Firestorm

Major General Thomas Johns sits at his desk. It had been a long day for him after returning from Sydney. His early morning arrival had been a painful reunion with his wife and the mother of Mad Dog Bob Denard. Both of them had needed a great deal of his time to help them with their grief. Time that he needed for himself, but as a servant of the Republic and a husband he had put aside. When he finally was able to pull himself away the full extent of his duty had just become apparent to him as he later walked into his office to find a mountain of letters from the citizens of the Republic. Thousands of letters all more or less calling for the same thing, revenge. With a sigh he decides to first call for a memorial service to give his people a chance to grieve. It would give him a chance to grieve as well. A chance he badly needs in his own private way. After ordering his aides to clear out his office of the letters he sits down and writes a long memo. The hours pass as he writes and the sun is well over the horizon when he finishes. The final product details a set of very clear orders, which describes his wishes for carrying out service to recognize those killed by the bioweapon. It will be a private ceremony only open to citizens of Somal. No foreigners will be allowed to lay their eyes upon it. No foreign guests will be invited and media coverage will be tightly restricted. The privacy of the moment is critical to preserve the somberness of the event. The familes of the dead will be given a chance to speak. They'll cry, he'll weep, and together they heal. This moment will be the glue that forges the resolve of nation towards a united goal at settling the debt of blood owned. He runs a finger down the glass front of his daughter's framed picture before saying, "You'll be avenged." M'Bossa Square The heart of the city is filled with thousands of Somal citizens. They look angry, confused, and at the same time a little frighten. Thomas Johns watches their faces as he passes through the crowd in the GAZzler Armored Vehicle. The slow progress allows the people to see the face of their newly appointed Military Governor. A few old soldiers in the crowd call out to him and he nods his head towards them in recognition. His long legacy of service to the Somal people beginning back with the African Legion is well known. It gives him an air of respect and credibility that few others outside of Mad Dog Bob Denard holds in the Republic. The Memorial service is slated to begin in several hours. Security is tight with hundreds of Constabulary officers, African Legion soldiers, and other security personel provided by the Internal Security Directorate. Major General Thomas Johns reachs over and takes his wife's hand and whispers to her as he asks, "Am I doing the right?" "I hope you kill every damn person who lives in Promised Land," she replies with the fury a mother can only know. "I'm talking about the Memorial service," he replies. "Yes, foreigners don't need to see our pain. It is ours alone to have and to hell with them all." "Very well," he replies as he silently waits for the GAZzler to reach its destination.

Major General Thomas Johns stands and he straightens his tie. He feels uncomfortable out of uniform, but he musters up the dignity afforded to him by years of hard training and indoctrination prior to saying, "This meeting is already a farce and will continue to be so until the world stops excusing Promised Land for the wanton murder of 533 civilians." Having said what he feels is needed he nods to Anthony Davis and departs. He'll not waste his time with the double dealing scum of the world who only seek to protect their treaties at the expense of justice. Once in the air he orders a strong drink before calling for his secure phone to conduct important business.

"Take it up with NAPO," replies Major Jack O'Niel as he leaves the room and returns to Somal.

Oh believe me, we plan to forgive those responsible, after we kill them.

We don't give a damn what Promised Land does in the future. Any attempt of them to come near us will be met with a harsh response. Promised Land military forces entering Somal waters or air space for any reason will be considered an act of war until otherwise stated. Quite simply they can all go to hell for we care, but only after the cough up those responsible.

**Private to Maelstrom Vortex** From: Major General Thomas Johns One day this General Davies will feel the wrath of Somal. **Private to all Somal Forces** General Davies of Promised Land is to be tracked. Keep the Directorate of Internal Security informed of his where abouts. No physical actions are to be taken against his person. **Private to the Internal Directorate of Security, Somal** Prepare a task force to keep track of the movements of all high government officials of Promised Land. Likewise, prepare Kill Teams with specific targets assigned to them. No attacks are to be sanctioned unless ordered directly by Major General Thomas Johns.

