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Gabcikovo-Nagymaros
Topic Started: Oct 11 2013, 08:17 AM (886 Views)
Alberto
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Resident Italian
The night was very cold in the Slovakian mounts. Those mounts were at the far border of Marslava: Bratislava lied far in the north-west, Prague even more far. On the other hand, something that was very close was Hungary. The border with that chaotic land was controlled by the 71st Jaeger division of the Marslavan Army, a special division, which was deployed alongside an important dispositive of combat and support troops. This was evidently because someone in Prague believed that something was preparing in the Hungarian plains.

Corporal Vladislav Zernin had joined recently the Jaeger on the border. The Jaeger would costantly observe what happened in the border, sending out scouts to monitor the situation. For the first time since his arrival in the border, Vladislav was sent with the Sergeant Keller, an ethnic German, to patrol the silent mounts where Slovakia and Hungary met. The sergeant would show him the ropes so that he would adapt quicker to his first deployment after military training.

Sergeant Keller and Corpoal Zernin observed the silent hills and the sleeping villages on the other side. The Sergeant had an excited voice and exclaimed with his heavy German accent «It's empty and silent. You would think, from today, that nothing happens in our border, but you would be wrong corporal» There was a pause «but this is not the case, look». With his binoculars he pointed at few hundred meters away a small group of people advancing carefully. «Gypsies» said the German «they are not well liked in Hungary». Corpoal Zernin spotted the presence of another group: they were not gypsies. «Armed men, three o'clock» said the sergeant.

That other group was waiting for the gypsies who were evidently trying to make it to the other side of the frontier. Soon fireshots echoed and the first group scattered, chased by those other men. The fireshots continued for a while, under the horrified eye of the Corporal and the resigned look of the Sergeant. «Every night someone tries to cross» said the Sergeant «and every night, for one group that makes it, there is another one that makes this end. The fanatics at the other side of the border, they don't joke». The poor gypsies had been scattered and eliminated, the last shots had been fired few minutes before, and the attackers took whatever they could find on the bodies.

«Those fanatics» exclaimed Sergeant Keller «in the name of a Greater Hungary they kill the Slovaks and the gypsies. But it's the other Hungarian that the Hungarian kills with most pleasure». Corporal Zernin realized that this would be a spectacle that he would see frequently on that border. On his side, he understood, he would shoot anyone of these bastards who would find himself in the wrong side of the border – in Marslava.


The men of the Marslavan Direction of Security had circulated a worrying report on Hungary. Major Horka, assigned to the «Hungarian Case» had produced this report and was convinced that this time what happened in Hungary was of particular importance. The men sitting around him were high ranked people from the Foreign Ministry and the Defense Ministry.

«You will know» started the Major «that since the fall of the Hungarian Hagsburg, Hungary has been in a situation of constant unrest, a situation that has been quickly spiralling out of control.» «The things is that we in th MDS saw with relief the fall of the Hungary and Austro-Bayern because we believed that this allowed Marslava to be the dominant power in Central Europe. This has ever since been the prime objective of our foreign policy: prevent the emergence of a capable rival in Central Europe.» Of course, thought the Major, those gentlement already knew it.

«Now» he continued «the many warring factions of Hungary have consolidated in three main groupings: at the north we have an aparteid state which persecutes its gypsy community. At the south there is a sort of theocracy, under the Prince-Bishop of Balaton. Budapest, which has had no master until now, has just proclaimed his allegiance to a warlord nicknamed «the Admiral» who claims to be one of the sons of the last Habsburg king. His claimed objective is the creation of a Greater Hungary, reuniting the domains of the Piast dinasty, which spanned across Hungary, Romania and Slovakia».

«The speed with which Budapest and central Hungary have embraced this man is extremely worrying: under a Hagsburg pretendent Hungary may become united again and a hostile Hungarian state would be a major problem for us» said one of the officials present. «We must prevent the unification of Hungary under this Hagsburg pretendent and find a way to put an end to the disorders in Hungary».
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Whal
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
 *  *  *  *  *  *
Vienna, Austria

Marslava was not the only power wary of a resurgent nationalistic Hungary, and the Federation looked on nervously from its side of the border as considerable amounts of ethnic refugees steamed into Austrian relief centers. Although many in the Federation's eastern bundeslandes were fiercely nationalistic themselves, and opposed to these refugee centers, the Schlesinger government was not willing to retract it's willingness to help any central European.

As a matter of fact, the Chancellor was exceptionally eager to implement relief efforts to the oppressed peoples of Hungary, and quickly released multiple statements encouraging refugees to flee south into the highly religious, yet mostly friendly, theocratic government established by the Prince-Bishop of Balaton. However, refugees were eager to flee Hungary as a whole, and enter the ever excepting arms of the Austrians to their west. This caused huge issues as the bundespolitzei were overwhelmed, and the military was mobilized to preside over relief efforts and protect the Austrian border.

Very soon, violence ensued between the nationalist forces in central Hungary and the Balaton government in the south forcing thousands of refugees into the Federation. There they were met with violence from local right-wing protestors, and members of the sympathetic local police. Consequentially, the Schlesinger government was faced with a difficult decision of whether or not to support militarily their de facto ally in the Hungarian South, or to simply remain neutral to the ever creeping notion of ethnic cleansing. A decision which would depend largely on the opinions of the Federation's Slavic ally in Prague.

Schlesinger wasted no time and immediately approved of a heightened Abwehr presence in Hungary. Tier 1 operators undertook, much like they had in Slovenia, operations of intelligence gathering and active surveillance resulting in "considerable evidence of human rights violations in the forms of genocide and ethnic cleansing". With full East German involvement in Slovenia underway, Parliament would likely be unwilling to act militarily in Hungary without Marslavan support, so Schlesinger organized a pre-deliberation hearing with his closest advisors.

"The situation in Hungary is becoming worse and worse each day and you are unwilling to even consider the notion of military intervention!", Jochim von Franke, Minister of Foreign Affairs, yelled at his domestic equivalent from across the table. "This is sheer ignorance, Anke!"

"What you perceive as ignorance, I reason as being practical", Anke Brandt, the Minister of the Interior, responded calmly, "With a war raging on in Slovenia, growing concerns for terrorism within Austria, and midterm elections approaching do you really think it wise to plunge the Osterwehr into another conflict?"

"There are thousands of refugees pouring into Lower Austria every day, some of them ethnic Germans, and you just want to tell them that their families died because your afraid of loosing your seat to the VTP! You should be ashamed!" von Franke yelled, banging his fist upon the table.

It was at this point that Dieter Krupp, the Bundesprasident, interrupted to cool von Franke down. As the head-of-state, Krupp had very limited political power and his position was largely ceremonial, however he still commanded considerable respect as an ardent humanitarian and a calculated thinker.

"Please calm down, Jochim", The Prasident commanded, "There is no need to get accusative, besides, Mrs. Brandt has a point. Intervention in Hungary during an already costly war in Slovenia would probably hurt our position in the poles. However, not intervening in an humanitarian issue so close to home is something that our international critics will no doubt criticize as hypocritical." Then turning to Schlesinger, Krupp questioned, "What do you think, Klaus? C.E.D.O is your baby?"

Schlesinger stared out the window of the building at the street below. The decision to intervene would definitely cause some ripples in the international community, but every fiber in his being told him to act in the defense of other human beings. Never again would he be a passive bystander. His chancellorship would be characterized by interventionism and the defense of human rights, not the opposite.

"We have to act", He stated sternly. "There's unquestionable evidence of genocide by both the northern regime and this upstart in Budapest. Why else had we agreed to C.E.D.O other than to protect central Europeans from oppression, human rights violations, and poverty. In Hungry, we have all three, and if I know the Marslavans correctly then they won't stand for this either. Send a communique to Prague and mobilize the reserve forces in Burgenland."

Von Franke smiled and commented on Schlesinger's human conscious, whilst Brandt merely gathered her things and muttered to herself. A war in retaliation was one thing to sell the public, but a war for ideological reasons was something else entirely. Worse still, Schlesinger's personal constitution and pull with the members of Parliament would most likely allow him to get his way. As she left, Minister Brandt hoped they would find at least some realist threat which would truly require their intervention. She remained doubtful.

"I hope this is for the best, Klaus", Krupp mentioned to Schlesinger as he was leaving, "A war on two fronts has not historically agreed with our people."

Schlesinger smiled before answering, "When has war ever benefited anyone? Its, unfortunately, a necessary evil".

Krupp smiled and the two left together. Within the hour, the East German embassy in Prague would contact the Marslavan government regarding a meeting. Schlesinger's C.E.D.O would be put to its first test.

Edited by Whal, Oct 11 2013, 12:27 PM.
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Rhadamanthus
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OOC: I would be interested in knowing what this story is about by private message if possible. I am working on a Transylvanian state, based largely on the Transylvanian Saxons and the Hungarians, though with other peoples too. So I am fairly interested in what is happening in Hungary.
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Alberto
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In Gabcikovo the Marslavans had built an industrial complex. It polluted the waters of the Tisza River and angered the Hungarian peasants who paid the consequences of Marslava's industrial success. But who could those peasants go to in order to have their situation redressed ? There was no recognized state that could represent their interests and the warlord who ruled them from Miskolk was not interested in this kind of pursuits. His occupation was war and his hobby the persecution of all non-Hungarians. Hungaria's ethnic Slovaks had organized themselves in a militia which responded to the persecutions and committed abuses of its own and, thus, the whole north of Hungary was in a situation of civil war.

