The Debt All Men Pay

[Imimoya]

Himyar/Meridian

Following the approval of Resolution 9/2023 within the European Forum. The ships of the Tianlong Republic operating in groups with those of Radillo, began an unencrypted radio transmission to the Tarusi vessels or aircraft whenever they approached to monitor their activity. It was a short but constant message, a media bombardment, almost as if it were a psychological warfare underway to increase tension. The tension was very high, all the crew of the fleet knew that war could break out at any moment and that it would probably break out in these very waters.

"Tarusan ship, this is the joint fleet of the Republic of Tianlong and the Most Serene Republic of Radilo. We are operating in compliance with international laws and in accordance with Resolution 9/2023 of the European Forum. Tarusa ship your presence in the territorial waters of Al-Magrab (or Noks Free State) is in clear violation of the resolution 9/2023 of the European Forum and represents an act of aggression towards the sovereignty of these two countries. We ask you to cooperate and cease all hostile activity."

 

[Tarusa]

Kremlyov

Ivan had been reaping the rewards of all of the military movements and actions from the Central European Treaty Organization, he had been rallying the people behind him in his speeches and public appearances and the stalemates that had remained in the few engagements of the war so far had not dwindled his support in the slightest amongst the public. Many units that had been prepared to rise up against him with the proper timing and the green light from Kispest had a change of heart after seeing the lackluster support abroad and beginning to believe that perhaps Ivan was correct and the best interest of the Empire was to support Kremlyov in this civil war. A united front behind Ivan at the cost of the moderation by Konstantin was better than seeing the Empire fractured and whatever the enemy would do to those who fought loyally to the end.

Konstantin himself was beginning to doubt how effective of a resistance campaign he could carry out. His forces largely sidelined and trapped in the Kingdom and worrying about its own defense from multiple directions and a limited supply of fuel for campaigning, while his brother had control over the majority of the Imperial Armed Forces and was only growing stronger. As his foreign support publicly began to materialize, finally, he had managed to win back over some support at home from the armed forces, a meager amount, but something was better than nothing. His contacts that had been working thru backchannels out of the Hanseatic consulates which had so far not been compromised.

A daring raid into the capital had been on the drawing board for quite some time but it was never considered as a feasible option given the security of the city for such a small force to attempt and infiltrate. The situation had changed however and Konstantin was feeling pressured, the need to make a splash, perhaps a rapid strike would secure him the support he needed or even ultimately just give him the ability to end the conflict. As such the greenlight was given.



In the dark evening hours a platoon from the 790th special purpose detachment had made their way into the city thru the river system. The rubber rafts as they paddled towards the bank of the river on the east side of the kremlin. The platoon broke down into four squads of twelve men each once they were on the city's concrete banks of the river. The plan was deemed risky with a high potential of failure, but thats what these men had signed up for, to take the missions that were the most dangerous but could be the most altering in a political or military environment.

It did not take long before a firefight had erupted, as the two squads that were supposed to breach the secondary entrance by the Arsenal building had been detected after breaching the gate with a firefight ensuing in the entrance and a full alarm being raised on the Kremlin grounds. The second assault team at the main entrance never even managed to breach the walls before taking fire. It was a slaughter against the Kremlin regiment which was made up of some of the finest soldiers in the Empire. The assault team at the main entrance had been tasked with capturing or killing Ivan, instead it was their team that was wiped out.

Some in the city would hear the small arms fire, the fight seemed like an eternity, the reality was it was over in a matter of two hours. Fifty spetsnaz had been killed with a handful of the Kremlin regiment as well laying down their lives for Ivan.

 

[Imimoya]

Himyar/Meridian

It was the dawn of a new day, the sea was calm, as the naval group sailed off Al-Magherb. The aircraft carriers were operational at all times, while the escort was always at attention. The peaceful air was the backdrop to a tense situation that was getting worse and worse. Last night, some helicopters had arrived from the mainland, precisely from the CETO base in Valetta. On board the helicopter were several prominent diplomatic personalities from some CETO and non-CETO countries. The ship's personnel had begun rumors of their presence soon after their arrival aboard the ship. Some hypothesized some event to promote the CETO forces, but the journalists were missing. Whatever the voices, they would be silenced the following morning when the diplomatic staff's mission was made clear to the ship's technical staff.

On board the helicopter were present;
Carlos Rodriguez, Disarmament Supervision, appointed by the Foreign Ministry of Ebria.
Stefano Mizzan, Supervisor to EF Resolution Enforcement, appointed by the non-voting Oltremarino EF representative Conte Auditore.
Ruggero Alfonso, Foreign Affairs Representative and promotion of political dialogue for Radilo.
Tao Shun, representative of the Republic of Tianlong to the European Forum.

All these men were here of their own free will. They were told the risks they ran by volunteering for this mission, but each one of them had something to believe in or they were fools. Most sailors would have said the latter.

The following morning, a patrol boat was prepared, a boat of about 15 meters, unarmed, with only sensors on board, Radar, Depth Sounder, VHF/FM, VHF/FM Radio Direction Finder, C.B. and Loran-C. A classic equipment for a boat of this size, able to reach the city of Al-garb without difficulty in such a calm sea. In addition, diplomatic personnel were provided with some satellite phones for extra security. Driving the patrol boat was another volunteer, also a member of the tianlong foreign ministry, who had a passion for boating and had a boat license for 30 years. After a brief pre-mission meeting, the boat was let go, but not before its presence, the crew, its unarmed nature and its willingness to reach the port of Barqah were broadcast on all radio channels. A few hundred meters from the fleet, Tao climbed onto the roof of the vessel and hoisted the blue flag of the European Forum. Their mission was to monitor the implementation of the European Forum resolution in Al-Magrab.

 

[Tarusa]

Himyar/Meridian

Tensions had been running high in the Meridian. The Imperial Fleet of Ivans had been shadowing the CETO fleet for some time while maintaining a significant distance.

Aboard the Grisha the comms station reported the broadcast across all frequencies. The captain knew he had some time as he would await his orders from above, as his first orders were for headquarters to be contacted to clarify his rules of engagement. The helicopter aboard and its crew were to prepare for an intercept of the vessel if it proceeded as had been broadcasted.

