8:00pm
Caspian Sea

Reitzmic vessels patrolling the large lake wait vigilantly for any refugee, distress call, or enemy vessel that may appear. The news of the cruise missile strikes already reached the other ships in the fleet, and a counter-attack from the Svarnans was a huge possibility despite the pressure from the Government.

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Just then, HMS Agile was on its way to rendezvous with HMS Cambridge when the radar picked up a signal just 50nmi away. The vessel was not identified by the AID (Alliance Identification) System and therefore is not an ECON vessel, and therefore may be an enemy ship or a Telum vessel. Further readings and calculations were made, and the conclusion was that the ship is a lone Svarnan Navy Frigate.

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Anticipating a possible encounter with the foreign vessel, the ship rang General Quarters. Soon, they would learn that this was the best decision they ever made. On the other side of the battlefield was a Svarnan Navy Frigate, the exact same ship that helped seize MV Lucious and MV Hwarang. Cruising at 20kn, the ship already had HMS Agile in its sights. It kept closing in before firing two Anti-ship Cruise Missiles at the lone Corvette. The two missiles speed to their target, but are immediately detected by the missile warning system aboard the stealthy ship. Countermeasures were launched, and 2 Maverick SAMs try to intercept the oncoming danger. The intercept was only partially successful, only one of the missiles were shot down while the other continued on its way to the target. The threat was serious, the only hope was on the onboard CIWS to shoot the last one down. At transonic speeds, the other missile approached closer and closer and was met with gunfire from the Goliath CIWS. At 1.5nmi, an explosion was heard from the distance. The missile did not make it, it was shot down by the ship's defence systems.

After the threat was cleared, the crew remained on alert in case more were on their way. The ship's commander was not happy with what happened, he ordered to contact the headquarters at Manchester to inform them of the situation. Aside from that, he also sought permission to engage the ship in retaliation. The war had actually begun.

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HMS Agile deviated from its rendezvous course after it informed the other ships in the fleet on its new mission, DNS Wuppertal (F155) of the Duchian Navy (operating under Operation Tiger) also approached in to join in engaging the lone SNS Agra to retaliate after it also got attacked just minutes after the attack on the Royal Navy. Quickly, the VLS cells were prepared from both ships. The Reitzmics were preparing to launch 2 CM-12 Expander Cruise Missiles while the Duchians were also arming 2 Exocet missiles, both of which had the range and speed to likely hit the already aged target.

Once the missiles were prepared, both went on a coordinated salvo with the Reitzmics launching in alternating order with the Duchians. At 8:45pm, everything was set. HMS Agile was around 40nmi from the target while DNS Wuppertal was around 60nmi, and both were around 80nmi apart. From the bridge, Comm. Frank Ulysses ordered to begin firing and notified his Duchian counterpart that the salvo is about to begin. The weapons officers initiate the launches with the first missile being released, the Duchians then followed suit in the same manner agreed.

The 4 missiles closed in, and due to the distance and speed difference it seemed like all would hit at once. Inside SNS Aga, the incoming threats were detected, and all crew remained alert in their battle stations. The opposing ship fired a salvo of 4 Aspide SAMs in a bid to intercept the threats, before then firing another salvo of 4 to ensure a successful intercept. Only 1 of the Exocets were intercepted, while both Expanders remained on their course at supersonic speeds. Like a karma, the only hope for the Svarnans were their countermeasures and CIWS. Once in range, the onboard systems began to engage and rain bullets on the coming missiles. But it was too late, the Exocet of the Duchians hit their marks just below the bridge. The CIWS was partially successful by taking down one of the Expanders, but the other hit its mark right in the middle near the smokestack. It wasn't enough, although the damage was massive to disrupt operations. However, the final fate was decided. The order had already been dropped by the Prime Minister himself.

SB: "Sink it."

That was the order from the already furious Simon Bridges. And in in compliance with the order, another salvo was ordered for both ships under the same sequence. However this time, SNS Agra already ran out of SAMs. The crew inside fought on fiercely, firing their last two Cruise Missiles in a bid to hit DNS Wuppertal whom which responded with evasive maneuvers and launch of countermeasures to avoid the threats. However, both were easily taken down by the more advanced Duchian ships. In a last-ditch effort, the ship cruised in an attempt to at least score hits on any of the two vessels with its main gun. But it was too late, the salvo was coming, and the countermeasures were not enough to save the day. Again, one of the Exocets hit their marks this time at the center of the hull while one of the Expanders hit the hangar at the back of the ship, piercing through armour and killing the crew desperately preparing the on-board helicopter for a flight, the other missed. It was too much, the men were ordered to abandon the slowly tilting and sinking ship. A distress signal was sent out to all other ships for rescue, the first battle had come in favour of the Reitzmics and Duchians.

GCHQ "The Doughnut"

At the headquarters, the Prime Minister rapidly sped into the war room after being notified of the attack on HMS Agile. With anger, he did not hesitate to approve a counter-attack and asking to sink the ship and rescue the survivors. News of the Duchians losing aircraft in Svarna after an unsuccessful attempt to achieve Air Superiority also came, the situation was very complex. It seemed like the Svarnans really wanted war, but the lives of the Duchian pilots was also important and so the decision had to be made carefully. Then, he spoke.

SB: "Rescue the sailors and send a communique to President Neha, I want to meet with him. We're offering a trade of prisoners of war and of critical equipment."