Further down from Gabcikovo, the Hungarians faced other problems. The south was ruled by the Prince-Bishop Bela from his archbishopry in Pecs. His rule was inefficient and corrupt, his reactionary decrees still considered the wife to be nothing but an emanation of the husband, but at least it had been able to maintain peace. The Marslavans knew he was corrupt, probably because he had been for years on their payroll. The bishop used this money to buy himself a force made up by Marslavans who had formerly fought in the forces of the World Military Dominion.

In the north and the south of the country the situation looked bleak for all. Change was however coming in Central Hungary, and it was not reassuring for its neighbours. For, once put to a good use under an unique authority, Hungary had a huge potential and could upset the regional balance of power in many ways. Ferenc «von Habsburg», the warlord who had just conquered Budapest, had put the iron crown of St Stephan on his head and had claimed for himself Budapest and Jaszbereny. The Marslavan sources described him as shrewd and charismatic, as well as versed in various languages. No one knew whether he war really related to the Hungarian or the Austrian Habsburg, or whether his was a fabricated claim. What the Marslavans knew was that, because he had for a while been a sailor in Trieste, he was nicknamed «the Admiral» by his men. He was thouroughly nationalist, but he brought order to Central Hungary, and did so without useless cruelty.

The Admiral, thought the Major Horka, had everything to be liked by the Hungarians, particularly those who missed the old days of unity. His thoughts flowed as he came back from a meeting with General Ladislaus von Schwarzenberg, now commander of the Southern Front. With the Marslavan Army just coming back from its most difficult war since years, the general was of course reluctant to employ the Marslavan armed forces. Moreover, he was convinced of the fact that the Prince-Bishop of Balaton, if supported by Marslava (and maybe by the Federation) could hold is check the new would-be king of the Hungarians.
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Alberto
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The northern warlords, who until then had terrorized the Slovaks, Gypsies and Hungarians under their rule, were those who had the most to fear from the new King in Buadapest. The Admiral did not need much time to realize that the warlords' rule was monstruous and that the north's Hungarians would welcome him as a liberator. A war erupted, with the warlords mustering their forces to defend themselves from the Admiral's forces and the Slovak militias which felt approaching the moment of vengeance. Soon, the battle approached the Marsavan border and the noises of war could be heard in the Marslavan side.

The 71st Division monitored the movements of each side and received the order to prevent the passage of any of the warring sides through the border. Corporal Zernin had learnt all he could from Sergeant Zeller and now led his own squad to patrol the border. The orders were not only to patrol, but also to take note of what was happening on the other side, and to shoot any force that would attempt to trepass the borders. With his binoculars Corporal Zernin scanned the hills ahead, soldier Janos Kavan was close, looking for suspect movement with his precision rifle. In front of them, the night was illuminated by the fire of machine guns and mortars, as the Hungarians exchanged fire with each other. However, one could observe that the attackers were better organized and better armed than the ragtag forces of the warlords: they proceeded carefully and metodically, supported by the fire of their mortars and artillery.

Zernin felt that, if he had been Hungarian, he would have doubtlessly been on the side of the Admiral's forces: the fascist warlords of Hungary had brought only death and spoliation to the once prosperous Hungary, and their killings had to be stopped. However, he also felt that this conflict among Hungarians was the beginning of something even bigger. Soon, the resistance of the armed bands was broken and the North Hungarian forces were pushed back to the Marslavan border, trying to make it for the relative safety of the hills. Zernin saw this and, from the radio of his squad, he called his unit.

He was soon in contact with his unit and could hear the voice of Captain Volodymir Meciar, of the Mountain Infantry. «We have two armed bands approaching the border» said the Corporal «around fifty men, armed with light weapons. I ask for an authorization to engage them.». His squad was of ten men only, but they were Jaegers of the 71st Division and they were well positioned to exploit the ground at their advantage. Captain Meciar replied «Authorization to engage granted, I am sending you the platoon of Lieutenant Jasenovac to support you».

The two armed bands were scouting forward, hoping to find a hiding place in the mounts ahead. Zernin was sure that they would be followed by more bands, as the Admiral's forces completed their victory and routed the militias that had been sent to counter him. They were approaching dangerously to the Marslavan border, but they would not be allowed to continue further. The rifle of Kavan fired first, and killed. This shot was followed by eight other, fired from different directions, which hit their target. The Hungarians dispersed to take covers and started firing in the direction of the border, but the jaegers had already changed position and they continued relentlessly to hunt down those who had been unable to find a good cover, or that had been left isolated.

However, the Hungarian militians were desperate to pass and they were willing to suffer any loss in order to escape the onslaught of the Admiral's forces and the bloody revenge of the Slovak militiamen. Further away, a mortar started its fire, dangerously close to the jaegers. Corporal Zernin and his men fell back, warning the HQ of the enemy's attack. Soon, the Marslavan mountain artillery started to fire as well....




The Marslavan government did notice that northern warlords were being overrun by the Admiral's forces and its officials saw with concern the escalation of the conflict at the south of the Marsavan border. The government and the Parliament had requested an immediate report on the situation from the MDS and Major Horka had been listened by the parliamentary committees on security and foreign affairs.

In Prague, all agreed that the imminent departure of the Hungarian warlords was good news, but they all saw with preoccupation the unification of Northern Hungary under one strong authority. In particular, the Slovak parliamentarians also perceived that the new regime would not be friendly their brethens living in Hungary. All this made the Marslavan authorities inclined to greater involvement in Hungary, as they saw the emergence of a strong Habsburg monarchy as a danger in «their» backyard.

Consequently, Major Horka was again summonded by the head of the MDS, General Vaclav. He walked with apprehension in the corridor leaving to the boss office, as he felt that something was being prepared. General Vaclav welcomed him cordially, commenting on his fluency in Hungarian and on his knowledge of the area.

Then, he came down to business. «Major Horka» the Grand Duke and the government have insisted to prevent the dangers represented by this Admiral and his project of Greater Hungary». Major Horka waited for the continuation. «Currently there is only one entity in Hungary which is yet to fall in the hands of the Admiral and that is the domain of the Prince-Bishop in Pecs. The Bishop of Pecs is on our payroll, as well as the ones of the East Germans, and he must be put in the position to resist the onslaught of the Admiral»

Major Horka objected «Sir, the Prince-Bishop is an unreliable, inefficient and corrupt figure. I really doubt that we can do anything to maintain him in power: his forces are scant and very simply the people do not regard him to be worthy to die for». The General Vaclav knew this too and he surely agreed with it, but replied: «The Prince-Bishop has engaged a regiment of Marslavan mercenaries led by an old acquaintance of ours: the former commander of the Dominion Ixth Army General Zivkovic. You will liaise with both Zivkovic and the Prince-Bishop, ensure that they have all what they need in terms of weapons and funding and inform us of all their moves».

«You will leave tomorrow at dawn» said the General « do not worry, you will not be alone in Hungary: our rezidentura in Budapest has already been informed of your arrival and has taken the required arrangements». Thus, thought Major Horka, I am being dispatched in Hungary, as a kind of hand of the Grand Duchy in that wartorn and unfortunate land. Maybe, it would have been of some consolation that also General Vaclav was preparing to leave, but for Vienna, where he would agree on measures to be taken jointly with the East Germans.


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Whal
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
 *  *  *  *  *  *
Vienna, Austria

With the Admiral's massive offensive against the northern warlords, The East German government was becoming increasingly worried about a chaotic and hostile situation so close to their borders. The Hungarian people had always been long standing allies of the their historic partners in Austria, and public opinion was steadily turning towards intervention. Luckily, the Federation had been infiltrating Abwehr agents into Hungary through their ally, the Prince-Bishop of Pec, since reports of hostilities were first recorded earlier in the month. Their reports indicated, much as the Marslavans were witnessing first-hand, that the Admiral's forces were quickly and successfully pushing the fascists closer towards the Slovakian border.

Abwehr personnel had witnessed the minor exchange of gunfire between the Marslavan mountain troops and the fascist forces, and were quick to report to their superiors in Vienna that the northern warlords were soon to fall. This left only the inefficient, corrupt, and weak theocracy in the south to oppose the Admiral's vastly superior military. Almost immediately, Schlesinger approved of increased military supplies and financial aide to their "de facto" ally in Pec, and a small contingent of Osterwehr advisors were sent to properly train the Bishop's soldiers. However, the East German government knew that this would only be a stall for time, and the Federation and their Marslavan allies would inevitably have to intervene in Hungary. General Vaclav's arrival to Vienna was the first step to the joint C.E.D.O effort proposed by Schlesinger's cabinet and the Oberkommando.

The Chancellor walked briskly down the hallway of the Osterstag after one of it's frequent emergency meetings. Parliament had met rather abruptly that afternoon to vote upon a course of action for the Hungarian situation. With the conflict in Slovenia becoming an increasingly expensive counter-insurgency, there were considerable calls for non-intervention from the Greens, Communists, and the nationalistic Austrian National People's Party. However, due to the joining of the VTP and the SPO for controversial reasons, the two largest parties, the motion for military intervention passed. Now, the Chancellor was running late for his meeting with the Oberkommando and the Marslavan General.

Thankfully for Schlesinger, he arrived at the Interior Ministry several minutes before General Vaclav and he took his seat next to the Minister of the Interior, Anke Brandt.

"I missed the meeting", Minister Brandt said apologetically, "I haven't been briefed; do we have the go ahead for actual military intervention?"

Schlesinger sighed deeply, but then smiled, "Yes, Parliament's giving C.E.D.O the go ahead. The VTP voted with us believe it or not."

"What, Karl von Hapsburg voted with us?", Brandt replied astonished.

