborne landing party. Well marked LZs can be a crucial piece of the puzzle, causing a few missed links to land in backyards unintentionally.

Completing the Air Corps - Zaktrupa Trifecta were the Mountaineers, spearheading the infantry push through Southwestern Sevenmek a few hours later. There was a basic "plan" to it all, but a simple point A. to point B. would do for the grounded Air Troopers. At first a sporadic frenzy created by the Airborne, followed by a controlled chaos from the Air Assault, complimented by a focused push by the Mountaineers.

Intended glory was supposed to be bestowed upon the Airmen and their derivative shock Troopers on this day. The fighter wings of this Southwestern contingent engaged scuttled defense forces aggressively, superior training and technology was supposed to be on their side today, and they acted as such by chasing their enemy in a situation where they were supposed to be on the defense.

An Army Evening

"The fuck is this shit?" Serdzhant Gurji exclaimed aloud for his entire squad to hear as their vision was grabbed by firework like flashes. Their NVGs had been switched off almost an hour ago from the bright display of explosions rocking Sevenmek. "Trupa is hogging up all the fight" he added, to which a few half awake enlisted men grumbled in agreement.

As they had been in the last two wars, the Union Army was in the rear with the gear, outnumbering the Air Troopers at a ratio of three to one. Though there mission was unique to any other undertaken before as their armored tanks, trucks, and support vehicles aimed at the enemy infantry with full intention of driving through and past them. Several of their truck mounted weapons were of a .50 Caliber variety, never banned by Sarmatian weapons agreements, aimed and firing at enemy soldiers, vehicles, and buildings declared hostile. With this shower of bullets and explosive rounds from Battle Tanks, hearing was near impossible for the few dismounted troops, and before long all were seeking a mounted position with radio headsets keyed in with each other, their Platoon, and their Battalion sized elements as a whole.

Artillery supported the western flank, which for a time included East Sevenmek before the Zaktrupa were within the kill zone. Their shells were of the typical HE, AP, HESH, and Shrapnel Shell rounds, but a disconcerting number of pale orange ringed shells existed near the back of every supply truck, treated with a strange level of care unlike the others.

Cavalry of the Skies, like the CAB, were at first meek about taking to their role as a ground troop support element. Though by coordinating in joint operations with standard fighters and multirole aircraft, the assault choppers were toe in line so to speak with their assigned ground counterparts by the evening, when airborne operations had all but taken over the battle. Minimizing interactions between Union Infantry and Barazi Infantry was key in the minds of Commanders in Sjadnbrdo, the idea was to create a semi-fictional image of the Barazi Soldier as a distant reality, one that you walk over as the line advances, and you see retreating as your Tank, Chopper, and Fighter elements rear their ugly heads. If this war was meant to go the distance, Soldiers were to be eased in to their role as a Warrior, not flung in to the chaos of battle immediately. Running a Soldier in to battle produces only death and risky heroics, neither of which win battles with reliable consistency.

Union Commanders began digging in with Communication Stations in commandeered buildings, immediate checks were made to assure their voices reached rear command. The Union knew that communications plays an intricate role in any military operation, so their Radio Teams were given tight security and ample time to secure safe lines.

 

[Thaumantica]

the Sjadnbrdo Agreement​

Beyond the field of battle, logistic centers, and planning rooms exists another crucial element in the waging of war: politics. Tension in Central Europe is a constant, especially in the post-Great War era where Communism, Roaming Khazars, and Religious disputes are more prevalent then ever. From decade to decade a common vision of security is often imagined, but rarely enforced in the Sarmatian Steppes.

Maresal Huszar began by briefing his Panel of Diplomats, specifically his Spiritual Advisor turned Council of Nations Representative, Mister Ciganek. In preparation for a speech in Augsburg, Ciganek was slated to meet with prestigious officials in Wiese for a rare and fragile summit. Huszar and "Doctor K" from Greater Sarmatia chose to maintain a close relationship after the Prince's death, to the point where murmurs of a Kasjopejan Air presence was close to reality with a comprehensive border blockade.

