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| Decay & Resurgence | |
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| Topic Started: Sep 22 2011, 10:07 AM (1,793 Views) | |
| Union | Nov 26 2011, 12:59 AM Post #51 |
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Pyrenees Republic
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"The international community is slow to rise, but it will rise, Miguel." "The Authority stands alone." "That is not what our friends are telling us." "Who would join them? They are isolated." "You must recognize that other states will act in their interests, even if under the lead of an undesirable." "So they rise." "Sir, you know what the Defense Secretary said. He is right. We cannot hold the land in the face of a significant international response." "Admiral, what is your opinion?" "Well, Chairman, our defense program has been built around the porcupine principle. It depends on the fortification of the Pyrenees. Spain is flat, and I believe our generals - our land forces are not equipped to properly defend them. They can try, but a significant assault poses a great deal of risk. The reorganization is underway, but years from completion. Our only chance would be to force negotiations through the navy. However, we cannot adequately defend both coasts, especially if, Lord forbid, the Romans get involved." "So, what do you recommend?" "Consolidation. Halt the advance on our own terms." "Thank you for the advice, gentlemen. I will inform you in the morning." |
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| Hastine | Nov 28 2011, 11:11 PM Post #52 |
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Universi enim hic sumus.
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OOC: Hey, I wanted to participate somehow. :P IC:
Edited by Hastine, Nov 28 2011, 11:12 PM.
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| NRE | Nov 30 2011, 08:37 PM Post #53 |
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman
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Over the skies of Burgos... Two MiG-35s of the Russian air force flew low over the terrain of the Spanish countryside. They were flying as low as they could to stay off radar but not so low that they looked particularly conspicuous. Officially Russia was already filing reports throughout their military hierarchy that the aircraft, which had been called from a carrier in the Mediterranean, were simply surveying international territory. After all, most of Spain was unrecognized by the international community as the proper of any one state so it was perfectly legal for Russia to have jets in the area. Having been prepped for this particular mission, the MiG were equipped with specially designed bombs that when dropped, would not explode on contact. Instead, once leaving the aircraft the bombs would go on a timer and explode two to three minutes after the aircraft went over the area. Posted Image This would create the illusion that the aircraft could not have destroyed the targets themselves, but instead were destroyed my terrorists or other rebel factions. Coming up to main bridge in the area, the aircraft screamed over the structure and a bomb was dropped. On this particular bridge, no one was crossed at the time but there were a few civilians in the area that saw the aircraft go over. They didn't see the bomb drop and approached the bridge to cross it like they had in their pickup truck several times before. The explosion would kill the two occupants of the truck as well as the bridge itself. It was a success as far as the Russians were concerned. They would hit at least three more targets before radioing back to the carrier of the rebel attacks they'd witnessed. |
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| The Authority of the Grand Moff | Dec 1 2011, 03:46 AM Post #54 |
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2nd Lieutenant
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Quietly, they were waiting. The Legions of the Moffs were one of Europe's greater enigmas. Outnumbered by orders of magnitude, those few Legionnaires, whose minds were warped, whose weapons were mighty, whose will was indomitable, were all that stood between the preservation of The New Order and annihilation. In philosophy it seemed that they belonged to a more ancient age--an age when armored knights, unmatchable on the battlefield, galloped across the European plains. Back when you fought your enemy at distances of inches, not miles. Pragmatically, the most important connection between the knights and the Legionnaires--or, for that matter, their Roman namesake--was their recognition that to master War, one must master its technology. Soon that technology would be put to the test. * The Council knew that the time when the situation in Iberia would prove intolerable was fast approaching. With the Russians assuming the burden of the political war against the Union, the Moffs prepared for the armed conflict that was sure to follow swiftly. Various scenarios were posited and plans extrapolated, but for now, two battalions of Thanas' Legion (being given the honor due to the Moff's diplomatic success with the Tsar) were on immediate alert, with a third on reserve standby (though, of course, the Legions were always prepared for battle at a moment's notice). Ideally Russian air cover would be sufficient for them to deploy to, most likely, key Iberian cities targeted by the Union. There they would be able to establish defensive positions holding actions, which along with the threat of the mighty Russian military mobilizing, would hopefully prove enough to force the Union to withdraw. There were, however, contingencies layered upon contingencies. As due to logistical difficulties the initial deployment would necessarily be lightly-equipped, it was imperative that this first action not only was successful, but was able to secure a position capable of further supply and reinforcement if necessary, whether from a captured airport or (ideally) Russian Iberia. As yet the Russians had not offered their airbases in Iberia as staging grounds, so for now the assumption was that the Legionnaires would have to deploy from the Sectors (which presented yet more delicate problems). But then, War is rarely easy, and never perfect. No matter what the situation demanded, the Legionnaires were prepared for anything from peacekeeping to an invasion of Jaca. It was inconceivable that they there was nothing they had not conceived of. |