"Indeed, he did", Schlesinger responded, his eyebrows pointing inward. "Although, its obviously only because this Admiral claims to hold rightful authority over the Hungarian throne. Of course, the Archduke is up in arms!" He exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air in a mocking fashion.

Anke Brandt turned away and shrugged. If the Monarchists wanted to support them, then she wouldn't complain. Plus, they would need all the support they could get should this entire operation be lengthy. Not soon after, General Vaclav was escorted in by some military attachés and was introduced to the Chancellor, the Interior Minister, the Federal Abwehr Advisor, and the Marshals of the Osterwher and Kriegsmarine, respectfully.

"Hello, General Vaclav", Schlesinger said, shaking the Marslavan's hand, "We appreciate your willingness to travel here to meet with us today. Please, sit down, we have much to discuss."

"Firstly, we would like to know Marslava's plans for military intervention seeing as how your 71st Mountain Division recently engaged fascist forces near the Slovak-Hungarian border?", Minster Brandt questioned politely. "Secondly, my associate, FA Advisor Fenner, would like to discuss the sharing of any intelligence our governments have collected surrounding this Admiral. And lastly, we wish to discuss a workable long-term solution for the Hungarian people after our intervention has been concluded."
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Diplomatic Communiqué
ENCRYPTION No. III
To the Honorable Messrs. Klaus Schlesinger and Ottokar I Přemysl, Chancellor of the East German Federation and the Grand Duke of Marslava and Pasha of Sinop, respectively,

General news reports, corroborated by military intelligence briefings, suggest a major shift in the internal dynamics of Pannonia, with corollary destabilization of the surrounding territories of Dalamatia and Dacia. The safeguard of East German and Marslavan sovereignty and the integrity of their borders is critical.

The Parliament and People of Porcu wish to provide support to our close allies, in any form deemed necessary.

Respectfully yours,

Vopiscus Tarquinius Atratinus
President of the Republic of Porcu

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Alberto
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"Good morning gentlemen" said General Vaclav as he approached the Austrian officials who had come to meet him. The General had with him the most recent reports on Hungary, which described well the situation on the field. General Vaclav gave one copy of the report to each of his interlocutors. "This material is on what has been happening in Hungary and its predictions are dire. I am making it circulate because I believe that, to cooperate, the Federation and Marslava must share all the information they have."

"Unluckily" continued the general "our information is quite scarce on many points. But first of all we will summarize what we know". The General then proceeded to explain that the northenrn warlords had fallen and that, soon, the Slovaks and the Hungarians would be at each other's throat. He then talked about the admiral, stating that his military power came from the seizure of equipment that belonged to the old Hungarian Kingdom and that it enjoyed genuine support in Budapest. "The Admiral" said the General "seems to be a genuinely competent leader, who is offering a better alternative to the Hungarians. However, he is not the best alternative for us, as his idea of a greater Hungary aims to seize Slovakia, and perhaps Austria".

"This is what we know, more details are in the report" said Vaclav "however, more importantly, there are things we do not knw. Our men in Budapest have attempted at various times to know who the Admiral is and where he comes from. We have many men in Hungary, but these men did not find one trace of his past, not even a birth certificate. This is an unsettling problem, as knowing where the Admiral comes from may allow us to know if there is anyone standing behind him.". The short exposition of the General was over. He got closer to those sitting in the other side of the table. "I would love to listen to any information that your government, or the Habsburg family, have on this situation".

In the meantime Major Horka had made it to Pecs. A lovely city, Pecs offered a nice sight, with its ancient walls and its medieval centre. The city was extremely quiet, but one could feel the tension rising because of the Admiral's victories. The Prince-Bishop and his henchmen were of course extremely uneasy about the success of the Habsburg pretendent and they had hastily disposed for the erection of barricades, while all the inhabitants of Pecs who could bear weapons were being forced to join the theocracy's para-military forces. Major Horka was meant to meet the Prince-Bishop only in the evening, while the Marslavan intelligence's contact in Pecs he would meet during the night. For the whole day, Horka went through the city, observing the useless drills of those improvised soldiers. He was sure that, at best, they would run away at the first occasion.

An exception to the general incompetence reigning in the Prince-Bishop's forces was a mercenary force of around one thousand men, hired by the Prince-Bishop with the money it received each year from the Marslavan intelligence. These men, led by the Colonel, former general, Zivkovic were well equipped and well trained, but their numbers insufficient even to defend Pecs on their own. To Horka, the unsolvable problem was that the people of Pecs was not loyal to this corrupt, conservative and incompetent theocracy. General Zivkovic, with whom he spoke during the day, was of his opinion and offered an escort that the Major declined. He added that the Bishop's men were an incompetent and corrupt lot and that there would be some hope of victory only if he was put at the head of all of Pecs' forces.

The Prince-Bishop loved good food and went at length in proving to the distinguished guest that he was serving them only the best food. Hours of gargantuan meals ended as, finally, the Prince-Bishop was willing to talk about the situation. Major Horka was brought to a more discrete room in the Bishop's palace and there discussions started. The Major was puzzled. The Prince-Bishop, a calm man with a smooth voice, first inquired on how is flock in Marslava was doing. The Major did not tell him that the majority of Marslava's Czechs, Slovaks and Germans were either Hussites or atheist. Afterward, the Prince-Bishop showed great optimism as his advisors had reassured him on the strength on his forces. He added that his prayers would be of great help. Major Horka could do nothing except restate the support of Marslava, offer the deployment of few dozens of military advisers to Pecs and propose that Colonel Zivkovic be made supreme commander of the defense forces.

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Whal
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
 *  *  *  *  *  *
The East German politicians looked upon Vaclav's intelligence summary with stern, unflinching faces. Truthfully, the Abwehr within Hungary had been able to gather similar intelligence, and it appeared the Marslavans were on the same page. Although, the East German government was not entirely worried, for the combined power of both the Osterwehr and the Marslavan Armed Forces under C.E.D.O would be more than capable of defeating the Admiral's forces. However, the aftermath of such a conflict would be much more troubling.

"Thank you for the information, General", Advisor Fenner stated. "Unfortunately, the Abwehr has faired no better than your own intelligence services and I regret to inform you that we are also as unclear on the Admiral's background as you are. We also appear to be in earnest on the current socio-political situation occurring in Hungary, as well. We have evidence of serious human rights violations perpetrated by the Admiral's forces, but outside his goals of a Greater Hungary, we are unsure of his other intentions." This was true at present, however the Abwehr was increasingly putting together a dossier on Hungarian involvement in the Federation's war in Slovenia, but this seemed unnecessary to mention to the Marslavans.

Chancellor Schlesinger then began, "We can confirm that the Austrian Hapsburg line has condemned the Admiral's claim to the throne as illegitimate. Archduke Karl von Hapsburg has personally stated that no known members of the Hungarian line exist outside of his immediate family, and regards himself as the true head of the Hungarian throne regardless. That being said, we can obtain a family tree from the royal family and send it to Prague should you wish it. However, we called you to Vienna to discuss a possible military intervention, and it is towards this point I wish to gravitate to now."

Schlesinger removed his own dossier and handed it to the General. "This dossier", He began, "Is a comprehensive list of military options our military analysts and Abwehr planners have drafted in case the situation moves towards threats to our mutual national security. The Federation intends to intervene militarily should the Admiral's forces threaten the border with Austria, but we also made a pledge to the Prince-Bishop's government to protect his legitimacy should the Admiral venture too close to Pecs. Indeed, should the theocracy falter, we suggest a joint invasion of Hungary under C.E.D.O with Marslavan troops invading from the north and East German troops from the southwest. This is a last resort, obviously, as we will do our best to support and equip the theocracy with military guidance, hardware, and intelligence to avoid our own involvement, but the latter seems inevitable."

"Yes, as you know, the government in Pec is poorly led and has extremely low morale", Minister Brandt continued. "We have chosen to grant the Prince-Bishop the protection of the Luftwaffe as a deterrent to conflict and as a precaution to insure all military actions will remain contained away from our borders. Should military intervention be required we would be relieved to have Marslava's assistance, and we encourage you to peruse the dossier we have provided. If you have any suggestions to implement, or any ideas of your own, we would all greatly benefit from hearing them now. Additionally, as the premier powers in central Europe, we also have garnered the attention of the Republic. We should consider our response to the Porcuians very carefully, as this operation would be undertaken by C.E.D.O, to which the Republic is not a part."

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Alberto
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There was a point that General Vaclav wanted to make, as he saw how is Austrian colleagues were inclined to dismiss the Admiral like just one warlord among many others. "Just remember Herr Chancelor that we should never underestimate the Hungarians" he said "the Admiral is not a warlord and his is not a militia. The Admiral has at his disposal a modern artillery, advanced armed vehicles and he is assembling his own aviation. He has indeed inherited the stocks of the Royal Hungarian Army, which in its days was a well equipped and well trained force. Moreover, the Admiral has showed that he can direct complex operations, using a motorized infantry and artillery support to wipe out his enemies. For this, a Marslavan or a Federation intervention will not be easy".

"The Admiral has in his hands a force that is ready and well trained for conventional warfare and he is respectedby his own. Hell, if I was Hungarian I would fight on his side for unity." He paused "luckily I will never have to make that choice". The General continued, this time commenting on the government of Pecs "The only reliable force is the one of former Dominion mercenaries, at least as long as they get paid. We will try to impose to the Prince-Bishop to accept their commander as the leader of the operations, but, even if Zivkovic is an excellent commander, I do not believe that Pecs will last longtime. Of course, Marslava's military advisors will do their best to prop up the government of Pecs, but personally I am very pessimistic on the prospects of success".

