I Will Have Order -- Operation Takedown
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I Will Have Order
Part 1
Telum Capital Defence Command
Headquarters of the Imperial Armed Forces
Strategic Meeting of the Imperial Defence Council
Operation Takedown [IC Secret]Attendance:
- H.I.M. Emperor Artabanos
- Imperial Defence Officer Boris Mancov
- By secret video link: North Diessen's Minister for National Defence Ekrem Mueller
- Chief of the General Staff Vice Admiral John Bauer
- Legate for Terra Domini Air Marshal Hugh Donnell
Artabanos: "Gentlemen, welcome. As you will be aware, the Imperial Government has finally received a formal request from the Confederacy of North Diessen for military assistance. Our long months of work have come to fruition. Boris, how is the situation in Reuland?"
Mancov: "The State of Reuland borders the Inimician northeast, but cross-frontier roads and passages are infrequent, the border mostly consists of mountanous terrain. Imperial Guard operatives in Reuland have so far managed to sneak across uncaught, and we have no expectation this will change with the de facto independence of the State. Reuland's State authorities have put the weapons we provided to good use, and as far as we are aware the secessionist government now controls most if not all of the major Reuland cities and military supply points."
Artabanos: "Very well. Admiral Bauer, recap what our actions will be once we offer our help."
Bauer: "As we extensively discussed, Your Imperial Majesty, the Imperial Armed Forces (IAF) will enter North Diessen by rail, air, and road, where they will link with Diessen Defence Force units and co-ordinate with them. We currently have the 1st Mountain Brigade, 1st and 2nd Special Air Squadrons, 2nd Army Corps, as well as the 1st and 2nd Air Mobile Brigades, 3rd Fleet, and 2nd Submarine Squadron to participate, of course backed up by several other corps to remain in the Empire. At the time time, our Special Force Command and the 3rd Special Air Squadron will immediately commence covert operations in Reuland from the Fugit Mountain Assault Command in Terra Dominus. Significant IAF presence will be directed towards the Diessenian capital, Het Goor, and towards major Diessenian Defence Force bases, which I have indicated on the map in front of you."
Mancov: "Just to but in here, Vice Admiral: we are currently talking about the first phase of Operation Takedown, correct?"
Bauer: "Correct. Phase One will see IAF units deployed against the Inimician-armed rebels in Reuland. Ironic, perhaps, but necessary. At the time time, our Logistics Command will gain valuable information about Diessenian Defence Force structures and operations, making these much easier to sever in Phase Two. The 3rd Fleet and 2nd Submarine Squadron will pass through the Caspian Canal and into Diessenian waters, however, progress will be deliberately slow, making it unlikely they will reach all the way to Reuland's shores before the rebels are defeated, according to plan, in just a few days. We are estimating our vessels to be in position off the coast closest to Het Goor, carrying units of the amphibious assault command of the 2nd Imperial Guard brigade."
Artabanos: "So, Phase One to last, what, three days?"
Bauer: "Three to four. We are to meet again here once our objectives have been completed."
Artabanos: "How do we transition from Phase One to Phase Two?"
Bauer: "To most people, it will not be a noticeable change. Our brigades have been extensively trained in covert operations and are expected to apprehend most Diessenian Defence Force units without fighting. Not that there are many DDF units to arrest -- we are likely to outnumber them two-to-one at least. At the same time, the Imperial Guard will make its way under the cover of darkness to the government quarter in Het Goor, apprehending President Inge Pekcan and her confidantes, and installing Mueller into office."
Artabanos: "Ekrem -- objections?"
Mueller: "None. Apologies for whispering, I am the face of anti-Reuland resistance here at home. If caught conspiring, my sentence would be worse than death. How long could we maintain such a, well, covert invasion, from being noticed, Vice Admiral?"
Bauer: "Not for long, which is why Operation Takedown, Phase 2 will take no more than 12 hours. President Pekcan's demise will be put down to infiltration by Reuland's paramilitaries, and the Imperial Guard presence there as a countermeasure. Pekcan is to be 'wounded', and Mueller is to take over as a temporary measure at first. Obviously, in the long term, our other planning will have to take care of that."
Mueller: "Perfect, thank you."
Artabanos: "Follwing the successful conclusion of Operation Takedown, I will award Mueller with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Empire, and make him an Associate Member of the Imperial Defence Council, an Honourary Citizen of the Empire, and allow him a personal Imperial Guard detachment to escort him wherever he goes."