The Helix made its intercept of the small patrol boat about 30 km (~15nm) from the port city of Al-Gharb. It began broadcasting across the maritime frequencies,

"You are approaching the territorial waters of the Crown Colony of Maghreb, a Tarusan protectorate. Turn around immediately or be fired upon"

The response had been similar to the broadcast earlier from the enemies fleet, stating their mission and goal, and that they would refuse to turn back.

This would continue for a brief amount of time as an exchange continued, but they would not turn back. As they neared the territorial waters the helicopter dropped low and gave a quick burst off the bow of the vessel from its 30mm autocannons hoping to turn them away. The vessel continued forward, ignoring the warnings it had been given. The crew radioed back to the Grisha asking for clarification of the RoE before proceeding with its next maneuver.

This time it passed by the rear of the boat flying alongside it with the doors open on the side, out peered two rifles. Each firing multiple shots into the back of the vessel, shortly later smoke began to rise from the back of it as it slowed, then eventually stopped. Its engine disabled. The helicopter continued to fly overhead as it radioed back to naval headquarters that the vessel had been neutralized and laid dead in the water 6 nm from the coast and a retrieval team was needed. Within the hour another corvette from Al-Gharb appeared and a small boat was lowered into the water with five armed Spetsnaz who proceeded to tie the mens hands, confiscating their phones, and loading them back into the boat.

Once they were aboard the Purga they were ushered onto the corvettes helicopter. As the Helix took off from the deck the turrets on the 130mm gun swung to the left and opened fire with a single shell blowing the vessel to pieces. The helicopter headed towards the CETO fleet to return the crewmembers, broadcasting once more across the maritime frequencies that they were returning the crew of the CETO patrol boat that had violated the territorial waters of the Crown Colony.

 

[The Federation]

Gothic Sea, Rikord Archipelago

Already two troop ships had made it into the Hanseatic Ports in Lethonia. The troop ships were cruise ships that the Federation military had requisitioned at a high cost during the busy summer cruise season followed by a destroyer for cover. The two ships were large enough to deposit close to a divisions worth of men and two more were following behind. When all was said and done two divisions would be placed in Lethonia. The rest of the equipment was one it's way via airlift and a wing of fighters and an associated airlift wing were also currently flying over the Archipelago, all unarmed of course to the anxiety of the pilots who were relying on Konstantinist fighters to escort them over their territory safely.

Metsaama

The airlift had been successful, two airborne divisions (one air assault) had been inserted into Metsaama along with 50 air superiority fighters and 100 multi role fighters. Strategic Bombers would be left at home or in Midway due to their significant reach, it was decided that having them so close was too much of a provocation beyond what had already been inserted into the region when they could take off from their bases in the Federation and reach their targets with enough notice.

Gothic Sea/Gutarike

The fleet carrier FNS Hornet had arrived with her battlegroup and set up a perimeter outside Ulrikasborg, the battlegroup with the assault carriers Viklund and Rygaard had set up a perimeter near Waldemarsudde, the two major costal cities of the Gutarike. On the surface lay one fleet carrier and two assault carriers. In the southwest with Hornet was an escort of twenty destroyers and five Frigates and the east Gothic with the Viklund and Rygaard were ten frigates and now ten destroyers. What lie beneath were six guided missile submarines lying in wait for their orders.

The Federation would not yet strike, pirate activity had been stalled it seemed after the mines had been laid, but that did not mean the Gutarike was no longer a threat. An ultimatum would be sent to the leadership of the so called pirate republic, to be given a chance to surrender to the Federation.

 

[Tarusa]

Himyar/Meridian

After the latest attempt by the CETO fleet to send their patrol boat into the territorial waters of the Crown Colony of Maghreb, it was decided that extra vigilance was needed. The Purga and her sister ship Druzhnyy, two more Tigr class corvettes, left the confines of the port in Al-Gharb to join the original three corvettes in shadowing the fleet staying between them and the coastal waters of the Crown Colony. They as well would be deploying their helicopters in a grouping to harass the enemy fleet by continuing to make close passes in conjunction with those from the other three corvettes, taunting the enemy, daring them to make a move, letting them see the gestures to show their opinion of their enemy.

The Empire had not fallen into any carefully laid trap that the enemy had tried to throw at it. The Tsar and the military command were not the fools who would act as rashly as they had been hoped to do. For now, they would continue this game of cat and mouse while some pilots got to have some fun flipping the bird to some Radilans and Tianese.

 

[The Federation]

Gothic Sea/Gutarike

No response had been received by the Department of State nor did the constant hails by the Federation navy make much headway either, sometimes they would seem to get someone serious on the radio who wanted to discuss terms and other times they received profanity filled rants in Gutnish that translators did not bother to fully translate, suffice to say they were challenging the Federation ship commanders to do their worst or begone. Rear Admiral Anson Munroe had transferred his flag to the FNS Hornet and was currently in the command center with hand on forehead in exasperation.

"Just turn off the radio, I am tired of hearing these people step on each other trying to get to us."

The officer on the radio turned it down as someone could be heard meowing like a cat in response to another hail. The orders from the War Department's Office of the Navy came in; the President had ordered a strike package of fifty missiles targeting Gutnish warships at port in Ulrikasborg and Waldemarsudde, a total of 50 missiles would be split between them with 30 for the capital and 20 for Wadlemarsudde. Port facilities were also to be targeted to an extent as well as barracks at naval bases. It would be a hard hitting wake up call for the Gutnish.

An order also came in for M.A.Co's (Marine Assault Corps) to make a run for Gutnish Oil Rigs in the Gothic, capturing them would be crucial to prevent further oil harvesting for the pirate ships and Gutnish economy.

Night time came soon and the time for the attack came. At 2100 hours on the dot, ships of the Federation navy were lit up by rocket fire as the missiles came out of the launch tubes and climbed into the sky.

Rigid boats, helicopter gunships and transports lifted off from the assault carrier toward the oil rigs.

 

[Hanseatic Republics]

Gothic Sea/Gutarike

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The Hanseatic Navy was mostly occupying the spaces in the gaps and playing a second line role in support of the Federation. Admiral Henning Reiten, aboard his flagship Z-6, which was considered the most modern destroyer in the fleet. That said, they were originally with Nordic names and very much fit into the old Scanlaw naval force. The unceremonious Zerstörer-6 name came from the fact that nobody could agree what to rename the vessels after renewed independence and union. While this was a temporary fix, it felt more permanent. The old name of the vessel, was funny enough Ulrikaborg, the one of the port targets they'd be firing upon. Was it bad luck? Reiten did not believe so, the ship was built in Hammaborg after all.

