Wood & Lead: the Angliarique Gambit

[The Federation]

Charleroi

The hotline between Charleroi and Kremlyov was answered and the requested company from the Marine Assault Corps was lifted off the Federation carrier group that had been monitoring and assisting the situation and arrived in Frescania. Tarusa was also informed of the raised alert level of the Federation military. All of these movements were also relayed through the hotline to their allies in the @Thaumantica

Frescania

Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st MACo Division was brought in by Helicopter and began setting up it's headquarters nearby where the Federation navy engineers and civilian peace Corps ecologists had been working. Bravo was under the command of Captain Lance Hale who answered to a higher up still on the carrier with the rest of the Regiment. He hoped that the Tianese would stay out of Frescania instead of launching another mission to remove the Angliarisians and perhaps even the Tarusans. He knew that the Federation was taking a huge risk by bringing the MACo's here and by continuing this cleanup mission, but he had his orders and there wasn't time to question them.

@Tarusa

 

[Thaumantica]

Skies over the Islands of Angliarique

Patrols over the southern neighbor of the Communal Order had not yet yielded any incursion from Tianlong or its allies, most of which were former as the days drew on, but now an investiture from abroad was clear and interpretations from intelligence indicated a Tarusan touch.

Publicly Angliarissians had joined the Pressburg Pact and now images from unabated surveillance evidenced that. Where pitch and ground, nothing before existed, suddenly green men walked and were establishing grounds for war and defense.

"Another cloudy morning up above our dear neighbors," a message sent to Angliarique and Tarusa read, "together we will make these islands a fortress, and pray well our collective resolve resides."

Photographs and videos of anti air sites were then sent over, intermittently throughout the day, alongside residences of the power structure of Angliarique with a final message that "God has assured a total defense of the Angliarique."

 

[Angliarique]

Nightclub somewhere near Arcane Cove

A voice message was sent to reply the Thaumantican. The insufferable noises which emanated from glasses clinking, noisy pointless chatter, and excruciatingly decadent music, could be heard in the recording.

"Heloooo... ! This is the queen speaking. What can i do for you? Yes, youve heard that right. Haglia does have a mother. But he's not available at the moment, his busyy you know.. like all brats are!! But anyways why dont you tell us what youre doing perving around our skies? I'll have you know my husband is an emperor! Royalty! Have some respect... Aeronautic perverts and aviation voyeurs like you belong at the airport! You wi-" The voice cutoff, as in the background another voice entered. "Don't touch my phone! Get your own!"
@Thaumantica

 

[Angliarique]

Port Lionheart Secondary Command Hub

A brief meeting was held between several military officials in Port Lionheart. The revelation that Thaumantican naval and air power performing patrols in, out, and about Angliarique, was the primary subject of the meeting.

"Gentlemen! We're here to discuss possible incursions by military assets originating from the Communal Order. At this time, we of course know that these photographs are true! There is no denying that. Though these should raise concerns and questions about the competency of ourselves and our allies, it cannot be helped. These developments were an inevitable consequence of being associated with the greatest military power Europe has ever seen. So, let's not get bothered with that! We should instead be thinking about how on earth, that we are to maintain some semblance of peace between the Communal Order and Angliarique, when such occasion has occurred. I open the floor to suggestions." An Admiral of the Rear Armada began in a resounding voice.

"I propose we dont give them any answer. Just let it be. What good has ever come from reacting to an armed incursion? History will repeat itself! And all will be lost. I'm certain that all of us are horrified that such a thing could ever take place, but so what? They haven't attacked. And would they? With the shadow of Konstantin over them, I should think not. So, in summary, I think ignoring is the best course of action or rather inaction we should take." A rather overconfident general opined.

"No! No! You've got it all wrong. Not giving them an answer would make us look foolish, then they’ll just continue what they’ve done, over and over. We’d be compromised! I propose that we adopt a careful method. Let’s just avoid this issue at all costs, we don’t raise it with them, we don’t question them, we just avoid it. Of course, this might create a sense of secrecy that we’re hiding something from them. But, how can we? When they’ve got everything on film. The Thaums are quite a difficult people, but I’m certain they wouldn’t act rashly? Afterall, what have we ever done to them? So, as I’ve said let’s just avoid this, and go home for some rest. A great idea isn’t it? Admiral?” A newly promoted colonel rebutted, as he tried without success to change the minds of those thirty years older than him.