In his mind, the angered Prime Minister thought that maybe a Diplomatic approach could still be done to give an end to the war. War wasn't something good for him, especially as the Conservatives ramp up efforts for the next election which might be catastrophic for his party. Reappropriating budget to a foreign invasion was simply not appealing to the masses.

SB: "I don't want news of the sinking to come out just yet, we have to wait for their response to our meeting offer. Other than that, I also would like to meet the revolutionary factions in Svarna. If it is possible, bring them in the United Duchies so they could organize a unified front and establish a government to replace the current regime once we liberate Goa. And finally, I want an announcement from the Ministry of Defence and Foreign Affairs thanking and accepting the generous offer of humanitarian assistance from various nations in recognition of our limited capability. That's all for now."

As soon as everything was cleared, Simon left the room and went back to continue work in the Black House. A lot of people, had some explanations to make. The first days of the war had finally actually begun, and the first battle was in the Reitzmics' favour.

27 December 2022

All units will act to bomb military targets and government buildings. The forces deployed in the Duxburian Dominions have been accounted for.

Nation: Empire of Inimicus
Participating Branches of the Armed Forces: Imperial Air Force, Imperial Naval Air Arm, Imperial Guard
Dates attending through: 28th March -- April 8th

Senior Commissioned Officer Attending the Exercise: Prince-Commander of the Imperial Air Force Lady Juliette Fleming
Senior Enlisted Non-Commissioned Officer Attending the Exercise: Officer Aspirant Nicholas Purdue
Total number of participating personnel: +- 1500

List Participating Units: Imperial Naval Air Squadron, 1st Special Air Squadron, 2nd Air Corps
List Participating Aircraft:

35x Eurofighter Typhoon 4x Panavia Tornado 3x AMX International, 2x F-35B (Experimental), 2x G550 AEW AWACS/EW 4x KC-767 tankers 20x P.2HH Hammerhead attack drone 20x P.1HH recon drone.

Will you be sending JTAC, Air Liaison Officers, or other Special Forces? If so, whom?:

2nd Air Corps Logistics Battalion including JTAC & Air Liaison personnel. Chairman of the Imperial Special Forces Command High Sheriff Roger Appelar will lead the 1st Special Air Squadron

Any special requests?: None.
Important notes for the hosting unit?: Commissioner for Drone Warfare Boris Mancov has requested to observe exercises involving UAV units.

We will as of now be constantly be in a state of readiness . The new threat is the shield proposal, Australia must be ready. We will also research nuclear drone propulsion and missile defence. Exected end date is 2024.

Mark Dreyfus, MP
Minister of Defence

Road to the First Flight

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Design tests on the Mireuk had already been done and a prototype was underway. 3 prototypes are already being assembled at the factory with their avionics ready to be fitted in anticiption for a few ground tests and eventually the flight test. At the factory, workers are carefully bringing together the parts, from the engines to the landing gear and the wings. Eventually, they get to finish the primary airframe and installed the radome on top. The mechanisms were tested and verified for some time before being certified ready for flight. A few days pass, and the first prototype was finished and unveiled to the public. And the next day, it had to fly.

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First Flight
Engineers brought the aircraft to the runway for its first flight. In the aircraft, there were two test pilots, Peter Nicholson and Nick Eades of the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. The first flight was very normal, yet everyone kept their eyes fixed on the aircraft's behavior in flight. It was short, 10 minutes to be exact, but enough to prove the aircraft performs nicely without problems. After the craft landed, it taxied immediately to the hangar for inspection and assessment. Engineers found no problem on the external structure and the prototype appears fine. Within the next two days, engineers further assessed the aircraft for more detailed problems. One of which came on the control surfaces, specifically the left wing aileron, which was stiffer and slightly not in sync with the right wing aileron. Some changes were applied to remedy what happened.

Run-around Flight Tests
After the first flight, four subsequent run-around flight tests were made. Each flight test got longer and longer with the craft travelling farther and farther. It was necessary to test the craft's endurance and its avionics at longer flights. Throughout the series of tests, some minor modifications were made such as flight computer coding, addition of more avionics, weight test of the on-board radar system, and full loading test for the COD variant. Three more passengers who will act as the radar operators join the third and fourth flight in the series, it was done to test the weight loading of the prototype and simulate the stability of the aircraft when fully loaded. Once all the necessary adjustments and calibrations were made to the aircraft stability and avionics, the craft was ready to try flying from one airfield to another.