The usual flagships, the carriers, were on tour on his orders. Mostly, his desire to get the most prized assets out of the small Gothic Sea where he felt they'd be so-called sitting ducks against potential Tarusan missiles. Like most in the Hanseatic Navy, he believed real power in the region was done with submarines, and so protecting the carriers was important to be able to serve distant Hanseatic interests. If necessary, there were enough nearby places around the Gothic Sea from which to take off a jet. Of course, he had been told the carriers on their Federation tour would look into outfitting newer jets, and if possible run trials.

It was now 20:55 and Reiten was waiting for the Federation to begin their attack. He was informed about the attack with enough time to prepare his own fleet for a similar missile attack. He had been given coordinates and targets from the Federation that he was supposed to attack after he offered support when briefed by the Federation staff.

Double-checking with staff, Reiten made sure all preparations were underway and everything was ready as the clock struck 21:00. One oil rig was to be captured by the Marines, and their helicopter left at the same time as the Federation combat units. The sky was soon filled up with missiles from the Federation ships. It would be 21:05 when the Hanseatic would open fire, and they do so with Hanseatic punctuality. In total 20 missiles from the Hanse would be underway.

 

[Tarusa]

Kremlyov

The stalemate needed to be broken, an offensive launched after the deserved relief. All morning the intensity of the mortars kept pounding away at the positions of the 150th MRD from a combination of the naval infantry and the marine brigade that had reinforced them weeks ago. The increased intensity would no doubt give the enemy the forethought of the oncoming assault it would just be a question of when.

As the dust settled around the base perimeter the first probing attacks began early that afternoon, with a diversionary assault to the North. The diversion was aimed at fooling the Ivanists that a break-out to the north was the main line of attack to eventually form a defensive line with the forces at the submarine base north-west of Kremlyov. This diversion forced the 150th MRD to shift forces to the northern line of contact leaving a skeleton of forces holding the line alongside the National Guard units of the Interior Ministry.

That evening the 88th struck with overwhelming force towards the south and east to make their push towards Kremlyovs outskirtting villages, or further was the hope. The fighting was intense as the Ivanists had plenty of time to prepare their defenses on the roadways out of the base and the villages leading into Kremlyov itself. The fighting continued thru the night as muzzle flashes could be seen and the sound of the gunfire and grenades echoed thru what would have otherwise been a silent night.

As the sunrose over the skyline showing the city, the image of burned out cars, houses and buildings that had been vacated in the preparation of a defense by the national guard filled with bullet holes and windows shattered by the explosions and exchanges of gunfire. The discipline and heavier firepower of the regular troops versus their national guard opponents had paid off with some units having penetrating as deep as 5km behind the lines while others had only achieved smaller successes.

They had forced their way out of the base and could now consider themselves as a real threat to Ivan and his forces, there was still a significant distance to the Kremlin and no doubt Ivan would put up a fight, but for now, the Kremlyov Naval Station was secured and they had finally put their enemy on the backfoot for the first time since the opening shots.


Major General Fatulayev took this moment to communicate back to command in Piramida that his breakout from the defenses of the base had been successful. Not as successful as had been hoped for by the planners, but enough to cause some celebration amongst the men.

 

[Tarusa]

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211 Alekseevskaya Street
Kremlyov
​

Reports had begun to come in about the missile strike on the Gutnish state from media outlets that the top echelons of government still had access to as well as personnel at the Tarusan Embassy in Ulrikasborg. The first reports were just that of explosions being seen in the sky and then as well being heard in the direction of the naval base of the capital district. It was not until some time later when the damage reports had begun to come in from resources of the Okhrana as well as their own assets. Several warships had been sunk in their berths with limited damage being reported at other facilities on the base, with another naval base on the interior of the Gothic having suffered similar fate. The strike had originated from none other than the task force that had assembled around the Gothic to disband the Empire and its allied states. The first strike had been delivered.

Officials at the Defense Ministry had planned on the eventuality of this conflict finally coming to head as both sides played a game of cat and mouse to see if the other would flinch and make a mistake or if the coalition would finally make the first move showing their truly aggressive nature. Many of the men between the branches were making calls before too long and within an hour the conference table had the war plans that had long been prepared by the General staff. The debate quickly changed from one of reaction to one of action as they would spend the day debating the merits of each of the four war plans brought before them. It was without a doubt that the halls of the Kremlin were undergoing a debate of similar proportions only it was on the political spectrum while these men of war were preparing for if the Tsar decided a call to action was needed.

While many of Ivans most loyal officers were loud and boisterous there were some that made up the silent majority, while they had kept their allegiance to the Empire and its monarch, they were still skeptics. The civil war had not been a bloody conflict that it could potentially have been, partially this could be believed to be due to the early actions of the Valls Pact being formed, somewhat of an ironic positive for keeping the civil war from escalating internally they could say.

 

[Tarusa]

Kremlyov

Minister of Defense Andrei Ustinov walked down the halls of the Kremlin for his morning meeting with the Emperor and the other members of the council. With him was the plans that had been approved by the officers in the Ministry of Defense, as well as a letter signed by those who had signed off on it. He had already looked over it himself and it gave him a sense of unease to be bringing this before his Emperor but he had himself a job to do.

The immediate focus of the meeting as soon as it began was the response to the Federation and Hanseatic strike upon the Gutnish State. It had been a subject of many discussions for days as the response as well as the scope of the attack and the damage assessments needed to be gathered to give a better picture of what had happened and what the future would hold. A total picture of the event could now be pieced together for this meeting and a formal response could finally come from the halls of the Kremlin. It was a unanimous decision that the Empire would stand behind the Gothic Pact and come to the defense of its allied state, it was a simple matter of the debate about what actions should be taken to give the support. It was when Ustinov took the center stage as that was his area to discuss.