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| Porcu | Dec 1 2011, 09:56 PM Post #55 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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They had arrived. The city of Zaragoza, only recently fallen into the hands of Union troops, stretched upwards and outwards from the small group of Porcuians and EU officials. Unenthusiastically lead by a veteran of the Porcuian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the group nonetheless turned to Atios for guidance and reassurance. Without wasting a moment and before allowing the Union official sent to greet them as a whole to speak, Cassius Devonae Atios thrust his official documentation forward, as well as a list of the 28 person delegation and all relevant information. "I think you'll find everything in order. Now, please, my colleagues and I would like to start our work." Having spoken in Latin, Atios stood firm in front of the Union official. Blinking momentarily, a woman came up from behind Atios and stood beside him. Immediately, she translated what he had said into standard Spanish, as well as into Basque and Catalan. The joint Porcu-EU delegation stood silently and awaited a reply, while Atios ran his hand through what remained of his white hair and settled his ball cap back onto his head. It was not the introduction many considered. |
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| The Authority of the Grand Moff | Dec 13 2011, 01:30 AM Post #56 |
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2nd Lieutenant
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OOC: *Basically what I'm saying here (NRE) is that we need to figure out who is in charge, the chain of command, how many men are needed and what they should be armed with, et cetera. I think Union mentioned that he was going to make an update in this thread soon, so what his reaction was to your "terrorist attacks" is unknown, but I can't imagine it was good.... |
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| Union | Dec 13 2011, 03:09 AM Post #57 |
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Pyrenees Republic
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Secretary Dr. Manuel Marcos-Esteban was not a well known figure in Union politics, though no one knew quite why. He had been involved in the Secretariat for his entire professional career, and was a prolific writer, having published hundreds of times in many academic journals prior to ascending to the top position in the Ministry of Interior Affairs, on a large variety of issues from the political economy of European states to the security of the seaborne trade. Nearing his sixtieth birthday, Marcos was not what one would call photogenic. Nature had given him many talents, but his physical appearance was not one of them. Standing at five feet and four inches, and with a girth giving him the appearance of a human ball, the only thing saving him from scathing political caricatures was his anonymity. He made few public appearances. He was however, ambitious, and he knew that Trouillefou's time was ending. A new leader would be needed, and who better than him to lead the country he had spent the last few years trying to create. It was his amendments under which the new republics were administrated. It was he that truly chose which individuals joined the new governments. Trouillefou was a charismatic man, but not an administrator, and when the Chairman had needed advice, it was he who stood at his side. He had support in the National Assembly, but not enough. He needed to build a public face. It was for these reasons that he found himself in Zaragoza, talking with Union reporters. It was why he was here now, standing next to Private Peio, awaiting the arrival of the Porcurian delegation. They had just passed security, and were being driven into the city center at the Cathedral, where humanitarian efforts were concentrated. It was a warm day, a bit too warm for September. Marcos removed his suit jacket, opting for meeting the delegation in a much more informal measure. This, he reasoned, would make him seem less official, and give a much friendlier face. As Peio dutifully took his jacket away, and moved off to place it nearby, the Porcuian delegation arrived. The first vehicle stopped near him, and Marcos looked intently at his reflection in the car window. The door opened, and from within, a balding man emerged, putting a cap on his head. Marcos recognized him from the briefing he had had earlier that day. "Welcome, Mr. Atios, to the Cathedral of San Salvador." He said it in English, assuming that both men may be more comfortable conversing without translators. Atios grunted a short reply, and shook Marcos' hand. Peio had returned, and shook it as well. Behind Atios, another figure emerged. "Adriana Fagiorius! I know your work. I am delighted to meet you." "And I you, Dr. Marcos." "Call me Manuel! I insist. We are all equals here! And this must be Dr. Kenna-Olps. If I may say so, sir, I have studied your work with the European Union and it has informed me in this effort of ours." Other delegates began to disembark from their vehicles, and Marcos took the time to greet each individually, while Private Peio brought out a cart with water bottles to hand out to the team. "I ask you all to wait for a moment. We are missing a member of our party. General Alfonso Ruben of the Joint Chiefs is running a little late, but I am told he just arrived in Zaragoza and will be here in five to seven minutes. While we wait, are there any preliminary questions you have of me?" =================================
*Order 44: The halt of all offensive operations beyond the current occupied territories.
