Gates of Hell
-
Gates of Hell: Part 3
IC SECRET
Fremetianskforsvarsoperasjonssentral, Trondheim
0426 FT — 2020-09-29Cut to the Sit-room, in the middle of the strategy briefing for the extraction...
JS: Madam Statsminister, the wet team will travel from the Fjellmark via helicopter to the extraction point on a beach in Marne, a rural district. As you can see, the route to the extraction point takes the team over Hannover, Muenster, and Eindhoven/Arnheim before arriving in Marne. These are all rural areas, and we anticipate little resistance to our incursion. The 22nd CFW out of our forward operating base in Inquista will patrol the operational area, maintaining a 30 kilometer buffer zone from the helo squadron and possible contacts. The helos will drop to low level at the shoreline and land to bring aboard the assets. In addition to the three operatives, we will be bringing on four Haanians instrumental to our intelligence operations in the country. We will also retrieve records gathered from our operations there. The records payload, nicknamed Traytable, should provide an in depth look at the internal occurences in Eastern Haane over the past weeks. After retrieving their cargo, the team will move away perpendicular to the shore before making a gradual left turn into Czech airspace. From there, they will circle back to the 4th, where the vessels will return to Fremet.
ES: Risk analysis?
[REDACTED]: Our analysts are giving this a 68% chance of total success, a 86% chance of partial success, and a 32% chance of 3 or more casualties, including the cargo.
OA: Madam Statsminister, we have the ready signal from the wet team. They have it.
ES: So ordered.
OA: W-R3342 you are GO.
Screens across the situation room whirred to life as persons from all parts of the Fremetian military establishment hurried through the room.
NE Mediterranean Sea, FHMS Fjellmark
0427 FT — 2020-09-29The helicopters lifted off from the carrier deck as the go signal came over the satcom. The 22nd CFW was scrambled out of their forward operating base in Inquista. ETA to pickup location 0555 FT.
Fremetianskforsvarsoperasjonssentral, Trondheim
0429 FT — 2020-09-29JS: Madam Statsminister, we are receiving additional reports of clashes in Eastern Haane with Reitzmic forces. I recommend we divert KONDOR-3, currently conducting a training operation over the South Atlantic, to a position where we can monitor movements in Reitzmag and in Eastern Haane.
ES: So ordered.
OA: KONDOR-3’s Synthetic-aperture radar should prove useful in identifying surface assets and provide a three-dimensional look at structures and the landscape at ground level. The infrared and electro-optical imaging systems can work in tandem with the synthetic aperture radar to massively increase the detection rate of stealth aircraft in the area.
ES: How long until KONDOR-3 is in position?
OA: The BVM can have it in position by 0630 hours FT.
Skies Above Marne
0552 FT — 2020-09-29Commander: We are approaching the extraction point, prepare for landing to take on our cargo!
As the helicopter lowered, yells came from the trees as Haanians came running, screaming, crazed towards the extraction team. The team opened fire as they hurled their cargo (including the persons they had to retrieve) onto the helicopters.
It wasn't enough. Soon the team was fighting hand-to-hand with their attackers. Others dropped to the ground and called upon the powers of hell to bring about their end.
Wet teams are called as such as they are designed to go into especially bloody engagements. This was no exception. Before long, the helos were back in the air, their bloodsoaked cargo— and agents— in tow.
A radio message came in from central command, "W-R3342 CONFIRM YOUR CARGO."
The pilot responded, exasporated, "W-R3342 CONFIRM CARGO IS ON BOARD UNITS F06, F02, AND F04."
Another radio message, "W-R3342 CONFIRM UNITS & ASSETS."
The unit's second in command had finally gotten enough blood out of his mouthpiece so that he could be heard, "W-R3342 CONFIM UNITS. W-R3342 ASSETS 3342-1, -6, -4 LOST. REPEAT W-R3342 THREE ASSETS LOST."
"W-R3342 ARE LOSSES IN TOW"
"W-R3342 CONFIRM ALL LOSSES IN TOW"
Fremetianskforsvarsoperasjonssentral, Trondheim
0553 FT — 2020-09-29Erna was relieved. They had gotten out. She had three phone calls to make, but at least she could make sure they got the proper cremation they deserved, in proper Fremetian tradition.
ES: Otto I'm going to need a call list by the time they get back to the Fjellmark.
-
Gates of Hell: Part 4
'A Vardic Interruption'
IC SECRET
The Archkonsulate, Nyetthem, Vayinaod
0700 VT (GMT +2:15), 2020-09-30
" There's not any more Vardic assests left in Eastern Haane, correct?"
"Yes sir," replied Seventh Konsul (Immigration and Homeland Security) Folke Carlsson to the Archkonsul, "Working with the First and Eigth Konsulates we were able to declare that there was no credible evidence to suggest any Vardic citizens are left in Eastern Haane. There has been some speculation over unknowns still in the area, but legally the government has done all it can and is liable for."
"I doubt the public will feel much sympathy for anyone who decided to stay there past our warnings," mused First Konsul Henningson.
"True, but I needed the statement at least from you Folke, thank you. Pursant to Vardic Crisis Doctrine Alpha, Eastern Haane will hereby be declared Area 1 for the rest of these proceedings," started the Archkonsul standing up from their chair. They were known to pace during these kinds of discussions, a form of recognition over the anxiety one can receive from the pressures of leadership.
"According to the last intelligence report I read, Reitzmic forces are already experiencing causalities within Area 1A, specifically the fledgling resistance forming. Not much to go on there to be honest, but if it keeps going I am afraid it will ignite into a larger fire. I want options to combat this," demanded Nylund.