“I have a better idea, if you’ll allow me to speak, Admiral. The fundamental issue is the revelation that the Thaums now know our every move. Perhaps, if we just ignored them. Flat out ignored them. On every provocation such as this, we ignore them. I don’t know how to put it but just ignorance. A wise man once told me that ignorance is bliss! Well, I think his advice comes in… just handy right about now. Don’t you think? Not to mention, that through this they’ll fooled into thinking they’ve got the wrong pictures, photographed the wrong sites… you see… They’ll be confused about why we remain unbothered. And in the midst of their confusion, they won’t ever dare lay their hands on our women! Because that is what we’re fighting for!” A cheery general spoke as he thought.

“Don’t you mean our men?” The Admiral quipped. “I’m quite clear about my preferences Admiral. Unlike you.” The cheery general insinuated.

“Alright… Well, I do like the idea that our en- foe? Difficult neighbour… has a spell of confusion cast upon them. It’s quite amusing actually. But, in all seriousness, shouldn’t we just claim that we weren’t aware? Well, I mean that would absolve ourselves of all the guilt in this affair. The blame and fault would be not ours to bear. The speculation would move from the militarisation of a neighbour to the militarisation of a neighbour by a foreign power, the most notable one too at that. However, I do see, and I really see some drawbacks… in fact these are quite significant. Claiming that we’re unaware might give motive to the Thaums to invade us under the pretext of protecting us from Tarusan imperialism. So, I wouldn’t bet on my plan myself, but I just wanted to share thought I had.” A self-doubting and low-esteemed naval captain suggested.

“Well, actually I do see some logic in your idea captain. The idea that we could somehow claim negligence over this issue, we could say we don’t know and we never knew that this would happen. And all will be well, but yes, these drawbacks are detrimental to your suggestion. I guess that leaves us with the final alternative, to contact and rely on the wisdom of Tarusans. I will discuss this issue further and more extensively with the Tarusans. Thank you for your time gentlemen! You are all excused.” The Admiral concluded.​

 

[Thaumantica]

In Lexkirk (Phone Call w/Haglia)

"So pleased to meet your mother, Prince!" Yeovil beamed, "I know now why you're such a romper stomper and wise soul, my dear Haglia!"

"Listen, take the night and have ball. But we need you up here tomorrow for a talk, can you do that for us?" the Commissar of the Communal inquired. "Bring someone with brass, won't you? Love you buddy!"

 

[Angliarique]

In Lexkirk (Phone Call w/Haglia)

"So pleased to meet your mother, Prince!" Yeovil beamed, "I know now why you're such a romper stomper and wise soul, my dear Haglia!"

"Listen, take the night and have ball. But we need you up here tomorrow for a talk, can you do that for us?" the Commissar of the Communal inquired. "Bring someone with brass, won't you? Love you buddy!"

Valeria
Days later,

It has been a few days, since the call between Haglia and Yeovil.
The request by the Commissar for Haglia to make his way to the Communal Order, was never answered, due to the prince being in a drunken stupor.
By his bedside, was his anxious mother (the queen), whom upon him awaking from his slumber, said, "Dear son, you have been asleep for days now, please tell me you are fine!"

"I am well mother. Where are we anyways?" Asked the Prince.
"We are at home, the manor. Can't you see? Shall I send for the physician?" The queen answered with great worry.

"No, I'm alright. But, why here? And how did we get here? We must return to bunker. This place is not safe."
I was told by the guards, that here would be safe."
"The guards are here to instill in the people, that father is still in residence. Not hiding in the bunker, which we should be doing! They are cannon fodder, mother."
"I was never told of this."
"Well, now that you know. Keep it to yourself. Our lives depend on it, probably."
"Yes. Anyways, while you were drinking your way to hell, the man on the phone told me that you should head to up there. I don't know what he meant by that."
"What man?"
"The man labelled 'To bone' on your contacts."
"That is none of your business, mother! Get out!"
"Very well, do take your medicaments. You've been rolling about the bed with head pain for some time now."
The queen proceeded to leave Prince Haglia's bedchamber.

The Prince was embarrassed that his mother had discovered his secret admiration for the Commissar.
Reaching for his phone, he was about to send a voice message informing the Commissar that he would head for the Communal Order soon.
But, all that changed when a man dressed in military uniform, who appeared highly-decorated entered the room. The man said, "Your grace."
To which Haglia replied, "Admiral Ruinov, of the Rear Armada. Yes? What brings you here?"