Mad Dog Bob Denard's Command Center Bob is lost in thought. The maps, reports, and other nonsense had long since numbed his world. If this is the fate of the modern battlefield commander he is doomed. Looking around from time to time he watches his staff officers rush in and out of the remote bunker. Frankly it is beginning to bore the hell out of Mad Dog Bob Denard. With a grunt he stands up and straps on his pistol belt. His second in command, who has served with Bob before in the African Legion, recognizes that look in Bob's eyes. He asks, "Sir, shall I alert the 1st Regimet of the 1st Armored Division of your pending arrival?" "You'll do no such thing," replies Bob. "Your orders sir?" "Old friends are arriving soon." Bob's second in command looks at Bob for a moment before realizing what he is talking about. Old friends can only mean one thing, the 'Bad Ones'. The hand picked guard of the African Legion all chosen for their personal loyalty to Bob. Not only their loyalty but their ruthlessness in combat. All deadly men, all proven killers, all of them experts in the art of war. The Second in Command asks, "Sir are you sure that's a good idea?" "Is going to war ever really a good idea?" "No, but in this case the eyes of the world are on us. Bringing the 'Bad Ones' into the public eye can't be the best idea." "Screw the public," Bob replies as he walks out of the command bunker and to a nearby hangar. As he enters he feels the muzzle of a .44 magnum revolver being pressed against his head. "Name," the voice demands. "Mad Dog," he replies. "Oh hell," the voice replies as the muzzle of the pistol is removed. "Oh we'll be going there soon enough," replies Bob as he enters completely into the hangar and is greeted by darkness. With a chuckle he says, "Turn on the lights." As the lights flick on he is greeted with the sight of sixty heavily armed men. These are the 'Bad Ones' and these are his brothers. Looking around he feels not a drop of remorse for what is about to be unleashed upon the Khmer. A tall ebony skinned man stands up and says, "Happy to be here Marsh Bob." "I'm happy to have you here Jamal." "We thought you were ordering the Legion disbanded," Jamal replies. "Cold day in hell before I do that my friends." The men quietly stand and shoulder their weapons as they assemble in their customary guard positions around Bob. The dark killer of Africa strides out of the hangar with his own personal legion of killers surrounding him. A line of GAZzler Armored Vehicles wait for them that are equipped with 12.72 machine guns, A/A missile launchers, and other weapons. Bob mounts one of the vehicles and turns to his driver as he says, "Head to the front, the Ripper is up there. He'll be happy to see you degenerates." "Yes sir Marsh Bob," replies the driver.

Again, we do not believe this is the work of rogues. It has all the signs of being a very deliberately planned and carried out operation. The sites of our water purification centers are not commonly known. Getting this information would take forward planning and thinking. The very notion that a few bad apples instigated such an attack is absurd. We condemn the Promised Land government. The citizens of Promised Land are banned from our territories. Any member of Promised Land found within our territories will be subjected to immediate deportation. No investigation is needed by Promised Land's government when they are fully aware of who ordered the attack and who carried it out. To say otherwise is a pile of crap of the highest magnitude. **Private to Dragonsia** Our patience with this farce is growing thin. We understand Promised Land is your valued allies, however, to us they are the murderers of 533 of our citizens. If you want to hold treaties with Murderers of old men, women, and babies that is your choice. In due course we'll make the choice that is right for Somal.

It is the belief of the Republic of Free Somal that the high leadership of Promised Land is enacting a cover up of to distance themselves from the responsibility of their actions. Our demands are simple: 1) We want the men who carried out the attack. 2) We want the director of Promised Land's intelligence services. These men will be executed upon delivery.