Finally, thought the general, there was another issues. Hungarians did not populate only Hungary, there were many of them in Austria, Slovakia and particularly in Transylvania. Would they stay idle and watch as this struggle took place ? Would they lend their hand to the admiral ? This, said the general, was another problem that should be considered.

Prague, 29 October

"I am extremely worried" said the old man in uniform. "Hungary was our greatest and most ancient ally and our countries even formed an union in the old days". The other man, younger, was sitting on a wide armchair. The room was luxurious and well enlightened, and worthy of a sovereign. The other man was thoughtful and silent for a time. "Hungary" he said calmly "is too important and the Hungarians too much a proud people to be left in dangerous hands, you know it as well as me General". The old man agreed, of course, but remarked that this was a dangerous game. "Of course" said the younger man "our enemies should not be underestimated, but we should act now as long as they are weaker."
"But what about the Prime Minister ? Ms Starikova is contrary to an armed intervention in Hungary."

"She is" replied the other man "but she has other priorities and I am convinced we can come to an agreement. General, the stakes are very high: Marslava will come out of it more powerful than before, Hungary will cease to be a threat and the Grand Dukes of Marslava will finally wear the crown of St Stephan". Even in a constitutional monarchy like Marslava, the national and the dynastic interest might become hard to distinguish.
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Whal
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Chancellor Schlesinger was aware of the threat posed by the Admiral's forces, yet unlike his Marslavan guest, he was convinced the combined C.E.D.O power would effectively steamroll the Hungarians aside. Although he respected Vaclav's opinion, the Chancellor and his staff were convinced that Pecs could hold out with East German and Marslavan support; moreover, the Luftwaffe could effectively fly multiple missions a day over the city to keep it supplied and protected. That aside, the Federation had released a statement to the Admiral reaffirming East German military intervention should the theocracy face annihilation.

Schlesinger's government would not tolerate the fall of his only ally in Hungary to an unfriendly nationalistic monarch. No doubt the Marslavans had their own designs in Hungary and Schlesinger was aware they might potentially interfere with his own. Undeniably, the Federation would emerge from the situation in a stronger position and this might challenge the Grand Duchy in terms of regional influence. Regardless of their alliance through C.E.D.O, Schlesinger was resolved to ensure his nation wasn't overshadowed by Prague and ,when intervention would inevitably occur, the Federation would obtain it's piece of the pie - southwestern Hungary.

Schlesinger took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding to Vaclav's concerns.

"The Admiral's forces will no doubt be defeated without tremendous effort on both our parts", He stated. "I have dispatched multiple advisors to instruct the Prince-Bishop's military, as well as moved considerable East German units towards the Hungarian border. Despite the Admiral's modern arsenal, he posses limited air power and aerial defenses which will provide the C.E.D.O coalition with air superiority over Hungary. If we can exploit this major advantage then I see no reason our forces cannot overtake the enemy, albeit with some minor time delays."

"The main issue facing the coalition will un-doubtably be the subsequent occupation and nation-building process in the aftermath of conflict. As you have mentioned, and as we have observed, the Admiral holds massive public support among Hungarians in and out of Hungary. Although the Federation's Hungarian population is currently supportive of intervention, I cannot claim they will remain as such. Therefore, we must be careful to remain true to the humanitarian mission under C.E.D.O and bring a stable and prosperous condition to the Hungarian people. I 'am convinced the Admiral is incapable of doing so, and the Federation and Grand Duchy should be prepared to supply the Hungarians with massive humanitarian aide, as well as the establishment of well funded public works projects after our occupation. Lastly, we must be prepared to establish a friendly, and capable government which is representative of the people whilst also being pro Marslava/Federation. Whether the Pecs theocracy is this government or not is debatable, however we can always rebuild a new government from the ground up."

Schlesinger relaxed in his chair and awaited the General's response. Meanwhile in Pecs, East German Osterwehr and Jagdkommando advisors met with the Prince-Bishop to discuss military maneuvers in case of the attack. As per usual, the Prince-Bishop was more interested in a lavish feast and the comfort of his God leaving the East Germans in an unconfident state. The Admiral's forces amassed outside the city and the advisors were left to contend with the Zivkovic option. Two leading advisors waited outside the mercenary's office for a classified meeting. They would suggest a coup to Zivkovic, disposing the Prince Bishop when the time was right and installing a dependable and well led force which would cooperate more closely with the coalition.
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In Vienna, General Vaclav took leave from his Austrian hosts. He did not share the Austrians' trust in their strength, as well as their belief that anything could be done about the fall of Pecs. He was sure that this was not because the Federation's intelligence services were worse than Marslava's, but simply because, in Vienna, the politicians had chosen not to listen to the recommendations of their own analysts. On his side, General Vaclav was convinced that the Admiral would reserve more than one surprise to the forces of Central Europe's powers.

And indeed the informers operating in Budapest were signalling intensive preparations by the forces of the Admiral. The headquarters in Prague were being bombarded with information on the Admira's reforms in the country and his extensive military preparations. Reliable sources mentioned the re-opening of Fegyver- és Gépgyár, Hungary's most important weapons factory, as well as the re-calling of the reservists in the old Royal Army. In fact, Budapest had become one huge barrack and workshop, where the old, reliable vehicles of the Royal Army were put again to work and new light weapons were produced. One informer even alleged that soon Hungary would be again producing its own tanks, thanks to the availability of plans and technicians left by the Monarchy and by the World Military Dominion. It was evident that the Admiral was preparing his next step toward the unification of Hungary. An even greater escalation was fastly approaching: the Admiral meticolously built up his forces and waited for the right moment.

How soon, thought Haclav, would this moment come ?

Prague, 05 November

Also the Marslavans would decide to build up their forces on the border, however they were slower to react than their Austrian colleagues because of the peculiarities of the Marslavan political system. The Federation was a democratic republic which had centered all executive power in one government responsible to the parliament. On the other hand, Marslava had a democratically elected government largely responsible for the internal affairs, but a large executive power remained in the hands of the Grand Duke. The Hungarian affair was some major mess and the Grand Duke had to consult with Nadia Starikova, the head of the government. The down to earth, resolute Starikova would not let go this occasion to extort concessions to the Grand Duke. And, indeed, the Prime Minister came on her own to the Ducal Palace, loaded with files to study with the Grand Duke.

"Ms Starikova, I did not expect you to come so soon" said the Grand Duke looking worried to the communist prime minister. He knew what she was capable of and respected her for that, but he also knew that she would ask a lot and that he would have to give in. "The good of Marslava cannot tolerate delays" replied the Prime Minister "You aristocrats are a strange breed who enjoys military adventures" she continued "on my side I generally see no utility on those things, unless they are a good opportunity to improve the standing of the people". The Grand Duke had to agree, explaining to Nadia the importance of maintaining the status quo in central Europe would have been a waste of time.

"Ms Starikova" said the Grand Duke "what is happening in Hungary is extremely important. So important that this is a good occasion to improve this standing of our people". It meant: tell me what you want and let us be done with it. Nadia Starikova passed a file to the Grand Duke, an ambitious plan of investments ranging from education to infrastructures. The necessary resources were to be found through a new stringent tax on Marslava's traditionalist aristocracy. The Slavniks, the Czernins, the Podebrady, the Premysl would have to pay and lose considerable resources. "Is that it ?" said the Grand Duke. "What do you mean ?" replied the Prime Minister "this plan will take away bilions of slovs from the aristocracy and this includes your family, and yoursef". Moment of silence. "Ma chére Nadia" said the Grand Duke "je suis un aristocrate, mais je suis aussi un servant de l'état, comme toi d'ailleurs" he paused "I accept these conditions, from the first to the last, because what is at stake in Hungary is even greater". The Prime Minister had obtained what she wanted. She got up and went, free to attack the country's greatest hereditary patrimonies. The Grand Duke, on his side, was free to build up his forces along the Hungarian border.

Pecs, 05 November

All the inhabitants of Pecs were waiting to see the next move of the Admiral. Some with apprehension, the majority with impatience. All what stood between the Admiral and Pecs was an ill-assembled and coordinated army of mercenaries and ill-trained conscripts, some well equipped and well trained, other appaling. In this context Zivkovic's brigade seemed to be the only really reliable combat force defending Pecs. Doubtlessly for this Colonel Zivkovic had been contacted by two officers from the Federation (those Austrians were very efficient) with a curious proposal. Zivkovic considered it for a while.

"I would exclude it for now" He paused and then continued "the Hungarians are an extremely proud people, who will not stand the fact of having a corrupt Hungarian leader replaced by a foreign one. After all, I am a Slovak of Croatian origins and this does not make of me an acceptable candidate. However, what can be done is that both Marslava and the Federation pressure the Prince-Bishop to give me supreme command of the forces at our disposal." He turned to the Marslavan major who was present with him, who made a sign of approval. "Now" added the mercenary "let us review our battle plan".

OOC: Sorry if I am not writing often, but I am quite overwhelmed. Anyway, I enjoy to see that this plot is developing quite well !
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Whal
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Vienna, Austria

The meeting with General Vaclav had gone much as to be expected according the East German leadership. That the Marslavans had been preparing for an intervention in Hungary was no surprise, but the Chancellor was shocked at how much they valued this "Admiral's" fighting ability. Modern arsenal or not, the Hungarian nationalists were no conventional fighting force, and it was a widely held opinion that the situation in Hungary would develop much like the situation had in Slovenia. Faced with an overwhelming show of force from the two most equipped armies in Central Europe, the Admiral's forces would undeniably break. As always, what bothered the Chancellor most was the aftermath of the conflict.