Mancov: "Excellent. We look forward to having you as an ally, Ekrem."
Artabanos: "Gentlemen, perfect. Start time for Phase One of Operation Takedown is 1800 hrs today. Thank you."
Walking from the Situation Room, Artabanos thought "What a way to celebrate the Empire's 10-year anniversary. Adding three new territories to its dominion." His nerves began to rise, and He had a swift drink before exiting the lift and going about His day.
- H.I.M. Emperor Artabanos
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Telum Capital Defence Command
Headquarters of the Imperial Armed Forces
Strategic Meeting of the Imperial Defence Council, 21st Oct 2021
Operation Takedown [IC Secret]Attendance as above.
Artabanos: "Welcome again, everyone. I'm afraid I'm running short for time, there are several foreign heads of state and government waiting for me upstairs. A quick status update, Vice Admiral Bauer, if you please."
Bauer, Chief of the General Staff: "Very well, Your Imperial Majesty. I draw your attention to the map of the Confederacy of North Diessen. Since the commencement of Operation Takedown, our units have been stationed in several major cities across the country, especially in those nearest to Reuland. Notable stations include Het Goor, Heikant, Druune, Berge, and Gool. I am also happy to report the Berkel peninsula, which formally belongs to the State of Reuland, has been fully cleared of enemy resistance and now serves as our main base of operations in the area. Special Forces have made several successful sorties from Terra Domini into Wollek and D'n Blaok, which have practically been abandoned by the separatists."
Artabanos: "How heavy is resistance generally? Any casualties on our side?"
Bauer: "No deaths as yet, but 14 confirmed injured. Direct confrontations with Reuland forces have been infrequent, we have mainly been relying on our air force to clear out resistance before our ground troops arrive. Air Marshal Donnell, any comments?"
Donnell: "The Imperial Air Force has flown a total of 389 sorties in 48 hours, Your Imperial Majesty, specifically targeting rebel camps in and around Goirke, Beek, and Berdao. We have so far encountered no air-to-air resistance, and ground-to-air missiles seem to be limited to the old stock of unguided rocket-propelled grenades we provided to Reuland last month. Our Eurofighters have no issue avoiding those."
Artabanos: "Minister Mueller, how is public opinion in Diessen currently?"
Ekrem Mueller, ND Minister for National Defence: "Many people are still in disbelief, Your Imperial Majesty. However, footage from the liberated territories in Reuland, where Inimician soldiers were received jubilantly by locals, has made its way through our online channels into trending spots on most social media platforms. Politically, there is some concern from the right around the Diessenian Defence Force no longer taking the lead on offensive operations, however, generally, the Grand National Assembly is still very much in favour of an Inimician presence."
Artabanos: "Excellent. And how about President Pekcan?"
Mueller: "It seems public opinion has resolutely turned against her, Your Imperial Majesty. She is in a state of disbelief herself, I presume. I have not heard from her in days."
Bauer: "Good. The less we hear from her now, the less surprisal there'll be when we don't hear from her at all anymore."
Mueller: "Indeed."
Artabanos: "Excellent, excellent. Vice Admiral Bauer, when do you expect Phase One of our operation to conclude?"
Bauer: "Progress is steady, Your Imperial Majesty. We know who we're up against, and we even know -- down to the minutest detail -- how they're armed. The only major rebel strongholds that remain are in Goirke, Beek, and Keurrevel. We expect to begin our assaults on these bases tonight, and hopefully conclude them within 24 hours."
Artabanos: "Good. Keep me up to speed. Now, if there is nothing else -- "
Bauer: "Actually, Your Imperial Majesty, if I may. We have received some intelligence that a number of Reuland separatists has made it across the border into Dromund Kaas. We're not entirely sure what intentions they have, but they may be seeking passage to other countries in the region, such as Czech Slavia or the UNSR. Naturally, I have alerted the Imperial Border Force to keep a close watch on the Inimician-Kaasian frontier, but I suspected You may want to be aware."
Artabanos: "Hmm. Interesting. Liaise with the border folks, tell them they have the full Imperial Prerogative to make individual decisions about allowing anyone into the country until further notice. Good day, gentlemen. Ekrem, best of luck at home."
Mueller: "Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty, for everything."
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Telum Capital Defence Command
Headquarters of the Imperial Armed Forces
Strategic Meeting of the Imperial Defence Council, 23rd Oct 2021
Operation Takedown [IC Secret]Attendance as above.