The Maresal's voice in Oltremare remained quiet, his meeting with the Pope late in the year of 2009 threatened international cohesion. An Oltremaren born representative hosted the religious republic's party in the Union military capitol of Sjadnbrdo to cooperate towards a common air, land, and seaborne blockade. Šidajica's Ambassadors held more in common with Životinje, a friend the Union was relying on to help in negotiations with Oltremare and Wiese as a sort of middle ground.

Unity amongst all Sarmatian nations was in question, after all some considered Barazi to be Sarmatian to a certain extent. Kyiv's Commandry seemed willing to participate in the blockade in an opening discussion, and said relations were to be reinforced by armament purchases of missiles and communications hardware. In a roundabout way, the Commandry was now considered a globally formidable yet independent figure; non-participating in the Council of Nations, independent of AGE, EDF, and the fledgling LFS. In literal terms, a more relevant degree of Životinje's anti-mainstream style.

Maresal Order #10-02, Under Authority of the Administrative Union
Unclassified, Approved for Public Circulation​

Bore from an imperative duty to vanquish the current Order of Barazian maltreatment, and an intent to earnestly defend laws of Central Europe for the collection of revenue cannot be effectively executed therein with supreme excellence without first a national, then bilateral, then multilateral consensus in enforcing an airtight seal around lasting territories of that fledgling regime with safe restrictions encompassing air, land, and sea.

Now, therefore, I, Dionis Huszar, Sindikat Maresal of this Administrative Union, with a view to the same purposes before mentioned, and to the protection of the regions restored peace, and the lives and property of quiet and orderly citizens pursuing their lawful occupations, have further deemed it advisable to set an iron blockade on the points of trade within the repressed Barazian territories aforesaid, in pursuance of the laws of Central Europe, and of the law of free people everywhere.

Tradesmen, and women, shall be temporarily halted by ways of air, land, and sea where the reach of mankind's justice can be extended. An airtight containment of villainy will be the monumental task we set out to emulate through civil an military force. With any semblance of retaliation, by way of piracy, mightily struck down with the same intensity.

With the power vested in me by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who draw authority from the free peoples of our glorious Blue Union, I hereby deposit Maresal Order #10-02, the blockade of Barazi, into the accolades of Životinje's historical legislative documents.

Ordered from the impenetrable fortress City of Sjadnbrdo, this nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand and ten, in the anniversary of Independence the one hundred and ninety second.

-- Signed --
Dionis Huszar
Sindikat Maresal (2009-Present)

 

[Thaumantica]

Sjadnbrdo PsychOps Center,
Whiskey District,
Northeast Sjadnbrdo

Bleach and an overwhelming scents of cleaning products left ones eyes and nostrils stinging. The main floor consisted of a hodgepodge of cubicles and conference tables, each accented by their flashing monitors. "OPERATION BREADWINNER . . . PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS CENTER . . . FREE TO THINK, FREE TO FIGHT . . ." looped round and round the planning room from 0500 to 2100 every day, standard working hours since the invasion of Barazi was first seriously considered.

"For the first time in the last few days we have all of you in one place, so it appears" a well groomed man announced with a honed charming character "Radio, Television, Internet, Paper, Acting, and even the Art & Sculpture crew is in attendance". Each respective team let out a unique team motto as their unit was mentioned, proudly obsessed with their variations of propaganda. A man or woman from every team stood in line to present their first finished "copy", products of ideological warfare that would soon be deployed to Barazi.

- Radio -

"The Abruzzi owned very few radios when we began psychological operations on the countryside, so this is not our first rodeo. There we learned a lot about what does and doesn't work in the 21st Century.

We learned that suggesting 'local' or 'grassroots' leaders are already behind us is quite effective on local national populations that we have yet to even interact with. Our voice acting team will perform scripts under pseudo-characters from Barazi villages and towns, they will suggest that they have been apart of one 'Committee of Liberation' for years now.

Of course, the Committee is fiction, we secured the domain name 'committeeofliberation.bar' only last week. Soon CoL will be a very harsh reality however, our actors will eventually be replaced by 'real' Business, Political, and Religious figures from around their countryside. These characters are not about warm fluffy peace, they are here to present solutions and insight in to what was wrong with the former regime, and how they intend to form the new one.

