Evangeline Anovilis Posted April 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 Valmy was not too happy about the reactions, but it ultimately didn't really boil down to whether she was, but whether it was of value to her country. "The Laurentine Union would be willing to consider a demilitarised zone, however, not on its own. A demilitarised zone on its own would still be pointless if it is not enforced and we would not think that it'd be sufficient for our country alone to have to guarantee this zone to be respected. Unless there is a mechanism that makes sure that the zone is kept demilitarised, as should be the bay, a mechanism that is potent and compelling even for the American Commonwealth, we cannot trust in such a zone alone. Similarly, if our nation would concede on such a front, we would see it as a grave setback to not have Kanadario as a neutral country inbetween us. We see this not as a restriction of Kanadario, but of the American Commonwealth and our own nation in its interactions with Kanadario. On a future order within our country, I would like to point out that we still hold that our future is to be decided by our people alone. We are willing to allow third-party observers to monitor the referendum, however, we are not willing to concede any possibility the people might vote in favour of, especially not after such a firm rebuttal of our security concerns. If sovereignity rests with the people, it should be our people and our people alone, which decide the future of our country." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MostGloriousLeader Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 (edited) "My nation would not find the prospect of leaving the border defenseless in such a manner desirable, considering that Faraway has, by now, confirmed its desire to retake that territory as its own. You might make the case that we do have some strategic depth to the area but the idea of abandoning our citizens without protection is something that cannot be taken lightly. In addition to that, a Faraway attack could take advantage of such an arrangement and allow it to seize the land it desires before our own forces could stop them. My nation would also object to the continued existence of such a government without hard assurances it is unable to conduct. Regardless I'd say all of this is moot considering that no real concessions have been offered by Faraway. All suggestions so far provide security concessions for faraway in return for the acceptance of the establishment of a dictatorship which is one of the primary reasons this situation began in the first place. Historically such governments are not satisfied with what they already have for long and seek what they don't have elsewhere and at others expense, and a demilitarized zone doesn't address that. I do not see third party enforcement of such a setup viable in the long run either. As sad as it is to say North America has had a fairly high turnover rate in terms of governmental existence and so while we would appreciate countries that step up to the plate, unfortunately there is no guarantee that those nations will exist tomorrow and makes such a security setup a gamble from my point of view". ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Efforts to find high level Faraway Command posts were successful with SIGINT satellites triangulating areas with heavy radio emissions and plotting probable locations to which special forces recon units on the ground would check out and verify or would be confirmed with real time recon satellite passes. Fighter patrols were also stepped up and EQ-1 Overlord UAVs were deployed to the border to expand radar coverage and provide commanders with a better picture of the airspace over Faraway. Edited April 25, 2014 by MostGloriousLeader Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 "The Stormlands can provide a viable source of security should third party enforcement become and issue, and I'm certain that there would be other nations that would be willing to step up to the plate, if further needed," stated Rafael, trying to allay some concerns that Martinez had about a potential shortage of third party members that could provide enforcement. "[I]If[/I] a demilitarized zone were to be accepted and set up, what kind of guarantees can Quebec provide the Commonwealth that a civilian authority will overtake the current military regime? And beyond referendums, how can we provide assurances to allay fears that Quebec will not use a withdrawal of Commonwealth troops to its advantage? Right now, it is my opinion, that this be a step by step process, that allows for one party to make good on their assurances, which then unlock the other party to then act on their own. If a DMZ were to be set up, it could be initially patrolled by third-party peacekeepers to allow for the continued feeling of security by your civilians, Mr. Martinez," offered Taman, his eyes looking between the two delegates quickly. "These are all ideas I'm throwing out here, I sincerely believe we are on to something here." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evangeline Anovilis Posted April 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 "Monsieurs, why is it that our side has to give even greater reassurances, besides allowing third-party monitors within our country, when the American Commonwealth just stonewalls and denies any reassurances regarding our security? What would the Commonwealth expect of us? If our side does not even hold a referendum, then I guess the Commonwealth would be right in stating that we violated the agreement, and it can remilitarise its border strip and threaten us once again. But as it is, the Commonwealth is negotiating on the basis that the Laurentine Union makes concessions, for nothing but the promise that the American Commonwealth stands down. The American Commonwealth might find the idea of demilitarising its border areas undesirable. You can rest assured, we find making concessions on our government no less undesirable. The Laurentine Union for now will not agree to any further concessions without at least one concession by the American Commonwealth, aside from standing down its troops. I would also like to contact the government at home, to make sure diplomatic concessions are supported by our government" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MostGloriousLeader Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 "I feel like the prospect of turning Acadia into a demilitarized zone to be protected by foreign troops would be a major concession if Congress could somehow agree to go along with it. As I said before, I have doubts of such a measure being viable in the long run and others in our government will also see it as such. It is Faraway that loses nothing with this arrangement, being able to maintain its current government and substantial armed forces that could be later be used to initiate a war of conquest if third party troops were to withdraw and the border becomes unguarded. If, and its still a big if, a measure such as a DMZ with third party troops were to be accepted, we would require hard caps on Faraway's potential offensive capabilities and the presence of our own, unarmed, observers in the DMZ and periodic inspections of Faraway military forces to ensure no potential offensive buildups occur". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evangeline Anovilis Posted April 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 "Once I engage in talks with our political and military leadership, I shall mention your concerns. I would however point out that any disarmament on our side would be only seen as acceptable if similar disarmament would occur on behalf of the Commonwealth. If foreign troops should ever leave, a demilitarised zone can be rapidly reoccupied, a diminished military meanwhile would require quite a bit of time to be brought up again. But if the Commonwealth would bring forth the caps it envisions, we can maybe talk about it." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MostGloriousLeader Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 (edited) "The reason for a cap on Faraway military forces is because the American Commonwealth has global international commitments to allies and the United Nations Security Council as well as duties to maintain stability for the entire North American continent. Equal parity is unacceptable in such a situation as my nation cannot meet its commitments and defend the border at the same time. Limitations we desire are a reduction of 50% in conventional forces compared to the Commonwealth military, limitations on fighter aircraft to one third in comparison with restrictions to 4.5 gen aircraft, no strategic bombers or AWACs aircraft, no long range UAVs, no ground attack munitions, which includes air, sea and land based weapons, with ranges in excess of 50km and limits on naval forces to a dozen combat vessels no larger than destroyer size and no submarines. Considering the fact that right now, even in the current crisis, that Faraway has deployed far more troops and units than the Commonwealth we are concerned that Faraway may take advantage of an event in the future that ties up large numbers of our military and rapidly mobilize large amounts of troops as they have now". Edited April 25, 2014 by MostGloriousLeader Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evangeline Anovilis Posted April 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 "This is entirely unacceptable and we feel no need to discuss it further. I for now shall contact my government. I shall be back in a bit. I hope you'll have an enjoyable meantime." Valmy stood up and walked out of the room, in order to contact the government at home about whatever progress there was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 Both Rafael and Taman would let the two representatives exchange back and forth before the Quebecois stood up to make contact with her government. Rafael would nod to an aide who was standing off to the side to escort her, and the aide would open the door, and explain that they had a secure phone link that she could use to communicate with Quebec. Taman sat back in his chair and poured himself another glass of water, whilst Rafael stood up to fix himself something that was a little more stronger. "I wasn't sure if the Commonwealth was going to dispatch someone down, I was pleasantly surprised when they did so," remarked Taman, looking over at Martinez. "The concern for peace in North America stretches beyond the continent," interjected Rafael, as he walked over to the balcony and observed the large gardens below. "The crisis that the Commonwealth faces is one that has implications across the hemisphere." