Firestorm

Major General Thomas John's home "From the sounds of it you'll be returning home tomorrow," the Major General says to the Aether soldier. "I don't even know if I'll have a home left," he replies. "Son, as long as you have two working hands and a heart full of determination you'll always have a home. My wife and I lived in a shack for over a year before returning to Somal. It was a miserable shack but it was our home and we put our love into it," the Major General says as he looks over at his wife and smiles. "Do you have a wife or girlfriend of your own," asks Myani Johns? "I have a girlfriend who I haven't heard from since leaving for the army," he replies. "Were you thinking of getting married," Myani inquires? "Yes, but once I left for Basic training we fell out of touch." Myani looks over to Thomas with a look on her face that implies she is seriously wondering what this young man has to return home too. Her ebony face wrinkles in thought as she remains silent leaving the burden of conversation to Thomas. He looks over the table at the young soldier and asks, "What did you do before the army?" "I was studying linguistics at University," the Aether soldier replies. "We have a fairly large linguistics department at the University of M'Bossa, would you like to drop by before returning to the hospital?" "That sounds great," replies the soldier indifferently as he takes another bite of his lunch. "I believe the Dean of the department might be willing to lend you some books," Thomas observes. "Why would he do that for me," the soldier asks? "Because I used to be his commanding officer in the African Legion and I saved his life twice." "That makes sense," the soldier replies with a small look of hope springing up on his face. A look that is noted by both Myani and Thomas as she nudges Thomas under the table. Thomas looks over at Myani before saying anything and smiles. No doubt she is giving him a poke or two regarding the conversation they had this morning. He looks back to the soldier and says, "Martin, once you return home you should return to university." "I'd want to go back to school, but I'm not sure if I can afford it." Major General Thomas Johns nods and says, "My daughter was recently killed by a particularly malovent case of the flu. My wife and I have been discussing this and we've decided to set aside her university trust fund for your use. When you go back you'll be going back to bigger and better things provided the situation in Aether allows it. Our intelligence reports indicate the situation is grim, but improving. You are also welcome to return to Somal to attend the University of M'Bossa as well." Myani cuts Martin off as he opens his mouth to speak by saying, "Just nod your head and eat" in a voice that sends small shivers of fear up Thomas's spine. Thomas looks over at Martin and gives him a look that men give each other when confronted by a superior force and they both duck their heads down to avoid incoming fire as they quickly finish their lunch. Before Martin gets up to leave Myani says to him, "If you do return to Somal let us know and we'll open our home to you." "Thank you ma'am," Martin replies as he is helped back into his wheelchair by Major General Thomas Johns. As the Major General finishes buckling the safety belt on the chair Myani watches in approval. Many have called her husband a violent brutal man, but they don't know him like others do. Inside he's an intensely sensitive person to the pain and suffering of others. Not at all like Mad Dog Bob Denard who has that uncanny ability to distance himself from his emotions. Of course Thomas's sensitive nature is what had tilted the decision she had made in choosing between the two men. "Will you be driving him back to the hospital Thomas," Myani asks? "I believe so, besides it has been a few months since I've stopped by the University. Maybe Martin here can help me look the place over," he says. "Good, supper will be ready around seven, don't be late," she states as she bends down and gives Martin a kiss on the cheek. As she stands she holds his face in her hands and says, "You are not allowed to give up, do you understand?" "Yes ma'am," replies Martin as the Major General wheels his chair down to the waiting vehicle.

Somal will cover all refueling costs at this time.

OOC: Keep in mind my navy has been hammering away at anything resembling a defensive fortification with cruise missiles and 406mm Naval Artillery rounds since this began in and around Haiphong. Given we would have noticed you cruising by to deploy the fire would have been halted. IC: **Private to Yukotobian High Command** Proceed with great caution as the Republic of Free Somal is advancing down the coast and will be on the outskirts of Haiphong shortly. Sharing of radio frequencies requested and Naval Gunnery Fire support is avaliable for your forces upon request.

All offers of assistance are appreciated and accepted. The ambulatory cases are waiting for departure. We've taken the liberty to outfit them with two new suits of clothing, a suitcase, toiletries, and 1000 Somal Dollars in Cash. The lads are waiting and are ready to fly. The Ambulatory cases won't need medical assistance, but the stretcher cases will. Some of these men have undergone extensive medical care and are still recovering. The first few flights probably won't need much in the way of medical support as the participants can walk under their own power.

"Point, set, match, thank you for the game."

OOC: I think we ought to be considerate of the fact he's fending off five us at once. If he misses something don't worry about it. Just keep rolling with it and if he needs something adjusted then change it up. Most others would have rage quit by now. I:Heart:chris...

Hold off deploying anything for the time being as we need to secure an intial toehold into Khmer to launch our operations. Once are ready we'll be calling upon you for that offer of support.

