-
"I come before you as the hawk-headed lord who appeareth on the throne of Ra. Supreme and terrible, she who maketh the Gods to tremble, upon this dawn of war. With fire and blood, sword and spear, you shall be merciless; pity is of no value to those unworthy of it! Just as the savages have done you shall strike them without quarter, swift as a serpent you shall turn and strike, dragging down their souls to a torment most awful. Spit upon them, lash them upon a wheel of suffering eternal!"
"Although I depart for the capital I promise you, my force is with you always; the enemy shall know the presence of Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re no matter where they attempt to hide. Our lands are under siege by a traitor, one who kills our People and sells off our heritage as if it is a commodity to be bought and sold; together, with your strength, we shall put this threat to an end and see that Nekhtou the Disgraced is dispatched to the fiery pits of the Duat."
Quite soon this post will include more information about the composition of rebel forces, the CDL, and we can press forward with the execution of the conflict before us. :)
-
OOC: Quick guide to important characters and stuff before I begin.
Suplex: Platoon of Black Sash Corps regulars.
Lancer Juri Ashikaga: Platoon lead. Street smart veteran.
Shielder Tanao Utsoshima: Squad lead. Unenthusiastic to fight but well-regarded as a leader.
Spearman Miki Awano: Support gunner. Aggressive personality, regarded as obnoxious by some.
Spearman Cain Haseda: Squad marksman. Himeyan expat from UC, enlisted to have uni paid for.
Alchemist: Special forces unit.
Shielder Hiroyuki "Nish" Nishikiyama: Team leader. Highly seasoned veteran.
Spearman Junpei "Backblast" Omori: Demolitions expert. Struggles with mental health.
Spearman Rengo Kawakami: Newly trained special operative. Navy veteran.
Spearman Makoto Terada: Acclaimed sniper.
Zilla: Armored company.
Rain: Sniper platoon.
Bucket: Fighter bomber squadron, primary NQF air wing in Clysperis.
10:04
Downtown Kispos, Clysperis
Hot.
By the Speaker was it ever. They had about 2 hours to adjust to their new life in Bespi before General Saejima sent them off to establish a post in Kispos. "Aye, Lancer. Ain't this where we're supposed to unpack?" Miki prodded impatiently, shifting in her seat after a long and uncomfortable ride in the MRAP. "Not before we go greet our hosts, Spearman. It's been awhile since I've gotten an earful from command, and I don't wanna start now." Miki retorted by grumbling to herself. She peered over at the tiny window on the side of the vehicle, outside was a long wall of adobe houses and small commercial buildings; their metal shutters worn and discolored.
Another long bout of bored silence was broken by the driver knocking against the metal wall. "Roadblock. Royal Clysperi Army." He called back, uncertainty is his voice. Reaching for the door control, Lc. Ashikaga replied: "Lemme handle it. We're almost there." Throwing her peaked cap on, she shuffled out the back with a hand on her holster. Slowly and confidently she approached the RCA officer, saluting as he came into view. The Lancer opened up with her name and then a long string of heavily accented Clysperi.
The officer tilted his head to the side, then pursed his lips and nodded. They saluted one another and Ashikaga returned to the MRAP, climbing back inside while the Clysperi soldiers waved them through. "This is Suplex. We've reached downtown Kispos. Expect our post to be set up in thirty."
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(https://i.postimg.cc/C5R5Lpfv/CDL.png)
The Common Defense League (CDL) hereby announces to Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, Ruler of Justice like Ra, High Priest of Every Temple, the Eye of Horus, Satisfied is the heart of Ra, the international community and rebel forces fighting the just rule of the Pharaoh that the Common Defense League has effected the liberation of several tracts of land from rebel control.
Above these lands flies the flag of the Common Defense League, above that flag flies the Flag of Clysperis. Ours flies as a promise, to our People and our nation, that the League will defend these lands and hold them from the infidels. It also flies as a warning, to the infidel forces of Nekhtou that these lands are under the protection of the League. Any attempts by rebel forces to attack these lands or our People will be met with most certain deadly force. The Flag of Clysperis flies as, despite the League holding effective control of these lands, we recognize the ultimate sovereignty of Pharaoh Akasha over these lands. Once our common enemy is defeated the Flag of the League may be lowered, but may the Flag of Clysperis never again be allowed to be lowered over them again.
(https://i.postimg.cc/7hJGSVTn/Clysperis-Confederation.png)
To our Tamoran brothers, the League has established two large areas from which we can assure safe passage of Tamoran soldiers and assets. Nowhere else in Mundus are we Manists so warmly embraced, save for Tamora itself. While this may have began as a Clysperi war, in many ways it is one which was brought to us as Manists as well. I've seen for myself what the rebels do when they enter our houses of worship, be they Manist, Muslim or those of the Congregation. If we do not stop the infidel Nekhtou here, I have little doubt he will train his eyes toward the Empire should he secure victory.
I look forward to our forces fighting together against these animals.
As for Horus appearing upon the flag of the League? That is a symbol of Clysperis which Nekhtou has seen fit to steal, although he himself understands nothing of what it stands for. We'll kindly remind him on the battlefield alongside Clysperi of all faiths.
On behalf of the People's armed forces;
God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora! God save Clysperis!
Sadeq Hedayati
Marshal, Common Defense League
-
“Ladies and gentlemen, we will be arriving in Polua in 30 minutes.” the Captain announced as the Plymouth Air flight PA024 to Safraen began its descent. Onboard the plane was Klaus Hengyang, head strategist of the New Derusmian Unified Forces, under the alias of Simon Wenly. It was early evening, and outside the windows, the horizon was coloured in all warm shades of yellow, orange, and purple. Below, he could spot numerous villages and cities. It had been 12 hours since Klaus had been given the orders from the High Commandant of the military for him and 10 more of his men to travel to the East Safraen border from Rokkenjima under the guise of tourists, where they would sneak into Confederacy controlled Clypseris under the cover of the darkness of the midnight.
Suddenly, a breaking news report flashed onto the screen on the seats in front of them: “COMMON DEFENCE LEAGUE LIBERATES CONFEDERACY TERRITORIES”, much to the team’s horror.
“Schiße.” Crap. Klaus whispered under his breath.
“Sie brauchen wirklich unsere hilfe,” They really need our help. whispered another strategist. “Ich hoffe wir schaffen es pünktlich.” I hope we make it on time.
“Kann das flufzeug noch schneller fliegen?” Can this plane fly any faster? joked one of the others.
Eventually, the plane landed in Polua, where Klaus and his men passed swiftly through security and hired two basic cars that would take them to the Eastern Border. Klaus’ team of 5 boarded the first car, while another team of 5 boarded the second. The teams rode late into the night without a word and extremely tired. They travelled through the national highways and stranded country roads, when suddenly, Klaus switches off the headlights. The car behind did the same. They travelled in darkness for what seemed like an eternity until the cars suddenly stopped half a kilometre away from what appeared to be a high chain-link barb-wired fence. Silently, both teams left their cars on the side of the road and silently began walking through the humid air under the cover of tall grass and darkness. After walking for half an hour, the team came across a small gap in the fence completely unguarded. All stopped, and waited for their orders.
Klaus whispered to the others “Auf mein signal!” On my signal!
He quickly took note of the surroundings, and began counting down from 3.
“Drei...
zwei...
EINS!”
As speedily as possible, the 10 launched from their hiding places and began the sprint through the darkness and into Clypseris, none daring to look back. Suddenly, Klaus heard shouting from behind them, followed by gunfire.
Panicked, Klaus took cover behind more tall grass and rocks, and the rest of the team followed pursuit. Eventually the gunfire and shouting died out, and all that was left was silence.
“Geht es allen gut?” Is everyone ok? Klaus silently spoke.
All nodded in response.
“Sie werden mit unterstützung zurückkehren. Wir müssen umziehen.” They’ll return with back-up. We need to move.
-
0730 - Gulf of Safraen: The ISV Colosseum (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Enterprise_(CVN-80)) and its task force arrived at the small circle that had been marked as the location of where the joint forces would begin the Stop and Search protocol. On board the Colosseum, Trierarch Estavros ordered the launch of a group of E-12s (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_Grumman_E-2_Hawkeye) to patrol the skies of the circle as he got into contact with Achkaerinese and Clysperi Navies to coordinate.
0430 - Somewhere near Apne, Clysperis The SS-25 (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_HH-60_Pave_Hawk) Helicopter landed in the middle of nowhere, 3 people in clothing resembling Confederacy fighters stepping out of it. They ran away into the night towards Apne, each spliting up.
"Remember the plan." Lilian (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=1641.msg14510#msg14510) told the other two Praetorian Guard members. "And stay safe, if you can't get any intel or infiltrate safely then get out of there, and don't get yourself shot again, Asp."
Nikolaus (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=1641.msg14698#msg14698) and Elianor (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=1641.msg14692#msg14692) both chuckled over the radio then they went radio silent.
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23:00 Marble Palace, Valtheim
Emperor Peter Azurewind (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg157#msg157) walked back into the Marble Palace after attending the session of the Senate that had supported military involvement in Clysperis (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=50.msg14760#msg14760) to find the Marble Palace in the midst of what was known as Orange Flag protocol - this being a protocol that put military assets into play and position but with clear orders not to strike until things were agreed by the Achkaerinese legislature, so tanker planes were in the air the fighters and transports were ready to go, the navy was on the way to Clysperis and lookout point, all that had been needed was the Senate's assent and now they had it. Peter hung his black winter coat onto the coat hook and turned towards where his chief of staff Kumiko Arkwright (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg206#msg206) stood waiting for him.
"There are days you remind me of university debating." Kumiko said
"Where are we?" Peter asked
"Lines of communication established, we're networked in fully." Kumiko said "Nettie's setting up the foreign affairs war room in the secondary dining room."
"Good." Peter said, the pair walked to the Round Table Room where they had communication's open with all elements of Achkaerin's military and intelligence communities. The various monitors on the walls displayed maps of Clysperis and the Gulf of Safraen area. Also in the room was Peter's defence advisor Celine Tyler (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg602#msg602)
"I'm willing to bet that the Confederation are not going to be best pleased." Celine said "We can't give them time."
"Then let's not." Peter said "Tell General Icerider to begin operations. I'd love to have landed the first punch before daybreak."
03:30 Above the Gulf of Safraen approaching Clysperi Airspace
The moonless night was the ideal backdrop for the two Night Fury's (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=1660.msg14722#msg14722) as they approached Clysperi airspace, the Achkaerinese strategic bombers flew side by side one piloted by Squadron Commander Zane Robertson (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg14759#msg14759), the other by Lieutenant Emily Aalberg (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg14758#msg14758) callsigns Rebel and Rogue respectively, they had one job to do - satellite imaging of territory controlled by the Confederation had enabled them to identify airfields presently under Confederation control, these were either being used as combat airfields or the means of getting their aid and weapons into the country so a logical first step was to hit them and buy if nothing else a little time.
"We just crossed into Clysperi airspace." Zane said "Right on schedule."
"Descending to 60,000 feet." Emily said
"Copy that." Zane said, he followed Emily down and levelled off "You've got the airfield at Heshiken I've got the one at Clysuna."
"Have that." Emily said, the jets continued to progress inland "Point alpha going weapons hot."
"Confirmed going weapons hot." Zane said
The two Night Fury's separated moments later each locking into their attack runs Emily steered in low and went supersonic speeding over the city, she waited until she had the target lock and then let loose the Volley Bombs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matra_Durandal) that were waiting in the bays, GPS guided they'd hit the runways on the airfield and render them unusable at least for a while. With the bombs away Emily pulled her aircraft up and banked away.
"Rogue calling Rebel, mission accomplished." Emily said
"Same here." Zane said "That's our one and only free hit though."
"Made it count though." Emily said "See you back at base."