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MostGloriousLeader Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 "Let it be known that my country didn't try to talk things out first" Martinez said to the Stormlanders as he motioned an aide that had accompanied him over and instructed him to inform the State Department of the progress of discussions. "My nation truly does appreciate what the Stormland's is trying to accomplish and your nation's efforts are respected by my own. But I fear we may have reached an insurmountable impasse and the situation has reached a critical point. For many years now my country has been the sole power keeping North America stable, democratic and prosperous. The prospect of a heavily militarized dictatorship undoing this is unnerving. With the things going the way they are I fear even if we make peace here now, there will be another conflict down the road. A conflict that will result in many times more lives lost than if we were to deal with this matter now. The Commonwealth has never been an aggressive or militant nation but at this point we need to make a choice, and we are choosing the lesser of two evils". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 "It has been some time since Americans have come to blows in war, and if these talks were to break down, I fear that result," stated Rafael, with a sigh heaved, his eyes surveying the garden below him. "We were hoping to gather regional powers together for talks in the coming months, and until this came about, I was looking forward to that moment. Its been some time since the Americas have had, what I consider, to be very competent leadership spread amongst our two continents." "If there is to be a deal here, I believe the best system to enact would be some sort of stepped progress, I think that's only way to deal with this situation. We need hard commitments made, I think there has been a gross misunderstanding between your two regimes here. The determination to fight a war, if needed, seems to be strong with both of your nations, but I daresay neither of you want to actually come to that point. But as you yourself have said, Mr. Martinez, there is a point where options have been exhausted diplomatically. That said, as long as you two still believe you can sit at this table and work towards something, the Lord Protector and I will be here," nodded Taman, his eyes grim, but his tone full of determination. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evangeline Anovilis Posted April 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 After a while, Valmy would return. Sighing, she would sit down at the table and wait for what would happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheShammySocialist Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 "Has there been any change with you position, Madame Valmy? After your phone call? If you mind me asking?" asked Taman, watching the Quebecois representative step back into the room and find her seat once again. Rafael stayed by the balcony, looking down at the garden, seemingly in deep thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evangeline Anovilis Posted April 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2014 "Well, in regards to the proposed disarmament clause, I can merely quote Madame Arnault-Delareux. If the Commonwealth thinks it cannot win a war against the Armée de Québec without seriously outnumbering us on the basis of two to one, maybe it should think more carefully about whether our country would even be inclined to accept ridiculous demands given the current force ratio." Valmy would state, making no secret out of her and her country's distain of the idea. "Anyway, after consulting with my government at home, I was told to extent the following offer for a settlement. I already say now that our country will accept nothing less and we'll await the Commonwealth forces, should they think that a million dead, billions of value lost and a country occupied will ever allow them to truely enforce a better deal. The Armée de Québec will return to its barracks and will hand over power to a civil administration. A democratic referendum will be held to determine the future of the Laurentine Union. Observers of third-party states like the Stormlands and Tikal are allowed to monitor this referendum as trusted partners of both our people. Both sides demobilise their forces. No military personnel shall occupy any position in the government, the legislative or the judiciary, apart from ministries associated with the military, such as the Ministry of War. This is the offer we put forward, take it or leave it." Valmy stood up, packing her things, seemingly preparing to leave again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MostGloriousLeader Posted April 26, 2014 Report Share Posted April 26, 2014 "North America is in a fairly unique position of never having to witness a war in a fairly long time. The only other continent that can claim something like that is Asia. But the world we live in is filled with conflict and everyone eventually goes through the cycle of peace and war. While I'm not keen on the idea of conflict perhaps it's finally just our turn in the cycle. Maybe going so long without war results in a populace that has no real knowledge of the price of conflict and so eventually a war is finally needed to remind them of the value of peace" he said responding grimly to Rafael before Valmy returned to the room. "Well, based on this offer, it seems clear to me that Faraway has never had the intention of attempting to actually negotiate for peace" Martinez stated after Valmy made her statement. "No serious attempts were made on your behalf to rectify serious security and governmental issues and so I must sadly reject your offer". ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By now American Commonwealth forces on the border numbered some seven mechanized infantry divisions, two armored divisions, six light infantry divisions, an airborne division, an ACAV division, two airmobile divisions, two marine divisions, two Marine Expeditionary Brigades, an ACAV regiment, two light armored brigades, and two light infantry brigades. On the Kanadario border were stationed another two mechanized infantry and armored divisions, two airmobile divisions, an airborne division, a light infantry division, two ACAV divisions two light armored brigades and two ACAV regiments. Total forces numbered in excess of 500,000 combat personnel. Units along the St. Lawrence were organized into three Corps, with each having operational control over the objective areas of the cities across from them. Montreal was assigned to I Corps, which had two mechanized, two light infantry, an armored division and a marine expeditionary brigade. II Corps was assigned Trois-Rivieres and was provided with two mechanized divisions, two light infantry divisions, an armored division, an marine division, and an ACAV regiment. III Corps was assigned Quebec City and consisted of two mechanized divisions, two light infantry divisions, a marine brigade, and a light armored brigade. The remaining units were part of a mobile reserve designed to rapidly move to a breach or counter enemy movement. Units on the Kanadario Border were organized into two Corps responsible for defense of the border, but could also go on the offensive if necessary. IV and V Corps each had one mechanized division, one armored division, one ACAV division, an airmobile division, a light infantry/airborne division, one light armored brigade, and one ACAV Regiment. Air forces were also active with some 20 fighter wings of all sorts assigned to the frontlines, operating from bases ranging from the Northeast to the Midwest and Greenland with heavy AWACS and tanker support. All Commonwealth forces were on full alert and poised to strike when the time came Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evangeline Anovilis Posted April 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 27, 2014 Valmy sighed. "Then, it cannot be helped." The envoy walked out of the meeting, as promised, to contact her government of the outcome. It was pretty much the second-worst outcome, only better than giving in. [hr] As the news arrived in Normandin, the mood did not drop remarkably. Many had seen it coming and it would have been more surprising had the agreement been accepted. In the judgement of Arnault-Delareux and her staff, the Commonwealth was out for blood and the statement of Martinez, which Valmy had recounted, only reinforced this belief. With a more than grim expression, the Maréchal gave her orders, which would be cabled via underground telegraph lines to the frontline commands and forces, informing them of the situation and of the measures that were to be taken. The Armée de Québec was organised into five armies, with three being positioned along the Saint-Laurent, one being positioned near Gatineau and the last, the Armée de la reserve positioned in the Laurentian uplands. Overall, the army would count a massive 150 divisions, equalling a staggering 1.5 million soldiers, called upon in the Levée en masse. The three commands along the Saint-Laurent were mostly infantry divisions, with the northern sector centered around Québec posessing sixteen regular infantry divisions, two militia divisions and two armored divisions, the central sector centered around Trois-Rivières commanding fourteen infantry divisions, four militia divisions, four mechanised infantry divisions and two armoured divisions and the southern sector, defending Mont-Royal, having the weakest disposition, at ten regular infantry divisions, five militia divisions and one armored divisions The command at Gatineau meanwhile, the 2iéme Armée de la reserve, held a strength of thirty divisions, concentrating heavier divisions, compared to the forces stationed along the Saint-Laurent. With ten regular infantry divisions, ten "grenadier" divisions from the standing army and ten armoured divisions, it would be equipped a strong and mobile force. The largest army would however be stationed in the Laurentian uplands, comprising a force of sixty divisions total. A sizeable amount of these would be the nineteen remaining militia divisions, however it would also comprise fifteen more armoured divisions, ten mechanised divisions, fourteen regular infantry divisions, as well as two special "guard" infantry divisions (Garde-de-Lys and Garde-noir). These last two would be guard units not merely due to a higher esprit de corps and discipline within its ranks, but also due to their status as having been formed from blackcoats that toppled the government. Due to this achievement, they would also be allowed to wear black uniforms, instead of the normal Faraway green. Ground units along the Saint-Laurent would be dispersed, while numerous, they would stretch these numbers over the entire Saint-Laurent front and a few kilometres inland, with some artillery pieces, especially of the strategic artillery corps, the missile command being stationed 20 km or more behind the frontlines, hidden in woods, to avoid easy detection and disabling. In the air, there would be fifteen wings of Hulottes, patrolling the airspace, while another ten would scramble on the orders of the GQG, as the news from Stormsend arrived. Loaded with a air-to-air loadout, they would soon be needed. [hr] Operation Arc Noir For a certain time now, the Grand Quartier Général had reworked its war plan with the American Commonwealth, as it had become increasingly obvious that the assumption of a war solely around the Saint-Laurent was unlikely with the strategic encirclement of the Laurentine Union. The American Commonwealth had requested the nation to submit and had made it clear, that it was poised to utilise force to crush free Québec. Since the start of the conflict, the american Commonwealth had utilised threats and had limited the options of the regime to pretty much similarly unacceptable outcomes. To capitulate and become de facto a vassal dominated by the Commonwealth, or face a war that will end in pretty much the same. Either way, the country would be subjected to foreign oppression, foreign systems, even peaceful submission would not come without trial. With no real incentive to agree in the slightest with the Commonwealth, but also no other diplomatic option, Québec had to break out. In more than one way and in a manner that would make it clear to Washington, that regardless of how much self-flattery as masters of North America they had subjected themselves to, a claim without the necessary force to back it up, and without the necessary will to go all the way to the bloody end, it would be naught but hubris. But also a different enemy of the Laurentine Union would need to be taught, that unnecessary meddling in the affairs of larger nations could come at a substantial cost... With a thunderous roar, the war machinery of the Laurentine Union would kick into action, as the concentrated artillery of the first reserve army would start to bombard troops of the oppressors and their Upper canadian lackeys. Initial salvos would be fired at known installations of the enemy, such as Pettawawa, large scale stationary radar installations, electricity grids and power plants, but also on other enemy force concentrations along the border. With most of the artillery firepower of sixty divisions amassed against the border, consisting out of various artillery pieces of 105 mm and 155 mm calibre, but also various Almace MLRS, the Armée de Québec would seek to reduce any such installation within 150 km of the border to utter rubble. Simultanously, armour and infantry would start an advance over the border. With an emphasis on seizing bridges leading to Kanadario, but also supported by engineers who would use bridge-laying vehicles to allow traversing of the river at numerous points along the border, the first reserve army would try to make use of its massive numerical superiority to just overrun any frontline defenses that did not survive artillery bombardement. Where resistance was encountered, tank fire from Lupus and Leone medium tanks and redelegated artillery would be utilised to level the enemy, or to hamper any counter-strike by surpressing their movement. Once across the river, the units would regroup, forming armoured spearheads to rapidly advance further into Kanadario, advancing over Pembroke and the Algonquin Highlands towards Minden in the West and Toronto in the East, aiming to effectively bypass Ottawa and cut enemy forces operating within Kanadario into three seperate groups. Forward reconaissance would form the avant-garde, testing for enemy presence, scouting the routes of advance personally or with the help of handheld short-range UAVs that could be launched without need for any greater infrastructure and would increase their awareness of enemy forces in the area. These would be followed by the heavy armoured divisions, which would utilise their tanks and forward artillery (in form of assault guns and Sagittarius anti-air systems) to lay down a heavy fire on encountered defenders, in order to push the enemy out of the way of the mechanised infantry, which itself would be in posession of LAV III IFVs, MGS and MMEVs to take care of enemy formations. While the MMEV and Sagittarius systems with their combined gun and missile armament could be utilised against ground targets, they mostly were accompanying the troops to protect them against helicopters and ground-attack aircraft, which were expected to be encountered. Further to the East, the second reserve army would start a push towards Ottawa, operating however far less rapid and showing quite a bit of reluctance to advance. Their orders were different. Evangeline Arnault-Delareux felt betrayed by the Kanadarians, the Upper Canadians who had sided with the Commonwealth instead of staying neutral, which had rather lifted their hands against their Lower Canadian brothers and sisters and which would now receive a notion of what it meant to cross Québec. To demonstrate that Québec would not be the sole one to suffer and that it was determined to do what was necessary to raise the cost on the side of its enemies, the Maréchal had no intention to seize Ottawa. Rather, the old capital of Canada and of Faraway was to be levelled to the ground. Systematically, the artillery would open fire on the western outskirts of Ottawa to then proceed with a creeping barrage eastward, sweeping the town from the face of Canada. MLRS would be utilised not so much to destroy the town, but to lay a minefield south of it, sandwiching Ottawa between the second reserve army in the north, advancing troops in the west, the Southern sector in the east and the mines to the south. Units along the Saint-Laurent meanwhile would merely launch short-range drones to surveil the other side of the border, utilising artillery to fire at detected enemies, but also firing at encountered artillery and lobbing extented-range rounds at enemy infrastructure behind their lines. Spotted enemies that were dug in would be countered with a special present, as thermobaric rockets would be used to smother them in their ditches. No crossing would be attempted here, altough troops would be kept ready to fight. While on the ground the army did its best to engage, bind, outmaneuver and encircle the enemy in the west, utilising their superior numbers and firepower to disrupt the enemy formation and to throw them off balance, air units would come into play as well. FE-Rayée EW aircraft would accompany forces over Kanadario, jamming radar and disrupting the communication on the ground, in order to add to the difficulties of Kanadario and the Commonwealth should they try to keep up a front against the Armée de Québec. They would be accompanied by a good number of FF-1 Hulottes dispersed over the whole length of the border and over multiple altitudes to avoid easy detection. While the Hulotte was not a full-blown stealth aircraft, it was still not easy to spot due to limited measures in materials and airframe to decrease RCS and made it even harder due to the good old Spectre electronic counter-measure system, a Faraway-developed improvement over the initial Tawny's improved radar jammer. Able to detect and analyse incoming radar signals and feeding them back out of phase, Spectre would make it far harder for any enemy to spot or lock onto the Hulotte effectively, making it much harder to down with air assets, but even more so for ground-based assets. While still hard-pressed to fight the enemy 5th generation fighters one-on-one, the Hulotte's would at least prove to be a match to any older fighter and still pose a risk to any air asset the Commonwealth or their lickspittles would field in Kanadario. However, the Grand Quartier Général also knew that with the disparity on the ground, the Commonwealth would most likely seek to conduct an extensive air campaign against the Armée de Québec. While the country could just try spam Hulottes, the military and political leadership knew that the amount of aircraft, pilots and airfields would be rather limited and another means would need to be found. Thus, the GQG would rely on a different system to just shut down the air coverage of the Commonwealth. From a sizeable number of transporter-erector-launchers behind the front, the Strategic Artillery would fire Lebraude IRBMs at Commonwealth air bases all the way along the East Coast and the Midwest, targets that would be hard to hide from any satelite, civil or military. A testimony to true Québecois greatness of the past, the Lebraude was armed with a special thermobaric warhead, capable of creating a heat and overpressure strong enough to melt surface and parts of the underlying concrete, to produce severe craters, much harder to repair than those produced by ordinary anti-runway ordnance. Naturally, if these runways had been in use at that moment, chances were that people within up to 300 meters of the impact area would get at least third-degree burns, if they would not be turned into charcoal already. [hr] A message would be recorded just before the attack and broadcasted to the people of Québec, as well as the Commonwealth and Kanadario as the onslaught started. Sitting in front of the flags of Faraway and of the Québec Fleurdelíse, Maréchal Evangeline Arnault-Delareux in full attire as commander of the Armée de Québec would face with stern expression the people and politicians. "Madames et Monsieurs, Citoyens de grande Québec, It is with sadness, that I inform you, that our country is now at war. Our forces, the people of our proud nation, have started a counter-attack against the stranglehold that is the American Commonwealth and Kanadario. In these last few days, our nation has had to witness the overbearing arrogance and hubris of the American Commonwealth, who has seen it fit to embark on a campaign to submit the Laurrentine Union to its overall American hegemony. In the