"An insult we stand behind and will continue to do so until your nation sees fit to pull its head out of its collective anus. Seriously, go back to swinging your nuclear gonads at Sydney. Maybe there you'll be taken seriously as of right now you are only proving to be an amusement to a nation in bad need of a laugh."

**Private to Cochin** It hardly matters to us if you smash Pax Paxis. They sound like screw ups of the worst order. If they want to get involved by sending arms and munitions then crush them.

Major General Thomas Johns stands at the head of the line as the familes walk by the vault that was built by the Engineer corp of the Republic of Free Somal. Each family places a small box that contains an item of considerable value to the loved one that has passed away. Tears pour off the faces of the familes as they make their way through the line. With a determination that borders of titanic in nature the Major General greets every single member of every single family that passes through the line with a hug or a hand shake. He whispers words of comfort, he holds their hands, and he listens. Above all he keeps his composure to show his nation that at this moment in time their leader is strong in the face of adversity. As the line of the family comes to an end he walks up onto a stage and takes out a sheaf of notecards. He takes the first notecard and he begins his carefully written speech. "My fellow countrymen, we gather here today to remember," and as he speaks his voice begins to falter. Visions of his 18 month old daughter flash in front of his eyes and a tear begins to roll down his cheek. Off to the side of the stage, his wife recognizes the signs of his composure cracking and she takes it in stride. She walks out onto the stage, takes her husband into her arms, and pulls him close. Local news camera record the scene and it is sent out onto the airwaves of Somal networks. After a few minutes he pulls himself together and he resumes his speech as he throws his cards to the side. He says, "We shouldn't cheapen today with fancy words. Just a short week ago I told a high government member of Promised Land I was tired of his fancy words. I'm also tired of my own and today I come here to speak my mind. We suffered a horrific attack by a group of people we placed our trust in. We hired the intelligence service of Promised Land to train our operatives. We wanted the best and we got the worst. As a leader of men I've learned that in the heat of war the worst and best decisions can and are made. As a General and your Military Govenor I want to say that we should strive to put these events behind us," he states as a ripple of anger passes over the crowd with an angry hum. "However, as a father I come here to say that I'll never rest until those responsible are dead," he insists with a deadly looking finality. With this statement the angry buzz fades and it is replaced with something else. A feeling of anger, a feeling of rage, and the growing bubble of frustration at the world at large for justice being denied. "A brave man told me once that justice for the sake of balancing the scales if pointless. Justice must sate the hearts of those who have been wronged so they might live in peace. He told me this as I was applying a bandage to his arm after he was stabbed with a bayonet outside of Chingali. Most of you know him as Mad Dog Bob Denard. Others know him as Marsh Bob and even a few have the privelage of calling him Bob. I bring up his name because he asked me to tell you all that once he concludes this business in Khmer that he will serve as the insturment of justice of the Republic. It is for this reason that I now give Mad Dog Bob Denard full power of the state to execute the will of the people in any manner he sees fit to bring about the vengeance needed to allow us to live in peace," he says as he looks over at his wife. "Someday, somewhere, at sometime the scales will be balanced. Justice will not be denied and I request of you all to remember that even should we be waiting ten years from now that we will still be just as earnest about striking those down who have done this to us. As the Military Governer of this wonderful nation I will tell you all now that I won't rest until Justice has been done and neither will Mad Dog. The blood of those who have signed their lives away will be shed," he exclaims with a bitter finality. "Do keep in mind that until then we have lives to live. Moving on does not mean forgetting and we owe it to the memories of our loved ones to ensure that we live our lives to the fullest. We are a nation of great promise and with hard work and determination we'll realize that promise," he finishes as he walks off the stage to mingle with the crowd before leaving.

"Yes, yes, your logic is impeccable." "right." "Umm... hmmm."

**Private to Cochin** "A war in Khmer can't be won without the shedding of our blood. The soldiers of Somal are happy enough to shed that blood to bring about a swifter conclusion to this war. Keep in mind that by operating in the coastal areas we will be under the gunnes of our navy at all times. The same 406mm gunnes that are capable of throwing a 2700 pd armor piecing shell that can be launched 24 miles and leave a hole the size of a tennis court will be watching over our forces. We believe our losses will be acceptable in this campaign. Further, it is our believe that by pacifying an area of Khmer to prove to the people of Khmer that we have their best interests at heart the end will be all the sooner. Simply cutting the country off from the outside merely ensures they'll return to their roots and bide their time."

"You sir, and your entire government, are full of !@#$ of the highest order."