OOC: Burgos is a city of about 200,000. Bombardments will focus on tactical targets alongside paratrooper drops around local government facilities, aimed at capturing as many officials as possible. Civilian casualties will be ~2,300 troops, by far the largest single event resulting in civilian casualties (I'm thinking maybe a fourth of the war's total). Feel free to assume media reports AFTER the occupation and surrender of the local government, which will occur within hours due to the heavy handed tactics. Union positions will go on the defensive from this point on, and the Union navy and air force will be activated in full force to patrol the country at all hours from this point on. Porcu, this is occurring concurrently with your delegation, but your people will be gone before news breaks. Edited by Union, Dec 13 2011, 03:10 AM.
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| The Authority of the Grand Moff | Dec 13 2011, 05:09 PM Post #58 |
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2nd Lieutenant
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OOC: Judging from the maps it would seem that Burgos is already in your occupation zone... or have you instead occupied the countryside and are only now taking the city? IC: The Star Fort of Moff Thanas Command Center Posted Image "...fall of Soria, the most likely next target is the city of Burgos, 42‹21ŒN 3‹42ŒW." Moff Thanas nodded. No master strategist--at least in military matters--he was more than willing to concede most of the talking to his Legionnaire commanders. "As you can see," the commander continued, "Burgos is bisected east-west by the Arianzon River. Typical of medieval cities, the street layout is complicated, confused, and haphazard. The city features numerous fortified structures dating back centuries and millenia, the most important of which are the Cathedral and the Castle Ruins, both located on the north side of the river." "The Cathedral is Gothic in design and immense in size," said a second commander. "Structural condition is excellent, largely due to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984--the collapse of the United Nations having no ill effect. Composition of limestone and marble suggests that the Cathedral is proof against light attack, but is not likely to last under sustained heavy bombardment.* However, its sheer size ensures that absolute destruction would require dedicated combat engineer support." "I take it the Castle Ruins are in worse shape?" asked the Moff, rhetorically. "Yes, sir," replied a third commander. "The Castle dates from the 800's and was gutted in a fire in the 1700's; however, it still retains several towers, and the lower sections of most of the battlements remain intact." "It is the location, not the status, of the Castle Ruins that is of the greatest importance," said the first commander. "Situated on a large hill in the northwest section of the city, it dominates the surrounding landscape, providing an excellent position for artillery observation." "Even I can figure this one out: to hold Burgos requires holding the northern half of the city." "Precisely, sir. The city is much easier to defend than it is to attack, even compared to other cities. Assuming a competent defence, capture of the city once it is occupied would require no less than a full-scale prolonged assault. Casualties are virtually guaranteed to be very high, and it is highly probably that most, if not all, of the historical sites in the city would be destroyed." * * *
OOC: A larger, more detailed map of Burgos can be found here |
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| Union | Dec 13 2011, 05:23 PM Post #59 |
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Pyrenees Republic
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OOC: My map included the Burgos region already, but I had not RPed its acquisition. You are, by the way, aware of the historical situation in Spain? I get the impression you see me as an outright conqueror, when that is not the case. http://s3.zetaboards.com/nationstates/topic/7257883/1/#new But generally, yes. My occupations have been on the model of first securing major access routes, surrounding major cities, and pacifying the country side. We then negotiate a surrender and occupation with the local government in the large cities, or, if they refuse, move in as was done in Castellon, Zaragoza, and now Burgos. Edited by Union, Dec 13 2011, 05:39 PM.
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| Union | Dec 13 2011, 05:53 PM Post #60 |
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Pyrenees Republic
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"Antonio, come inside!" The little boy ran further away, laughing, not understanding how serious the situation had come. "But, Mama! I want to play football!" "ANTONIO! NOW! AHORA!" The boy remained defiant, and looked up at the sky, the sun rising just Cathedral. Suddenly, four large aircraft could be heard approaching the city. His mother began screaming, and chased after Antonio, but the six year old eluded her, darting between chairs and tables of the cafe, laughing. "Mira, look, Mama! It's snowing!" The planes were overhead, dropping thousands of little bits of white paper. Antonio collected a fistful before running to show his mother.
The mother held back sobs, and she grabbed her child. It was nearby, and she ran. The roads were soon blocked with traffic, and abandoned cars. Hundreds of her neighbors from the bario of San Esteban were there when she arrived. Hundreds more hadn't left. As the time neared closer, a roar of aircraft engines could be heard in the distance. Soon this sound was blocked out by the screams of the citizens around her, as they watched, from afar, their homes burn to Union bombs. She gripped her child tight, and fell to the floor. Above her, Union paratroopers began descending to the secure the hospital. Soon, the screams of those around her were drowned out by a much worse sound - that of Burgos police attempting a valiant last stand against the Union soldiers. She joined her son in sobbing. Edited by Union, Dec 13 2011, 05:54 PM.