interest of peace, and of American stability, our country has sought to give assurances of our peaceful intentions, willing to concede certain points for nothing in return but our right to exist. It was today that the American Commonwealth has declined even our most generous offer for peace, with its diplomat openly admitting, that it would be more preferential for this continent to engage in a full war, than to seek peace. The Laurentine Union seeks no war, but we will not stand back while the American Commonwealth prepares to attack our people, amassing force and stating openly its intentions to sacrifice thousands, if not millions of lives for upholding their domination. Our country thus has launched a glorious counter-attack to break the encirclement of our country and we shall defend our country honourably, to the bitter end. We offer the American Commonwealth and its newest protectorate in Upper Canada the olive branch of diplomacy, should they be willing to actually come to terms with us. We are not aggressors, but we are also no pushovers. We would hope that the American Commonwealth will see reason, before the whole continent has to suffer. Québec must be recognised as a sovereign state, the people of Québec ought to be the ones to decide our future." Valmy, still in the Stormlands would wait for the outcome of the war, having been given an outline of the still pretty modest demands of Arnault-Delareux, which was still the deal Martinez had refused in such a preposterous manner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MostGloriousLeader Posted April 27, 2014 Report Share Posted April 27, 2014 (edited) Commonwealth forces on all theaters of war were alert and ready for possible attacks. E-3 AWACS aircraft and EQ-1 UAVs watched all air movement on the border and into Far Away. With AESA radars powerful enough to detect 5th Gen fighters at a reduced distance, the Faraway fighters showed up nice and bright on the screens even with their RCS reduction measures while jamming effectiveness were reduced or negated by the radar's ECCM capabilities. When an attack was confirmed, Commonwealth fighters would be vectored in on their targets. The F-22 Block 50 Raptor was the single most technologically advanced fighter aircraft in North America. At a distance, their Faraway counterparts would have no chance of detecting them with their superior stealth capabilities. Even firing on the Faraway fighters wouldn't reveal their positions as the missiles were guided to their destinations via data-link through AWACS aircraft rather than the Raptor's own radar. The missiles would then activate their own radars in the final moments of their flight, giving Faraway pilots minimal reaction time. Four wings of Raptors patrolled over the Kanadario border, a total of nearly 200. Using their advantages in weapons range and stealth they would proceed towards the Faraway fighters at 60,000 feet on supercruise, carrying air to air loadouts of six AIM-120D AMRAAMs and two AIM-9X Sidewinders. Faraway jamming capabilities were well known but the AIM-120D possessed home on jamming capabilities more or less negating these advantages. Volleying off their missiles at the enemy fighters at ranges in excess of 160km, they would create an aerial kill zone along the Kanadario border and would begin to push further into Faraway. The Raptors would also be joined by several squadrons of B-1Rs (1) and F-35s (4) adding their own fire to the mix and assisting in the push. On the St. Lawrence front another four F-22 wings were on patrol and with the commencement of hostilities they were ordered to proceed north, joined by four F-24 squadrons from the carriers off the New England coast, a half dozen F-35 squadrons and two squadrons of B-1Rs, and initiate air dominance operations. A second wave consisting of six F/A-18 Advanced Super Hornets would follow up with a mixed air to air and air to ground load out along with two squadrons of F-35s on a SEAD mission. Doing the same as fighters along the Kanadario border, they would leverage their stealth and targeting information from off-board sensors, both air and ground, to hit the enemy without being detected. The decision was made to finish air superiority operations in one swoop, the Commonwealth Air Force would use its technological and numerical superiority to wipe out the Faraway Air Force in the first day of the conflict. The push would be accompanied by EF-21 electronic warfare aircraft to reduce the enemy's effective radar range. At the same time a massive barrage of tactical and intermediate range ballistic missiles were fired at Faraway airfields, targeting runways and facilities required for flight operations including fuel storage, munitions and command and control centers. Over a dozen would fall on every Faraway air base in operation in mere minutes. The main goal was to shut down the runways, which would take several hours to fix at best. These would in turn be followed by dozens of Tomahawk GLCMs with a mix of submunitions and unitary warheads intended as a follow on attack on additional targets and to make runway repair even more difficult. Attack waves were staggered to maximize interruption of runway repair operations. Two more wings of Raptors operating from Greenland would top off their fuel from accompanying tankers over the Hudson Straight and head south with AWACS support and a squadron of B-1Rs to eliminate enemy fighters in the North and/or to hit the southern Faraway fighters from behind. These would be joined by two squadrons of F-24 air superiority fighters and additional air tankers from the Saratoga CVBG. Following them were two dozen B-2 bombers would target major Faraway command centers confirmed by intelligence with AGM-158 JASSM-ER stealth cruise missiles. Each B-2 carried 12 missiles on a rotary launcher with a range of 1000km meaning the time spent in Faraway airspace was minimal as they turned back to Greenland after unleashing their weapons. Defense against Faraway attacks on Commonwealth airbases would also commence. Early warning satellites would detect the IRBM launches and would relay the warning to the National Air Defense Command. With the ranges involved the missiles would show up almost immediately on air defense radars and ABM missiles targeted and launched. Numerous missiles were successfully intercepted but with the time involved not all of them could be shot down in time. Bangor and Burlington ANGBs were hit hard and flight operations shut down. The damage would take several days to repair as base engineers went to work. Other bases were hit but sustained moderate to minor damage as missile defenses thinned out the attack. The East Coast was home to most of the hardened bases of the Commonwealth and losses to aircraft would be limited with a dozen F-15s and F-35s being destroyed or damaged on the ground. As per standard procedure Highway airstrips were activated to sustain front line air operations from shut down bases. In any case the damage to Commonwealth air operations was minor as the Commonwealth possessed numerous air bases and large amounts of aerial tankers. Over a dozen additional fighter wings would be operated from bases further away with aircraft being supported by tankers closer to the fight. On the ground in Kanadario the situation was serious but manageable. Most units made it through the artillery bombardment as units were dispersed and fortified with the presumption of possible massed artillery fire, although few completely unscathed. Faraway formations were already known from recon efforts before the invasion and UAVs monitored their forces on the border as they approached. Medium range UAV reconnaissance assets were even available at the battalion level for combat units and the mobile units of IV Corps would utilize their superior situational awareness to outmaneuver and hit enemy forces attempting to cross to the East of Ottawa. The Battlenet would provide even the most basic soldier with information about his current position, the position of friendlies and the position of enemies on a real time basis translating into a formidable advantage in information warfare. Individually Commonwealth vehicles were formidable, with Commonwealth vehicles equipped with add on ceramic armor, along with ERA and active and passive defense systems. Heavy and light armor would partner with mechanized infantry units to create combined arm task forces fighting a holding action, giving little ground and attempting to contain Faraway troops at their crossings, or even before they could establish one, utilizing superior local firepower and air support. Mortars available at the battalion level were capable of firing smart anti-tank munitions while anti-tank units were equipped with EFOG missiles allowing them to eliminate armor up to 20km away. Attack helicopters would add their fire to the fray with fire and forget Hellfire ATGMs from long range, guided to their targets by a data-link which would then activate the missile's radars in the final part of the flight to hit their targets. RAH-66 Comanches would utilize their stealth to penetrate enemy lines and seek out enemy radar based AA vehicles with AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radiation missiles and Hellfires. Artillery units would initiate immediate efforts at counter battery operations against Faraway forces bombarding Ottawa, using artillery tracking radars to pinpoint their locations, to try limit damage to the city. One of the prime assets available were ATACMS missiles fired by MLRS units, each more than capable of reaching enemy artillery with a range of 300km and each containing hundreds of devastating submunitions capable of covering a large area. The West of the city was held by V Corps and they too would fight a defense action to stop the Faraway advance at their crossings. Air power would come into play as over two dozen F-35, F-15SE and A-10 squadrons would perform interdiction and SEAD missions. With Faraway fighters occupied with the air battle, F-35s would initiate SEAD actions along the front, utilizing their considerable stealth and electronic warfare capabilities to eliminate enemy air defense radars and SAM units with anti-radiation missiles. Others would hit bridges crossing the river, including the faraway built ones, with laser guided bombs to stem the flow of enemies over the river and hunt down enemy artillery vehicles as they began to shell Ottawa as directed by information from fire finding radars on the ground. F-15SEs and A-10s would be limited to close air support with their