The Vasan Military is hereby ordered to full alert status. Danzig regrets that war has come to Europe but cannot blame Rome for acting first in this situation, given the blatant aggression her opponents have displayed in recent months.
We remain at this time neutral and stress our mobilization is purely a precautionary measure.
STGOD!
Moderator: B4UTRUST
#102
10 Marlborough Street, Westminster Square, Sacramento
7 June 1930
The holding of a Saturday meeting was reserved for important matters of state for senior Cabinet officials, and none got more importan than this.
"The Yanks and Mexicans are well into mobilization procedures," Winston argued from his chair. "For our own security we must initiate our own."
"The nation lacks the funds for such an endeavor," Montelbano countered from his own. As Chancellor of the Exchequer, he had made his view of the financial situation known to all. "Every economic program we have enacted will come into jeopardy."
"And if we don't mobilize now the very Empire itself will be in jeopardy," Winston thundered in retort. "The Yanks, the Mexicans, the Mughals, now the bloody Taiping! And with Europe now at war..."
"Just because Europe is descending into bloodletting doesn't mean we have to," Lord Baden-Grey remarked candidly.
"Perhaps not, but as my esteemed colleague has pointed out, the situation is most dangerous if we remain unmobilized," stated Dale. The First Lord of the Admiralty looked toward the Secretary of State for War and the two men, usually rivals, exchanged stiff nods. It was rather clear that whatever their differences usually, today they were unified in purpose. "Mobilizations can be undone if the moment of danger passes. But if started too late, or not at all, the losses we will suffer are not so easily undone... if at all."
At that moment all eyes turned to the PM, and Stephen knew he was in for trouble.
Caroline Palace
"Then they are agreed?"
Alexander I's question hung in the air for a moment. Stephen cleared his throat before continuing to speak. "Mister Montelbano is still resistant to the proposal, but he will not oppose the Cabinet. All we need, Your Majesty, is your signature upon the order."
Before Alexander, on the desk between the King and his senior civil servant, the leader of the Government, sat the inoccuous looking paper. It was in formalized language, the Prime Minister's signature already affixed, ordering the Territorial Army to be activated and for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force to call up their reserve personnel and those in the National Service pool that were assigned for their reserve manpower.
Millions of young Pacifican men with some barely out of boyhood, from every corner of the Kingdoms, Latino factory works from Los Angeles and Scots potato farmers in New Scotland, Yank-descended immigrants in New Wales or half-Maori farmers in Zealandia, all to be summoned to the colours. Whether they would be sent to war or not was not to be determined yet.
The Queen had returned the prior day. She sat in the corner, watching her husband, tears in her eyes. When Stephen presented the letter she had taken that seat, her face betraying her horror. Alexander did not permit himself such a display of emotion; if it was the place of the Queen-Empress to be the benevolent mother figure of her husband's subjects, it was the place of the King-Emperor to be the calm, collected Sovereign issuing orders because they were required. Stephen looked at her with sympathetic eyes, certain he would get a similar sight upon returning home and facing his wife.
With a solemn, detached air about him, the King picked up a pen and affixed his signature, after which he also stamped it with his Royal Seal, the truly-binding legal instrument of the paper. "You may begin preparations immediately," he stated.
"I shall, Your Majesty." With that, the Prime Minister quickly excused himself.
Alexander took careful steps to where Larissa was sitting. As he sat beside her she threw her arms around him. First had come the word that war had erupted in Europe, of the masterful stroke of Roman diplomacy and deception in allying with Hungary while appearing to push Hungary into the Franco-German camp. The war in Europe would inevitably spread through fighting in colonies between each other and other powers taking advantage of the situation.
Now this. Now, simply to defend its neutrality, Pacifica was to join the states declaring mobilization. As much as the argument was sound logically, there was nevertheless the feeling that being so-armed would inevitably lead to war for them as well.
The couple remained seated in that chair for hours, even as the sun went down and the radios reported news on the growing crisis in the Americas, knowing that what the King and the King's Ministers had just done might very well send that crisis over the edge.
Summary
In light of the wave of mobilizations through Asia and in the Americas, Pacifica begins calling up the reserves. The mobilization is intended to be strictly defensive and to not instigate war, but contributing to the spread of military preparations globally may bear its own price.
7 June 1930
The holding of a Saturday meeting was reserved for important matters of state for senior Cabinet officials, and none got more importan than this.
"The Yanks and Mexicans are well into mobilization procedures," Winston argued from his chair. "For our own security we must initiate our own."
"The nation lacks the funds for such an endeavor," Montelbano countered from his own. As Chancellor of the Exchequer, he had made his view of the financial situation known to all. "Every economic program we have enacted will come into jeopardy."
"And if we don't mobilize now the very Empire itself will be in jeopardy," Winston thundered in retort. "The Yanks, the Mexicans, the Mughals, now the bloody Taiping! And with Europe now at war..."
"Just because Europe is descending into bloodletting doesn't mean we have to," Lord Baden-Grey remarked candidly.
"Perhaps not, but as my esteemed colleague has pointed out, the situation is most dangerous if we remain unmobilized," stated Dale. The First Lord of the Admiralty looked toward the Secretary of State for War and the two men, usually rivals, exchanged stiff nods. It was rather clear that whatever their differences usually, today they were unified in purpose. "Mobilizations can be undone if the moment of danger passes. But if started too late, or not at all, the losses we will suffer are not so easily undone... if at all."
At that moment all eyes turned to the PM, and Stephen knew he was in for trouble.
Caroline Palace
"Then they are agreed?"
Alexander I's question hung in the air for a moment. Stephen cleared his throat before continuing to speak. "Mister Montelbano is still resistant to the proposal, but he will not oppose the Cabinet. All we need, Your Majesty, is your signature upon the order."
Before Alexander, on the desk between the King and his senior civil servant, the leader of the Government, sat the inoccuous looking paper. It was in formalized language, the Prime Minister's signature already affixed, ordering the Territorial Army to be activated and for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force to call up their reserve personnel and those in the National Service pool that were assigned for their reserve manpower.
Millions of young Pacifican men with some barely out of boyhood, from every corner of the Kingdoms, Latino factory works from Los Angeles and Scots potato farmers in New Scotland, Yank-descended immigrants in New Wales or half-Maori farmers in Zealandia, all to be summoned to the colours. Whether they would be sent to war or not was not to be determined yet.
The Queen had returned the prior day. She sat in the corner, watching her husband, tears in her eyes. When Stephen presented the letter she had taken that seat, her face betraying her horror. Alexander did not permit himself such a display of emotion; if it was the place of the Queen-Empress to be the benevolent mother figure of her husband's subjects, it was the place of the King-Emperor to be the calm, collected Sovereign issuing orders because they were required. Stephen looked at her with sympathetic eyes, certain he would get a similar sight upon returning home and facing his wife.
With a solemn, detached air about him, the King picked up a pen and affixed his signature, after which he also stamped it with his Royal Seal, the truly-binding legal instrument of the paper. "You may begin preparations immediately," he stated.
"I shall, Your Majesty." With that, the Prime Minister quickly excused himself.
Alexander took careful steps to where Larissa was sitting. As he sat beside her she threw her arms around him. First had come the word that war had erupted in Europe, of the masterful stroke of Roman diplomacy and deception in allying with Hungary while appearing to push Hungary into the Franco-German camp. The war in Europe would inevitably spread through fighting in colonies between each other and other powers taking advantage of the situation.
Now this. Now, simply to defend its neutrality, Pacifica was to join the states declaring mobilization. As much as the argument was sound logically, there was nevertheless the feeling that being so-armed would inevitably lead to war for them as well.
The couple remained seated in that chair for hours, even as the sun went down and the radios reported news on the growing crisis in the Americas, knowing that what the King and the King's Ministers had just done might very well send that crisis over the edge.
Summary
In light of the wave of mobilizations through Asia and in the Americas, Pacifica begins calling up the reserves. The mobilization is intended to be strictly defensive and to not instigate war, but contributing to the spread of military preparations globally may bear its own price.
Last edited by Steve on Wed Jan 20, 2010 8:52 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Chatniks on the (nonexistant) risks of the Large Hadron Collector:
"The chance of Shep talking his way into the control room for an ICBM is probably higher than that." - Seth
"Come on, who wouldn't trade a few dozen square miles of French countryside for Warp 3.5?" - Marina
"The chance of Shep talking his way into the control room for an ICBM is probably higher than that." - Seth
"Come on, who wouldn't trade a few dozen square miles of French countryside for Warp 3.5?" - Marina
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#103
June 7th, 1930
Delhi, Mughal Empire
Slamming his reports down on his desk, Shaheen fumes and says, "Just when we sort out the miscommunication from the Klavos the Europeans decide to go and start a shooting war... although I must applaud the diplomatic finesse of the Romans and Hungarians for pulling off such a brilliant deception right up to the moment the shooting started."
After pausing and considering for a moment he turns to one of his aides and says, "Tell my brother that his orders for the good of the empire still stand, but he is to take the troops east, I don't want the idiotic Europeans getting any ideas."
"My king, much of the gear is already loaded aboard ships as the Klavos are an island nation and we had to prepare..." one of the aides begins.
Waving a hand dismissively, Shaheen says, "I served on the general staff when my father was padshah, I know of logistics. Just tell them to sail out and get where they need to be as quickly as possible. And try not to spook the Klavos, I've already had a hell of a time smoothing things over with them."
"And the mobilization orders?" Another man asks.
"Let them stand for now, it seems fashionable these days. I don't want anyone thinking that with our regular troops being shifted about so much that we are weak on any particular border. If it comes down to a... what is that lovely Americanism... a Mexican standoff I believe is the term, with everyone mobilized and refusing to back down, we have the regular troops and the terrain that we can demobilize our reserves with little fear," the padshah replies.
"Very good my king. Your orders shall be relayed to Yangon at once."
June 9, 1930
Yangon, Mughal Empire
It was hot and rainy, as was typical in Yangon in June, when the ships started out, belching black smoke high into the air, their holds full of troops and equipment destined for elsewhere in the empire, the various soldiers and sailors lightly bitching about the bizarreness of their orders while their officers weren't looking. About the only men looking forward to the second redeployment in a month were the soldiers from the hot deserts of the empire as it was likely they were headed back for Afghan summers over the monsoons of the Burma.
It was definitely quite the procession as dozens upon dozens of ships left the harbours to join with the warships waiting just outside where there was no room. That many troops in ships would make a tempting target even if they were just cutting across the Indian Ocean, so it was only prudent to make sure they had an escort, and the Mughals were well known for their love of overkill. Of course, the mighty departure was mostly unseen by the people of Yangon, the military police keeping everyone away, not that it was easy to conceal such a massive movement of men and materiel. Any spy keeping track of the movements of the Mughal regulars would just have to stop in at a brothel to know that there were suddenly a lot fewer soldiers in the city than the day before. Such was the lot of things in the Mughal Empire though, when the padshah ordered it, the soldiers obeyed, and fortunately there had not been any completely insane monarchs in the dynasty yet.
Delhi, Mughal Empire
Slamming his reports down on his desk, Shaheen fumes and says, "Just when we sort out the miscommunication from the Klavos the Europeans decide to go and start a shooting war... although I must applaud the diplomatic finesse of the Romans and Hungarians for pulling off such a brilliant deception right up to the moment the shooting started."
After pausing and considering for a moment he turns to one of his aides and says, "Tell my brother that his orders for the good of the empire still stand, but he is to take the troops east, I don't want the idiotic Europeans getting any ideas."
"My king, much of the gear is already loaded aboard ships as the Klavos are an island nation and we had to prepare..." one of the aides begins.
Waving a hand dismissively, Shaheen says, "I served on the general staff when my father was padshah, I know of logistics. Just tell them to sail out and get where they need to be as quickly as possible. And try not to spook the Klavos, I've already had a hell of a time smoothing things over with them."
"And the mobilization orders?" Another man asks.
"Let them stand for now, it seems fashionable these days. I don't want anyone thinking that with our regular troops being shifted about so much that we are weak on any particular border. If it comes down to a... what is that lovely Americanism... a Mexican standoff I believe is the term, with everyone mobilized and refusing to back down, we have the regular troops and the terrain that we can demobilize our reserves with little fear," the padshah replies.
"Very good my king. Your orders shall be relayed to Yangon at once."
June 9, 1930
Yangon, Mughal Empire
It was hot and rainy, as was typical in Yangon in June, when the ships started out, belching black smoke high into the air, their holds full of troops and equipment destined for elsewhere in the empire, the various soldiers and sailors lightly bitching about the bizarreness of their orders while their officers weren't looking. About the only men looking forward to the second redeployment in a month were the soldiers from the hot deserts of the empire as it was likely they were headed back for Afghan summers over the monsoons of the Burma.
It was definitely quite the procession as dozens upon dozens of ships left the harbours to join with the warships waiting just outside where there was no room. That many troops in ships would make a tempting target even if they were just cutting across the Indian Ocean, so it was only prudent to make sure they had an escort, and the Mughals were well known for their love of overkill. Of course, the mighty departure was mostly unseen by the people of Yangon, the military police keeping everyone away, not that it was easy to conceal such a massive movement of men and materiel. Any spy keeping track of the movements of the Mughal regulars would just have to stop in at a brothel to know that there were suddenly a lot fewer soldiers in the city than the day before. Such was the lot of things in the Mughal Empire though, when the padshah ordered it, the soldiers obeyed, and fortunately there had not been any completely insane monarchs in the dynasty yet.
#104
Statement published in the Times-Tribune of Madagascar
An open letter to the Deutches Federalische Republik
You accuse us of short-sighted and wrongheaded actions, and claim that we act against our own interests in this matter when it is Germany, not the Freehold, that initiated ruinous tariffs and anti-competitive practices against our trade. You have levied outlandish fee's upon our citizens for the 'privilege' of being free men and women, who have the opportunity to strive for success without the leaden foot of government pressing down upon their neck. You threaten the status quo in our largest markets, threatening to spread your wrong-headed and anti-competitive stance into states that have, historically, been solid business partners of the Freehold.
Your threats of levying equivalent sanctions are amusing, as the Freehold has been laboring under sanctions levied by your government for years. We have, until now, refrained from just retaliation in the self-evidently vain hope that you would come to your senses. Now that you seek to place all of Europe under your thumb, we will be silent no longer.
You accuse us of hypocrisy in that we take no stance in the looming conflict between the United States and Mexico. While we obviously would prefer a peaceful settlement, neither the United States nor Mexico has ever acted against the interests of the Freehold, both are good business partners and valued customers. We expect that neither state, even in the extremity of war, will change that historical stance.
At this time we have merely frozen and suspended German owned assets within Madagascar, all such assets are protected under Freehold custom. If Germany decides to expropriate any Freehold asset, all German owned assets will be expropriated and auctioned off, with the proceeds going to indemnify those Freehold citizens who suffer losses from German expropriation.
We again state, for the record, that once Germany no longer threatens the status quo in Europe, no longer engages in anti-competitive practices, no longer imposes unilateral punitive tariffs against our products, and no longer seeks to destroy states that are our business partners we will reconsider and revise our decision. Until then, we will act as we must, in a dance not of our choosing, for the greater good of the Madagascar Freehold.
Madagascar Freehold Consortium
An open letter to the Deutches Federalische Republik
You accuse us of short-sighted and wrongheaded actions, and claim that we act against our own interests in this matter when it is Germany, not the Freehold, that initiated ruinous tariffs and anti-competitive practices against our trade. You have levied outlandish fee's upon our citizens for the 'privilege' of being free men and women, who have the opportunity to strive for success without the leaden foot of government pressing down upon their neck. You threaten the status quo in our largest markets, threatening to spread your wrong-headed and anti-competitive stance into states that have, historically, been solid business partners of the Freehold.
Your threats of levying equivalent sanctions are amusing, as the Freehold has been laboring under sanctions levied by your government for years. We have, until now, refrained from just retaliation in the self-evidently vain hope that you would come to your senses. Now that you seek to place all of Europe under your thumb, we will be silent no longer.
You accuse us of hypocrisy in that we take no stance in the looming conflict between the United States and Mexico. While we obviously would prefer a peaceful settlement, neither the United States nor Mexico has ever acted against the interests of the Freehold, both are good business partners and valued customers. We expect that neither state, even in the extremity of war, will change that historical stance.
At this time we have merely frozen and suspended German owned assets within Madagascar, all such assets are protected under Freehold custom. If Germany decides to expropriate any Freehold asset, all German owned assets will be expropriated and auctioned off, with the proceeds going to indemnify those Freehold citizens who suffer losses from German expropriation.
We again state, for the record, that once Germany no longer threatens the status quo in Europe, no longer engages in anti-competitive practices, no longer imposes unilateral punitive tariffs against our products, and no longer seeks to destroy states that are our business partners we will reconsider and revise our decision. Until then, we will act as we must, in a dance not of our choosing, for the greater good of the Madagascar Freehold.
Madagascar Freehold Consortium
#105
May 1930
African Confederation, Nigeria
The message from the Ethiopian Empire arrived and was quickly brought to the attention of those in power. The passing of the Empress was a time of sadness and yet it simplified the situation in the neighboring nation. The Prime Minister along with his chief advisers met and devised a plan that would suit the needs of the Confederation when dealing with its closest neighbor.
African Confederation, Nigeria
African Confederation
"The Ethiopians crossed into the Sudan in force. My information indicates that they seem to be also making a push with diplomats. How do you feel about that?" The voice asked.
"Sudan has been Ethiopia's to take for some time. We certainly have not shown an overt interest in the territory." There was a slight hesitation. "If they can manage to do it without bloodshed the better."
"I am surprised. I expected a more cautious response from you." The male voice pressed.
"Did you read the latest report from Majid Okoro? Besides, I had a conversation with both the Ernesto and Kabisa this morning." The female voice added.
"What did they say?" The male voice asked his curiosity peaked.
"Better the Ethiopians than the English or the French."
African Confederation, Nigeria
The message from the Ethiopian Empire arrived and was quickly brought to the attention of those in power. The passing of the Empress was a time of sadness and yet it simplified the situation in the neighboring nation. The Prime Minister along with his chief advisers met and devised a plan that would suit the needs of the Confederation when dealing with its closest neighbor.
June 5th, 1930From: African Confederation
To: The Glorious Empire of Ethiopia
The Confederation mourns the passing of Empress Zauditu and offers its condolences to the people of Ethiopia. We are humbled and honored that we are offered an opportunity to be present for the crowning of Tafari Makonnen. Prime Minister Ernesto Carrasquillo and Ambassador Majid Okoro will represent the Confederation during the planned event.
African Confederation, Nigeria
June 9th, 1930From: Ernesto Carrasquillo, Prime Minister of the African Confederation
To: The Federal Republic of Germany
Due to the existing circumstances occurring in Europe at this time, the African Confederation has determined that it would be remiss in its duties to its people and the rest of the world if it were to attend the planned Economic Summit. German efforts to destabilize Europe do not speak well of its short term plans and long term intentions. As a result, the Confederation will not take part in these planned proceedings. It is our hope that once the situation in Europe stabilizes, an economic summit worthy of the name will be able to be convened for the benefit of all involved.
African Confederation
"The Ethiopians crossed into the Sudan in force. My information indicates that they seem to be also making a push with diplomats. How do you feel about that?" The voice asked.
"Sudan has been Ethiopia's to take for some time. We certainly have not shown an overt interest in the territory." There was a slight hesitation. "If they can manage to do it without bloodshed the better."
"I am surprised. I expected a more cautious response from you." The male voice pressed.
"Did you read the latest report from Majid Okoro? Besides, I had a conversation with both the Ernesto and Kabisa this morning." The female voice added.
"What did they say?" The male voice asked his curiosity peaked.
"Better the Ethiopians than the English or the French."
The Peddler of Half Truths.
"Not OP, therefore weakest." - Cynical Cat (May 2016)
"A dog doesn’t need to show his teeth as long as his growl’s deep enough, his food bowl is full and he knows where all the bones are buried." - Frank Underwood
"Not OP, therefore weakest." - Cynical Cat (May 2016)
"A dog doesn’t need to show his teeth as long as his growl’s deep enough, his food bowl is full and he knows where all the bones are buried." - Frank Underwood
#106
Diplomatic note to all
The Lord Protector of England while seeing the bloodshed in Europe and the potential bloodshed in America with a heavy heart and sadness of the un-Christian like behavior of these states, hereby declares that England and its colonies are neutral in both conflicts and offers itself available as a neutral third party mediator or contact for any peace talks.
May God shine His Mercy upon the world in these trouble times.