"The consensus within the First Konsulate is that any ground forces implemented into Area 1 will restart in causalities exceeding 5,000 by the end of an initial phase of attempting to bring any kind of order. It wouldn't even be peacekeeping Sir, it would be outright occupying the area and forcing a form of martial law.
Reitzmag entering the picture has only thus far proven our assessments, however, Reitzmic forces are an unstable variable as the European Council debates further action. Startegically we need to limit the variables before moving forward, " replied Konsul Henningson. He crossed his arms and leaned back before continuing.
"General Svenson can confirm to you how the 1st Startegic Space Wing has already assessed more major movements of Reitzmic assets, as well as the expected movement from Fremet as they advised us. HEIMDALLR-1 has moved its grid to provide more coverage of Area 1, we are going to try and get an intelligence agreement with Fremet on the subject.
The situation is only going to get more complicated."
"Then we need to simplify it, don't you all agree?" mused Nylund to numerous nodding heads.
"General Schindler would a No-Fly Zone be feasible?" inquired the Archkonsul.
"Potentially sir, I discussed it with Admiral Hintzen and General Svenson and they agree that if we could get one or two partner nations involved it would be feasible using the Vardic 2nd Fleet with its air assets, the 70th Fighter Squadron, the 1st Aerial Refueling Squadron, with assistance from the 11th Airlift Squadron and the 1st Air Control Squadron. General Svenson believes we can begin UCAV missions immediately. Provided we have operational support with a local nation preferably Spain or Malborya, regular air forces can be deployed within four days. The 2nd Fleet should be able to arrive within three days."
"Is the 2nd Fleet not part of Operation Blue Mist right now near Fremet?"
"Yes, we would have to redeploy the 69th Strike Force to take their place, as well as the 16th Fighter Squadron to bolster air assets in the region during the 2nd Fleet's absence. "
"Alright. Anne, please get in touch with Fremet, Inimicus, and Spain and see if they would be willing to bolster a No-Fly Zone. Make sure to make it clear that the no-fly zone is simply to avoid complicating the situation in Eastern Haane with more unnecessary military actions until the European Council has committed to a specific plan of action and condoned it.
The goal would be to allow medical and humanitarian aid only through approved ports of inspection, no other air assets would be allowed in, and any coming out must be inspected. Get me the Archbishop of Inquista on the phone after this, I want to discuss this with them to verify that Inquista will be at the very least neutral on the idea.
Once Fremet, Inimicus, Spain confirm participation begin setting up a coordination facility in preferably Spain for the group. After participation is confirmed, and initial force movements begun announce the No-Fly Zone will begin in five days, and will be strictly enforced.
Any objections?" espoused Nylund.
"Sir the Reitzmag response may turn for the worse," questioned Konsul Solberg.
"I doubt they will attempt to circumvent it, and if they attempt to I'm sure the F-10 Dracos, and F/A-17 Hydrus' will be more enough with our allies to handle the situation."
"General Schindler what information do we have the 'Bloodhounds' the Kingdom of Reitzmag has been keen on showing off?"
"A fair bit sir, the engineering is similar to the Su-57 from Icholasen, so we expect a similar .5 to 1 square meter radar cross section. With the SMART-L radar system on the VRNS Ivar the Boneless, and the integrated IRST on the F/A-17 they should prove to be of little issue."
"Good, unless anyone has any further objections, proceed with the current set of orders. I'll take the call with the Archbishop in my office."
SUMMARY OF EVENTS:
- Vardic 2nd Fleet redeployed from near Fremet to the Mediterrean/Black Sea
- Vardic Air Corps' 70th Fighter Squadron, the 1st Aerial Refueling Squadron, 11th Airlift Squadron and the 1st Air Control Squadron to be deployed to an TBA location
- Spain, Inimicus, Fremet contacted over a potential No-Fly Zone over Eastern Haane
-
Miguel Ángel Villaroya, the Jefe de Estado Mayor de la Defensa, arrived in Rota some hours before the Vardic assets arrival and the Spanish Army extra tankers, scuadrons and transports were arriving. He met with the chief of operations of the naval and airbase and with the Inimican Army Rota's high-officers, as Rota was a shared base. Before that, he decided to send the Defence Minister the latest information about the Gates of Hell operation:
**JEMAD - MINISTRA DE DEFENSA** --- ## **MIGUEL ÁNGEL VILLAROYA - MARÍA DOLORES DE COSPEDAL** FROM THE JEFE DE ESTADO MAYOR DE LA DEFENSA --- ATTN: EASTERN HAANE - GATES OF HELL ARRIVED TO ROTA AS ORDERED. MEETING WITH INIMICAN AND SPANISH HIGH-OFFICES . WAITING FOR VARDIC ASSETS ARRIVAL. SPANISH TRANSPORTS, TANKERS AND SCUADRONS ON THE WAY. MIGUEL VILLAROYA, JEMAD END TRANSMISSION MESSAGE WILL REPEAT.Villaroya then went to the Air Traffic Control centre in the airbase, and entered the room where the Air Traffic Controllers were. All the ATC stood up and salutated the JEMAD, which walked to the ATC boss.
"They are on arrival, Mr. Villaroya. The first scuadron is arriving, and the tankers are following approach procedures over Jerez de la Frontera." Said the ATC boss.
"I'm not going to the Navy Center to see where the transports are. Can you tell me?" Said Villaroya kind of serious.
"Of course, my lieutenant. The one that left to the Black Sea a week ago has just arrived and just sent their transmission. About the 5 extra transports, 3 of them are in front of the coasts of Almería and the other 2 have just left Gibraltar behind. They are coming."
"Great, if you get any information, just tell me" Said Villaroya looking through the window.
It was dark outside, as the Spanish Government ordered everything had to be done at night to not allow any person to get information about this. Villaroya moved to the hangars where he welcomed the extra divisions and fleets to Rota, and awaited for the Vardic assets. He received a trasmission in a sheet of a paper, given by a soldier. The Vardic had entered the Spanish waters on time and they were coming.