lesser stealth capabilities but were capable of carrying a considerable amount of ordnance which would be put to good use against enemy formations. The enemy armored and mechanized formations would make nice targets for strategic bombers as they were crossing or waiting to cross the river which were natural funnel zones. Provided targeting information from UAVs and other reconnaissance assets, two B-1 squadrons would unleash their payloads on these forces to break up the enemy attack. Each B-1 carried 30 CBU-97 Sensor Fuzed Weapons, each weapon carrying 10 BLU-108 submunitions, each carrying four smart anti-tank weapons known as skeets, for a total of 1440 skeets per aircraft. Once the skeets were deployed they would actively seek enemy vehicles via infrared sensors and fire shaped charges down through their soft top armor. On the St. Lawrence front, Commonwealth forces would kick their assault plans into motion to relieve pressure on the Kanadaario front. Artillery units would seek out their counterparts and attempt to devastate them with precision fire and would afterwards shift to major enemy formations closer to the river. Light mechanized and marine forces would merely cross the river in their vehicles covered by supporting direct fire from units on the south bank. Once on the other side they would attempt to set up a bridgehead and begin slowly pushing forward as engineer units would begin to rapidly erect bridges over the river for heavy units to cross. Some armored units would also join the initial assault as LCAC units would begin to ferry their tanks straight across the river. Recon units also had amphibious capabilities and would cross by themselves. These units would push out from the bridgeheads and push to contact Faraway forces, with the goal of eliminating enemy recon units and disrupting enemy formations in the area. On the strategic front additional IRBMs and cruise missiles would be launched targeting Faraway command centers, telecommunications power facilities munitions plants and railroad hubs. UAV operations would be expanded into Faraway proper in order to provide up to date information on enemy movements. In the St. Lawrence Gulf a marine expeditionary brigade would begin landing operations on Anticosti Island with heavy gunfire support from ships and air support from fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft from the amphibs. Meanwhile at home the call had been put out for the mobilization of reserve and national guard units to proceed to the front-lines with priority on reinforcing Kanadario. Two regular armored and mechanized divisions would be deployed immediately while other units would be deployed as soon as they were ready. As the battles raged on President Marston would make a televised address in a joint session of Congress. "My fellow Americans. I regret to inform you that today peace negotiations have failed, with the Faraway delegation walking out of the meeting. At 11pm tonight, Faraway has confirmed what we had suspected all along. That they are a militant nation of warmongers and war criminals. The Faraway regime has launched a massive surprise attack not only on our own border but that of our neighbors in Kanadario who requested our protection, taking advantage of peace talks to prepare their attack. The images you see behind me are a live feed from a UAV in the area. These are the live images of Faraway artillery hitting, not military targets, but attempting to level an entire city to the ground without a thought for the lives of innocent people in what can only be taken as a purposeful attempt to wipe out the city. In response to this Congress has passed an joint resolution allowing our armed forces to take whatever actions necessary to stop any current and future aggression in the Canadian region as well as declaring a state of war with Faraway. Due to the seriousness posed by the threat of Faraway's new-found campaign of conquest and extermination I have ordered the mobilization of the Army Reserves and the federalization of the national guards of northeastern and midwestern states of some 200,000 troops. The road we have set ourselves upon is difficult but it is the right path and I ask for the support of the American people in this time of conflict. Today we begin a campaign to rid North America of its last vestige of tyranny and oppression" he concluded as the entire floor rose and burst with spontaneous applause. Edited April 27, 2014 by MostGloriousLeader Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lysergide Posted April 28, 2014 Report Share Posted April 28, 2014 Since the military coup, and the degrading situation with their neighbor, the Republic of Kanadario had made every move it could in preparation to defend itself in event it would be attacked by the aggressive military that had taken over Quebec. They had also taken steps to set up refugee camps along the border that were placed in locations that were where the river was shallowest and shortest since it was the easiest place for where people could ford the river, and where Kanadario's people could provide them the most help.They had also taken the effort of starting to evacuate their own civilian populations away from the Ottawa River and move them to Toronto utilizing their updated railway system. It had adopted a plan of a multi layered defense, utilizing the the many forests to provide natural cover, as well as building earth works within them that would provide protection from artillery barrages, as well as mask their positions even more. The idea was that as one layer of defense would start to collapse, instead of defending it to the last man, the troops would make a strategic withdraw to their next defensive position. They had mobile radar hidden over many places, providing live action reporting in assistance with the Commonwealths own intelligence for what might to become. Light Mechanized Units patrolled along the border using the Humvee's as well as the Stryker's in small numbers. Kanadario did its best effort to keep most of its troops, and troop movements hidden from the eyes of their neighbor, as they didn't want them to know that they had deployed their entire 210,000 man army along the border with them, as they had still wanted to the situation to dissolve, and relations to resume, but they had to do so because of the numerous threats that they had issued to them over the fact that they had allowed the Commonwealth to station troops within its borders for its defense. While the defensive earthworks had been built to provide a stationary defense, it knew that in the event of an attack against their nation, they would have to remain highly static, and jump from place to place. (OOC: I had been busy with a move, and never got a chance to write that, so there is the much abridged version) ___________ With the opening of the artillery barrage against them, the red alert signal went on for all troops to begin moving into full effect. Active radar was able to detect incoming long range missile artillery, and using mobile missile defense systems on loan from the Commonwealth begin a collective effort to bring down any and all long range fire that was being attempted against its inner heartland. They knew that the border towns would be turned into rubble from conventional artillery, and that Ottawa was going to take a beaten. The one thing that did regret about Ottawa is that they were not able to evacuate the whole city, and they would continue to do so even with the fighting going on. They made sure to keep a good sized garrison hidden through out the city, with armor and artillery support to fight delaying actions. Using intelligence coming in through forward recon teams, whose goals were to get the enemies attention by harrasing them, and attempting to lead them into pre-designated killing zones, that were covered by hidden armor, and machine gun nests, and pre-cordinated artillery strike zones; as well as reports from Commonwealth intelligence, Kanadario Artillery teams first targets were the bridges. They were under strict orders to not fire until troops had already crossed, and they would provide a barrage that would cover both sides of the bridge, as well as aimed at the bridge itself to knock it out. There would only be very light mechanized garrisons defending the bridgeheads, and they were on order to fire very little before withdrawing to link up with the mobile recon units.Those recon units that were harrasing the enemy, would make an effort at helping the artillery thin out any troops that were on the Kanadario side of the river. Tank lances would be moving independently under cover of the forests, as well as using Humvee recon trucks to get them into the best positions while maintaining cover. They were under order to only fire two shots each from a location before moving so as to keep their positions hidden.The Infantry, Mechanized, Light or Heavy units were all under order to to utilize cover, use the designated killing zones to help thin out the enemy, and to withdraw upon when the enemy return fire becomes too concentrated. The greatest asset Kanadario had was the massive amount of forests that it could wheel large formations of troops around in. This was their homeland, and they knew the terrain best. Besides the heavy forests, if enemy troops would attempt to follow them into them, they would quickly have to attend with the lakes, ponds, and swamps that only the native Kanadarians knew about and how to circumnavigate easily. The few pilots Kanadario had, using loaned aircraft from the Commonwealth went on a much less aggressive response than their Commonwealth friends that were helping defend their nation. They would stay within their imminent domain, and wouldn't fly close enough to the border to fall prey of being picked up by the enemy radar, for fear of losing the aircraft to enemy aircraft or anti-air fire. They however would make quick strikes against in support of the concentrated artillery barrages, then quickly withdraw. Kanadario knew that it would have to rely heavily on the Commonwealth to take the skies, and when the Commonwealth did, it would make the ground war, that much easier. Kanadario wanted to make a great effort to minimize its civilian and military casualties. While a large portion of the military was very green, patriotic fervour was high among the troops, as they knew they were defending their lands, their people, their families, and their friends against a hostile aggressor that was bent on what seemed to be putting all of Canada under its boot. Shortly after