The Great Red UnionBoard

Maybe the Imperium could run into Ban Kitan at Gibraltar?

Force of Will Pt. 2

Volbelven Village, Siberia, April, 2011

Kavik had made many changes to the village when she had pried leadership from the previous queen's corpse. She established shamanism as the official religion of the village, and anyone who didn't want to conform found a new home in the Siberian wilderness. She carried with her rule the very anger, bitterness, and hatred that festered inside her during her isolation. Before her time, all the previous leaders had a council of elders that they consulted on important matters. Kavik cast these elders aside, citing that the gods found them unworthy of holding leadership positions. In the four years she reigned, she used the same brutality, relentlessness, and force that nature threw against her. Those who didn't resist her rule found positions within her close cabinet. Her spartan style of running things attracted various characters. One was Sasha, a farmer and baker turned Minister of Agriculture, a new position that Kavik had made, modeled after the more modern societies she had read about. Another was Nikolai, a stoic blacksmith who was promoted to Minister of Arms, with his forge creating most of the weapons for the village. Those and more staffed Kavik's hall, granting her wisdom when she requested it, and staying quiet when she didn't.

In her 4 years of rule she did what no previous leader of Volbelven thought to do, she expanded the borders of the village. At first it was chopping trees and building new houses, but it evolved into taking over other villages. When she ordered the troops of the town to march into the neighboring village, they were confused. They had many questions, especially about why they should view the near villages as hostile. But to these questions, Kavik would merely upturn her nose and cite the gods willing it. She used this excuse many times, and yet nobody dared to contest it. She made herself the Queen-Priestess of Volbelven, which secured the support of the shamans for her coup.

One of Kavik's biggest changes was to the make-shift militia that Volbelven had. It was primarily comprised of loosely organized soldiers only used to defend the village, but even that was rare. One of her main goals was to turn it into a true fighting force like a nation would have. She ordered that Nikolai and his forge would start to produce iron weapons and armor. When asked how it would be paid for, she stated it wouldn't be, currency wasn't a problem anymore. With the abolition of currency, production of almost everything went up significantly, due to payment not being a part of the process anymore. Over time, the rag-tag group of fighters armed with flint tipped spears was replaced with steel armor clad, axe-wielding, bear pelt covered warriors.

The first village to fall was a tough battle, Volbelven's soldiers had little to experience attacking another town. But despite the tough fight, Volbelven prevailed, and now Kavik had demonstrated the power that she wielded. After the conquest, different groups in the army were formed, the shock troopers were labeled with the bear, ranged troops with the eagle, the spies and sneakier troops with the fox. Priests would often bless weapons before battles, integrating the military and religion. Kavik turned the small militia of a town into an army of zealots, ready to fight and die for Volbelven and their Queen-Priestess.

A scout entered the hall, breathing heavily: "My Queen, I saw something out there." Kavik turned the scout, looking down from her throne, raising an eyebrow. The scout continued: "It looked like a bird, but much larger, and it didn't flap it's wings." Kavik knew what they were talking about, a plane. She knew from her reading that a great village, larger than anything in Volbelven existed out west, and long ago they swept through the land, but didn't bother Volbelven much. Russia maybe? Her brow furrowed at these thoughts and her mind filled with questions. Who were these people? Why were they here? Most importantly, were they hostile?

Operation Trident: Part Two

Location: Twelve nautical miles off of Bonaires eastern coast

Date: November/01/2010

Manpower: 1,000 strong force consisting of 500 regular Army infantry, 500 UFT marines, and 20 undocumented UFTSS (United Front of Texas Special Sappers).

Naval craft: One UFT retrofitted cargo ship fitted with four AA cannons atop its main bridge and cabins for infantry.

Along with a medium class UFT Navy Patrol vessel equipped with SAM launcher and AP heavy machine guns.

Objectives: Search island for storage depots consisting of oil, munitions, medical supplies, and anything of value to the UFT.