"It is not a matter of striking back with a proportional response, as that alone will just lead to a more gradual escalation of the conflict. The so called Valls Pact, made up of members of the DDI and CETO use the EF as their justification for their actions. Between the two parties they have made multiple provocations towards the Empire, and thru the European Forum resolution made it clear that that desire to disband the Empire, not only in our recent colonial adventures but also against our historical assets in Himyar that belong to the Royal family. If all we do is limit our response, then they too shall just respond in kind with a more aggressive move once more. The time to show that we mean business and are not as weak as they believe us to be would be now. I have before you all War Plan Drekavac, the officers at the Ministry of Defense along with some from the General Staff have modified to fit the current situation.

This however comes with the caveat from a majority in the Defense Ministry, not myself, but the majority of the officers. We must reach an agreement with Konstantin before they will approve of such a daring plan. They are not willing to fight a multi-sided war, two abroad and one at home. They demand that we at the least come to an agreement for a cease-fire between our warring factions, or they will revolt. The Konstantinists are knocking on the gates of Kremlyov as we meet here on this Island fortress in the city. Your highness, you have mobilized this nation to total war, but we can ill afford to have the army turn against us as that will leave us reliant upon the National Guard which is lightly armed compared to the military."

Ustinov fell silent as he looked across the table seeing the eyes of the others, it would appear that they figured it would be the end of Ustinovs time as he was not capable of getting his subordinates at the Defense Ministry to fall in line. Some shook their heads anticipating him to be drug out of the court, another purge to commence not just from the council but of the Defense Ministry as well. All eyes turned to Ivan, he still did not seem shaken by the fact his brothers forces could be coming thru the city in mere weeks or days, he just appeared deep in thought.

The room itself was quiet as none wished to disturb him, Ivan stood, and made his way back to his desk taking a seat, reaching for the phone. "Operator, connect me to the residence in Kispest"

The conversation seemed as if it had taken forever, many grew impatient with sitting in the room, not really able to overhear the conversation. Anytime one would stand up Ivan would gesture with his hands for them to once more take a seat. Finally after an hour, maybe two on the line with Konstantin, he hung up, stood up, and came back to his seat with his advisors.

"We have achieved an agreement for a ceasefire, this is not a permanent peace as we still have the discrepancy of who is to rule this Empire of our forefathers under the right of God himself, but we have came to an agreement. It would seem those in the services of Konstantin are as well not thrilled by some of his actions in aiding an enemy that had made clear intentions of disbanding the Empires foreign holdings. Even Konstantin himself was weary over whom he would aid and not aid for fear of the officers in the field switching their allegiance back to the crown had he taken a direct role or assistance from CETO.

Under these terms I have agreed to reinstate the national duma of royals. So must notify those who were serving in the Duma that they are to return to office in support of the Empire, as royal privileges have been returned to all ranks of royalty. In return he will cease his offensive actions against those loyal to me. I did not inform him of our plans, I do not believe he would support us, but he will now for the time being also not be a hinderence to us. As such, I approve of War Plan Drekavac and you have my authority to authorize its execution immediately."

Ivan would now spend his afternoon with others preparing his evening address and choosing his attire for his speech he would give to address the nation.

Various parts of the Empire
Airbase 151, 1500hrs

Once more the strategic forces of the Empire took from the airfield to head across the Gothic Sea. The first to leave the airfield was the Bears, being the slower turboprop aircraft. The Squadron would head out towards the Gothic making a wide path around the Rikord Archipelago as others had done before on the mining mission following the similar flight pattern. They would be met and escorted in the waters between the archipelago and Metsaama by a squadron of Fighters from Kremlyov Air Base before continuing their journey alone. The counter-parts in the operation, the BlackJacks would take a similar path but would veer closer towards the archipleago instead of shooting the gap directly down the middle.

The blackjacks were the faster strategic bomber of the fleet and would make it closer to the enemy before the designated launch time and distances. This was an intricate dance that was to be played by all parts of the armed forces, each element played an important role in the symphony of this operation. The bears would launch their anti-ship cruise missiles at their maximum range of just under 600km before turning to head back towards the Empire across the archipelago, the Blackjacks would be estimated to be closer to ~500km away from the targets at the time of launch before they as well would head back towards the empire across the archipelago taking what had now become the safe route for a return trip with the ceasefire.

These strategic forces would launch some 352 missiles at the targeted Federation fleet in the Gothic Sea east of Wadlemarsudde. The launch was to commence at 1700hrs Kremlyov time.

Germania Command, Suvar province
1730hrs

The ground strike would commence to show that this was not just a proportional response to the Federation and Hanseatic strike against the Gutarike state. This was to send a message that the enemy forces taking position against the Empire on the continent and the attempt at the DDI to claim hegemony over the Gothic Sea and the lands around it would not be tolerated. The rocket Brigades of the 1st Guards tank army, 13th Tank army, and 41st combined arms army would launch the first strike from land.

The three brigades would target the airfields with forty-eight short range ballistic missiles some using cluster munitions to take out Hanseatic aircraft in their hangers and in the open as well as the runways. What aircraft they could not destroy they intended to neutralize the airfields as best as possible. Another twenty-four were for the Federation troops and the Hanseatic munitions depots at their bases. The region of targets would expand from Hertha to the Tarusan border. Within range of the ballistic missiles and allowing the synchronous attack to follow thru with the naval strike within close timing of each other.

Kremlyov, Kremlin Palace
1900 hours, 1 hr post attack

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Ivan stood before the cameras, all national television and radio stations cut to the broadcast from Ivan so he could address the nation.

Citizens of the Empire, today we have moved to secure peace in our time and our future. I know that limited information has been available in the media but not long ago the combined forces of two DDI states struck our allies in Scania, and just hours ago attacked an aerial patrol of ours near the Rikord Archipelago. The State of Gutarike has come under attack by the enemy forces after refusing to meet the extremely unreasonable demands set upon them by the Federation. These demands would have essentially resulted in the Scanian nation giving up its rights in its own territory and submitting to military occupation for an unmentionable amount of time. Any nation and leadership worth a damn would have ignored these demands and instead chosen to resist. This refusal to submit to these unjust demands resulted in missile strikes being carried out by the Federation and the Hanseatic Republics against the State of Gutarike, resulting in a loss of its ability to project any power outside of the littoral waters of the Gothic Sea and hamper its ability to defend its assets in the Gothic Sea that were seized by the Democratic Defense Initiative.