the first artillery strike against the nation, in the capital Toronto, Kanadario's Premier Steven Blake addressed his nation as well ad broadcasted on open frequencies into the nations of the Commonwealth, Faraway, and Caledonia. The signal was also open for anyone else to hear it. "My Brothers and Sisters, fellow citizens of Kanadario, it is with grave new that I come before you at this moment to tell that our treacherous neighbor Faraway, whose government was recently couped by its own military has begun artillery strikes against our nation as well as sending a large force that outnumbers ours greatly to attack us. We have not prompted such an attack, as we are a young nation, still well within our infancy, and we have no thirst or desire to kill others, but that does not mean we wont protect ourselves. After the coup, we became a bit frightened of the prospect of that their military could follow it up, by crossing our borders and attempting to take more things that do not belong to them. So we asked our neighbor, whom has always been kind to us, and was our protector for a long time to send a peace keeping force to re-enforce our border. They did so without even hesitating. Then the Dictatorship of Faraway proceeded to threaten us numerous times for attempting to better fortify our position in an ever increasing hostile situation between them and the Commonwealth, we did not war to to spill into our border so we were making every preparation to prevent it. We had hoped to have friendly relations with their old government, and set up economic ties, and possibly laying foundations for a Federated Canada, but we see them for what they are now," With that he turned his head towards a viewing screen that snapped to live footage taking place in Ottawa. Artillery shells were falling down on the city, with explosions shaking the camera as the camera man attempted to stay under cover filming the civilians running scared in every direction attempting to get away from the artillery barrage, and make it to the train stations to get evacuated. The camera stopped and focused in on a little girl shaking her mother that was lying on the ground, the little girl was crying and screaming at her to get up. A passing soldier stopped quickly checking the little girls mothers pulse, before picking up the little girl and quickly running to get her out of harms away, leaving behind the mother, whom could only be assumed to be dead, the camera began panning back around, as it showed wounded lying in the streets, as well as other dead. A huge explosion could be heard behind the camera as it was flung forward, hitting the ground and spinning to show the cameraman that was behind it blown in half before cutting off from loss of signal. Steven Blake wiped away some tears from his eyes before returning to his speech. "Now that we see that these people are monsters, nothing more than savages, attacking population centers, and killing the innocent that want and have nothing to do with what was going on, just as was the whole nation of Kanadario." He hung his head for a second before lifting it high and raising his voice, "However we cannot let what they have started go unpunished, and we will fight them, and make them pay for every inch of ground they take, and that payment will be paid in the blood of the soldiers that they have pressed into service to die for a government that they did not elect, and while they may push into our nation with this sucker punch they have landed on us, and as they use the fat of their nation to dig into ours, we will eventually bring this fascist tide to a stop and push them out! Hail Kanadario! and Hail to our friends the Commonwealth who have come to our aid in our time of need!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evangeline Anovilis Posted April 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2014 OOC: I'll let it slip, because I'm feeling nice today. Next time though, I'd contest such a thing. IC: Once coming under artillery fire by Kanadarian artillery, the Armée de Québec would respond with heavy counter-battery fire. Utilising precision-guided extented-range rounds, they would fire at enemy artillery emplacements to disable or surpress the enemy's ability to hurt the engineers. laying bridges. While much of the equipment of the Armée de Québec was not of the greatest quality, the artillery had always been one of the most advanced on the continent and a pride of Old Faraway. Especially the self-propelled artillery would be used to great effect, firing one to two rounds before quickly relocating, making them hard to counter due to the combination of mobility and stand-off ranges. Enemy armour would be attacked with special anti-tank artillery rounds, which did not need to be fired exactly onto the tank, but were able to remain for a while above the ground, locking onto armoured vehicles passing beneath it and disabling them through an explosively formed penetrator through the usually thinner top armour. Rocket artillery would be used for massive concerted strikes at any enemy formation that would dare directly attack the crossing troops, their ability to unleash a high volume of fire in a minimal time, saturating whole areas, making counter-attacks for Kanadario a costly affair. Commonwealth bombing against the bridges would face opposition from surface-to-air missile assets (more technically detailed later in the post). While some units got shelled by this defense at the river, the first reserve army, which by now obviously was misnamed, would merely get delayed slightly, as a good few bridge-laying units would have to be replaced. Harassing by enemy recon teams would be answered mostly by a few shots with tank guns or lighter 105 mm artillery utilising beehive ammunition to fire on the suspected enemy positions, as well as a few counter-sniper teams. Only when enough troops had crossed to actually start a greater offensive, the attack would be in earnest, with enemy baiting tactics being mostly in vain. Following the plans of Operation Arc Noir, the first reserve army, by now pretty much uncovered to be a misnomer, would form armoured spearheads to penetrate the Kanadarian lines. Under the cover of supporting artillery fire, these units would engage the Kanadarian lines. Once enemy artillery fire was encountered, positions would quickly be triangulated and just as with the bridges, the Kanadarian artillery would be subjected to a surpressing fire of a volume much greater than what it could put onto the first reserve army, forcing them to disengage or be destroyed. Enemy armour and machine gun nests would be able to get a few surprise hits on accompanying infantry, however the armour which forme the spearhead (thus the name armoured spearhead) would be picking them off, as both the mainstay Lupus tank and the older Leone tank had little issue taking out enemy tanks at decent ranges (the Lupus most likely at any range) with APFSDS rounds fired from their ETC guns. Accompanied by mechanised infantry able to use anti-tank missiles and assault guns to support the armour, the multi-layered defense would be hard-pressed to perform well, with artillery being most likely neutralised and the enemy troops being vastly outgunned. With an inability to actually fire at their pre-defined kill zones with artillery, the multi-layered defense would more likely do the Kanadarian more harm than good, spreading out their defensive forces over a much greater area, putting only a fraction of the smaller Kanadarian force against the concentrated force of the Armée de Québec. Utilising these local advantages the first reserve army would just break through were it found it most easy, while by-passing troops that provided more resistance in less conductive terrain. These units would however not be forgotten and as the first reserve army progressed across the massive frontline, infantry divisions following the armoured spearheads would engage these strongpoints, which would be isolated and cut off by the units that broke through. Of course, the Commonwealth support would not be ignored, in most cases stiffening the Kanadarian defense that would be more or less doomed to fail, however, even if they were of great quality, Faraway armour was no joke. While the Commonwealth could boast good armour protection, these tanks would not be invulnerable and just like their Kanadarian counterparts, they would find themselves outnumbered and facing a good number of weapon systems that could cause catastrophic or mission kills at decent range, ranging from anti-tank guided missiles deployed by infantry and LAV III IFVs to 120 mm APFSDS rounds fired from the Lupus. Enemy air support would be a quite significant challenge, however it too would find a counter in the anti-air units, which were operating both in the rear and immediatly behind frontline units. MMEVs with their ADATS missiles (10 km range), Sagittarius anti-air gun/missile systems with their Starstreak missiles (8km range) and surface-launched truck-mounted Chris the Upstart Fairy missiles, the Faraway equivalent to the Commonwealth's SLAMRAAM. Utilising very high resolution advanced infrared or synthetic aperture radar to detect the enemy, these missiles would make it far harder for enemy helicopters to survive, as their high-grade ECCM made effective jamming hard and their agility and speed surpassed that of a helicopter by far. But also the enemy fixed-wing aircraft would not be able to utterly negate them, as the A-10 had no stealth whatsoever, the F-15SE only limited stealth and none of the three enjoyed IR stealth that was good enough to deny the IR guided missiles their lock-ons. Needless to say, that the heavy reliance of Faraway's air defense on IRST would keep a decent number of systems alive when facing anti-radiation missiles, limiting thoroughly the effectiveness of Commonwealth SEAD operations. Enemy counter-attacks, attempting to by-pass the first reserve units would only partly go unnoticed, as the reconnaissance of the armée de Québec was not completely inept and even woodlands provided only so much cover. However, they would not be engaged by frontline units and be let through relatively unmolested, as they would only end up isolating themselves between the advancing spearhead and the following infantry divisions. Just like strongpoints before, these units would be engaged, encircled and eliminated by the infantry divisions that were still a potent force and could rely on their artillery to wipe these nests of resistence out. While Kanadario, unknown to the GQG, assumed