"Start the preparations, send 3 helicopters to escort those guys. I need them here, and I need them safe". Said the JEMAD again.
The Vardic assets arrived and the Spanish welcomed them. Villaroya shew them the airbase and told them where they would stay until new order from the Governemnts would arrive.
-
Portus Inimici Operational Command
Meeting of the Imperial Defence Council
30th September, 5:57PM ICT
Attendees:
Boris Mancov, Imperial Defence Officer
Ralph Jaevons, Imperial Councillor
Frank Spranster, Prince-Admiral of the Imperial Fleet
Juliette Fleming, Prince-Commander of the Imperial Air Force
Robert Krahmer, Legate for Terra Rosarum
General Fleur Piaggo, Chairwoman of the Imperial Joint Operations Command
Mancov: "Thank you all. I'm sure you're all aware of the Vardic request we have received, asking for our involvement in maintaining a No-Fly Zone over Eastern Haane, specifically counteracting the aggressive movements of certain states already in the region. Frank, what actions have already been taken?"
Spranster: "In preparation for this meeting, the 2nd Fleet has assembled and begun moving into the Mediterranean, carrying elements of the Imperial Naval Air Corps as well as the Air Mobile Brigade. They are currently accompanied by the PIOC's 1st Submarine Squadron. Several other air squadrons are also preparing for transport to various bases we have access to in the region. The new Inimician base at Rota, Spain, will act as base of operations and central supply centre. The possibility of Fremetian supplies through their presence in Inquista is also being explored."
Mancov: "Thank you, Frank. As you know, I have a full mandate from His Imperial Majesty the Emperor to act in His stead, but I need to be well informed -- how many planes and how many personnel are we intending to send? What are the chances of losses?"
Fleming: "The only threat we currently face in the area is Reitzmag, in particular the Reitzmic Air Force. Employing advanced methods of tracking and spotting using the 2nd Fleet's Prolific-class Destroyers will be paramount. Any surprises notwithstanding, we do not estimate large amounts of combat to take place."
Spranster: "As for the troops deployed, the entire 2nd Fleet numbers some 21 ships, plus the 1st Sub Squadron's 9 vessels. 75 aircarft each on Liberty and Patricio, 65 on the Brecon. 25 helicopters on the Cocx. Makes for a total of 30 vessels, 240 airframes."
Mancov: "Enough to make a difference?"
Spranster: "Enough to make a difference."
Mancov: "What was this about advanced tracking means on our destroyers?"
Spranster: "HIMS Bounty, Prolific, and Liechtenstein are equipped with the newest Multibeam Acquisition Radar, sir. Specifically designed to counter stealth aircraft. We have intelligence at least one Vardic vessel present in the area also comes with this installation. Our Eurofighter Typhoons, which we have also sold to the Spanish, are aditionally equipped with heat-seaking infrared systems, which track subsonic and stealth fighters by the heat from their engines and afterburners. This will help."
Mancov: "Excellent. Robert, is Rosarum prepared and ready to do its duty?"
Krahmer: "For the Emperor, always."
Mancov: "Let it be so, gentlemen, ladies. Communicate our co-operative intentions to the Vardics, Spanish, and Fremetians. Select what air squadrons will be involved and direct them to the 2nd Fleet and our bases at Rota and elsewhere in Spain.
-
Gates of Hell: Part 5
IC SECRET
Fremetianskforsvarsoperasjonssentral, Trondheim
0700 FT — 2020-09-29JS: Madam Statsminister, we have confirmation that the wet team has returned to the Fjellmark. They are beginning medical checks now. The 4th Carrier Squadron is now en route back to Rhodenheim.
ES: Understood.
JS: Navy medical reports they are pretty shaken up, but all persons seem stable on first look. Tox and viral screens should be completed in 48 hours.
ES: Why the delay?
JS: Navy medical is concerned about the high rates of cannabalism in the area and have ordered additional screenings.
ES: Keep me infomed.
Fremetianskforsvarsoperasjonssentral, Trondheim
0800 FT — 2020-09-30AP: The Vards have approached us, the Spanish, and Inimicans on establishing a no-fly-zone over Eastern Haane.
OA: Our SIGINT operations in the area have identified intensifying guerilla fighting in Kiel against Reitzmic forces there. A no fly zone would cut off Reitzmag's supply lines into the region.
[REDACTED]: Yes but these guerillas seem to have held on to some level of sanity thus far. The intel we have gathered from those we extracted from 'Eastern Haane' shows that there are still significant segments of the population that haven't lost their grip on reality yet. They shouldn't have to divert resources from their operations in the region to fight an occupying force. If we put in a no fly zone Reitzmag would be out of the country in w week. I say we do it. Reitzmag has stumbled into an incredibly complex situation and it is reasonable enough to say that if they do establish a foothold in Kiel they will never leave the area and use it as an excuse to further force projection overseas.
JS: I concur. A no fly zone is our best bet at the moment that doesn't involve boots on the ground.
ES: We can't spare the forces necessary for peacekeeping operations on the ground. Jurgen, what is the status of the 3rd Fleet?
JS: The 3rd Fleet is currently holding at their operational headquarters in Helmsdorf. We can have them ready for deployment by Friday, arriving just in time to establish the no fly zone Sunday.
ES: So ordered. Get me in touch with the Archkonsul, we need to inform them of our participation.
AP: The other nations are establishing an operational base in Spain, I suggest we coordinate supply operations for the 3rd Fleet through there.
JS: The 11th Transit Force is currently assigned to the 3rd Fleet and can supply them from here in Fremet. However, as we are coordinating this with other entities, I recommend we establish a Fremetian operations centre there in Spain but maintain our side of the operation out of Inquista.