Artabanos: "Afternoon, everyone. I trust you have made significant enough headway against Reuland for us to start Phase two of this operation? Your projections at the start of this week were three to four days - that deadline is now here. Vice Admiral Bauer?"
Bauer (Chief of General Staff): "We have indeed, Your Imperial Majesty. Reuland put up more of a fight than we had anticipated, clearing the Reuland valley too more personnel than we had initially mobilised. In part, this was certainly due to the -- with respect to Mr Mueller -- complete ineptitude of the Diessenian Defence Force, and their lack of any significant military material. However, I am pleased to report that rebel presence in Reuland has mostly been eliminated, barring the government quarter in Goirke, which we have intentionally not assaulted as yet."
Mueller (North Diessen): "Is it true that many of the rebels have fought their way into Dromund Kaas?"
Bauer: "This seems to be accurate. Our mechanised divisions only managed to completely surround Goirke late this afternoon, and satellite intelligence suggests up to three thousand armed rebels were received with open arms in Dromund Kaas. What their final destination is we do not know, however, we have received reports of some of them joining piracy bands along the Kaasian coast."
Mancov (Imperial Defence Officer): "I trust our fleet has not been in any trouble, Vice Admiral?"
Bauer: "Not at all. As I said, we are ready to commence Phase Two whenever you give the word. Reuland has not yet been returned to Diessenian Defence Force administration, our troops there outnumber them at least two-to-one. The Imperial Guard batallion in the Diessenian capital of Het Goor stands ready to execute its role in the coming Phase through its staging of a diversionary explosion, leading to the covert arrest of President Pekcan. Our units at the three other main Diessenian military bases have been fully briefed and are supported by elements of the Special Operations Command and Imperial Guard Anti-Terror Command."
Artabanos: "How exactly will they subdue Diessenian units? Isn't news likely to spread like wildfire?"
Bauer: "It is, and, well, they won't subdue them, as such. As You say, Your Imperial Majesty, open conflict inside military bases is likely to lead to significant news coverage. Instead, Phase Two calls for the severing and rerouting to trusted sources of all communications lines into and out of these three bases, and the institution of a complete facility-wide lockdown, in the early hours of the morning. This is when the least activity takes place, and the smallest amount of people are likely to get injured."
Artabanos: "I see. What will happen to the remaining Reuland terrorists after Phase Two completes?"
Bauer: "Upon the triggering of Phase Two, we will circulate reports of the terrorists having attacked our units in Goirke, as part of the "attacks" in Het Goor. We will then make short work of their remaining presence in Reuland and, once the situation with the Diessenian Defence Force is stable and Mr Mueller is handling the reins, we will depart."
Artabanos: "Mueller? Any objections? Are you ready to do your duty by your country?"
Mueller: "Certainly. Vice Admiral, how will I know the operation has begun?"
Bauer: "Imperial Guard units will collect you from your temporary residence in the Het Goor government quarter once the "attacks" begin, formally to escort you to a safe location. Instead, they are to bring you to the central situation room in the Confederal Presidency, where you will assume your new role."
Mueller: "Excellent. And you received my list of individuals not to be harmed, as well as individuals who are on our side?"
Bauer: "I did indeed, Your Excellency. The latter group will similarly be brought to you in the situation room."
Artabanos: "Perfect, gentlemen. I authorise you, Vice Admiral Bauer, under the power vested in Me through the Constitution of the Empire of Inimicus and the Imperial Great Seal, to commence Operation Takedown (Phase Two) at 0400hrs tomorrow, 24th October 2021. Good luck to you all."
Tbc
[[EDITED 23/10/2021 20:30pm BST -- PHRASING]]
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Somewhere in the North Diessenian Government Quarter
Het Goor, North Diessen
24th October 2021, 0350hrs
Members of the Imperial Defence Council (IDC), including Imperial Councillor Basil Lawson and Chief of the General Staff Vice-Admiral Bauer, are listening in live to operation reports during the commencement of Phase Two of Operation Takedown. The IDC is currently viewing operations in the Diessenian Capital, Het Goor, where Imperial Guard units are commanded by Major-General Ettore Stuart.
Major-General Ettore STUART, Officer Commanding: [Over radio]: "Chalks, status report, over?"
Lieutenant Dale REMUERE: "Chalk 1, ready and waiting."