Republic of Free Somal Naval Battle Group Rear Admiral Johnathan Samalawwie examines the plot carefully as he double checks each of the coastal targets with great care. They had just arrived not more than thirty minutes ago to find themselves greeted with a large list of targets from Mad Dog Bob Denard. The Rear Admiral is a cautious man and he carefully double checks the information against independent sources before clearing his units to fire. He looks over at the captain of his Flagship and says, "Fire at these selected targets." The twelve ships of the Republic of Free Somal Navy erupts in screams and howls as cruise missiles erupt from their racks. Nearly 60 of the missiles are fired at shore installations around Haiphong, but that is only the beginning. After the last missile is fired the heavy deadly might of the 406mm Naval gunnes is brought to bear as the two Battleships of the Somal navy unleash several broadsides at other shore defenses. The mighty gunnes have a range of 24 miles and launch salvos of shells weighing 2700 pounds. They effectively can destroy what they directly hit. Their targets are what appear to be power plants, radar sites, and shore defenses around Haiphong. The ships themselves are protected by a cordon of corvettes whose crews are nervously scanning the air despite the awesome array of deadly force being pumped towards Khmer. The Rear Admiral watches the display in silence as he is given a message by an orderly. He reads it, takes note of the impending arrival of the Cochin Task Force, and returns his attention to the firing of the Battleships. In the air to the east of the Republic of Free Somal Naval Battlegroup One of the four AWACs planes the Somal military has stationed in theater is parked in a circular orbit. The aircraft's radar and sensors scans the skies for inbound threats. In the air over the Republic of Free Somal Naval Battlegroup 8 Mig-35 fighters are kept on station to provide air coverage. The fighters are based in Dragonsia, but within easy range. They are well armed with LRAAMs and shorter ranged heat seeking missiles. OOC: Consider this part of my first wave. I won't be online much tomorrow and I wanted to make sure this got posted.

OOC: good thing I'm not Dragon Empire.. looks slightly embarrassed about his wing of F-117 Stealth bombers, Mig-35s, and Pirahna Attack helicopters that have crossed the border.

OOC: You should stage them in shifts of 100 so you can have 24 hour a day coverage. Be sure to post they have thermal imaging as well for night operations. Remote sensors work very well along with other electronic intelligence gathering devices. border stuff Most of this ought to be within your grasp. Have fun!

OOC: wasn't to much thinking of you and I saw that. Good stuff.

OOC: Vektor already did in Australia.

OOC: I'm going to hold off unloading anymore ordinace until Marquis has a chance to respond. We should all give him a chance to do so before going with a 3rd and 4th wave.

