When the Hero becomes...

[Vedran]

"I am not implying you would do these things, I am only clarifying company policy. And we use the Sydney Accords as a standard because they are the only comprehensive and widely agreed upon guidelines for conduct in war, and as such, holding ourselves to that standard ensures protection from accusations against us. I am sure you understand."

De Witt sensed it was time to move past that subject, and listened to what Bridgette next had to say. He smiled at this.

"Mm. I believe you misunderstand. We are not arms producers or distributors. You may be able to work out a contract with Arctica Motor Works, but that is a state-run enterprise, and given the Union's foreign policy, they would likely not sell to you until your movement was widely recognized as the...legitimate representatives of the Austrian people, I believe the Minister said.

We can, however, help you with an aspect of this. If you do secure weapons shipments, Hourglass will be able to train your militia or police in their use, or even your regular troops if resources are diverted from your training programs to the war effort itself. Hourglass operators are quite experienced in the use and maintenance of a variety of small arms from a number of different countries, as well as small-unit infantry tactics. After all, one of the services we offer is training. We could offer an additional group or half-group for this purpose at a discounted price, since training takes up less of our resources than active duty in the field.

As for the six groups you have chosen to hire for combat service, we will bill you the first month's cost upon their arrival, as you have specified."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Well then I will be sure to let you know what material my forces can procure and then we can play the rest by ear. But now that we have discussed price and arrival, when your men arrive they will be given their instructions from myself and my generals." She stood up off the chair and extended her hand back to De Witt, "However, unless there is more to discuss, Herr de Witt, I have nothing else to add to our conversation. If we are done, you are welcomed to stay in Republican Austria for as long as your heart desires, perhaps get a first glance at this little war we're conducting for the future of Europe. I believe that this will all be the start of a wonderful new age."

She bowed her head slightly and looked at the open door. "But if you're coming along, then follow me, if not, then I will see Hourglass at their proposed time of arrival."

[Vedran]

Marthinus nodded and, setting his coffee cup down on the table, stood and shook the Chancellor's hand. "My assistants will relay your hiring orders to our headquarters and get the wheels in motion. I estimate that our operators will arrive in a matter of days."

The assistants collected the laptop and exited the building, eager to make their way back to the jet where they could set up a secure line of communication with HQ. Marthinus stood in place for a moment, glancing out the window at the streets of Salzburg. Then he turned back to Bridgette. "If you will permit me, Chancellor, before I depart I would learn more about this conflict so that I may better acquaint myself with the overall situation. While my decision to come here was based on reports, you can understand that those reports were based on limited information, and could not possibly substitute knowledge I would gain by being here personally and hearing of your plight."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Bridgette stopped before she reached the door and turned back towards De Witt with a solemn smile on her face. "I'm not going to sugar-coat this for you Herr de Witt, I don't like the world. I don't like how the Great Powers play God with smaller states and weaker blocs, I don't like how Secondary Powers suck on the teat of their more powerful neighbors and I hate how sovereignty, real sovereignty is just some word that politicians throw around to make their nations sound important. Sovereignty doesn't exist Herr de Witt, maybe it does in Artica, far away from the menacing states in Europe and Asia, but in Austria, we had no sovereignty and we had no destiny. All the talk of Imperial Expansion and Glory, that was all done under the watchful eye of the Chinese and the Athenians. Germany is placing Austria under it's sphere of influence and other nations just look inward to their own problems.

Which is what I wanted to do all along, forget this talk of Empire and of glory, Austria should worry about itself and no more. That nuke that hit in the north, that happened because we involved ourselves in North America. We have nations to thank that all of Austria was not destroyed, but it comes back to being the Empress' fault from the beginning. Those deaths are on her conscious, but what happens after, we make a protectorate of Vancouver Island. That was when I said, enough was enough, and what happened? I was thrown out of Parliament and hunted by Hapsburg's men like a dog. If the people of a country tell you something, you listen, they're in control, not a monarch, not a dictator, the people. That's what this is about, the idea that Austria, not Austria's Empire or her allies, comes first. Austria and the Austrian people, that's the real government, or at least it should be."

She sighed and looked out the window and closed her eyes. "It's going to be a hard fight, because it's a fight for our very independence. From Germany, from Athens, from China, from ourselves. I really don't know if we can win this war, but if we don't, well, I won't be around to find out anyways. This is my fight as much as it is my men's. I'll be with them until the end." Bridgette looked back up at him and nodded her head. "I don't mean to get sentimental, but that's why we're fighting. For a chance to make our own destiny."