Additionally we have recycled a few stock scripts from the opening days in Abruzicstan where we introduced the Union Soldier as a 'Lovable Liberator' with a warm, confident, and reassuring voice. He speaks of victory like it happens tomorrow, and the new government like it was founded yesterday. He walks a fine line between coming off as highly motivated and entirely ridiculous. Our copy came off as annoying to many last year, and we are working on making them easier to swallow so to say for normal people."

- Television -

"A large part of our success relies on dismantling, commandeering, and bribing their civilian broadcasters. I stress the latter as our best bet, we want to make allies in their civilian media outlets before enemies.

These folks are not simpletons, per se, meaning they will not tolerate spoon fed bullshit, if you can excuse my Belmontien dialect.

We're not going to write ALL of their news stories, we'll to sort out the ultra-negative and dangerous. In state-run broadcasts we do not want 'Ziv Soldier saves child's dog', we want 'Barazian Liberation Forces feed then clothe refugees' including stock footage of the event to boot. Claims work for shit until you show the people visual proof, seeing is believing . . Sorry Radio Team.

Brand spanking new copy scripts to address the Milliyetci Regime. A method acting impersonator of their Rehber. Old footage of our Troops in universally applicable scenes, with trademark Barazi and Milliyetci symbols edited in. When we have usable clips from the conflicts safe zones, we'll showcase rebuilding efforts and meetings of the new government.

Hunting for one scene in particular, gentlemen. We are willing to pay reporters, civilians, or even our own troops to capture video of Millyetci landmarks, statues, and flags being burned or pulled down. When we tear down one thing, there needs to be a video of us erecting something else in its place, and to that we will rely on Art & Sculpture.

- Art & Sculpture -

"Union Copy 101: Red vs. Blue . . . That art has been recycled over and over again for sixty god damn years. This time - there is only Blue.

Freedom is Blue
Liberty is Blue
Renewal is Blue
Tomorrow is Blue
We are Blue
All are Blue

This is the 21st Century, less is more. The homefront wants images of us tearing heads off and draining blood, but the foreigners want images of hope. They already have fear and despair, we do not need to reinforce that, our mission is to give them something to believe in.

Sculpture will be a little more extravagant, but cleverly simple to export. We have taken casts from several statues of your standard Sjadnbrdo Cavalry, Lone Wolves of Liberty, and Militiamen replaced with native Barazi facial features. Luckily, for now most Barazian's do not know what our sculptures look like.

- Operations -

"We have our work cut out for us in Operations, I am talking the largest sustained Psychological Operation in the last ten years, perhaps in the history of man. Ground Operatives have begun prospecting broadcasters, their equipment, and potential Media defectors within the captured cities, and plan to make contact with news teams in the nations capitol by weeks end.

Consider the Air Corps, who has been kind enough to lend us their fleet of Prjezgl 30 broadcasting planes to assert our AM, FM, TV, and Military broadcasts anywhere in occupied Barazi and potentially beyond after our birds are the only ones in the sky. Combined with ground and air jamming stations, we hope to have our select Radio & Television waves dominating civilian viewers.

Approval for the Firearms for Food program was reached this morning by order of the Union Armies Chief Supply Clerk, who has promised defecting or surrendering soldiers a hot meal and three months Union Soldier pay for their weapon and surrender. This might not mean a lot now, but when effects of the blockade ripple through the cities - we will be practically breaking the bank to keep this promise if we choose to. Finance strategies are not our game, to be honest, so we'll leave those decisions to the Union Army. "

 

[Barazi]

Sevinmek, Kuzey district

0900-2300

The Milliyetci had issued an evacuation plan for Barazians in the "red zone" of Sevinmek as well as other areas that are expected to soon be struck. The evacuation moved along nicely as the people made their way to lower-key communities on the outskirts of Sevinmek with military escort fully equiped with heavy machinery to ensure the easy slip. But Commander Tufan had gotten orders from the Defense Minister Ulvi Yilmaz to heavily fortifiy what we still have in our posession and go on the offensive in the targeted areas.