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| Porcu | Dec 13 2011, 05:58 PM Post #61 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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"I'm sure you meant to say 'Euroveraminus Union', Secretary." Kenna-Olps replied with a grin and a firm handshake. "The community I work for and represent is not as ethnocentric as some would have you believe." As Secretary Marcos-Esteban continued greeting each member of the delegation, Kenna-Olps walked beside Atios. Both men took a bottle of water when presented and stood waiting for the Union official to finish. "Nothing but silly pandering." Atios said softly in Latin. "Politics, my friend. You and I both know of the fine line the Union is walking. It's critical that image is controlled." When the Union Secretary turned around and announced to the delegation that a bit more patience was necessary and asked if there were any questions Atios was the first to oblige. "What is your official capacity, Mr. Secretary, with regard to the military and political efforts of your country? It is my hope that our work will be swift and uninterrupted; to what extent can you assure my colleagues and I that we will be free to conduct our research?" Dr. Rinae (Adriana) frowned at this blunt address and made a mental note to voice her opinion later. Now she waited to hear a response from Marcos-Esteban. |
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| NRE | Dec 13 2011, 06:13 PM Post #62 |
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman
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Edited by NRE, Dec 13 2011, 06:14 PM.
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| Union | Dec 13 2011, 06:13 PM Post #63 |
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Pyrenees Republic
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Posted Image "Ah. Well, I am the Secretary of the Interior. I work primarily with immigration issues, policing, and intelligence. The Union is a highly decentralized state, and I ensure that local contradictions in laws and enforcement are minimized, while maintaining federal mandates in these fields. My work with the integration of Spain is today primarily dealing with issues of insurgency, which we deal with as a criminal matter, humanitarian aid, and working with integrating military police and local enforcement to make the integration as peaceful and orderly as possible. I oversee the appointments of the new governments, and serve as an agent between the federal government and local administrations. As for your research, you will be free to conduct it as you wish, in the company of myself and others. We will go with you for purposes of security, and to provide assistance if necessary, but I am not here to censor the opinions of my countrymen. There are a few no-go zones within Zaragoza, due to high levels of criminal and insurgent activity. There is a real problem with looting, something we hope the humanitarian effort here can help mitigate. As it is, you will be limited to land south of the Ebro. There are humanitarian centers here at the basilica, at the bullring, at the Fine Arts Museum, and at Santa Egracia. This forms a ring around most of the city, with a fifth humanitarian center at the Plaza de Espana. There is a bus which will take us to each location, though at any point you may ask to stop and speak with individuals. I ask that you obey my men, if there is a security situation, and that you do not press individuals to speak if they do not want too. The humanitarian centers, however, will likely give you the best assortment of individuals, as they have served as focal points for the local population, giving you a much larger sample size for your research. There are other centers further south, but these are primarily medical facilities based at existing hospitals. You may visit these facilities if you wish, but we ask that you not conduct any direct research there out of respect for the patients. The park of Primo de Rivera is located between these hospitals, and is the largest single humanitarian center, serving to house displaced refugees from areas of the city that have not yet been secured. We can visit this as well. Finally, the former local government and captured insurgents are being housed at a temporary camp within castle Aljaferia. You will be permitted to tour this facility, and speak with the prisoners to your hearts content, though I must ask that you keep in mind that these individuals are the most radical and violent of the bunch. Most of the workers you see at these centers are native Zaragozans, I must add. We have done much to integrate our units with the former peace officers of the city. There is an outspoken minority against this integration, but I stress that it is a minority. I am sure your research will show this. Anything else?" Edited by Union, Dec 13 2011, 06:26 PM.