Rules of engagement: No firing unless fired upon, once fired upon there are no rules of engagement.

Leadership: Captain Philips of the UFTS Handyman medium patrol frigate and his command crew. Along with civilian Captain Marks of the cargo ship The Spirt.
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The group of five followed Sergeant Jackson down the deck a few yards where some rope netting was hanging off the side of the ship. Miller looked down over the railing and saw a landing craft full of soldiers with a few still climbing down the ropes. Jackson looked back at his squad and quickly said, “Alright boys you know the plan. Next landing craft is our ride off this rust bucket! Over the side in a calm fashion, remember our training! Here it comes, Bill you’re first!”

As Private Bill awkwardly climbed over the railing and down to the landing craft, a few more squads of soldiers lined up behind Miller’s squad and he suddenly felt rushed. After his squad mates had gone over the railing Sergeant Jackson nodded to Miller and motioned for him to go down. As soon as Miller had gotten one leg over the rail he heard panicked yelling as everyone looked up. Another set of two missiles had come streaking from the island and right after hitting one, the automated Phalanx gun must have run out of ammo- because it suddenly stopped firing. Miller thought he saw a small orange flame in the night sky as Jackson grabbed onto him and pushed them over the edge.

In an instant so much happened, it was almost like it was in slow motion. As he was falling Miller saw a bright flash and a sudden heat wave as a large explosion engulfed the men that were standing behind him. He saw large chunks of the ships metal body rip apart as they shot in every direction, one small piece ripping into his arm with a searing hot pain.
Before he knew what had happened, he crashed into the men below and had the wind knocked out of him. He looked up with stars in his eyes and saw the large smoke cloud drifting up into the night sky as yellow flames danced above him on the ships deck.

“Get off me Miller!”, Sergeant Jackson grumbled as he pushed Miller aside and quickly stood. The gruff man looked back at the UFTS Handyman as their landing craft sputtered away and sighed, “God have mercy on their souls, I hope some of them make it out alive.”
As he finished his sentence the Handyman suddenly let out a long sigh of smoke as suddenly a secondary explosion rocked the ship, the blast wave smacking their small landing craft. A moment later the Handyman shuttered as it started to quickly sink below the water. Jessie looked at Miller with sadness in his eyes and asked, “Now what?”
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Just a few minutes before the missile struck his ship Captain Phillips had ordered a full abandon ship order, he and his command staff had gotten onto a small life boat and pushed off just as the explosion overhead happened. In an instant he saw years of his life go up in a mighty flash of light as he watched his command deck get hit directly by the enemy missile. He watched in horror as a sailor fell overboard, engulfed in flames.
Captain Philips looked over to the young man driving their boat and ordered, “Get us over to The Spirit ASAP!”
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After getting to The Spirit through waters filled with debris and more bodies than he wanted to see, Captain Philips walked briskly into the ships command deck and nodded to Captain Marks. He pointed out the window and spat, “What in Gods name was THAT? Why haven’t you deployed rescue parties? Why isn’t this ship being targeted at this very moment! Someone answer me!”
Captain Marks stuttered out his reply, “S-sorry Captain, the rescue life boats are b-being deployed at the m-moment! As for why w-we haven’t been fired upon, I don’t k-know sir.”
Captain Philips looked at the pale faced man and remembered he was just a civilian, his anger withered as he spoke calmly, “Captain Marks I hereby require your command deck and crew for the completion of this United Front of Texas government sanctioned operation. Your efforts have been noted and I wish for you to aid me in my mission.”
Captain Marks blinked once and nodded as he replied, “Yes of course, the w-wheel’s yours Captain Philips.”

Captain Philips nodded and spoke with all the authority he could muster, “Listen up! If you feel like you can’t properly do your job, please leave the bridge. I won’t judge you if you’re not cut out for this, but if you stay you will be expected to follow my orders to the letter. Now then, how’s the rescue boats doing?”
A young sailor from the Handyman spoke up, “Sir, the life boats are filling up as we speak. Reports on the radio and by eye confirm there are many injured men in the waters, as well as oil from the Handyman.”
Captain Philips nodded and replied to the young sailor, “Any reports on how many soldiers made it to the landing craft in time?”