07:00 Sepsi
The city of Sepsi was perhaps a strange choice for the Achkaerinese forces to set up a base of operations at, but it was this city that was to all intents and purposes the gateway to Khemmen so with worst case scenario thinking in mind the decision had been made, an old soviet airfield close to the city provided an ideal position for the Achkaerinese to base themselves at Lieutenant General Rhyth Icerider (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg3660#msg3660) was walking around in the sunlight, she needed to stretch her legs a little after being cooped up on a plane for the flight over, she was reading over what information they'd been able to dig up on Nekhtou, it wasn't anything they didn't already have an idea about - just his military record. But it was enlightening nonetheless. Rhyth adjusted her sunglasses, under usual circumstances the insurgent force were a barely held together group comprising many different heads, they were enthusiastic amateurs more akin to a militia than anything else. But this time with Nekhtou at the head Rhyth had the strong impression they were in fact fighting a professional soldiery and it begged the question 'how many did he take with him?' hopefully that was something they'd find out fairly quickly. She looked at her watch, the aircraft heading to the southern cities would be on their way by now. Another few hours and the heavier armour would be en route from Achkaerin. The early move against rebel airfields was intended to buy them the time to get troops and hardware on the ground. It also gave them the upper hand in terms of aerial control.
"Ok Nekhtou." Rhyth said "Let's see what you've got."
07:30 Gulf of Safraen
The INS Hope (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea-based_X-band_Radar) along with its escorts arrived at lookout point as it was being termed in the Gulf of Safraen, the ships CO was Captain Thomas Webster (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg4179#msg4179) he was an experienced officer and knew his part in this operation was not to be combative, his job was to spot and track any suspect vessels that entered the gulf so as to tip the wink to those vessels in Clysperi waters who would then be able to stop and search the vessel if it attempted entry. He glanced around noting the presence of the Dragovah vessels. Well at least everyone's here he thought.
"INS Hope calling control." Thomas said over the radio "We're on station and beginning monitoring operation now."
"Thank you all received." came the response.
Further south the main Achkaerinese naval group was entering Clysperis waters they'd hold a position just off the Clysperi coast and gauge how to set up their zone.
Spoiler: OOC Ships assigned • show
Monitoring Group
1x Hope Class SBX (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea-based_X-band_Radar) - INS Hope
1 x Amaterasu Class Destroyer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visakhapatnam-class_destroyer) - INS Amaterasu
2 x Valtheim Class Frigates (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Admiral_Gorshkov-class_frigate) - INS Leonaise, INS Valkyria
1 x Normandy Class Submarine (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astute-class_submarine) - INS Ascension
Stop and Search Group
1 x Seònaid Class Aircraft Carrier (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_R._Ford-class_aircraft_carrier) - INS Seònaid Ayanami
1 x Musketeer Class Drone Carrier (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UXV_Combatant) - INS Kakashi Fuji
2 x Amaterasu Class Destroyers (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visakhapatnam-class_destroyer) - INS Sharingan, INS Rasengan
3 x Riviere Class Destroyers (https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/theindependentorder/achkaerin-imperial-navy-codex-t2.html#p5) - INS Firebreather, INS Angel, INS Ninetales
2 x Dragon Class Frigates (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sachsen-class_frigate) - INS Stormfly, INS Flightmare
4 x Kryptonite Frigates (https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/theindependentorder/achkaerin-imperial-navy-codex-t2-s10.html#p71) - INS Kryptonite, INS Repulse, INS Excalibur, INS Stardust
1 x Tisiphone Class Submarine (http://[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanguard-class_submarine) - INS Erin Ayanami
-
We've fallen into a pattern.
Every other day had become a long crawl under the burning sun until it retreated beyond the horizon. General Saejima wanted not to attack the barbarians yet. Our considerable amount of artillery had yet to arrive, plus he was insistent on learning about how they fight. Little skirmishes broke out between our patrols and their recon teams. Were we better trained? Very much so, but that didn't make it easy.
Someone knew how to put these angry civilians to use, and I can picture joy on the General's face. A worthy opponent to test his skills with, we his disciples in warfare.
16:00
West of Kispos, Clysperis
"Shieldbearer." Cain Haseda began, trudging up to his superior along the unpaved road. Little but desert around them, besides a cluster of adobe houses in the distance. "I'll bet you 50 that if we get attacked, there's rebels watching us from those houses." Tanao looked over at Cain. "No." He replied flatly. Cain smirked; "Why's that, Shieldbearer?" he asked. "Because that's where I'd be. Keep your eyes on it." the Shieldbearer retorted, pointing at Cain's MSG90.
"Understood." Cain muttered, eyeballing the highest window. 700 meters. He dropped to his knee, delicately turning the dial on his short and wide scope; bringing it back to his shoulder when he heard the click he wanted. "I don't like this." He whispered to himself, wasn't too much to see inside the windows. It just seemed too perfect though. His squad had noticed him staying behind, laser-focused on that hamlet. Silently, they all fell against the gravel and crawled up over the small hill separating their road from the hamlet's line of sight. "Hey. I see movement, house with the blue door." Cain noted.
Little flickers of fabric and skin lit up by streaks of light. Then, a long barrel. "That's a sniper, probably more." Slowly tracing the hooded man, he watched them take a knee; bringing their rifle up over the windowsill. "He's found us. Gimme the call."
"Shoot 'em."
Cain scratched at his nose with his knuckle, then drew his rifle in close; dropping his head against the cheek rest. Nothing more than a gentle breeze about; minimal wind compensation. The enemy sniper had taken aim, far too late however; Cain wrapped his finger around the trigger. Then pulled it back. The little smoke trace disappeared into the air with the crack of his muzzle, twisting off to the right then pulling inwards as it closed in on its mark. The man instantly collapsed to the floor like a ragdoll, his rifle falling out the windowsill. "I got him."
He sat in uneasy silence, he could hear his squadmates crawling about. But he dare not take his eyes off the hamlet. Then, a volley of shots came screeching by, a dim green tracer flew by Cain's leg with a loud crack; bouncing off the gravel and zooming away. The Shieldbearer growled, gravel and dust kicked up around the squad. "Awano, Nagao! Get ready to move up! Rest of you get focus on those snipers."
Seeing bullets by the handful reach out and just barely miss him, Cain shuddered for a moment, but falter he didn't. Refocusing, he brought the black crosshair of his scope around the houses and spotted another sniper. Using his last shot as reference, he lined up his sights and held still. One shot. Two shot. They spun towards their prey, both barely missing his head as they slammed into the mudrock walls; enough to make the sniper fall to cover at least. On to the next rebel. The crawl towards those houses was to be long and grueling, he needed to make his ammo last. Until his squad could get closer at least.
By week's end, 2000 Black Sash Corps infantry had landed in the Midlands. Plus the 46th Fighter Wing, a pack of veteran fighter-bomber crews with newly upgraded S-9kai-3s (https://i.imgur.com/cESbO2v.png); an important opportunity to cast the NQF's air doctrine against the jagged rocks of asymetrical warfare. Their finest tacticians awaiting an influx of combat reports from the front to hone the art of war doctrine for the Federation.
As for the rest of their ground forces. They'd be another week at least, NQF military actions have so far have been small but aggressive. A deterrent to opportunistic barbarians, looking to set up camp in the hills between Apne and Kispos.
16:20
FOB Strange Oracle, Bespi, Clysperis
"I need more information. More. To see how they fight, what cards they hold. Even their supply routes. Their eyes are without a doubt on Kispos, it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when." Pacing before his cadre of officers, Field General Daigo Saejima pondered impatiently. "Major Onomyouji. I'm proposing we pull your force recon troops back to Kispos and concentrate their efforts on finding out about the barbarians' force composition." He began, staring at the petite captain, adorned with a teal peaked cap; a sign she was part of the NQF special forces. "Do you have any objections?"
"No, General." She shot back. "Excellent. Get our foreign comrades on the line; I want to know what they have going on in the region." A nearby officer bowed to excuse himself, over to the command centre. "But following this, Major. I have something else in mind for your Force Recon. Excused." Major Onomyouji bowed and took off behind the other officer.
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TINS: Djerb sees military parade as forces are dispatched to Clysperis
(https://i.ibb.co/WPY8QLX/mil-parade.png)
More than ten thousand men paraded through the streets of Djerb
A massive military parade was organized in Djerb celebrating the Imperial Armed Forces and the fact that five thousands soldiers will be sent to CLysperis to help the quell the rebellion against Pharaoh Akasha. The Tamoran detachment will be sent south of the city of Heshiken, in a Common Defense League enclave that is bordering Abuqiya. The Common Defense League (CDL), a paramilitary organization led by Marshal Sadeq Hedayati and made up of mostly Clysperi of the Manist faith, has managed to make inroads in rebel territory and now our troops will bring the much need support to continue their operations with renewed zeal. Furthermore, the Imperial Armed Forces have stated that the naval contingent will be arriving in Clysperis waters in less than a week.
This is not the first time that Tamora has sent troops to Clysperis, those who are older can remember the time of the Protectorate, with some even expecting the Protectorate to return in some shape or form.
The Supreme Ayatollah has blessed the troops and has called the mission “holy” because they seek to protect of the Manist faithful in Clysperis and preserve the traditional order of the kingdom. The Imperial Palace has issued a statement that reiterating Djerb’s full support for Pharaoh Akasha and condemning the recent campaign of persecutions against the Manist and Islamic communities in Clyperis.
The relatives of the men deployed to Clysperis have said they are praying for their safe and quick return but are worried that the war could continue to drag on longer than many would perhaps expect. And there are troubling signs on the horizon already. The Socialist Federation of New Derusmia has not rescinded its pledge to support the rebels in Clysperis despite calls from Djerb and the campaign of horrors the rebels have inflicted upon the Manist and Islamic communities. Many Tamoran analysts expect Socialist New Derusmia to continue to support the rebels regardless of their crimes because they seek to bring back the days of the Socialist Soviet Republic of Clysperis and the dark times of religious persecutions. The First Empire of Rokkenjima is also rumored to be helping the rebels and many fear that Soviet Kaitaine and its satellite state of Rodina could follow soon. But what the families of those deployed in Clysperis fear the most is the news of casualties which will undoubtedly come sooner or later.
Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!
Spoiler: ooc: troop deployment in Clyperis • show
Navel Contingent
1 x Steregushchiy-class corvette
2 x Varshavyanka subs
Army Contingent
5,000 soldiers
20 x 9P157-2 Khrizantema-S
20 x BMP-3
20 x Tornado-G
10 x TOS-1
20 x Buk
10 x 2A36 Giatsint-B
50 x GAZ Tigr
Air Contingent
1 x A-50E
12 x Ka-50
12 x Su-34
12 x Su-35
1x Il-78
-
TINS: rebel ambush leaves 2 soldiers dead and three injured
(https://i.ibb.co/mF8P4Bc/troops.png)
Tamorans troops during a mission in Clysperis
The Ministry of War has confirmed that earlier today Tamoran troops that were patrolling an area under the control of the Common Defense League were ambushed resulting in the death of 2 two soldiers and the injuring a three others. One of the injured soldiers is in critical condition. During the engagement the Tamoran troops killed two of the rebel attackers.
These are the first casualties the Tamoran Imperial Forces have experience since their deployment to Clysperis.
Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!
-
(https://i.postimg.cc/vBLY4LbG/output-onlinepngtools-27.png)
To: the Pharaoh Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re
Recently, the Fleur Republic has announced its support for the Confederacy, and a plan for a more peaceful approach to the current conflict in your nation. My highest advisors have notified me that joining the Fleurouise in searching for a pacifist solution would be the best course of action to take. This is why I have written to you.
This will seem unexpected, but we would like to request a negotiation talk at a location and time of your choosing, so that no more chaos will follow.
Eagerly waiting for your reply,
(https://i.postimg.cc/wTJcTws7/6-C674-C766-A27-F8-F1-AAEE00-F0364688-F7.png)
OOC: This posts comes before the CSMC post in the timeline.
-
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZKFKGR4N/Coat-of-Arms.png)
President Feish,
No.
Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, Ruler of Justice like Ra, High Priest of Every Temple, the Eye of Horus, Satisfied is the heart of Ra.
-
(https://i.postimg.cc/vBLY4LbG/output-onlinepngtools-27.png)
To: the Pharaoh Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re
You’ll regret that. You had your chance for peace, and you’ve abandoned it. This leaves me with no other choice.