The Lord Protector of England while seeing the bloodshed in Europe and the potential bloodshed in America with a heavy heart and sadness of the un-Christian like behavior of these states, hereby declares that England and its colonies are neutral in both conflicts and offers itself available as a neutral third party mediator or contact for any peace talks.
May God shine His Mercy upon the world in these trouble times.
The Admiral: A game of chess, my dear.
The Woman: I don't play.
The Admiral: You should learn. We're all pawns, my dear. -The Prisoner
The Woman: I don't play.
The Admiral: You should learn. We're all pawns, my dear. -The Prisoner
#107
The Indian Ocean, West-Northwest of Darwin
18th June 1930
0800 Local
HMS L-12 was on a standard patrol in the North Australian waters cruising along the surface of the ocean when her Conning Tower party spotted a contact over the horizon. Minutes passed as they realized that it wasn't one contact but multiple, just to the south of their position. It took no real work to determine the fleet's course and heading, and by profile the carriers in the force were identified in their records as Mughal vessels.
What it ended up being sent a powerful chill down Lieutenant Commander Paulson's spine as L-12's CO looked over the data. Almost frantically he raced toward the radio room and had them dispatch the course data and believed size of the force. Immediately afterward, with the report of an aircraft of unknown type having flown overhead, L-12 slipped beneath the waves and made course due southwest at her meager 5 knot battery speed submerged.
Australia Defence Command
Sydney, Australia
0900 Local (+3 Hours Contact)
The report was raced into the office of Field Marshal Sir Matthew Hunt, Australia Defence Command's CO, by one of his subordinates. The lieutenant barely seemed to remember to salute before slamming the paper down on the Field Marshal's desk. Hunt glanced over it and then looked to the lieutenant gravely. "Are they certain?"
"Admiral Cunningham's office swears that the L-12's skipper is one of the best spotters in the fleet. They're certain. Australia Fleet's already being given the order to sortie. But they're not sure they'll reach Darwin in time."
Hands shaking, Hunt grabbed his phone and dialed it. "Get me 6th Army, and the RAF while you're at it." Upon hearing a question from the other side, the Field Marshal blubbered, "Because we're going to be bloody invaded, dammit!"
78th Division Barracks
Adelaide, Australia
1100 Local (+4 Hours Contact)
The men of the 5th Adelaide Foot Regiment had gathered on the roofs of their barracks to watch a sight in the distance, where they could see Port Adelaide and the Royal Naval Base there. From appearances the entire Australia Fleet was preparing to set sail, abruptly and without warning. Even the usual rumor mills failed to try to explain it, lacking the grist for such, though the talk was of a Klavostani fleet movement.
Then they got the orders themselves, all men ordered to grab gear and prepare for emergency redeployment.
As these events occurred, a sense of uncertainty came down on the city of Adelaide as to the cause of all these massive military movements. Radio news was being vague and uncertain, though there was a report of similar troop movements out of Townsville and Melbourne.
10 Marlborough Street
Sacramento, California
17th June 1930
1900 Local Time (+5 Hours Contact)
It was deathly quiet in the Prime Minister's office. The Foreign Secretary was out, making the rounds of local embassies to find out reactions to the news of a Mughal invasion force heading toward Darwin while Stephen was left with his senior military Cabinet advisors. "So what preparations have been made?"
The Secretary of State for War answered. "We maintain XIX Corps posted in Darwin. Divisions are being detached from Perth, Townsville, and Adelaide to reinforce them, our divisions in Melbourne will shift west to protect Perth. As well, the RAF maintains No. 7 Fighter Group in airfields at Darwin and we can ferry No. 8 Fighter Group from Perth to reinforce them. At present two squadrons are slated to do such."
"No bombers though?"
"No, only reservist units that are not yet ready."
"And the fleet?"
Now the First Lord of the Admiralty spoke up. "Australia Fleet was ordered to sortie, it will rendezvous at Perth with our destroyer squadron there before continuing on. The 5th Cruiser Squadron at Darwin is preparing to sortie as well, but is being kept back until our fighters can provide protection from the enemy carrier wings."
"And can we do anything about this fleet before they attack?"
"No, Sir, not yet, L-12 is out of position now and with carriers involved the RAF wants to be careful in sending aircraft up."
"To hell with that," Winston retorted. "Our fighters have the range, we need to keep an eye on this force. For all we know they could be planning to feint toward Darwin and then move west toward Perth, or east to go around Cape York."
Stephen looked to Winston. "Whoever it is is smart, they know we can ill-afford to pull troops out of the American Kingdoms as of now."
"Not so smart that they've apparently picked the absolute worst place to invade," Winston guffawed, and he would know given his service there fighting the Klavos.
"Anyway, I agree with maintaining some fighters in the air on search patterns based on the fleet's heading as recorded by L-12, make the appropriate orders, and can we get ahold of the damned Mughal Ambassador already? I have questions for him, some very strong questions."
Forces In Movement
Naval
Australia Fleet
Home Port: Adelaide, New Columbia
Forward Ports: Perth, Kingsland and Darwin, Queensland
Alternate Ports: Melbourne, New Kent; Sydney, New South Wales; Brisbane, Queensland; Auckland, North Zealandia
3rd Battle Squadron
HMS Warspite
HMS Valiant
HMS Conquerer
Carrier Attachment:
HMS Daedalus
HMS Apollo
2nd Cruiser Squadron
2 Danae-class Light Cruisers
4 Arethusa-class Light Cruisers
4th Cruiser Squadron
6 Arethusa-class Light Cruisers
5th Cruiser Squadron
Home Port: Darwin, Queensland
HMS Tempest
HMS Tornado
HMS Maelstrom
HMS Cyclone
HMS Lightning
HMS Whirlwind
5th Destroyer Squadron
1 Arethusa-class Light Cruiser
5 Vampire-class Destroyers
2 Upholder-class Destroyers
6th Destroyer Squadron
1 Upholder-class Destroyer
7 Terrific-class Destroyers
7th Destroyer Squadron
8 Daring-class Destroyers
8th Destroyer Squadron
3 Terrific-class Destroyers
5 Shark-class Destroyers
2nd Submersible Squadron
4 Odin-class Submersibles
12 L-class Submersibles
Air Force
No. 7 Fighter Group (Long Range)
HQ: Darwin, Queensland (Already in place)
Airfields: Wadeye, Maningnda
No. 45 Fighter Squadron
No. 46 Fighter Squadron
No. 47 Fighter Squadron
No. 48 Fighter Squadron
No. 8 Fighter Group (Long Range)
HQ: Perth, Kingsland
Airfields: Gilroyd, Bridgetown
No. 41 Fighter Squadron (transferring to Darwin)
No. 42 Fighter Squadron
No. 43 Fighter Squadron (transferring to Darwin)
No. 44 Fighter Squadron
Army
Australia Command
HQ: Melbourne, New Kent
6th Army
HQ: Kalgoorlie, Kingsland
XVIII Corps (transferring to Darwin Region)
HQ: Perth, Kingsland
3 Infantry Divisions (1 division remaining in Perth)
XIX Corps
HQ: Darwin, Queensland
3 Infantry Divisions
XXVI Corps (transferring to Darwin Region)
HQ: Adelaide, New Columbia
3 Infantry Divisions
7th Army
HQ: Brisbane, Queensland
XXVIII Corps (transferring to Darwin Region)
HQ: Townsville, Queensland
3 Infantry Divisions
XXVII Corps (shifting to Perth)
HQ: Melbourne, New Kent
2 Infantry Divisions
Royal Australian Artillery Corps
HQ: Adelaide, New Columbia
3 Artillery Regiments (1 in Darwin, 1 Transferring to Darwin)
2 AA Regiments (1 Transferring to Darwin)
2 AT Field Gun Regiments (1 Transferring to Darwin)
18th June 1930
0800 Local
HMS L-12 was on a standard patrol in the North Australian waters cruising along the surface of the ocean when her Conning Tower party spotted a contact over the horizon. Minutes passed as they realized that it wasn't one contact but multiple, just to the south of their position. It took no real work to determine the fleet's course and heading, and by profile the carriers in the force were identified in their records as Mughal vessels.
What it ended up being sent a powerful chill down Lieutenant Commander Paulson's spine as L-12's CO looked over the data. Almost frantically he raced toward the radio room and had them dispatch the course data and believed size of the force. Immediately afterward, with the report of an aircraft of unknown type having flown overhead, L-12 slipped beneath the waves and made course due southwest at her meager 5 knot battery speed submerged.
Australia Defence Command
Sydney, Australia
0900 Local (+3 Hours Contact)
The report was raced into the office of Field Marshal Sir Matthew Hunt, Australia Defence Command's CO, by one of his subordinates. The lieutenant barely seemed to remember to salute before slamming the paper down on the Field Marshal's desk. Hunt glanced over it and then looked to the lieutenant gravely. "Are they certain?"
"Admiral Cunningham's office swears that the L-12's skipper is one of the best spotters in the fleet. They're certain. Australia Fleet's already being given the order to sortie. But they're not sure they'll reach Darwin in time."
Hands shaking, Hunt grabbed his phone and dialed it. "Get me 6th Army, and the RAF while you're at it." Upon hearing a question from the other side, the Field Marshal blubbered, "Because we're going to be bloody invaded, dammit!"
78th Division Barracks
Adelaide, Australia
1100 Local (+4 Hours Contact)
The men of the 5th Adelaide Foot Regiment had gathered on the roofs of their barracks to watch a sight in the distance, where they could see Port Adelaide and the Royal Naval Base there. From appearances the entire Australia Fleet was preparing to set sail, abruptly and without warning. Even the usual rumor mills failed to try to explain it, lacking the grist for such, though the talk was of a Klavostani fleet movement.
Then they got the orders themselves, all men ordered to grab gear and prepare for emergency redeployment.
As these events occurred, a sense of uncertainty came down on the city of Adelaide as to the cause of all these massive military movements. Radio news was being vague and uncertain, though there was a report of similar troop movements out of Townsville and Melbourne.
10 Marlborough Street
Sacramento, California
17th June 1930
1900 Local Time (+5 Hours Contact)
It was deathly quiet in the Prime Minister's office. The Foreign Secretary was out, making the rounds of local embassies to find out reactions to the news of a Mughal invasion force heading toward Darwin while Stephen was left with his senior military Cabinet advisors. "So what preparations have been made?"
The Secretary of State for War answered. "We maintain XIX Corps posted in Darwin. Divisions are being detached from Perth, Townsville, and Adelaide to reinforce them, our divisions in Melbourne will shift west to protect Perth. As well, the RAF maintains No. 7 Fighter Group in airfields at Darwin and we can ferry No. 8 Fighter Group from Perth to reinforce them. At present two squadrons are slated to do such."
"No bombers though?"
"No, only reservist units that are not yet ready."
"And the fleet?"
Now the First Lord of the Admiralty spoke up. "Australia Fleet was ordered to sortie, it will rendezvous at Perth with our destroyer squadron there before continuing on. The 5th Cruiser Squadron at Darwin is preparing to sortie as well, but is being kept back until our fighters can provide protection from the enemy carrier wings."
"And can we do anything about this fleet before they attack?"
"No, Sir, not yet, L-12 is out of position now and with carriers involved the RAF wants to be careful in sending aircraft up."
"To hell with that," Winston retorted. "Our fighters have the range, we need to keep an eye on this force. For all we know they could be planning to feint toward Darwin and then move west toward Perth, or east to go around Cape York."
Stephen looked to Winston. "Whoever it is is smart, they know we can ill-afford to pull troops out of the American Kingdoms as of now."
"Not so smart that they've apparently picked the absolute worst place to invade," Winston guffawed, and he would know given his service there fighting the Klavos.
"Anyway, I agree with maintaining some fighters in the air on search patterns based on the fleet's heading as recorded by L-12, make the appropriate orders, and can we get ahold of the damned Mughal Ambassador already? I have questions for him, some very strong questions."
Forces In Movement
Naval
Australia Fleet
Home Port: Adelaide, New Columbia
Forward Ports: Perth, Kingsland and Darwin, Queensland
Alternate Ports: Melbourne, New Kent; Sydney, New South Wales; Brisbane, Queensland; Auckland, North Zealandia
3rd Battle Squadron
HMS Warspite
HMS Valiant
HMS Conquerer
Carrier Attachment:
HMS Daedalus
HMS Apollo
2nd Cruiser Squadron
2 Danae-class Light Cruisers
4 Arethusa-class Light Cruisers
4th Cruiser Squadron
6 Arethusa-class Light Cruisers
5th Cruiser Squadron
Home Port: Darwin, Queensland
HMS Tempest
HMS Tornado
HMS Maelstrom
HMS Cyclone
HMS Lightning
HMS Whirlwind
5th Destroyer Squadron
1 Arethusa-class Light Cruiser
5 Vampire-class Destroyers
2 Upholder-class Destroyers
6th Destroyer Squadron
1 Upholder-class Destroyer
7 Terrific-class Destroyers
7th Destroyer Squadron
8 Daring-class Destroyers
8th Destroyer Squadron
3 Terrific-class Destroyers
5 Shark-class Destroyers
2nd Submersible Squadron
4 Odin-class Submersibles
12 L-class Submersibles
Air Force
No. 7 Fighter Group (Long Range)
HQ: Darwin, Queensland (Already in place)
Airfields: Wadeye, Maningnda
No. 45 Fighter Squadron
No. 46 Fighter Squadron
No. 47 Fighter Squadron
No. 48 Fighter Squadron
No. 8 Fighter Group (Long Range)
HQ: Perth, Kingsland
Airfields: Gilroyd, Bridgetown
No. 41 Fighter Squadron (transferring to Darwin)
No. 42 Fighter Squadron
No. 43 Fighter Squadron (transferring to Darwin)
No. 44 Fighter Squadron
Army
Australia Command
HQ: Melbourne, New Kent
6th Army
HQ: Kalgoorlie, Kingsland
XVIII Corps (transferring to Darwin Region)
HQ: Perth, Kingsland
3 Infantry Divisions (1 division remaining in Perth)
XIX Corps
HQ: Darwin, Queensland
3 Infantry Divisions
XXVI Corps (transferring to Darwin Region)
HQ: Adelaide, New Columbia
3 Infantry Divisions
7th Army
HQ: Brisbane, Queensland
XXVIII Corps (transferring to Darwin Region)
HQ: Townsville, Queensland
3 Infantry Divisions
XXVII Corps (shifting to Perth)
HQ: Melbourne, New Kent
2 Infantry Divisions
Royal Australian Artillery Corps
HQ: Adelaide, New Columbia
3 Artillery Regiments (1 in Darwin, 1 Transferring to Darwin)
2 AA Regiments (1 Transferring to Darwin)
2 AT Field Gun Regiments (1 Transferring to Darwin)
Last edited by Steve on Fri Jan 22, 2010 9:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Chatniks on the (nonexistant) risks of the Large Hadron Collector:
"The chance of Shep talking his way into the control room for an ICBM is probably higher than that." - Seth
"Come on, who wouldn't trade a few dozen square miles of French countryside for Warp 3.5?" - Marina
"The chance of Shep talking his way into the control room for an ICBM is probably higher than that." - Seth
"Come on, who wouldn't trade a few dozen square miles of French countryside for Warp 3.5?" - Marina
-
rhoenix
- The Artist formerly known as Rhoenix
- Posts: 7998
- Joined: Fri Dec 22, 2006 4:01 pm
- 18
- Location: "Here," for varying values of "here."
- Contact:
#108
June 1, 1930
Mexico City, Mexico
Wearily, the Commandant-General had revised his deployment strategies according to good points from the Generals that reported to him, and now was time to make it official. He sent off the new deployments to be signed by the President via his aide. It was time to finish what had been started, and ensure that it was finished properly.
June 1, 1930
Undisclosed location, Rome
"Look, I'm not saying I want to become a Catholic. I'm just...very worried for my homeland right now," said a youngish soldier. "I was going to propose to my girlfriend before this, but now...," he trailed off.
"Why let your fear dictate what makes you happy? Why is it bad for both of you to go through these dark times supporting one another instead of wondering?", asked the middle-aged man in simple red robes, walking with the young soldier and a few other people as they walked around the main streets in a slow circuit. With the war on, not many places were open for the public to walk through unmolested, but the Pope's habit of taking walks while he spoke with people had become almost as well known in Rome as it had in his native Mexico.
"Only because...if she were hurt, I could never bear facing her father again, or her brother. I don't want to do anything that might make them more fearful in this time. I pray to Jupiter for strength (no offense, your Grace), but my heart still pounds at the thought," the young soldier continued, his eyebrows knitted in worry.
"What if you choose not to tell her, and you miss your chance? Is it better to have the opportunity during trying times and not use it, or have trying times give way to peaceful times, and have the chance gone? Whatever you choose is only yours, Octavius. Just don't make the terrible error of letting your fear choose your fate instead of you."
Nodding for a while, the young soldier stayed silent for a few moments before smiling. "You've probably heard this before, but you're not what I expected for the Pope. I heard over and over how pushy they were, once upon a time."
This earned him a chuckle from the man. "I never claimed to be anything more than a man who has learned to listen. Most wisdom man finds is attributed to greater dieties - I think that all the wisdom comes from the same place ultimately; the window dressing is less important than the window," he said, as he took a puff of his pipe. "Most holy men would preach that you become closer to one's deity the more you get to know yourself, and I agree with them. People enslave themselves in their own fears, making a mockery of their freedom, no matter where they live. Unbind your hands of fear, and make decisions as one who thinks from a place of life, and love."
"So," spoke up another off-duty soldier, who'd joined the small, slow-moving gathering out of curiosity at hearing the foreign priest's words, "what do you think of this thing happening with Rome and Germany right now? Whose side is your God on?"
At his facetious question, he elicited a few chuckles from the others, but not many. In response, the Pope turned to face him with a small, sad smile. "God is on the side of what is good. Let us hope that those we care about are on his side, rather than trying to get Him on a specific side."
June 1, 1930
Port Tampico, Mexico
Cardinals Aguilar, Mezzolo, and Diaz boarded the cross-Atlantic liner, which would take them most of the way to their destinations before diverging. All three men were nervous, but happily expectant - if their Pope was in Europe now giving spiritual guidance, it was the least they could do to follow in his (and Christ's) footsteps in other places. Within a few months, they would be in the lands they'd researched and chosen, and each Cardinal was conversant in the native tongue of the country he was to arrive at. They waved to Cardinal Garcia as she began to board the train, and received a wave in return.
June 7th, 1930
Bassilicus Vaticanus (St. Peter's Basilica), Rome
Arriving on time for his meeting with Consul Ordinarius, despite having been delayed for more than an hour by others who wished to talk, the Catholic Pope arrived at St. Peter's Basilica, known locally as the Bassilicus Vaticanus. The pictures and paintings his forebears had did not do justice to this place, and he simply drank in the sights for a moment.
Shortly, he saw the man with whom he was to meet, with his entourage, and the two approached one another. Pope Jesus II greeted Consul Ordinarius with a smile and a bowed head. "Greetings to you, Consul."
Summary:
* Redeployment of military forces in progress.
* The Catholic Pope is still in Rome.
* Catholic Cardinals are now departing for Madagascar, Pacifica, Ethiopia, and the African Confederation.
Mexico City, Mexico
Wearily, the Commandant-General had revised his deployment strategies according to good points from the Generals that reported to him, and now was time to make it official. He sent off the new deployments to be signed by the President via his aide. It was time to finish what had been started, and ensure that it was finished properly.
June 1, 1930
Undisclosed location, Rome
"Look, I'm not saying I want to become a Catholic. I'm just...very worried for my homeland right now," said a youngish soldier. "I was going to propose to my girlfriend before this, but now...," he trailed off.
"Why let your fear dictate what makes you happy? Why is it bad for both of you to go through these dark times supporting one another instead of wondering?", asked the middle-aged man in simple red robes, walking with the young soldier and a few other people as they walked around the main streets in a slow circuit. With the war on, not many places were open for the public to walk through unmolested, but the Pope's habit of taking walks while he spoke with people had become almost as well known in Rome as it had in his native Mexico.
"Only because...if she were hurt, I could never bear facing her father again, or her brother. I don't want to do anything that might make them more fearful in this time. I pray to Jupiter for strength (no offense, your Grace), but my heart still pounds at the thought," the young soldier continued, his eyebrows knitted in worry.
"What if you choose not to tell her, and you miss your chance? Is it better to have the opportunity during trying times and not use it, or have trying times give way to peaceful times, and have the chance gone? Whatever you choose is only yours, Octavius. Just don't make the terrible error of letting your fear choose your fate instead of you."
Nodding for a while, the young soldier stayed silent for a few moments before smiling. "You've probably heard this before, but you're not what I expected for the Pope. I heard over and over how pushy they were, once upon a time."