Major General Thomas Johns sends a message to the leaders of the Dragon Empire in regards to the war. "The forces of the Republic of Free Somal have begun their invasion of Khmer. The current operational plans call for us taking the city of Haiphong. We ask at this time that the Dragon Empire make a strong and determined public stance against the aiding of the Khmer in the forms of weaponry and munitions. We believe that this war will wither on the vine once it becomes apparent to the Khmer that they are unable to rearm to continue the fight. Has anyone ever had the chance to live in the Jungle? It's not exactly the kind of place you really want to spend any great period of time. Even seasoned Jungle fighters in the Somal African Legion state they'd rather avoid it. Our attack will hopefully draw them out and provide the ground defeat that will be needed to crush the morale of the Khmer soldiers. Our Special Forces groups, Constabulary units, and soon to arrive Frontier Regiments will prove to the average Khmer soldier and citizen that we have no interest in crushing them under our heels. Quite the opposite in fact as the Republic of Free Somal has set into motion the chain of events that will lead to the rebuilding of Khmer and the establishment of a government that is a bit more sane. It is then we believe the Khmer will come to their senses and depose their current government. If not it hardly matters as they are exposed on all flanks to repeated attacks until they do snap to their wits. "

Six months to find criminals that are well known to the government of Promised land is a joke. Let's face it, Promised Land knew who they deployed, they knew where they sent them, they ought to friggin know where these people live, and who they are associated with. They are clearly stalling and it has all the signs of being a cover up from high government officials.

**Private Reply to Kingdom of Cochin** Our objectives are local in aim, but we will continue our ground advance at this time. We do suggest that Khmer be cut off from outside sources of supplies for the time being. Any attempt at supplying weapons or munitions to Khmer forces should be viewed as an act of war and treated accordingly.

Mad Dog Bob Denard's Advance Forward Command Team Bob looks over at the Ripper as they examine a map laid out on the hood of the GAZzler. They hum, they haw, and finally Bob says, "To hell with it. Unleash the spear. The Ripper, a man of few emotions, manages a feral looking grin as he nods and barks an order into his radio,"All units advance." 1st and 2nd Light Infantry Brigades The 10,000 men of the two mounted infantry brigades pour across the border in their vehicles. They travel in convoys just large enough to defend themselves from a large attack, but small enough to avoid bombardment. Mad Dog Bob Denard and the 'Bad Ones' travel with the men of the 2nd Light Infantry Brigade. Bob watches the progress of the advance into Northern Khmer with no comment. The command of the brigade rests with the commander unless he were to be killed. 1st through 4th Armored Division Mechanized Regiments 8000 Mechanized Infantrymen in their Bionix 2 (S) APCs rumble to join the fray, but keep their distance. Their orders are to assume operations security of the Main Line of Advance and to pave the way for heavy armored divisions that would soon be coming. Security for the combat engineers and other logistical units is heavy. Special Forces Teams 20 through 25 All along the route of advance Special Forces teams stop in small villages. They make quiet surveys of the damage, question the natives to ascertain their needs, and make a general sweep to confiscate all weapons. Leaflets bearing the following message, in Khmer, are handed out: "Remain in your homes, take no hostile actions against Somal soldiers, and keep us advised of your physical needs. We bring with us doctors, water, food, and engineers to repair your damage." As they pass out these leaflets the special forces troopers guide in helicopters bearing food and water by radio. These supplies are distributed to the local population with further messages of reassurance. The same helicopters take out wounded members of the community and fly them directly to Somal Medical Stations that have been specifically established for this mission. The familes are reassured that their loved ones will be returned as soon as they are healthy enough to fly back. 1st through 4th Armored Divsions The divisions rumble their way forward to the border, without crossing it, as they pay special attention to the rear echelon unit's security. Three Divisions are swept forward with one in the rear. Once at the border they wait for further directions as they know their job is to exploit weak points and to smash their way through fortified positions. Republic of Free Somal Naval Battle Group The Battleships of the Republic continue to hammer away at the areas surrounding Haiphong. Their job is to isolate the city with a wall of fire. Despite these orders they are careful to avoid shelling the city directly. Further, radio broadcasts are made that indicate free travel down a major coastal highway is allowed for civilians leaving the city between 12 o clock noon and 4 pm in the afternoon. A further message indicates that any traffic into the city will be considered military traffic in nature to reinforce any surviving garrisons. Mad Dog Bob Denard Bob listens to the radio as he waits. Hopefully this won't take very long, but he's not optimistic. As he drives down the coastal freeway he notices the wreckage of war. A great deal of the heavy equipment has all the appearances of being destroyed by its former owners. This creates a ripple of concern for Bob as he takes note of the dense jungles indicated on the map for the Central Highlands. The coastal regions being relatively flat are adequete for tanks, but up in those hills it will take infantry. He dispatches a message to Major General Thomas Johns: ***Private*** To Major General Thomas Johns From Mad Dog Bob Denard More infantry needed, and as soon operational conditions change three of the tank divisions will be rotated home. Further, the Constabulary detachment is inadequete for their role. The spear has been bloodied. ***Private*** To Mad Dog Bob Denard From Major General Thomas Johns 3rd through 18th Light Infantry Brigades and the 501st Airborne Brigade will be dispatched immediately. 3 Frontier Regiments will be detailed to reinforce the Constabulary detachment along with the 26th through 33rd Special Forces Groups.