The young sailor picked up a piece of paper and read aloud, “25 of the 50 landing craft have reported safe departure from the ship before the missile strike. Only 20 of them are troop transports, 3 supply haulers, and the two tanks from The Spirit.”
Captain Philips could feel the room suddenly go silent as everyone realized how many men had been lost, how the whole operation had been jeopardized. He took a deep breath and looked out the window for a moment before giving the order, “Have the assault troops commence the attack, it’s a few hours before sunrise but they’ll have to make do. Make sure the rescue boats keep bringing men in as well.”

It took a moment for the crew to snap out of it before they rushed to relay the information and orders, many in a daze as they thought of the unfolding events. Captain Philips sat in the worn out captains chair and sighed, had he just doomed more men to a pointless death?
Captain Marks walked to Captain Philips side and spoke in a low voice, “Do you think that’s the right thing to do? Go forward with the plan?”
Captain Philips didn’t look from the burning hull of what was his ship and frankly replied, “And waste all those lives? Lives of good men, loyal men, heck even men who were closer to just boys? No. The plan goes on, I just prey I’ve made the right decision.”
Captain Marks looked at the fires lights cut deep shadows into Philips rugged face and simply backed away, the dice had been tossed.

Operation Trident: Part Four

Location: One mile inland of Bonaire, Tropical Paradise hotel.

Date: November/02/2010

Manpower: 1,000 strong force consisting of 500 regular Army infantry, 500 UFT marines, and 20 undocumented UFTSS (United Front of Texas Special Sappers).

(Now just 50(?) assault troops of mixed branches)

Naval craft: One UFT retrofitted cargo ship fitted with four AA cannons atop its main bridge and cabins for infantry.

Along with a medium class UFT Navy Patrol vessel equipped with SAM launcher and AP heavy machine guns. (Sunk)

Objectives: Search island for storage depots consisting of oil, munitions, medical supplies, and anything of value to the UFT.

Rules of engagement: No firing unless fired upon, once fired upon there are no rules of engagement.

Leadership: Captain Philips of the UFTS Handyman medium patrol frigate and his command crew. Along with civilian Captain Marks of the cargo ship The Spirt.
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Sergeant Jackson walked briskly from the makeshift command post within the hotels lobby and looked down at Private Jessie with disgust. The red haired young man was lounging on a deck chair beside the hotels now dirty pool and he had a pair of cheap plastic shades on, shades he most likely found in the hotels gift shop.
Jessie glanced up from his nap and saw Jackson, he scrambled to his feet and saluted smartly as he mumbled, “Sorry sir, just working on my tan.”
Jackson frowned and replied, “This is still an active area that could be attacked at any moment. How about you stop trying to tan your pale hide and take up a patrol shift? We’re short handed and need all the eyes we can get. Now!”
Private Jessie threw on his helmet and jogged towards the hotels lobby, no doubt to get orders on where to go.
Jackson looked up to the new days sun as it slowly worked its way up behind the horizon. The temperature at night wasn’t too bad, but the day was quickly growing hotter and more humid as the minutes passed. He wiped some sweat from his brow and started his brisk walk back to the beach where the supply boats should be.

After a short walk through the jungle on a dirt path, Jackson watched the ocean come into view and then the beach. Just as he had suspected the boats with all the needed supplies were having their contents unloaded onto the beach by sailors and regular infantry as well. Jackson walked up to Private Miller who was watching from the sideline with his rifle slung over his shoulder and drug him over to a pile of cardboard boxes. As he found what he was looking for and piled the boxes into Miller arms Jackson spoke, “This is the only resupply we’ll be getting for a while, so take these boxes of ammo and MRE’s to the squads hut. Tell any NCO’s you see on the way that the supplies are here, go on.”