This earned him a chuckle from the man. "I never claimed to be anything more than a man who has learned to listen. Most wisdom man finds is attributed to greater dieties - I think that all the wisdom comes from the same place ultimately; the window dressing is less important than the window," he said, as he took a puff of his pipe. "Most holy men would preach that you become closer to one's deity the more you get to know yourself, and I agree with them. People enslave themselves in their own fears, making a mockery of their freedom, no matter where they live. Unbind your hands of fear, and make decisions as one who thinks from a place of life, and love."
"So," spoke up another off-duty soldier, who'd joined the small, slow-moving gathering out of curiosity at hearing the foreign priest's words, "what do you think of this thing happening with Rome and Germany right now? Whose side is your God on?"
At his facetious question, he elicited a few chuckles from the others, but not many. In response, the Pope turned to face him with a small, sad smile. "God is on the side of what is good. Let us hope that those we care about are on his side, rather than trying to get Him on a specific side."
June 1, 1930
Port Tampico, Mexico
Cardinals Aguilar, Mezzolo, and Diaz boarded the cross-Atlantic liner, which would take them most of the way to their destinations before diverging. All three men were nervous, but happily expectant - if their Pope was in Europe now giving spiritual guidance, it was the least they could do to follow in his (and Christ's) footsteps in other places. Within a few months, they would be in the lands they'd researched and chosen, and each Cardinal was conversant in the native tongue of the country he was to arrive at. They waved to Cardinal Garcia as she began to board the train, and received a wave in return.
June 7th, 1930
Bassilicus Vaticanus (St. Peter's Basilica), Rome
Arriving on time for his meeting with Consul Ordinarius, despite having been delayed for more than an hour by others who wished to talk, the Catholic Pope arrived at St. Peter's Basilica, known locally as the Bassilicus Vaticanus. The pictures and paintings his forebears had did not do justice to this place, and he simply drank in the sights for a moment.
Shortly, he saw the man with whom he was to meet, with his entourage, and the two approached one another. Pope Jesus II greeted Consul Ordinarius with a smile and a bowed head. "Greetings to you, Consul."
Summary:
* Redeployment of military forces in progress.
* The Catholic Pope is still in Rome.
* Catholic Cardinals are now departing for Madagascar, Pacifica, Ethiopia, and the African Confederation.
Last edited by rhoenix on Fri Jan 22, 2010 4:40 pm, edited 3 times in total.
"Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes."
- William Gibson
- William Gibson
Josh wrote:What? There's nothing weird about having a pet housefly. He smuggles cigarettes for me.
-
Academia Nut
- Adept
- Posts: 1333
- Joined: Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:52 am
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- Contact:
#109
The Indian Ocean, West-Northwest of Darwin
June 18, 1930
0815 Local
Aboard the carrier and flagship of the entire operation, the قوش تیز پر شکوه (Peregrine's Glory), Marshall of the Navies Sohrab Mirza listened intently as the report came in over the radio about how a submarine was spotted by one of the planes on patrol about the fleet.
Nodding, Sohrab says, "Well, we are to now assume that we have been caught red handed by our operation. Ah well, we have anticipated this, it is why we chose Darwin in the first place. Good luck getting reinforcements in across that desert with their shitty railroads. Pick up anti-sub patrols, I don't want one of those bastards getting in. We will have to worry about their airforce being on alert though. ETA to target?"
"We remain on the time table to begin landing troops the morning of the 21st," Navigator Suchart replies while checking over their position.
"Excellent. All fighter-bomber squadrons are now on high alert along with the fighter squadrons, and three squadron are to remain aloft at all times on rapid response if we spot any of their surface ships. I want anything flying the Pacifican flag sunk to the bottom before they can get a full count on our numbers," Sohrab orders.
Sacramento, California
Mughal Embassy to Pacifica
2000 hours local
Ambassador Bahadur, an elderly statesman who had been an ambassador since the prior padshah had ruled from the Peacock Throne quietly smoked his hookah while recieving the rather rattled men from the Pacifican government into his office. Smoke drifted from not just his pipe but from the chimneys of the embassy as masses of confidental files went up in smoke.
"Well gentlemen, there have been many rather interesting questions raised in the last few hours, and all I can say is that Padshah Shaheen has told me that when you came to ask these questions, I was to make no move to decieve you. According to my clock, at 8 PM local time on June 18, 1930 by your calendar, the Mughal Empire is officially at a state of war with the United Kingdom of the Pacific," the old man says with a slightly sly smile.
June 18, 1930
0815 Local
Aboard the carrier and flagship of the entire operation, the قوش تیز پر شکوه (Peregrine's Glory), Marshall of the Navies Sohrab Mirza listened intently as the report came in over the radio about how a submarine was spotted by one of the planes on patrol about the fleet.
Nodding, Sohrab says, "Well, we are to now assume that we have been caught red handed by our operation. Ah well, we have anticipated this, it is why we chose Darwin in the first place. Good luck getting reinforcements in across that desert with their shitty railroads. Pick up anti-sub patrols, I don't want one of those bastards getting in. We will have to worry about their airforce being on alert though. ETA to target?"
"We remain on the time table to begin landing troops the morning of the 21st," Navigator Suchart replies while checking over their position.
"Excellent. All fighter-bomber squadrons are now on high alert along with the fighter squadrons, and three squadron are to remain aloft at all times on rapid response if we spot any of their surface ships. I want anything flying the Pacifican flag sunk to the bottom before they can get a full count on our numbers," Sohrab orders.
Sacramento, California
Mughal Embassy to Pacifica
2000 hours local
Ambassador Bahadur, an elderly statesman who had been an ambassador since the prior padshah had ruled from the Peacock Throne quietly smoked his hookah while recieving the rather rattled men from the Pacifican government into his office. Smoke drifted from not just his pipe but from the chimneys of the embassy as masses of confidental files went up in smoke.
"Well gentlemen, there have been many rather interesting questions raised in the last few hours, and all I can say is that Padshah Shaheen has told me that when you came to ask these questions, I was to make no move to decieve you. According to my clock, at 8 PM local time on June 18, 1930 by your calendar, the Mughal Empire is officially at a state of war with the United Kingdom of the Pacific," the old man says with a slightly sly smile.
-
frigidmagi
- Dragon Death-Marine General
- Posts: 14757
- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2005 11:03 am
- 19
- Location: Alone and unafraid
#110
June 18thJune 7, 1930
Furgun, Sudan
Haymanot's troops had crossed the border the day before, and now were marching on their first target, a relatively peaceful tribe, hopefully capitulation would be easy, and he would have a base of operations to start with. Other portions of his army were spread out across much of the Sudan/Ethiopia border, the diplomats in each portion were now busy talking to what friendly tribes there were and trying to convince them to ally with Ethiopia.
The tribe had been willing to listen to reason. As long as the taxes were low and protection was offered. It wasn't the native tribes of the Sudan however that were the problem.
For centuries, the Arabs had been using the Sudan as a raiding area. Slaves were expensive in Arabia and it was illegal to enslave a Muslim. Most people in the Sudan weren't Muslim and with no central government, it was easy to get slaves in the Sudan.
The Ethopians would change that. The slave traders were not in favor of trade. They couldn't rise much in the way of troops. A few divisions of Arab and African mercenaries and tribal fighters. Still maybe that would be enough. Had to be tried.
They operated as Calvary raiding and burning any Ethopian allied village. Trying to avoid direct confrontation.
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
#111
San Francisco, California
19 June 1930
News had spready quickly that the Mughals had declared war on the Empire out of the blue, with all the suddenness of a thunderbolt. Faced with war in the far waters of the Indian Ocean the decision had been made to dispatch some of the Grand Fleet to reinforce Australia Fleet. It would not arrive until the next month but it would, upon arrival, either help to seal off the invasion forces from outside supply and guarantee their strangulation, or help thwart further invasions.
By the time the fleet departed on the morning of the 19th, crowds gathered along the bayside and oceanside piers to wave and cheer. The bars of "Rule Britannia" and "When the King Enjoys His Own Again" came from bands along the pierside, much to the delight of the crews watching from the decks of the mighty battleships and escorts now heading out to war.
Auckland, Zealandia
20 June 1930
"Alright lads, no pushin'," was the call of the Sergeant Major as men from the 2nd Foot Regiment of Zealandia boarded the transport. They had been called back from summer maneuvers to be shipped to Australia to confront the invasion there, bound for Townsville by boat and then to the region of Darwin by road.
Malabou, Zealandia
At the northwestern tip of the island of New Caledonia, the northern extension of the Kingdom of Zealandia, long range fighters of No. 9 Fighter Group prepared for a dreadfully-boring trip. After being tipped off in fuel, No. 18 and No. 19 Squadrons would be departing for Townsville, Australia, and from there they would, after a quick rest, resume their trip to airfields near Darwin to be used as needed.
Darwin
The city was in a state of controlled chaos. Children were being shipped into the nearby countryside, or even on outgoing railroads all the way to Townsville (and given the fact that only two two-track lines connected Darwin to that city, not many would get out), while civilians helped to prepare barricades in key streets near the waterfront or along the outer edge of the city. The divisions of XIX Corps were taking up defensive positions around the city as well as Forts Lawton and Charlotte, which would engage any enemy sailing within range with a set of 16 battleship-quality naval guns and 24 cruiser-quality heavy guns, fired from land mounts that were inherently more accurate than a sea-going vessel (due to a lack of rocking from the ocean and lack of movement of the mount itself) and also aided by pre-ranged firing tables; unlike a ship constantly moving, they knew precisely where a projectile would land at specific charge sizes and gun angle.
Aircraft buzzed overhead, heading out to find the enemy fleet and confirm its position, while the city itself prepared to repulse the attack.
Over the Indian Ocean
The Mughal fleet had been spotted again, still on course for Darwin, but the first full aerial engagement came further east, where a group of four Mughal carrier aircraft were hunting for Pacifican submarines. Instead of finding subs, however, they ran into No. 46 Squadron.
Or rather part of it, as the squadron had dispersed into halves to maximize their search patterns. But that was still 12 on 4, with predictable results. A Mughal sub patrol flight would not be coming home. And ahead of them, unnoticed, L-8 and L-14 moved into position and dived.
Summary
Elements of the Grand Fleet to sortie (not all so that the American coast remains protected).
Troops being transferred from Zealandia to Australia. Aircraft will be shipped as well, but that takes time to set up, save for the two squadrons of long-range fighters that can make the distance from New Caledonia to Australia.
Darwin preparing for battle. Forts manned and ready to engage hostile ships moving into range.
Mughal sub patrol flight bounced by land fighters, Pacifican casualties in dogfight to be decided by Charon. Two subs are in the rough track of the Mughal fleet and undetected; under orders to only engage "if conditions are favorable" and to confirm enemy course, speed, and heading in further reports.
Forces being sent to Australia
No. 9 Fighter Group (Long Range)
HQ: Noumea, New Caledonia
Airfields: Nang, La Roche, St. Joseph, Malabou
No. 18 Fighter Squadron
No. 19 Fighter Squadron
Grand Fleet
Home Port: San Francisco
Forward Base: Pearl Harbor, Hawai'i and San Diego, North Baja
Alternative Base: Seattle, Columbia
1st Battle Squadron
HMS Excalibur
HMS Triumphant
HMS Victory
HMS Royal Sovereign
HMS Britannia
HMS Pacifica
Carrier Attachment:
HMS Argus
HMS Jason
1st Cruiser Squadron
6 Danae-class Light Cruisers
1st Destroyer Squadron
1 Danae-class Light Cruiser
7 Vampire-class Destroyers
2nd Destroyer Squadron
8 Stalwart-class Destroyers
XX Corps
HQ: Auckland, North Zealandia
2 Infantry Divisions
XXII Corps (responsible for garrisoning South Pacific Islands from New Caledonia to Fiji)
HQ: Noumea, New Caledonia
3 Infantry Divisions (1 being sent to Australia)
19 June 1930
News had spready quickly that the Mughals had declared war on the Empire out of the blue, with all the suddenness of a thunderbolt. Faced with war in the far waters of the Indian Ocean the decision had been made to dispatch some of the Grand Fleet to reinforce Australia Fleet. It would not arrive until the next month but it would, upon arrival, either help to seal off the invasion forces from outside supply and guarantee their strangulation, or help thwart further invasions.
By the time the fleet departed on the morning of the 19th, crowds gathered along the bayside and oceanside piers to wave and cheer. The bars of "Rule Britannia" and "When the King Enjoys His Own Again" came from bands along the pierside, much to the delight of the crews watching from the decks of the mighty battleships and escorts now heading out to war.
Auckland, Zealandia
20 June 1930
"Alright lads, no pushin'," was the call of the Sergeant Major as men from the 2nd Foot Regiment of Zealandia boarded the transport. They had been called back from summer maneuvers to be shipped to Australia to confront the invasion there, bound for Townsville by boat and then to the region of Darwin by road.
Malabou, Zealandia
At the northwestern tip of the island of New Caledonia, the northern extension of the Kingdom of Zealandia, long range fighters of No. 9 Fighter Group prepared for a dreadfully-boring trip. After being tipped off in fuel, No. 18 and No. 19 Squadrons would be departing for Townsville, Australia, and from there they would, after a quick rest, resume their trip to airfields near Darwin to be used as needed.
Darwin
The city was in a state of controlled chaos. Children were being shipped into the nearby countryside, or even on outgoing railroads all the way to Townsville (and given the fact that only two two-track lines connected Darwin to that city, not many would get out), while civilians helped to prepare barricades in key streets near the waterfront or along the outer edge of the city. The divisions of XIX Corps were taking up defensive positions around the city as well as Forts Lawton and Charlotte, which would engage any enemy sailing within range with a set of 16 battleship-quality naval guns and 24 cruiser-quality heavy guns, fired from land mounts that were inherently more accurate than a sea-going vessel (due to a lack of rocking from the ocean and lack of movement of the mount itself) and also aided by pre-ranged firing tables; unlike a ship constantly moving, they knew precisely where a projectile would land at specific charge sizes and gun angle.
Aircraft buzzed overhead, heading out to find the enemy fleet and confirm its position, while the city itself prepared to repulse the attack.
Over the Indian Ocean
The Mughal fleet had been spotted again, still on course for Darwin, but the first full aerial engagement came further east, where a group of four Mughal carrier aircraft were hunting for Pacifican submarines. Instead of finding subs, however, they ran into No. 46 Squadron.
Or rather part of it, as the squadron had dispersed into halves to maximize their search patterns. But that was still 12 on 4, with predictable results. A Mughal sub patrol flight would not be coming home. And ahead of them, unnoticed, L-8 and L-14 moved into position and dived.
Summary
Elements of the Grand Fleet to sortie (not all so that the American coast remains protected).
Troops being transferred from Zealandia to Australia. Aircraft will be shipped as well, but that takes time to set up, save for the two squadrons of long-range fighters that can make the distance from New Caledonia to Australia.
Darwin preparing for battle. Forts manned and ready to engage hostile ships moving into range.
Mughal sub patrol flight bounced by land fighters, Pacifican casualties in dogfight to be decided by Charon. Two subs are in the rough track of the Mughal fleet and undetected; under orders to only engage "if conditions are favorable" and to confirm enemy course, speed, and heading in further reports.
Forces being sent to Australia
No. 9 Fighter Group (Long Range)
HQ: Noumea, New Caledonia
Airfields: Nang, La Roche, St. Joseph, Malabou
No. 18 Fighter Squadron
No. 19 Fighter Squadron
Grand Fleet
Home Port: San Francisco
Forward Base: Pearl Harbor, Hawai'i and San Diego, North Baja
Alternative Base: Seattle, Columbia
1st Battle Squadron
HMS Excalibur
HMS Triumphant
HMS Victory
HMS Royal Sovereign
HMS Britannia
HMS Pacifica
Carrier Attachment:
HMS Argus
HMS Jason
1st Cruiser Squadron
6 Danae-class Light Cruisers
1st Destroyer Squadron
1 Danae-class Light Cruiser
7 Vampire-class Destroyers
2nd Destroyer Squadron
8 Stalwart-class Destroyers
XX Corps
HQ: Auckland, North Zealandia
2 Infantry Divisions
XXII Corps (responsible for garrisoning South Pacific Islands from New Caledonia to Fiji)
HQ: Noumea, New Caledonia
3 Infantry Divisions (1 being sent to Australia)
Chatniks on the (nonexistant) risks of the Large Hadron Collector:
"The chance of Shep talking his way into the control room for an ICBM is probably higher than that." - Seth
"Come on, who wouldn't trade a few dozen square miles of French countryside for Warp 3.5?" - Marina
"The chance of Shep talking his way into the control room for an ICBM is probably higher than that." - Seth
"Come on, who wouldn't trade a few dozen square miles of French countryside for Warp 3.5?" - Marina
#112
June 4th, 1930
Panama Canal, Panama
For two months, American naval ships had dominated the canal, and the trend continued. One could keep the crews of the canal from talking too much, but nothing could be done for the angry cargo ship captains who were bumped for what was clearly an overt military posturing. The Third Fleet had moved from the Caribbean to the Pacific already, and now the Second Fleet was making the journey. While the Third Fleet had moved without completely shutting out commercial traffic, the Second Fleet had dominated the Canal. Admiral Clay did not like leaving the Atlantic fleet, but orders were orders, even if they didn't feel right at all. The whole situation with Mexico had escalated far too fast, and now he was being ordered to take his fleet piecemeal through the Canal. If someone were to attack during the process, he didn't like his chances, even with Admiral Radim covering his arrival. He also did not like leaving the First Fleet alone to guard the Atlantic and the Caribbean. With Germany's recent aggression, the situation in the Caribbean would likely soon come to a head.
June 8th, 1930
Washington D.C.
President Kincaid walked out of the Press Room with an exasperated sigh. All the questions about Mexico had mixed with questions about Germany and Rome. Mexico he had tried to paint with as good a light as possible, that war was not inevitable, and that all other options were being explored, but the public would know enough from the reservist calls and the general deployment of troops to know that something was coming. Still, he had to appear diplomatic at this stage, if for no other reason than public opinion. On Rome, he had been quick to point out that Germany had been foolish to even threaten a war of aggression, and that they had telegraphed their actions by the conflict in the Caribbean some months prior. He also urged Germany and France to plead for terms now so as to avoid further needless bloodshed. He also reaffirmed that any action in the Caribbean would still be met with the full force of the United States Navy. If only those words didn't feel so hollow in his chest.
June 21st, 1930
Washington D.C.
A sigh of relief flowed from President Kincaid's mouth as he read the report from Pacifica. "Thank god, I was worried for a bit there."
"What, about the Nortons?" Vicious smirked, "Come on, you didn't really think they'd come down on Mexico's side in all of this, did you?"
"They mobilized their reserves not too long ago, I honestly don't know what to expect. Still, one less worry on that front. We just need to make sure that we match the Mexicans on the sea as best we can. I'd move the First Fleet and bank on the reserves holding the Atlantic, but I just don't feel comfortable leaving our East wholly undefended for several months."
"So, what about Mexico? I can't imagine they're terribly happy with us right now."
"After your stunt I'm surprised they didn't invade right off. I'm going to invite their President to Washington for some last minute talks. If we're lucky, maybe we can work things out before it's too late."
"Good luck, Jon. You're going to need it." Vicious sighed.
"We all are, Alan. We all are."
New York Times: June 22nd, 1930
HEADLINE: ROMAN WAR DOMINATES EUROPE
Page 1: Canal shut down due to US Fleet movements
Page 1: Mexican President invited to D.C. for peace talks
Page 1: War in the Pacific?
Page 2: Can war with Mexico be avoided?
Page 30: (OPED) World at war, but why?
Page 30: (OPED) Neutral Nations, Manipulators?
Panama Canal, Panama
For two months, American naval ships had dominated the canal, and the trend continued. One could keep the crews of the canal from talking too much, but nothing could be done for the angry cargo ship captains who were bumped for what was clearly an overt military posturing. The Third Fleet had moved from the Caribbean to the Pacific already, and now the Second Fleet was making the journey. While the Third Fleet had moved without completely shutting out commercial traffic, the Second Fleet had dominated the Canal. Admiral Clay did not like leaving the Atlantic fleet, but orders were orders, even if they didn't feel right at all. The whole situation with Mexico had escalated far too fast, and now he was being ordered to take his fleet piecemeal through the Canal. If someone were to attack during the process, he didn't like his chances, even with Admiral Radim covering his arrival. He also did not like leaving the First Fleet alone to guard the Atlantic and the Caribbean. With Germany's recent aggression, the situation in the Caribbean would likely soon come to a head.
June 8th, 1930
Washington D.C.