Ground forces had set up communication lines with the help of the Koruma Ajansi to keep tabs on their surroundings. Central Sevinmek as well as the northwest and northeast had become in tact due to these lines in order to plan the offensives that would immediatly be put in effect. Battle tanks and artillery units were necessary to plow through the defense lines which the Zivs may have already established. This would prove to be quite difficult, but the main objective was to liberate the city by pushing threw and chasing their enemy. The units were ordered to fire at any oncoming enemy as well as dismantling their machinery. the next step was to infiltrate the buildings taken by the Zivs in order to destroy their communication lines.

The air force continued their purge of the skies and had recieved new orders to patrol the border lines of the red zones to seek and possible infiltrate enemy Batallions heading into Barazi. This would be a cooperative task between the airforce and the Koruma. It was plan devise by the Defense Minister called Projesızmak which would hopefully stop enemy insurgents in their tracks.

Almak
Uyutmak district
southern Barazi

The naval forces led by Sinasi Denktash had gotten order from the Rehber in Kraliyet to deploy more border patrol ships in Barazi waters to watch for a possible invasion coming from the south. The Rehber began taking procautions and carefully planning out what areas of Barazi should be heavily gaurded.
Almak was the navy capital of Barazi and they took pride in it. Denktash made sure to send in the most dedicated of naval officers who have served the Rehber well in the past. Almak, as well as other coastal citites, were considered to be protected.

 

[Tyvia]

Sikorski Airfield, Šidajica

A distinct crackling of static rasped out through each of the dozen or so loudspeakers arrayed seemingly at random throughout the breadth of the complex. The blaring of klaxons resonated loudly from some distance away, the sheer bustle of movement and activity lowering their intensity. The tar lined runway was humming with motion, men moving equipment and ordnance from one designated location to another, powerful jet engines roaring their protest at the unexpected commotion. Pulsating with malign energy, the loudspeakers gave off another cacophonous belch of vexing sound. With a veneer of intransigent glee in his tone, a voice finally replaced the white noise - various patriotic mottoes and songs chanted out with absolutely no regard paid to context or melody.

Grey uniformed men with the State Eagle fastened to the lapels of their flight-suits stood at attention in the center of it all, their solemnity out of place amidst the pandemonium of the airfield. Under their left arm and touching against their breast was the helmet and visor, each bearing individually unique emblems, the same that would be painted on the wings of their birds.

Colonel Eugeniusz was something of an enigma in the squadron. His grey eyed stare moved over each of the men in turn with a vibrant energy, only his gaunt features and greying black hair betraying his age. Adorned in a woodlands khaki jacket and trousers, a peaked cap with the same State Eagle was worn over the same tousled hair. A wry hint of a smile played upon his wrinkled lips, urging with a bark all the men to stand at ease. Thrusting a shot glass into the hands of the first man in line, he poured for the young Lieutenant and ordered him to swallow the whole of the glass' contents. Such the procession went, until each pilot had swallowed a shot of the locally produced alcohol.

A pace was taken backwards, the slate colored eyes once more regarding his pilots.

His lips slowly parted, a coy shuffle of his feet together, hands clasping behind his back to assume a position of attention as well. "Today you all embark upon a great adventure," His voice said nothing of his age, the same booming boisterous voice of his youth proudly displayed whenever he spoke, "You'll fly over fields of resplendent gold. All ye' will see gently rolling hills and beautiful countryside with hamlets and towns set amongst it all with a delicate grace." Dipping his head slowly a few times, as if in agreement with his own words, his eyes trailed away from them with an arm held out to gesture at their planes. "And then you'll drop as many missiles, bombs and explosive pieces of ordnance on this tranquil land as you can!" He shouted out, his almost amused glance turning into a fierce scowl within but a blink of an eye.

An entire squadron was speedily dispatched to the Union, more on the way. Another full Air Regiment was being mustered up and mobilized to be deployed through Oltremare and into the appropriate facilities in Šidajica's sister country. A whole brigade was equally slowly being deployed to their allies, though all preparations would even so take a week to complete- the unexpected nature of the war causing some problems.

 

[Clarenthia]

Cameras descended on Abkhaz as he made his address to the people on the situation in Barazi.

“Hello, tonight I’d like to address you on a matter of the utmost importance to this nation. When I was sworn into office, I promised that there would be significant change in this nation and people would live better lives. Unfortunately, the nation of Životinje will put those plans on hold for an unknown amount of time. I fear the war in Barazi will not be quick, or bloodless. I imagine that Životinje believes they are truly doing what they believe is right, regardless of how unjust their actions are.