ES: Agreed.
JS: We can transfer additional navy air wings to our base in Inquista for more rapid turnover for sorties from our carriers.
ES: Jurgen we are going to need an asset deployment report and a force depletion report for our role in the no-fly zone.
JS: Back here within the hour.
-
Gates of Hell: Part 6
IC SECRET
Fremetianskforsvarsoperasjonssentral, Trondheim
0900 FT — 2020-09-30JS: Madam Statsminister, the third fleet should suffice for initial deployment to the region to meet our obligations to the no-fly zone. We are also going to advise deploying an additional 3 AWACs, 10 Tankers, and 25 FA-35s to our base in Inquista to support the 3rd Fleet.
ES: When will the air assets be ready?
JS: We can have them in Inquista by the deadline Saturday.
ES: So ordered. The force depletion report?
OA: We are expecting minimal losses across the board, however should the Reitzmic air force resist our efforts, projections for losses increase greatly, but remain within acceptable margins.
ES: Understood. And the force allocation for the 3rd Fleet?
JS: The 3rd Fleet consists of the following:
- FHMS Helmsdorf (Tromsø-Class supercarrier)
- 60 FN-35s (6 wings of 10)
- 10 EL/W-2085 Electronic Warfare Aircraft
- 5 AWACs Aircraft
- 10 FNH-60 Helicopters
- 2 Eurocopters
- 3 Cargo & Logistics Aircraft
- FHMS Nordhavn (Beskytter-Class Standard Carrier)
- 30 FN-35s (3 wings of 10)
- 5 AWACs Aircraft
- 5 EL/W-2085 Electronic Warfare Aircraft
- 8 FNH-60 Helicopters
- 2 Cargo & Logistics Aircraft
- FHMS Norrland (Norrland-Class Helicarrier)
- 5 Jeger-Class Cruisers
- 15 Blumenfeld-Class Destroyers
- 25 Schwedeneck-Class Frigates
- 5 Stavanger-Class Corvettes
- 25 S-201 (Bergen Type) Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines
- 8 Sultfjerner-Class Transport and Replenishment Vessels
ES: Excellent. When do they sail?
JS: Thursday night, arriving midday Saturday.
- FHMS Helmsdorf (Tromsø-Class supercarrier)
-
TO: THE STATSMINISTER OF THE KINGDOM OF FREMET;
THE ARCHKONSUL OF THE ARCHREPUBLIC OF VAYINAOD;
THE EMPEROR OF THE EMPIRE OF INIMICUS;
THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE KINGDOM OF SPAINFROM: THE ARCHBISHOP OF THE MOST BLESSED STATE OF INQUISTA
ON EASTERN HAANE
Salutem:
The Most Blessed State of Inquista shall offer the Four Assembled Powers of Fremet, Vayinaod, Inimicus and Spain access to Inquistan territory, including our airspace and our waters, to conduct operations concerning Eastern Haane.
The Most Blessed State shall also allow the Four Assembled Powers to dock their ships and aircraft within the most conveniently available bases within our territory.
The terms of this offer shall expire once a European Council resolution on intervention in Eastern Haane has been made.
May God be with you,
Archbishop of Inquista -
Gates of Hell: Part 7
IC SECRET
Statsministerboligen, Trondheim
2100 FT — 2020-10-01It was a relatively quiet evening. Tomorrow would be rough. Erna looked out over Trondheim from her study in the Statsministerboligen. She finally had a bit of time to relax with a nice warm cup of coffee and sort through domestic policy agendas (one of her favourite past times). She and Charles Michel, Fremet's Councilor to the EU, had a scrabble game scheduled for later that evening, and Erna wanted to get through the budgeting analysis for the establishment of a Fremetian sovereign wealth fund. She had just put the last binder away when she received a knock on the door.
"Madam Statsminister, someone named Stravenger here to see you. Shall I send them in?"
"Right away."
Stravenger was the codename for the head of Fremet's not-so-public security agency, the E14. The BND handled all outward-facing affairs while the E14 thrived in the shadows. During the Cold War, it was rumoured that the E14 controlled over have the Nicoleizian Standing Committee. In Erna's time as Foreign Minister, she had pushed hard for the Von der Leyen administration to dissolve such a secretive body. Though it was illegal for them to operate within Fremet, Erna always felt uneasy with the way that the directors of the agency moved through the halls of power. Merkel had seen that the Staatsrat's Security Commission held monthly review sessions since 2000, but what did that really mean other than that Fremet expressly sanctioned the actions of such an organisation. This is an organisation formed to protect Fremetian democracy and society from all threats. With such a broad mandate, what is this organisation really capable of? As these thoughts raced through Erna's mind, she quickly gathered herself. She had a mandate to lead the Fremetian people. She and the National Security Commission had the ultimate authority here.
As the agency head walked in, Erna was shocked to see such a familiar face.
"ERIC! WHAT THE FUCK! EVERYONE THINKS YOU'RE DEAD!"
"Come now Erna. This is not fat that you see sagging from my plumping body. What you see is a highly complex set of body armor that protects me from a whole host of threats. Yes Davishire threw me into the sea, but we have submarines you know. Death cannot contain this ass."
"Jesus. I um. Oh god."
"Yes yes Madam Von der Leyen had a similar reaction. Lady Merkel, as ever, completely unphased! And you really should call me Stravenger. My real name is um, well, there is no one left alive who knows my real name. HAHA. Now, I'd like you to meet my deputy, Bergen."
Bergen walked into the room, a much more slender figure, with a face deadened from decades of living in the shadows but eyes bright with a fiery hope that caused quite a stir in Erna.
"A pleasure, Bergen."