President Kincaid walked out of the Press Room with an exasperated sigh. All the questions about Mexico had mixed with questions about Germany and Rome. Mexico he had tried to paint with as good a light as possible, that war was not inevitable, and that all other options were being explored, but the public would know enough from the reservist calls and the general deployment of troops to know that something was coming. Still, he had to appear diplomatic at this stage, if for no other reason than public opinion. On Rome, he had been quick to point out that Germany had been foolish to even threaten a war of aggression, and that they had telegraphed their actions by the conflict in the Caribbean some months prior. He also urged Germany and France to plead for terms now so as to avoid further needless bloodshed. He also reaffirmed that any action in the Caribbean would still be met with the full force of the United States Navy. If only those words didn't feel so hollow in his chest.
June 21st, 1930
Washington D.C.
A sigh of relief flowed from President Kincaid's mouth as he read the report from Pacifica. "Thank god, I was worried for a bit there."
"What, about the Nortons?" Vicious smirked, "Come on, you didn't really think they'd come down on Mexico's side in all of this, did you?"
"They mobilized their reserves not too long ago, I honestly don't know what to expect. Still, one less worry on that front. We just need to make sure that we match the Mexicans on the sea as best we can. I'd move the First Fleet and bank on the reserves holding the Atlantic, but I just don't feel comfortable leaving our East wholly undefended for several months."
"So, what about Mexico? I can't imagine they're terribly happy with us right now."
"After your stunt I'm surprised they didn't invade right off. I'm going to invite their President to Washington for some last minute talks. If we're lucky, maybe we can work things out before it's too late."
"Good luck, Jon. You're going to need it." Vicious sighed.
"We all are, Alan. We all are."
New York Times: June 22nd, 1930
HEADLINE: ROMAN WAR DOMINATES EUROPE
Page 1: Canal shut down due to US Fleet movements
Page 1: Mexican President invited to D.C. for peace talks
Page 1: War in the Pacific?
Page 2: Can war with Mexico be avoided?
Page 30: (OPED) World at war, but why?
Page 30: (OPED) Neutral Nations, Manipulators?
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Cynical Cat
- Arch-Magician
- Posts: 11930
- Joined: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:53 pm
- 19
- Location: Ice Sarcophagus outside a ruined Jedi Temple
- Contact:
#113
June 6, 1930
Hunyadi Bela V shifted slightly in his chair as the technicians put the final touches on their work. Marconi and Tesla had made a true wonder with their radio. Hungary and Rome again. The set being set up now had been designed at Transylvania Polytechnic and supposedly the most advanced in the world. That he did not doubt. Hungary was second to none when it came to science and technology.
"When you are ready, majesty," said the lead tech. Bela thought with annoyance that he didn't know the man's name and that was wrong. He should know everyone's name who he worked with. He would have to correct that after the address. "The cameras are ready to roll."
It was the Americans who were responsible that bit of trickery, matching motion picture to sound. As a nation they were made for motion pictures. He had to admit they made some good ones.
"Begin," said Bela. The technician made a hand gesture and the camera started rolling.
"My people," he began, "our ancestors forged this nation from blood, sweat, and toil. They fought the Poles, the Germans, the Turks, and the Romans as the time came and they built a great kingdom, a kingdom of many nations where every man and woman could strive to achieve their dreams and live in a land of justice and opportunity. They succeeded. For a hundred years we have known peace. We have been shielded by our mountains and our science, our technology and our soldiers. We have raised our hand against no man and those who might have wished us ill did not dare to raise their hand against us.
"But that has changed. France and Germany have made no secret of their desire to become the masters of Europe. They set their sights on Rome, with whom we have ties both ancient and modern. They had no justification for their actions, only greed and ambition and they sought not disputed territory nor the righting of wrongs but the consumption and annihilation of Rome itself.
"And what of Hungary? They said nothing against us at first, but they offered no treaty or guarantees. If they succeeded they would be stronger than ever and they and their allies would surround us on three sides by rapacious nations? That was the price of silence and inaction. That and dishonour.
"So we spoke with Rome and we pledged ourselves to each other's support. Since war was inevitable, our generals urged the course of secrecy and the value of surprise. I could not turn aside their words, not knowing that it would be our soldiers whose lives were at stake.
"Subsequently Germany approached us and we pretended to join their predatory coalition. They revealed themselves to the world as what they were and the world rightly recoiled. Dishonour was rightly heaped on their names and upon Hungary's for allowing this disgrace to happen.
"That will cease. As of this morning our soldiers are striking deep into German territory and the skies are ours. Our Roman brothers strike with us. Hungary does not condemn the aggression of the Franco-German Axis nor does it respond with tariffs and trade embargoes. Hungary does not mouth words or adjust a balance book. Hungary sends forth its blood and its steel and cries out with all the fury in our warrior hearts.
"For a hundred years we have not had to draw the saber and the gun. We have governed our own affairs and allowed our neighbors to do likewise. Our strength has been forgotten. Rome did not forget. We did not forget. And now the whole world will remember. Our cause is right. Our cause is just. Our strength is matched only by Rome. We will prevail.
"In accordance with the needs of the war, I am calling for a full war mobilization of all of Hungary. Let us all join together, all the peoples and nations of Hungary united, and with the aid of God, preserve our Homeland and freedom."
Summary: Full mobilization
Hunyadi Bela V shifted slightly in his chair as the technicians put the final touches on their work. Marconi and Tesla had made a true wonder with their radio. Hungary and Rome again. The set being set up now had been designed at Transylvania Polytechnic and supposedly the most advanced in the world. That he did not doubt. Hungary was second to none when it came to science and technology.
"When you are ready, majesty," said the lead tech. Bela thought with annoyance that he didn't know the man's name and that was wrong. He should know everyone's name who he worked with. He would have to correct that after the address. "The cameras are ready to roll."
It was the Americans who were responsible that bit of trickery, matching motion picture to sound. As a nation they were made for motion pictures. He had to admit they made some good ones.
"Begin," said Bela. The technician made a hand gesture and the camera started rolling.
"My people," he began, "our ancestors forged this nation from blood, sweat, and toil. They fought the Poles, the Germans, the Turks, and the Romans as the time came and they built a great kingdom, a kingdom of many nations where every man and woman could strive to achieve their dreams and live in a land of justice and opportunity. They succeeded. For a hundred years we have known peace. We have been shielded by our mountains and our science, our technology and our soldiers. We have raised our hand against no man and those who might have wished us ill did not dare to raise their hand against us.
"But that has changed. France and Germany have made no secret of their desire to become the masters of Europe. They set their sights on Rome, with whom we have ties both ancient and modern. They had no justification for their actions, only greed and ambition and they sought not disputed territory nor the righting of wrongs but the consumption and annihilation of Rome itself.
"And what of Hungary? They said nothing against us at first, but they offered no treaty or guarantees. If they succeeded they would be stronger than ever and they and their allies would surround us on three sides by rapacious nations? That was the price of silence and inaction. That and dishonour.
"So we spoke with Rome and we pledged ourselves to each other's support. Since war was inevitable, our generals urged the course of secrecy and the value of surprise. I could not turn aside their words, not knowing that it would be our soldiers whose lives were at stake.
"Subsequently Germany approached us and we pretended to join their predatory coalition. They revealed themselves to the world as what they were and the world rightly recoiled. Dishonour was rightly heaped on their names and upon Hungary's for allowing this disgrace to happen.
"That will cease. As of this morning our soldiers are striking deep into German territory and the skies are ours. Our Roman brothers strike with us. Hungary does not condemn the aggression of the Franco-German Axis nor does it respond with tariffs and trade embargoes. Hungary does not mouth words or adjust a balance book. Hungary sends forth its blood and its steel and cries out with all the fury in our warrior hearts.
"For a hundred years we have not had to draw the saber and the gun. We have governed our own affairs and allowed our neighbors to do likewise. Our strength has been forgotten. Rome did not forget. We did not forget. And now the whole world will remember. Our cause is right. Our cause is just. Our strength is matched only by Rome. We will prevail.
"In accordance with the needs of the war, I am calling for a full war mobilization of all of Hungary. Let us all join together, all the peoples and nations of Hungary united, and with the aid of God, preserve our Homeland and freedom."
Summary: Full mobilization
Last edited by Cynical Cat on Mon Jan 25, 2010 2:51 am, edited 3 times in total.
It's not that I'm unforgiving, it's that most of the people who wrong me are unrepentant assholes.
-
rhoenix
- The Artist formerly known as Rhoenix
- Posts: 7998
- Joined: Fri Dec 22, 2006 4:01 pm
- 18
- Location: "Here," for varying values of "here."
- Contact:
#114
June 23rd, 1930
Mexico City, Mexico
As President del Fuego oversaw the last few details needed for his trip, he re-read the reports from his Commandant-General again, though didn't really read it any more than the first two times. After the United States' President Kincaid sent the invitation, the President of the Republic of the Golden Sun had only spent a day deliberating before getting ready. Conflict between Mexico and America would be devastating not only to both nations, but to its surrounding environs in the world as well.
A staff member interrupted his thoughts. "Mi Presidente, your bags are packed, and your aides are ready to depart for Washington when you are. Given conditions, you should arrive within only a few days."
Nodding to her with a wan smile, President del Fuego signed the last pieces of paperwork, and nodded once. "Make sure you packed samples of Mexico's finest intoxicants. I see no harm in attempting to grease the wheels of diplomacy, especially given this climate," he said as he pulled on his gloves. A staffer nodded once with a "Si, mi Presidente," and nearly vanished on the spot.
Within an hour, Mexico's President del Fuego, his aides, and his guards had boarded the train that would take them for their first leg of the trip north to the United States. After that, larger overland vehicles would take them the rest of the way, coordinating with the two fake President's entourages before departure to carry them on parallel routes.
Soon, the real tests of diplomacy would begin.
Summary: Diplomatic entourage en route to Washington in the United States for diplomatic talks.
Mexico City, Mexico
As President del Fuego oversaw the last few details needed for his trip, he re-read the reports from his Commandant-General again, though didn't really read it any more than the first two times. After the United States' President Kincaid sent the invitation, the President of the Republic of the Golden Sun had only spent a day deliberating before getting ready. Conflict between Mexico and America would be devastating not only to both nations, but to its surrounding environs in the world as well.
A staff member interrupted his thoughts. "Mi Presidente, your bags are packed, and your aides are ready to depart for Washington when you are. Given conditions, you should arrive within only a few days."
Nodding to her with a wan smile, President del Fuego signed the last pieces of paperwork, and nodded once. "Make sure you packed samples of Mexico's finest intoxicants. I see no harm in attempting to grease the wheels of diplomacy, especially given this climate," he said as he pulled on his gloves. A staffer nodded once with a "Si, mi Presidente," and nearly vanished on the spot.
Within an hour, Mexico's President del Fuego, his aides, and his guards had boarded the train that would take them for their first leg of the trip north to the United States. After that, larger overland vehicles would take them the rest of the way, coordinating with the two fake President's entourages before departure to carry them on parallel routes.
Soon, the real tests of diplomacy would begin.
Summary: Diplomatic entourage en route to Washington in the United States for diplomatic talks.
Last edited by rhoenix on Fri Jan 22, 2010 7:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes."
- William Gibson
- William Gibson
Josh wrote:What? There's nothing weird about having a pet housefly. He smuggles cigarettes for me.
-
The Cleric
- Thy Kingdom Come...
- Posts: 741
- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2005 1:34 pm
- 19
- Location: The Right Hand Of GOD
- Contact:
#115
A phone was ringing. It had been for several minutes, but was just now waking Pierre. "That phone... shouldn't be ringing" was the first lucid thought that came to mind. When the implications of that hit, he stumbled out of bed with speed that would make an Olympic sprinter envious. His heart hamming in his chest, he snatched the phone off the hook, and listened. He blanched, face turning dead white and slack-jawed, sinking into a nearby chair as if the nerves to his legs had been suddenly severed. Numbly, he affirmed that he would be there within 20 minutes, and gently hung the phone on the receiver. As the bile rose in his throat, he stumbled blindly for the bathroom. When the dry heaves finished tearing at his stomach, Pierre shakily straightened up, washed his face, dressed, and headed for the parliament complex.
Heavily taking his seat, Pierre looked at his fellow chairs.
"How did we get caught with our pants this far down?"
Marc, the senior, sighed and shook his head. "The Germans pushed too hard too fast. And we never expected things to move this quickly. They pulled a heavy sympathy card, folding to what amounted to a bluff. And the Hungarians..."
Claude added in a subdued voice, "This had been planned for months. Possibly years. Our whole agreement with Germany simply allowed them to put it into place. And to think, the intention of that agreement was to ensure that Rome was unable to do the very thing she is."
"Our ground commanders know their jobs, but it's been ugly. Full scorched earth retreat. Hopefully blowing every bridge and tunnel behind us will slow them down. Our airforce was scrambled as soon as word came in, with orders to take minimal losses and offer whatever protection our troops can handle. Still getting reports regarding what we've lost."
"And our naval station? A massed amphibious assault was... unexpected."
"As many subs were scrambled as we could crew, and the base bombed behind us. We'll have a final tally of what we managed to get out by this afternoon. All reserves are mobilized, every factory that can be turned to war production is doing so, and our troops stationed overseas are being recalled. Word was sent to our Ethiopian embassy to negotiate regarding the disposition of those territories with our mass withdraw. We're not sunk, but we got suckerpunched awful hard."
Pierre spoke up. "How bad was Morocco?"
His sharp wince was answer enough. Marc started slowly, "It was not pretty. We were rather unprepared for that assault. Last I've heard a fighting retreat was underway. Details are scarce, but the base is well situated to allow men and material to escape most of the initial bombardment."
A silence fell heavily, each trying to speak in turn but the words dying before they were formed.
Pierre spoke first, with a sense of fresh purpose. "We'll take stock of the situation as we have accurate intelligence. Moving available troops down from the north is a top priority. I'll be sending instructions to several diplomatic stations, see what we can't turn up. Anything else before we break session?" A pair of curt nods was his answer, as all 3 men realized their homeland needed every bit of their skill and cunning.
----------
Full mobilization.
Diplomatic instructions sent to England, Spain, Ethiopia, and Vasa embassies.
Press releases condemning the Roman alpha strike as unwarranted aggression, citing the completeness and positioning of the offensive as indication that the plans for it preceded the French-German situation
Heavily taking his seat, Pierre looked at his fellow chairs.
"How did we get caught with our pants this far down?"
Marc, the senior, sighed and shook his head. "The Germans pushed too hard too fast. And we never expected things to move this quickly. They pulled a heavy sympathy card, folding to what amounted to a bluff. And the Hungarians..."
Claude added in a subdued voice, "This had been planned for months. Possibly years. Our whole agreement with Germany simply allowed them to put it into place. And to think, the intention of that agreement was to ensure that Rome was unable to do the very thing she is."
"Our ground commanders know their jobs, but it's been ugly. Full scorched earth retreat. Hopefully blowing every bridge and tunnel behind us will slow them down. Our airforce was scrambled as soon as word came in, with orders to take minimal losses and offer whatever protection our troops can handle. Still getting reports regarding what we've lost."
"And our naval station? A massed amphibious assault was... unexpected."
"As many subs were scrambled as we could crew, and the base bombed behind us. We'll have a final tally of what we managed to get out by this afternoon. All reserves are mobilized, every factory that can be turned to war production is doing so, and our troops stationed overseas are being recalled. Word was sent to our Ethiopian embassy to negotiate regarding the disposition of those territories with our mass withdraw. We're not sunk, but we got suckerpunched awful hard."
Pierre spoke up. "How bad was Morocco?"
His sharp wince was answer enough. Marc started slowly, "It was not pretty. We were rather unprepared for that assault. Last I've heard a fighting retreat was underway. Details are scarce, but the base is well situated to allow men and material to escape most of the initial bombardment."
A silence fell heavily, each trying to speak in turn but the words dying before they were formed.
Pierre spoke first, with a sense of fresh purpose. "We'll take stock of the situation as we have accurate intelligence. Moving available troops down from the north is a top priority. I'll be sending instructions to several diplomatic stations, see what we can't turn up. Anything else before we break session?" A pair of curt nods was his answer, as all 3 men realized their homeland needed every bit of their skill and cunning.
----------
Full mobilization.
Diplomatic instructions sent to England, Spain, Ethiopia, and Vasa embassies.
Press releases condemning the Roman alpha strike as unwarranted aggression, citing the completeness and positioning of the offensive as indication that the plans for it preceded the French-German situation
Never shall innocent blood be shed, yet the blood of the wicked shall flow like a river.
The three shall spread their blackened wings and be the vengeful striking hammer of god.
The three shall spread their blackened wings and be the vengeful striking hammer of god.
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Comrade Tortoise
- Exemplar
- Posts: 4832
- Joined: Thu Jun 09, 2005 1:33 am
- 19
- Location: Land of steers and queers indeed
- Contact:
#116
OOC: I have to hold off on what do maybe do with the airships, so give me the flight path and then I can continue.
German Border Between Switzerland and Northern Italy
The Romans had been mobilized on the border for a while. German troops were ordered to stand down pending negotiations with Rome, so they were not expecting an attack and thus were taken somewhat by surprise. However, there were protocols in place for this. The border forts immediately cabled the main Swiss Army bases which were located along the alpine roads controlling passage into Switzerland, alerting them to the attack. The emergency plan had been in place since the invention of dynamite and 4000 german combat engineers were roused from their beds to demolish every bridge, road, railway, and tunnel between them and the front lines. There were not many, but those that did exist were the sole routes through the alps and their demolition would critically hamper the ability of roman troops to move themselves and their massive sprawling supply lines through the alps.
The siege gun crews fired as long as they could doing their level best to determine the positions of roman artillery and taking full advantage of their hardened positions.
The anti-air guns were back from the front line at strategic points, so that bombardment would not destroy them as well, though from the mountains they had a commanding view of the fortifications, and were hidden from view of the roman troops by camouflage. They were capable of firing on any planes that came flying overhead into Switzerland proper.
It was impossible for them to hold the position against roman troops though. The infantry would advance under the cover of artillery. The machine gun troops firing from hardened pillboxes and bunkers would fire, and then destroy their guns and do their best to use the escape trenches to get into the alps and keep the fight going through guerrilla warfare. The infantry themselves did the retreating somewhat faster, retreating into the alps with as much in terms of supplies as possible to do the same. They knew they were probably going to die if they did that, but they would die if they stayed and at least they could take those roman bastards with them.
Hungarian planes were flying over the alps toward switzerland, being chewed up by the anti-air guns placed in the mountain range, the crews of which shooting first and warning command rather than take chances with a massive number of planes they were not told about first.
Alarms went off in the swiss airfield before the attack, and the pilots were scrambled to their planes. Engines started, and planes started taking off.
Austrian troops, with Siege Artillery from the caribbean newly integrated into their ranks were mobilized to the northern alpine slopes to challenge the Hungarians in the Danube River Valley. The hungarians could not move so fast so as to break out into Austria proper. The roman border troops were under orders to take all of their gear with them when they blew all of the alpine bridges and headed for the northern slopes.
As they flew over the border forts and dresden Dresden, the army base in Leipzig was alerted which mobilized its anti-air guns and prepared to take fire. The hungarians had sent what they thought was a surprise attack on an air base, and found an armed army base instead, defended by 200 anti-air guns outside the city of Leipzig. Not all of them would be manned by the time those planes got there, but bombing at night would not be accurate either.
The forts along the hungarian border were ordered to delay the hungarians as long as possible, destroying their guns before capture, and then retreating into german territory to rendevous with the nearest large force as fast as possible, or disrupt enemy supply lines if they could not.
The airbase was in Brandenburg outside of Berlin, and their fighters, to say nothing of the fighters in Hamburg were scrambling before the attack struck.
Alarm sirens went off around all of germany. Orders were dispatched immediately to fully mobilize the reserves and recall all colonial troops.
German Border Between Switzerland and Northern Italy
The Romans had been mobilized on the border for a while. German troops were ordered to stand down pending negotiations with Rome, so they were not expecting an attack and thus were taken somewhat by surprise. However, there were protocols in place for this. The border forts immediately cabled the main Swiss Army bases which were located along the alpine roads controlling passage into Switzerland, alerting them to the attack. The emergency plan had been in place since the invention of dynamite and 4000 german combat engineers were roused from their beds to demolish every bridge, road, railway, and tunnel between them and the front lines. There were not many, but those that did exist were the sole routes through the alps and their demolition would critically hamper the ability of roman troops to move themselves and their massive sprawling supply lines through the alps.
The siege gun crews fired as long as they could doing their level best to determine the positions of roman artillery and taking full advantage of their hardened positions.