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| Porcu | Dec 13 2011, 06:46 PM Post #64 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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"What efforts are you and members of your government making to ensure that displaced men, women, and children are adequately taken care of?" Rinae said, quite confident that the Secretary would be able to give a response that would satisfy many members of the delegation. "Also..." Atios said, placing one hand on his hip while raising the other. "I would like to split this delegation into teams. So as not to burden local police and security forces, how many would you suggest, Mr. Secretary?" Kenna-Olps was struck by one word in particular during the Secretary's response and wished to have a follow up. "Mr. Secretary, how has your government department defined 'insurgency'? Also, do you anticipate having citizens of these various occupied territories vote in a referendum in the future?" |
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| Telosan | Dec 13 2011, 09:23 PM Post #65 |
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The Foremost Intellectual Badass
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OOC: Quoted for clarity. ~~~~~ With a short sigh, the Doge set down the most recent report. He had hoped someone, anyone would have acted by now. Instead, the Porcuians were in the field polling, the Romans remained quiet, and even the Russians seemed content to simply observe. Aside from occasional spats of resistance and a few bombings, the strategic value of which indicated a higher, more organized entity that may even be a neighboring country, the Union had advanced unopposed. However, given that Venice had the most to lose in this situation, it was understandable that others had not yet acted. Running his hand through his hair, surprisingly still mostly dark despite the best efforts of the world, he stood from his desk and moved to phone with enthusiasm. Sitting idle and shuffling papers and stamps were a sure path to madness, he always thought, but action kept one in their prime. That, and anything was far more interesting than the constant stack of monotonous papers on his desk. His unanswered ultimatum was all the justification he needed. ~~~~~ Without care for secrecy, as their presence was hard to disguise anyway, a preliminary task force swept north across the coastline of Iberia from Valencia to Barcelona. The patrol was continued until they were relieved by a larger, more permanent force from Genoa that moved in behind the screen of the lighter, patrol fleet. The preoccupation of the Union forces in securing their territory allowed for relatively free movement. With no Mediterranean fleet and an air force playing defense, the blockading ships sighted only sporadic reconnaissance while the blockade settled in. ~~~~~
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| The Authority of the Grand Moff | Dec 13 2011, 09:51 PM Post #66 |
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2nd Lieutenant
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All communications chatter amongst Thanas' Legion ceased, and now Moff Thanas' voice could be heard via the Legionnaires throughout his Sector, through helmet comlinks, vehicle radios, and barracks broadcast systems: "Legionnaires of Thanas! The time for waiting has come and gone--now is the time for action! The Russian Defence Ministry has granted us access to an airbase outside Barcelona. Specific coordinates are now being downloaded to your systems. On my command, I am authorizing immediate deployment, per Plan C-7. Go now, my Legionnaires--go now, unto Death and Glory!" * Their Moff had given them a Command--in a flash, all the minds of Thanas' Legion were solely focused on ensuring that nothing would stop them from carrying it out. There was no concern voiced, or even conceived of. No Legionnaire felt his bowels softened and his heart weakened by fear. There was only absolute conviction in the Legion. For, you see, anything otherwise was impossible. * Plan C-7 called for an initial deployment of 3 battalions of 500 Legionnaires each--specifically, 1st, 3rd, and 8th Battalions (chosen at random during the planning process). Having been waiting with baited breath for this moment, it was not long before the armoured men began to pour into large transport aircraft (copy-built C-17's, as a joint study by KDY and SieSys had concluded that the former American workhorse was perfectly suited to the needs of the Legions). But no modern army could hope to fight on manpower alone; indeed, such was the nature of the Legions their technology was an integral component. PX-10's and Optios rolled onto their own transports, as well a single MCV (which just barely squeezed in). Any free space left was soon crowded with thousands of rounds of ammunition and foodstuffs (though it was hoped that the Russians would bear the brunt of logistical duties), communications relays, medical equipment, and whatever weaponry of interest in the exotic Legion armory that could be crammed in. No tanks, though, and virtually no artillery save a few man-portable light guns, rocket launchers, and machine guns. No fighters either--it would be up to the Russians to provide any such support, at least initially (though there were already numerous contingency plans in case of escalation). What air support could be mustered was, nonetheless, formidable: a squadron of ORCA attack aircraft, along with 15 ORCA Transports (also filled to capacity), would be coming along for the long journey--one which would require the whole conglomerate, designated as the "Iberian Expeditionary Force", to pass through Venetian airspace. *
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| Union | Dec 13 2011, 10:22 PM Post #67 |
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Pyrenees Republic