Mad Dog Bob Denard's Headquarters Only two things give Bob a hard on anymore. The first is a hot looking woman and the second is the idea that he's about to unleash a massive tidal wave of machines, men, and munitions on an enemy force. With a smile on his face he review his orders one more time before saying, "We are go." Public Release to Republic of Free Somal Forces Men most of you know me as Mad Dog Bob Denard the savior of Chingali. Today we get to be the saviors of another Chingali in this far away land. We aren't fighting for Africans, but it really doesn't matter. Just across that border is a nation full of people governed by a lunatic. What else can you say about a world leader who orders the killing of ten unarmed diplomats? Nothing comes to my mind at the moment. We are not going south to destroy them. We aren't going down south to murder, $%&@, or torture. Those are things for others and we will be above that. We go south to force a government out of power and to allow the Khmer the privilege and right to form their own government. We might not like the end results, but in the end the choice will be theirs and we will respect it. All the rules of the Republic of Free Somal Code of Military Justice are in effect. War crimes against us and perpetuated by us will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of our military justice system. Phrase books consisting of key phrase of Khmer have been distributed for use. Look at them, study them, and use them to prevent needless civilian deaths. Civilians will not be molested and will be afforded the highest levels of respect. Consult the anthropological data sheets we have distributed. You'll note that in many ways the Khmer reverence for their elders is very similar to our own. Treat the elder and women of the Khmer with extreme deference. Remove your hats and sun glasses when speaking to them and be patient. We have translators on the way to assist us so use them. Their was a French colonial presence in the area so it is possible that our knowledge of spoken French might well be of use. Gentlemen we are here to remember those lost at Chingali. Our brothers who died fighting against a revolutionary front bent on murder and destruction. Live up to that memory and instill that same passion into the Khmer by showing them that they are respected. God Speed and Good Hunting. 201st Rocket Brigade Thirty Land Based Mobile Cruise Missiles erupt from their cradles as they send their deadly thousand pound explosive charges forward. These devices are deliberately aimed at several key bridges in Northern Khmer with the intention at disrupting military traffic. 30,000 Feet North of the border Using satellite footage, Special Forces intelligence, and UAV footage the Bombers of the Republic of Free Somal Airforce unleash the first blow against the Khmer Military in Northern Khmer. Sixty HALOB bombers fire three salvos of Pheonix air deployed cruise missiles. These missiles are smaller than their land based counterparts and pack less of a punch. However, they are fast and highly sophisticated. Their targeting packages have been programmed to strike the major airfields around Hanoi and the harbor and airfield at Haiphong. The bombers having fired their missiles turn back to base well away from the border. The Wing of F-117 Stealth Fighters doesn't turn back as they continue on. They are loaded with a selection of precision guided munitions destined for the factories and power plants outside Hanoi and Haiphong. At the border 1000 feet The same can not be said for the 90 MIG 35 fighters who howl their way towards Northern Khmer. They unload a blistering barrage of HARM missiles intent on destroying any active Khmer radar facilities as they jink and juke their way forward hoping to avoid any anti-aircraft fire as they cross their border. After firing their HARM missiles they continue on to unleash a barrage of cluster bombs and 500 pound bombs on Khmer forces located south of the border. Target selections have been made to avoid civilians losses when possible. Closer to the earth another threat of a different stripe attacks. The five wings of Pirahna attack Helicopters cross the border as they ripple fire their missiles and cannons at preselected targets. Of course these targets have been carefully chosen to avoid civilian deaths when possible. Death's Ground 1st through 4th Armored Division -10 Miles from the Border Ninety six 155 mm Self Propelled Howitzers erupt as nearly one, and they keep hammering away as they shift from target to target. They've known their targets for some time and they have been eager to make good on their assignments. They unload a violent torrent of 155mm rounds directed at Khmer military vehicles and identified Khmer Military installations. Great care was taken during the selection of targets to deliberately avoid installations that are in civilian population centers that appear inhabited. The warning that was sent over the wire was to short of notice for much in the way of evacuation, but it is hoped that the sounds of war will drive civilians away from those targets shortly. Not far away another wave of missiles erupts in the wake of the cruise missiles that hurl their way across the border. Ninety six MLRS vehicles unload their ordnance packages on concentrations of Khmer forces that have been spotted from orbit and by UAV. Their mission is to stop these forces from reaching the front. Their steel rain of anti-personnel bomblets will work well for this mission. Again special care is taken to avoid civilian losses by holding fire when Khmer forces are in or near civilian areas. Certainly, perfection isn't expected in this operation. Civilians will die, but it is hoped that the bloodshed will be kept to a minimum. Ripper's Playground 1st and 2nd Light Infantry Brigades- 2 miles from the Border General Mike "No Last Name" the Ripper smiles as he gives the order to advance. The mechanized infantrymen of his two light infantry brigades will serve as the spearhead of the advance to test the strength of the Khmer forces. A period of forty five minutes is given to allow artillery and tactical air support in the form of helicopters to soften up the Khmer front line units. The Ripper waits patiently and finally when the time come he says to a fellow officer, "There is no turning back now," as he mounts his vehicle and signals for the attack to begin. 10,000 mounted infantrymen move forward along a narrow sector that runs near the coast. They move quickly, carefully, and are ready for resistance as they approach the border, but suddenly come to a stop as they await final confirmation to cross over. Rear Areas Logistical considerations are carefully being weighed as trucks are loaded and unloaded. The airfields being used are a maze of activity as supplies are being thrown on board. Keeping the Somal military machine fighting is going to be a difficult operations, but not impossible given the aircraft and trucks availiable. The Republic of Free Somal Constabulary Force named Able goes on high alert as they redouble their patrols and keep their eyes peeled against commandos or other sorts of threats. The projected direction of Somal's advance. **Private to Allied Naval Forces** Given our coastal advancd we'd appreciate naval gunfire support when we call for it. We will be deploying our own navy shortly, but time is needed for them to arrive. **Classified Somal** The entire Somal Navy of 12 ships of various classes disembarks and heads for North Khmer. OOC Note: I'm not advancing into Khmer just yet.