Would the Hungarians embrace foreign occupation with the same amount of friendliness as the Slovenians or Croatians? This Schlesinger did not know, however he had genuine plans to bring political reform and aide to the Hungarian people, and it was this he placed his confidence in. With the midterm election votes still being recorded, the Chancellor would need confidence in the appeal of his plan to not just the Hungarians, but too the Osterstag as well. It appeared as if the "nationalists" in his own country were gaining the upper hand, and if the OV won equal representation to the Social Democrats then intervention would be a hard sell.

Only time would tell the election results and, for now, Schlesinger could relax. It wasn't mere seconds after he leaned back in his chair that an Abwehr analyst approached the group.

"Herr Kanzler, everyone, you're going to want to hear this", the man stated, handing a secure line to Schlesinger.

Confused, but relaxed, Schlesinger put the phone to his ear, "This is Schlesinger?"

On the other end of the line was a familiar voice. Schlesinger had heard it before, but he couldn't place a name to it.

"Is the room secure, sir?", came the reply.

"Hold on", Schlesinger replied, holding the phone away from his ear. "All non-essentials vacate the room."

One the room was empty except for himself, Minister Brandt, Advisor Fenner, and the Top brass, Schlesinger transferred the call to the video feed. Perhaps he jus needed a face, but Schlesinger remembered who it was.

"Captain, good to see you. What is so important it couldn't come to me as a Jagdkommando report?", Schlesinger questioned sternly.

"Sir, I have some intell from the Dinnarides you're going to want first hand", Panther replied. The operator had since shaved and was wearing a suit rather than the uniform he had worn in Slovenia for 9 grueling months.

"Herr Kanzler, were positive that it wasn't the SLA who orchestrated the bombings", Panther continued, his features like stone. "It's taken a few days of analyzing documents from Triglav and some field work, but were positive that this new organization, Translava, were the ones who planned and trained the SLA."

Schlesinger nodded his head. The Abwehr had informed him of this new mystery organization when they were first uncovered after operations on Triglav. It had taken a few days, but the Abwehr had managed to locate multiple cells of the new group in countries throughout the Balkans. However, it wasn't until the Abwehr captured and interrogated a former SLA leader that the truth became clear.

"How can you be sure, Captain?", Minister Brandt questioned.

"We've analyzed over a hundred documents from various areas and cross referenced them with intell we grabbed from captured SLA leadership. There's no doubt, Translava's all over this and they're only gearing up", Panther continued, faxing documents directly to the War Room. "Do you have eyes on the documents?"

The group nodded, taking a look at the intelligence reports.

"Is that Budapest?", Schlesinger questioned, starring at a large map of Hungary.

"Yes sir, It appears that Translava is attempting to establish a foothold in the region. For what reason, is still unclear, but we'll keep digging", Panther replied.

"Keep at it, Captain", Schlesinger responded, ending the feed. "This situation in Hungary has just changed immensely. How soon can we have the Jagdkommando in country?"

"TF Mitternacht can be inserted tonight if we go through Pecs", Fenner answered.

"Good, do it asap", Schlesinger commanded.

Midterm elections or not, Hungary was now a national security priority.

OOC: Don't worry, I'm equally as busy :D . Also, I hope you don't mind, but I added my terror plot to this. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

Edited by Whal, Nov 6 2013, 07:40 PM.
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Alberto
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Predictably enough the Hungarians had guessed that behind the government in Pecs stood Marslava and the Federation. Soon, the agents of these two countries were cornered, the informers executed or obliged to flee, the consular agents harrassed. The Admiral knew and was taking his precautions: his war preparations had to remain, as far as possible, secret.
Thus, the Marslavan vice-consul in Budapest was kidnapped and beaten up, only to be found tied in a field in the middle of nowhere, the body of the engineer who had supplied information on the Hungarian tank designs had been found floating in the Danube, suspected Federation agents had been arrested and summarily executed. The MSD's main sources of intelligence had been completely cut off, the surviving informers had disappeared, and it would take a lot of time to rebuild the former intelligence networks. In fact, the Marslavans and probably also the Austrians had been cut off what was happening in Budapest.

The MSD quickly reacted, with a gesture that would contribute to the escalation of Hungaria's crisis. Marslavan ethnic Slovak officials established contacts with Hungary's Slovak rebels and agreed to supply them with weapons, with promesses of future freedom within a Grand Ducal Slovakia. Transferring such a quantity of weapons was dangerous and someone talked. In this secret war, a junior officer of the MSD lost his life, pursued by the Hungarians. A shipment of light weapons was seized by the Hungarians, few Slovaks were shot and the Marslavans had to suspend the operations for some time. However, the MSD did not wait long to take action and, one day, the suspected traitors disappeared. Some said they had been brought in the other side of the border and that they would be buried in Slovak land... Marslava continued to supply the Slovaks with weapons and instructions. They would keep low and wait for the right moment.

Moving south, the activity of the Admiral's forces became more frenetic. A rapid buildup was taking place in the sourthern borders, as the Admiral deployed what seemed to be a conventional force of motorized infantry divisions, armoured and artillery brigades. However, this force was not to be used until the last moment: the Admiral planned to fight a conventional war only at the moment in which he could be sure that he would win it. The Prince-Bishop of Pecs, as well as his Marslavan and Austrian allies, would discover that the Hungarian sovereign intended to lead a war of national liberation, fought by Hungarian irregulars led by well trained and flexible cadres.... Surely, the plan of the Admiral was to weaken the Prince-Bishop and his allies through a relentless and bloody war of insurrection. Overall, this was the situation of Hungary: it was stable, for now, but extremely close to a violent detonation.

Hungaria's southern government lacked of the capacity to seal its borders effectively and monitor the movement of groups of individuals who came south with instructions from Budapest. This infiltration went one quite unnoticed for a while, until the Major Hozak of the MSD finally succeeded in recruting an informer along the local rebel leaders. The informations he received were extremely alarming and were immediately sent to Prague. There, the General Vaclav monitored the reports compiled by his subordinates. The contact talked about thousands of men ready to insurrect and his informations had been confirmed by other sources consulted by Hozak. The General realized that the revelations of Hozak were extremely important, but also that they came too late: the start of the Admiral's strike was imminent.

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Pecs

Pecs had been completely cut off from its countryside. It seemed, during those days, that Southern Hungary had disappeared, or that it had never existed. Of course, the MSD, the mercenaries headed by Zivkovic and the Prince-Bishop were aware of what had really happened in the countryside. The men infiltrated by the Admiral into South Hungary had found an extremely favourable environment and had armed people who were already desperate, or hopeful, enough to fight. Thus, the precarious order of the Prince-Bishop quickly crumbled as armed groups seized the countryside and the government's forces were pushed into the cities. As predicted, the performance of the Prince-Bishop's forces was dismal, with entire units deserting or even switching sides. In Pecs itself, a large chunk of the garrison had profited of the chaos to abaondon the city and join the attackers.

Major Horka had been attempting for hours to contact his sources in the countryside, while, on his side, Zivkovic had been attempting to do the same with the surviving units in the countryside. None of them were being successful. General Zivkovic reached the inevitable conclusion.
"My men are the only thing standing between the Admiral and Hungarian unity: we'd better give him a good fight."
Major Horka agreed "I will contact Prague, but Pecs will have to hold in the meantime".
Zivkovic abandoned the room, shouting some orders to his officers. Horka called General Vaclav to report the last news.
Vaclav was clear:"There is one regiment of paratroopers ready to come in, but we need the nulla osta of the government and this may take up to two days. In the meantime you have to hold with whatever you have".

Major Horka joined Zivkovic and a group of Marslavan and Hungarian officers who were preparing the defense of the city.
"Our enemy has the numbers on its side" started Zivkovic "but we have superior firepower in our side. They will break because my kids will shoot better"
He grinned at the direction of Horka. "I want the first and second company to hold the southern district, the fourth company will hold Vasarely, our mortars, we will have them at the center of our dispositive close to our train station. The fifth and eigth Hungarian battalions will be deployed within this dispositive to fill eventual gaps. Finally, the Marslavans will hold the aerodrome". Thus, thought Horka, he would risk his men to withold the enemy aassult, use the unreliable Hungarians to fill the gaps and have the Marslavans guarding the entry point for eventual reinforcements.
"We have to pin them down with our superior firepower and withdraw only very gradually toward the aerodrome. The Hungarian forces in reserve shall intervene to support any eventual counter-attack started by my men. Also, we need the Austrians to give us all the support they can, their air force must disrupt the movement of their units toward Pecs with all possible means".

It was clear that both Vienna and Prague would have to man up and get their hands dirty if Pecs was to be saved.
Edited by Alberto, Nov 10 2013, 05:50 PM.
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Whal
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The past few days inside southern Hungary had been, at most, a nightmare for the Abwehr agents stationed in an around the city of Pecs. Having just so recently lost some of their own to a nationalist firing squad, the East German intelligence had made it abundantly clear to its remaining personnel to refrain from travelling without the protection of the Prince-Bishop's forces. However, as any of the in-country Abwehr officials would have guessed, the situation for the Pecs' government was rapidly deteriorating and may of the theocracy's soldiers were deserting or defecting in droves. As a result, Abwehr agents were left in the cold about the status of current affairs in the countryside because, without the protection of the Prince-Bishop's men, traveling to the cities would be suicidal. Many Austrian agents would spend the next few days in isolation, but that would be a cake walk compared to the men besieged inside Pecs itself.