I will not abandon Barazi. My commitment to that nation is all eternal and I will not let it fall to the same Imperialism we were victim to. But everyone in this nation must know, it will not be easy. The world ignores the horrors in Barazi, for what reason, I cannot say. The Council of Nations, an organization of supposed world peace stands idol. This is why I am glad this nation hasn’t join that organization. Regardless of that, Akhaltsikhe has made the choice to defend Barazi with everything we have and I am announcing a new policy tonight. We will do what is necessary, we will do what we must, and we will declare total war to achieve this.

We are requesting that a foreign nation, neutral to this war, mediate this situation before it becomes much worse than it has to be. I am asking that Životinje stop with their blockade and stop the war all together and sit down with the other involved parties to negotiate a peace. If they do not, then they must be ready for what will happen.

As a result of the blockade of Barazi, imposed by Životinje, I am requesting that the Council approve an aid package to Barazi that includes weapons, funds, and medical material. Also, I will be increasing the naval presence in Barazi, going as far as to deploy the nation’s aircraft carrier. Our mission will be to break the blockade and allow for trade to commence in Barazi. Additionally, I will consult with the Ministry of Defense and Council about the possibility of increasing our troop levels in Barazi.

Again, none of this needs to happen. The money spent on this war can be spent on so many other things, but we simply cannot allow Životinje to bully around Barazi claiming that they are just in their actions. We will not back down, but we are more than willing to negotiate.

We will give 24 hours (OOC: RP hours) to Životinje to reply to our request for negotiations. Should they not reply, or say that negotiations are impossible, and then we will deploy the convoys to Barazi immediately. Thank you, and good night.”

 

[Thaumantica]

Open Letter to Akhaltsikhe
Herald for the Union
Drafted at the Maresal's Desk​

With a sense of critical urgency, a secure and reliable channel of communication has been reinforced between our nations. Negotiation with Akhaltsikhe has always been a sincerely sought out mission for this Office, from day one of this conflict.

As Previously Stated:
Committing thirty-thousand young warriors to a conflict begun only yesterday is impractical, especially when there is a clear opportunity for negotiation between our two nations. Creating ripples in this great European pond of ours has great ramifications, one might even say a quarrel between us is an example of such, but it is not too early to prevent fiscal, military, and political waste from both sides.

Granted, there has already been gross waste thrown away by deploying troops to Barazi, a lost cause, and verbally committing ones self to the defense of a egotistical regime bent on destabilizing the firm order of peace that Sarmatians have maintained since the Great War. Though continued misuse of Akhaltsikhe honor, currency, and human life can only be warranted by any semblance of physical aggression between our forces, a tragedy which has yet to occur. While your Barazian Puppeteers would have you believe there is a legitimate loss for Akhaltsikhe with the removal of this Milliyetci regime, not even an obtuse adolescent would commit his nation to such a thriftless cause.

Akhaltsikhe may be new to the world of charity through aid packages, but what true humanitarian seeks to donate armaments and a blank check in wartime. If your misguided consciouses force you to see through with the shipment of weapons to the former Barazian State of Oppression, using an armed guard of naval impotency, we will be forced to undermine our own mission of peaceful negotiation with Akhaltsikhe.

Medical & Foodstuff would be a fair and reasonable request, if not necessary to see out the well being of civilians not yet liberated by Union Forces. However, our worldly understanding of European subterfuge greatly outweighs the humanitarian necessity of permitting this package to be received in the former State of Barazian Oppression. There is a clear intention from this package of feeding the BSO War Machine, undeniable mind you, where supplies meant for the Oppressed Peoples of Barazi would only reach the lashing whipped soldiers of the Rehbers last hope for survival.

For perhaps the sake of rhetorical continuity, this Office would like to reiterate its query as to what it is Akhaltsikhe feels is so crucial to their sovereignty by defending the Barazian State of Oppression? If this is truly a "stand" against Imperialism, then where may we ask was Akhaltsikhe when the free world was threatened in the Great War? Conceivably all prior explanations are erroneous, is it that your reasonable country has been ignored, passed over, and disenfranchised by the powers of this twenty-first century? In screaming at the top of his lungs, Abkhaz might usher in attention or legitimacy to his oft slighted countrymen.