"We'll get over the murder of 533 of our citizens once those responsible are bought to justice. Not world justice as that has proven to be empty in light of the recent Nordland trials. They'll be brough to Somal's justice or Somal's justice will be brought to them. Those deaths will be avenged," replies Major General Thomas Johns.

"Executions, definitely executions," mutters Major General Thomas Johns.

Official Republic of Free Somal Response: The leader of a country is responsible for the actions of its people. You intelligence agents use of a biological terror weapon on your watch makes the attack your responsibility. Failure to control your agents and intelligence apparatus hardly is a valid defense on your part. So far we've not asked for a change of government and nor will we. Our request for the handing over of the leader of your Intelligence agency and the agents who perpetuated the attack. We now openly call for world condemnation of Promised Land with their open admission of cupability for this heinous attack. The Republic of Free Somal will be closing its airspace and sea ports to any sea going or air vessel of Promised Land.

"We are more than happy to honor such a request," replies Major O'Niel who says,"It is now up to Mechodemia to withdrawal." ooc: EM go with a basic rp about the new territory voting to join with you and so forth. Doesn't have to be much but the entire point of self-rule and determination is actually having a vote. I'll come up with an MDP later (meaning I'll swipe someone elses and put our names on it.)

"You are directly responsible for your subordinates, we've dropped any claims against you personally, but believe me the international reprecrussions against you if this came out would be far satisfying as far as justice goes. You think Hansa would ally itself with a nation like yours knowing you used a biological weapon? I doubt it and I bet you don't want to find out either. Loosing Hansa would only be the first in a long chain of possible diplomatic reversals. We offer you a convient way out. Take it, find those men who did the attack, get the leader of your intelligence service, deliver them to us, and be happy that despite our losses we are willing to be semi-reasonable," responds Major General Thomas Johns as he boards his plane and departs. With a very large drink in hand he calls his aid and says, "You will personally prepare to execute Malovence by readying the appropriate reports and video documentation for delivery. All major world leaders on the list will be hand delivered the information along with a personal letter from myself detailing the situation." "We'll be going with Malovence then sir?" "Not yet, I'll give them a litte more time, but not much more."

The Major General stands up, takes out the picture of his 18 month old daughter, slaps it down on the desk, and snarls at Gogol as he says, "My daughter to your damn plague. Despite my belief that you as the leader of your nation are personally responsible for the attack we are willing to accept one of your underlings. We want the man in charge of your intelligence organization and we want the men you sent to Somal. I'm finished with your pretty and very empty words, deliver us those person sooner rather than later." He turns and then promptly departs as he takes the time to open his cell phone, push autodial, and says to the person on the other end of the line, "We are go for Operation Malovence."