These nations have exceeded the authority of their very own mandate from the illegal European Forum by seizing the civilian assets in the Gothic Sea, I will get back to more on the European Forum in a minute but for now lets focus on the actions of excessive nature. The mandate that they have attempted to derive their authority from only went so far as condemnation and a demand for cessation of the rumored acts of piracy by the Scanian nation, nothing more. This would mean they alone have acted outside of the authority of the very organization which they have looked to use to justify their actions. These states have acted offensively against the State of Gutarike in seizing the offshore oil derricks of the private entities operating them, and the launching of multiple strikes against the naval and port assets of the state.

Now I shall return to the illegal European Forum. This very same resolution against the State of Gutarike included the Empire of Tarusa. It demanded our withdrawal not only from our new found colonial holdings in Himyar as the Crown Colony of Maghreb, but also the long standing Noks Free State which has belonged to the crown for over a hundred years. These nations that passed this resolution, many of them as well have their own colonial holdings, several of them occupied various mandates themselves from the Isphilistines to Hajr and the other portion of Maghreb. Yes, that is correct, the Democratic Defense Initiative occupies more mandates than that of the Empire of Tarusa, yet this resolution is claimed by all of this coalition as being aimed at freeing Maghreb and the Free State. If freeing peoples to give them their own self rule was truly the cause, they would lead by example and withdraw from the mandates and their own colonial holdings. Some of the democratic world that are truly benevolent have been manipulated by the DDI, to help secure a world order under the DDI.

The threat of occupation by the Federation along with the Democratic Defense Initiative declaring hegemonic control over Scania and de-facto Gothic Sea is showing the intent that they do not look to return to their own spheres of influence in the world, but further extend theirs onto the Gallo-Germanian continent. Following the acts of aggression and open hostility in firing upon and killing the men and women of the Empire carrying out their patrols close to the Empires territory I ordered a strike against forces within Lethonia and a ground invasion to commence. They have started the war, we shall finish the war by expelling them from these regions securing peace in Gallo-Germania once more.


The ground invasion of Lethonia was scheduled to commence at 2000 hours with lead elements of the 1st Guards Tank Army and the 13th Tank army leaving from their bases in the valley near Suvar. The ground operation commenced shortly after the closing remarks by Ivan.

**Speech edited to reflect the situation as it occurred from zeeks and I discussions resulting in his post, and the modification of Ivans speech**

 

[Thaumantica]

Gothic Sea

With the minesweeping operation well waned a second supporting group of vessels from the Catholic Revolutionary State in Nieveland had joined the Federation's efforts earlier on the day of Tarusa's response. These supporting assets, minimally armed if at all, were dispersed within the Federation's command web and taking orders of placement and movement from them. Unless the Federal Flotilla command chose to segregate them to the side it was possible that the Nievish naval support group might appear to be part of the same pod group as the Westermen.

Entering from the west soon would be the primary flotilla of combat vessels from Nieveland including the carrier group flagship led by the CRS Cardinal, who would crest the theater and area of operations in the evening of chaos soon to take hold. This group, for their part, was armed but would maintain its own independent command as it entered and would, if anything was left of the support group, would call it back to the Nievish pod. Communications with the Cardinal were based in Nieveland but patched in with the staff assigned to the Federation's War Department in Charleroi as well.

OOC:

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; reference post to Nievish navy coordinating w/Federation and moving forces there.

 

[The Federation]

Airbase in Southern Metsaama/Battle over the Gothic

Klaxons interrupted the calm of the the joint Federation-Hanseaten airbase, the commotion of chairs screeching along the tile floors as pilots and personnel got up from their food or entertainment could be heard in the halls, doors opening and slamming, the metal banging of locker doors opening could be heard in the locker rooms over the loud yelling voices.

A voice could be heard over a loudspeaker, "SCRAMBLE SCRAMBLE SCRAMBLE, This is not a drill!" Pilot's piled into vans waiting to speed them over to their hangers. No one spoke, only the sound of equipment on their flight suits and rubbing of cloth and occasional dull clang of metal on plastic could be heard as the pilots checked and rechecked their suits, helmets and hoses.

At the hangars the pilots and maintenance crews quickly sped through checklists and pulled pins on various parts of the aircraft. Engines spooled up and twenty Federation interceptors taxied out onto the taxiway to the arming pads where techs did one last check on their weapons loadout. Twenty federation interceptors met with thirty of their Metsaaman counterparts in the air as they were given vectors to intercept the Tarusan bomber fleet.

A voice came over the radio, "Pilots, we have forty targets coming out of Tarusa and nearing the Rikord Islands, intelligence has confirmed that it is a Tarusan bomber force out Kremlyov escorted by what looks like to be sixteen fighters, we have no idea what they are carrying loadout wise, it could be another mining operation it could be a missile strike. All we know is that they are on a vector towards our fleet surrounding Gutarike and we cannot, I repeat, we cannot let them get into a position in where they could launch on our fleet or trap them with mines. You are clear to engage the enemy, good luck and may God have mercy on us all."

It didn't take long for them get into range though it felt like forever to the pilots flying, flight lead for the Federation squadron Colonel John Baker could feel a tightness in his chest as he gripped his stick and watched as his weapons got a lock on one of the many targets presented to him on his heads up display. He didn't hear himself when he said it, "Fox Three," but there was no mistaking the AMRAAM dropping out of his weapons bay, the aircraft feeling just a little lighter, followed by the smoke trail as the missile accelerated to Mach four.

They didn't see what happened when the AMRAAM's made contact with their targets, some missed as the Tarsuan fighters went on the defensive, the bombers were not so lucky, some bombers were outright destroyed others were crippled but still flying. Chutes could be seen in the sky from survivors of the initial attack. The Federation and Metsaaman fighters came from the 1 o'clock high position. Tarusan fighters that had avoided the initial strike had recovered quickly turning to face the numerically superior allied force in front of them. They merged, one Tarusan fighter got a lucky missile off and destroyed a Metsaaman fighter head on.