Best regards,
(https://i.postimg.cc/wTJcTws7/6-C674-C766-A27-F8-F1-AAEE00-F0364688-F7.png)
-
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZKFKGR4N/Coat-of-Arms.png)
President Feish,
No, I don't think I shall come to regret any decision I make in the preservation of the Kingdom, the protection of its People, and the restoration of Ma'at. Quite simply there can be no negotiations with the terrorist rebels as they are agents of chaos, spitting in the very faces of the gods in their campaign of thievery, murder, and the destruction of our cultural heritage. Even nations such as East Moreland, Seaforth and Rokkenjima whom I all despise understand the position that one does not negotiate with terrorists, or those who support them. As your cause is illegitimate and those you support are illegitimate, and as you have committed acts of war against the Kingdom of Clysperis, a curt "no" was the most diplomatic response you could have hoped for from me.
New Derusmia has no place in Midaranye, and as I understand the Disgraced has spoken of providing oil rights to those who assist his aims. He promises to be kinder to the very nations that have imposed oppressive and, at times, aggressive policies on nations they do not agree with. I remember when Rokkenjima threatened the SICR and New Derusmia, when they threatened the states around them that membership in SANE would not be tolerated, and I felt for you; my own Clysperis, the Tamoran Empire, many Midaranye nations have known this treatment and are banding together to see that a new world is realized where such bullies are unable to pressure sovereign states from pursuing their policies guided by the needs of their People, and in harmony with their cultural standards. That you've so quickly supported these rebels, who would certainly silence such a voice against our common oppressors as they seek to ensure the survival of a rebel-led regime, is disappointing and only furthers the cause of nations who view New Derusmia as a pawn at best.
If you wish to continue down this path it is at your own accord. Whereas in any other situation our states would have myriad reasons upon which to build a productive relationship which sees a better Mundus take shape, you have instead elected to choose this path and (perhaps in naivety) lend your efforts to those we equally view with disdain. So no, there shall be no negotiations and I certainly won't trust the word of one who doesn't see the obvious benefits of a relationship with the Kingdom over the propaganda and deceit of the Disgraced, themselves becoming an agent of chaos. Nor will I allow a nation in Albion to have any say in what should happen next within Clysperis.
Good day.
Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, Ruler of Justice like Ra, High Priest of Every Temple, the Eye of Horus, Satisfied is the heart of Ra.
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Apne, Clysperis: At the northern Confederation checkpoint into the town, Lillian had set herself up as basically a secretary, writing down and keeping track of the vehicles and people entering the town while the Confederation soldiers did the heavy lifting. Most of the time it was other Confed troops entering and leaving so it gave her a chance to get a rough estimate of the men heading north towards the bulk of CDL territory. She spoke decent enough Clysperi and her burka kept her hidden enough that she wasn't worried about being found out until then decided to move on, or a battle started in the town.
She kept her gaze down as 2 guards made their way out of the shack/office towards the gate where an important looking SUV had arrived. She could hear the men talking then they straightened up quickly, their demeanor becoming more serious. Apparently this was some sort of vip.
"Yes sir, your quarters have been set up at the hq downtown.... yes... yes I believe so. I hope you enjoy it sir, I've heard that they have some new servant there to wait on you. Has e a good day sir.
Lillian frowned, disappointed that they never really mentioned anything of importance. She knew the servant was Elianor so that meant she has been successful.
OOC: Means speaking in Clysperi
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(https://i.postimg.cc/vBLY4LbG/output-onlinepngtools-27.png)
To: the Pharaoh Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, Ruler of Justice like Ra, High Priest of Every Temple, the Eye of Horus
I understand that the relationship between our two nations recently has grown quite prickly, however I ask that you please listen.
If I had known about your sentiments for New Derusmia before the Clypseris Conflict began, we would’ve stayed neutral, or even been supportive of your side. Please trust me when I say New Derusmia is involved not for money, oil, or power. All we want for Clypseris is political freedom.
I must admit, it was an unwise move to immediately begin supporting the Confederacy, but you see, they’re beliefs are somewhat correct, and their goals have a good reasoning. As much as you’d hate to admit it, a Clypseri government with more democratic values and more willingly to begin new diplomatic links with other nations would benefit not only the people, but also your diplomatic relations and ultimately, your position in the world. You always mention that one day, Clypseris will be able to rise above its current state. This may be your chance. You and I both know that Clypseris has the potential to be a major nation in terms of diplomacy, economy, and defence. To get there, however, depends on what actions you take now. Currently I am doing everything in my power to find a new peaceful end to this conflict.
It’s most likely this message will most likely fall on deaf ears, but I beg of you, please, at least consider it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/wTJcTws7/6-C674-C766-A27-F8-F1-AAEE00-F0364688-F7.png)
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Medde
Across the Southern Cities under Kingdom control the Hummingbird's (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=1660.msg14718#msg14718) were descending, each of them loaded with Achkaerinese personnel, this was a simple enough strategy - as they controlled the skies get troops into the cities and evacuate the civilians to the northern area of the country. Commanding the evacuation of Medde was Colonel Gary Campbell (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg3175#msg3175), the heat of the sun was beating down on them. He was happy to see that at least as far as Medde went the evacuation was proceeding smoothly. He knew that sooner or later the Confederation, if it was serious about this, was going to try to expand their territory north so holding these cities was important to denying that possibility. Gary was continually expecting the radio to crackle into life and tell him that something was afoot but so far at least there was nothing.
"Colonel." a Captain from the regular army said
"Yes?" Gary asked
"We have the OP set up on a hill just outside the city." the Captain said "Nothing to report yet."
"Let's hope it stays that way." Gary said turning his gaze back to the civilians who were being evacuated "Because we really want these good people to have homes to come back to."
CDL Held Territory
The Finch (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=1660.msg14751#msg14751) touched down inside the CDL territory that lay west of Heshiken, the doors opened and out headed Shadowblade troop, led by Major Heather Rose (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1485#msg1485), their job was simple enough - make contact with the CDL in this area and work with them to keep the Confederation attention on multiple fronts. A task that they were well suited for given that the expertise of the team lay in guerrilla warfare. The six strong team moved a few metres away from the Finch and circled up as the stealth helicopter took off
"Ok there's a village about 4 clicks north east." Heather said "Keep your eyes open this may be CDL turf but the place could still be crawling with Confederation terrorists. Ok let's move."
The group moved off towards the village, as they walked Heather's second in command Captain Tim Riley (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1486#msg1486) fell into step alongside her.
"Aiding a resistance movement of sorts is an interesting job." Tim said
"Got to get through the front door first though." Heather said "Remember they're Manists so be mindful of that."
Area Around Apne
To the south west of Apne and south east of Kispos the territory held by the Confederation was at its thinnest, following the attack on the Mosque in Apne the liberation of that city had been prioritised so in order to achieve that it was helpful to cut off Apne from the rest of Confederation territory - isolate it and then take it back. The Achkaerinese were hoping that coordination with their NQF partners in this conflict would help them take this area back, they were well aware that the NQF were operating out of Kispos and so in practical terms this was their front line. Achkaerinese air strikes rained down on Confederation positions on this thin sliver of territory.
To the east of Apne more air strikes were hitting rebel positions while Achkaerinese ground troops engaged Confederation forces, the hope was that in forcing the enemy in the area to fight on two fronts they could more easily take back Apne. Commanding the Achkaerinese advance was Major Ezri Skarsgård (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg3125#msg3125) she was standing in a wood a few miles from Apne but she could see the city standing there proudly, the flag of the Confederation visible flying above the city. Getting into the city would undoubtedly be costly as things stood, not to mention take some time to achieve and who knew what else would befall the inhabitants of the city in the interim.
"It's slow going Major." Captain Sam Venables (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg3216#msg3216) said coming over to report "We're taking ground on the path to Apne but the amount of IED's and other traps they're leaving for us is slowing us down."
"Not to mention giving them time to regroup." Ezri said
"Where's a Trojan Horse when you need one?" Sam asked, Ezri's eyes suddenly started darting around an idea forming in her mind, they may not have reached the city yet but they had control over other things.
"Tell me something." Ezri said "You ever played The Elder Scrolls Oblivion?"
"Can't say I have." Sam said "Why?"
"Keep the advance pushing, we do this right and we'll be in that city tonight." Ezri said
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(https://i.postimg.cc/ZKFKGR4N/Coat-of-Arms.png)
President Feish,
Your error is in applying global values to my People.
The Clysperi People are their own clutlure, they hold their own beliefs, and democracy is not one of them. Applying values outside of our culture is, by definition, an imperialist action. The Clysperi value reverence to our traditions, not to democracy or republics. Is New Derusmia thus prepared to impose its imperialist will on an unwilling people? My support is evidenced in the Clysperi fighting against the individual promising democracy.
Which, if we follow your order, the will of the People governs a democracy, yes? In this case, does the democratic will of the People to support my rule not matter?
I'm not negotiating with murderers and rapists, no. We could be partners yet, but it depends on you reconsidering your stance. Can New Derusmia look beyond its own cultural biases and help us bring a new world order into existence? I'm intrigued to see.
My ear remains open.
Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, Ruler of Justice like Ra, High Priest of Every Temple, the Eye of Horus, Satisfied is the heart of Ra.
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Downtown Apne, Clysperis: Eleanor was carrying a tray of food to the general's office, having been appointed his personal assistant/servant when he has arrived that morning. He had forced her to remove her burka and knew she wasn't a clysperi native, but this only seemed to make him more comfortable around her, as if there was no way she could understand him. She set the tray on his table and went to organizing his paperwork. General Abasi was a very stereotypical bad guy, sitting there in a fancy dress uniform, smoking a cigar, reading some memo, as he ate from the tray of chess she had just brought him. She noticed some interesting papers in the stack, the main one that her eye being a memo of safe routes to take to avoid ieds, might be a good one to get a copy of. In the distance towards the east Achkaerin air strikes began going off, right on schedule. Abasi glanced out the window and Elianor pressed the button on her watch, snapping a picture of the documents before her.
"Sir, will you be needing anything else?" She said, quietly as if she was scared.
"Huh? No no, get out of here." He said in his thick accent.
She did a slight nod and left the room to prepare to leave that night. She'd make her way with Lillian towards Achkaerinese held territory to transmit their intel. Nikolaus would be staying, getting as deep as he could with the enemy.
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16:07
West of Kispos, Clysperis
Like a skillet 20 minutes out of the oven, the ground was burning hot. Though far preferable to the storm of bullets cracking overhead. Against a gouge in the earth, Cain impatiently prepared himself for another push. The closer they got to the hamlet, the more enemy guns joined in on bearing down upon their squad; an orchestra of cheap guns and bullets hiding among the houses. Hearing a break in it, Miki shouted over to Tanao. “Hey SB!”
Immediately another swarm of tracers shot by. Miki flinched, her composure being whisked away with the speeding bullets. “Yeah?” Tanao called back. “What’s the plan? Can’t Force Recon come back us up?” She shouted warily over the suppressing fire. “Too late, Spearman! Force Recon just had orders to pull out! We’re alone with these guys!”
“Fuck!”
“Agreed! Only way past the barbarians is through them. Fireteam B, form up on Serizawa!” A few heads behind Cain, Serizawa hailed in response. “Aye. Where we going, SB?” She asked, nonchalantly dropping her magazine while she fished around on her vest for another. “Up the hill, Ash. Rest of us will support your team until you can get close.”
Ash saluted lazily in response. “On me, newbloods. You earn your first taste of glory today.”
09:00
NQF Operational Headquarters, Bespi, Clysperis
“This doesn’t feel like a coffee and cigarettes type of meeting, Field General.” Around Saejima, the faces of every high ranking officer in the area sat in a row of desks, alongside some foreign representatives. “It’s not, but drink up. It’s gonna be a long day for us. Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve got bad news and good news. The bad news is that Force Recon picked apart enemy force composition in Apne. These rebels aren’t merely looking to push into Kispos; they’re prepping a blitzkrieg. On top of that, we’ve become suspicious that foreign elements are embedded in the Confederation’s ranks."