This is not the way to prove yourselves as the tenacious free peoples we know you can be.

Always Free,
Bojnik Konavle,
Herald for the Union

 

[Clarenthia]

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A communiqué to Živtonje
Drafted by Executor Kostantine Abkhaz
Status: Civilian Accessible

I am very pleased to hear that Životinje is willing to negotiate a peace. We hate the very word that is war and we wish to see it purged from this land but it cannot be done unless nations of all ideologies agree on a way to do things. For these negotiations, I will attend them personally so that all delegates who attend know full well of Akhaltsikhe’s wish to come out of these negotiations on a compromise that satisfies all parties.

Let it be known that Akhaltsikhe does not only wish to see peace between Životinje and Akhaltsikhe, but we wish to see peace between Životinje and Barazi. We understand fully that your nation sees the ways of Barazi as inhumane and oppressive, again which is what compromise is for and at these negotiations we request that a Barazian Delegate be present so we can end the war in its entirety. Further discussions on that will be done at these negotiations.

The location of said negotiations is of little importance to us. Any location that is chosen will be acceptable to us so long as the nation is not a long time enemy or bias towards Akhaltsikhe. Few nations hold such a bias, so we aren’t entirely worried about that.

To end this letter, I wish to answer Životinje’s request for the reason we are fighting this conflict. We entered this conflict because we personally believe that the invasion was unprovoked, yes the Rebher can be harsh at times, but the people of Akhaltsikhe understand why a leader needs to be this way when the need arises. Barazi is an economic partner of Akhaltsikhe and it isn’t our so independence we fear is at stake, it is the well being of Akhaltsikhi Citizens and Barazi Citizens as well as the citizens of Životinje. I will continue to state that Akhaltsikhe’s mission is to repel all enemy forces from Barazi, once that is done, our mission is complete. If Barazi feels the need to push into your nation, we will have none of it.

We believe in peace, and you do as well. That is why these negotiations are imperative. They will not just settle peace for Akhaltsikhe, but peace all around. Peace is my wish, nothing more.​

​

 

[Thaumantica]

Between a Rock and a Hard Place,
Central Barazi,
Missile Artillery Detachments

A scarce few fantasize as small children of growing, training, and performing to become an operator of Missile Artillery. Their cognitive test results so high, few options truly available, the Union Army was not in any way afraid of crushing a young mans hopes and dreams of becoming a Pilot by informing them, with fabricated evidence often, that a physical or vision disposition prevented an individual from piloting aircraft of the Armies Combat Aviation elements. And without seeking a civilians second consultation, most were none the wiser to their true dispositions.

Half-blind without his bifocals Vero Galzinbor fit the bill, a stereotype, of such a bitter misplaced soul. While a legitimate prodigy in his military occupation speciality, outbursts of vexation sullied a first wife in to leaving him two years ago. Within his contract an alteration was made, if he could "accomplish prescribed MOS tasks and drills for the duration of hostile deployment", the Union Army would pay for vision correcting surgery at the point of his return.

Left within was only that eternal dream of flight, so deeply vested that subconsciously he was not even sure if this was what he still wanted. Over five years of service to the focused fire missile artillery occupation, he had lost track of what precisely drew him to flight, but the elementary concept of fulfillment still festered like a long ignored wound. This journey had lost him his youth, the love of his life, and that irreplaceable spark.

Vero keyed his headset to broadcast, "Feed coordinates to Satchel-4 Actual, break." the target was a Barazian Airbase, said to be their largest, "Additionally, report from Radar requested, how copy over?" he asked with a remote but well received tone of determination. The skies were far from clear, of course, with the air assault of the century taking place above with a surprisingly consistency. Firstfighter-3, a solid fuel propelled two-stage surface-to-air missile, wrote a signature of destruction in Central Barazi where the great air and missile campaign had been focused. While Galzinbor was well versed in Air Defense, his current mission was to barrage ground targets with focused fire at his far removed range.