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"What efforts are you and members of your government making to ensure that displaced men, women, and children are adequately taken care of?" Rinae said, quite confident that the Secretary would be able to give a response that would satisfy many members of the delegation. Marcos smiled at Rinae. "As you may understand, it is in our interest to create legitimate records for these formerly displaced citizens. We have, in all occupied areas, at the very least one volunteer, either local or from the Union itself, responsible for going from home to home counting, identifying, and most importantly, checking on the welfare of these individuals. Humanitarian centers like those you will tour today are a common feature in all population centers with over 1,000 individuals known. However, this is likely to be a difficult process, one that will continue for some time. The Union government is currently proposing legislation to help compensate individuals for lost property, and other efforts to create employment in displaced populations. This is a long-term effort for the country. Now, Mr. Kenna-Olps. The Union government has defined insurgency as engaging in violence against government forces or property, either individually, or as a group effort. These individuals will be arrested, but, in most cases, likely be offered amnesty and an opportunity to return to their lives. We admire that these individuals felt the need to defend their lands, but they will soon see that our government is not their enemy, and I am confident that they will integrate successfully on a large scale. There will, of course, be chronic violators, even after the integration process, and these individuals will be tried according to the laws of the Union, and her constituent republics. One reason I am confident is because these men and women will not be disenfranchised. They will have the right to participate in the political processes of their local governments. We are here to unite our country, not conquer and pillage. The Union government places as its highest priority the creation of stable political institutions which represent the will of the body politic. Mr. Atios, I have not forgotten you. There are four large vans which will come to take us around the city. You are right that splitting up will cover more ground, but it will strain our security teams further than one might imagine. As it is, I can permit us splitting into two broad group, to tour the humanitarian facilities over the next several hours, and then, meet this evening at Plaza de Lagos Azules for a dinner with General Ruben Alfonso, commander of our military initiative. I am told that a matter requiring Ruben's attention has come up [Burgos], and that he will be unable to join our tour until that time. Tomorrow, we can visit the prisoners at the castle as a single group. If there are no further questions, then I see no reason to dawdle. Let's move out." =========
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| Porcu | Dec 13 2011, 11:27 PM Post #68 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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Official Communiqué The Republic of Porcu urges fellow European states to exercise a degree of caution and patience. Research is currently being conducted and data collected of the reaction by local populaces to the military and political actions of the Union. Stockholm is concerned that offensive maneuvers are still being conducted into territories of Free Spain, but does not wish to see an escalation of tension in Iberia - and by a larger extent Europe. ... Atios grumbled a quick reply, too quickly and hoarsely for Marcos to decipher, and turned back to his vehicle. Grabbing a list of the delegates from the inside, he turned around and quickly called out each person individually, placing them into one of two large groups and assigning a "team leader" that would be directly responsible for the group as a whole. Whereas Atios declared himself to be one such team leader, he gave the second position to Dr. Kenna-Olps. As the EU and Porcuian election officials and delegates started sorting themselves, Rinae made a move and spoke to her superior. "Atios, we can't come in Iberia with our minds already made up. We have to explore the territory and ask questions when appropriate, but remember that there is a great deal of history here and it would be foolish for us to think that it doesn't factor into people's decisions...their hopes and dreams." Rinae said. Atios simply gazed back at her and said nothing. Motioning to stretch his back, Atios raised his arms in the air and yawned loudly. Lifting his ball cap and running his hands over his balding head, Atios completely ignored Rinae and quickly told Secretary Marcos that he needed to make a phone call. "The vans are just arriving, Mr. Atios." "It won't take long." Walking some distance away, at least as far as the soldiers would allow him to stray, Atios took out his mobile phone and dialed a number that gave him a secure connection to his superiors in Stockholm. "Atios?" "Director Semannus, good day." "What's going on? Have you begun your work yet? Things are starting to ramp up on the Continent and we're relying on you to get some results before the international community." "We've..." Atios said, looking back at the larger group. "been delayed a bit. This was all part of the agreement though, no? In any case, I'm trying my best to push ahead and have some data soon. What's Parliament make of all this?" "Gularis isn't happy, but I think that actually has little to do with things in Iberia. Truth be told, Parliament doesn't want anything to do with this. If those Spaniards play their cards right, the data supports the notion that they are seen in a favorable light, and a referendum supports their actions...then we're happy and we'll be sitting on the sidelines for this one." "And if they don't? Or what if Russia decides to actively get involved?" "I can't say, Atios. I really don't know." Atios paused and thought a bit before continuing, his name now being called by Secretary Marcus and several soldiers motioning for him to return. "Just one last thing, Director. Any news from the Abwehr?" "At at this moment, but you rest assured that they're keeping an eye on everything." A few moments later, Atios had hung up and pocketed his cellphone and gotten into the front passenger seat to one of the large vans. "Whenever you're ready, Mr. Secretary." Edited by Porcu, Dec 13 2011, 11:28 PM.
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| Telosan | Dec 13 2011, 11:47 PM Post #69 |
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The Foremost Intellectual Badass
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OOC: AGM, Venetian territory in Iberia is all south of the Union's legitimate and claimed territory. I'm guessing you meant the blockade? Union, the Galician and constituent provinces have long been rogue states in Venice. I've been trying to pawn them off for some time, but no one will take them. :lol: Also, that damned treaty... IC:
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| NRE | Dec 14 2011, 01:45 PM Post #70 |
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman
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It was plain to see that Russian forces along the Catalan borders were increasing and taking a posture that suggested an imminent intent to cross the border into what the Russians were officially called the contested zone back at home in the Kremlin. More troops were amassing at the borders, along with tanks and other heavy artillery and in the skies, Russian patrols were streaking across the skies in closer intervals. There had been no official word about the attacks on bridges leading to Burgos although the Kremlin imagined that this meant the Union believed it to be terrorist attacks and certainly wouldn't report of them for fear of showing a resistance against them. In Barcelona itself, there was much action throughout the city, especially at the international airport and the airbase just on the outskirts of the city. The Russian military commandeered some of the civilian airport for its own uses, leaving their airbase open for the arrival of Moff forces. At the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya, the Governor Vladimir Makarov and his staff were hard at work preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. Most of his morning was spent with General Victor Yermolov, understanding his own plans as approved by the Ministry of Defense. The Governor was naturally concerned about war on his border, especially if Russian defense were broke along any line and Union forces marched in. Russia's control of Catalonia has always been in extreme flux and the Governor feared how a Union invasion would affect it. Before the Dominion Wars, Russia control was weak and the Dominion's invasion was somewhat celebrated among the people, until the dictatorship-like crackdowns began. Russia's liberation of Catalonia was welcomed and the people saw Russia as its hero and savior for much time after that. Now however, Russia's place in Catalonia was somewhat in question. The Catalans knew they were Russian, despite the Empire's best efforts to make them Russian, but what they could do without Russia was always the question. For Russia, its biggest threat was how other Spanish groups could influence the Catalans and this recent resurgence of the idea of a United Spain could only go to grow fear back in Moscow. "If we strike we must ensure safety along the border General, I cannot stress that enough" said the Governor with a worried look over his face. "I understand Governor" said the General reassuringly, "We are strengthening ourselves along the border as we speak. I also expect the arrival of Moff Legionnaires soon, indeed I intend to leave for the airbase to greet their commander shortly. I've also been informed we've contacted the Venetians with our intentions and I imagine we can expect military assistance from them as it would be mutually beneficial. Beyond that, his majesty can also request aid from Constantinople. However, I don't believe that's necessary as our forces ready. They were tried in Africa and showed themselves a well-trained and prepared group." Rising from his seat the General added "If this comes down to a military conflict, we are prepared. Now if you'll excuse me governor, I should be leaving for the airbase." The General saluted the Governor and the two men exchanged a handshake before he left. The General would arrived at the airbase just before the first planes landed of Moff Thanas's forces. |
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| The Authority of the Grand Moff | Dec 15 2011, 01:02 AM Post #71 |
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2nd Lieutenant
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OOC: Telo, I was referring to the far western part of your "main" territory, which I would have to cross to reach Spain from Poland IC: Posted Image Barcelona Airbase, Russian Iberia Codename "Jericho" As the Iberian Expeditionary Force finally arrived at the Russian airbase, there was no time wasted with pleasantries: as soon as the transports were cleared to land, they did so. The Russian forces scattered around the base regarded the arrival of the Legionnaires mostly with skepticism (and scattered scorn), but unquestionably the the arrival of these semi-mythical "supersoldiers" (Ha! - some scoffed - What do they know of War?) captured everyone's attention. They watched, almost enraptured, as the ORCA's--so unlike anything in the Russian arsenal, or indeed anyone else's--began to land on the tarmac. Then-- For veterans and FNGs alike, the appearance of the Legionnaires, with their black suits of armor, their faces hidden behind strange-looking helmets, was a surreal experience. Some pinched themselves, unsure if they were dreaming or playing a video game or writing an online fiction. Most unnerving to the Russian soldiers was the utterly identical nature of their newfound allies, the only discernable differences amongst any them being height (and since all Legionnaires were required to be at least 6'2, this wasn't saying much). For soldiers of an army, like all other armies, used to rank insignia, "personalized" gear, and comrades' faces (Faces, goddammit--no faces!), the Legionnaires seemed almost like something out of a nightmare (or, at the very least, a sci-fi blockbuster). But now their attention turned to the first of the copy-built C-17's (their familiar nature only making the scene more surreal) now landing on one of the nearby runways. As the cargo doors began to open, there was open discussion about what would be coming out: a hovering tank with a massive laser, perhaps, or a Martian tripod. Instead, the first thing the Russian soldiers perceived was an incredible rumbling noise audible even over the roar of the tranport's engines. Then they watched--now having completely lost any sense of decorum--as a simply enormous armoured vehicle, like a house on tracks (in reality, the MCV), slowwwwwwlllllllllllyyyyyyyyyy (so as not to damage the plane, or the runway for that matter) began to crawl out. * The first to make a move were the helicopter pilots. Even as the Russian and Legionary commands met, their respective forces simply stared at each other from a distance. Opinions amongst the Russians ranged from awe to disdain to (mostly) confusion, while the Legionnaires busied themselves with unloading their bizarre-looking gear. This went on for an uncomfortably-long while, until finally some of the Russian helicopter pilots, irresistably fascinated, made their way near the landed ORCAs. Then-- "Hello." The voice that came from the Legionnaire's helmet clearly had a synthetic