The Field General procured a small remote and fiddled with it for a moment. A projector hummed to life, quickly booting up to display a colorless security tape. “Force Recon calls them super terrorists. Our current theory is that they’re foreign trained mercenaries disguised as local fighters, for what reason we do not yet know."
The footage abruptly started playing on the cracked wall. A compilation of normal looking insurgents raiding CDL and RCA buildings. The officers looked on in dismay, there was a pattern to the way the ‘super terrorists’ moved and fought; they were almost certainly combat veterans, well drilled and merciless. Far better than what the Black Sash Corps had been running into so far.
A hand shot up in the corner. “And the good news, sir?”
“The good news is that they’re coming up against the Black Sash Corps. We believe that these ‘super terrorists’ are nominally associated with Clysperi Confederation, and have a separate leader operating in confederate held lands. But that only concerns some of you. As for the rest, warn your men about these fighters and ensure they’re prepared to take them on. Dismissed.”
16:18
West of Kispos, Clysperis
“Yo SB. This is Miki, They’re crawling up on us.” Anxiously, her and Ash propped themselves up against a low wall dividing the houses. A dozen or so voices constantly shouted around them between volleys of gunfire. “Nakae. You and Ohmura get into the house behind us and keep those snipers busy. We’ll have this hamlet cleared in no time.”
Unceremoniously Ash shoved Miki with a drum magazine, lined with shotgun shells. “000 buckshot. Hope you’re not squeamish, spearman.” Miki took it without a word, looking Ash in the eye. With a collection of drum mags around her waist, Miki slid the magazine into place and held up her hand in an ‘ok’ gesture.
Muffled gunshots rang out in the house behind them and intensified for a moment before stopping. Along with the shouting from the nearby houses. “I’m inside and the house is clear. Ohmura got hit though.” The insurgents began to speak again, leaving their positions on the top floors of houses and converging in on their house. “They’re moving. Nakae cover us.”
“Negative, team lead. Ohmura’s bleeding.”
“Keep him stabilized, but we’re all dead if these barbarians push through.”
One man began shouting as he drew in close to the house, running right past the low wall without seeing the pair. Miki’s heart slammed in her chest seeing a man in mismatched camouflage run past. Instinctively she brought the shotgun to her shoulder and squeezed down. A pair of shotgun shells flew out the ejection port and the man rolled over on the ground dead.
The chorus of shouting flared up into an uproar and with it, long bursts of fire. “Fuck fuck fuck!” Miki growled to herself. With nowhere else to hide, she dropped to the deck; awkwardly lying atop her ammunition. More insurgents came rushing in; taking pot shots at the corpsman before collapsing under a hail of shotgun fire. “You guys need to MOVE! They’re going around for another push.”
“On you, Spearman! We’re getting inside.”
“‘Kay.”
Shakily she knocked away the drum mag and loaded another in. The barbarians were right on the other side of the wall, moving to cut them off. “I’m ready! Let’s GTFO.” Following Ash’s eyes, she sprinted out towards the back of the house with her weapon aimed from her hip. Another insurgent rushed into a view with submachine gun in hand, managing to fire off a few rounds before Miki reflexively gunned him down.
With a bottomless pool of adrenaline, she continued running past the wall and into view of more insurgents. To stop sprinting now would be death. So she held the shotgun right up against her chest as she ran, spraying empty shells out in front of her, caring little if she actually hit any of them. She turned in towards the house and dove for the entrance, barely landing inside. Ash quickly followed suit and helped her to her feet once they were somewhere safe. “You good, Spearman?” She asked nonchalantly, dusting the pale gray gravel off her black jacket. “Fucker tagged me, winded but I don't think I'm bleeding.” Miki huffed.
“Adrenaline is something else, innit? Hunker down for an assault; the barbarians are gonna come in hot.” Ash pat her firmly on the back and checked to see she wasn’t bleeding. “Yo! How’s Ohmura?”
“I only need two arms to shoot, Ma’am.” Ohmura called back, clearly in pain but obviously not dead.
By the time NQF armored and artillery assets made landfall in Clysperis, the fighting had already begun in earnest. Worse yet, a storm was gathering in Apne and there was nothing they could do except weather it. By week’s end, Force Recon had tallied dozens of BTRs and BMPs; alongside an armada of pickup trucks and technicals. The Clysperi Confederacy was preparing to storm Kispos, more than likely with some ‘super terrorists’ in tow.
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Apne
The Achkaerinese had hoped to delay any major push by the Confederation by making attack the best form of defence but now with the Confederation baring their fangs it had become about a strategic falling back but they weren't completely abandoning the element of surprise, with most of the Achkaerinese forces pulling back from Apne in the face of a Confederation strike, Ezri along with a few squads of Achkaerinese soldiers had donned their gas marks and headed into the sewer overflow to get below the city. Leave it to the Clysperi to have something like this. They made their way through the pipes, each of them being careful not to step too much in anything particularly disgusting, they stopped at a cistern where Ezri pointed out the directions to each of the squads, then she led her squad to their starting point.
Around a quarter of a mile from where Ezri waited, First Lieutenant Charlotte I'Joula (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg3131#msg3131), the CO of Midnight Troop of the Achkaerin Special Forces was looking at an electronic display displaying an image from a fibreoptic camera being poked through the manhole cover. She clicked her radio.
"I see the town hall, looks fortified, plenty of Confederation troops around." Charlotte said "I can see the mosque that was hit as well. Major?"
"Wait for it." Ezri said, everyone involved knew that once they committed to this it had to work, they had to take Apne back and once the bullets started flying it was them or the Confederation there would be no half measures from here "Go!"
Now it started in earnest, across the town manhole covers were moved and the assault began - Charlotte was first out of her troops manhole she quietly made her way to the nearest wall and waited for the rest of her troop, the gunfire was echoing and getting fiercer by the second as the Confederation troops realized that no they weren't dreaming there really were under attack from Achkaerinese forces from within their own perimeter. Charlotte popped up and opened fire at the Confederates guarding the town hall. This was to be the pattern for the next few hours as the Achkaerinese slowly established a position street by street, Charlotte and her troop were able to get inside the town hall and sweep the building clear. Charlotte kicked the roof access door open and downed the sniper up there and after being joined by Corporal Blackman took cover, she unslung her sniper rifle and sighed.
"Corporal get that." Charlotte said pointing to the Confederation flag that flew from the flagpole atop the town hall "Down." Blackman reeled down the Confederate standard, then he replaced it with a Kingdom of Clysperis flag and hoisted it.
Up the road of the small town Ezri smiled when she saw the Kingdom's flag flying again, they'd paid a price in more than one way not only had they lost people in the assault but they'd be unquestionably locked in a deadly battle for the foreseeable future. She and her squad were hitting the northern part of the town.
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“We’re moving out of Clypseris already?”
It had been barely a fortnight since Klaus and his team of 10 had sneaked into Clypseris through Safraen. During this chaotic time, the team had been busy organising the war efforts of the Confederacy and strategising attacks and the like. However, more than often, some troops of the Confederacy would act on their own accord and disobeying orders. Such actions included destroying mosques and hanging priests from light posts happened during the New Derusmian visit, and Klaus wondered how heavily tarnished the reputation of his homeland had become. All of that was going to change.
Just moments ago, the High Commandant himself had sent an encrypted message to the team’s communication device during their break hour, stating that New Derusmia was secretly pulling out of the conflict, and needed all Derusmian assets out of Clypseris immediately. The announcement surprised most of the team members, while some were even relieved, having been stressed from their heavy duties in the Confederacy.
CONFIDENTIAL
By order of the President and through the authority of I, the High Commandant of the Unified Defence Forces, I am hereby ordering all New Derusmian military officials leave Clypseris at once. We will be cooperating with SICR forces to extract you. Expect to leave within the next 3 days.
Twelve Orion Solemn Certainty, Ad Meliora.
Meanwhile, thousands of kilometres away, the New Derusmians at home began preparing with the Dragonaii for a rescue mission that would change the entire conflict.
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OOC: This is a long overdue post detailing a bit about the operations that Tamoran forces are doing in Clysperis
It had been only a couple of weeks since Tamoran set camp south of the city in Heshiken, in the Common Defense League controlled territory. The person in charge Tamoran troops in Clysperis was the 55 year old Colonel Karad Goshtasb of the Imperial Armed forces. He was 18 when he joined the Imperial Armed Forces just as the Protectorate of Tamora gave way to the Forth Kingdom of Clysperis in 1982, something he considered then a mistake on the part of Tamora. The recent events in CLysperis made him think if he wasn’t right to think that. As the Protectorate of Tamora has abolished so did the small section at the Military Academy that provided intensive training in the Clysperi language. He was among the last students to graduate having learned the Clsyperi language at the Academy. The High Command selected him to lead the Tamoran operations in Clysperis because of his knowledge of Clysperis and the fact that he was a Manist of the conservative branch as opposed to the orthodox one which might have made things difficult in a country where Manists were a minority and he would also likely have to deal with collation partners of very different faiths.
(https://i.ibb.co/4K8PRqx/General-Taghikhani.jpg)
Colonel Karad Goshtasb shortly after arriving in Clysperis
Djerb had given him a clear mandate: he was to establish control and secure an area in south Clysperis that would be under the control of Tamora. The rebels were only an obstacle to that, not the main objective. As far as Tamora was concerned as soon as the rebels were defeated the next phase of the war would start when the foreign coalition would attempt to impose their will on Clysperis. The Tamoran controlled sector was meant to ensure that the legitimate government of CLysperis would have a territory where they can flee to and continue running the country.
Dealing with the Common Defense League
Colonel Karad Goshtasb made it a top priority to contact Marshal Sadeq Hedayati of the Common Defense League (CDL) and coordinate with him for military operations. The CDL knew the terrain and rebel forces extremely well and their help was critical. He also made sure to inform the CDL marshal that Tamora couldn’t care less about the Uppsala convention and that the Tamoran forces were not to constrain them in their fight against the rebels.
Colonel Goshtasb made sure to provide the CDL with supplies and weapons in order for them to increase their combat effectiveness of their troops. But the help did not stop there, Colonel Goshtasb made sure the CDL fighters that were gravely wounded were transported to Djerb to receive treatment at the Imperial Military Hospital along with Tamoran soldiers. There was a cultural and religious affinity between Tamorans and the CDL members and Colonel Goshtasb made sure to build on that. He also did not focus exclusively on military matters when dealing with CDL members. The situation in CLysperis was extremely volatile in some parts and the CDL were seen as terrorists by the rebel forces with often having their families at risk at being targeted by the militias loyal to the Confederation government. Colonel Goshtasb asked Djerb to give to over 100 civilians, close relatives of high raking CDL officers, Tamoran citizenship and be flown to Tamora which Djerb immediately did without exception. Just as they also approved “exceptional” requests for immediately medical treatment in Tamora for any close relatives of high ranking CDL members. It did need not matter if they were wounded in the war or simply had a serious health condition, Djerb approved them all. The number was not very high, less than two dozen, but it helped Colonel Goshtasb to main cordial condition with CDL.
The military operations with the CDL were also prioritized, coordinating with CDL in joint patrols, evacuations of civilians and attacks on rebel forces.
Dealing with the local population
The small CDL enclave in south Clysperis where the Tamoran forces were located had only villages within its perimeters. Colonel Goshtasb did his best to make time to go out and meet the religious leaders in the villages as well as the leaders of the villages. His command of the Clysperi language was atrocious having not used it since his twenties but he spent hours rehearsing basic phrases so that he could use them when talking with the local leaders and tried as much as possible to not use a translator during the meeting with them. When possible he agreed to make small favors to them. When security allowed it, he also attended religious service in Manist temples. He even gave some public speeches a few times in the villages. He was sure to always make references to the period of Protectorate of Tamora and to mention things like respect for tradition and authority, loyalty to the sovereigns and the promise of defeating the rebels but never mentioned the other foreign troops in the country. His speeches were not very good, often sounding more like briefings and never lasting more than five minutes.
He made sure the villages were supplied with aid coming from Djerb. With both the Tamoran government and the Manist Church of Tamora providing aid that meant it was never in short supply.