Full Flight Tests
The first full flight took place throughout the next months after the run-around tests. The plane went from Manchester Aircraft Assessment Facility to Salisbury Global Airport and vice versa on a short flightpath. Once the craft first landed on Salisbury Global Airport, engineers waiting for the plane examined the prototype on a small hangar temporarily rented from Asiana Airlines. Not much problems are detected and the craft went on to fly back to Manchester Aircraft Assessment Facility where engineers are also waiting to further examine the effects of the forces acting on the aircraft. Upon examination, there seems no problem encountered. On the next 3 flight tests, the prototype travelled farther and farther to see its range without in-flight refueling, a feature system that is still to be tested and verified safe to conduct. The farthest the aircraft went throughout the test without refueling (both ground and in-flight) are from Manchester Aircraft Assessment Facility to Cair Para and vice versa, within the country it was determined that the craft had a range greater than the distance of the farthest airport from the Manchester facility. This led to engineers capping the craft's range at 4000km. The next 5 flight tests after the range test covered the craft's landing and take-off distance at various levels of loaded weight. At maximum load, the engineers determined the craft could take-off at a 700m runway with 200m clearance and land at the same length runway with 300m clearance. The statistics for the landig and take-off speeds satisfy the requirements the engineers see necessary to proceed with having the aircraft operate on carriers at sea. After the distance test, the next 3 tests dealt with speed and service ceiling. The next tests involved some minor modifications to the airframe and improvements to the engine to meet the requirements. These modifications and improvements led to a max speed of approx. 740 km/h with a service ceiling of about 13km above sea level. To end the part of the flight tests, 3 final tests that deal with the aircraft's radar cross section, avionics performance, and operational range were conducted. The craft flew from Manchester Aircraft Assessment Facility to Salisbury Global Airport while passing through a field with various radars in different frequencies, this was done to fetch the data on the craft's RCS while in-flight. When the craft went for the return flight, the avionics and the radar's performance at communication and detection of targets were assessed. Some target drones of various sizes to simulate various radar cross sections were flown to test the onboard radar systems' capability to detect low rcs and low profile aircraft. In addition, two fighter jets flew near to simulate data sharing and test the range to which the datalink system works. With all these tests done, this part of the flight testing ended successfully.

Pre-Carrier Trials
Before testing the prototype on-board a carrier, it was necessary to assess it and test the craft's behavior at simulated carrier environments. This included take-off testing on a ground-based catapult and ski-jump systems, and landing on a ground-based arresting wire and barrier systems. Ten test flights involving these systems were conducted, each deals with identifying the range, service ceiling, loading limit, landing gear stress, and capability to take-off and land. Some adjustments to the internal structure and configuration of the avionics and load inside were made to compromise the problems encountered. Apart from this, the craft was also tested on both normal and carrier-style runways to conduct in-flight refueling and countermeasure dumping. The in-flight refueling system was modified and both probe-and-drogue and flying boom being assessed on the more efficient system to be implemented, in the end the engineers selected the probe-and-drogue for less complexity. Despite this, engineers also settled to test and finalize a flying boom adapter-installed variant in the future. Eventually, this flying boom adapter variant is developed 20 years after the craft first entered service. Aside from modifications to the ifr-system, the landing gear also went through various changes to make it safer and sturdier when landing on a carrier at very high speed. After all the tests, the craft was about ready to proceed to the actual carrier trials.

Manchester Aircraft Assessment Facility
February 26 2022

LHG: "Careful, careful."

Beeps of a truck are heard to warn those nearby to clear the way as the aircraft prototype is towed into the hangar in preparation of a big event. A test pilot named Steve Moseley from the Empire Test Pilot's School then shows up in his specialized test pilot gear while carrying a Gen III Universal Helmet Mounted Display System, and climbs into the aircraft while it is being fueled. He begans to test and asses the flight control systems of the aircraft by simulating a roll, yaw, and pitch while then checking the appropriate control surfaces if it moves the way it should. He then starts checking the glass cockpit which does not look far from the original Archer that he once flew.

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He's then handed a checklist to which he begins placing checks on Control Surfaces and Glass Cockpit. The fueling ends and the aircraft is ready, but he does not leave yet to check the Weapons Bay which does open properly. A button is then ticked to enable thrust vectoring, and he proceeds to move to stick again to see if it behaves properly before then placing a check to verify that it does. It seems as if the aircraft is ready for the next part of Day 1 Flight Tests.

Right at that moment, cars pull over near the hangar. It was the Prime Minister and Defence Minister Wallace again, they really want to see how well it performs. They get off the car and meet the Engineer Lee once again.

SB: "Glad to meet you again Mr. Lee. It seems like the product of all your hard work is to be challenged by the physics of this world."

LHG: "It's good to see you again too Mr. Prime Minister, and you too Min. Wallace. Indeed, but we're doing everything to finalize this aircraft to prepare for a maiden flight at the 2nd Anniversary Celebration. Anyway, I think it's best you see this beast up close."

He then leads the 2 to the aircraft. Test Pilot Moseley then gets out of the aircraft to salute the Prime Minister and Defence Minister, to which they also respond with a salute.

SB: "I'm glad to meet you Mr. Moseley, you will certainly be part of history for what you're doing today."

SM: "It's an honour and privilege to meet you sir and to serve this country."

LHG: "Well Mr. Prime Minister, I think it's best you see the flight test from the best view up at the control tower. We'll be commencing the first flight test in a moment."

Simon is then led by another engineer to the Control Tower where seats are prepared for the best view of the aircraft. Back at the hangar, the test pilot returns to the cockpit. He wears the HMD which has been calibrated to be connected to the aircraft's flight computer. Tick after tick, switches and buttons are turned on in sequence to start the electrical systems to begin injecting power to the aircraft and the cockpit turns on along with the HMD and HUD. A small truck tows the craft to the runway slowly as engineers pay attention to the aircraft's behavior. In the cockpit, Steve proceeds to activate the avionics necessary for the flight along with the communication systems. The control tower then begins to communicate with Steve through the Callsign Archer II and directs him to the runway.

From the tower, Simon and Ben see the aircraft at the end of the runway like an F1 racing car ready to accelerate. The flight plan is then handed to them to give them information on how the aircraft will fly. They then start hearing Steve's radio from inside.

SM: "Manchester Test Tower, Archer II, Runway 25, Ready for Takeoff. Alright boys, let's hit this."