Miller nodded and walked away towards the hotel as a sailor walked up to Jackson and saluted. The young man reported, “We lost more than 65% of the attacking force so you guys should be able to make these supplies last pretty long. On The Spirit there is a massive make shift med bay in the cargo hold so unfortunately these boxes are pretty light on critical medical goods. Don’t worry though, we left enough behind for you guys to use in an emergency- off the books.”
Sergeant Jackson sighed, “Yeah thanks, any news on when an actual CO will be coming? All this command stuff is way above my pay grade.”
The young sailor shook his head but handed Jackson a heavy box as he replied, “Sorry no info on that, but the captain sent this long range radio set, just hook it up to the hotels satellite dish on the roof and you’ll be able to talk to the ship directly. Good luck.” With that the sailor walked away back to his duties and Jackson huffed, it’s going to be a long day.
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Three hours later and a growing headache in his head, Jackson finally got the radio set up in the hotels now fortified lobby. As Jackson looked around at all the sandbag covered windows and the large set of glass doors leading outside that now were also covered with sandbags at the half open position, the radioman sitting at the lobby’s main desk nodded as he listened to a message. The scruffy man spoke to Jackson as he pressed an ear piece to his head, “Captain Philips has ordered a full stop to any advances further inland. We are to hold this position until the drone can locate where those anti shop missiles came from. The acting highest rank officer is to set up a perimeter around what is now being called FOB Paradise and await further orders. Your reply sir?”
Jackson rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed, “Rog, will follow given orders and await further instruction.”
As the radio operator relayed the message Jackson walked out of the lobby’s back door and stood next to the dirty pool.

As Jackson stared into the pools greenish dirty waters, Miller walked up to him and reported in. “Sir, the perimeter is set up as you ordered and there are squads pulling sentry duty on the four corners of the property, with two squads and the only 50 up on the roof.”, the young man reported.
Jackson waited a moment and replied, “Good job son, keep this up and you’re on your way to a promotion for outstanding actions. Well outstanding considering the circumstances.”
Miller grinned and nodded. He pointed towards the hotel and said, “One other thing sir, about a block up the front road a scouting party found a house with empty munition boxes in it. They couldn’t read the Russian writing but they could make out that it’s likely the boxes contained missiles of some sort. Oh and the year 1999 was printed on the boxes.”

Jackson rubbed his chin and after a moment of thinking replied, “Listen closely Miller. I want you, Jessie, Bill, and Conner from the marines to head up to that area and investigate the surrounding jungle for anything out of place.”
Miller nodded but asked, “Why the marine Conner?”
Jackson looked up at the blue sky and mumbled, “He’s the only EOD specialist that made it.”
Miller was confused as to why they would need a bomb boy but nodded and quickly went to gather the men.

After gathering the men and needed supplies, the group of four stood at the hotels front gates and checked their weapons. Jessie complained out loud, “Man I signed up to carry the big guns! Not these M4s? I’m supposed to be a support gunner, not a scout.”
Sergeant Conner checked his rifles magazine and replied, “Stop complaining Private, you’ll get yourself a brand new MG soon I’m sure. Just be happy you have more than a pistol now.”
The group of men laughed because ever since everyone had seen Jessie walking around with just an old Beretta in his hand when they had first gotten to the hotel, he had become a sort of joke.

Conner whistled for the men to follow him and they started their walk up the road.

European Diplomacy - Roulix | September 30, 2010 | Bourbon Palace
Nations Involved: Roulix
Marius looked at the leader of Roulix for a second and evaluated the man. He seems more of a party attender than the leader of a nation. Nevertheless, Marius waved back and took a few steps forward, “Greetings Mr. Franz I’m sure this’ll begin great relations for our nations. However let it be known I’m here for not only the Union’s behalf, but also the Imperium’s. What happens here affects the three parties. Now, let’s begin these talks. You know the palace better, so you shall lead the way.” Marius stepped up the rest of the steps, the security team close behind.