He also paid close attention to the “cultural resistance” as he called it and asked the CDL leadership to transmit messages (on his behalf and that of his forces) of congratulations, support and even written prayers to free radios that were propping up in CDL controlled zones like the Radio Free Amsi (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=1672.0).
Dealing with militia members from Djerb
Djerb had arranged transportation for Clyperi emigrants and even some Tamorans that privately trained in Tamora to come to Colonel Goshtasb’s camp to help with the war effort. He had little faith in them, in their training or discipline and saw them as a liability rather than an asset. The only good things about them in his opinion were that they were no more than twenty and thus not such a big hassle. However, he also knew full well that refusing them was not an option since Djeb wanted to use them for propaganda purposes showing that Clsyperi and Tamora civilians have joined the fight by returning or coming( in the case of Tamorans) to join the fight. He had the militia members assigned to the CDL and asked that they be put far away from the frontlines thus avoiding, he hoped , any surprises from them.
(https://i.ibb.co/jL0Dmyt/General-Taghikhani3.jpg)
In one interview with TINS, Colonel Goshtasb said this referring to the militia joining the fight in Clysperis: “I would lie if I told you that I am not both pleased and overwhelmed for having these brave men fight alongside my soldiers. They are a tremendous asset.”
Dealing with smugglers and other organized crime
Colonel Goshtasb often came in conflict with the CDL when it came with dealing with smugglers and other such individuals. He was of the opinion that they were valuable to be used in the war and often engaged with them instead of trying to root them out. He worked to build contacts with them knowing that their network extends cross border into rebel controlled territory and they often had knowledge of corruptible individuals in rebel territories. In order to work with them he made promises to “rehabilitate” them as legitimate businessmen by giving them properties confiscated from the rebels(when the war would be over) or in the case of grave robbers promised them protection from Clysperi authorities and safe relocation to ZImalia when the over would be over. He never attempted to fide its dealings with the smugglers from the CDL leadership and they were outraged that he would not only tolerate traffic of religious artifacts but also promise grave robbers and their accomplice protection when the war was over. That created serious issues with CDL leadership with some threating to report him to Pharaoh Akasha. He always argued that turning a blind eye to those crimes in order for the smugglers to get him contacts with rebel members that were either corruptible or willing to defect was worth it. Whether the CDL leadership actually proceeded with the threat and reported him to Pharaoh Akasha or how she reacted if they did was nothing that he did not know.
Handling the rebel government
Colonel Goshtasb was of the opinion that with such a large military force standing against the rebel forces and with practically no international support for the Confederation government, all but the most fanatical of the rebels could realize that it was only a matter of time until they lost.
That is why he made every possible effort, resorting to even using smugglers, to get in contact with people of influece from the rebel side whether they were military, businessmen, clergy, nobles or anything else. He wanted to relay to them the message that should they switch sides now they could, depending on the crimes committed and the information or any other valuable assets they bring to Djerb, salvage some of their wealth and position or when that was not possible at least ensure a honorable and decent life for their close family members. Having rebel influential people switch their allegiance to Djerb and having them under the control of Djerb via the knowledge of what they did was something that Colonel Goshtasb considered very valuable for the post war Clysperis. He was also of the opinion that there is little point in wasting valuable resources by forcing the rebels to fight to “the death” when he could cripple them by defections. In the short time he has spent so far in Clysperis he did not manage to build the necessary trust for such defections to take place but he remained optimistic regarding this strategy.
Dealing with the other coalition forces
Colonel Goshtasb made sure that Tamora kept its end of the bargain regarding cooperation and exchange of information that made the running of coalition forces possible. Tamora blocked access to its airspace to any aircrafts that would attempt to send forces to help the rebels. Coordinated with other coalition members in establishing a no fly zone over Clysperis and gave information regarding the location of the Tamoran troops to make sure that unfortunate accidents didn’t happen.
He also made attempts to get in touch with NQF forces in order to see if they could coordinate their attacks against rebel forces so that rebels were forced to fight on multiple fronts at the same time.
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Apne
Street by street, block by block, the Achkaerinese troops were taking control of Apne, from the stronghold they'd established in the town centre early on in their assault they were now pushing into the outskirts. Ezri was satisfied with their progress, but also wary they were facing far less resistance than they'd anticipated. She was presently fighting her way, with her squad, down one of the furthest out streets, the remnants of the Confederation troops were in full retreat from the town.
"We've got them on the run." Captain Sam Venables's voice came over the radio
"Looks like it." Ezri said, she waited a few moments and then looked down the street the Confederate troops were gone "Ok that's it they're gone, establish a perimeter, bury the dead respectfully, and let's get ready for what the next few days are bringing."
Sepsi
Rhyth mentally punched the air when the message We have Apne came over the radio, it was a big moment, the coalitions first big win but it came around the same time as news about the Confederation assault on Kispos. It certainly explained why taking the town had been easier than they'd expected, the enemy's focus had been elsewhere but that didn't devalue the significance of Apne being out of Confederation hands. She looked at the map of Clysperis and the rebel held areas, taking back Apne was a start but this was far from over they had to win the battles in the midlands and drive the Confederates back south, and now that the Achkaerinese armour had arrived that was just what she intended on doing.
Valtheim
It was the day before Life Day, which was on time of year the Cult of Namis version of Christmas, there were several similar traditions involved from decorating a tree to the giving of presents, a meal with family and so on. It was also tradition for the Achkaerinese royals to be out and about doing various things. Crown Princess Serenity (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg170#msg170) and her husband Isaac Wesley (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg8929#msg8929) along with their two daughters Astrid (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg201#msg201) and Lisa (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg202#msg202) had been visiting the Royal Valtheim Children's Hospital to spread festive cheer and distribute gifts to the patients, it was their tradition, that evening was going to see another tradition - it was Serenity's turn to perform at the Snowflake concert, a show that the Royal family put on every year at this time, it was sort of their present to the nation.
The four of them along with their entourage were walking out of the hospital heading for their car which would take them back to the Marble Palace. Astrid tripped and stumbled forwards, Serenity crouched down to look at the scrape her daughter had got, Isaac was a couple of paces ahead of them and turned around, Serenity looked up at him as a 'pop' shattered the silence. Isaac fell forwards to the snow covered pavement, his blood splattering over his wife
"Gun!" the word had been shouted by Lydia Daniels (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg189#msg189), she got Serenity and Astrid behind the car, Lisa was pulled into cover by the other guest on the trip Roslyn Williams (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg6871#msg6871), meanwhile the other security agent assigned to the trip Kitty Hart (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg671#msg671) took cover behind the car.
"You have got to be kidding me." Kitty said as she drew her pistol
"I wish." Lydia said she tapped her earpiece "This is Vixen, Absol under attack, Growlithe is down. Pikachu and Flareon accounted for. Code Red repeat Code Red"
"Whose idea was it to use Pokémon as the codenames?" Kitty asked as bullets continued to fly
"That's what you want to ask right now?" Lydia asked "You got eyes on the shooters?"
"Not yet." Kitty said "Cover me." Lydia nodded, Kitty sprinted from behind the car to behind a nearby stone monument, drawing gunfire "You get it?"
"Hotel opposite third floor sixth window from the left." Lydia said
"I'm on it." Kitty said "There's a side entrance I can get in at."
"Go." Lydia said
Kitty entered the hotel, got a master key from reception and made her way up to the third floor, she was letting the sound of the gunfire guide her now. She put the key in the slot, withdrew it and opened the door, she downed the first gunman before he could turn around, the second was half turned when she planted two rounds in his chest.
"Both gunmen down." Kitty said
"I'm going to get Serenity and the girls back to the palace, can you process the scene?" Lydia asked
"Yep." Kitty said "Isaac?"
"Negative." Lydia said, Kitty sighed that was the confirmation that Isaac was dead.
"Copy that." Kitty said
When she got back to the Marble Palace a bloodstained Serenity was greeted by her father, they just hugged each other.
"It's ok let it all out." Peter said, Serenity was so upset she couldn't even cry audibly but Peter could tell what her feelings were just by how tightly she was gripping him, he waited a few moments "Hot chocolate and then bed."
"No." Serenity said taking half a step back from her father "I've got a concert to do."
"Renee can do that." Peter said
"No I'm doing it." Serenity said "I'm not ignoring what's just happened but if I don't do this then whoever came after me today wins and I don't let terrorists win."
"All right." Peter said, he let Serenity walk past him and then turned to where Lydia stood
"Peter..." Lydia said
"Don't." Peter said "Don't tell me there's something you could have done that you didn't. Because you and me both know that you did your job and that you did everything you could. Get yourself cleaned up." as Lydia walked away Nettie and Rion Ayanami (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg646#msg646) came over.
"We've got an ID on our two gunmen - Chigaru Sarraf and Bassam Toma." Rion said showing Peter the pictures on an electronic tablet "Both members of the Clysperi army, served under Nekhtou when the Soviets occupied Clysperis."
"And now most likely were both on the Confederation side of the civil war." Nettie said "Wouldn't surprise me if this attack was on Nekhtou's orders."
"Wouldn't surprise me either." Peter said "Ok then. Rion do your thing if this was down to Nekhtou I want to know. Nettie tell Hannah we're reworking the Life Day Message a little."
"Understood." Nettie said
Peter walked into the Marble Palace's kitchen.
"How is she?" Kumiko Arkwright (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg206#msg206) asked from behind him
"Putting on a brave face but she's hurting." Peter said
"And you?" Kumiko asked
"Reminding myself that they'll be time to grieve later." Peter said "Remember what you said after I lost Iona?", the Emperor referenced his first wife.
"A support pillar can't buckle." Kumiko said "But even though I said that and even though you're doing a good job of being that support pillar don't hold it all in."
"I know." Peter said "We're going to have to deal with a lot in the next few days. I'm going to call Simon and then Evelyn. Then we'll issue a statement."
-
News of the liberation of Apne reaches the HQ of the Tamoran forces in Clysperis
As Colonel Goshtasb and his staff learned of the fall of Apne to Achkaerinese troops, making it the first major city to be liberated by the coalition, the room felt silent. The mood was hardly one celebration and it seemed none of the people in the room were happy with the news. The liberation of Apne by Achkaerinese troops was a major victory for the Achkaerin Empire and that was something that they resented.
Furthermore, Colonel Goshtasb knew that Djerb would also not be pleased with the development and it would put more pressure on him to get results that would allow Djerb to stay “in the game”.
-
Apocalypse came riding in. The rising sun at his back. Like a tidal wave, he reached out over the land and came crashing down upon it in a ceaseless rumble. Till our bullets are gone. Till our bayonets are dull. Till our blood spills we stand against him.
10:25
FOB Spiteful Indignation, Kispos
“Hey Swordsman, little gift from the RCA.” Before she could turn to look, Ash felt a cold bottle resting against her shoulder. She turned her head. One of the Force Recon operators came swishing past and took up a spot next to her along the wall, clearly comfortable in her new surroundings, holding a pair of bottles. “You’re drinking now?” Ash prodded. A little smirk twisted off the end of the operator’s lip. “You’re not? Tomorrow’s gonna be a long day, y’know.”
“Mh.” The operator nudged her with the bottle. She couldn’t read anything but the numbers on the label, and thoroughbred survivalists like Force Recon weren’t particularly concerned about taste. The operator chortled watching her hesitate. “It ain’t that bad actually. The RCA make good hosts.” Her statement punctuated by another lovetap. “Thanks.” She muttered, finally taking it.
“Shieldbearer Yorigami, by the way. You hear that an Achkaerinese royal got bumped off yesterday? Pair of confed gunmen shot ‘m dead in front of his family. That’s some fucked up shit.” Ash took a swig, Yorigami was right; not a bad beer for the heat. “Think it was revenge for Apne?” She asked. “Dunno. Apparently both were vets, but I think they were acting alone.” Ash frowned.
“Also, you seen your marksman anywhere? Shortstuff with the DMR, don’t know his name.” Ash pondered for a moment. “Nope.”
“Blackbeard, runway is clear. Make your approach and begin landing check.”