The anti-air guns were back from the front line at strategic points, so that bombardment would not destroy them as well, though from the mountains they had a commanding view of the fortifications, and were hidden from view of the roman troops by camouflage. They were capable of firing on any planes that came flying overhead into Switzerland proper.
It was impossible for them to hold the position against roman troops though. The infantry would advance under the cover of artillery. The machine gun troops firing from hardened pillboxes and bunkers would fire, and then destroy their guns and do their best to use the escape trenches to get into the alps and keep the fight going through guerrilla warfare. The infantry themselves did the retreating somewhat faster, retreating into the alps with as much in terms of supplies as possible to do the same. They knew they were probably going to die if they did that, but they would die if they stayed and at least they could take those roman bastards with them.
Hungarian planes were flying over the alps toward switzerland, being chewed up by the anti-air guns placed in the mountain range, the crews of which shooting first and warning command rather than take chances with a massive number of planes they were not told about first.
Alarms went off in the swiss airfield before the attack, and the pilots were scrambled to their planes. Engines started, and planes started taking off.
Austrian troops, with Siege Artillery from the caribbean newly integrated into their ranks were mobilized to the northern alpine slopes to challenge the Hungarians in the Danube River Valley. The hungarians could not move so fast so as to break out into Austria proper. The roman border troops were under orders to take all of their gear with them when they blew all of the alpine bridges and headed for the northern slopes.
As they flew over the border forts and dresden Dresden, the army base in Leipzig was alerted which mobilized its anti-air guns and prepared to take fire. The hungarians had sent what they thought was a surprise attack on an air base, and found an armed army base instead, defended by 200 anti-air guns outside the city of Leipzig. Not all of them would be manned by the time those planes got there, but bombing at night would not be accurate either.
The forts along the hungarian border were ordered to delay the hungarians as long as possible, destroying their guns before capture, and then retreating into german territory to rendevous with the nearest large force as fast as possible, or disrupt enemy supply lines if they could not.
The airbase was in Brandenburg outside of Berlin, and their fighters, to say nothing of the fighters in Hamburg were scrambling before the attack struck.
Alarm sirens went off around all of germany. Orders were dispatched immediately to fully mobilize the reserves and recall all colonial troops.
Last edited by Comrade Tortoise on Sat Jan 23, 2010 3:46 am, edited 2 times in total.
"Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution."
- Theodosius Dobzhansky
There is no word harsh enough for this. No verbal edge sharp and cold enough to set forth the flaying needed. English is to young and the elder languages of the earth beyond me. ~Frigid
The Holocaust was an Amazing Logistical Achievement~Havoc
- Theodosius Dobzhansky
There is no word harsh enough for this. No verbal edge sharp and cold enough to set forth the flaying needed. English is to young and the elder languages of the earth beyond me. ~Frigid
The Holocaust was an Amazing Logistical Achievement~Havoc
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General Havoc
- Mr. Party-Killbot
- Posts: 5245
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- 19
- Location: The City that is not Frisco
- Contact:
#117
These being the words of Mustaphus Cemal Paterturcii:
"My fellow Romans,"
"Six hundred and twenty one years ago, our ancestors swore an oath within the walls of the very Basillica from whence I am addressing you, pledging their fortunes and their lives to a dream. It was a dream that had once been real, but fell into dust and darkness and had been buried for a thousand years, before they stood before this very altar, and made a solemn promise to themselves and their children to see it rise anew. The dream these men shared, the dream they fought and bled and died for, was Rome. A dream so precious that to speak her very name was to conjure the magic it contained. A dream, they believed, was worth fighting and dying for."
"For six centuries, we who followed those men, have dreamed of Rome. Many died for her. Others lived, and in living they built a new Rome, greater even than the old, and spread the wings of her eagles from one side of our glittering sea to the other. As they spread, other men came to share their dream. Sicilians and Venetians. Greeks and Epiriots. Phoenecians and Aragonese, and yes, even Turcians. For Rome is not a City, nor even an Empire. Rome is the light. And this light shined down onto the nations of the great Mare Nostrum, and one by one they took up the torch, and pledged anew themselves, their fortunes, their very lives to the dream that was Rome. So have men done since the days of Rienzus. So have all of you. So have I."
"Yet as every Roman knows, there are men for whom the dream of Rome is but a shadow on their consciences. When Rome was bringing peace to Our Sea, extirpating the pirates and tending the flames of civilization, these men sought nothing but blood and plunder. Lurking in their northern fastnesses, they sharpened their axes in huts and loghouses while we were reading Virgil and building the Colosseum. And for Two Thousand years, since the days of Gaius Marius, it has been the Germans who have led the charge against Rome. No matter how many times we fought to stem their tide, still they surged against our borders, burned our cities, raped our women and stole our children, until finally, in our hour of weakness, they plunged our Empire into a thousand years of darkness and ruin. They criss-crossed our lands, stealing the works of our hands and the bread from our mouths, while their warchiefs clothed themselves in half-understood trappings of Roman magistracy. When we sought to rise anew, ever the Germans, and their turncoat servants, the French, sought to destroy us. Never once in five hundred years have we threatened their lands, but their eternal hate for us drove them on regardless. It is no coincidence that nearly all of the great men whose statues adorn the Forum won their eternal glory in defense of Rome against these very Teutonic invaders. Gaius Marius, Gaius Julius Caesar, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, Cola di Rienzus Tribunus Maximus, Napoleon Buonapartus Magnus Restutitor, the list goes on and on and on. By the blood and steel of our legions, by the sweat and lives of our greatest men, we have survived their onslaughts, turned back their invasions, and bought ourselves times of peace to extend the glory and the light that is Rome ever further across the world."
"Yet all too ephemeral has our peace been. Our enemies have never forgotten us, not even now, a hundred years after the great Napoleon Buonapartus drove them in slaughter and ruin back across their borders when they last sought to destroy us at the cost of his own life. In recent months, we have learned of their renewed designs against us. Dreaming of mastery and domination, they divided our lands, our homes, our families among themselves, believing that this time, surely this time, they would achieve what has eluded them for six centuries. Our final annihilation, and the extinguishing of the Light of Rome. Seven days ago, our beloved Senior Consul, the esteemed Ivanus Bonomius Mediator, a man of integrity, of peace, of diplomacy and decency, took it upon himself to try and save the peace we have enjoyed this past century, and went to Hamburg to seek the terms of the German government."
"We all know what terms he received."
"For hundreds of years, the Germans and French have plagued us, usurping our lands, slaying our men, burning our fields and homes, slaughtering our children and women. Ever intriguing, ever plotting, ever seeking to achieve though craft and duplicity what they could not seize through main force. That the Germans should act so comes as no surprise, for the light of civilization never touched their blighted northern lands. Yet in their decrepitude, they long ago seduced the French, who once were Romans themselves, away from the light and into darkness and depravity. The French, whose language, cities, law, and very culture are Roman, whose blood brothers in Occitania and Provence have fought at our side for five hundred years, these very French still seek nothing but our destruction, having lost the dream of Rome in favor of the worship of indolence and Teutonic kulturkampf. They have made themselves slaves to the Germans, and stand ready to dismember us at their side, as they have in six separate wars and two thousand years of bloody history."
"My fellow Romans. Let there be an end to it."
"For too long, we have lived under threat. For too long we have suffered in silence, waiting for the next wave of the Germanic hordes to pour into our lands and butcher our children. For too long our Empire, our people, our Dream has been assailed by these savage barbarians, who fall and rise to strike us again. For too long has this gone on. Too many of our greatest men, too many of our precious sons, have died defending our nation against these rapacious destroyers. Six wars we have fought with Germany and France. We now face a seventh war, for before the world entire, the Germans demanded our unconditional surrender, and in refusing, we were forced to choose war. By all the Gods above, there will not be an eighth. We, the Senate and People of Rome, will see this ended once and for all time.
"My fellow Romans, we do not fight alone, for friends we have that many of us did not even think existed. Eleven centuries ago, the Magyar peoples came to settle in the lands we now call Hungaria. Between that time and this, they forged a great Kingdom, not of arms or gold or glittering cities, but of the virtues from whence all these things come. A Kingdom of justice, of temperance, of honor and fortitude, the very rock upon which Rome herself was founded. Like us, the Hungarians brought many peoples under their banners, and made them not serfs and slaves but citizens, fired with a dream, not the Dream of Rome, but a dream nonetheless, and no less worthy for the lack. It is true that we have fought wars in the past. Wars for land, or riches, or glory, wars fought for reasons good and less good. But never between our Empires has there been the hatred and enmity that the Germans bear for us. Though we would quarrel at times, and even fight, never have either of us denied the very right of one another's people to live. Forged in war and tempered in the prudence of wise men, we have learned together, slow though the knowledge came, how to live together, and for centuries they have brought us trade, and wealth, and peace, and all the good things that men can bring to one another."
"Against this peace, against this history of friendship and amity, the Germans sought to corrupt and defile the honor of the Hungarian Kingdom by tempting them with the spoils of our ruin. Like the vultures they are, the Germans would have had the Hungarian Falcons turn carrion-eaters, and send them to fight and devour the Eagles of Rome. Yet presented with this despicable offering, the Hungarians rejected the German overtures in totality, and offered us, their neighbors, aid in seeing the Franco-German Axis destroyed forever. Unable in all honor to retain the peace that we and they both desire, the Hungarians have resolved to see this fight through with us, and this very day, their armies strike alongside our own to see a final end to Teutonic aggression. To this end they too have pledged themselves, their fortunes, and their lives."
"The measure of friendship is adversity. In the darkest hour we have seen for a hundred years and more, Hungary has marched to our aid. It is with awe and reverence that we bestow on them the title of Friends and Allies of the Roman People. Their enemies shall be our enemies, and together, we will crush France and Germany's war machine once and for all, and liberate ourselves from the threat of Northern invasion forever."
"My friends, my fellow Romans, I am a Turcian. Like most of you, I was not born in Rome. My ancestors were not the heroes of Roman antiquity. My people once fought against Rome, and were subdued, and conquered. Yet having been conquered once by force, we were conquered again by the Dream of Rome. The Dream we came to share, to desire, to seek with all the fervor our Turcian blood could muster. For the Dream of Rome, we have bled on a hundred battlefields, alongside dozens of peoples who were also not related by blood to the heroes of ancient Rome, and even a few who were. Forty thousand of my countrymen in the Tenth Legion are even this day striking deep into France in defense of our hallowed dream. Thousands of others are doing the same in other legions, in our fleet, in our shining eagles of the Aeronautica Militarius. For each of the myriad of peoples that comprise our citizen body, the same can be said. It is we who are the Romans. We Turcians. We Italians. We Greeks. We Phoenecians and Aragonese, Occitanians and Numidians, Thracians and Epiriots, Carantanians and Maltese, Sicilians and Corsicans, Sardinians and Cypriots. We are the inheritors of three thousand years of tradition, virtue, and history. We are civilization, the Light unto the Nations of the World, the City on the Hill. We are the keepers of the Dream that was Rome, and the Dream that is Rome, and the Dream that will be Rome."
"I am Mustaphus Cemal Paterturcii, Consul Ordinarius of the Senatus Populesque Romanum. I am a Roman Citizen. And I ask you all, to stand with me against the darkness of barbarism and tyranny, and to protect with your lives your children, your Empire, and the Dream we all share. Let it be said for generations to come, that in the Two Thousand, Six Hundred, and Eighty Third year of the City, the Senate and People of Rome stood firm against the tides of darkness. Let it be said that they girded themselves with weapons and armor, and when all seemed lost, with friends and allies at their sides, they stood unbroken, unconquered, ever victorious, and saw the darkness vanquished in the name of the Eternal Light."
"One last time."
"My fellow Romans,"
"Six hundred and twenty one years ago, our ancestors swore an oath within the walls of the very Basillica from whence I am addressing you, pledging their fortunes and their lives to a dream. It was a dream that had once been real, but fell into dust and darkness and had been buried for a thousand years, before they stood before this very altar, and made a solemn promise to themselves and their children to see it rise anew. The dream these men shared, the dream they fought and bled and died for, was Rome. A dream so precious that to speak her very name was to conjure the magic it contained. A dream, they believed, was worth fighting and dying for."
"For six centuries, we who followed those men, have dreamed of Rome. Many died for her. Others lived, and in living they built a new Rome, greater even than the old, and spread the wings of her eagles from one side of our glittering sea to the other. As they spread, other men came to share their dream. Sicilians and Venetians. Greeks and Epiriots. Phoenecians and Aragonese, and yes, even Turcians. For Rome is not a City, nor even an Empire. Rome is the light. And this light shined down onto the nations of the great Mare Nostrum, and one by one they took up the torch, and pledged anew themselves, their fortunes, their very lives to the dream that was Rome. So have men done since the days of Rienzus. So have all of you. So have I."
"Yet as every Roman knows, there are men for whom the dream of Rome is but a shadow on their consciences. When Rome was bringing peace to Our Sea, extirpating the pirates and tending the flames of civilization, these men sought nothing but blood and plunder. Lurking in their northern fastnesses, they sharpened their axes in huts and loghouses while we were reading Virgil and building the Colosseum. And for Two Thousand years, since the days of Gaius Marius, it has been the Germans who have led the charge against Rome. No matter how many times we fought to stem their tide, still they surged against our borders, burned our cities, raped our women and stole our children, until finally, in our hour of weakness, they plunged our Empire into a thousand years of darkness and ruin. They criss-crossed our lands, stealing the works of our hands and the bread from our mouths, while their warchiefs clothed themselves in half-understood trappings of Roman magistracy. When we sought to rise anew, ever the Germans, and their turncoat servants, the French, sought to destroy us. Never once in five hundred years have we threatened their lands, but their eternal hate for us drove them on regardless. It is no coincidence that nearly all of the great men whose statues adorn the Forum won their eternal glory in defense of Rome against these very Teutonic invaders. Gaius Marius, Gaius Julius Caesar, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, Cola di Rienzus Tribunus Maximus, Napoleon Buonapartus Magnus Restutitor, the list goes on and on and on. By the blood and steel of our legions, by the sweat and lives of our greatest men, we have survived their onslaughts, turned back their invasions, and bought ourselves times of peace to extend the glory and the light that is Rome ever further across the world."
"Yet all too ephemeral has our peace been. Our enemies have never forgotten us, not even now, a hundred years after the great Napoleon Buonapartus drove them in slaughter and ruin back across their borders when they last sought to destroy us at the cost of his own life. In recent months, we have learned of their renewed designs against us. Dreaming of mastery and domination, they divided our lands, our homes, our families among themselves, believing that this time, surely this time, they would achieve what has eluded them for six centuries. Our final annihilation, and the extinguishing of the Light of Rome. Seven days ago, our beloved Senior Consul, the esteemed Ivanus Bonomius Mediator, a man of integrity, of peace, of diplomacy and decency, took it upon himself to try and save the peace we have enjoyed this past century, and went to Hamburg to seek the terms of the German government."
"We all know what terms he received."
"For hundreds of years, the Germans and French have plagued us, usurping our lands, slaying our men, burning our fields and homes, slaughtering our children and women. Ever intriguing, ever plotting, ever seeking to achieve though craft and duplicity what they could not seize through main force. That the Germans should act so comes as no surprise, for the light of civilization never touched their blighted northern lands. Yet in their decrepitude, they long ago seduced the French, who once were Romans themselves, away from the light and into darkness and depravity. The French, whose language, cities, law, and very culture are Roman, whose blood brothers in Occitania and Provence have fought at our side for five hundred years, these very French still seek nothing but our destruction, having lost the dream of Rome in favor of the worship of indolence and Teutonic kulturkampf. They have made themselves slaves to the Germans, and stand ready to dismember us at their side, as they have in six separate wars and two thousand years of bloody history."
"My fellow Romans. Let there be an end to it."
"For too long, we have lived under threat. For too long we have suffered in silence, waiting for the next wave of the Germanic hordes to pour into our lands and butcher our children. For too long our Empire, our people, our Dream has been assailed by these savage barbarians, who fall and rise to strike us again. For too long has this gone on. Too many of our greatest men, too many of our precious sons, have died defending our nation against these rapacious destroyers. Six wars we have fought with Germany and France. We now face a seventh war, for before the world entire, the Germans demanded our unconditional surrender, and in refusing, we were forced to choose war. By all the Gods above, there will not be an eighth. We, the Senate and People of Rome, will see this ended once and for all time.
"My fellow Romans, we do not fight alone, for friends we have that many of us did not even think existed. Eleven centuries ago, the Magyar peoples came to settle in the lands we now call Hungaria. Between that time and this, they forged a great Kingdom, not of arms or gold or glittering cities, but of the virtues from whence all these things come. A Kingdom of justice, of temperance, of honor and fortitude, the very rock upon which Rome herself was founded. Like us, the Hungarians brought many peoples under their banners, and made them not serfs and slaves but citizens, fired with a dream, not the Dream of Rome, but a dream nonetheless, and no less worthy for the lack. It is true that we have fought wars in the past. Wars for land, or riches, or glory, wars fought for reasons good and less good. But never between our Empires has there been the hatred and enmity that the Germans bear for us. Though we would quarrel at times, and even fight, never have either of us denied the very right of one another's people to live. Forged in war and tempered in the prudence of wise men, we have learned together, slow though the knowledge came, how to live together, and for centuries they have brought us trade, and wealth, and peace, and all the good things that men can bring to one another."
"Against this peace, against this history of friendship and amity, the Germans sought to corrupt and defile the honor of the Hungarian Kingdom by tempting them with the spoils of our ruin. Like the vultures they are, the Germans would have had the Hungarian Falcons turn carrion-eaters, and send them to fight and devour the Eagles of Rome. Yet presented with this despicable offering, the Hungarians rejected the German overtures in totality, and offered us, their neighbors, aid in seeing the Franco-German Axis destroyed forever. Unable in all honor to retain the peace that we and they both desire, the Hungarians have resolved to see this fight through with us, and this very day, their armies strike alongside our own to see a final end to Teutonic aggression. To this end they too have pledged themselves, their fortunes, and their lives."
"The measure of friendship is adversity. In the darkest hour we have seen for a hundred years and more, Hungary has marched to our aid. It is with awe and reverence that we bestow on them the title of Friends and Allies of the Roman People. Their enemies shall be our enemies, and together, we will crush France and Germany's war machine once and for all, and liberate ourselves from the threat of Northern invasion forever."
"My friends, my fellow Romans, I am a Turcian. Like most of you, I was not born in Rome. My ancestors were not the heroes of Roman antiquity. My people once fought against Rome, and were subdued, and conquered. Yet having been conquered once by force, we were conquered again by the Dream of Rome. The Dream we came to share, to desire, to seek with all the fervor our Turcian blood could muster. For the Dream of Rome, we have bled on a hundred battlefields, alongside dozens of peoples who were also not related by blood to the heroes of ancient Rome, and even a few who were. Forty thousand of my countrymen in the Tenth Legion are even this day striking deep into France in defense of our hallowed dream. Thousands of others are doing the same in other legions, in our fleet, in our shining eagles of the Aeronautica Militarius. For each of the myriad of peoples that comprise our citizen body, the same can be said. It is we who are the Romans. We Turcians. We Italians. We Greeks. We Phoenecians and Aragonese, Occitanians and Numidians, Thracians and Epiriots, Carantanians and Maltese, Sicilians and Corsicans, Sardinians and Cypriots. We are the inheritors of three thousand years of tradition, virtue, and history. We are civilization, the Light unto the Nations of the World, the City on the Hill. We are the keepers of the Dream that was Rome, and the Dream that is Rome, and the Dream that will be Rome."
"I am Mustaphus Cemal Paterturcii, Consul Ordinarius of the Senatus Populesque Romanum. I am a Roman Citizen. And I ask you all, to stand with me against the darkness of barbarism and tyranny, and to protect with your lives your children, your Empire, and the Dream we all share. Let it be said for generations to come, that in the Two Thousand, Six Hundred, and Eighty Third year of the City, the Senate and People of Rome stood firm against the tides of darkness. Let it be said that they girded themselves with weapons and armor, and when all seemed lost, with friends and allies at their sides, they stood unbroken, unconquered, ever victorious, and saw the darkness vanquished in the name of the Eternal Light."
"One last time."
Last edited by General Havoc on Sat Jan 23, 2010 4:45 am, edited 1 time in total.
Gaze upon my works, ye mighty, and despair...
Havoc: "So basically if you side against him, he summons Cthulu."
Hotfoot: "Yes, which is reasonable."
Havoc: "So basically if you side against him, he summons Cthulu."
Hotfoot: "Yes, which is reasonable."