As the Marslavans had predicted, the Admiral's forces began to tie the noose around the neck of the Theocracy, and only Pecs effectively remained in any position to oppose the onslaught. Even so, that position was precarious at best with the cities soldiers either deserting to the enemy or hopelessly being ordered into impromptu fighting positions by their equally untrained officers. The Marslavans and General Zivkovic were trying their best, but The Abwehr was quick to report back to Vienna that the situation in Pecs was undeniably grim. As a result, all East German non military personnel were recalled home via the city's airport (the streets in and out were crawling with nationalist troops/sympathizers), as luckily for the Marslavan and Austrian personnel, the Admiral's forces were not yet equipped to tackle air power. That therein, would lie a great boost to the defense of Pecs.

Back in Vienna, the East German leadership relied on vague reports from the countryside and sporadic information from those besieged inside Pecs itself. Eventually, the situation was deemed serious enough to conclude that military intervention was the only viable solution, as "winning the hearts and minds" of the Hungarian people and using calculated efforts from special forces was largely ineffective. However, in a disastrous twist of fate, the newly organized Osterstag had voted "nay" on any military intervention inside Hungary apart from the use of a poultry few Jagdkommando units already scattered throughout southern Hungary. Most of these units, including the famous TF Mitternacht, had been assigned to gather intelligence on Translava terrorist activity and not on nationalist troop movements. The result was a massive, yet miraculously covert, shift of men and material closer to Pecs.

From hillside vantage points, many of the Jadkommando had bird's eye views over the Admiral's forces. However, Parliament's decision severely impacted their effectiveness to use airstrikes as such maneuvers were outlawed unless East German personnel were in direct danger. However, a preemptive mortar strike launched by the Admiral's forces on the outer rim of the city had damaged the temporary East German embassy and killed some of the staff. Thus, Chancellor Schlesinger was given some leverage over Parliament and, due to the constitution of the Federation, was able to approve of military intervention from the Luftwaffe. Pecs would now be able to receive the full protection of the East German air force.

Calling from his vantage point overlooking the city, TF Mitternacht's commander, Panther, contacted Marslavan forces in Pecs:

"Marslavan Garrison, this is EG Jagdkommando call sign Panther, do you read me?", he radioed.

"We read you, Panther", came the reply, in German, but from a strong accented Slovakian. "What are Austrian special forces doing on our short wave?"

"We apologize, but the situation called for us to hack into your comms. You appear to be surrounded by hostiles, Commander. I'm here to confirm that you have the support of the East German Luftwaffe", Panther responded. "By the looks of things, you're going to need it."


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Alberto
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Few hours had passed quietly. Soon the voice had spread that the Prince-Bishop had fled. After having looked for him everywhere, Major Hoka was ready to believe these voices: as soon as a show of bravery was needed, the only local authority had left the city in the hands of Czech and Slovak mercenaries. It would be easy, thought Horka, for Budapest to exploit this sad reality for the purposes of its propaganda. After having renounced to find this man of god, the major joined few hundreds of Marslavan military advisors and Hungarian soldiers who defended the aerodrome. The solid and better armed Marslavans were to hold this strategic point, which was to be the entrance point for Marslavan reinforcements, as well as the supplies from the Federation. The Marslavans and the Hungarians who had joined them would have to make suffice some machineguns, two mortars and pone very old Skoda 75 mm trench cannons found and fixed by the resourceful Hungarians. Major Horka, and all who were there, knew that the aerodrome would be one of the first targets of the enemy offensive and that the battle would be extremely gruesome.

From the north the first units of partisans advanced forth, nearing Pecs. They encountered the mercenaries of Zivkovic and the first shots were heard. At that point, the few civilians who had not left had found refuge in the city's cellars. Pecs was surrounded with hills, topped by nice forests. Those forests were now being fought harshly. Zivkovic's men broke the first assault with their fire and the partisans, forced to fight in a frontal assault they could not win, retreated. The Hungarian commander, then, decided to use his men in a more fitting way: the very mobile patisans would creep from the southern part of the city, the weakest spot of all. At the same time, othe patisans would continue to harass the defenders.
Even if they had noticed these movements, the mercenaries who defended Pecs could not spare any man to stop them.

The airport came under attack very rapidly. The partisans devoted much firepower and men to the taking of this position: the control of the aerodrome would make extremely hard for any Marslavan reinforcement to come in. The defenders were waiting for the arrival of a regiment of paratroopers and had absolutely to keep the aerodrome out of the enemy's control. The situation became very heated as the partisans attempted many assaults, both of foot soldiers and of lightly armoured convoys. The defenders replied with what they had and soon the lonely 75 mm was playing against the enemy. One pickup detonated, overall the partisans were receiving great losses. However, it became clear that if the assault continued, the defenders would not be able to resist. Worried, Major Horka went to the control tower. Speaking with a thick Chech accent he requested the assistance of TF Mitternacht. "Believe me" he said "we are having a lot of fun here, but some assistance from the air would be useful !"

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Whal
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The battle for Pecs was escalating quickly and the balance of power had not yet shifted away from the city's garrison. Rapid action from the Federation's Luftwaffe would provide the Marslavan and Hungarian defenders some respite from the never ending warfare engulfing them from every direction. From bases in Lower Austria, multiple Panavia Tornados and Eurofighter Typhoons took to the skies and proceeded directly towards Pecs. Meanwhile, in Vienna, news had reached the government that the Prince-Bishop has fled the city in an act of unprecedented cowardliness. Schlesinger's government was quick to begin the process of locating a more stable successor and ally to take the reigns of Pecs once the battle had concluded- and they had won.

In the hills surrounding the city, TF Mitternacht and the Jagdkommado desperately attempted to hold their formations against determined assaults from the partisans. Well trained, equipped and battle-hardened, the Jagdkommando managed to drive off the constant charges of the partisans, yet the enemy were numerous and soon the East German special forces would have to relocate - perhaps into Pecs itself? While they still held the high ground, however, Panther would do his best to provide close air supervision for the Luftwaffe pilots now entering the city's airspace.

"Don't worry, Commander", he responded, practically yelling over the incoming fire. "Air support is arriving en masse as we speak. Keep your heads down!"

Panther set his radio aside and began relaying enemy positions to the Luftwaffe; ignoring their own safety, the Jagdkommando focused on the Nationalist forces already engaging the Pec's defenders, rather than the partisans almost overcoming their current positions. Low flying ground attack aircraft swooped in from the air without warning and began unleashing their ordinances upon the unsuspecting attackers. Having complete air superiority, the Luftwaffe managed to strike at Nationalist forces unimpeded by much anti-aircraft fire or any opposing aircraft. Very quickly the Admiral's forces were forced to consider being bombarded from the air before initiating an offensive, large or small. However, there simply were too few East German aircraft at any one time to effectively stop the assault and conflict continued into the night. The constant harassment from the air had managed to stall the Admiral's forces until the illusion of darkness could protect them (mostly) from the Luftwaffe, and it was nighttime that the conflict began to pick up its intensity once more.

With the airfield changing hands throughout the conflict, the Federation was having difficulty in landing its transport aircraft to transfer supplies. As a result, many times the lumbering planes would fly just low enough to "airdrop" the munitions and reserves over friendly forces. Sometimes these would arrive to the defenders, and sometimes they would be taken by the enemy, however every supply drop which was apprehended by friendless would prolong the resistance until help arrived. Having left their positions on the hillsides, TF Mitternacht and some of the Jagdkommando managed to fight their way into Pecs and rendezvous with some of Zivkovic's mercenaries. Together they desperately attempted to hold back the tide, but with the arrival of professional Nationalist soldiers, they were forced to retreat to the aerodrome. There, they hoped, the Marslavan forces had managed to secure a causeway for the arrival of some re-enforcements. It would not be long until conventional forces from the Federation crossed the border into Hungary.
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The partisans had now brought the fighting in the streets of the city itself. Knowing the terrain, they artfully infiltrated various neighbourhoods of Pecs and struck at the same time. Surprisingly, just when expected to crumble, the defense forces of Pecs stood their ground and fought bravely until the Marslavan mercenaries reinforced them and the attack was repelled. A counterattack was extremely violent, as both sides engaged in a struggle to clean the area house by house. Terrorised civilians waited in the cellars, as above them the two sides shot and tossed their granades at each other. At the same time, however, the partisans had brought themselves very close to the train station and the defenders' artillery was not shooting against areas within the city.

Zivkovic was in the southern part of the city, which the partisans had infiltrated and where some units of mercenaries were surrounded. The situation there was extremely chaotic because the surrounded units still fought bravely. Entrenched in the city's houses and controlling Pecs' narrow streets, the mercenaries made life very difficult for those who had surrounded them and distracted many forces which could have been otherwise used. However, at the end of the day, the defenders counterattacked and confined the partisans to a limited bridgehead. Huge losses were incurred in the process and the defenders were being severely tested. The deads were many, the wounded countless and the facilities for the latter extremely limited. Also ammunitions were starting to be scarce. It was evident that, unless reinforcements came, the southern half of Pecs would fall in the hands of the enemy.

The intervention of the Federation air force was essential in preventing the conquest of the aerodrome by the partisans. Lacking of anti-aiicraft weapons they were essentially vulnerable to attacks from the air. The defenders cheered for the Austrians and thanked them countless time as the enemy was driven off. However, it was clear that the partisans were not defeated and that they would wait the night for a last attack. However, the two sides did exchange harrassing fire. Major Horka profited of the moment of quiet to reorganize the ranks. Then, after having communicated with Zivkovic, he attempted to make contact with his superiors in Prague, so to know when the paratroopers would come.