20:10
Medjed Airbase, Bespi
Flipping switches and pressing buttons for the nth time. It was ingrained in her conscience enough that she didn’t really have to think about it; instead pondering how she was going to get any sleep in this heat. “Blackbeard making final descent. Standby.”
The large fighter-bomber, a HOXY S-9 Miko found its footing on the dusty runway, popping its parachute to stop with the pavement. “This is Blackbeard, landing successful. Beginning taxi.”
“Roger that, Blackbeard. All Bucket aircraft are landed, AWACS Hyperon signing off.”
The crossroads between Achkaerinese and Federation forces lay in the vulnerable town of Apne; now under Achkaerinese control. Meanwhile without armored vehicles to spare, any direct path from Kispos to Apne was teetering on the textbook definition of suicide; Confederation snipers, entrenched vehicles and ATGM positions waiting in the sand like antlions.
What resources the Federation could spare for Apne’s defense had only rolled in hours before the expected assault on Kispos. A company of motorized infantry with a significant supply of ATGMs, looping around the rapidly expanding Confederation territory after being airlifted in.
-
Apne:
Elianor, Lillian, and Nikolaus were hauled before Ezri in cuffs by a group of Achkaerinese troops.
"The 3 surrendered near what we're identifying as the Confed Headquarters. They say they're Dragovan Special Forces with some sort of intel that could help." One of the soldiers explained as the others held the 3 Praetorian Guards at gunpoint, each of which were looking at the ground being nonthreatening to try and keep the soldiers from acting rashly.
-
Apne
Ezri raised an eyebrow if the briefing notes from the top were anything to go by there'd been mention of Praetorian Guard's who sounded a little bit like Justicar wannabe's and judging by the fact that non of the three people in front of her were wearing a military uniform it was a reasoned guess that she was dealing with the intelligence world rather than the conventional military one.
"Really." Ezri said "Let's hear it then"
Confederation Territory
Shadowblade Troop, well three of the six team members were hiding out in the long grass high ground overlooking a Confederation position. Heather (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1485#msg1485) had brought Luke Riley (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1488#msg1488) and Luna Knight (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1489#msg1489) with her to scout the place out, the other three members of the team were back in CDL held territory giving some training sessions.
"Looks like an old Soviet complex from here." Luna said, the three of them were peering through binoculars
"Most likely a fortified position." Heather said "Pretty decent outpost."
"Awful lot of armour down there." Luke said "Looks Clysperi in origin."
"And now used against the Clysperi army." Heather said "Makes sense really despite everything Nekthou says about not being a professional army I'll bet a months pay that there's some of his troops in the Confederation ranks."
"No bet." Luke said
"You know that armour could be useful." Heather said
"Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?" Luna asked
"Probably." Heather said "Come on let's get back we've got work to do."
40km South of Sepsi
The Achkaerinese Armour had finally arrived in country and not a moment too soon going by the situation on the ground. In command was Major Fleur Mishima (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg3087#msg3087), she sat in her seat in the Chevalier tank (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merkava) as the armour rumbled down the roads towards the Apne-Kispos frontline, the significance of the ongoing battle wasn't lost on Fleur if the coalition could halt the Confederation advance there then they'd be able to go on the front foot and drive the Confederation back. Fleur picked up her radio and took a deep breath.
"Ok everyone we're doing this by the numbers - Chloe follow my section down the middle, Caspar go and reinforce the NQF position at Kispos, James take your section and hold the Apne flank, Ffion hold back and cover our support units." Fleur said "Lock and load."
-
Early. Real fucking early.
FOB Spiteful Indignation, Kispos
The muted rumbling and thumps of an artillery barrage stirred Cain awake on his bunk. The barracks came to life with shuffling just for a moment.
An uproar of chattering gunfire broke out, very loud and seemingly only a couple blocks away. “Whoa! What the fuck!?” A corpsman shouted, the sleeping BSC company scrambled awake and rushed to get geared up before anyone bothered to give any orders. Another wave of shells soared over Kispos, hammering into nearby roads and buildings when the gunfire died down.
Movement around the base became frantic. “They’re probably moving up on us! Get organized!” Lancer Ashikaga shouted, trying to spot her NCOs amid the chaos.
A pair of armored cars rolled to a stop past the gate while the hastily equipped Federation troops gathered outside, bearing the sort of alien symbolism that was unmistakably CDL. A ragtag group of paramilitaries scrambled out of the vehicles and scattered into nearby alleys and buildings.
“We’re keeping watch, my friends!” A helmetless paramilitary exclaimed, nervously clutching an SVD as he slunk behind an open metal grate and into the sprawling alleyways. Another paramilitary scrambled atop the leading car and took control of the mounted .50.
“I’m so fucked.” Miki groaned, quietly taking her AA-12 and a handful of box magazines from the quartermaster. “You’re in the Corps. We’re so fucked, Spearman.” Tanao said with a little smirk, passing her by. “Squad’s waiting on you outside, Clysperi positions are under siege and command wants us to go help them.”
“Which ones?” Miki prodded, slinging the bulky support weapon over her shoulder.
“The ones just down the street.” The Shieldbearer replied, leading her outside. Another barrage of shells screeched overhead and crashed like thunder far out of sight, far more intense than the one they’d received. Whoever those ones hit were probably seeing the brunt of the offensive.
Miki followed behind, quickly falling in line with her platoon, their briefing was expectedly short. Bad guys that way, hold ‘em off.
-
The liberation of Tarfu
Ever since the city of Apne had been liberated colonel Goshtasb, the leader of the Tamoran forces in Clysperis had doubled down on the efforts to liberate Tarfu in order to provide a win for Djerb. He continued his strategy of harassing the rebel forces rather than launching a full on assault against them. He wanted to wear them down and give time for his efforts to encourage rebels to defect to the Tamoran side.
Since the fall of Apne, the Tamoran forces working in conjunction elements of the population that were loyal to Phraoh Akasha did their best to spread propaganda among the inhabitants of the city Tarfu and the surrounding region that Apne was the sign of the inevitable doom of the rebel government and that Djerb will soon be closing the opportunity to allow rebels to defect to the Tamoran side in exchange for being forgiven for their crimes (depending on what they were). In took longer than colonel Goshtasb expected but he finally managed to get some of he rebel fighters to defect while other worked undercover for the Tamoran, undermining the efforts of the rebels and waiting for the chance to publicly switch to the Tamoran side.
The formation of the Basij (“The Mobilization”) paramilitary organization
Having rebels defect to the Tamoran side while desirable created issues. As the rebels had only recently fought against the Common Defense League that meant there was a serious animosity between them. Not wanting to put gas on fire but also not wanting to look as mistreating the defecting rebels and risk alienating rebels that were on the fence about switching, colonel Goshtasb decided to have the rebels defectors organized under a different organization, a paramilitary group under his command called the Basij. That way, he hoped, he could prevent the two groups from “accidently” killing each other. The Basij were numbering about 500 soldiers but their numbers were slowing growing and each defector further affected the morale of the remaining rebel forces.
Moving on Tarfu
The Tamoran Forces together with the Common Defense League (CDL) and the Basij eventually reached the outskirts of Tarfu and began to make preparations to take the city.
By now the Tamoran forces had a good network of rebels that had switched sides undercover while still waiting to make their move. Now was the time for them to make their move. Coordinating with Tamoran troops they switched sides attacking their colleges while the CDL, the Basif and some elements of the Tamoran forces were attacking the rebels in the city.
TINS Breaking news: the city of Tarfu rises up for Pharaoh Akasha
(https://scontent.fotp3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1908240_612919282110986_1485226981_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_oc=AQmGtPjw9xMf3BjImbT6LOlRQKnKq9aXEdPLlPtm0GY7d9MIBWuB9d6Vm0zum3oCOoA&_nc_ht=scontent.fotp3-2.fna&oh=b57f2d0a4d2c6500d473d07235d0604f&oe=5EF1AA1B)
Once again the Adhan (call to prayer) could be heard again from the largest Manist temple in the city of Tarfu
We have confirmed reports that in the city of Tarfu fighting has started in several parts of the city following a spontaneous uprising by the people against the tyrannical rules of the rebel forces. After months and months of abuse and humiliation from the rebel forces, the local population rose up against their oppressors and for Pharaoh Akasha.
While the fighting is still going on in some parts of the city, sources say that the local population is driving the rebels out of the city. In fact, in the southern part of the city the Adhan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_LN0hznp-A) (call to prayer) could be heard from Manist temples. This is the fast time this has happened since the city was occupied by rebels who banned call the to prayer in their campaign against the Manist and other religious communities.
Colonel Goshtasb has released a statement regarding the events in the city of Tarfu saying that:
“I am extremely pleased to announce that once the rebels’ grip on the city was weakened, the local population spontaneous rose to overthrow the rebels and bring back the rule of Pharaoh Akasha. This is further proof that the rebel forces enjoy no popular support among the Clysperi population and this is nothing but an attempt at a coup d'état against the legitimate government of Clysperis. We reiterate our request for the rebels to immediately surrender and stop the fighting that only weakness the ancient nation of Clysperis. “
Aftermath of the liberation of Tarfu
Once the rebels had been defeated and driven out of the city, the Tamoran forces made sure to immediately evacuate to Tamora key collaborators that switched sides for Tamora as well as several higher raking rebel officials that were captured and which could be better interrogated back home.
Spoiler: map of Clysperis • show
(https://i.postimg.cc/7hJGSVTn/Clysperis-Confederation.png)
-
Aftermath of the liberation of Tarfu
The victory in Tarfu was a much needed win for Djerb which was getting annoyed with the progress on the ground. It also meant mean that some of the pressure on colonel Goshtasb had rescinded somewhat. However, he knew that he would now need to be careful how to manage the victory and especially the protection of Tarfu.
No more tolerance for religious artifact smugglers
One of the most controversial decisions that colonel Goshtasb took and that annoyed the Common Defense league partners was to turn a blind eye to the smuggling of religious artifacts in order to build connections on the ground which would allow him to get in touch to various elements on the rebel side. With a network now established he no longer needed the smugglers and the constant tensions it brought with the Common Defense League partners. So he ordered his men to arrange an operation to target the smugglers.
TINS: major smuggler network dismantled near Tarfu, large number of Clysperi artifacts has been saved
(http://english.ahram.org.eg/Media/News/2013/9/25/2013-635157268323849935-384.jpg)
Some of the artifacts rescued from the smugglers
The Tamoran forces in Clysperis have announced the successful operation of dismantling a smuggler network that dealt with trafficking religious artifacts stolen from rebel controlled territories. Despite numerous pleas by Pharaoh Akasha, the rebels have continued to plunder the religious heritage of Clysperis in order to fund their war effort. Today’s successful operation will deal a blow to their strategy.
The confiscated artifacts will be returned to the Clysperi authorities who will see to their preservation and restoration.
Colonel Goshtasb also issued a shot statement about the whole operation:
“We are pleased to announce that the operation to recover the religious artifacts and to apprehend criminal network has been a success. The rebels have been actively engaged in vandalizing the cultural and religious heritage of Clysperis for material gain. We will make sure that will stop, order will be restored and that the artifacts will be returned to their rightful owners. “
A testing ground for new equipment
As the Tamoran war effort in Clyperis continued, Djerb decided to test some of their latest equipment in combat. The first piece of equipment to test was the S70 Hunter, (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=845.msg11718#msg11718) a stealth heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicle developed in Tamora. Then there was so called “bacteria runways (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=349.msg12996#msg12996)”, a Seleucid invention but one that Tamora had access to, which allowed to create runways in places lacking heavy equipment. Lastly, the electrical powered fast attack vehicle called Silent Fox (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=349.msg15356#msg15356), a joint Seleucid-Tamoran project, also made its appearance. Colonel Goshtasb was instructed to pay extra attention on how the new equipment performed in action and report to Djerb his findings.