that the Armée de Quebec would have difficulties finding its way in Upper canada, such would be disproven as a mere myth. Sadly for Kanadario, Ontario was nothing unknown to Québec, it's terrain was not too different from Lower Canada and most in the army command had a very good idea of the country that was once the heartland of Faraway. Overall, the 1ier Armée de la reserve would take a good number of casualties, however well within limits and hardly threatening its existence or ability to perform. A good number of these would be ones who were shelled or bombed at the river, with the field hospitals caring for the wounded and those who fell into the river and suffered from having to swim in the cold water. Operations near Ottawa would be far more threatened. The 2nde Armée de la reserve, similarly misnamed, regrouped as it came under fire from the Commonwealth and lost a good few artillery pieces. They would stop trying to advance over the river, rather preparing for a defense on their side. Meanwhile, the guns would fall silent, to give the impression of a successful surpression by the Commonwealth, which however did not mean that Ottawa would be left alone. Rather, a successive hails of 128 mm caliber rockets, armed with thermobaric warheads would be let loose on the city, intended to just roast the defenders within the city and burn the town to the ground. The Almace rocket launchers would fire their missiles all at once, then quickly relocate, to avoid enemy retaliation, avoiding the Commonwealth's artillery and missile fire. With the town encircled (but not directly assaulted) those within the town would have hardly any way of escaping. Similar to the operations within Kanadario, also here, the IR based anti-air assets would pose a serious and survivable risk to the Commonwealth aerial harrassment. And while the units on the ground would maybe make nice targets for the bombers, the reverse was also true, as a salvo of the highly maneuverable Chris the Upstart Fairy missiles would be launched at them, more than capable to even aquire a target with the level of stealth of a B-1 at a good range. In the East, the enemy attempts at crossing the Saint-Laurent would face fearsome counters, as the Armée de Québec here applied similar tactics as were applied in the west by the Kanadarians. However, instead of allowing themselves to get countered that exact way, the rear artillery would be utilised to counter the bridge-laying efforts. As engineers blew up the mined bridges, Mystletainn and Durandal self-propelled artillery would start firing precision-guided extented-range shells from 40 km behind the frontline, while aforementioned special anti-tank artillery munition would be fired from about 20 km range. rocket artillery would join in with precision-guided 180 mm rockets from 40 km away, at points where massive efforts to bridge the river, which by itself already required some serious effort, due to the length that was to be bridged. Once having fired one salvo (or 2-4 shots for gun artillery), these self-propelled mobile artillery pieces would redeploy to a different location, together with the course-corrected path of the shell making triangulating and counter-battery much harder. Towed artillery would fall silent, in order to deny the enemy assessment of their location and of the number of artillery pieces that had survived the initial attack. However, they would recommence their fire, regularly changing position, to engage in an artillery duel with Commonwealth artillery, once these came closer to the river. Enemy formations that were spotted at either side of the river, though it would be surprising for the enemy to actually be able to cross the Saint-Laurent, would be subjected to massive barrages from rocket artillery deployed in the rear. Adding to the problems of the American Commonwealth however was that adding to the vast number of troops and artillery pieces the Armée de Québec posessed (compared with its almost non-existent navy and less capable air force), the Royal Faraway Army of the past had a good amount of assets that actually allowed the Laurentines to mirror Commonwealth tactics. One of these would be the ZM-1 guided missile, launched from Almace rocket launchers and just like the ATACMS able to let it rain bomblets at Commonwealth forces along the Saint-Laurent from a safe distance of 300 km. In the air meanwhile, the situation was far less rosy. Enemy missile strikes would disable a great deal of the air bases of Québec, making air coverage hard to sustain. Long straight road segments would be used to land aircraft that were out of fuel or ammunition, to avoid letting them fall out of the skies, altough two Hulottes would not make it, with the pilots, in an act of self-sacrifice steering their aircraft into enemy formations in Kanadario. The use of roads, while not optimal, would be helped by the Hulotte's great take-off and landing abilities, the fighter having been used in the past in only slightly modified form on Faraway carriers. Repairs of runways would be prepared immediatly, altough the second wave did much to prevent a fast repair, with estimates guessing that it would need at least a day. Positively noted would however be the actual survivability of the aircraft, as the Spectre's out-of-phase returns, while developed from jamming would not lead to noise, but to either wrongly positioned returns or no return at all. Still, of the many Hulottes launched, the air battle in the skies above Kanadario would decimate them quite a bit. Unlike the aircraft used by the Commonwealth for all other jobs, their air-superiority fighters actually could boast a level of stealth in both radar and IR, able to seriously impact the ability of the Laurentine target acquisition and tracking. Overall, the GQG was still rather pessimistic, altough the outcome was not looking too bad... compared to the expectations. Soldiers at the frontlines, while mostly drafted and not in high spirits, would work hard to defend their homeland, even if it was an offensive defense. Regardless of what the enemy claimed, regardless of the poor living conditions in the field and regardless of the odds, the common rank and file was rather supportive, when not of the war, so of the defense. And even if it meant to die, every day they fought would be one day less of foreign oppression at home. [hr] What looked far less optimistic than the situation at the front was the situation at home. Within a very short time, Québec had stopped using privately owned cars for more than was absolutely necessary, food was rationed and rather limited and the workload for the front was immense. Payment would no longer happen in money, but in rations and strict punishments would be dished out for those sabotaging the war effort. However, even if they stood in their factories or went to their offices, the economy of the country was facing issues grave enough that an ever-increasing amount had nothing to do there, as there was only so much to process. If people still followed the regime, then out of patrioism, not because there was a great amount of happiness. However, even then, blame was not assigned to the GQG, the military government which had only ruled for a short while, but to those who were blockading the nation and had caused the war in the first place. If however something was clear at home, then it was that regardless of what was to happen, the war would bring quite a bit of suffering and while Kanadario would be hard-pressed to attempt a recovery, the war would hardly ever be "victorious". Even if ideas surfaced, to let the army live from the area it occupied, it wasn't seen as much of a solution. An utter shock however would be a different event. It was intented to be a visit to the frontlines, as Arnault-Delareux moved from Normandin to Québec. With the war causing tremendous suffering, the Maréchal hoped to motivate her subordinates, however, it would never happen, as a missile strike at the local command, while missing the actual ones in command would hit the nation's leader. While maybe not intented, the Commonwealth had landed a decapitation strike, with actually grave consequences. The missile had ripped apart the power structure of the country, the regime, having had hardly any time to establish proper structures almost immediatly showing signs of dissolving and breaking down. While Evangeline Arnault-Delareux was transferred to a hospital, power within the country would be seized by the actual pre-coup government... just without the Queen. More or less, the beheaded leadership internally surrendered itself. While the problems would be downplayed to both internal and international audiences, Minister of the Exterior Florence de Pétèvellier would be tasked with sending an offer to the Commonwealth government for an armistice. Confidential! To: Department of State of the American Commonwealth CC: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kanadario, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Stormlands Madames et Monsieurs, Through a recent move of fate, the military government of our country has made place for the elected cabinet of the Laurentine Union again. While we do not know the sentiments of our Southern neighbours, the Laurentine Union and its military hereby offer the American Commonwealth and Kanadario an armistice. Much life and property has been lost and the longer the fight continues, the more the people of our three nations will suffer. It seems to us, that in the mutual interest of all three parties, an end is to be put to the devastation that is this war. Our country offers thus this armistice in the hope that al three of our nations will convene once again a meeting on neutral ground, in order to negotiate a peace with honour, an agreement that puts to rest this slaughter in a way that acknowledges the valiant spirit of all our countries and the right of each of us to exist in peace and harmony. While we assume, that the relations between our countries have reached a historic low, we would hope that in the interest of our citizens and of the region, our offer is accepted, for the cost in life and property, regardless of final outcome, could not be justified by the minimal gains that could be made by waging this war further. Only by committing to peace, can we all grow stronger and prosperous. As a sign of good faith and of our willingness to negotiate, our government is willing to step back and have reelections, in accordance with pre-coup constitution and monitored by neutral third-party observers. Monsieur Martinez once