From Brno, the Vth Regiment of Paratroopers "Masaryk" was making preparations. Colonel Chveik had been told that the defenders were still holding the aerodrome and that the situation was stable - for now. He urged his men to accelerate the preparations. The plan of the colonel was to clear the area around the airport with the assistance of the air force and then transport his men and further ammunitions to the aerodrome. At the same time, another group would land at the south of the airport and disrupt the enemy lines, so as to allow the defenders to time and means to make a decisive push. The Regiment Masaryk had a reputation as a fierce unit of crack troops and was surely capable of changing the course of such a battle. Of course, Colonel Chveik knew that the Hungarians were fine warriors and that these partisans were very determined. His thoughts were interrupted when he was approached by a captain who transmitted the inquite, by the Major Horka of the MSD, of when the reinforcements would arrive. "Two hours" said the Colonel.
Edited by Alberto, Nov 16 2013, 06:21 PM.
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Whal
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With the Luftwaffe providing endless air support for the defenders inside Pecs, and the city's garrison holding firm against the countless nationalist offensives, the battle seemed to be finally reaching something close to an even playing field.

The partisans had been prevented from overtaking the aerodrome by staunch opposition from the men on the ground and by endless harassment from the air, however the defender's ammunition was vastly depleted and without re-supply that area of the city would definitely fall. The Jagdkommado, having reached the aerodrome with some of Zivkovic's mercenaries, were able to assist in its defense long enough to beat the partisans back. Now, with nightfall bringing a general calm to the battlefront, TF Mitternacht contacted Vienna in order to obtain some much needed supplies. The Luftwaffe agreed to spare some transport helicopters full of ammunition and later into the night the supplies were off-loaded and distributed to the various outposts holding the front line. Panther also requested the Osterwehr requisition some anti-tank guns,heavy machine guns, and mortars to supply the defenders with some additional firepower. His superiors conceded and offered to transport the equipment before dawn.

The relative calm of the night was interrupted several times by small moments of gunfire across the front line. Partisans dressed in average civilian cloths and appearing unarmed often attempted to infiltrate into the lines, but their disguises were often easily recognizable and close quarters fire fights ensued throughout the night. To help dissuade infiltration, Panther organized sniper teams on the rooftops overlooking crucial zones where his men were able to expertly pick off any saboteurs. This was easy to pull off due to the majority of the civilian population having fled the city or having held themselves up in bomb shelters; very few civilians even attempted to move about the city, thus making the partisan's efforts null and void. As dawn eagerly approached, the Oberkommando der Osterwehr honored their commitment to bring some heavy equipment, and the Luftwaffe delivered the supplies. Now, resupplied by the Luftwaffe and reinvigorated by the arrival of the Marslavan 5th Paratrooper Division, the cities defenders eagerly awaited their daily course of action.

Meanwhile, on the Austrian side of the border with Hungary, in Burgenland specifically, the East German forces of the Ostheer amassed armed and ready. Even though the situation in Pecs had stabilized slightly, the city was still surrounded and the countryside was largely still in enemy hands. Once Pecs had been properly rescued, the city's defenders would need help in breaking out. The Federation's military stood poised to assist them.
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Alberto
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The arrival of the paratroopers had been timely, happening just before the start of a new partisan offensive against the aerodrome. The 5th Regiment "Tomas Masaryk" landed in Pecs' aerodrome: the men and their equipment were deployed quickly. Some more mortars, light artillery were landed and armoured vehicles, reinforcing the defensive position of the Marslavans and the remaining Hungarian loyalists. Colonel Chveik came to meet Major Hozak, the two men saluted and the Major informed his superior on the situation in the city. In all effects, the partisans had overrun the northern half of Pecs after many assaults and ferocious close quarters combat. The survivors had witnessed various niceties, such as the execution of their Hungarian allies. On the sourthern half, Zivkovic and his men were resisting and combats were raging.

Colonel Chveik listened quietly to the words of Hozak. The Marslavan paratroopers would have to proceed carefully and coordinate their actions with the Federation air force and with their comrades in arms behind the enemy lines. Not all the 5th Regiment had landed in the airport: two companies commanded by Captain Heyrovski were landed behind the partisans' lines. Their duty was to creat the greatest confusion possible, so to allow a counter-offensive. It was important that the two contingents of paratroopers support each other: Chveik needed Heyrovski to mess up the partisans' plans if he wanted to succeed, but Heyrovski needed the assistance of Chveik if he wanted his men to survive their landing. If the two forces could survive and disrupt the enemy lines, then Zivkovic's position could be saved.

South of Pecs

Heyrovski had landed, his men scattered across the grasslands. The partisans had not expected the arrival of his unit and his men had not been shot at - yet. The paratroopers quickly recuperated their equipment and gathered. They approached silently a village, surrounded it and overran it. The few armed men were eliminated and their chief was awaken on his bed by the armed enemy. A corporal and a sergeant shook him and the poor devil confessed that a convoy of reinforcements would cross the village during the next hour. The paratroopers confined the few remaining civilians in the cellars, the Captain and some of his men wore civilian costumes, the other readied themselves for the fight.

The convoy arrived. Few pick-ups and other vehicles carried men and ammunitions and were escorted by other partisans. The leader of the convoy approached the civilians in the village's only square and saluted them. The reply he received was a shot in the chest and a nourished fire came from the other houses. The partisans, who did not expect the enemy to be there, ran to find cover, but the fire of the crack paratroopers was too precise and intense. No partisan managed to get out alive from that village and not one Hungarian partisan surrendered. However, other partisan units were soon coming to press the paratroopers.

Pecs Aerodrome

The partisans had not attacked since few hours. This, thought the Colonel, meant that Heyrovski had landed safely and that his men were causing big problems to the partisans. It also meant that it was the time to attack. As the sun was finally rising, the partisans rose on their armoured vehicles and, after shooting some mortar rounds, exited the aerodrome to move toward southern Pecs. Broken by superior fire, the partisans' first line withdrew, but soon the partisans were confronted by the fire of rpgs. The fighting continued as the proud Hungarians held against the paratroopers, even when the Marslavan fire decimated unit after unit. This time, however, the Federation air force came to support the Marslavan offensive and the paratroopers profited of this support to resume their advance. The partisans had shown great resolve and skill, inflicting considerable losses on the Marslavans, but they lacked of heavier equipment and of AA artillery. Soon, if they did not receive support, the partisans would have to relent and withdraw.
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Whal
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The landing of the Marslavan paratroopers was relayed back to Vienna by the Abwehr agents who had been stranded after the Nationalists took the offensive. Hiding quietly in their precarious isolated outposts, the agents nearby had contemplated making a break for the Marslavans, but had decided that remaining passive observers would be more beneficial to the Federation's war effort and stayed put. In Vienna, military commanders had eagerly pushed Chancellor Schlesinger to approve of sending in the Osterwehr's forces in Burgenland to assist their allies, but Schlesinger remained hesitant for he knew Parliament had only granted the Luftwaffe the ability to conduct military operations in southern Hungary. Then, luckily, an opportunity arose to send more boots on the ground.

The Luftwaffe possessed a competent force of ground forces, even encompassing the Federation's second branch of crack troops - the Fallschirmjaeger. Technically belonging to the airforce, these troops would be immune from Parliament's restrictions and would allow the East German military to deploy some troops to Marslava's assistance. Almost immediately, the 92nd Fallschirmjaeger Division was mobilized from their current positions in Slovenia and inserted into the combat zone. Landing several kilometers northwest of their Marslavan counterparts, the East German paratroopers were ordered to scout the area for enemy combatants and then secure the city's western flank. The 92nd was accompanied by the 104th Fallschirmjaeger who deployed several cities away to secure a tiny village bridge crossing to be used when the rest of the Osterwehr crossed over from Burgenland. Both divisions encountered little resistance and fortified their positions, but the 92nd alerted the Marslavans to their availability to assist in an attack.

In Pecs itself, Panther and the rest of the 50 or so Jagdkommando continued to provide sniper, artillery, and air support for the city's defenders. The Luftwaffe continued its aerial supremacy and bombarded the Admiral's troops with impunity. The situation was gradually becoming stable, but the C.E.D.O forces would have to act quickly if the advantage was to be seized.
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Alberto
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Prague

Following the arrival of reinforcements, the partisans stopped their attack. This stalemate had come at a price: the partisans - doubtlessly the Admiral's proxy - had seized the countryside, the Prince-Bishop had fled and the independent government left in Hungary had been discredited. Thus, it was not surprising that no one in Pecs, Prague or Vienna celebrated. General Vaclav, the head of the Marslavan Department of Security, was not happy of this result either: a catastrophy had been avoided, but the victorious defense of Pecs had solved nothing. Indeed, the Admiral had managed to destroy the southern government without having to use his own regular army, which, every week, was being strengthened and equipped. This force, according to Marslavan estimates, had up to three armoured divisions, five artillery brigades, a number of regular infantry divisions, and some helicopters. This force, destined to expand, was intact and ready to march on Pecs.

What to do ? This was what officials of the security ministries and the foreign ministry went on asking themselves. The Prime Minister, devoted to the business of actually running the country, did not even attempt to step in. Silent was also the Grand Ducal palace. In fact, the silence reigned because, at the end of it all, everyone in Prague knew that the only solution, the only way to not lose Hungary, was a direct, costly, military intervention, preferably with the collaboration of the Austrians. All went in that direction: the military buildup in the border, the march of the Ducal Guard to Bratislava, the shutting of the Slovako-Hungarian border.

The Generals of the country's main army groups, of the intelligence, the Air Force, the Ducal Guard were summoned to Prague to discuss the situation. General Vaclav was there, as well as General Zdenek, General Schwarzenber, General Benes, the commander of the Air Force. All discussed the situation, without useless optimism: the generals, as well as the intelligence officials, were clear on the fact that the enemy was in measure to fight a conventional war and not just a relatively "innocuous" guerrilla.