-
Nekhtou had many reasons to be concerned. The effectiveness of the coalition Akasha had drawn together, the Common Defense League and the Tamorans whittling away at the Confederacy, and now Ramose hailing from Abydos as some sort of third path. He had been forced to suspend Congressional elections, at first a temporary measure but increasingly looking to be a permanent measure, as the needs of the war effort provided little resources for anything beyond holding back the armies pressing upon them. All was not lost, however, as the campaign to liberate Ashsupis would enter into its final phases in the coming hours.
Staking out CDL and any Tamorans aiding them would be challenging, however, in the event operations in Ashsupis failed he had developed an alternative plan as well. "Our mission today will define where we go next," Nekhtou said to his commanders. "Today we will either bear witness to our birth as new Clysperi nation, or our embrace of the possibility that all of us may have to give up our lives as martyrs for a free and democratic Clysperis. Whatever the result we will not fall without extracting a heavy price of blood from the parasitic royals and their foreigners."
OOC: Getting the ball rolling on Nekhtou making some more appearances and acting directly. Whether or not the rebels take Ashsupis will play a role in where Nekhtou, and the rebellion, take the fight in the coming chapters. Will be addressing much more in my coming post, worry not. :)
-
The battle of Anaka
After the liberation of Tarfu, Tamoran troops used the opportunity to push hard against the rebels in an effort to take advantage of the moral blow and liberate more Clysperis territory. The Tamorans established a remote base near the now abandoned village of Anaka.
During the night, the rebels launched a surprise attack against the base. The rebels were over 300 in number and managed to destroy Tamoran heavy munitions, break through their lines and enter the main before finally being repelled by artillery and aircraft. By the end of the battle, 21 rebels had been killed while on the Tamoran side 9 were dead with a further 27 wounded out of the total of 48.
The extent of the losses as well as the capability displayed by the rebels convinced Colonel Goshtasb that a retreat from the area was necessary in order to consolidate and better secure the ground gained so far.
TINS: 9 dead and 27 wounded in the bloodiest battle for Tamoran Imperial Armed Forces of the XXI st century
-
Confederation Held Territory
It was early morning, the sun not yet up though due in a few minutes. The inevitable Confederation assault on Ashsupris had the potential to shape the future of the conflict one way or the other. Shadowblade Troop of the Achkaerin Special Forces along with a sizable group of CDL fighters were back overlooking what had probably once been a Soviet outpost. Planning each part of this had taken time, not because they'd needed that long to work out how to breach a perimeter, neutralize the opposition and get out - no it was more to do with what they were hoping to get out with, the base they were looking at had a lot of Clysperi originating armour in it - presumably captured by the Confederation in their shock early success. Major Heather Rose (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1485#msg1485) lowered her binoculars and thought for a moment.
"Ok listen up just as planned." Heather said "Take the perimeter, blow the gate and let's get that armour."
"Boss." Tim Riley (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1486#msg1486) said
"Lock and load." Heather said
Shadowblade troop led the way down the hill and using the long grass as cover got as close as they dared to the perimeter. On point was Tim's brother Luke Riley (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1488#msg1488), he looked around to where Heather waited and held up three fingers indicating three sentries watching their intended entry point. Heather nodded and pointed at Tim and another member of the squad before clicking her radio.
"Opening Night." Heather said
"Copy that." a Clysperi voice, the CDL captain, answered "Good luck."
"Same to you." Heather said
'Opening Night' was the go signal, the sounds of gunfire against the Confederation outpost broke the still silence before dawn. After a few moments the Confederate's returned fire.
"Boss?" Tim asked
"Go Luke." Heather said, on the order Luke and another member of the squad Luna Knight (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1489#msg1489) made their move on the sentry position, Luke bounded almost bear like and tackled two of them full force sending the trio inside the outpost perimeter, the third sentry turned his gun drawn and ready to fire but crumbled to the ground courtesy of Luna running him through with her standard issue blade (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/0a/7c/98/0a7c986dfcd4051b1847a2cbcacf5693.jpg), now it was two on two Luna and Luke had minimal trouble dealing with the remaining two sentries. While that scuffle had been taking place the last two members of the squad Nathan Nuanjui (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1490#msg1490) and Richard Duncan (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1491#msg1491) had taken cover inside the perimeter and were directing their fire on the other side of the enemy positions that the CDL were firing at. Tim and Heather made their way inside making a beeline for the garage, their primary objective was right there. As they continued to engage the enemy Heather got on the radio again.
"Overture." she yelled into it. 'Overture' was the signal for three pickup's driven by and carrying CDL fighters to make a high speed approach, the first of them rammed through the gate and the other two followed it in, the pickup's stopping outside the garage.
"Fighters on perimeter, crew let's go!" Tim yelled.
As the fighting continued the real aim of the attack swung into motion, it took a few minutes but soon there came the unmistakable rumble of an engine and the first of the tanks drove out of the garage and out of the base. Heather allowed herself a smile as she took cover to avoid incoming fire, this was what they'd come for to get the CDL the vehicles to make them a lot more potent for the battles ahead - it also had the added bonus of depriving the Confederate's of a fair amount of armour. Tank after tank rolled out of the garage crewed by CDL fighters. The pickup's bugged out, carrying fighters, as the final tank rolled out of the base, Heather was riding in the back of one of the pickups she exchanged smiles with the CDL Captain that had gone a lot better than they'd expected it to.
Sepsi
Rhyth Icerider (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg3660#msg3660) stood in the command centre of the temporary Achkaerinese base of operations she was looking at the map of Clysperis, they were making progress the assault on the Apne-Kispos line had been blunted for now and the Tamoran liberation of Tarfu provided the first piece in shaping the endgame of this war. She was now joined by Captain Sarah Culshaw (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg2815#msg2815) who handed Rhyth a handful of papers.
"Latest satellite images." Sarah said "Confederation moving on Ashsupris."
"Composition?" Rhyth asked
"Looks like a mix of ground troops and armour." Sarah said "I'd say this is Nekthou's hail Mary attempt."
"I agree." Rhyth said looking at the images "He's gone all in can't say I'm surprised. Where's our armoured Corp?"
"Making for Ashsupris with all haste." Sarah said, Rhyth nodded if there was one person she'd want in charge if dealing with an assault like this it was Fleur Mishima.
"We stop Nekhtou there and we'll dent the Confederation offensives once and for all." Rhyth said
Ashsupris
Just outside Ashsupris the Achkaerinese Armoured Corp hit the brakes, they'd broken through the Apne-Kispos line and made straight for Ashsupris. Commanding them was Major Fleur Mishima (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg3087#msg3087) she stood in front of the Chevalier tank (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merkava) that she commanded. According to the latest intelligence they had the better part of a day before the Confederation forces were in the area. It was eerily quiet, the last time Fleur had felt like this had been the night before the battle of St Catherine's had started, back then the boot had been on the other foot and she'd been leading the charge to liberate the Seaforthian City from the SCC forces. This wasn't going to be easy by any means but if they could beat the Confederation back here they'd have the second part of the equation to finishing off this rebellion. She sipped on a bottle of water and watched the sun continue to rise, knowing that sunset would probably be the starting pistol for the fight to come. Her mind was busy thinking about topography and strategy, control the enemy movement and you controlled the battle. She had armour and ground troops with the advantage of close air support and an eye in the sky. She'd wait and then bare her claws and fangs.
Valtheim
Peter (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg157#msg157) was in his now daily Clysperi situation briefing, it always started the same way an overview of anything that was different, any reported losses, significant gains and so on. Peter looked up from his notes as the room fell quiet for a moment.
"Tell me about Ramose." Peter said
"He's a wild card." Mark Sharpe (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg1273#msg1273) said
"Peter there are three possibilities with Ramose" Rion Ayanami (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg646#msg646) said "First he's who he claims to be. Two he's working with the Confederation somehow. Three he's opposing Akasha but is not in collaboration with the Confederation."
"So the first thing we have to do is determine whether or not he's legitimate." Peter said "I trust you can handle that Rion, if you can find him."
"We'll find him don't worry about that." Rion said
"Good." Peter said, he knew Rion wasn't the boastful sort if she said something she meant it "Find him and then I want options."
"Of course." Rion said
-
Nekhtou lamented the reports coming in, but lamented further the reports of mass defections amongst the ranks of the Confederacy. Even in areas far from Ashsupis the shreds he had held onto this long were falling away from him. "We do not have the men," he sighed to his commanders, "withdrawal is the only option at this point. However," he said with a smile, "do leave them some gifts as our forces return from the front."
As forces still loyal to Nekhtou pulled back from the city they left behind IEDs and, those with more time at hand, pits of sharpened spikes with animal and, at times, their own feces on their tips. Carefully covered with leaves and other foliage it wasn't a matter of if, but when, an unwitting foe would fall within them.
"We've played the democracy game, only to be largely ignored by the community of nations," Nekhtou said as he stood. "We've no constraints remaining ahead of us as they have forsaken us. Our last remaining card, those agents and assets to the North, must either prove decisive or the cause is perhaps wholly lost. We shall meet tomorrow and determine just what shall transpire."
-
Sepsi
The victory at Ashsupis was good news for the coalition it marked what in chess terms could be described as the end of the middle game and the beginning of the end game. Looking over her map of the country Rhyth started plotting the end. The Confederation was broken they were on the run now, they'd be chased hard into the very heart of their territory, but Rhyth was also experienced enough to know that the Confederation was now more dangerous than ever for the simple reason that the Confederation now had nothing left to lose and everything to gain. They'd have to be careful and precise in how they went about this.
"Always so meticulous." Sarah said watching as Rhyth traced various imaginary lines across the map assessing her options.
"Precision is a must these days." Rhyth said "Ok my guess is we'll take Clysuna relatively soon, the Confederation are running so it's possibly last stand mentality and Nekhtou's a general he knows how to fight this sort of situation, he's got nothing to gain from an expansive perimeter. We'll pin his forces back and hound him."
"Once we have Clysuna in addition to the already liberated Tarfu the road to Heshiken will be open." Sarah said "But every yard of that is going to be stained with blood on all sides."
"Abuqiya's border is shored up, coalition will pin from the west and north, only place to run would be east." Rhyth said "But hopefully politics will close that off before too much longer."
"Heshiken's still going to be a tough nut to crack, Nehkthou's not a fool." Sarah said
"How well trained has Major Rose got the CDL?" Rhyth asked
"Well they just repossessed a load of Clysperi armour so I'd say they're doing quite well." Sarah said "Why what are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking smash and grab." Rhyth said
"A raid?" Sarah asked
"Get Major Rose on the radio and up recon of Heshiken." Rhyth said
Valtheim
In the Round Table Room Peter stood surveying the latest intel carefully he knew just as everyone else did that the closer this war got to a conclusion the more dangerous it got, but even so he couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't over yet. Nekhtou's forces were edging closer and closer to defeat, the Confederation's days were certainly numbered but the spectre of Ramose now hung over everything, what was this other players game? More immediately where the heck was he and was he legitimate? Historically the Pharaoh's of Abydos had taken multiple spouses, it wasn't surprising to have in excess of thirty or forty of them so it was conceivable that there was a large family tree, equally with that in mind it was possible that Ramose could be distantly related to Akasha in which instance it would get very complicated as to which claim had precedence and all the rest of it. It was also possible that Ramose, aware of this history, was taking advantage of the situation. This was why Rion had to find him and find the truth.
"Rion are you any closer?" Peter asked
"I've got a few leads and we're narrowing them down right now." Rion said
"Soon as you know for definite I want to know." Peter said
"Naturally." Rion said
Peter took the next report as it came in, there was something worrying him now - with the Confederation on the run, this was the opportunity for Ramose to strike and yet there wasn't one yet. It made the Achkaerinese Emperor slightly uneasy. However he also knew that finishing off the Confederation first before Ramose had a chance to move was in their interests. He just hoped Rion found where he was soon.
-
Tamoran HQ, somewhere near Tarfu
The rebels defeat at Ashsupis was good news for the Tamorans and it was celebrated. Unfortunately, the number of casualties started rising as more Tamoran soldiers become victims to the IEDs left behind by the rebels. The CDL allies were also experiencing increased casualties. Tamoran army doctors had their hands full in the last few days.