Colonel Baker could feel the shuddering of the airframe of his plane as he turned into a one circle, he was in a better position than the Tarusan and was able to get his nose on him the plane shuddered again as a burst from his twenty millimeter cannon shredded the Tarusan plane, spitting oil, smoke and flames into the air. Colonel baker found himself nose to nose with one of the Tarusan bears and he fired his cannon again shredding the cockpit, no doubt the crew was dead instantly. Baker could hear a scream come out of the radio, it was a Westerman yelling out that he had locked by one of the Tarusan fighters and he was defending. The transmission was cut short, he had been killed, no chute could be seen coming out from his shredded aircraft.

Though the fight felt like it went on for hours the engagement had only lasted for 35 minutes. Some radioed out that the Tarusans were turning to retreat back toward Tarusa, Colonel Baker could see he was close to his minimum combat fuel time and ordered his squadron back to Metsaama. Twenty seven bombers and fighters had been destroyed over the Gothic and six Federation and Metsaaman planes had been lost, two Federation and four Metsaaman.

 

[Thaumantica]

Gothic Sea (Post-Attack)

"Support Pods 1 & 2: do bear west with haste, your orders are to return to the revolutionary flotilla immediately" a Nievish radioman relayed on behalf of Admiral Graham Loesche, himself huddled over another technician tied to a Clover Communications device. Although the CRS Cardinal had launched its craft and readied to advance they were still far out of range when and while the fight went on. Without a Nievish vessel or aircraft downed his orders were to stall and prepare withdrawal in this eventuality.

This, Loesche knew, would enrage their Federal allies who already felt unsupported or outright abandoned by allies and signatories of the Valls Pact. A mark had been signed on behalf of the Thaumantic Order, even if it was by a duplicitous Engwahlian, and he was prepared to put Nieveland's honor first by keeping his fleet in the theater should Yeovil or whoever was leading the Thaumantic Circus in Almskeeper Pherson's absence order a withdrawal at this critical moment.

Loesche ordered another message out while he was waiting for the Circus in Caitekurke to reply, this one to Anson Munroe of the Federation, indicating that Nievish aerial patrols would be in constant rotation due west and that a wide net was to be cast from Ostveg to Neustria in the Nievish Sea. Following this advisories over civil Maritime and air traffic channels went out advising for all vessels to identify themselves with immediate movement to leave the Nievish Sea, return to land, or to face destruction with prejudice.

On board the CRS Cardinal and among seamen of.Nieveland the sentiment was so that God was with the Federation now, and that the Nievish must stand with the Federation.

 

[The Federation]

Lethonia, time of Tarusan Missile Attack

The warning was short notice and mostly useless, satellite imagery spotted the sudden missile launches against targets in Lethonia. Air defenses did what they could against the short range missiles but not all of them could be shot down in time, other defenses missed their targets allowing the missiles to go on unharmed. The Hanseatic airfield in Hertha was less damaged when the attack was all said and done, a few of the fourteen missiles that made it through impacted harmlessly outside the fence lines of the airfield, others impacted the runway doing minimal damage a few impacted Hangars on the perimeter of the base destroying three fighters in their parking bays. In Upestiltas, the airfield took more damage, the runway was impacted with moderate damage that would take a few days to repair and several missiles impacted a hangar destroying fourteen fighters.

At the joint Federation-Hanseaten base in Upestiltas, much of the equipment had been placed in pre planned defensive positions well before the attack, but left over equipment and men stationed with that equipment were still at the base. The air defenses in this area where able to intercept more of the missiles, yet six still made it through the defenses. They impacted a storage depot full of troop transports and Humvees, destroying several. Another missile hit an administrative building with contractors and Army admin workers inside, the building was heavily damaged and caught fire, Fifty people died in the strike and resulting blaze.

Charleroi

At the War Department in Charleroi President Langley had made an emergency visit just before the Federation-Hanseaten counter force had made contact with the Tarusan bomber wing over the Rikord Peninsula. The joy and elation of that small victory that filled the room was once again replaced with a solemn and angry silence as they began to receive reports of the missile attack on Lethonia.

President Langley's heart and chest felt tight as the nervousness crept up to take control of his mind and body, but his anger was even stronger. "I want a response to this prepared immediately. I want strikes on military targets in Tarusa, In Kremlyov, Tiversk and Suvar where this missile strike originated at. I also want a larger second round of strikes on the Gutnish, on military targets in Ulrikasborg, Waldemarsudde, Uleaborg and Sjokoping. I want Ivan to know that we aren't fucking around and that this escalation will not stand!"

"Mister President, should we strike the Kremlin?" A military representative could be heard saying.

"I said military targets only, I am not wasting missiles on a man when we need to make an impact on his war making capabilities. Besides attempting to kill Ivan will just reinvigorate his hordes with even worse nationalist vigor if we fail. If we are to kill Ivan it needs to be a certainty."

"Mister President we have a broadcast coming in from Tarusa, it's Ivan."

The war room became silent as they watched Ivan make his speech from the Kremlin. Moods darkened as his lies spread to the world and more anger was felt when he announced his intention to invade Lethonia.

"Fuck" the utterance came from President Langley. "That lying fuck. What is our defensive situation in Lethonia?"

"Our army is already on alert and our defensive positions were already underway before the strike on the Gutnish. We could respond with a medium range missile attack of our own on his massing forces," replied the army general.

President Langley nodded, "alright, it has to be large strike, we need to delay them as much as possible. We need more divisions in the Hanseaten, I have a feeling it's just going to be us and our DDI friends alone in this war."

Gutarike/Western Gothic/The Sound

The news that the bomber force had been stopped by the Federation-Hanseaten fighters was welcome to news to Rear Admiral Anson Munroe. He watched as the Nievish fleet returned to safer waters and it seemed that the DDI would be alone in this fight. The Hansa ships did not leave however and Munroe took command of the combined fleet in the Gothic. Not long after Ivan's speech orders were received to launch another strike on the Gutnish airfields and upon military targets in Tarusa. The cruise missile strike on Tarusa would be first, the Federation forces planned for one hundred missiles per city on the target list, the Hansa would fire twenty in support, the targets would airfields and army bases. This would take place at 2000 hours at the same time that Tarusa would launch their invasion of Lethonia. The strike on Suvar would pay special attention to anti air sites and command centers. For the Gutnish strike fifty missiles per city on the target list, the Hansa ships would fire twenty per city. the targets were airfields in the region, radar sites, barracks and storage depots associated with the airfields. The attack on the Gutnish would take place after the launches on Tarusa were completed.