- Gentlemen - said General Zdenek - it is clear that an offensive will require a concerted effort and coordination from all the branches of the armed force. The Hungarians will surely have predicted our intervention, that is why we need massive force and firepower to knock a powerful punch against the Admiral's forces -
Schwarzenberg, who commanded the army group in Bratislava:
- In Slovakia there are approximately 200.000 men: around twenty infantry, artillery, armoured divisions. What we do have now is air superiority: the enemy does possess some helicopters and may be in possession of fighter jets, however it is not in measure to compete with our - or the Austrians' - air force. For this reason, we can and should use air superiority. For instance, the weakness of enemy opposition in the air could favour an initial attack by our paratroopers in Vac, a city close to our border and which commands the access to Budapest. At the same time, the Slovak Army group and the 71st division may spearhead a land attack against the enemy.-
The Grand Duke agreed, but in the meantime, he said:
- Pecs is an useless weight, we should evacuate it. The Admiral will enjoy this victory and his army will be spread to occupy the south. Then we will attack. Three divisions of the Ducal Guard will be at the disposal of General Schwarzenberg. I want a detailed plan of action by tomorrow -.

The Border

Finally, thought Corporal Zernin, things would escalate quickly. After the clashes the warlords' militias (someone had to get rid of them) the situation had remained quickly stabilized as the Admiral moved to assert his control. The Slovak militias had to go underground and the MDS fought with its Hungarian counterpart a covert war to equip the would-be enemies of Hungary. The Hungarians, on their hand, had started to patrol and fortify their border, wary of the impressive military buildup that had taken place in the other side of the border. Zernin and the other men of the company had been gathered by Captain Meciar, the head of the company, who announced the new orders. The whole division was to be ready for combat in the quickest of delays and wait the arrival of orders from Prague: if these orders came, thought the men, it meant that a new war would start and that the 71st Division would, as many times, be the first to strike.
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Whal
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Vienna, Austria

With conflict in and around Pecs subsiding in the face of superior C.E.D.O might, the East German government could take a much needed breather. The Admiral's partisan forces had been decisively beaten, however their hold over the remaining countryside had remained unchallenged. Possibly worse still, the Admiral's main nationalist army had been given considerable time to arm, equipped, and mobilize in a manner much to the dismay of the Federation's leadership. Had the Osterwehr been given the opportunity to invade preemptively against the Admiral, much as Schlesinger had wished, then the situation facing the C.E.D.O coalition would not have been so uncertain.

Indeed, a worse time could not have befallen the members of C.E.D.O who so desperately needed to portray a great show of force and cohesion in the face of resurgent nationalism in both Austria and Germany. The Margrave of Brandenburg's proposal to install a new greater German alliance posed a considerable threat to C.E.D.O, which claimed to be the only protector of central European peace and stability. The fact remained that if C.E.D.O wished to deter any forms of re-emergent nationalism then it would have to deal with the Hungarian situation quickly. With the events transpiring so poorly in Hungary, the military leadership in both the East German Federation and Marslava were being handed a golden opportunity. If the peace in central Europe was to be restored then the C.E.D.O partners would have to intervene militarily. Inside the Federation, it appeared that finally Parliament was beginning to see that armed intervention was the only viable solution to restore Hungary to peace. The Nationalrat voted in favor of a C.E.D.O intervention by a vote of 78%.

However, there was still the problem of how exactly to proceed. For this, the highest members of the Federal government met to discuss the next course of events in the newly repaired Federal Abwehr building inside Vienna. Chancellor Schlesinger, in particular appeared to be in good spirits.

"With Parliament's approval we now have the complete and legal cooperation of the Osterwehr to conduct operations inside Hungary", Schlesinger stated. "With the cohesive assistance of the Marslavans, The Admiral's chances for success are rapidly decreasing, gentlemen."

"While it is true his forces have become stronger and continue to occupy the countryside, they do not posses the capability to resist a determined assault from both the Marslavan military and our own. It is for this reason, I suggest a rapid offensive from our forces in Burgenland to march on Pecs in an effort to check the Admiral's army there. With Marslavan forces inserting from the northeast, the Admiral will be forced to retreat."

General Otto Ribbentrop, Commander of the 300,000 men in Burgenland, nodded his head in agreement, "With the roads and bridges secured by the Fallschirmjaeger, our forces should easily be able to cross into Hungary and engage the nationalist forces around Pecs. With our superior fighting capabilities and complete air superiority, we should easily be able to route the Admiral's forces marching towards the city. Additionally, with the support of Marslavan troops in the northeast we can squeeze the enemy between two immovable walls."

"Excellent", Schlesinger responded, "With the nationalist forces preoccupied on Pecs and then on engaging our forces near the city, they will be completely distracted to the Marslavan assault near Budapest. Attack cautiously, General, we want to draw the Admiral's forces closer towards Pecs where we can encircle and annihilate them. Then we can begin the first steps towards finishing this once and for all. I want details of our plan of action to be coordinated with Marslavan leadership. Send a telegram to Prague immediately."

Burgenland, on the border with Hungary

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At 04:00 A.M the combined strength of 30 East German infantry, armored, and artillery divisions crept silently across the border into Hungary. They had made it several miles into what was formerly theocratic territory before running into elements of nationalistic partisans. The small guerrilla forces were caught ultimately by surprise, and without adequate support, were quickly dispatched, captured, or completely scattered.

No doubt, however, the engagements with Osterwehr forces were relayed back to the Admiral's army converging upon Pecs. Whether or not the nationalists would engage Ribbentrop's 2nd Army, attempt to seize and then defend Pecs, or withdraw were now in the Admiral's hands. With East German forces slowly making their way closer and closer towards Pecs itself, the cities now mostly Jagdkommando garrison found itself celebrating. With most of the Marslavan forces having withdrawn several days prior, the cities remaining loyal Hungarian soldiers fled shortly after leaving the East German special forces as the cities temporary guardians. Under strict orders to hold the city, Task-force Mitternacht and the remaining 50 or so Jagdkommando attempted to organize defenses for the second battle of Pecs. Thankfully, they would not have to wait too long.

With the 92nd Fallschirmjaeger swooping behind the Admiral's army after their march on Pecs, the nationalists would be forced to fight their way out now. Several miles to the west, the East German 2nd Army was quickly approaching to the city's rescue, and to that effect, the besieging nationalist forces. Only time would tell whether the C.E.D.O offensive would succeed or not, but it was no doubt a minor blow to the Admiral's plans.
Edited by Whal, Dec 14 2013, 04:26 PM.
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Alberto
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The Hungarian Borders

The Hungarians had been preparing themselves longtime for an attack they had expected to come from the north. For this reason the progress of the Marslavan troops was not be as easy as the one of the East Germans. Favoured by the hilly terrain, the Hungarians offered a stiff resistance. The Marslavan attack, which had thrown the elite 71st division of jaeger as well as the mountain troops, had delivered a devastating punch: the Marslavan artillery had battered the Hungarian lines for hours and the air force had bombed the enemy positions as well. The Hungarian forces took the punch, were shaken, but held. This was one of the many proofs of the Hungarians' bravery: faced with the same fire power, the Crusaders, who had come from some of the world's greatest powers, had withdrawn.

Resistance was stiff, but the Marslavan forces did make some slow, painful progress. The battalion of corporal Zernin had been one of the first to be thrown into the battle and had just taken a village. For hours, the two sides had exchanged fire and had had contended the settlement's central square. Losses had been heavy. However, the 71st could not stop. The advance continued, with the Mountain troops and artillery following behind. The platoon of the corporal, led by Captain Meciar, advanced toward the woods. The Hungarians had found refuge there and the fire resumed. The platoon dispersed, with the men of the 71st moving swiftly to the positions from which their more precise weapons could be exploited. Having located the enemy fire, Zernin took his aim. Few hundreds meters away a young man was intent on firing, suddently a man appeared next to him, shouting orders. Zernin shot at the commander, who fell immediately. The young man had been lucky, this time. The Hungarians did not yield - yet. Their resistance ceased only when the mountain artillery, having located the Hungarians, fired at the enemy. The mortars' projectiles fell with noise, and few trees fell. Overwhelmed, the Hungarians withdrew, to fight another day.

Few kilometers away, two mountain brigades converged in Esztergom, the ancient capital of medieval Hungary. This, together with Pecs, was the closest thing the Hungarian people had to a holy city. It was not surprising that the battle was extremely intense in Esztergom. The mountain troops, supported by the fire of their artillery and their armoured vehicles, could not advance and their first assaults were broken by the inflexible Hungarians. Three assaults were thus conducted and repelled and the decimated brigades were dislodged from the city's centre. The Marslavans withdrew and submitted Esztergom to a wild, indiscriminate fire which left standing only the city's cathedral. The Marslavan artillery had gone berserk, and the Marslavans occupied a city in ruin.

The progress was too slow for General von Shwarzenberg, the commander of the offensive. From Prague, the Grand Duke insisted for progress. Everywhere, the Marslavans advanced, but the Hungarians did not renounce and resisted with alacrity. And time was on their side: the Marslavan public opinion would not stand a lengthy war. Truly, the Marslavans had not thrown in their forces yet. Three divisions of the Ducal Guard, under the command of General Radetzky, waited to enter into action. The Marslavan side only waited the Hungarians to do a false move, an open opportunity, and the decisive weight of Marslava's best fighting force would be thrown in the fight. Nonetheless, the reports of the quick advance by the Austrians left the general full of envy. The Austrians had not yet started to fight the real war.

Edited by Alberto, Dec 13 2013, 04:34 PM.
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