stated, that this war might be necessary to remind us of the price of peace. We would hope, that we are all quick enough in our minds to not need any more bloodshed to value peace and prosperity. With most humble regards, Florence de Pétèvellier, Minister of the Exterior Additionally, while the Armée de Québec struggled on, further rocket strikes against Ottawa would be called off, to show a certain willingness for peace. While the damage of the first few striks remained, at least one would not take it further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MostGloriousLeader Posted May 3, 2014 Report Share Posted May 3, 2014 Casualties on the front were mounting with reports estimating some 10,000 casualties and two dozen aircraft lost to enemy AA fire. In response to the onslaught on the ground. Mobile battle groups would no longer attempt a holding action, rather relying on recon by scout units and UAVs to stay one step ahead of their Faraway counterparts and engaging them in a delaying action, never staying in place long and counterattacking at opportune moments presented by intelligence gathering. Smaller mobile units would move quickly to engage Faraway troops with fire and forget ATGMs and then rapidly disengaging before they could react with full force while artillery and air support covered their withdrawal, delaying and harassing the enemy advance. Attack helicopters would use the terrain to mask themselves against enemy air defense weaponry, popping up to engage with fire and forget missiles and then going back to concealment and cover. Artillery would no longer engage their counterparts on the other side of the river, instead using their own mobility to avoid enemy fire while supporting ground forces or using GPS guided munitions to hit enemy bridging. Instead, UAVs would be used to engage the enemy artillery directly. Armed with Hellfire missiles they would prowl above the battlefield awaiting instructions from artillery locating radars. Once confirmed they would proceed to the location confirmed and track and eliminate the enemy artillery. The air above the battlefield, indeed the entire Commonwealth, could only be described as a giant carousel of aircraft rotating over the battlefield. Aircraft from bases as far away as California and Cuba would participate to relieve pressure on forward deployed squadrons. Mounting casualties in the air necessitated a change in tactics. With the widespread usage of Faraway SHORAD systems, Commonwealth aircraft would simply climb above their engagement envelopes. In addition to that they would begin to make prolific usage of stand-off weaponry to simply remain out of range of enemy air defenses. Front line air support would be provided by F-15s, A-10s and B-1s loaded with JSOWs using smart anti-tank munitions to break up Faraway armored spearheads. F-35s would be used to hit enemy rear echelon forces, artillery, logistics depots and bridges to stem the flow of enemy reinforcements and supplies. With air superiority operations over Faraway winding down, some F-22s would also be re-tasked to hit enemy bridges with JDAMS. Bridging sites would be placed under constant UAV and satellite surveillance to watch for efforts to rebuild them after they were destroyed. With general air superiority established over Faraway, AWACS UAVs would move in to ensure the airspace was clear while dozens of F-22s would constantly patrol the airspace. Faraway aircraft spotted taking off would quickly find themselves being engaged. At the same time, nearly all the B-2 bombers in the Commonwealth inventory were assigned to operate against Faraway proper. Escorted by F-22s, they would conduct round the clock bombing operations against Faraway war industries, logistical hubs, command centers, airbases and infrastructure with precision guided weapons to minimize collateral damage. Using intelligence received from JSTARS, UAVs and satellites, Faraway fuel depots would be identified and priority was placed on their destruction as part of the bombing campaign as well. National guard and reserve units mobilized from New England and the Midwest would be among the first to begin arriving to reinforce Kanadario and Commonwealth forces. Three national guard mechanized infantry divisions would reinforce the Kanadario front while others mobilized and began deployment to the front lines. Operations on Anticosti Island continued with marines securing the island and establishing a forward operating base for the rest of the division. Secure Diplomatic Cable While we are willing to meet and discuss a possible end to this conflict, there will be no talks or armistice as long as Faraway forces maintains its presence in Kanadario. If Faraway is serious about its overtures of peace we will, likewise, cease offensive ground operations along the Commonwealth-Faraway border. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evangeline Anovilis Posted May 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2014 OOC: Due to the short amount of time passing between messages and as Lysergide still would require to reply, no response on troop movements and casualties from me for now. IC: Secure Diplomatic Cable The Armée de Québec cannot just withdraw on the mere 'promise' of an armistice and peace treaty. Our country is willing to restore Kanadario's full territory as part of a peace agreement, but it is entirely unacceptable to require our forces to withdraw first. We would hope that a more sensible approach can be taken, which takes into consideration the situation we are in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horo the Wise Wolf Posted May 3, 2014 Report Share Posted May 3, 2014 CLASSIFIEDThe Huáměihuā jūnduì has begun to mobilise and is preparing to sail into the North American area to stage an intervention into the pitiful excuse of a "war" that currently holds the continent in a standstill.Dubbed the "Meihua'a Cleansing of North American Heresy", it was sanctioned by Her Most Divine Majesty, Princess Lanying, herself. Happiness, liberation and freedom would be brought to the war-torn nations, with righteous fury being granted to those who would defy Her Heavenly Mandate.Z/YANG satellites would begin taking even more data from their passes over North America, in an attempt to gauge the actual strength and locations of all armed forces in North America. Whilst such attempts were not expected to bear much fruit, they would provide valuable information about the least-defended locations, and let strategists choose optimal staging points appropriately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horo the Wise Wolf Posted May 3, 2014 Report Share Posted May 3, 2014 CLASSIFIEDThe American Attack Fleet set off from port later that day. Whilst the Navy had been graciously offered the use of the old Japanese carriers, those were instead placed in Meihua'a docks and not used, for fear of them randomly tipping over during the journey.To make up for this, each ship of the fleet would travel with a fighter strapped to part of the deck, and an detachment of the Order of the Sacred Rose onboard (who would carry out actual land operations). It would snake North-West, landing briefly at Tianxian islands where needed and closing in on the East Coast of North America. There, the troops would begin the invasion.Ships/Planes in Fleet:1x Formidable-class Frigate1x F-6 Erlik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Generalissimo Posted May 4, 2014 Report Share Posted May 4, 2014 (edited) CLASSIFIED Z/YANG satellites would begin taking even more data from their passes over North America, in an attempt to gauge the actual strength and locations of all armed forces in North America. Whilst such attempts were not expected to bear much fruit, they would provide valuable information about the least-defended locations, and let strategists choose optimal staging points appropriately. Surveillance by satellite make it abundantly clear that no formal organized national military exists in Bear Islands' Nation of the Bear. Edited May 4, 2014 by Generalissimo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Enema Posted May 6, 2014 Report Share Posted May 6, 2014 (edited) Classified To: Government of American Commonwealth From: Legion Regarding: Kanadario Legion once had a contract with Kanadario to assist them with the building of their national forces. Because of a recently concluded internal struggle, Legion was unable to live up to the terms of that contract. We feel a deep moral obligation to assist Kanadario in their hour of need. Would your government allow us to send troops to assist? MG. J. Denard Legion Even before permission is given, the orders to prepare to depart are sent. Four squadrons of Legion B-2 bombers are ordered to prepare to depart for the American Commonwealth. With them the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Legion Corps are hand delivered their movement orders and detailed movement plans. Shipping from numerous local shipping firms is hired to transport the three corps to their destination. Logistical Teams are stood up to commence the acquisition of the tonnes of supplies needed to keep three full strength corps in the field. With them Intelligence teams are organized to begin gathering, examining, and distributing information to those who need it regarding the evolving situation in North America. Forward Deployment Parties from Legion's Logistical Command, Corp of Engineers, and Special Forces commands are organized and told to prepare to depart immediately when ordered to do so. Legion itself is ordered to go to the highest status of readiness. Legion's Missile Defense Command is authorized to bring the Legion Coastal Defense Fortresses up to full alert. Further, Legion's Air Defense Command is ordered to full alert. Likewise, the remaining 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Corps are tasked with securing Legion and preventing another uncomfortable outbreak of internal struggles that so recently plagued the entire nation. Command of the North American Expeditionary Force will go to Major General Javier Morgan-Denard. General Morgan-Denard will report directly to Senior General J. Denard who will conduct the massive effort to keep the NAEF in the field and well supported. To that end, quiet requests to Hershey Defense are to be made requesting extensive supplies of munitions, parts, and vehicles to shorten Legion's logistical chain. Edited May 6, 2014 by Tidy Bowl Man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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