"Thank you Madam Statsminister," Bergen replied as she and Erna both grabbed eachother's upper arms, a traditional Fremetian greeting.
They all sat down at the small table inside Erna's study.
Stravenger spoke up first, "Madam I'm sure that you're seeing the same intelligence reports that we are seeing. The agency is highly concerned over what appears to be an outright Reitzmic occupation of Eastern Haane. We are sympathetic to the 'Forest Brothers' as we believe they are called, but as you know we need to demonstrate a credible threat for a National Security Directive to act. We have actionable intelligence of a concerted buildup of Reitzmic forces in the region. We also are concerned that the guerilla forces fighting the Reitzmic occupation have been almost wiped out. We have intercepted communications pointing to a new camp in Flensburg, east of Kiel. However, we do estimate their numbers so low that a meaningful resistance to Reitzmic occupation would have to be a popular uprising."
Bergen then cut in,
"We believe that we can provide materiel to the Forest Brothers that would help facilitate additional operations on their part. We can supply food, water, medical supplies, guns, ammunition, plastic explosives, body armor, communications equipment, maps, intelligence data on Reitzmic force deployments, body bags, thermal blankets— anything they might need. But it will take time.
We have one of two options:
We can start with a small shipment— basic medical supplies and some communications equipment— out of our operations centre in Czech Slavia. Four of our operatives will go by boat across the inland sea before ditching their dinghy and going by foot to their camp, carefully avoiding engaging Reitzmic forces. If they are caught, they will appear as if they are refugees. The medical supplies will be Czech and our operations centre there already has a supply of Nicoleizian comms equipment— none of it will be traceable back to Fremet. After they arrive at the camp and confirm the location of the Forest Brothers, we can begin larger supply drops, perhaps even smuggling operations across the neighbouring borderlands. We expect it could be as long as a 3 or 4 days before the team makes it to the camp.
Option two is we HALO drop into Flensburg. We can send a four-man unit out of Rhodenheim and have them drop out at 58,000 feet and not have their chutes deploy until 3,000 feet. The risk of radar detection is minimal, but we are concerned that a visual contact may be made. This would be mitigated by performing the drop at night. High Altitude Low Opening drops are risky, but we can drop a much larger payload of supplies— everything they could need for at least a few days, all sourced from all over Europe."
Stravenger added, "In the end Madam, this is up to you. We have also reached out to Agent Judy, current head of the UNSR's Ministry of Justice, to propose their making arrangements to aid the republic. This is very quickly turning into a mess, and we musn't allow Reitzmag to steamroll a country so weakened like Eastern Haane. The Haaneian people are strong, and I know that whatever we decide, they will survive."
Erna pressed her call button, connecting her to her Chief of Staff. "Toby, I'm going to need an emergency meetings of the Security Commission and then the National Security Commission, in that order."
-
Gates of Hell: Part 8
IC SECRET
"Operation Helvetes-Port"
Streets of Trondheim
2215 FT — 2020-10-01Erna had just left from an emergency session of the Security Commission in an undisclosed location, which had approved a directive for the E14 to intervene in Eastern Haane. Eric Pickles (Stravenger) joined her in the car ride back to the Fremetianskforsvarsoperasjonssentral.
"It never gets any easier you know."
"What was that Eric?"
"Sending people in harm's way. Especially in situations where the lines are blurred like this."
"Lines are always blurred Eric. It is my job to see past the fog." She sighed and looked out the window, a caucophony of the blue, red, and white lights from the Statspoliti escort illuminating her face.
"Madam Statsminister, what are your orders now?"
"We go with the first plan. It has the lowest risk of implicating Fremet."
"Understood. Our agents are ready to go as soon as the National Security Directive is issued."
A silence fell over the two as they passed into one of the many tunnels beneath the surface of the metropolis. They would soon be arriving at their destination.
"Are you religious Madam Statsminister?"
Erna was shocked at the question. Over 90% of the Fremetian population were self-declared atheists. Even suggestions of religion were highly taboo.
"No. You've been in the shadows too long Eric. I haven't heard of anyone going to a temple since I was a kid— even then..." Her voice trailed off as she thought of her grandmother, who had lived through the occupation. They would go on long walks through their small cooperative in Halvøya, and her grandmother would point out the sites old Norse temples, or rather, what was left of them. The Nicoleizians destroyed near everything that was an affront to their culture, their ideals, their minds. Even still, every Fremetian knew the old myths, the stories, the legends— and the hope they brought to a people at their knees. A people so battered, so troubled, so demolished could not hold on to such faith for long. After a civil war, an occupation, a deadly famine, and countless governments promising revolution and peace followed by a Cold War against an enemy that sought to wipe everything it found unfit away— how could a people hold on to their faith? Lest they turn to a vengeful god Erna thought to herself.
"These people— they think they are in hell. Imagine if Fremet hadn't been successful in overthrowing the occupation. What if we were still fighting a Civil War, all these years later? Are we, too, capable of such atrocities?"
"It is our job to make sure that no one ever has to find out." Fremet was the lucky one, and as they arrived at the Fremetianskforsvarsoperasjonssentral, Erna was filled with a newfound determination to protect the great society the Fremetian people had built— whatever that cost may be.
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
Fremetianskforsvarsoperasjonssentral, Trondheim
2245 FT — 2020-10-01EP: We can start with a small shipment— basic medical supplies and some communications equipment— out of our operations centre in Czech Slavia. Four of our operatives will go by boat across the inland sea before ditching their dinghy and going by foot to their camp, carefully avoiding engaging Reitzmic forces. If they are caught, they will appear as if they are refugees. The medical supplies will be Czech and our operations centre there already has a supply of Nicoleizian comms equipment— none of it will be traceable back to Fremet. After they arrive at the camp and confirm the location of the Forest Brothers, we can begin larger supply drops, perhaps even smuggling operations across the neighbouring borderlands. We expect it could be as long as a 3 or 4 days before the team makes it to the camp.