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Academia Nut
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#118
June 20, 1930
2300 local time
Northwest of Darwin, Australia
The fleet was approaching as stealthily as a formation of their size could having slowed down after the frantic rush during the day to get as close as possible while exposed and they were now under strict black-out conditions and silence protocols, their engines the primary source of noise in the water, and the brief twinkling of hooded signal lamps the only communication between the various ships to keep them from drifting too far out of formation. Hydrophone operators strained their ears listening for the tell-tale whisper of enemy engines, especially the tiny, mostly indistinguishable noises of submarines under battery power. The enemy had to know they were there, the only question would be if they knew just how many of them there were.
Finally a series of signals flashed out through the fleet, as the navigators examining the stars above deemed them in the penultimate position. Engines died down to idle while the AA machine-gunners scanned the starry skies above for enemy scouts. A night fight would not be ideal for anyone. In a few hours they would make their final sprint and then launch their strike.
Within the Peregrine's Glory, Sohrab waited for the replies to propogate back through the chain. This method would leave them a bit ragged, but they needed radio silence this close to the enemy. Orders for the next day had already been distributed, and when it all broke out radio silence would be pointless, the flash of cannon and the churning of engines under full steam would make them all rather obvious.
Turning to his fellow officers, the Marshall says to them, "Gentlemen, tomorrow we strike, and while I have no doubt we shall be victorious, the only question is the cost in blood and iron we will pay. Our people are not mariners by nature, our fleet being mostly built to either patrol our waters or to remind the world that it was we who invented the rifled cannon. The enemy has the advantage in the size of their ships and their coastal guns. But we vastly outnumber them though, and their timidity to stay within the range of their coast will be their undoing. And more than just numbers are on our side, the technology has changed and we have swiftness and guile on our side. Can the mongoose not strike down the cobra that in turn strikes down the elephant? Tomorrow, fight as though we are few and the enemy many and fill your strikes with venom, and we shall emerge ready to face the next challenge, and the next, until this land and these seas are swept of the enemies of the Empire. Spread these words to your men, and stoke the fires of their hearts. I will have no laxness because we think simple numbers will win the day. Now go and get some rest, for tomorrow shall be either the longest or shortest day of our lives."
The officers all nod solemnly, their martial spirits already kindled, to spread the flames amongst the sailors and pilots of the carrier, and from there to trickle out to the rest of the fleet during the night. He would repeat his words in the morning when radio silence was lifted, but for now he would take his own advice.
June 21, 1930
North of Darwin, Australia
0600 hours local
The wan stain of light in the predawn hour faintly illuminated the decks of the carriers as the air fleet began to take off, their scheduled flight path to take them south-east before turning into their target so as to strike from the east with the rising sun at their backs and in the eyes of their foes. Three-hundred and sixty fighter-bombers flying low escorted by eight-four fighters flying high would strike with single minded ferocity against the airfields of the enemy, dropping munitions on fuel and ammo dumps and strafing planes on the ground and enemy barracks. Every Pacifican fighter was to be damned to annihilation today, be it to burn on the ground, fall from the sky in flames, or die the slow death of lack of ammunition and fuel.
To prevent this exact tactic from being used against them, forty-eight fighters remained in combat air patrol above the carriers, which were also protected from air, sea, and beneath by a screen of twenty frigates and five destroyers.
Well behind them and away from the battle, the multitude of transports were protected by a similar screen of thirty frigates and thirty destroyers. Their deadly cargo would not be unleashed until the air and seas were swept clean and burning iron fell like the monsoon rains upon the coastal guns.
But the main force was the seventy frigates and twenty destroyers to assault the waters where the enemy ships dwelt under the umbrella of their coastal guns, their torpedo tubes ready and their guns loaded, ready to unleash hell upon their enemies.
0700 hours local
The radio crackled to life just as the sun was peeking above the horizon. It said but one thing.
"Engage."
Charon has the specifics of the first stage of the battle plan, but in general:
~30 squadrons fighter-bombers tasked to attack the Pacifican air bases and utterly destroy them
~7 squadrons fighters tasked to escort the fighter-bombers
~Carriers escorted by, four squadrons of fighters, twenty frigates and five destroyers. Five additional destroyers geared for minesweeping duty for later in the day also on station near them
~Transport ships well back from the fighting, escorted by thirty frigates and thirty destroyers
~Main battle line advancing into range of coastal guns and enemy ships, composed of seventy frigates and twenty destroyers
2300 local time
Northwest of Darwin, Australia
The fleet was approaching as stealthily as a formation of their size could having slowed down after the frantic rush during the day to get as close as possible while exposed and they were now under strict black-out conditions and silence protocols, their engines the primary source of noise in the water, and the brief twinkling of hooded signal lamps the only communication between the various ships to keep them from drifting too far out of formation. Hydrophone operators strained their ears listening for the tell-tale whisper of enemy engines, especially the tiny, mostly indistinguishable noises of submarines under battery power. The enemy had to know they were there, the only question would be if they knew just how many of them there were.
Finally a series of signals flashed out through the fleet, as the navigators examining the stars above deemed them in the penultimate position. Engines died down to idle while the AA machine-gunners scanned the starry skies above for enemy scouts. A night fight would not be ideal for anyone. In a few hours they would make their final sprint and then launch their strike.
Within the Peregrine's Glory, Sohrab waited for the replies to propogate back through the chain. This method would leave them a bit ragged, but they needed radio silence this close to the enemy. Orders for the next day had already been distributed, and when it all broke out radio silence would be pointless, the flash of cannon and the churning of engines under full steam would make them all rather obvious.
Turning to his fellow officers, the Marshall says to them, "Gentlemen, tomorrow we strike, and while I have no doubt we shall be victorious, the only question is the cost in blood and iron we will pay. Our people are not mariners by nature, our fleet being mostly built to either patrol our waters or to remind the world that it was we who invented the rifled cannon. The enemy has the advantage in the size of their ships and their coastal guns. But we vastly outnumber them though, and their timidity to stay within the range of their coast will be their undoing. And more than just numbers are on our side, the technology has changed and we have swiftness and guile on our side. Can the mongoose not strike down the cobra that in turn strikes down the elephant? Tomorrow, fight as though we are few and the enemy many and fill your strikes with venom, and we shall emerge ready to face the next challenge, and the next, until this land and these seas are swept of the enemies of the Empire. Spread these words to your men, and stoke the fires of their hearts. I will have no laxness because we think simple numbers will win the day. Now go and get some rest, for tomorrow shall be either the longest or shortest day of our lives."
The officers all nod solemnly, their martial spirits already kindled, to spread the flames amongst the sailors and pilots of the carrier, and from there to trickle out to the rest of the fleet during the night. He would repeat his words in the morning when radio silence was lifted, but for now he would take his own advice.
June 21, 1930
North of Darwin, Australia
0600 hours local
The wan stain of light in the predawn hour faintly illuminated the decks of the carriers as the air fleet began to take off, their scheduled flight path to take them south-east before turning into their target so as to strike from the east with the rising sun at their backs and in the eyes of their foes. Three-hundred and sixty fighter-bombers flying low escorted by eight-four fighters flying high would strike with single minded ferocity against the airfields of the enemy, dropping munitions on fuel and ammo dumps and strafing planes on the ground and enemy barracks. Every Pacifican fighter was to be damned to annihilation today, be it to burn on the ground, fall from the sky in flames, or die the slow death of lack of ammunition and fuel.
To prevent this exact tactic from being used against them, forty-eight fighters remained in combat air patrol above the carriers, which were also protected from air, sea, and beneath by a screen of twenty frigates and five destroyers.
Well behind them and away from the battle, the multitude of transports were protected by a similar screen of thirty frigates and thirty destroyers. Their deadly cargo would not be unleashed until the air and seas were swept clean and burning iron fell like the monsoon rains upon the coastal guns.
But the main force was the seventy frigates and twenty destroyers to assault the waters where the enemy ships dwelt under the umbrella of their coastal guns, their torpedo tubes ready and their guns loaded, ready to unleash hell upon their enemies.
0700 hours local
The radio crackled to life just as the sun was peeking above the horizon. It said but one thing.
"Engage."
Charon has the specifics of the first stage of the battle plan, but in general:
~30 squadrons fighter-bombers tasked to attack the Pacifican air bases and utterly destroy them
~7 squadrons fighters tasked to escort the fighter-bombers
~Carriers escorted by, four squadrons of fighters, twenty frigates and five destroyers. Five additional destroyers geared for minesweeping duty for later in the day also on station near them
~Transport ships well back from the fighting, escorted by thirty frigates and thirty destroyers
~Main battle line advancing into range of coastal guns and enemy ships, composed of seventy frigates and twenty destroyers
#119
June 19, 1930
Sinjah, Sudan
Resistance had been expected from the Arab traders, and it was unfortunate for them that they were now facing the Army of the Left, who had been dealing with raiding parties for several decades.
Sinjah was a rather large town, maybe a thousand people living there normally. Most of the citizens had been evacuated to the countryside however, because Haymanot was planning an ambush. Word has spread quickly of Sinjah's alliance with the Ethiopians, and word was the bulk of the Army of the Left was far away, further into the Sudan trying to flush out the raiders from their nests.
That was for the most part true, what was not mentioned was that a Division of some of the Army of the Left's finest soldiers had been left at each of these towns, with a Light Tank brigade almost 5 miles away, covered in camouflage as best could be managed. Nekemte Military Base meanwhile had a full squadron of bombers with Fighter escort prepared and ready to launch as soon as the enemy was spotted. But it wasn't just Sinjah where this was being planned. Malakal, Nasir, Marabba, and Doka were places where the plan had also been enacted. With any luck the slavers were overeager and would hit the ripe targets, where they would then get a nasty surprise.
Haymanot meanwhile was busy deeper into Sudan, pushing toward Khartoum with most of his army. The nearly city-state of Khartoum was rumored to be infested with Arab Slavers as well as their supporters. It was time to see if this was true.
Division of Forces
5 Elite Infantry Divisions with Light Tank brigade positioned one at each of five larger towns. 5 squadrons of Hyena bombers with Lion Escorts are prepared to launch and support the Infantry upon contact.
5 Infantry divisions with 5 Artillery regiments, 2 Military Engineer regiments, and 3 AT regiments are spread out as best as can be handled to protect valuable allies. The military Engineers are beginning road construction.
2 Motorized Infantry Divisions with escorts are placed on standby for rapid response to any hotspots that may pop up.
10 Infantry Divisions with remaining escorts and 1 Heavy Armored Division with escorts are moving towards Khartoum.
June 9, 1930
Addis Ababa
Makonnen Endelkachew, Tafari Makonnen, Seyum Mangasha, and Heruy Welde Sellase all sat quietly in the conference room. Mangasha broke the silence first. "That was rather unexpected, I'll admit. Rome and Hungary had me going there for awhile." The others nodded, then looked to Tafari. "What will be Ethiopia's response, sir?"
Tafari smiled. "Nothing, we are not allied to Rome and Hungary, nor France and Germany. We have already condemned Germany for their actions, I see little reason to openly support Rome in theirs."
At that point, a young man came in, little more than a boy, and offered Sellase a sheet of paper. He dismissed the boy and then read it. "Well, it seems France wants to get her troops out of East Africa and into the fighting." Mangasha and Endelkachew shared a rather preditory grin before looking to Tafari Makonnen.
"Very well, you know what is expected of this deal, Heruy. I leave it in your capable hands."
Sellase got to his feet, offering a short bow. "Of course your majesty, I will deal with the matter immediately."
Tafari shook his head. "No, not immediately. Let the Frech sweat for a few days, let it sink in how much they need these forces back at home before we begin working on a deal."
Sinjah, Sudan
Resistance had been expected from the Arab traders, and it was unfortunate for them that they were now facing the Army of the Left, who had been dealing with raiding parties for several decades.
Sinjah was a rather large town, maybe a thousand people living there normally. Most of the citizens had been evacuated to the countryside however, because Haymanot was planning an ambush. Word has spread quickly of Sinjah's alliance with the Ethiopians, and word was the bulk of the Army of the Left was far away, further into the Sudan trying to flush out the raiders from their nests.
That was for the most part true, what was not mentioned was that a Division of some of the Army of the Left's finest soldiers had been left at each of these towns, with a Light Tank brigade almost 5 miles away, covered in camouflage as best could be managed. Nekemte Military Base meanwhile had a full squadron of bombers with Fighter escort prepared and ready to launch as soon as the enemy was spotted. But it wasn't just Sinjah where this was being planned. Malakal, Nasir, Marabba, and Doka were places where the plan had also been enacted. With any luck the slavers were overeager and would hit the ripe targets, where they would then get a nasty surprise.
Haymanot meanwhile was busy deeper into Sudan, pushing toward Khartoum with most of his army. The nearly city-state of Khartoum was rumored to be infested with Arab Slavers as well as their supporters. It was time to see if this was true.
Division of Forces
5 Elite Infantry Divisions with Light Tank brigade positioned one at each of five larger towns. 5 squadrons of Hyena bombers with Lion Escorts are prepared to launch and support the Infantry upon contact.
5 Infantry divisions with 5 Artillery regiments, 2 Military Engineer regiments, and 3 AT regiments are spread out as best as can be handled to protect valuable allies. The military Engineers are beginning road construction.
2 Motorized Infantry Divisions with escorts are placed on standby for rapid response to any hotspots that may pop up.
10 Infantry Divisions with remaining escorts and 1 Heavy Armored Division with escorts are moving towards Khartoum.
June 9, 1930
Addis Ababa
Makonnen Endelkachew, Tafari Makonnen, Seyum Mangasha, and Heruy Welde Sellase all sat quietly in the conference room. Mangasha broke the silence first. "That was rather unexpected, I'll admit. Rome and Hungary had me going there for awhile." The others nodded, then looked to Tafari. "What will be Ethiopia's response, sir?"
Tafari smiled. "Nothing, we are not allied to Rome and Hungary, nor France and Germany. We have already condemned Germany for their actions, I see little reason to openly support Rome in theirs."
At that point, a young man came in, little more than a boy, and offered Sellase a sheet of paper. He dismissed the boy and then read it. "Well, it seems France wants to get her troops out of East Africa and into the fighting." Mangasha and Endelkachew shared a rather preditory grin before looking to Tafari Makonnen.
"Very well, you know what is expected of this deal, Heruy. I leave it in your capable hands."
Sellase got to his feet, offering a short bow. "Of course your majesty, I will deal with the matter immediately."
Tafari shook his head. "No, not immediately. Let the Frech sweat for a few days, let it sink in how much they need these forces back at home before we begin working on a deal."
Moderator of Philosophy and Theology
#120
Over Darwin
21 June 1930
In the days before the invasion, the population of Darwin and the environs had been evacuated as much as possible. All outgoing trains and civilian ships (save those that couldn't get out in time) were carrying civilians, most carrying their most precious possessions and the necessities of life, as they were brought out of the war zone and, hopefully, to the waiting shelters in Katherine and even distant Townsville. Preparations had been made to implement a scorched earth policy on the city if it could not be held; the water works, power plant, rail yards, and all food stocks - anything that would be of value to a Mughal occupation and to let them sustain their forces - were set up to be demolished or destroyed as much as possible in the time frames expected, as were all the dock and port equipment that made the city's valuable port function, to the extent of mines to be planted throughout the harbor upon command. No risk of the Mughals taking the city intact was to be taken, as that was the key to success in the sudden war.
Now the moment of decision had come after three days of panic and preparation. Air raid sirens were blaring in the heavily-abandoned city after the coast watchers had reported aircraft approaching, and 182 fighters began the process of getting into the air as the Mughal fighters came overhead. They were outnumbered but not such that they could not deal their own blows on the enemy aircraft, particularly on the bomb-armed aircraft that were more limited in maneuverability; they would be further aided by the fact they actually outnumbered the enemy's dedicated escort aircraft, with some squadrons dedicated to attacking the enemy attack aircraft and others to keeping the escorts off them. On the airfields every man took shelter in the appointed bunkers save those manning the AA guns, mostly modified Browning M2 .50 caliber machine guns, who would attempt bravely to at least damage enemy aircraft attempting bombing strikes.
As the first wave of enemy aircraft arrived, they were met by defending aircraft. Numbers would eventually tell, but against an air force that had a good idea of when the enemy would be coming in, reinforced by warning from the brave coast watchers (undoubtedly some of which would be forced to pay the ultimate price as the enemy fleet drew nearer), surprise was not possible, and it would take succeeding waves to eventually wear down the defending Pacifican fighters, with the first waves taking the worst hits as they engaged fresh enemies.
Waters off Darwin
The veritable armada would have to close with Darwin to engage with torpedoes or their small 3-5" guns. Unfortunately for them, the main guns of the Darwin forts and the four cruisers still in harbor did not have to close that greatly. The assortment of 10", 14", and 16" guns fired first, with the advantage of pre-ranged firing tables and a stationary position that gave superior accuracy to a ship at sea. The destroyers and frigates came under a heavy fire, with any hit proving immediately fatal to the vessel so struck.
They pressed on, and were engaged as well by the lighter guns of the forts, also eventually the 5" secondary armament of the cruisers (being DP guns, the guns would be capable of engaging any enemy aircraft attempting bombing runs if needed), all of which would take a toll on the brave Mughal escorts being assigned to duty that in other navies would be given to battleships.
When they arrived off the harbor, having endured this barrage, they would discover that the forewarning had given the defenders time to set up a harbor chain, barring easy entry, while the cruisers in harbor had deployed torpedo nets as additional security. Due to the chain hey were forced to engage with guns, and engage they did. Hits against the forts proved useless; the light guns of the destroyers and frigates were insufficient to the task of being more than annoyance. Hits against the cruisers proved less useless, because while the shells were too light to damage armor, they did inflict damage on the superstructure, causing fatalities and injuries and requiring the clearing of debris. HMS Maelstrom proved the most unfortunate, a direct hit to the bridge that killed her captain and bridge crew, but not enough to quiet Maelstrom's own guns. And at this range, they proved even more effective, while the forts ceased engaging with the large naval guns and began to use the lighter, just-as-lethal 8" emplacements, 24 in all between Forts Lawton and Charlotte.
Not all hits landed where they were meant. Stray shots often hit the quays and piers of the harbor as well as nearby warehouses, doing structural damage and starting a couple fires. One smashed right into a loading crane, necessary for the Mughals to capture intact, and set off the demolition charges planted on it by Pacifican forces thus destroying it utterly. A neutral vessel that had not been able to escape in time due to being rigged for unloading and needing refueling took a direct 5" hit amidship from a shell that overshot the intended target
It was to be a long day for the Mughal light vessels....
Sir Horace Roberts Field, outside Darwin
The main aerodrome of the region, named for the general who beat the Klavostanis outside Darwin near the end of the Klavo-Pacifican War, was ready to fight, as much as it could be. Men manned .50 caliber M2 Brownings that, while perfectly capable of damaging the enemy aircraft and even bringing it down with enough hits in the right places, had to contend with being fired by human beings with human reflexes against aircraft zipping overhead at 200 miles per hour or more.
Despite the valiant efforts of the air defenders, the pure mass of bombers meant some would get through. In increasing numbers as fresher waves overwhelmed the tired pilots, also forcing them to return to base for refueling, the bombers struck. Aircraft that had landed to refuel and re-arm were subject to strafing on the ground while bombs fell toward every structure in site. One took out the main munitions depot, another a hanger for one of the resident squadrons.
One Private Andrew Collingwood would gain the distinction, backed by the visual sighting of his comrades, of being the first land-based gunner to shoot down an enemy aircraft as a Mughal fighter-bomber flying low to ensure a bomb hit on the barracks took direct fire to the engine and cockpit from Collingwood's machine gun, fatally wounding the pilot within and bringing the aircraft down. As Collingwood bravely attempted to target another aircraft, the machine guns of a third tore through him and killed him instantly.
In the end the enemy bombing would take its toll, but if the Mughals expected a smashing victory, they found it wasn't quite as decisive or smashing as they'd hoped.
Katherine, Queensland
The Katherine Railyard was a vital link in the logistics chain of the region, where the Central Australia Line from Adelaide met the North Queensland Line out of Townsville and then merged together to go north, to Pine Creek (where it met the line from Perth) and Darwin. Unfortunately, while start of the art when first built to help sustain Pacifica's efforts to unify Australia and eject the Klavostanis, a lack of funds and time had left the yard outdated. An expansion project was under way under the new Liberal government but the yard was still a year away from being upgraded to better standards.
As a result, a bottleneck was forming, as trains out of Townsville and Adelaide had to be carefully portioned as the forces were considered needed. Trains carrying the 5th Royal Australian Artillery Regiment (Anti-Air) were given priority given the enemy's large carrier force, after which infantry divisions were moved before the 2nd Royal Australian Artillery was given the green light. Thousands of troops found themselves baking in the hot desert sun of northern Australia, waiting their turn to travel the line to Pine Creek, where they would be deployed as needed into Darwin or environs.