Fumbling for a picture of his ex-wife, he spent the lull time between ordering the fire procedure by lamenting what he had lost. The premise of causing severe and deadly loss to his enemy seemed distant, farther in a dimension past human concepts of measurement, in this moment there were only his personal problems and his well rehearsed and practiced mission. "Air Traffic, Radar, Coordinates, Mechanics, Personnel, and Command are a go, over". Subordinate young men of similar disposition began casting pale hands in to a broad control panel, as several others were in separate missile launching sites along the line, "Prepare to launch, prepare to launch, prepare to launch, break." Vero sighed discontentedly, he didn't even get to push the button "Blast off on 5..4..3..2..1..1..All weapons hot, over and out". Writing their own perspective of modern warfare, the R-21 Scud Missiles ascended up and towards their target many kilometers away.

In the opening hours of air to air combat, senseless dog fights really, the Air Corps were in several instances humbled by the Barazian ability to trade licks with them in aircraft almost one generation behind technologically. Command had theorized that the Air Corps could literally pick off the enemy one by engaging targets on a 1 to 1 fighter basis, a notion that had not completely failed, but was less then worth the potential of continued loss of any facet. Kapetan Ljadlor of the 141st Fighter Wing was tasked out, like many others, to remedy this situation of mediocrity and an improbable even match. Air Superiority was not just within reach, it was imperative to the war effort from every standpoint, to include foreign elements now assisting from the Western Front.

Ljadlor began ordering over his pay grade far before he reached the airbase, and coordination with the Union Army had dawned a simple yet perfect strategy. Utilizing their superior speed and distance capabilities, Ljadlor's Fighter Wing would fly deep in to enemy territory until enemy Fighter or Interceptor Aircraft were scuttled in retaliation, at which point they would draw back to pre-planned 'killzones', where Firstfighter-3 surface-to-air missiles were being prepped to punch enemy aircraft out of the sky. With skies potentially clear, Ljadlor's Wing could trace where the interceptor or fighter had taken off from, where they would eliminate the airfield by way of indiscriminate bombing.

 

[Barazi]

The Western Front, Barazi

Given the times that have swiftly changed Barazi, the Rehber implemented the Örtmek Planı which was basically drafted to incase the nation in the names of national security. And with word coming from the Koruma of insurgents from Šidajica, border security had been boosted. The airforce had prepared a counter strike using bombers and fighter jets to really send a message to troops from Šidajica.
The western front bordering Oltremare was the main concern for western Barazi. They would make sure that a clear path to Kraliyet would be next to impossible. The defense minister Ulvi Yilmaz commented on the defense of the west by saying, "We will raise hell from under their feet." Expecting troops from Akhaltsikhe, they would have a new mission to help push back the insurgents to the west and would not see battle in central Barazi and onward. With the Savaşamanı Act in place and now the wartime Örtmek Planı, the Milliyetci would make sure to make it very difficult for anyone else to enter Barazi.


Barazian Airbase

The war in the skies seemed to be defining the invasion at this point. Aviation Com. Sinasi Denktash began deploying an additional 100 fighter jets to fend off the attack on the base. But with news of a possible bombing, it was crucial that any jet with a pilot should evacuate immediatly and retaliate in the event of coming across Ziv aor forces during this bombing.
Once more, air defense guns had been activated around the base which was hoped to kake some significant damage. But Denktashs' hopes right now relied on missile artillery units from Jizhou. This squadron of artillery units were sent to seek out any threatning activity in the skies and shoot them down.

In Response to a Peace Summit
Drafted by the Rehber, Serhan Oscelik​

This is to be adressed to my counterparts,

Recently, it has come to our attention that there have been talks of organizing a peace summit of some sort in a descreet location with delegates coming from each party involved. Throwing young men and women into harm's way to defend their homeland for an unjust cause seems dispicable, and it pains me to my core to have to do something like the offensive and defensive tactics such as those which have taken place in Barazi in the last few days.

We are in favor of participating in such talks. We will send a delegate to this undisclosed location if that's what all parties feel is the appropriate move. Though our offense will continue unless there is a cease fire, we are capable of resolving this face-to-face if need be. We will still not tolerate new insurgents as the Barazian people ahve shown some significant distaste for.

I hope something may come out of this.