AP: How can we be sure that we will not be implicated in this? Surely we shouldn't be interfering in this way!
EP: We will take every precaution possible— they will not know. Our operatives train for years for missions like these.
AP: Erna? Is this really what we want to be doing here?
ES: Amy, no one wants this, but it is what we must do. If we do not stand against this wanton aggression, who will? How would we be any better than those who stood by and did nothing while the Nicoleizians slaughtered our people and tore our own country apart? We will stand on principle, or we will not stand at all.
ES: We will now take a vote to issue the National Security Directive. All in favour?
All 7 members of the NSC (Director of the BND, Director of the E14, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Chairman of the Joint Commands, the Deputy Statsminister, and the Statsminister) raised their hands in agreement
ES: Against?
Silence
ES: Let the record show that the motion was unanimous. National Security Directive NSC-2020-33121 will be active with immediate effect. The E14 thus has due authorisation to carry out their directive.
A Secluded Beach in Czech Slavia
0045 Local Time (UTC+2) 2020-10-02It was pitch black outside. The agents could barely see the white in eachothers' eyes as they loaded the last of the supplies and materiel onto the boat. It sat so low to the water that a less seasoned operative would be concerned if it could keep afloat. These, however, were experienced veterans who had been doing field ops in this region for years. They were setting off from a small inlet as to not draw attention. Their departure and arrival points had been carefully chosen, supplies meticulously sourced— no detail was left up to chance. Each agent had memorised every bit of terrain in the area and had their routes memorised— negating the need for GPS equipment. They would ditch the boat two kilometers from the shoreline and swim in through an estuary to most effectively avoid Reitzmic patrols. Failure, as far as they were concerned, meant death. No E14 agent had ever been taken alive.
"Are you ready 26?"
"We are go. Everything is on board."
"It is a 4 hour boat ride. We will arrive at the coordinates before sunrise at least, then we are on foot from there."
"Ready everyone?"
The other three agents nodded in agreement
"Let's go."
-
ROTA NAVAL STATION
Rota, Cádiz
1210 CEST - 02-10-2020Miguel Villaroya was supervising everything. The arrival of the Vards was due to happen, the Inimicans were sending their troops too and the Spanish were training just in case they had to put some boots in the ground. The Rota base director came to where he was.
RBD: Don Miguel, we have a calling from the Ministry of Defence?
MV: Is it María Dolores?
RBD: It is. But she has hung up the phone.
MV: Then who does she want me to talk? By the yogurts thing with a large rope to Madrid? You must be kidding me.
RBD: No sir, the hotline.
MV: Ok, bring me the writing machine.The Rota Base Director gave the orders to some soldiers, whose brought a chair and the writing machine. Villaroya seated and looked at the writing machine. He turned back and looked at the soldiers and the base director. He seemed serious and angry, so he did when he started to speak:
MV: Not this machine, the modern one. This one is for the other hotline! - He said looking at the base director.
RBD: Bring the other machine, please.The soldiers went for the other machine and had to connect lots of cables to allow Miguel Villaroya writing where he was seated.
MV: Thank you guys, you can go. I'll call you when I need you. He looked at the base director next. Pero tú te quedas. - He said in Spanish.
**JEMAD - MINISTRA DE DEFENSA** --- ## **MIGUEL VILLAROYA - MARÍA DOLORES DE COSPEDA.** SAFE LINE WITH INSTANT ANSWER - TOP SECRET - DO NOT REVEAL UNDER ANY CIRCUNSTANCES --- MV: MS. COSPEDAL, YOU KNOW IT'S NOT SAFE TO MAKE CALLS TO ROTA ON WAR TIMES. MDC: SORRY. MIGUEL, I NEED YOU TO CHOOSE THE AIRPORTS WE WILL BE SETTING AS INSPECTION POINTS. MV: THOUGHT ON THAT. ALMERÍA AND MAHÓN WILL BE INSPECTION POINTS. YOU KNOW WHERE THEY ARE. MDC: GREAT. KEEP ME INFORMED. MV: THE SHIP ON THE BLACK SEA IS READY TO DEPLOY SOME JETS. THEY HAVE HEARD HOW MORE FIGHTERS FROM REITZMAG WENT TO EASTERN HAANE. GOT A FEELING THEY WON'T RESPECT THE NFZ. MDC: THEN WE WILL HAVE TO TARGET THEM. CAMBIO Y CORTO. MV: CORTO. ----------MV: Ok, take this with you, I'm leaving. Tell the others about that.
RBD: Where?
MV: Maybe to the hangars to start the air force training? Who gave you these responsabilities?! Said Villaroya while going to the hangars
RBD: President Rajoy.
MV: NOW I UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING! Said the JEMAD shouting, because he was too farThe Rota Base Director carried the computer and took it into the room where it was. He asked some soldiers for help too. Then he sent the inspection ports selection to the other Assembled Powers.
-
IC SECRET
BLACK SEA
Unknown Location & Coordinates
2200H CESTThe Spanish Army was navigating in an unknown location. It was dark, no lights could be seen but the stars' and the moon's. Some military personnel were lying down on improvised hammocks or in the deck, as no plane was expected to land or take-off. "Isn't it beautiful?" Asked one of the soldiers. "It really is" Said another. "The moon, the stars... Remembers me to those summer days in the Scottish Beaches when I only could see and hear this, when cars weren't so usual as of now. But also, when democracy wasn't a think in our country." Said one seated in an hammock.