Operation Western Waves(Part 2) | January 11th - 16th | North Sea - Coast of Britain
Nation(s) Involved: Achain, Roulix
The fleets were being assembled, all across Norway, military ports were alive with Transport ships being loaded with supplies, armored vehicles, artillery pieces, ammo, and soldiers. The transports were also being equipped with anti-air guns for extra defense against air attack. Out in the Bays, destroyers of the Union’s Fleet awaited for the transports, with reports of two cruisers joining the fleet for extra firepower. The fleet would total some 17 destroyers, 3 cruisers, and 25 transport craft. The formation will be a simple circle with the transports in the middle, thus making a large AA screen. The invasion itself was simplistic for the most part. Wikingkorps squads would secure the landing zones ahead of time to allow the full strength of the invasion force to be deployed. The zones were designated to be along the beaches of Bamburgh in Northumberland. This area would allow the effective split of the Isle into two areas, Scotland and England “Proper”. However one thing stood out on this beach, and that was the factor of an old castle that rested on a hill overlooking the beach. Command had planned to bomb the place beforehand, however Wikingkorp Squad F reported that the castle was empty and that they could occupy it. The order was given, and the castle was theirs. Now the only road block that stood between them and capturing the Isle was the North Sea.

On January 12th, the fleets of transport ships gathered together and formed with the escort fleet about twelve miles off the coast of Norway, but as they were about to leave to go to Britain, the pride of the Imperium’s surface fleet passed by the flotilla. The sounds of boat horns flared up as the mighty ship passed, and after it did, the fleet began moving towards the British Isle.

January 16th, Wikingkorp Squad F had not reported in for a long time, and it was due to this the order was given for the preliminary bombardment of the hills overlooking the beach, but too leave the castle mostly intact. A jammer was activated on board the USF Nevtal to hopefully stop any communication the defenders had. After this, the transports formed a line in front of the escorts and began deploying landing craft with tanks and infantry on board. 200 feet, nothing. 150, nothing. 100, nothing. 50, nothing. Once they got within 10 feet from the shore everyone in the landing craft got uneasy. As the ramps opened, they still did not get shot at. It was only after another two landing craft landed when the machine guns began firing. Quickly they all hit the deck, but many were gunned down as they stood in the open. Returning fire was done by armored units who were deployed quickly behind the infantry. Spotters for the fleet began designating targets for the escorts, who quickly obliterated the enemy positions. The castle itself seemed to have been made into a gun nest. However it was not shelled, instead the infantry formed behind the tanks and began pushing up the beach and towards the castle. The castle was hard to take, British forces occupied every section, and every hallway had a machine gun position, but after a few hours it was taken. It was with this, that supplies were brought ashore, unloaded, more armored vehicles landed, and more infantry followed suit. The time had come, it was time to take the Isle.

Northern Visitors | September, 30th 2010

Nations Concerned: Icelanden

Franz responds: Very well "man of many titles" Let us begin! Follow me right this way!

Franz leads everyone into the palace as we make our way to our office. On the way making small talk:

"So tell me how was your flight? I hope the people of our nation have been treating your arrival with dignity! Oh, and do you have plans for dinner?"

Guards open the doors to Franz's office he invites Marius and his guards inside

European Diplomacy - Roulix |Septumber 30th, 2010 |Palace Bourbon
Nations(s) Included: Roulix
"My flight was very calming. It was the first time I'd say I could relax and simply look at the world. And so far, the people of your nation had treated my arrival well, many appeared to have gathered at the airport to gaze upon a foreigner." Marius stopped as they entered the office , "As for plans of dinner, I have none. I'm sure you've something prepared for us. If not by personal chiefs, then somewhere fancy." Marius' team took positions near the back of the room, and Marius grabbed a chair infront of Franz's desk. "Now I'm not one to wait too long on business. I've been sent here to strike an agreement between the Union, it's Imperial ally and the nation of Roulix. So, what could you and your nation offer? I must know before I can set down my own offerings.