Good Wishes
The Rehber
Serhan Oscelik

 

[Thaumantica]

Friends of the Zivolution; or lack thereof
Occupied Sevinmek

Watching his despicable, unsavory, and overall undrinkable pot of Standard Grounds, Union Army Coffee brew in a poorly lit corner of some missing politicians office, Hunor Demeter rifled through phone numbers and notes left in the vacant office. Intelligence collection and utilization, salvaging missions really, occupied his exhaustive work hours now. A bum knee kept him from participating in the fight, now his war consisted of setting up phone calls and making false promises to men he would never meet. Odd circumstances brought him here to this point in his career, but to this point in the Union War effort - no mistake could be made as to how purposeful his mission was: raise the weak, lower the strong.

Ruslan Shanazar, said to be one the last influential devout Muslims in Barazi was scheduled to meet another agent in rural Barazi, the so called "bread-basket" Životinje was timid to meander in to. It was, after all, the farmer turned militiamen who ultimately won the Wars of Assertion against Miedzymorze in 1818, and the proverbial oomph of all-volunteer Infantrymen who manned the front along the Eastern Front in the deciding days of Europe's Great War. Islam was another riddle altogether, one even Demeter was timid about, he knew in the back of his mind that the typical peace loving Muslim had long been peacefully converted or snuffed out by the Milliyetci Regime in Barazi, now perhaps only radical fundamentalists could remain. Muslim kind were permitted to practice their religion as they saw fit in Životinje, but their insignificance in the face of Catholicism and Oltremaren ideologies had overpowered the crescent for decades. The promise as it were, was to guarantee the Muslim Imam a party in the new Liberated Republic, and a promise not to tamper with its agents of insurgency even if it meant relinquishing control.

Where he felt most at home was with the, often young, Libertarians and Blue Ideologues who had taken democracy to heart. For greed or legitimate want for fairness in Barazi, Hunor Demeter cared not in the slightest, his objective was to stir the pot. An aggressive war was making the pot boil, endless television, radio, sculptural, and leaflet form propaganda were the ingredients. Barazians were already disenfranchised. These Junior Libertarians were to spread the new gospel, websites like "livefree.brz", the resources to collect Milliyetci paraphernalia and replace it with Union literature, effigies, and flags.

Behind the Union Line

Walking to the cadences of their own battle songs, and carrying weapons purchased with their own hard earned money. The Combined Militia of the Eastern Captaincy, with a representation from the Konstanjika Captaincy Militia, staged their routine checks and patrols of the border separating the Captaincy of Preria, and the occupied lands of Barazi to the south. Their Reserve and Guard superiors were to engage the larger contingents, but like the antsy weekend warriors that they were - like a pack of dogs they picked off stragglers from the fleeing refugee and misplaced soldiers ranks.

A boy no older then the age of eighteen, soldier of the Union Army, chose desertion as a way out of fighting in the realms of his southern neighbor, Barazi. Grizzled old men, each respectively over the age of thirty removed the boy from existence with a few squeezes of their trigger happy fingers. "Target Practice" for the Militia, but a "Work Related Incident" for his equally aged wife, and senior parents at home.

This after all was the rear, and so flowed the gear. Armament lines focused on resupplying the Armies Artillery Battalions firing in the lull zone between Sevinmek and Kraliyet. Quite extravagantly, the 1st Infantry Division had finally arrived to their comrades flank, baring well rested veterans of the Abruzzi War of Counter-Insurgency. They being amongst the only war seasoned members of the Union Army, their talk was big, and a walk was expected to be bigger. Though to their vocal dismay, the Maresals current strategy placed the Fighting First in a occupation role, filling voids left by the advancing Zaktrupa and 1st Cavalry Division, only the vets would advance farther then this to support the far western flank.

"The Last Dinner" consisted of steak, potatoes, and enough whiskey to go around for a division sized element of Reservists. Reserve Task Force Alacer and Bōs mobilized for war-games before the outbreak of war, began their three day trip to Pifoli, in the Captaincy of Preria. Their objective in the war-games had literally been to square off in a battle of Ground, Air, and Logistics maneuvers while protecting their Command Element of "ranking officers" of the Union High Command. No lessons were learned, as the war-game never had a chance to transpire.