And it was true. For the days they had been there, they could only hear the waves, the sea and the nature sounds, added to those disturbing Reitzmic jet which were seen or heard, even both. During the night, there was silence, just the sea and the waves. It was a relaxing situation, like if no wars were taking place. But there was one, and the day sounds told them. The army only observed, and got ready for the jets departure in less than 16 hours. A General came onto the military personnel.
Ship General: What are you doing, lazy people? We are at war, not in a vacations resort in Puerto Rico.
S1: There's nothing to do. We can't see the nasty jets at night unless with our radars. And those clouds there, on the place in the sky we have always seen the jets and where the noise came from, don't allow us to see them. So we preferred to relax.
SG: Ok. But when we leave those clauds behind you shall start working on what our mission is. And if you hear or see the jets, even both, note them in the notebooks.
S2: Ok my General. We'll follow orders as planned.
The ship continued with its navigation on the middle of the black sea, with nothing around, with nothing above or under.
PORT BEAUHARNAIS
Nofoaga
1620H Local TimeCarlos Brown was in his office, staying tuned to the last news about the Eastern Haanean conflict. He was writing a book for when he retires, as there was nothing to do other than helping the Nofoagan Police when necessary, guaranteing security in the Island as Protection. He knew that the Spanish Government, previous contact with the Nofoagan Authorities, could request the help of the Nofoagan brunch in case they would need it. So, General Brown had to stay vigilante.
Also, Mennrimiak was a thread for General Brown. The Spanish Army had trained for a while to prevent any invassion, and the air force, navy and army was ready to answer. Spain takes their promises seriously, and in case of a conflict, Mennrimiak had more to lose than to win.
-
SOMEWHERE IN THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN
2100 hrs GMT, 02/10/2020
Chief of Operational Staff Meeting
His Imperial Majesty's Ship Barrington
Attendees:- Vice Admiral Rob Bouwer, Chief Officer Commanding (COC)
- Rear Admiral Richard Oxley, Deputy COC
- Commodores of Carrier Strike Groups (Eduard Franks, Julie Lopez, Rasmus Jean, Martin Daniels, Simone Weber)
- Senior Administrative Staff
Bouwer: "Ladies, gentlemen, thank you for gathering. As you know, our time of deployment is now less than 24 hours away. Vice Admiral Oxley, what is our current status and operational capacity?"
Oxley: "Sir, we are 11 hours away from reaching our target position in the upper northeast of the Mediterranean. From there, strike elements of the Imperial Naval Air Corps and 2nd Special Air Squadron will launch immediately. Intelligence will be provided by Fremetian AWACS and boots on the ground; resupply is currently still possible in Inquista, though this option may expire when the European Council passes an intervention resolution. Our Spanish friends are supplying tankers."
Bouwer: "What are the Imperial Naval Air Corps' expected duties in the primary phase?"
Oxley: "Vardic and Inimician aircraft support the Fremetian and Spanish zones of air coverage, respectively. The INAC and 2nd Special Air Squadron will support where necessary, carry out extensive and continuous fighter patrols aross both zones, supported by attack aircraft in case of insurgencies."
Bouwer: "What about naval spotting operations and infrared radars on our aircraft?"
Oxley: "Tested, re-tested, and re-tested again. Sound as old boots."
Bouwer: "Very well. Communicate our movements to the other powers. Tell them we will be in position in 11 hours and will start patrolling on time. Any Reitzmic interference will be instantly communicated with all partners and will be met with appropriate responses. Give the signal to Telum, tell them to advance to Preparedness 4. "
***IMPERIAL DEFENCE OFFICE -- EMPIRE OF INIMICUS*** ## FROM VICE ADMIRAL BOUWER, INIMICIAN IMPERIAL NAVY, TO THE STATSMINISTER OF THE KINGDOM OF FREMET, THE ARCHKONSUL OF VAYINAOD, THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE KINGDOM OF SPAIN ***TOP SECRET - MILITARY COMMUNIQUÉ*** RE: DEPLOYMENT FOR NO-FLY ZONE, EASTERN HAANE FORWARD ELEMENTS OF 2ND IMPERIAL INIMICIAN FLEET TO REACH TARGET BY 0700 GMT SAT 02-10-2020 REAR ELEMENTS OF 2ND IMPERIAL INIMICIAN FLEET TO REACH TARGET BY 1000 GMT SAT 02-10-2020 IMPERIAL NAVAL AIR CORPS READY FOR FULL DEPLOYMENT BY 1100 GMT SAT 02-10-2020 RECONNAISANCE ELEMENTS OF IMPERIAL INIMICIAN FLEET READY FOR FULL DEPLOYMENT BY 1000 GMT SAT 02-10-2020 AWAITING FURTHER COMMUNICATION --- --- ## FROM VICE ADMIRAL BOUWER, IMPERIAL INIMICIAN NAVY, TO CHIEF OFFICER COMMANDING, CAPITAL READY DEFENCE COMMAND (TELUM) ***TOP SECRET - MILITARY COMMUNIQUÉ*** RE: STATUS OF CURRENT DEPLOYMENT BE PLEASED TO INFORM HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, 12 HOURS UNTIL FULL DEPLOYMENT ADVISE PROGRESSION TO READINESS-4: THREAT LIKELY VARDIC, SPANISH, FREMETIAN NAVAL/AIR ASSETS PRESENT, CO-OPERATION CORDIAL. ***END MESSAGE*** -
Airspace over Eastern Haane
October 3rd, 2020 1400 GMT+2
A F/A-17 from the VRNS Mikaela Siekert on patrol over Eastern Haane
At 1200 Hours GMT+2, the Four Assembled Powers began the systemic enforcement of the No-Fly Zone over the former nation-state of Eastern Haane. The four nations had spent the last four days moving equipment, personnel, aircraft, ships etc. between their various home nations and multiple staging points.