Sacramento, California
The atmosphere in the capital was hectic since the declaration of war had begun. The Mughal Ambassador and his staff was set to depart via a Vasan freighter, bound for the Vasan-held Deccan and on to the Mughal Empire. Other Mughal citizens were to be taken into custody for internment or deportation (the debate over that was fierce, some calling for deportation as a gesture of humanitarianism and others for internment to prevent Mughal offenses against Pacifican subjects in the Mughal Empire or, in the event that Mughal troops got ashore, outrages against the population in Darwin that couldn't be evacuated).
The Prime Minister was to give a speech to the Parliament soon, as the Government would request Emergency War Powers due to the situation, while preparation was made to dispatch the Territorial Reserves and, potentially, one of the Corps of 2nd Army overseas to Australia. The Grand Fleet had been fully sortied; 2nd Battle Squadron and the rest of the fleet was being sent after the other section, to rendezvous at Townsville in three weeks' time to prepare to engage the Mughal fleet. The news of a US-Mexico meeting between Presidents had eased such; no risk of war in America made the prospect of not having naval ships off California easier to swallow.
His Majesty's Submersible L-8
Lt. Commander Nolan had performed the orders as expected. Dashing forward at night when enemy air patrols were not a risk, he had put himself into position with other subs of the 2nd Submersible Squadron, 6 in all, to prepare for a daring, very dangerous attack. Three subs to the north, three to the south, all positioned to engage the enemy carriers.
The enemy carriers had a good deal of escorts, true. But they were spread out, necessary to adequately cover the space-intensive formation of a nine carrier formation, and sub-detection technology was still not so advanced that they could easily detect a sub passing near, not unless it was very close. At the appointed hour he would be in position and commence his attack, all too aware that he and his crew were being threatened with death in this tin can they called a ship, but also very aware that his country demanded such sacrifice in this terrible hour of treachery. And if L-8 died in the process of taking down an enemy carrier, so much the better.
Nolan, having done exercises such as this before, knew his attack would be one in a group. The three subs on the north would attack first; drawing in escorts to hunt them, it would open up holes for subs in the south to attack as well, and potentially score more kills. There was a possibility all six would be lost... but if just one or two carriers went down - even better if three or four, including a big one - or were at least damaged by a torpedo, it would have an immediate effect upon the conflict, and be a sacrifice well worth it.
Praying to God for victory and continued life, in that order, Nolan went about his work, preparing for the task to come.
Summary
Darwin has been evacuated heavily, and scorched earth policies prepared for implementation should it become clear that the Mughal attack is succeeding. Successful, the attacks will make Darwin completely useless as a port to support landed enemy forces, forcing the Mughals to limit troops sent ashore due to the inability to logistically support them without a port.
The first waves of the Mughal carrier strikes will suffer disproportionately as they hit the prepared Pacifican fighter screens. The attrition of battle and sheer numbers mean that the air fields at Darwin proper will be attacked regardless of how badly the first waves are mauled. Note that there are also subsidiary air fields at Wadeye, along the coast to the southwest about 151 miles away, and Maningnda, to the east-northeast of Darwin at a distance of about 231 miles. I was presuming that the Mughals were focusing the first day's air attack on the main airfield installations around Darwin and will attack the Wadeye and Maningnda fields later in the day or the next.
The 70 frigates and 20 destroyers that move toward Darwin find they cannot torpedo ships within the harbor due to a harbor chain. Attempts to engage with guns cause superstructure damage to cruisers in the harbor, damage due to stray shots to harborside installations and one merchant vessel trapped in Darwin. Escort ship guns ineffective against dedicated naval forts. They will take losses from hits by Forts Lawton and Charlotte and from the four Pacifican cruisers still in port.
Main Darwin airfield takes major hits. Private Collingwood will be posthumously awarded the Cross of King James (Pacifica's Victoria Cross) for conduct above and beyond the call of duty for being the only gunner to down an enemy aircraft (lucky shot).
Troops deployed on day of contact moving into area, but old infrastructure creates a bottleneck at Katherine railyard. Priority given to AA gun regiment, infantry, and artillery regiment, in that order. Further difficulties may happen at Pine Creek where the line from Perth meets the one to Darwin. (Simulating my Infrastructure 2 score.)
Issue of what to do with Mughal subjects in Pacifican territory temporarily divides Cabinet (it'll likely be decided in the next day or two in-game, we will accept offers from neutral powers to arbirtrate exchange of subjects in these circumstances). Rest of Grand Fleet dispatched to area, meaning that in three weeks 12 battleships (6 plain new ones, no upgrades, and 6 superbattleships with AA, anti-ship, and protection upgrades with no penalties), 4 CVLs (with 3 fighter squadrons and 1 fighter-bomber squadron apiece - such is standard CAG for all six Pacifican CVLs), 14 CLs (Escort w/ Anti-Ship upgrade, speed penalty), and 30 destroyers will arrive. It will probably be a week or so after that that 16 top of the line Pacifican subs also arrive.
Sub attack prepared to commence against Mughal carrier group. Three subs will attack from the north, then three from the south after a period. Subs are not coordinating this - the technology for true wolfpacks does not exist in 1930 - but are operating under a plan developed by the Admiralty with a timetable sent to each sub independently.
It's all up to Charon now.
21 June 1930
In the days before the invasion, the population of Darwin and the environs had been evacuated as much as possible. All outgoing trains and civilian ships (save those that couldn't get out in time) were carrying civilians, most carrying their most precious possessions and the necessities of life, as they were brought out of the war zone and, hopefully, to the waiting shelters in Katherine and even distant Townsville. Preparations had been made to implement a scorched earth policy on the city if it could not be held; the water works, power plant, rail yards, and all food stocks - anything that would be of value to a Mughal occupation and to let them sustain their forces - were set up to be demolished or destroyed as much as possible in the time frames expected, as were all the dock and port equipment that made the city's valuable port function, to the extent of mines to be planted throughout the harbor upon command. No risk of the Mughals taking the city intact was to be taken, as that was the key to success in the sudden war.
Now the moment of decision had come after three days of panic and preparation. Air raid sirens were blaring in the heavily-abandoned city after the coast watchers had reported aircraft approaching, and 182 fighters began the process of getting into the air as the Mughal fighters came overhead. They were outnumbered but not such that they could not deal their own blows on the enemy aircraft, particularly on the bomb-armed aircraft that were more limited in maneuverability; they would be further aided by the fact they actually outnumbered the enemy's dedicated escort aircraft, with some squadrons dedicated to attacking the enemy attack aircraft and others to keeping the escorts off them. On the airfields every man took shelter in the appointed bunkers save those manning the AA guns, mostly modified Browning M2 .50 caliber machine guns, who would attempt bravely to at least damage enemy aircraft attempting bombing strikes.
As the first wave of enemy aircraft arrived, they were met by defending aircraft. Numbers would eventually tell, but against an air force that had a good idea of when the enemy would be coming in, reinforced by warning from the brave coast watchers (undoubtedly some of which would be forced to pay the ultimate price as the enemy fleet drew nearer), surprise was not possible, and it would take succeeding waves to eventually wear down the defending Pacifican fighters, with the first waves taking the worst hits as they engaged fresh enemies.
Waters off Darwin
The veritable armada would have to close with Darwin to engage with torpedoes or their small 3-5" guns. Unfortunately for them, the main guns of the Darwin forts and the four cruisers still in harbor did not have to close that greatly. The assortment of 10", 14", and 16" guns fired first, with the advantage of pre-ranged firing tables and a stationary position that gave superior accuracy to a ship at sea. The destroyers and frigates came under a heavy fire, with any hit proving immediately fatal to the vessel so struck.
They pressed on, and were engaged as well by the lighter guns of the forts, also eventually the 5" secondary armament of the cruisers (being DP guns, the guns would be capable of engaging any enemy aircraft attempting bombing runs if needed), all of which would take a toll on the brave Mughal escorts being assigned to duty that in other navies would be given to battleships.
When they arrived off the harbor, having endured this barrage, they would discover that the forewarning had given the defenders time to set up a harbor chain, barring easy entry, while the cruisers in harbor had deployed torpedo nets as additional security. Due to the chain hey were forced to engage with guns, and engage they did. Hits against the forts proved useless; the light guns of the destroyers and frigates were insufficient to the task of being more than annoyance. Hits against the cruisers proved less useless, because while the shells were too light to damage armor, they did inflict damage on the superstructure, causing fatalities and injuries and requiring the clearing of debris. HMS Maelstrom proved the most unfortunate, a direct hit to the bridge that killed her captain and bridge crew, but not enough to quiet Maelstrom's own guns. And at this range, they proved even more effective, while the forts ceased engaging with the large naval guns and began to use the lighter, just-as-lethal 8" emplacements, 24 in all between Forts Lawton and Charlotte.
Not all hits landed where they were meant. Stray shots often hit the quays and piers of the harbor as well as nearby warehouses, doing structural damage and starting a couple fires. One smashed right into a loading crane, necessary for the Mughals to capture intact, and set off the demolition charges planted on it by Pacifican forces thus destroying it utterly. A neutral vessel that had not been able to escape in time due to being rigged for unloading and needing refueling took a direct 5" hit amidship from a shell that overshot the intended target
It was to be a long day for the Mughal light vessels....
Sir Horace Roberts Field, outside Darwin
The main aerodrome of the region, named for the general who beat the Klavostanis outside Darwin near the end of the Klavo-Pacifican War, was ready to fight, as much as it could be. Men manned .50 caliber M2 Brownings that, while perfectly capable of damaging the enemy aircraft and even bringing it down with enough hits in the right places, had to contend with being fired by human beings with human reflexes against aircraft zipping overhead at 200 miles per hour or more.
Despite the valiant efforts of the air defenders, the pure mass of bombers meant some would get through. In increasing numbers as fresher waves overwhelmed the tired pilots, also forcing them to return to base for refueling, the bombers struck. Aircraft that had landed to refuel and re-arm were subject to strafing on the ground while bombs fell toward every structure in site. One took out the main munitions depot, another a hanger for one of the resident squadrons.
One Private Andrew Collingwood would gain the distinction, backed by the visual sighting of his comrades, of being the first land-based gunner to shoot down an enemy aircraft as a Mughal fighter-bomber flying low to ensure a bomb hit on the barracks took direct fire to the engine and cockpit from Collingwood's machine gun, fatally wounding the pilot within and bringing the aircraft down. As Collingwood bravely attempted to target another aircraft, the machine guns of a third tore through him and killed him instantly.
In the end the enemy bombing would take its toll, but if the Mughals expected a smashing victory, they found it wasn't quite as decisive or smashing as they'd hoped.
Katherine, Queensland
The Katherine Railyard was a vital link in the logistics chain of the region, where the Central Australia Line from Adelaide met the North Queensland Line out of Townsville and then merged together to go north, to Pine Creek (where it met the line from Perth) and Darwin. Unfortunately, while start of the art when first built to help sustain Pacifica's efforts to unify Australia and eject the Klavostanis, a lack of funds and time had left the yard outdated. An expansion project was under way under the new Liberal government but the yard was still a year away from being upgraded to better standards.
As a result, a bottleneck was forming, as trains out of Townsville and Adelaide had to be carefully portioned as the forces were considered needed. Trains carrying the 5th Royal Australian Artillery Regiment (Anti-Air) were given priority given the enemy's large carrier force, after which infantry divisions were moved before the 2nd Royal Australian Artillery was given the green light. Thousands of troops found themselves baking in the hot desert sun of northern Australia, waiting their turn to travel the line to Pine Creek, where they would be deployed as needed into Darwin or environs.
Sacramento, California
The atmosphere in the capital was hectic since the declaration of war had begun. The Mughal Ambassador and his staff was set to depart via a Vasan freighter, bound for the Vasan-held Deccan and on to the Mughal Empire. Other Mughal citizens were to be taken into custody for internment or deportation (the debate over that was fierce, some calling for deportation as a gesture of humanitarianism and others for internment to prevent Mughal offenses against Pacifican subjects in the Mughal Empire or, in the event that Mughal troops got ashore, outrages against the population in Darwin that couldn't be evacuated).
The Prime Minister was to give a speech to the Parliament soon, as the Government would request Emergency War Powers due to the situation, while preparation was made to dispatch the Territorial Reserves and, potentially, one of the Corps of 2nd Army overseas to Australia. The Grand Fleet had been fully sortied; 2nd Battle Squadron and the rest of the fleet was being sent after the other section, to rendezvous at Townsville in three weeks' time to prepare to engage the Mughal fleet. The news of a US-Mexico meeting between Presidents had eased such; no risk of war in America made the prospect of not having naval ships off California easier to swallow.
His Majesty's Submersible L-8
Lt. Commander Nolan had performed the orders as expected. Dashing forward at night when enemy air patrols were not a risk, he had put himself into position with other subs of the 2nd Submersible Squadron, 6 in all, to prepare for a daring, very dangerous attack. Three subs to the north, three to the south, all positioned to engage the enemy carriers.
The enemy carriers had a good deal of escorts, true. But they were spread out, necessary to adequately cover the space-intensive formation of a nine carrier formation, and sub-detection technology was still not so advanced that they could easily detect a sub passing near, not unless it was very close. At the appointed hour he would be in position and commence his attack, all too aware that he and his crew were being threatened with death in this tin can they called a ship, but also very aware that his country demanded such sacrifice in this terrible hour of treachery. And if L-8 died in the process of taking down an enemy carrier, so much the better.
Nolan, having done exercises such as this before, knew his attack would be one in a group. The three subs on the north would attack first; drawing in escorts to hunt them, it would open up holes for subs in the south to attack as well, and potentially score more kills. There was a possibility all six would be lost... but if just one or two carriers went down - even better if three or four, including a big one - or were at least damaged by a torpedo, it would have an immediate effect upon the conflict, and be a sacrifice well worth it.
Praying to God for victory and continued life, in that order, Nolan went about his work, preparing for the task to come.
Summary
Darwin has been evacuated heavily, and scorched earth policies prepared for implementation should it become clear that the Mughal attack is succeeding. Successful, the attacks will make Darwin completely useless as a port to support landed enemy forces, forcing the Mughals to limit troops sent ashore due to the inability to logistically support them without a port.
The first waves of the Mughal carrier strikes will suffer disproportionately as they hit the prepared Pacifican fighter screens. The attrition of battle and sheer numbers mean that the air fields at Darwin proper will be attacked regardless of how badly the first waves are mauled. Note that there are also subsidiary air fields at Wadeye, along the coast to the southwest about 151 miles away, and Maningnda, to the east-northeast of Darwin at a distance of about 231 miles. I was presuming that the Mughals were focusing the first day's air attack on the main airfield installations around Darwin and will attack the Wadeye and Maningnda fields later in the day or the next.
The 70 frigates and 20 destroyers that move toward Darwin find they cannot torpedo ships within the harbor due to a harbor chain. Attempts to engage with guns cause superstructure damage to cruisers in the harbor, damage due to stray shots to harborside installations and one merchant vessel trapped in Darwin. Escort ship guns ineffective against dedicated naval forts. They will take losses from hits by Forts Lawton and Charlotte and from the four Pacifican cruisers still in port.
Main Darwin airfield takes major hits. Private Collingwood will be posthumously awarded the Cross of King James (Pacifica's Victoria Cross) for conduct above and beyond the call of duty for being the only gunner to down an enemy aircraft (lucky shot).
Troops deployed on day of contact moving into area, but old infrastructure creates a bottleneck at Katherine railyard. Priority given to AA gun regiment, infantry, and artillery regiment, in that order. Further difficulties may happen at Pine Creek where the line from Perth meets the one to Darwin. (Simulating my Infrastructure 2 score.)
Issue of what to do with Mughal subjects in Pacifican territory temporarily divides Cabinet (it'll likely be decided in the next day or two in-game, we will accept offers from neutral powers to arbirtrate exchange of subjects in these circumstances). Rest of Grand Fleet dispatched to area, meaning that in three weeks 12 battleships (6 plain new ones, no upgrades, and 6 superbattleships with AA, anti-ship, and protection upgrades with no penalties), 4 CVLs (with 3 fighter squadrons and 1 fighter-bomber squadron apiece - such is standard CAG for all six Pacifican CVLs), 14 CLs (Escort w/ Anti-Ship upgrade, speed penalty), and 30 destroyers will arrive. It will probably be a week or so after that that 16 top of the line Pacifican subs also arrive.
Sub attack prepared to commence against Mughal carrier group. Three subs will attack from the north, then three from the south after a period. Subs are not coordinating this - the technology for true wolfpacks does not exist in 1930 - but are operating under a plan developed by the Admiralty with a timetable sent to each sub independently.
It's all up to Charon now.
Chatniks on the (nonexistant) risks of the Large Hadron Collector:
"The chance of Shep talking his way into the control room for an ICBM is probably higher than that." - Seth
"Come on, who wouldn't trade a few dozen square miles of French countryside for Warp 3.5?" - Marina
"The chance of Shep talking his way into the control room for an ICBM is probably higher than that." - Seth
"Come on, who wouldn't trade a few dozen square miles of French countryside for Warp 3.5?" - Marina
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frigidmagi
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#121
Diplomatic Announcement from The Kingdom of Serene Heavenly Peace:
Let it be known that the King of Great Heavenly Peace Hong David II, condemns the outright aggression of the Mughal Empire. It has attacked solely in the name of naked greed and desire. The Kingdom of Pacifica has made no threat or conflict towards the Mughal, there is no reason for this assault beyond that the Mughal believe they can, so they will. The Kingdom of Serene Heavenly Peace will not support this even at once removed. From today, we will not engage in any trade with the Mughal, no fuel, bullets, medicine or even food will be given to aide in their attempts in conquest.
To this point, we call on all nations who consider themselves civilize to condemn the Mughal Empire and to cut off trade in items that will only fuel their war machine.
Signed
King Hong David II
Rightful Lord of China.
Let it be known that the King of Great Heavenly Peace Hong David II, condemns the outright aggression of the Mughal Empire. It has attacked solely in the name of naked greed and desire. The Kingdom of Pacifica has made no threat or conflict towards the Mughal, there is no reason for this assault beyond that the Mughal believe they can, so they will. The Kingdom of Serene Heavenly Peace will not support this even at once removed. From today, we will not engage in any trade with the Mughal, no fuel, bullets, medicine or even food will be given to aide in their attempts in conquest.
To this point, we call on all nations who consider themselves civilize to condemn the Mughal Empire and to cut off trade in items that will only fuel their war machine.
Signed
King Hong David II
Rightful Lord of China.
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
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#122
June 21, 1930
Darwin, Australia
"Damned harbour chain and torpedo nets," Sohrab mutters as he hears the reports from his spotters begin to filter in. The primary reason he had gone along with his nephew's love of planes was that he had seen the value they could have as scouts, and the squadron depleted by prior engagement had been tasked as his eyes in the sky, feeding him data on both his own formation and the enemy formation.
Looking to his communications officers, he declares, "Orders are to scrap the cobra gambit. Initiate sandstorm instead."
As the heavy shells rained down on the escorts' positions, taking some to the bottom, the orders came in to change their targetting. Their forward guns were retrained, their rear guns reloaded, and they contined further into the storm until they had their new targets at extreme range. They waited for a scant moment until the commodore in charge of the formation heard that they had range and he declared, "All fire."
As one the little ships fired, hurling their munitions skyward to travel in an extreme parabolic arc, fuses within the steel shells burning away to the mathematically appointed time. Some burned out too early or late to work correctly, but the Mughals were very, very good at math, the Indian and Muslim love of the subject combining centuries ago into something that when exposed to the blossoming Englightenment in Europe caught fire with their love of big guns.
Hundreds of Agni incindinary shells peppered the forts and harbour, bursting above to rain burning oil and white phosphorous down upon the area in a ragged line. While the small shells and the fires they ignited could not hope to do real damage to the fortifications, the spray of burning shrapnel down upon the positions and the choking clouds of toxic smoke that quickly developed inflicted horrific damage upon anyone caught outside or close enough to an open door.
After firing their forward salvos, the ships then turned away as quickly as their relatively nimble but still massive frames could take them, exposing their broadsides and their rear guns, which fired their own salvos of Agni shells. Whereas before any that detonated about the port and cruisers were mistakes in gunnery at the extreme ranges , this time the port and cruisers were the primary target, the intent to turn the entire harbour, or even Darwin itself, into a burning, choking, blinding ruin, forcing the cruisers out beyond the safety of their torpedo nets and into the open water.