Mad Dog Bob Denard's Command Center "Look, go to Dragonsia and tell them you are our military rep. Figure out who is going to being going in, what they are bringing, and what their dispositions are," Bob snarls at General Howard Dinnawae. "Yes sir," replies the General as he departs with the following document. To Dragon Empire Military Command **Classified** The Republic of Free Somal has deployed the following forces to our forward operating areas near the units of the Melvin Republic. 1st Armored Division 2nd Armored Division 3rd Armored Division 4th Armored Division 1st and 2nd Light Infantry Brigades (Mechanized) 150th through 155th Pirahna Attack Wings 130th through 133rd Air Transport Wings 101st through 103rd Fighter Wings 107th Stealth Fighter Wing 110th Bomber Wing 111th Bomber Wing 2 Medium Transport Wings 1 Heavy Transport Wings Task Force Able of the Republic of Somal Constabulary (5000 men) Task Force Bagel of the Republic of Free Somal Department of Interior (3000 Engineers) 4 Military Engineer Battalions (3200 Men total) 801st Air Defense Brigade 20th through 25th Special Forces Group 201st Rocket Artillery Brigade- 1st and 2nd Battalions Our Rules of Engagement: 1) Until a full attack is ordered by the command authority of the Dragon Empire we will only fire unless fired upon first. 2) Military units hiding in civilian areas will be considered fair game for destruction should they present an active risk to the well being of our forces. Should they present a threat the level of risk will be assessed for the level of response. If at all possible the threat will be cordoned off and be left to wither on the vine. If the level of threat is far too great to ignore appropriate levels of force will be utilized to eliminate the thread. 3) Government officials are considered targets of opprotunity in the event of full out war. They will be targeted with measured levels of force to avoid needless civilian losses. Not to say that we aim for zero civilian losses, but we don't plan on blowing up entire city blocks to liquidate one member of the Khmer government. 4) Infrastructure targets such as bridges, roads, factories, government buildings, airports, and railways are to be considered military targets. 5) No warning will be given in any situation to anyone actively attempting to inflict significant injury upon a member of the Republic of Free Somal Military. Someone trying to slap a member of the Republic of Free Somal Military in the face is not going to be shot versus a shotgun wielding lunatic will be cut down like a diseased animal. 6) Upon arrival we will be broadcasting our intentions to destroy the listed infrastructure targets to the people of the Khemer in the event that active fighting takes place. We make our intentions known to allow the Khemer the opprotunity to evacuate those areas ahead of time. 7) Prisoners taken will be treated in accordance with the Republic of Free Somal Constabulary standards. These include the feeding of prisoners three times a day with a 2000 calorie a day diet. Providing water, housing, bedding, sanitation facilities, and communications with family members. A special task force of Republic of Free Somal Constabulary officers will be on scene to ensure proper treatment of prisoners and to provide rear area security for Khemer civilians in the event of a take over. Our General Battle Plan: Phase 1 Operations: Movement to attack and destroy significant military threats as identified by sattelite, UAV, and Special Forces. Phase 1a: - Air strikes to cripple their transportation centers. - Ground attacks to engage their forces. - Cruise Missile and other attacks to be provided as needed. Phase 1b: - Collection of prisoners. - Treatment of wounded. - Burial