Lethonia

In Lethonia the Federation and Hansa forces were preparing for the oncoming Tarusan forces. They would be outnumbered until reinforcements could arrive from Westernesse or God willing from other allied nations. The missile artillery forces of the Federation Army and Hanseaten had activated their mobile missile launchers, the Federation supplied missiles did not have the same range as the Tarusan missiles that were launched at them but they could still reach into Tarusa and the Suvar valley where the Tarusan forces were massing their invasion. If the Tarusans thought that their attack was disproportionate to the one first launched on the Hansa and Federation, the allied attack would be double that if only somewhat in desperation and surprise that they were being invaded in the first place. Three hundred ATACMS missiles would be launched into the Tarusan forces, many with cluster munitions and others with conventional warheads, multiple reloads were required to accommodate the attack. Artillery guns closer to the border would open fire a short salvo and retreat to positions behind the allied defensive positions.

 

[The Federation]

Lethonia

The counter missile attack was over as fast as it had begun, what missiles were not intercepted by the anti missile defenses of the oncoming Tarusan forces crashed into their lines killing soft targets all over. The Tarusans were shown that the Federation and Hanseaten allies would not be taken down without a fight, several hundred Tarusans soldiers were killed and damage had been done to light armor and other unarmored vehicles. This did not stop the Tarusan advance however and it was not expected to. Forward operators of the allied forces were now forced to engage in a fighting retreat to the now established allied lines deeper into Lethonia.

The harassment of the Tarusan forces did not come without consequences as their own forward scouts acted in defense of the advancing forces. Night was soon approaching, the darkening skies were lit with sporadic explosions. Federation demolition teams destroyed bridges and laid mines in the face of the Tarusan advance. Armored vehicles exploded in flames as anti armor teams engaged the light armored vehicles of the Tarusans. Gunfire and explosions would be the soundtrack of the night as two giants did battle in the small and once peaceful Lethonia. Lethonias who could not or would not flee in the rural areas hid in the homes and in basements as their farms and backyards became dangerous battlefields, the soldiers screaming in strange and sometimes familiar tongues.

If there was any hope in stopping the advance it was in the arms of the Federations advanced but outnumbered military forces and in the hopes of the Federation forces it was in the negotiators of their government. They could put up a stiff resistance, kill thousands of Tarusans but ultimately they would be pushed back, the numbers game foretold it to anyone who could see it.

 

[The Federation]

Gutarike

With the peace treaty now in effect on the continent, the military could now focus on planning the invasion of Gutarike without the worry of Tarusan division crashing down on Federation defensive lines or Tarusan planes attempting anti ship attacks via the air. The main thrust of the attack would be the landing of 1st Marine Assault Division in Waldemarsudde rather than a direct attack on the capital city. An attack on the capital city would come after the Gutnish military had hopefully begun to focus on the future Federation foothold in the north west of the country.

To deal with the still present anti-air defenses, a marine recon regiment would deploy under the cover of night, inserting teams along the coast to search and destroy coastal anti air and anti ship missile batteries, while a drone swarm filled the skies above and baited the AA missiles to attack them, all while carrier based fighters launched high speed anti-radiation missiles at the activated batteries deeper inland. In the morning ship launched cruise missiles would come in after and soften up military targets and target power grid structures in an attempt to incapacitate the city and surrounding area, the landing ships with the bulk of the marine division would land and move into the city to capture it if all went well.

In the south east near the capital during the night, drones would fake an assault on the city, while cruise missiles rained down in an attempt to fool the Gutnish military into thinking an invasion was coming directly for the capital city. The assault on the city would come later after the marines had established a foothold up north. Federation commanders were under the impression that the Gutnish military would not be able to handle a two pronged assault and would either split their forces or settle in to protect the capital. Either way they would find themselves under attack from two different sides.

Commanders from the Communal Order at the War Department in Charleroi where made privy to the strategy.

Waldemarsudde

The helicopters came in so low they almost touched the sea, several groups of gunships and helis carrying the marines of the 1st recon regiment. The gunships were loaded to the brim with 30mm autocannons and rockets, others with missiles with locking capabilities. The gunships quickly opened up on early warning radar sites and coastal defenses. The recon marines roped out of their helicopters into areas with high value targets such as airfields and coastal missile sites. Others attacked electrical substations with plastic explosives, cutting power to where ever they could.

Shortly after the drones came in, emulating an aerial attack with actual fighters coming in several minutes behind them. They would attempt to seek out active AA sites and destroy them with anti radiation missiles to punch a whole in the defense and make the city more susceptible to cruise missile bombardment.

Ulrikasborg

As the surgical strikes began up north, the Federation navy launched drones at the capital, some unarmed, others with HARM missiles. Cruise missiles were launched shortly after they came into range of the Gutnish forces, just enough to attempt to overwhelm the area. Airfields and AA sites were prime targets for these missiles.

OOC: I'm just gonna use this thread since I don't feel like making a new one for no reason.

@Jydsken-Østveg @Gutarike @Hanseatic Republics @Thaumantica

 

[Thaumantica]

Almsfortress of Caitekurke, Nieveland

"As ye can see the engine is on in that motorbuggie," General advised Linc Yeovil, her replacement as leader of the entire Order, "but no one is behind the wheel until we prick her with drugs." Hely said with a grimace. "Your Neighbor services, the intelligence in Lexkirk, may have kenned it already and there's no point in hiding it now that you're at the helm of it all."

"So very blessed to have ye, the blessing is mine thank ye!" Aelis Pherson chirped towards Yeovil, looking through him and then up to the ceiling and nodding as if someone had told her something that she agreed.

"Right then, Hely, military securities by Clover are not yet installed in Lexkirk so our Order must maintain the command headquarters here through winter we reckon." Commisar Yeovil admitted, watching for Hely's smirk that an Engwahlian had come hat in hand to the north with favors needed filling by a Nieve.

"So very blessed to have ye!" Hely recited, his teeth baring now with the smile of a devil.