The Tamorans were happy to see that the CDL numbers were rising so high because propaganda was a very important part in their war. The more people were fighting for the Pharaoh the more support she had among her people. With so much extra manpower, the Tamoran helped their CDL allies to liberate more surrounding villages. For now Heshiken was not a priority target.
Dealing with Heshiken (the rebel capital)
All reports the Tamoran had indicated that Nekhtou wanted to make Heshiken his last stand. Colonel Goshtasb, the leader of the Tamoran forces in Clysperis, wanted more options. The way he saw it, capturing the city by force would be costly in human lives but also in terms of support. If so many would be willing to die for Nekhtou, even when it was clear that they were doomed, then that could leave seeds for a future rebellion. The families of fallen rebel soldiers will continue to resent the Pharaoh as long as they lived. Nekhtou but more importantly his ideas needed to be defeated and capturing the city by force was in his opinion the wrong way to do it.
So he had his men working in intelligence get in contact with the CDL counterparts in order to establish contacts with the rebels in Nekhtou. He would work to send to Djerb two options:
1. Begin negations for the official surrender of the rebel government.
2. Begin negations with other high ranking members of the rebel government who would be willing to switch sides and organize a coup against Nekhtou by assassinating him and then surrender to Clysperi forces.
Goshtasb was only a colonel and he had never met the Clysperi Pharaoh in person. However, from the reports he had about her he expected that should Djerb offer option 1 to her that she will refuse. Of course, there was no guarantee that any of those option would work.
He ordered his men to send the plans to Djerb and inform him as soon as he got word back.
For now operations continued as normal.
-
The Battle of Clysuna
With the Confederation in full retreat following their defeat at Ashsupis, the battlefield had shifted substantively now - for much of the conflict so far the coalition had been on the defensive, trying to stem the Confederate advance while taking back key positions however now they were the ones on the offensive, Achkaerinese forces had reached Clysuna as they continued to hound the running Conferation forces - this was the second 'gatepost' to the road to Heshiken, the other being Tarfu. The battle had been something of a non event in fact for the Achkaerinese soldiers involved it probably echoed of the Safraen conflict, the Confederation tactics were now becoming obvious - IED's, concealed bombs and other terrorist methods they were doing everything to delay and delay the coalition advance.
With Clysuna safe and secure it soon became the forward HQ for the Achkaerinese forces, a deserted school had been turned into a makeshift command centre for the Achkaerinese. Rhyth was on site and carefully coordinating things as the end of the conflict gradually crept nearer and nearer. She knew Nekhtou could and most likely would make Heshiken the bloodiest and most costly battle of the war, it had the all the hallmarks of a last stand after all. And fighting an organised force in a city was never something appetising as far as Rhyth was concerned. She had one idea and it was a bit of a wild one, it was however somewhat logical - there was an old maxim 'cut the head from the snake and the body falls' the Confederation was essentially a large militia with a professional soldiery core led by Nekhtou, take Nekthou out of the equation and they might be able to put an end to this without having to engage in a bloodbath. But that didn't mean the Achkaerinese or the coalition for that matter were sitting on their laurels, they didn't want to give Nekthou the satisfaction of a final battle on his terms but that wasn't to say they weren't prepared for it if it came to it. For now though they were preparing for potential eventualities, they were forming a perimeter around Heshiken taking the small villages one by one to corner the Confederation back into Heshiken, contain whatever was left of the threat.
"General you wanted to see me?" Heather asked stepping into the classroom that had become a command centre.
"Yes." Rhyth said "What's your assessment of the CDL?"
"Those Shadowblade have been working with are competent, solid soldiers now, they've come a long way." Heather said "I don't think anyone would have thought that we'd be able to rob the Confederation of a fair amount of armour."
"Do you think they can handle a surgical strike?" Rhyth asked
"Where?" Heather asked
"Heshiken." Rhyth said "I want you to grab Nekhtou."
"Take him out of the equation and leverage the Confederation?" Heather said "It can work."
"Can you do it?" Rhyth asked
"We've got up to date recon of the city?" Heather asked
"Yes." Rhyth said "So?"
"Getting in's easy enough." Heather said thinking it through "Getting Nekhtou is doable if we get it right. Getting out will be a right bitch though."
"All you've got to do is get outside the city, once you get out there I can have air support cover you." Rhyth said
"Ok then." Heather said after a few moments of silent thought "I'll deliver the head of the snake."
-
Tamoran HQ, somewhere near Tarfu
Splitting the rebel territory was a heavy blow to rebels and celebrated in the Tamoran camp. Colonel Goshtasb also got new orders from Djerb. He was to continue to support the CDL to gain as much territory from the rebels as possible with no effort made towards conquering Heshiken. He knew that central command did not trust the coalition forces one bit and having the CDL gain control over as much as much of the rebel territory as possible meant strengthening Pharaoh Akasha’s position.
“Well then, let’s wipe the floor with the rebels” he said to himself.
-
Operation Checkmate
The ring of steel so to speak around Heshiken was slowly being established, the villages that the Confederation held were one by one being abandoned as the rebels pulled out preparing for a fight in Heshiken. There were of course skirmishes all over the place as the coalition began to tighten the noose. One village out to the west of Heshiken was the site of one such skirmish as Shadowblade troop and the CDL engaged with confederation forces, well whatever was left of them. Heather ducked into cover next to Tim behind the village well.
"These guys are pulling out." Tim said
"Not with that truck they're not." Heather said, a few metres on the other side of the well was a truck, she clicked her radio "Luke, Luna take it."
Two shots rang out, the two confederation fighters running for the truck dropped to the ground dead, the village was theirs but now they had bigger fish to fry. Heather waved the CDL captain over.
"As we planned." Heather said "Get your men ready this is it. We get one chance at this."
"I understand major." the CDL captain said, as everyone climbed into the truck Heather got on the radio again.
"Shadowblade to control, phase one complete proceeding to phase two." Heather said
It was a few hours later, night was beginning to fall as the truck, now driven by one of the CDL fighters approached Heshiken, in the back Heather and the rest of what was essentially a raiding party kept their heads down. The truck rolled inside the city and they started to check their weapons.
"This could just about be the craziest thing we've ever been involved in." Luna said
"Possibly." Heather said "Silenced weapons, I don't want to go loud unless they shoot first."
"Remember the plan, CDL on diversion, Shadowblade on retrieval." Tim said
"Hit fast and hit hard." Heather said "And get out when I say. Good luck."
As the truck ran down a deserted street, the six members of Shadowblade troop, slipped out and made their way up an alleyway towards the back of the building at the centre of the city, this was the rebel capital and if anything this building could be considered the rebel headquarters. Heather, Tim and Luna all started looking at each window through binoculars and scopes to confirm the presence of their target.
"Got him." Luna said after a few moments "Upstairs."
"Ok then." Heather said she took out her radio "Captain begin phase three."
"Copy that." came the reply from the CDL captain.
"And remember keep your heads down." Heather said "Good luck."
"Good hunting." came the response
The sound of gunfire penetrated the night as the CDL raiders opened fire, such was the bold and downright unthinkable nature of it that the Confederation troops actually had to take a moment before realizing that yes there was an enemy presence right in the heart of their capital, soon the sound of the guns intensified as the rebels fired back. Around the back of the building Heather was mentally counting down then she looked at her team and nodded
"Let's do it." she said, Nathan and Richard moved first covering the open ground and taking positions to watch for any interruptions, then Luke and Luna moved. Luke prized the gate with a crowbar and they were in. Heather and Tim were next to move, hey were through the gate and up against the building wall, stacked on one side of a window. Luke moved to the other side of the window and Luna crouched just below the window sill, Tim handed Heather a baton which she rammed through the glass.
When the glass shattered Luna was through the gap first, she swept the room quickly
"Clear." she said taking position by the door, Heather swept the remaining glass and hopped inside followed by the rest of the team.
"Ok everyone knows the drill search and clear." Heather said "Once we find him we get the hell out of here."
They split up into pairs, Heather with Luke, Tim with Luna and Nathan with Richard and began sweeping the building. It was of course a building under enemy control and under attack from the CDL but while the diversion would attract a lot of attention it wouldn't attract all of it. Using non-lethal force where possible Shadowblade troop made their way through the building, then Luke kicked down a door and Heather set eyes on the man known only as 'the disgraced' Heather wasn't in the mood for any small talk she simply knocked him out.
"We have the package." Heather said over the radio "Time to go."
The fighting outside was fairly intense as the truck they'd come in on was reversed around to point in the direction from where they'd come, the CDL had given a very good account of themselves but the balance of power had always been against them and there had been casualties and wounded. Nathan hauled the unconscious Nekhtou into the back of the truck where he cuffed him, Richard went for the drivers seat while the rest laid down cover fire.
"Let's go CDL!" Tim yelled
The CDL troops broke cover running to the truck, carrying their wounded with them. Heather chanced a glance to her left as the firefight continued, the last of the CDL people on the mission were heading for them, Heather kept up her fire until they were all aboard.
"Go go go!" Heather yelled climbing into the back of the truck.
"Thought you'd never ask" Richard said as he put his foot down.
If getting into the city had been essentially an open goal getting out was going to be anything but, this was a gauntlet of gunfire raining down on the armoured vehicle as it made its way at speed through the city. Heather gritted her teeth, glancing through the small gap she could see out of the windscreen she was gauging the distance they were almost out and clear.
"Boss we've got vehicles in pursuit." Luke said
"Why am I not surprised?" Heather said "Richard floor it."
Richard did as Heather ordered and within moments the armoured truck broke free from the confines of the city and out into the wilderness.
"Lightning this is Shadowblade we're clear west of Heshiken two hostiles in pursuit, strike passage appreciated." Tim said over the radio.
In the skies above confederation territory two Dragonbane aircraft (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=987.msg7959#msg7959), arguably the descendent of the most proven ground attack aircraft on Mundus circled the lead aircraft was flown by Captain Larissa Bond (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg4715#msg4715) callsign 'Lightning' the second jet was flown by Pilot Officer Clay Stanley (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=49.msg4717#msg4717) callsign 'Magician'.
"Copy that Shadowblade we're inbound." Larissa said
"Reading two targets designating them Alpha and Bravo." Clay said
"Bravo's all yours." Larissa said "I've got the Alpha."
"Copy that." Clay said
The two Dragonbane's descended down on their attack runs
"I have target acquisition tone and lock." Clay said "Missile away." he fired and pulled up, as Larissa locked in on her target.
"Target locked." Larissa said "Missile away." she fired and pulled up sharply
The sound of the explosions behind them was unmistakable as Heather smiled, they were away and clear she held her hand out to the CDL captain, the man she'd been working with closely throughout the conflict.
"Good job." Heather said
"And you." the captain said shaking her hand.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/GjUnwRN.png)
Open Message to the So Called Confederation of Clysperis
At approximately 20:00 hours Valtheim Meridian Time tonight Achkaerinese and CDL militia forces executed an operation in the city of Heshiken. The result of this operation has been the capture of General Nekhtou otherwise referred to as "the disgraced", the General remains in Achkaerinese custody where he will be treated in accordance with the Uppsalla Convention.
Over the last few weeks the initial overnight gains by those forces opposed to Pharaoh Akasha have dried up, the force driving them has stalled, the offensives blunted by a combined and coordinated international effort. The city of Apne, where fifty seven muslims were senselessly murdered at a mosque as they sought to worship their God, has been retaken, the city of Asupris held, the towns of Tarfu and Clysuna taken back, the tide has turned against the so called Confederation and now their last stronghold is surrounded and their leader captured.
This war has already seen many lives lost on both sides of the conflict, and no one wants to see anymore blood shed, the time for peace is now. There is no path to victory for the so called Confederation now, therefore I urge the rebel forces to lay their arms down, put an end to this conflict before more blood is shed. Offer your surrender and let's have peace return to Clysperis.
Emperor Peter Azurewind
-
A Message to Achkaerin:
Many of our fighters are surrendering of their own accord. We won't be able to account for them all.
Senior leadership will be presenting themselves to local authorities in the coming hours, whether that be Royal, Tamoran, Achkaerinese, or otherwise.
This will be our last, and only, official communication.
-The Confederation of Clysperis