of enemy and civilian dead. Phase 2 Operations Returning stability to the region. -Deployment of a Republic of Free Somal Constabulary Advisory force to bolster local police forces. -Deployment of Republic of Free Somal Engineers and Allied Engineers to begin repairing battle damage. Phase 2a: - The recruitment of local government officials. - The hiring of local carpenters, construction workers, and other technical specialities to assist in repair efforts. - Returning of civilians to their home in a rapid manner. - Repairing of water, sewer, and power services in a prompt manner. Phase 2b: - Ordering Khmer Military forces to report for duty. - A full inventory of avaliabl equipment. - Assessment of their needs for providing for their local security and national defense. Phase 3 Operations: The retraining of the existing Khemer military force. - Replacing battle damaged equipment with compatible equipment to prevent logistical snarls for the Khemer. - Upgrading the Khemer Military in vital areas. Phase 4 Operations: The removing of Republic of Free Somal and allied forces from the Khmer territories in a phased pull out. - Khemer Military and Police units begin assuming greater responsibility. - Starting with the capitol and working our way out we will withdrawal district by district as the Khemer resume control. - A token advisory force will be left if wanted by the Khmer. Items of Importance 1)Providing a common pool of intelligence (partially resolved between the Kingdom of Cochin and the Republic of Free Somal) 2)Ascertaining areas of operation. 3) Providing translators who speak Khmer and English. 4) Approving the use of psychological warfare in the form of radio broadcasts. See Below for more details** 5) The aftermath, see below * 6) The forming of a unified command center to ease the issues of communication. * One item of critical interest is Somal's desire to spearhead the rebuilding of Khmer after the fighting. We believe that the Khmer people are worthy of the right to self-rule. The Republic of Free Somal is moving equipment, supplies, and vehicles as we speak to take part in this effort. While we will fight a hard determined war we will also wage an even more aggressive peace. ** This is a sample of a message we wish to have broadcasted: Khmer Citizens, Should your government refuse to seek a resolution at the peace table your country will be attacked. You are all urged to immediately store up a week's worth of food and water. Stay off your bridges, they will soon be destroyed. Stay off your roads, they will soon be bombed. Stay away from your airports, they will soon be destroyed. Stay away from your factories, they will soon be destroyed. Evacuate all of your government buildings as they may soon be destroyed. Stay away from all major telecommunications centers as they will soon be destroyed. Stay away from powerplants they will be destroyed. Avoid military installations as they will be destroyed. Military men and women of the Khmer people can surrender to advancing forces by holding their hands well away from your weapons. A simple white piece of cloth held in both hands over your head is also suggested. You will be treated humanely and cared for by law enforcement offficers of the Republic of Free Somal who have agreed to see to your safety. You will be returned to your homes as soon as it is possible for you to do so. Anyone actively attempting to do harm to a member of the DE or Dragon Bloc militaries will be shot. Do not point a weapon at any of them, do not attempt to stab any of them, and take great care when approaching a DE/DB check point in your vehicles. Again, stay in your homes, stay off the streets, and stock up on food and water. -Mad Dog Bob Denard