Lieutenant Lunduc JOHANSCH: "Chalk 2, ready and waiting."
Lieutenant Dante EMILIS: "Chalk 3, ready and waiting."
Lieutenant Lambert DUNKINE: "Chalk 4, ready and waiting."
M-Gen. STUART: "Command, ETA on go?"
Chief of the General Staff BAUER: "Viper, this is Command; ETA is 7 minutes, over."
Bauer had planned for months for this moment. The convolution of hundreds if not thousands of minds working on a single aim: to bring the government of North Diessen under the control of someone the Empire, and the Imperial Armed Forces more generally, could sway whenever it wanted. To use North Diessen's position on the Caspian Coast, its resources and airstrips. To prepare for the digging of a second canal binding the Caspian and Persian Gulf together. Today, it all came together. Bauer had promised the Emperor that Phase Two, the most critical and diplomatically sensitive phase of the entire operation, would be a resounding success. Formenting civil war in North Diessen was but the pretext for a much larger aim: the Imperial Armed Forces could not simply march into Het Goor and depose President Pekcan. Well, they could; but it would raise eyebrows in Europe. This way, there was a cover of legitimacy. The Inimicians would withdraw as soon as possible after tonight, and declare the ending of civil strife in North Diessen a success. In fact, they ended the Confederacy's independence. The clock struck 4am.
BAUER: "Viper, this is Command. Takedown Two is go. I repeat, Takedown Two is go."
Immediately, the figures on the great plasma screens in the Imperial Situation Room began to move. Bauer's nerves were on edge. The next few moments could decide the fate of the entire operation, the fate of months' planning, the fate of the Empire's standing abroad, and most importantly, the fate of his career.
STUART: "Chalk 1, Chalk 2, commence bombing."
REMUERE (Chalk 1): "Roger. Commencing bombing."
An explosion went off in the deserted streets. Car alarms blared as Chalk 1 began to make as much noise as possible. At the other end of the road leading to the Presidential Palace, Chalk 2 began to fire at the building, dressed all in black.
STUART: "Command, switching to local channels. Will advise."
Stuart switched his set to a local Diessenian military channel rather than the encoded and encrypted secret Inimician wavelength. "Attention to all units in Het Goor, this is Stuart, Officer Commanding. We have a potential assault on the Presidential Palace. We are 10-31. I repeat, we are 10-31." By calling out 10-31, Stuart activated the emergency plan for Imperial Guard Troops to collect all key Diessenian personnel present in the Palace complex. The scene was now set.
EMILIS (Chalk 3): "Viper Command, this is Chalk 3. Proceeding to extraction, Irene."
STUART: "Copy that, advise accordingly. Chalk 4, status report?"
DUNKINE (Chalk 4): "Chalk 4, proceeding to extraction, Ambrose."
Chalk 3 approached the Presidential Palace, with the aim of taking President Inge Pekcan (codenamed Irene) to safety, while Chalk 4 would bring Ekrem Mueller (Ambrose) to the Palace's underground situation room instead. As Chalk 3 approached Pekcan's chambers, the President became aware of the Inimicians' intentions.
EMILIS (Chalk 3): "Madam President, we have a situation outside and are evacuating the area. You will have to come with us." He knocks on the heavy door to Pekcan's chambers. No response. "Madam President, this is Lieutenant Emilis of the Inimician Imperial Guard, you must come with us at once."
Confederal President Inge PEKCAN [Through the door]: "I've seen this coming, Lieutenant Emilis. You go back to Telum and tell your Emperor he can come get me himself, or not at all."
EMILIS (Chalk 3): "Stand away from the door, Madam President."
Emilis orders his designated breacher to obliterate the door's lock with a specially designed breaching shotgun, sending sparks flying across the President's room. As the Guard enter, they find Pekcan hastily recording a video of herself.
PEKCAN: "This is President Pekcan. The Imperial Guard are coming for me. They're trying to take ov--" A cry of pain as her phone is beaten out of her hand with a rifle butt. Emilis secures the phone and ensures deletion of the footage.
EMILIS (Chalk 3): "You're coming with us." A bullet from Emilis's rifle shoots through the President's left leg, sending a high-pitched wail through the empty streets. The President is carried off, into the dark, never to be seen again.
TBC
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Situation Room, Confederal Presidential Palace of North Diessen
Het Goor, North Diessen
24th October 2021, 0415hrs
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.