Reloaded once more as the formation began to move out into deeper waters while still running with their broadsides mostly exposed, away from the guns of the fortresses for the moment, a third volley of incindiaries was sent out, half to the forts and half to the harbour, the intent being to try and start even more fires that had their own fuel to sustain them. When the rear guns reloaded though, they were given standard shells and orders to concentrate fire. The HMS Maelstrom took the brunt of it, hundreds of shells from the guns of sixty ships raining down about her and on her decks, turning unarmoured machinery to scrap, exposed sailors to tripe and mist, and a fluke penetrating the bridge and killing the crew. The remaining rounds of the volley fell on her closest sister, leaving the rest alone. Every frigate or destroyer sunk hurt the Mughals, but every cruiser sunk hurt the Pacificans so much more deeply. Even as they ran though, zig-zagging across the ocean, they were clearly reading for another pass when they felt the enemy either needed further encouragement to leave the harbour, or when they actually did so.
While all of this was taking place, the escorts back from the primary fighting dropped their pretenses of stealth and began to actively comb the ocean depths, the sounds of their pinging ringing out, actively hunting for the return echoes that indicated that they had bounced off not sea floor but a steel hull.
Note: I'm not pulling all of this out of my ass, much of this was in the plans give to Charon but have been modified due to circumstances. The existence and use of white phosphorous 'Agni' incendiary shells was established back in February of the game. Intent here is clearly not to cause gross damage but to kill exposed spotters and produce a smoke screen that makes further targetting difficult, reducing the efficacy of the enemy guns while behind the safety of their torpedo net. The true effect of this is of course up to Charon.
Darwin, Australia
"Damned harbour chain and torpedo nets," Sohrab mutters as he hears the reports from his spotters begin to filter in. The primary reason he had gone along with his nephew's love of planes was that he had seen the value they could have as scouts, and the squadron depleted by prior engagement had been tasked as his eyes in the sky, feeding him data on both his own formation and the enemy formation.
Looking to his communications officers, he declares, "Orders are to scrap the cobra gambit. Initiate sandstorm instead."
As the heavy shells rained down on the escorts' positions, taking some to the bottom, the orders came in to change their targetting. Their forward guns were retrained, their rear guns reloaded, and they contined further into the storm until they had their new targets at extreme range. They waited for a scant moment until the commodore in charge of the formation heard that they had range and he declared, "All fire."
As one the little ships fired, hurling their munitions skyward to travel in an extreme parabolic arc, fuses within the steel shells burning away to the mathematically appointed time. Some burned out too early or late to work correctly, but the Mughals were very, very good at math, the Indian and Muslim love of the subject combining centuries ago into something that when exposed to the blossoming Englightenment in Europe caught fire with their love of big guns.
Hundreds of Agni incindinary shells peppered the forts and harbour, bursting above to rain burning oil and white phosphorous down upon the area in a ragged line. While the small shells and the fires they ignited could not hope to do real damage to the fortifications, the spray of burning shrapnel down upon the positions and the choking clouds of toxic smoke that quickly developed inflicted horrific damage upon anyone caught outside or close enough to an open door.
After firing their forward salvos, the ships then turned away as quickly as their relatively nimble but still massive frames could take them, exposing their broadsides and their rear guns, which fired their own salvos of Agni shells. Whereas before any that detonated about the port and cruisers were mistakes in gunnery at the extreme ranges , this time the port and cruisers were the primary target, the intent to turn the entire harbour, or even Darwin itself, into a burning, choking, blinding ruin, forcing the cruisers out beyond the safety of their torpedo nets and into the open water.
Reloaded once more as the formation began to move out into deeper waters while still running with their broadsides mostly exposed, away from the guns of the fortresses for the moment, a third volley of incindiaries was sent out, half to the forts and half to the harbour, the intent being to try and start even more fires that had their own fuel to sustain them. When the rear guns reloaded though, they were given standard shells and orders to concentrate fire. The HMS Maelstrom took the brunt of it, hundreds of shells from the guns of sixty ships raining down about her and on her decks, turning unarmoured machinery to scrap, exposed sailors to tripe and mist, and a fluke penetrating the bridge and killing the crew. The remaining rounds of the volley fell on her closest sister, leaving the rest alone. Every frigate or destroyer sunk hurt the Mughals, but every cruiser sunk hurt the Pacificans so much more deeply. Even as they ran though, zig-zagging across the ocean, they were clearly reading for another pass when they felt the enemy either needed further encouragement to leave the harbour, or when they actually did so.
While all of this was taking place, the escorts back from the primary fighting dropped their pretenses of stealth and began to actively comb the ocean depths, the sounds of their pinging ringing out, actively hunting for the return echoes that indicated that they had bounced off not sea floor but a steel hull.
Note: I'm not pulling all of this out of my ass, much of this was in the plans give to Charon but have been modified due to circumstances. The existence and use of white phosphorous 'Agni' incendiary shells was established back in February of the game. Intent here is clearly not to cause gross damage but to kill exposed spotters and produce a smoke screen that makes further targetting difficult, reducing the efficacy of the enemy guns while behind the safety of their torpedo net. The true effect of this is of course up to Charon.
#123
June 12th 1930
African Confederation, Nigeria
"Why did we not get warning about this situation before hand?" Ernesto asked the men and women gathered around his office.
"We knew about the situation in Europe sir. The demands that Germany asked of Rome were well documented and patently ridiculous. What we did not expect was for Rome to move so quickly and decisively. The fact that Hungary joined its cause is not a complete surprise, we indicated that it was a possibility in the latest report that my office provided you sir. Still, we admit that in our estimation the likelihood of a collaboration between Rome and Hungary was low. If we were surprised, I can't imagine how the French and Germans must be feeling." the female voice responded.
Ernesto went silent for a moment as if considering the words offered to him. "I recall something along those lines. How are our intelligence assets in Europe?"
"They are not nearly as good as our assets in Africa. Still, they are good enough to keep us generally appraised on what is going on within reason. We will never be as well informed in Europe as we are in our own backyard." the woman stated.
"Speaking of our own backyard, how are the Ethiopians doing in Sudan?" Ernesto inquired.
"They are making progress. They have a significant amount of force in the area. The expectation is that assuming that they can find their targets, they should be securing the Sudan within two months. If their targets prove difficult to locate, it could be longer."
"I hope that it turns out to be two months. With everyone in Europe mobilizing, I am getting somewhat nervous. I don't perceive we will need to mobilize, it would send the wrong signals to our neighbors at this time. However, I do believe that we have to position ourselves to prepare for any...eventuality." Ernesto stated.
"Ocelot sir?" Kabisa inquired.
"Yes. It is only prudent. Mobilization may be out of order, but there is no reason to be naive. Ocelot grants us particular advantages that are compelling in our current circumstances. I want Ocelot to be put into place as soon as possible." Ernesto stated.
June 13th, 1930
African Confederation, Tanzania
The African Confederation's naval assets of the coast of Tanzania were a source of immense pride and strength. Its surface assets were all but impossible to miss, led by the powerful battleships of the Black Sword class. The submarine force of the Confederation was a far less glamorous and appreciated aspects of the Navy. It was nonetheless, a vital component for the long term strategic viability of the Navy. In normal times, one third of the submarine force was on long range patrol, one third was arrayed in a defensive formation near Confederate waters and one third were at dock. These were not normal times.
Under the auspice of Ocelot, a re-organization of the submarine force took place under the cover of night. When the sun went down on June 13th, all the submarines that had been in dock throughout the coast of Tanzania slid beneath the waves. They moved quietly, akin to steel sharks as they slipped beneath the waters of the Indian Ocean. When the sun rose during the 14th of June, the submarine docks of the Confederation were barren.
African Confederation, Nigeria
"Why did we not get warning about this situation before hand?" Ernesto asked the men and women gathered around his office.
"We knew about the situation in Europe sir. The demands that Germany asked of Rome were well documented and patently ridiculous. What we did not expect was for Rome to move so quickly and decisively. The fact that Hungary joined its cause is not a complete surprise, we indicated that it was a possibility in the latest report that my office provided you sir. Still, we admit that in our estimation the likelihood of a collaboration between Rome and Hungary was low. If we were surprised, I can't imagine how the French and Germans must be feeling." the female voice responded.
Ernesto went silent for a moment as if considering the words offered to him. "I recall something along those lines. How are our intelligence assets in Europe?"
"They are not nearly as good as our assets in Africa. Still, they are good enough to keep us generally appraised on what is going on within reason. We will never be as well informed in Europe as we are in our own backyard." the woman stated.
"Speaking of our own backyard, how are the Ethiopians doing in Sudan?" Ernesto inquired.
"They are making progress. They have a significant amount of force in the area. The expectation is that assuming that they can find their targets, they should be securing the Sudan within two months. If their targets prove difficult to locate, it could be longer."
"I hope that it turns out to be two months. With everyone in Europe mobilizing, I am getting somewhat nervous. I don't perceive we will need to mobilize, it would send the wrong signals to our neighbors at this time. However, I do believe that we have to position ourselves to prepare for any...eventuality." Ernesto stated.
"Ocelot sir?" Kabisa inquired.
"Yes. It is only prudent. Mobilization may be out of order, but there is no reason to be naive. Ocelot grants us particular advantages that are compelling in our current circumstances. I want Ocelot to be put into place as soon as possible." Ernesto stated.
June 13th, 1930
African Confederation, Tanzania
The African Confederation's naval assets of the coast of Tanzania were a source of immense pride and strength. Its surface assets were all but impossible to miss, led by the powerful battleships of the Black Sword class. The submarine force of the Confederation was a far less glamorous and appreciated aspects of the Navy. It was nonetheless, a vital component for the long term strategic viability of the Navy. In normal times, one third of the submarine force was on long range patrol, one third was arrayed in a defensive formation near Confederate waters and one third were at dock. These were not normal times.
Under the auspice of Ocelot, a re-organization of the submarine force took place under the cover of night. When the sun went down on June 13th, all the submarines that had been in dock throughout the coast of Tanzania slid beneath the waves. They moved quietly, akin to steel sharks as they slipped beneath the waters of the Indian Ocean. When the sun rose during the 14th of June, the submarine docks of the Confederation were barren.
The Peddler of Half Truths.
"Not OP, therefore weakest." - Cynical Cat (May 2016)
"A dog doesn’t need to show his teeth as long as his growl’s deep enough, his food bowl is full and he knows where all the bones are buried." - Frank Underwood
"Not OP, therefore weakest." - Cynical Cat (May 2016)
"A dog doesn’t need to show his teeth as long as his growl’s deep enough, his food bowl is full and he knows where all the bones are buried." - Frank Underwood
-
frigidmagi
- Dragon Death-Marine General
- Posts: 14757
- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2005 11:03 am
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- Location: Alone and unafraid
#124
Euro War Post
Austria
The Germans attempted to make a fight of it, but it was 7 divisions against 26 divisions. The German generals decided to concentrate on the 1st army in an attempt to attempt a victory in detail. It didn't work. Austria fell in a matter of days. Hungarian causalities were light due to the sheer overwhelming superiority in guns and men. All the Germans ended up in POW camps, hospitals or graves.
Hungarian Causalities: 1st Army 1000 men DIA motorized divisions, 1500 WIA motorized divisions. 200 DIA Elite Infantry, 600 WIA Elite Infantry.
Germany Causalities: 7700 DIA, 15000 WIA, the remaining POW.
Air Raid
There barely any warning in Switzerland, but thanks to radio Saxony was forewarned. The fighters in Switzerland managed to get off the ground but were insanely outnumbered and were shot down. Saxony
airraid went well but were under AAA fire along the route.
Hungarian causalities: 184 fighters (Switzerland), German causalities: Swiss Air fleet Hungarians 83 fighters (Saxony)
Switzerland
The Germans were elite troops, but caught off guard. It was pure luck and training that no one was drunk. As it stood they managed to slow down the Romans by a pair of days. It was enough for the German engineers to destroy the important railways as the rest of the army withdrew into Germany. The Roman advance through Switzerland would be slow. And the majority of the Swiss army was able to withdraw into Southern Germany.
Casualties: German 4300 elite infantry DIA 3,000 WIA the rest POW, Roman 6,600 DIA, 3000 WIA*
*Lower wounded due to the mountains eating any they can.
Southern France:
It was an utter disaster. Still Marshal Petain while 73 years old was a competent and utterly decisive man. He pulled out his men in a fighting retreat, sacrificing his tanks and heavy guns to buy space for his men to
pull north and away from the irresistible advance. A wily old fox he took his men into the Central Massif where it would be a nightmare for the Romans to follow. He lost his motorized divisions in the bargain but managed to save his guns and counted himself lucky. He could bog down the Romans for a week or two perhaps or flank them if they decided to bypass. It wasn't much but it was more then what many others could have done. Battle group Ceasar had carried the load for Rome and did it well despite a cost in machine and man. The utter destruction of all French mobile forces was a good blow.
Causalities: France: All tanks, seige guns, AAA guns, 4100 DIA motorized divisions the rest wounded and POW. 2000 DIA infantry. Roman: 43 heavy tanks, 67 light tanks, 1,100 DIA motorized divisions, 2,000 WIA 2,400 DIA infantry, 3000 WIA infantry.
North Africa:
The Romans were landing a large powerful force but the French were dug in and amphibious landings are hard. The French contested the landing bitterly with their men, but in the end the numbers of the Legions and the training of the Marine Regiments won the day. The French grudgingly withdrew.
Causalities: France: 2000 DIA infantry, 4300 WIA infantry. 1000 DIA elite infantry 1500 WIA elite infantry, 40 light tanks
Roman: 3,200 DIA Marines, 1,000 WIA Marines* 4,000 DIA elite infantry 1200 WIA elite infantry* 2000 DIA infantry 500 WIA infantry
*Most of the deaths occur from drowning, as well as the reason why the low level of wounded. If you get shot and go under... Well odds are high you're not coming up.
Austria
The Germans attempted to make a fight of it, but it was 7 divisions against 26 divisions. The German generals decided to concentrate on the 1st army in an attempt to attempt a victory in detail. It didn't work. Austria fell in a matter of days. Hungarian causalities were light due to the sheer overwhelming superiority in guns and men. All the Germans ended up in POW camps, hospitals or graves.
Hungarian Causalities: 1st Army 1000 men DIA motorized divisions, 1500 WIA motorized divisions. 200 DIA Elite Infantry, 600 WIA Elite Infantry.
Germany Causalities: 7700 DIA, 15000 WIA, the remaining POW.
Air Raid
There barely any warning in Switzerland, but thanks to radio Saxony was forewarned. The fighters in Switzerland managed to get off the ground but were insanely outnumbered and were shot down. Saxony
airraid went well but were under AAA fire along the route.
Hungarian causalities: 184 fighters (Switzerland), German causalities: Swiss Air fleet Hungarians 83 fighters (Saxony)
Switzerland
The Germans were elite troops, but caught off guard. It was pure luck and training that no one was drunk. As it stood they managed to slow down the Romans by a pair of days. It was enough for the German engineers to destroy the important railways as the rest of the army withdrew into Germany. The Roman advance through Switzerland would be slow. And the majority of the Swiss army was able to withdraw into Southern Germany.
Casualties: German 4300 elite infantry DIA 3,000 WIA the rest POW, Roman 6,600 DIA, 3000 WIA*
*Lower wounded due to the mountains eating any they can.
Southern France:
It was an utter disaster. Still Marshal Petain while 73 years old was a competent and utterly decisive man. He pulled out his men in a fighting retreat, sacrificing his tanks and heavy guns to buy space for his men to
pull north and away from the irresistible advance. A wily old fox he took his men into the Central Massif where it would be a nightmare for the Romans to follow. He lost his motorized divisions in the bargain but managed to save his guns and counted himself lucky. He could bog down the Romans for a week or two perhaps or flank them if they decided to bypass. It wasn't much but it was more then what many others could have done. Battle group Ceasar had carried the load for Rome and did it well despite a cost in machine and man. The utter destruction of all French mobile forces was a good blow.
Causalities: France: All tanks, seige guns, AAA guns, 4100 DIA motorized divisions the rest wounded and POW. 2000 DIA infantry. Roman: 43 heavy tanks, 67 light tanks, 1,100 DIA motorized divisions, 2,000 WIA 2,400 DIA infantry, 3000 WIA infantry.
North Africa:
The Romans were landing a large powerful force but the French were dug in and amphibious landings are hard. The French contested the landing bitterly with their men, but in the end the numbers of the Legions and the training of the Marine Regiments won the day. The French grudgingly withdrew.
Causalities: France: 2000 DIA infantry, 4300 WIA infantry. 1000 DIA elite infantry 1500 WIA elite infantry, 40 light tanks
Roman: 3,200 DIA Marines, 1,000 WIA Marines* 4,000 DIA elite infantry 1200 WIA elite infantry* 2000 DIA infantry 500 WIA infantry
*Most of the deaths occur from drowning, as well as the reason why the low level of wounded. If you get shot and go under... Well odds are high you're not coming up.
"it takes two sides to end a war but only one to start one. And those who do not have swords may still die upon them." Tolken
#125
June 21, 1930
Darwin Australia
It was only the opening salvo of the battle that was to happen, but already hundreds had died.
The Mughal's Air Raid had not been entirely prepared for, but nor had it been a surprise. The effects of the first wave were encouraging. The Pacificans had many more planes than they did, but it would take them precious minutes to get into the air, so the numbers difference did not come into effect yet. By the time the second wave of fighter-bombers and escort arrived, the Pacificans were getting into the air, by the third wave, air superiority was very clearly in the hands of the Pacificans.
Results of Air Raid
90 Mughal Fighter-Bombers lost
48 Escort Fighters lost
78 Pacifican Fighters lost
60 Pacifican Fighters destroyed on the ground
Severe, but not crippling, damage done to Sir Horace Roberts Field. Several munitions and fuel depots damaged.
The Waters off of Darwin
The results of fighting here was bloodier. The heavier guns of the Pacifican navy and coastal guns were chewing Destroyers and Frigates apart, but at the same time the massed fire of nearly 100 ships was devastating as well. As the Mughals began to fire Incendiary rounds into the enemy position, things got worse as the heat of the flames and the smoke spread, forcing Pacifican army men to exit the safety of bunkers to fight the fires, where many died fighting the flames. One lucky shot had also managed to smash into one of the heavier coastal guns, destroying it and killing the crew. The submarine assault meanwhile had faced difficulties when two of their submersibles had been discovered too early. Meaning they could only manage to severly damage one of the Mughal carriers.
Results of Sea War
4 Mughal Frigates lost, 10 damaged
2 Mughal Destroyers lost, 5 damaged
1 Mughal Heavy Carrier damaged
1 Pacifican Cruiser severely damaged, 1 damaged
4 Pacifican Subs destroyed
1 12" Coastal gun Destroyed
Fires are ravaging Darwin and setting off secondary explosions as the fires find ammo and fuel depots.
Darwin Australia
It was only the opening salvo of the battle that was to happen, but already hundreds had died.
The Mughal's Air Raid had not been entirely prepared for, but nor had it been a surprise. The effects of the first wave were encouraging. The Pacificans had many more planes than they did, but it would take them precious minutes to get into the air, so the numbers difference did not come into effect yet. By the time the second wave of fighter-bombers and escort arrived, the Pacificans were getting into the air, by the third wave, air superiority was very clearly in the hands of the Pacificans.
Results of Air Raid
90 Mughal Fighter-Bombers lost
48 Escort Fighters lost
78 Pacifican Fighters lost
60 Pacifican Fighters destroyed on the ground
Severe, but not crippling, damage done to Sir Horace Roberts Field. Several munitions and fuel depots damaged.
The Waters off of Darwin
The results of fighting here was bloodier. The heavier guns of the Pacifican navy and coastal guns were chewing Destroyers and Frigates apart, but at the same time the massed fire of nearly 100 ships was devastating as well. As the Mughals began to fire Incendiary rounds into the enemy position, things got worse as the heat of the flames and the smoke spread, forcing Pacifican army men to exit the safety of bunkers to fight the fires, where many died fighting the flames. One lucky shot had also managed to smash into one of the heavier coastal guns, destroying it and killing the crew. The submarine assault meanwhile had faced difficulties when two of their submersibles had been discovered too early. Meaning they could only manage to severly damage one of the Mughal carriers.
Results of Sea War
4 Mughal Frigates lost, 10 damaged
2 Mughal Destroyers lost, 5 damaged
1 Mughal Heavy Carrier damaged
1 Pacifican Cruiser severely damaged, 1 damaged
4 Pacifican Subs destroyed
1 12" Coastal gun Destroyed
Fires are ravaging Darwin and setting off secondary explosions as the fires find ammo and fuel depots.
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