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He starts throttling up slowly while checking carefully the instruments and other avionics and sensor suites. And as he starts seeing the signs on the ground, he starts pulling on the stick and the nose starts rising. Eventually, with enough speed, the aircraft got off the ground and started flying. The landing gears are raised and were verified to have been working through a landing camera available as well as a sensor in the cockpit. He then proceeds to rock the craft left and right, and to which it responds appropriately. As a surprise and celebration, he does a 360 degree roll. He opens the weapons bays to test it in-flight, to which it also responds properly.

Simon pays close attention and begins smiling as the craft starts doing a few minor aerobatic moves. It then circles and does a hard left turn with the thrust vectoring nozzles on, and it does successfully. No stress has been seen so far in such a high G maneuver, recorded to be around 6Gs.

Steve turns off the thrust vectoring and levels the aircraft to proceed with the flight plan before turning around and approaching the runway.

SM: "Manchester Test Tower, Archer II, entering left downwind Runway 07."
Tower: "Archer II, cleared to land Runway 07."
SM: "Cleared to land Runway 07, Archer II."

The craft begins its descent as it approaches the runway. The landing gears are extended and, touchdown. The craft successfully lands and stops before the end of the runway. It then taxis to the hangar where it is greeted by the engineers. At the tower, Simon claps with joy and shakes the hands of the controllers. They all descend to the hangar to greet the pilot.

SB: "Congratulations for a job well-done Mr. Moseley."
SM: "Thank you sir, it's just part of my duty."

The engineers check the video footage and the checklist and the craft passed the first test. However, more tests are necessary to certify that the aircraft is safe to be commissioned in service.

After the short celebration, Simon approached the engineers and controllers for a request.

SB: "I hope that the secrets of the aircraft's developments will not be leaked elsewhere. It must be heavily guarded and encrypted whenever being transferred. Also, I hope that no one was able to track or see what we did."

The engineers and controllers assured Simon that the information on the aircraft is still safe within Reitzmag, however they said that the flights may have already been spotted by onlookers who are trying to get a nice view of the developments of the aircraft just near the facility.

Simon and Ben thanked the engineers and left. Samsung's engineers went on to work further and asses the results of the test and then shared the information to the Rolls Royce team.

Vatican Gardens
The invaders have arrived and landed throughout the city-state. And the journalists are preparing for the worst. Some guards were accompanying them in case they need armed defence against the aggressors. The doors were closed, and someone was thumping hard trying to break in. Emergency communication lines between the secret underground bunker were made, but it was no use. The invaders broke through the door and open fired to everyone in the building, they then quickly proceeded to take over the building and studio. All the guards died, it was a massacre. Some journalists were taken hostage, others killed in front of them.

St. Peter's Square
The Gendarmerie began to open fire against the arriving invaders, the tourists were kept in good condition at a special underground bunker not connected to the ones where the pope is. However, the defence was not enough to keep them away. But it was enough to give time for the evacuation to be done and the bunkers' entrances closed. Some were wondering, others traumatized and scared, but the common question remains on whether the pope was safe.

While all the guards at the square were killed, tents were erected by the invaders. Some of the civilians and soldiers who managed to escape took pictures and videos of what was happening.

Vatican Underground Bunkers
The Pope was notified, with video evidence, of what happened to Cardinal Medina. Immediately he order the appointment of Cardinal Vincent Nichols as the new President of the Governorate, with tears from his eyes. All they could do was pray, and that was what they did. The ground shook so much, as if an earthquake happened. They did not know, it was the Basilica, all gone and collapsed.

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St. Peter's Basilica
As bombs explode at the columns, the heavy roof and dome did the job of completing the demolition. It all collapsed, to ruble. Some artifacts and religious relics were saved, but some did not survive or had to stay. Rebuilding the entire building would take so much time, and so it was hard to say whether it would still be rebuilt the same way. Only the obelisk remains dominating the square, aside from the ruble of the now destroyed basilica

Project Eva
IC Secret
Richmond City, Jullien (30 Miles north of the outskirts of Moraben, Jullien).
Hayden Cole National Research Center
January 15th, 2022

“Madam President, Welcome.” One of the Head Scientists of the research center said as President Mouri-Kudo entered the center through the secret entrance.

“Thank you. Is Dr slash Minister Akagi here today?” Mouri-Kudo asked curiously.

“Yes, Madam President. She is in her office at the moment. She is just reviewing new data for the LF-1A Gen 5 plan.” The scientist explained pointing the way to Minister of Science and Research Ritsuko Akagi’s office in the research center, which is far from the capital of the Commonwealth and away from the official public office of the Ministry of Science and Research.

“I guess then I will disturb her then.” Mouri-Kudo said as she began to walk towards said Doctor’s office.

Office is a understatement of the work area of the Minister of Science and Research as it was more or less a large laboratory and test area of all the Commonwealth’s new weapons, gadgets, and devices that were either tested, discarded, or being developed. As the President of the Commonwealth entered, she heard the sounds of various things within the room being made. The sounds ranged from the works of welding to even malfunction of a gun. The Secret Service agents beside her suggested that she wait until the Minister is done with her work for the sake of her very own safety from the things being tested. However, Mouri-Kudo waved it off. She had been through much throughout her life, especially as president when one considers how her inauguration went.

“Madam President, I am surprised to see you’re here.” Minister of Science and Research Ritsuko Akagi said after examining a new type of Rocket Launcher for the Army.

“Minister Akagi. Good to see you here. I was just checking to hear about the progress on the latest projects.” Mouri-Kudo said as she and Akagi sat by a workbench in the area.