"My men have reported to me from Port Lionheart and from the bunker, the Communal Order days ago, knowingly and wilfully trespassed our airspace, to spy on us. They have provided some photographs, which I can only say, compromise our security. They can no longer be trusted." The admiral revealed.

"This is terrible news. What are our options? This is obviously an aggressive manoeuvre by the Thaums. So, how do we respond?" The Prince asked, knowing very well himself, that no harm would be perpetrated against the Commissar.

"I have thought of that. Our first option, is to conduct a pre-emptive strike, against all industrial areas in the Communal Order. Disabling their means of production, would paralyse their means to exact a war against us. However, this is highly unadvisable due to the implication that it may very well cause a global war, where we may not survive. Our second option, takes the more diplomatic route. We could lodge a protest against them through the diplomatic channels that we still have. Or alternatively, break the news of their incursion on social platforms, Twatter for example. Which could enhance our public relations. These options I have listed were recommendations from my colleagues. However, a meeting was convened in your absence that ultimately decided to ignore the threat. It has thus been requested, that I seek your grace's opinion on the matter at hand."

"You are excused admiral; I will decide this." The Prince uttered solemnly. Ultimately, the Prince chose not to contact the Commissar, neither did he choose to wage war against him. Haglia's admiration was still strong. ​

 

[Thaumantica]

Thaumantica,
That Day Same

Cantignian troops could soon land in Angliarique declaring their loyalty the Bonny Boy Prince. Yeovil of Thaumantica texted and called then: "You need a win dear Haglia. Tell the world, and reich your mum isn't the heir, that you are. Pick up that crown and run!"

None of that fantasy would be filled and instead the air surveillance of Angliarique continued and a directed strike, much to the chagrin of Federal and Hanseatic partners, was drafted to hit a series of Tarusan guarded containers and spaces along the coast.

The Fed, the Hansa, Haglia, and any privy to this impending strike had an opportunity to draw them back but tens of thousands of troops were still in tow, a new navy and air force, putting into the region a willful energy decided on ending this with the wanting antagonizers.

 

[Angliarique]

Port Lionheart

Through highly secure lines from Darkford Security Bureau (DSB) to Okhrana, a message was sent reading:​

Most Urgent:

The Darkford Security Bureau (DSB) together with the Angliarique Interior Army, issues a joint statement of alert for Tarusan military personnel operating in Angliarique. And with extended communication to His Majesty Emperor Konstantin, and his majesty's government, out of our concern that this event is speculated to pose further and extended risks to their safety.
The airspace of the Angliarique Empire has been violated by military assets with origins from the Communal Order. The intensity and seriousness of the incursion by intelligence gathering surveillance aircraft from the Communal Order, without doubt indicates that Tarusan movements in Angliarique are under real threat. So far, the incursion has not resulted in armed strife.

A military council formed by Port Lionheart, established to address this threat, has recommended that diplomatic remedy continues to be pursued for this situation. However, most officers within the council have insisted to recommend alongside, that consultation with our Tarusan counterparts be scheduled and undertaken, in order to facilitate a cohesive and coordinated stance against the incursion. Therefore, the DSB invites the relevant chief authority of the Tarusan operation stationed in Angliarique, for an emergency meeting.​

@Tarusa

 

[Tarusa]

Eiver Isles, Angliarique

The intrusion into the Anglian airspace had been tolerated, allowed, as the Empire didn't have anything to hide and what could be seen by air could be seen just as easily miles above in the stratosphere. However now it had became a problem as the Anglians brought it to the attention of the Imperial court, which brought the military into the fray. Rumors were they had played a responsible part in Ivans death, betrayed by the Treaty of Wien under his rule and Konstantins own rule had been challenged until he had madethe agreements to end the civil war.

The military assets of the Empire within the Anglian nation had been agreed to for a permanent presence, both defensive and reconnaissance based to protect and observe from afar. One conflict was replaced by another, it was the way of Gallo-Germania as long as foreigners would keep having any influence in the continent.