The Republic of Free Somal applauds this stronger, yet overdue gesture on our behalf. Hopefully it will lead to greater action on the international scene.

OOC: Feel free to take them enmasse to the Sydney conference as well.

OOC: there is another perfectly good thread to debate morality in. Go take it up at the Sydney conference.

M'Bossa Airport and Hospital are awaiting their arrival. Those who are ambulatory will be ready for immediate dispatch, and we'll begin cycling out the strecher cases as room becomes availiable. Will you be able to provide onboard doctors and nurses?

Major General Thomas Johns walks through the hospital in downtown M'Bossa. He looks over the Aether Empire soldiers as they lie recuperating from their losses. Now and again he stops and asks, "How you holding up?" Most of the time he is well recieved. The majority of the answers are positive and he takes a few moments to exchange pleasantries with the captives. On one occasion he calls over a doctor and says, "Make sure this man gets some more paper and envelopes for writing home. He has a baby on the way." The doctor replies, "We have a supply avaliable for all that is open for the asking." "Good," replies the Major General as he turns to the wounded captive and he says, "Good luck with your baby son, and with any luck you'll be home before she is born." "Thank you sir," replies the captive. Major General Thomas Johns nods and moves his way down the ward to the bed of a particularly violent specimen. The man begins to curse him loudly and several orderlies rush into put him in restraints. The Major General says, "Step aside and leave him unrestrained." "He's tried to kill himself twice sir," one of them replies. "He's trying to kill me this time. So step aside," The Major General orders. He walks to the bed, pulls up a chair, and asks, "What's the problem soldier?" After a torrent of screams, abuse, and attempts to leap out of the bed the soldier finally begins to sob as he tells the Major General of his mother passing away. After awhile the Major General and the captured soldier fall into a silent conversation. Nearly an hour passes before the Major General stands up and asks one of the doctors, "Can this man be moved?" "They can all be moved if it is done carefully sir." "Good, because they are all going home as soon as we can organize it," he states as he looks down at the wounded man and says, "Look, I know you are angry, but for the sake of your own future try to rest and recover." "I will sir," replies the wounded soldier. "I'll take your oath on that," the Major General demands. "Freely given," replies the soldier. "Good, I'm going to send around one of my assistants to check on you tomorrow and to organize an outting to my residence. You'll be joining my wife and I for lunch. Do you think you can stomach some of our fine Somal cruisine?" "Only if it is better than your hospital food." "Just about anything is better than hospital food," laughs the Major General as he strides away. A Republic of Free Somal Announcement The Aether incursion into Somal territory was crushed not long ago as part of the ongoing East African War. Despite claims by an unsavory world media that they were killed to a man the truth is quite the opposite. Losses amongst the attackers were heavy, but a significant population of POWs remains in our care. We've fed them, cared for them, clothed them, and housed them and now we want to see that they are returned to their homes. We ask that a neutral power undertake the task of assisting these men to get back to their lives. We have a total of (50% of whatever number that infiltrated) that need transportation. Normally we'd consider doing this ourselves, but the nature of the situation requires a certain bit of caution. The majority of the captives require no real special handling beyond needing assistance into and out of their stretchers and wheelchairs. There are a few that will require special medical care enroute to their homes. These captives will remain in Somal's care for just a bit longer until our doctors clear them for travel. A few have requested permission to travel despite doctor's warnings and this permission has been given. The rest are either comatose or recovering from major operations. Should the families of these captives wish to visit their loved ones a special medical visa will be issued giving them clearance to visit. Arrangements for their housing while in Somal will be arranged by the M'Bossa Military District command in the form of allowing these visitors access to our transient quarters in our local military housing units. That being said can we get someone to assist us in returning these men to their homes?

Samawane, a Somal trash collecter, reads of the statement from Dominion and comments by throwing the newspaper back in the trash can without a second glance.

OOC: I haven't launched any special ops attacks just yet. Thanks for reminding me though..

Public Announcement A Memorial Service is going to be shortly held for the victims of the Promised Land Bioterror attack. To ensure that the ceremony is a private one the city of M'Bossa has been locked down by units of the Republic of Free Somal military. We apologize now for any hardships this may cause to foreign vistors. Once the service has been concluded the city will be reopened. Before anyone even asks let us make it well known foreign guests are not invited. This is a private moment for the citizens of the Republic of Free Somal and it will remain that way. As such is the case all foreign reporters and camera crews are forbidden to enter the city of M'Bossa until otherwise notified.