“So far, work on the Defender Class has been going smoothly and we should expect to see the first line of the class being produced in March once we finish running additional tests and after the naval exercises that you plan to have with the Spanish Navy. The Submarine will have a much more longer range than the old Revolution Class and can handle much more deeper depths than said predecessor. It has a AIP that manage to squeezing into the Engine Room Compartment. So the use of fuel will not be a serious concern for the Navy in the use of this submarine, especially with the Fuel Cell system. However, we did not achieve our goal of 720 miles underwater at 5 Knots, but 705 miles at said speed.” Akagi explained.

“Well, it is still an improvement. Maybe once we start have more of the Defenders out then we will can be able to have their range extended.” Mori-Kudo said.

“Of course, Madam President.” Akagi said looking over a sheet of data, “Progress on stealth technology is still a way to go for the armed forces. We had some success in developing a prototype that somewhat works but needs more tweaking to be done before we say that we are on the right path. It should take us another year at most for progress to be completely finished. Problem is that we are developing our own from scratch, if say we had one that was imported and we can based our own technology on, then the process will be much smoother. However, with time, we should be at the point of building our stealth tech for planes especially.”

“I see. I cannot promise that you will be able to get a imported variant but I will see if I can try with some of the European Nations nearby.” Morui-Kudo explained.

Akagi nodded understandingly.

“Will you still be meeting with Dietmember Moriarty on negotiating the funding of a Leagioan Merchant Marine Fleet?” Akagi asked curiously.

“Yes, even though the Economy is doing much better than at the start of my term, unemployment still needs to be resolved. Constructing a merchant marine fleet that sails through Europe might be the way to go for that and it would help to improve trade in-general for Leagio.The country is having a leftward shift and in order to get anything done of my program then I will need to compromise on a few of my positions.” Mouri-Kudo said dreadfully.

Onboard HMS Emperor of Reitzmag,
Less than a kilometer from the coast of Yosai

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Everyone was relaxed as it was still on the initial plans, however they all remained vigilant of possible happenings. On the bridge, Commodore Jerry Kyd is sipping at his coffee while looking at the horizon. Everything was proceeding as planned, the Yosainese fleet was also catching up just behind the CSG. After taking his last sip of coffee, the phone rang. It was the Fleet Command.

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Atlantic Fleet Command, Yosai

Admiral Sim had doubts whether or not the deployment was properly timed, and he thought that it may surely be appropriate at the time if the mission was covert. And at that time, the phone rang. It was either two possibilities, either something wrong happened, or things were going properly as planned. He answered the phone, it was the Prime Minister.

SSB: Admiral Sim of the Atlantic Fleet, who is this?
PMB: Admiral Sim, this is the Prime Minister.
SSB: Yes sir, how may I help you?
PMB: Amend the mission, remain on holding maneuvers at the Initial Deployment Zone.
SSB: Copy that sir, may I know the reason for this change in orders?
PMB: Our mission is compromised, this might go wrong. My advisers have told me it's best we stay out for now.
SSB: Copy that sir, should we inform the Executive Blue Manor for this?
PMB: Yes, please inform Mr. Watanabe of this as soon as possible. And more especially, the CSG.

The call dropped. Admiral Sim sent Cdre Huntington back to the Executive Blue Manor to inform the General Secretary. Immediately he approached his aide to make contact with the Emperor of Reitzmag.

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Onboard HMS Emperor of Reitzmag

Cdre Kyd answered the phone.

CJK: Commodore Kyd of the HMS Emperor of Reitzmag
SSB: Commodore, this is Admiral Sim of the Atlantic Fleet
CJK: Yes sir, how can I help you?
SSB: Commodore, the plan has changed. Maintain holding maneuvers in the Initial Deployment Point, the Prime Minister will give orders to proceed when necessary.
CJK: Copy that sir, what about the Yosainese?
SSB: Inform them of the change in plans, we'll let their own high command decide whether or not they proceed with their planned maneuvers as established by Operation Blue Hydra.
CJK: Copy that sir.
SSB: Also, make sure to have regular aerial patrols around the strike group for safety measures. Am I making myself clear?
CJK: Sir yes sir.

The call dropped, Commodore Kyd informed the crew and contacted YFS Tokugawa. He understood the situation, and he wants his crew to have fun while on hold. And he knw exactly what to do.

Situation Room, Confederal Presidential Palace of North Diessen

Het Goor, North Diessen
24th October 2021, 0415hrs

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Inge Pekcan clasped her arm and was roughly sat down on one of the intentionally uncomfortable seats in the situation room. She had chosen those seats herself -- she did not want anyone to experience even a remote degree of comfort when matters in this room would always require the utmost attention of everyone. In a way, she realised she knew it was all over. Ever since her accession to the office of Confederal President, her main concern had been the managing of relations between her nation and Inimicus, the Confederacy's strong, erratic southern neighbour. When the Treaty of Telum was signed, she was confident she had once and for all eliminated the risk of meddling Inimician interference in Diessenian matters.

Evidently not. Here she sat, surrounded by Imperial Guardsmen, who she had even requested to come to her aid. She fully admitted she had mismanaged the Reuland situation, but was she to be repaid by being manhandled and shot by those who had pledged her help? She had been compliant with the Inimicians, had given them what they wanted, had worked constructively with them, and had flattered Emperor Artabanos. She could not imagine why they would want to rid North Diessen of her - she was the ideal President from the Inimician perspective. Who, then, would want to supplant her?