The Vardic Air Corps had moved two squadrons of F-10CK Dracos, one squadron of KC-50 Pavos, three E-50 Corvus AWACS aircraft, with an additional two EWC-7567 Moondancers to Rota Naval Station in Spain. The Vardic Air Corps was also dispatching a squadron of RQ-2 Huginns to probably additional detection and loiter coverage.
The Vardic Republican Navy had dispatched the entirety of the Second Fleet, with portions of the 1st Submarine Squadron somewhere beneath the waves guarding the fleet. The Vardic 3rd and 4th Naval Combat Air Wings had been deployed with the fleet for weeks prior to their new assignment. The 4th Wing had already developed various new combat tactics with the F/A-21, or as most people would refer to it simply the F-35V.
The 2nd Fleet much like the 1st was a bemouth in operational capacity, with the cruisers and destroyers capable of dispatching hundreds of long range cruise missiles if required.
The combined multi-branch group was referred to as Task Force Delta. Task Force Alpha being the combined deployed and stationed elements in Fremet against the Communist threat, and Bravo a classified mission that would be unimportant and forgotten in history.
The Four Assembled Powers had agreed to a basic command structure over coordination on the 'frontlines' if one were to call it such. The overall no-fly zone was forward commanded by an Inimician, while the actual command center in Spain was lead by a Vardic Admiral. This was purely for administrative and legal reasons however, the four militaries while somewhat integrated for the operation were mostly left to their own devices. The Commanders would assign their missions, and if everything was carried out as ordered, there would be no issues.
A Fremetian FN-35 flying over Kiel
There were two components to the No Fly Zone, the Interior Zone, and the Transition Zone. The Interior Zone was encompassed most of the interior of Eastern Haane, and was centered around Kiel. The Fremetians were to be primarily responible over the Interior Zone, their FN-35s providing a fail-safe in case any unknown aircraft managed to break the transition zone.
The Transition Zone, was the airspace at the border of EH, while TZ personnel monitored a distance outside Eastern Haane there was not any enforcement in that area. Air traffic controllers would take note of aircraft coming near the zone, and if they appeared to be potentially on a path to violate the zone attempt to contact them, and then if necessary alert the Spanish Eurofighters and other Spanish aircraft in an attempt to intercept and escort the aircraft to an appropriate location.
The Inimicians and Vards were dispatched throughout either of the zones on random patrols, random interceptions instead of the Spanish, etc. They were tasked as force modifiers for either of the forces in order to keep the enemy operational capacity to guess potential incursion methods/times down.
An Inimician Eurofighter over Eastern Haane
While Radar through the AWACS and even on board the fighters was adequate for most of their work, however the FA.24 Bloodhound was to be a known potential risk. While the stealth compared to the Fremetians FN-35 or the Vards F-35V was less advanced the fighter was spectacular in most other capacities to make up for that. To make up for this, all the FAP aircraft tasked for patrol duty were specifically chosen because they contained IRST (Infrared Search and Tracking) systems that could detect the FA.24 from up to 180 KM from the rear using the Inimician and Spanish Eurofighters. At least that was the range known to the Vardic planners responsible for the No-Fly Zone, Vardic intelligence suggested the range could be slightly higher in actuality.
While this was simply detecting and tracking, identification could be made at within 40 Kilometers for nearly all the systems used. Most of the analysts, and pilots agreed that as long as the Bloodhounds could be detected and identified with the IRST systems that they could be intercepted and then commanded to leave or be shot down. The assumption was that the Reitzmic forces would only be willing to engage if they weren't detected.
Considering the use of the Vardic electronic warfare aircraft, and the AWACS from the various nations, the Bloodhounds had to rely on little if any communications lest they be detected and interception then made possible. While there would surely be some causalities if fighting were to occur, there had been enough forethought to make the fight an uphill one for the Reitzmic who were against four modern advanced air forces on par with their size or larger.
All the pilots were under strict orders that if an aircraft entered the airspace, or was leaving it from within Eastern Haane and refused to comply with inspection protocols at a port of entry that deadly force was authorized based on the discretion of the mission commanders.
-
Gates of Hell: Part 9
IC SECRET
"Dodge"
((OOC: I was given the option by @Vayinaod (War Admin) to ignore Reitzmag's detection of the E14 agents. I've instead decided to RP it as such.))
Coast of Eastern Haane
0445 Local Time (UTC+2) 2020-10-02It had been a long boat ride, but they were nearing the end. Suddenly, one of the instruments on the craft began to flash an alert. It was the proximity alarm. The E14 had been closely monitoring asset movements in the area, and the rigid inflatable boat the forces were piloting had equipment designed to detect radar contact.
"How could they have detected us?"
"They must've expanded the radar detection and patrol perimeter. Distance to target?"
"Approximately 2.4 kilometers from target point, just under 400 meters from drop point."
"Time to intercept?"
"I estimate 3 minutes until they make visual contact."
"We go now. Get your gear ready . We drop in 30 seconds..."
"3... 2... 1..."
The air was released from the hull and the fins against the keel angled such that the boat jetted into the water. 2 meters... 3... 4... 5... 10. The boat, using a string of exploding bolts, then split apart into 6 small pieces, sinking into the deep waters of the inland sea. The four agents continued to swim down... 15 meters... 20. What little moonlight had broken the night before was long gone. In almost total darkness, the agents each activated their own diver propulsion vehicles, and set off towards the shore.
What would the Reitmen think when they arrived at the coordinates only to find the dark depths of the sea? A mistake perhaps? Or merely a mystery for future tales of war? Whatever their conclusion, the four agents would be long gone.
The Kingdom of Spain
/s3/static.nrc.nl/bvhw/files/2019/05/web-0405zatfleur1jpg.jpg){kind=link}