undertone, but was unmistakably human (there were scattered bets circulating that they were actually robots), and sounded friendly enough. "Uh, zdravstvujtye," came the reply from one of the Russians. "So, how do you guys like those, um, whatchamacallits--" "Oh, the ORCAs? Oh, they're a bitch to fly, but once you figure them out they're pretty awesome." The casualness of the Legionnaire's response caught the Russians completely by surprise; whatever they were expecting, that wasn't it. There was a long, awkward moment of complete silence, followed by: "So, what do you guys fly? Mi-24's? 28's?" Once again the Russians were startled. This came from a different Legionnaire, and they could tell because, well, his voice sounded different than the other guy (the same synthetic undertone notwithstanding)--which of course one would expect with two separate individuals, except that the identical repetitiveness of the Legionnaires' equipment and the mythos and rumours surrounding them had had an almost hypnotic effect on the Russians, subconsciously convincing them that the Legionnaires were clones more than soldiers. "Uh, Ka-52's actually." "Sick! I mean how much better looking is that, right? Those Mil's may be tough, but they're ugly as fuck! And it was at that moment that the wall between the Russians and the Legionnaires began to crumble--because the Russian pilots laughed, and the laughter was heard by others, and suddenly the differences between them didn't seem so great anymore. * Meanwhile... "General Yermelov, its an honor to meet you, sir. I am Colonel Andrzej--" So... they do indeed have names... "--of the Iberian Expeditionary Force of the Legion of Moff Thanas." "The pleasure is mine, Colonel. Your men are most welcome, especially now." "Thank you, sir. We will be honored to fight alongside such a force as the Russian Army, you are reknowned across this Continent for your skill and valour." "Let us hope that the fighting will end before it starts, Colonel." "Of course, sir--though, if I may, I doubt that this illegal occupation will simply disappear. These 'Unionists' are strong, and so we, too, must be strong." "Right you are, Colonel Andrzej, right you are. I've increased our patrols, and already they've been able to report that Union forces appear to be massing near Cantabria." "General, if I may--before we deployed, our own analysis strongly indicated that the city of Burgos was at a high risk for being occupied, and that this would grant this so-called 'Union' a defensible position of formidable value, as well as a diplomatic coup due to its historical artifacts. The city is deep within occupied territory, but I am confident that, if you, sir, would supply us air cover, my men can establish themselves within the city--but I recognize this would likely be considered an escalation, sir, escalation which would require the authorization of your command. What would you have us do, General Yermelov?" |
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| Union | Dec 19 2011, 11:12 PM Post #72 |
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Pyrenees Republic
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OOC: Havn't forgotten about this. |
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| Rhadamanthus | Dec 19 2011, 11:27 PM Post #73 |
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Legitimist
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OOC: I just read over this and I'm thinking about whether to get involved. I'm just starting to get back in so I don't want to take on too many things at once. |
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| Union | Dec 25 2011, 02:50 AM Post #74 |
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Pyrenees Republic
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Barcelona, Catalonia: 12:13 pm Office of Juan Consuelos, Premier of Russian Catalonia Ramón Cajal de Arriortúa was an unknown. Serving as the diplomatic adjunct in Catalonia at the Union consulate, his days were filled with organizing visas for those extended families divided by the Iberian borders. He worked with grandmothers, not politicians. This was finally his chance to prove his worth to his superiors, and he would not ruin it by being late. He entered the Premier's building, and strode confidently toward the security desk. He gave them his identification as a member of the Union consulate. "I have a 12:15 meeting with the Premier." The secretary smiled, and summoned two men to guide him to the office. Not a minute late, Ramon enters the Premier's office. Juan Conseulos was up and ready to greet him, grabbing Ramon firmly by the hand and welcoming him in. "Sit, Ambassador, sit." Ramon obliged, and seated himself in a comfortable leather chair. A secretary brought in some water, setting it before him, and Ramon graciously took a sip of the glass. "Premier Conseulos, I thank you for this opportunity to speak with you. It is, as we both know, a tense time in the history of our relations. I will waste no time, for there is none to waste. Premier, we in the Union have proven ourselves men of diplomacy and of peace. We have resolved our disputes abroad peacefully, time and time again. We came an agreement in France, regarding the Sperian border dispute, and did so amicably. We settled the crisis in Brittany, another hot time, with honor, and most importantly, preserving the peace. We have integrated the anarchic regions of Spain without once violating the territorial integrity of this state. Premier, I was sent to ask one thing: Why, in the face of our good intentions, is the Russian government currently amassing a sizable military presence alongside our shared border?" Burgos, Burgos: 12:21 pm When the nuns heard the rattle outside the cloister, they feared the worst. The bombardment had lasted a little over an hour now, but had spared the Cathedral. Until now. Walking out into the hall, their fears were immediately confirmed. A large hole in the ceiling had made the presence of a missile confirmed, and it did not take long until they found the culprit. It had not detonated, and was wedged firmly into the ground, firmly into the bones of the final resting place of "El Cid". Edited by Union, Dec 26 2011, 12:38 AM.
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| Telosan | Dec 27 2011, 01:08 AM Post #75 |
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The Foremost Intellectual Badass
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~~~~~
Edited by Telosan, Dec 27 2011, 01:34 AM.
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11:32 AM Jul 13