The Communal order was trying to send a message, the Empire would respond with a message of its own. A single Viper would fly from the Isles thru the Suslex channel before making its return trip back to its Anglian airbase. Another would head to the south carrying no payload except its fuel, it would head south towards the waters off of Cantigny, a show of force that if the commune wanted to play games, the Empire could strike them at their farthest reaches in the south. If this unholy alliance that remained steadfast once more against the Empire wished to once more launch first strikes, this conflict wouldn't be just fought in Gallo-Germania, but on their own turf as well.

A simple message would be broadcast across the open frequencies at the farthest points in the trip, "Greetings from Kremlyov".

WestMark

The European command made aware of the issue at hand and passed along the complaint by the Anglians were left with a choice of how to respond. It was decided it would not yet take direct involvement in the issue, yet, but would begin to apply the pressure back in support of its allies. So a comminque was relayed back to the Anglians Ministry of Defense via an unsecure means.

The Empire stands behind the right of the Angliarique Empire to defend its territorial waters and airspace from those who seek to violate it against its wishes. It is the right of the Anglians to have guests of their choice, and eject these guests when they have overstayed their welcome. Whatever force is necessary to protect the territorial integrity of the Anglian nation will be backed by the Empire.

((The Viper = The Bear))

 

[Thaumantica]

Skies over Lexkirk, Engwahl

Birds were hot for the incoming Viper and put a tail on it only after hitting the old capitol district. They then circled around and followed it angry and close. The decision point on whether to bring the Tarusan down, who had just said something including "Kremylov" in audible radio range, came down to a Captain Stan Cobette and Lieutenant & Opal Perkins were hesitant to kill and asked for guidance.

A call was well underway to Charleroi already, from Caitekurkie, patched into Linc Yeovil along the campaign trail who did not pick up. This decision then carried over to the Nievish Almskeeper, Conor MacBain who answered "Oh yes? Put it in the . . "

"They're turning back, they're turning back across the channel."

Some hours later both MacBain and Yeovil were awoken to hear of a plane, a bomber, heading towards Cantignia.

"No comes to to Cantignia unless they intend to," the leader from Cantignia said of the name Dale Emerick. Conor MacBain agreed, "nor leaves unless they have a plan to recross our ocean."

A sortie of jets were raised to respond to the one incoming Tarusan plane, and it would be shot down indiscriminately over the open ocean for the Communal Order's diplomatic machine to respond to.

 

[Tarusa]

South Thaumantic Sea

Viper 217 as its callsign was had been in the air for 9 hours carrying out the longest range reconnaissance mission by air that they had ever known of. The mission was over-all a very long and uneventful flight, almost as if they were taking a very cheap civilian flight across the sea. The most excitement they had before entering the southern Thaumantic was the rendezvous with the tanker in the mid-thaumantic region to top off their fuel to ensure they would return to their home field in Angliarique.

Half of the 11 man crew slept on the first leg of the journey, as they had determined they would work in shifts since the mission was not an actual combat mission. Still several hundred kilometers separated them from the communal coastline as the crew detected the in-bound fighters of the Communal Order sent to intercept them, command relayed the message to continue forward towards the coordinates as a similar incident hours earlier had intercepted Viper 198 along the Suslex channel with it returning to base with no incident.

As Viper 217 continued towards its turn around destination the crew monitored the incoming communal aircraft. The distance between the larger tarusan aircraft and the fast movers closing rapidly. It was not long before the pilot yelled across the comms "spiked" and the crew began to take the threat a bit more seriously as they knew they had been targeted. A mere moment had passed before the electronics officer yelled back towards the pilots "VAMPIRE, VAMPIRE" and the pilots began to manouvre the aircraft knowing it was slower and unarmed it wouldn't have much hope in engaging the enemy. It began a rapid dive and turn as the pilot began throttled the four engines up and began using the dive to assist in gain speed. An update of the distance between the incoming missiles and the aircraft being relayed to him the entire time, his co-pilot began relaying a message back to Eiver Isles airfield and the 77th Fighter Regiment in Maghreb.

"This is Viper 217, repeat Viper 217.
We have been engaged over the Southern Thaumantic by hostile fighters.
Attempting evasive actions
We have been engaged, Viper 217"

His broadcast taking a pause as he heard one of the crew from the rear "SLAMEYE, 6 o-clock" and the pilot took yet another steep hard dive turning the large aircraft as hard right as he could. He was attempting to burn off the kinetic energy of the missile to the point of survival. One of the crew yelled with some joy in his voice as the missile missed, the second missile peppered the wing and one of the engines began to sputter and was shutdown to control the damage.