Nievish Sea

With the Federal invasion of Gutarike in motion the Thaumantic Communal Order immediately betrayed a trust, a word spoken to their new ally: the Northern Communes. The Nievish Flotilla was ordered to make liars of themselves by pressing into the Gothic Sea beyond her western Nievish sister sea. It would take hours to shift north, precious hours that were being wasted likewise while the Engwahlian Navy and Marines replaced the Nieve's in their namesake sea.

Admiral Graham Loesche of the Nievish Armada hailed the authorities in Sveasun soon with an ultimatum: "Ulrikasborg will bathe in blood and mere moonlight under the Federal bayonet!" he roared, "Pledge your island to the Communal Order, join us or the Jyskreich, and save your kind for the next battles to come!" The Nieves would not wait long for a reply because if not the Feds perhaps the Metsamaans or rogue elements of the Tarusan rump would notice Sveasund as a morsel moist for grabbing in the ensuing feeding frenzy.

Hours yet later the Engwahlian force crept into position before warning the Austwegians that the Thaumantican battlegroup would pass within distance to do serious mayhem to Hjortshoj as they climbed the historic Jydskfjord in reverse from ancestors. Updates were rolling in then how the Federals were already touching down, destroying, eliminating, and seizing the cities of Ulrikasborg and Waldemarsudde as the Engwahlians began spinning their own copter borne marines.

"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast," Captain Reynolds reminded his team as they their craft left her carrier vessel, "these southern cities of the Reich are posh and will not put up a fight, mark me, we have lost the footrace for paved streets and must harden ourselves for footpaths in the north."

These Engwahlians did not attempt a warning appeal on their targets and instead unloaded missiles directly at villages in the west central region where a soon to be greened like city known as Sydsjostad lay on the world's map. The Engwahlian Marines, likewise shot indiscriminately at any moving body in these villages at the start as they did their part to smear the southern half of Gutarike's Pirate Republic into full submission. Their intent, at this stage, was to ravage this region and to capture open country and small villages in the soon to freeze north. Indeed, Thaumantica's prongs came in towards Talje with a goal to create cordons on the three strips north of Sjokoping where there would be no point in racing for against the Federals.

 

[Hanseatic Republics]

Northern Gutarike (+18h Allied Invasion)

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a fiery glow across the endless sky, Sergeant Ahti Kroon stood at the open bay door of the military transport plane. The roar of the engines drowned out all other sounds, but the rhythm of his heart kept a steady beat. He knew this was it—the moment he had trained for, the moment that would define his courage and determination as an airborne paratrooper.

As the night sky slowly turned into an inky black, pierced only by the dim glow of stars and the distant lights of a sleepy town far below. Ahti tugged on the straps on his parachute, making sure every buckle was secured tightly. He glanced at his comrades, a tight-knit group of men and women, all wearing the same expression of unwavering determination.

The green light inside the plane blinked to life, illuminating their faces in an eerie shade. It was the signal they had all been waiting for. One by one, they began to shuffle towards the open bay door, the wind howling and the cold air biting through their uniforms. Ahti watched as his comrades, nigh, friends disappeared into the night, each one vanishing into the inky darkness, leaving only the haunting image of their silhouettes against the starry canvas. Finally, it was Ahti's turn. He took a deep breath and stepped up to the edge. The wind tugged at his uniform, and for a moment, he felt a sharp pang of fear. But he couldn't let fear overcome him—not now.

With a mighty leap, he launched himself into the void. The sensation of freefall was exhilarating and terrifying all at once. The world rushed past him in a blur, and he fought to control his body's orientation. His heart raced, and adrenaline surged through his veins.

Then, with a sharp tug, his parachute deployed, snapping him upright as he was suddenly suspended in the night sky. The silence was a stark contrast to the deafening roar of the plane. Ahti scanned his surroundings, spotting the twinkling stars above and the faint outline of the moon. He guided his parachute towards the designated drop zone, relying on his training to steer clear of any obstacles. Below him, the mission awaited—a crucial objective that could tip the scales of a battle yet to come.

As he descended, Ahti thought about the countless hours of preparation, the camaraderie among his fellow paratroopers, and the solemn responsibility he bore. This was more than just a jump; it was a leap into the unknown, a leap that would define the course of history. Metsamaa was engaging in the first ever offensive of its history.

Finally, with a soft thud, Ahti landed on the ground, his parachute collapsing around him. He quickly gathered his gear and joined his comrades, who had already regrouped. The mission was underway, and the fate of their mission hung in the balance. But as they moved forward, determined and united, they knew one thing for certain—they were paratroopers, and they were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. They raced forward from the far southern reach of the island knowing that others would be headed for Sveasund as well. They were already a day behind their competitors.

 

[Jydsken-Østveg]

Gutnish Island immediately off the coast of Jydsken

Private Hansen's heart raced as the amphibious assault craft cut through the choppy waters toward the nearby island. The chilly morning mist clung to his face, and the island's silhouette loomed ominously through the fog. He gripped his rifle, tension building as the boat drew closer.

Beside him, fellow soldiers shared the tension, knowing they were headed into enemy territory. As the ramp dropped onto the rocky beach, bullets whizzed past, forcing them to sprint for cover. The gunfire intensified, but they fought back, determination overriding fear. Hansen darted behind a tree, squeezed off precise shots at enemy positions, and moved in coordinated bounds toward their objective—a wooden structure command center inland. The bullets at this point had been silenced as nearby Jysk ships pounded enemy positions.

Hansen neared the wooden structure and hurled a grenade near it trying to scare the occupants. He shouted, "You're surrounded, and the Jysk navy can just flatten your building if you keep resisting." There was a moment of silence when a shout of "Okej" could be heard. The door slowly opened and about twenty Gutes walked out with the hands up. No shots were fired and the Gutes were escorted to the boat where they'd be brought to Jydsken as prisoners.

Finally, they had taken the compound, emerged victorious, and secured the area. A Jysk flag was hoisted up on the compounds flagpole, visible to any vessel sailing by. Hansen, feeling emotionally drained yet triumphant, looked around. The island, once Gutnish prize over 200 years ago, now represented their determination and unity to take it back. It was not a particularly difficult island to take, but the defenders attempted to put up a fight. This was only one island though. There was a bigger one they'd have to worry about next.

Controversial was that no war had been declared. The Gutes thought they were firing at the Federation. The Jysk military had acted without orders from the Government and this could spur the first crisis of the young national government.