Mad Dog Bob Denard sends his regrets as he is currently busy leading the Somal Forces in Asia. Should this opprotunity arise in the future he will be one of the first to sign up.

Mad Dog Bob Denard's Command Post Mad Dog Bob Denard examines the map in front of him from his temporary headquarters. After jotting down a few notes he looks up to the commanders of the various units arrayed in front of him. He asks, "How does it go?" General Sawal of the 1st Armored Division says, "All of my troops are in position." "Are they well dispersed," asked Bob? "Yes sir, and we are placing our scouts and missile teams forward as ordered," replies Major Sawal. Bob looks to Colonel Red Sa'id of the 20th Special Forces group and asks, "What of your deployments?" "We are right on the border in concealed locations. Command detonated mines have been deployed, sniper teams em-placed, vehicle choke points registered for artillery," he replies. "Are you passively gathering intelligence on the Khmer across the border?" "Yes sir," replies Red Sa'id. "Sir, the Special Forces teams are the eyes and my two light infantry brigades are leg deployed to trip any incoming attack. Our missile teams, mortars, and sniper teams are being deployed along the border with particular attention being paid to obvious lines of attack. Terrain features are being utilized to give our infantrymen cover and to conceal our forward observers," comments General Mike "No Last Name" The Ripper. "Gentlemen our mission is defensive in nature at this time. However, we must be ready to strike an offensive blow at anytime. Keep your eyes open along the border and you will be getting your invasion orders shortly. You will not act on those orders unless ordered to do so by myself. Am I clear on this matter," Mad Dog Bob Denard asks? "Yes sir," his assembled officers reply. Special Forces Groups Forward Area (Death's Ground) Spec For groups have been assigned the area of observing the first one mile of terrain that runs along the border. With great care they have infiltrated into their positions in the dead of night. It is possible that some of them were spotted, but given the skill of the Somal Special Forces soldier the person who spotted them would have to be extremely lucky. Once in place they began their real work of preparing to act as the eyes and ears of the Republic forces. Mine fields were prepared along vital choke points and vital targets that include vehicle choke points, river crossings, and other items of military value are quickly registered. The Spec For teams hidden in their spider holes all along the border settle in for a very quiet vigil as they keep watch. Their personal positions are protected by anti-personnel mines and other passive sensors that would make approaching them not impossible but very difficult. To aid in their concealment a thermal blanket is draped over the positions and then covered by a assortment of native grasses, branches, and other vegetation to make the spider holes difficult to detect. Communications are done by laser transmitters directed at special communications relays established on top of major terrain features just for this purpose. 1st and 2nd Light Infantry Brigades Forward Area (The Ripper's Playground) Three miles from the border the first real obstacles appear. The men of the 1st and 2nd Light Infantry division have deployed along the Republic front. They have zeroed in their weapons, deployed command detonated mines, registered artillery firing points, and are busy em-placing their vehicles to protect them from artillery or aerial attack. They concentrate their efforts along obvious lines of attack into and out of their area of operations by taking a few key precautions. Not only are their vehicles being em-placed and camouflaged they are protected by layers of sandbags. Further, they have begun the work of clearing major obstacles that would impede the advanced of a large armored force. Not only have these obstacles been cleared they have been mined with more command detonated mines to prevent them from being used in an Khmer attack. Machine gun nests, missile teams, forward observers, and sniper teams are deployed in sand bag protected emplacements and then covered with thermal blankets and native vegetation to aid in concealment. None of these positions are impossible to destroy or see, but it would be difficult to do so unless they are specifically targeted. 1st through 4th Armored Divisions Forward Areas (Killing Ground) The 1st through 4th Armored Divisions are deployed accordingly to active both offensively and defensively in two distinct layers. Five miles back from the border their mechanized infantry regiments have deployed in a fashion very similar if not identical to that of the 1st and 2nd Light Infantry Brigades. These Mechanized Infantry Regiments are supported by the Bionix 2 (S) APCs and their 30 mm auto-cannons. Vehicles are hidden, obstacles cleared, artillery strikes preregistered, command detonated mines deployed, and infantry squads em-placed in sand bag protected defenses that are covered with thermal blankets and native vegetation. Ten miles back from the border the armored might of the Republic of Free Somal lies in wait in carefully chosen locations. The Main Battle Tanks, Self Propelled Howitzers, Grizzly A/A Vehicles, Combat Engineer Vehicles, MLRS Units, and A/A Platforms of the 801st Air Defense Brigade of the Somal Expeditionary Force lie in wait. These units are deployed behind sandbagged berms to conceal their nature and to protect them. Passive sensors sweep the sky to keep the location of the Republic Fire Control Radars a secret for the time being. Their on hand supplies and expendable munitions are enough to fight a three day battle if needed. Rear Area Zone of Operations Twenty miles from the border the Republic logistical units and Constabulary patrols are hard at work preparing for the invasion. Trucks, containers, and aircraft are being loaded for combat. The fighters of the Republic are lying in wait in their hangars and the Stealth Bombers are being fueled. Helicopters are quietly clattering their way to an fro as they ferry supplies, mail, food, and men forward to designated landing zones that don't give away current Republic positions. Whenever possible the Republic fuel, ammo, and other supplies are carefully diapered and then protected by sand bag berms. Guards are deployed to keep these vital supplies safe from other attacks as well .In other remote locations the men of the 201st Rocket Brigade are quietly waiting for orders to fire their cruise missiles at selected targets that are being prepared by Intelligence teams. Using satellite data that is being fed to them by the Kingdom of Cochin the Intelligence teams of the Somal Expeditionary force are creating target lists. They have two target lists that include both the border regions and deeper in Khmer. They focus on vital targets that include bridges, airports, power plants, telecommunications hubs, road junctions, military bases, factories, and any large Khmer military units that can be located. They supplement this data by interviewing anyone who has been in Khmer recently and refugees. The target lists grow and the intelligence teams quickly realize that any invasion is going to be a serious issue of coordination between diverse units.