The answer came in through the thick glass doors. Ekrem Mueller, Pekcan's most trusted Minister for National Defence, was escorted by four heavily armed soldiers dressed in black, the Inimician red, purple, and black flag on their arms. He was escorted, not dragged. Not shot. Pekcan knew all she had to know. "Ekrem, you?", she managed to stammer.

"Your time in office is complete, Inge. You must realise this now. The question before you is, will you make way for the new order, and spare the Diessenian people hardship and strife, or will you block our new transition, and create misery for thousands more?"

"You swore an oath, Ekrem. You swore to our rule of law, to our constitution. You can't -- " A jolt of pain struck Inge as Ekrem's hand pressed hard on her wounded arm. "Fine, fine. You win. Just - just let it end. Please let it all end."

"You'll make a live radio statement announcing your incapacitation and your triggering of the Constitutional line of succession, transferring your powers to me. You will sign the documents we have prepared. Then, you will receive medical attention and board a transport. We will not see each other again."

She did not need to guess what country she would be taken. "I hope this moment is burned into your memory", she said with a feeling of anger she had not previously experienced, "As one day, when you feel secure and blissful, you will topple from your pristine position into nothingness and void." She sighed, and added in her native German: "Wer hoch steigt, der wird tief fallen."

"I'm sure", Ekrem replied, and gestured to radio technicians standing outside.

DAY 1: SCRAMBLE TO THE CASPIAN

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Morning, September 18
Caspian Alpha Headquarters, Brewnest
The initial plan had been drafted, however it was necessary to coordinate the plans with that of the Duchian Armed Forces to avoid misunderstandings. The Reitzmic Government had more trust in the Duchians than any other member of the Telum Treaty. And so a virtual communique was established between the United Duchies and the Kingdom of Reitzmag to discuss additional plans such as deployment areas for both countries to avoid patrols being too concentrated on one area.

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM establishing connection... endpoint identification: UDS verifying endpoint... 100% verified... connecting... waiting for endpoint response... connected... info: United Duchies Communication System fetching video... 100% encrypting connection... 100% verifying encryption... 100% verifying connection... 100% processing video... 100% video connected...

The video is displayed and the two sides are connected. The Caspian Alpha Command meet the Duchian Armed Forces to discuss synchronization of plans for patrolling the Caspian.

Adm. Boo: "Greetings Duchian Command, I am Adm. Boo of the Caspian Alpha Fleet. I am here with the members of the Caspian Alpha High Command. We would like to discuss our conduct of joint patrols in the Caspian Sea to combat piracy."

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Afternoon, September 18
Caspian Alpha Assembly Area, HMNB Buckingham

As assigned, 5 ships from the Caspian Alpha will be sent for preliminary patrols. HMC Oliver Browning, HMC Wesley Curtis, HMC Philip Bedford, HMS Fulbrone, and HMS Illustrious have been prepared since yesterday on their voyage to the Central Caspian. One by one, they are assisted by tugboats away from the port to an assembly area. Upon arrival to the assembly area, the 5 ships form as an arrow with HMS Illustrious leading.

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Afternoon, September 18
Central Caspian

HMC Empire, HMC Britannia, and HMC England are on their way home for repairs after confirming the situation yesterday. On their way, they notice a small orange life boat is approaching them. The small boat seemed familiar and looked like the one used by the pirates they encountered. It was enclosed, and so it was necessary to use a telescope to see what's inside. HMC Empire takes a closer look at the boat, and they are indeed pirates.

On-board alert System: GENERAL QUARTERS!

The crew immediately rush to prepare for possible attack from the pirates. All three ships approach the small raft and wait for any hostile response. But there seems like no guns were being fired.

Suddenly...
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An RPG was fired from the back of the small craft where a rocket gunner was hiding. It was aimed at HMC Britannia, and it had scored a hit at the helicopter landing deck. It made a fire, injuring 10 crew and killing 6 sailors on-board. A sailor from HMC England went behind the ship with a sniper rifle and shot the rocket gunner. The two other men inside the life raft quickly escaped. The small fleet rushed to get home as soon as possible, while the fire was put out and all those injured were taken care of. Those who were killed were wrapped in body bags temporarily so they would be given military honors upon arriving home.

East Front Camps
Apr 21 2021
0420 hours Local Time

As was expected, Istkalenians striked back on the east frontline camps. They killed a few troops, Istkalen is still hostile and does not want to pay for what they have done already. Because of the attack, a counter-offensive was ordered immediately. Air strikes have been conducted by FA.30 NRP strike fighter jets and FA.21NG Super Griffins on areas where the firing came from. Howitzers from the mountains fire downhill to areas where guerilla fighters that attacked the frontline eastern camps likely came from. Drone surveillance catches footage and location of where the guerillas were from therefore calling for airstrikes on those places. Reitzmic camps remain to hold still while suffering only a few casualties and some injured. An order to conduct the retaliation procedure, already planned ahead in case a scenario like this happens had been dropped. Howitzers then face the major cities and open fire until their first set of shells are done. Reitzmic troops march into the cities and capture them while raising the Reitzmic flag as a sign of occupation. They then set camps and secure every single building to avoid another massacre due to urban fighting conditions. Reitzmic troops had already been trained in countering guerilla warfare tactics, desert warfare, as well as urban warfare. All of what they have been trained for is now put to the test.