"Viper 217, we've been hit.
Viper 217 we've been hit"

The crew knew now that the aircraft damaged and the enemy having closed in the gap would only end in two ways. Their death or capture. No help could come, the distances were too great and they stood alone across this vast sea. Once more the in the cabin of the wounded aircraft "VAMPIRE", 10 crew members sat there silently in the moments praying with the pilot carrying out one last ditch dive and turn to bring the aircraft ever lower and closer to the sea as it was interrupted by the violent shaking and sound of the explosion against the aircraft.

That was the end of Viper 217 as it violently crashed into the sea torn from the impacts of the relentless pursuers.

 

[Tarusa]

Sanctum of Laurels

The two aircraft were scheduled about an hour apart for landing. The two civilian airliners from Transaero were crewed for the flight from Josepania to Angliarique by Okhrana to help maintain the secrecy of their cargo from the public for as long as possible. The two aircraft were bringing home 297 men from the Anglian museum fleet under secrecy agreed to with the Republic of Tianlong, with the hopes of eventually managing to bring the rest home eventually. On touching down the crew would hand off the men to the Anglians.

 

[Angliarique]

Darkford City, Angliarique Empire

Months had passed since the tragic incident at Frescania. Families of the deceased were still in awe of what had happened, whether or not their loved ones survived was soon answered.

*Door bell buzzes*

“Hello sir, what can do I for you?” A woman with grey hair greeted. “ Are you madam Gseupe?” A tall man dressed in military uniform asked. “Yes, I am.” The woman replied seemingly puzzled by why a military official would be at her home.

“Madam Gseupe, I’m here on behalf on the Unified Force, and Port Lionheart, as well as with the poignant feelings shared by His Grace the Prince Regent. We are informing you, that your son, Lieutenant Adrax Gseupe has passed away. His commitment to the Empire and his people will not be forgotten.” The man announced solemnly, and bowing down in front of her, he handed with outstretched arms, a letter to the elderly woman.

He continued, “This letter will give you closure, madam. Please read it.” He then proudly saluted the woman before leaving to another family to do the same.

Madam Gseupe walked back into her home with tears trickling down the left side of her face, she had only lost her husband to an accident a year prior, but now she too lost her son. She was utterly and terribly alone. She began reading the letter the man had given her:

“Dear… Madam Gseupe, honourable matriarch… for the Angliarique Empire, I write to you, offering my profound… and deepest condolences for the loss… of a great son… and hero.

Lt. Adrax Gseupe… will always… be with us in our hearts, and will be welcome into the Kingdom of Heaven. We pray deeply for him… and for you.

Lt. Adrax served like no other. And for the safety of his mother, he paid the… ultimate price. He paid with his life, and we are grateful for the loving choice… he made.

For his brave, courageous, unwavering, and emotionally inspiring service, the Manor of Valeria confers… upon Lt. Adrax Gseupe, a medal honouring him as… Guardian of Empire.

With you always, Prince Haglia.”

By the time she had finished reading the letter, it was wet with her outpouring tears and sweat from the stress she felt reading it throughout.

Valeria, Angliarique Empire

A privately-held memorial service was underway, hosted by the Interior Governor, Lord Henry, who was busy consoling the bereaved families of those lost in the Frescanian Incident.

“In honour of the many men and women killed in the tragedy of November 25th. I am unveiling a monument to commemorate their immense contributions and sacrifices to realise peace.” Announced Lord Henry.

He continued, “They were great people, all of them. They wished for peace, but gained war instead. The attack on that fateful day on November 25, was an attack against them, us, our culture, and identity. It was a hate crime of national scale and consequence.”

He paused for a drink of water before continuing again, “This tragedy has made its marked on all of us. We are deeply in grief over this calamity. And can only pray that these lost souls are accepted by the welcoming hands of God, into his eternal kingdom.”

He then looked away, staring at a marble monument, he began once more, “This monument here, honours the souls lost in this horrific act of terrorism. An act so grotesque, so horrible, I cannot fathom how it came about! Below this statue of the faceless diplomat, lies 297 bodies which we were unable to identify, even with assistance from supposed family members. This then honours the unity of the souls and serves as a testament to their efforts. It is a great tragedy. I’m appalled.”

He ended his speech soon after, wiping a tear from his face.
​