Tanks then roll into the action to make use of the cities as strongholds, building walls around them, and constructing outposts. Airports captured have been used as air fields for use by supplies being airlifted into the scenes. Those who have been captured are then taken into custody and given basic care as they are detained in the primary stronghold cities. Howitzers remain in position at the mountains and secured further to prevent the guerillas from taking control of them.

But despite this, the commanders still do not understand why HQ would not order the use of EMPs and missiles. Gen. Renwalt himself reminded them that the equipment is enough to counter their offensives and the use of missiles is not yet necessary.

Instead of pushing back the Reitzmic soldiers, the Istkalenians made a mistake resulting in more areas occupied. West front camps and other settlements have also been ordered to prepare for more possible attacks.

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air strike missions marked in violet, istkalenian guerilla map added for OOC reference

Areas of Concentrated Guerilla Activity - OOC, for general reference

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Red lines mark areas of most concentrated guerilla activity (on the lines, not within them)

PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE
NEW BIRMINGHAM
08.00, APRIL 5TH, 2021

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"Thanks everyone for the early start." Emryc Isla started the meeting, slightly bleary-eyed, before downing his enormous #NOREFUGEES mug of coffee. "I try to keep these to a minimum, as you know, but you'll also know that today marks seven - well, seven and a half - days since the start of our operation in Neo-Venetia, Stella Maris. I'm going to start by giving a short briefing myself on the situation as it stands, and then Field Marshal Timpson will brief you on future plans."

"So, if you look at the map, you'll see we've made significant progress, especially over the last three days. We've met with comparatively little resistance, even in some cities that had been home to Communist and SRA troops before the start of Stella Maris. It's clear that the initial operation was successful in spreading confusion among the regime forces, and that's enabled us to take a number of cities and towns. We took Caparnaon, Tabaria, Carmiel, and Zecanin on the night of March 28th, followed by a short gap. On the 2nd we took Ponovo and Cavalieri; on the 4th we took Acco with no resistance, and reached the coastline; and later yesterday we entered Raffanea, Archas, Santegidio, and Gibelet. Now we've got our tanks and cars to the frontline, progress has been a lot quicker than in the logistical nightmare following the initial operation."

"Unfortunately, our progress is likely to halt in the coming 48 hours. As we predicted, the Communist forces have largely abandoned the plains for the cities and, regrettably, the mountains too. This is their forte. Fighting continues on the outskirts of Raffanea, and as you can see, there are pockets of serious regime resistance in Megido, Southern Caesarea, Antioch, the countryside to the east of Carmiel, the mountainous border areas, and most of all, Neo-Venetia city. This is expected to be the hardest slog. Field Marshal Timpson will now take you through how we plan to address this issue."

Emryc called the Field Marshal over, and he stood by the map.

"We intend to focus in the coming 48-72 hours on clearing the northern plains of resistance as far as Hatay. This will mark the end of Stella Maris as an operation. Two new operations will follow."

"The first of these is Operation Stylites. This will be focussed on the mountain region and the heavily-mined countryside east of Carmiel. Our campaign there will take on the characteristics of a counter-insurgency strategy, which we expect to last in some form beyond the completion of the main phase of the conflict. Our first goals under Stylites will be to completely secure the main towns - the remainder of Raffanea, plus Ferrand and Marra - and to destroy the barracks southeast of Ferrand, which appears to be intended as a mountain redoubt."

"The good news, on that note, is that we fully expect Stella Maris to cut almost all regime forces off from their mountain redoubt within 24 hours. Only about 20,000 men can be expected to hold out there, based on where we intend to reach the border, hopefully later today."

"The second operation is Operation Ouranos. Ouranos is an urban warfare campaign based on the fact that Antioch, Neo-Venetia, Megido, and Southern Caesarea have become de facto military bases. We intend that the next two weeks will be an aerial-led campaign, focussed on eliminating the integrity of the regime's urban warfare capabilities."

"I'll be frank here and say that we must expect significant civilian casualties. We can and will act based on the highest quality intelligence. We can and will provide warnings, generally and, where appropriate, in specific circumstances. But at this point, the regime's modus operandi has become clear. They will use civilian buildings for military purposes, both for anti-air and ground activities. They will use civilians as human shields."

"The second phase of Ouranos will be ground-based, and that will be the completion of the main phase of the conflict; but please recognise that we can only do this successfully, and without significant losses, including civilian losses, on the ground without first preparing the ground from the air."

"Thanks, Field Marshal. I know what's been said there is quite significant, so I'll open the floor to questions."

One hand shot up. "Nigel Martin, Foreign Affairs. As we all know, the last time we went into NV, we had to withdraw due to foreign pressure. How can we expect to maintain the goodwill of the rest of Europe if we're bombing these cities to hell? You're breaking my equipment before I go out to bat here."

"That's a good question, minister," replied the Field Marshal. "It's not for me to lay out the diplomatic situation; but I should stress we will always try to keep civilian casualties to a minimum. The route we're taking is actually the route of least death."

"The route of least fucking death! I'll use that one on the Inquistan ambassador. Fucking hell."

Martha Lane piped up. "Well, it's not like the Inquistans can complain about bombi-"

The cabinet started talking over each other until Emryc banged the table with his coffee mug.

"Look. Nigel, you know as well as I do that our improved diplomatic situation is as much down to our increased strength as anything else. I'm confident we can get through this fine. Europeans get much worse news images every day than any propaganda the CPNV or SRA will be able to come up with."

A few more, more mundane, questions followed.

"Right, I think that'll do. I want to have a vote now. All in favour of Stylites and Ouranos?"

Nigel Martin interjected. "We're voting on them together?!"

"Yes. Would you like to vote separately, Nigel."

Nigel shook his head, slightly exasperated, and raised his hand. The others all raised their hands.

"Then it's agreed. Field Marshal, keep us posted. Thank you."

NEO-VENETIA CITY -- SMALL PARK NEAR TO SPEAKER'S RESIDENCE
0555hrs

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Bells ringing in Major Stuart's ears. The sound of nearby missiles striking anti-air installations reverberated through his head. What was high command thinking, using guided missiles in a densely populated capital city? In a region where friendlies were active? At the very least, the strikes appeared to have bought the Inimicians some time, and time was all they needed. The evacuation helicopter approached the green to the southwest of the stand-by evacuation zone, covered by two attack helicopters, now undeterred by heavy anti-air installations. The ever-present danger of handheld anti-air missiles was still undiminished, however, and the main duty assigned to Stuart's squad was now to keep their eyes peeled for anyone who might cause the helis trouble.

"Major Stuart, we have images of hundreds of armed personnel approaching your position", the radio then announced, "Be advised: evacuate immediately."

Stuart could see them. A mob of shooting and shouting men, approaching from the east through a residential street. The Major radioed for intensive air support and started guiding the evacuation chopper down to the ground. "Evac in 3 minutes", he decided, "Hostages first." Under the heaviest fire, the Imperial Air Force helicoper managed to descend low enough for the hostages to be loaded on, followed by most of Stuart's brigade. He ordered the final operatives onto the heli, and started moving himself.

He announced everyone was aboard, but saw a straggler running towards the helicopter as it started ascending. He grabbed onto the private's hand and lifted him on. A shot rang. The sound of a bullet impacting flesh. The private's face turned to pain and death, and Stuart was forced to let go.

They had made it -- but at what cost?

SRA CAMP, NORTHEASTERN NEO-VENETIA
0559hrs
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Shouts and screams started appearing from every direction. The Inimicians' quiet approach had failed. Swiftly, Captain Moore radioed for air support, being confident that most anti-air establishments had been disabled, and directed his platoon to enter the inner camp buildings. Making their way through the makeshift buildings, several SRA fighters were swiftly neutralised, but there was no way the Inimicians would get to Ambrogio and Zan unaware.

"Jackdaw, be advised: convoy is a-go, ETA three-zero minutes", Moore heard through his handset. High command had decided to deploy the backup convoy waiting along the border. Help would come, but not for another half hour. Moore and his team approached the room where Ambrogio and Zan were thought to be housed. Swiftly, they kicked in the door and deployed a stun grenade, but what they saw upon entering was beyond their wildest expectations.

Ambrogio and Zan were there. As were two pistols. The Neo-Venetian officers aimed for each other. "There's no way you're getting us alive", one of them said, and his finger started moving. In the blink of an eye, Moore and his sergeant fired two shots, hitting both men in the arm. "Jackdaw, be advised: air support en-route, ETA six zero seconds. Convoy en-route, five klicks away."

"Command, Tiger One and Tiger Two both injured - requesting evac ASAP", Moore replied, and took out his first aid kit in an attempt to stop the bleeding. More SRA fighters were converging on their position, and Moore ordered all Inimicians on site to rally at the officers' quarters. Over the next few minutes, operatives started to arrive, some injured, one or two dead, dragged along by their comrades. Fire started to intensify, and before long, Moore heard the sound of heavy, approaching engines.

"Command, be advised: armour units approaching our position. ETA on convoy?"

"Jackdaw, convoy pinned by heavy resistance. Air support imminent."

High command did not lie. Virtually instantly, the sound of jet engines approached, and missiles could be heard launching against the Neo-Venetian tanks now just hundreds of metres away. Helicopters soon followed, firing their ordinance relentlessly against any SRA target in sight, Radio chatter from pilots dominated wireless traffic, but one alert stood out: "Alert: MANPADS spotted, southwes--" A crack. Static. After several seconds, a loud crash outside. Moore knew this was dire.

Making the move to evacuate to the convoy, Moore's team and the hostages came under intense SRA fire, and three operatives were injured and had to be left. With pain in his heart, Moore made his way through bullets and explosions whistling around, being circled by Inimician helicopters and covered by Eurofighters. Missile strikes from overhead drones impacted all around, and it was hard to see.

Finally, Moore's brigade, or what was left of it, reached the Inimician convoy, which immediately made an about-face and started returning to the border. Moore realised only when his hostages were loaded onto an armoured personnel carrier that both had sustained further gunshots, and serious ones at that.

The End

PROJECT THUNDERBOLT II Specifications: Target Value Actual Value Launch Platform Ship, Submarine, Aircraft, MLRS Maximum speed Mach 5+ Operational Range 1,000 km (620 mi) RCS 0.001 m^2 or lower Development Timeline:

November 4 2020 - Design Phase Begins
January 6 2021 - First Design Made
January 10 2021 - First Wind Tunnel Testing
January 17 2021 - Second Wind Tunnel Testing
January 24 2021 - Scale Model Construction
February 12 2021 - Scale Model Launch Test
February 25 2021 - Scale Model Second Launch Test
March 10 2021 - Design adjustments made, size specifications finalized
March 29 2021 - First Prototype built
April 7 2021 - Wind Tunnel Test of First Prototype