[Elrich von Richt]

Akerlund found himself enthralled with the news that had been coming out of Austria. A revolutionary movement threatened to end the power of the monarchy in the country, and he found the political ideals of this 'Chancellor Saengar' to be all the more fitting towards his own movement in Sweden than several of the supposedly 'similar' political parties that had begun to register themselves in the past few weeks. The situation in his own nation looked grim, especially considering the failures of the military engagements that had mounted against Finland and the peace terms that followed afterwards. They left Sweden in a broken state that he felt both sorrow and opportunity from. The tensions between those who had faith in a 'better system' and those who still blindly followed the Provisional Government that had come before, only to be disbanded due to internal turmoil and corruption, had become all the more obvious once Representative Valshannar's pen etched the signatures of those who claimed to be Sverige's saviors in her darkest hours.

As far as he was concerned, the situation also presented the opportunity for his movement to gain speed. Membership numbers in the party had begun to swell since the news of the government's internal affairs became public following Karlsson's broadcast. The measly 'Sverige Legion' that existed before the Folkpartit, numbering at only 120, now had over 70 thousand. The youth in the nation still clung to their leftist agenda, but some among them and particularly among the preceding generations found themselves in favor of Akerlund's fiery tongue and his clear manifesto to bring change to the nation.

So he could understand the troubled Austrians, and the opposition they had mounted against the Imperial government. Opportunity, whenever it lied, was meant to be taken. Picking up a writing utensil in olden style, a feather pen, he dipped it into the ink and personally hand-writ a message to Chancellor Saengar.

[quote][font="Garamond"]To: Chancellor Saengar of the Republic of Austria
From: Chairman Akerlund, Sverige Folkpartit, Kingdom of Sweden

Miss Saengar,

I find myself ever the more enthralled in the tales I continue to see drift out of your country. Your struggle is something that I myself can find pride and inspiration in within my own cause. Much like your fellow countrymen, your 'dynastic leaders' betrayed you and the common people, I am saddened to say that the situation within my own nation is the same. The recent attempts by the corrupt and the powerful in both political and military society against our beleaguered Eastern brethren in Finland is something I can not tolerate. To this day, I still am confused as to how the Queen could have allowed something to slip past her of such a magnitude. It is clear to me that my nation, much like yours, requires change. The lies of the Provisional Government and the inability of Her Majesty to defend the interests of those that my party represents, the commoners, the working class, the average citizen, are threatened by this.

Allow me to offer my dearest thanks, and my support for your endeavours, Miss Saengar. I hope we can meet in the future...

I await your reply,

Chairman Svante Akerlund
Sveriges Folkpartit, Kingdom of Sweden
[/font][/quote]

[Bacharth]

The Republic of Cascadia will not support either side, but wishes to state that if the monarchy of Austria is to be toppled, then Cascadia will no longer be in the Commonwealth.

[Kaiser Martens]

The first statement of one of the new leaders, Svea Driesen of the Althing, reads as follows,

[i]To all those currently watching or participating of the Austrian Chaos,[/i]

As per our Germanic Protection Doctrine, we are obliged to remind the world that intervention in Austrian Affairs, as well as an attack upon Austria born from opportunism, will not be tolerated. We do not support either government in particular, but we do support Austria's territorial integrity and will support any government controlling Wien so long as it is itself supported and endorsed by the Austrian People, first and foremost.

It might or might not be time for the government to change and royalty to fall, that should not be for anyone but for Austrians themselves to decide. Intervention on favor of either side or, against Austria as a whole, will be viewed as an attack upon Germanic Union, for the right of the Austrians to self-determine their destiny is the highest priority, provided that the situation does not degenerate into an outright senseless large scale massacre of noncombatants.

All Austrians wishing Shelter are of course able to move to Germanic Union for as long as they wish, but there is no returning to Austria until the situation has stabilized.

Foreigners or even ourselves using our weapons to prop up whatever regime we deem best for Austria would be simply a means of oppressing the people and causing the Austrian Nation to become subservient and enslaved. We will not allow that.

May the best win.

[i]Österreich, wir stehen dir bei![/i] (Austria, we stand by you)

Edited May 15, 2011 by Kaiser Martens

[Vedran]

From the Chancellor, De Witt had not expected this. He had expected perhaps a brief explanation of the strategic situation with some rhetoric sprinkled in, not an impassioned speech. De Witt simply clasped his hands behind his back and stood straight, looking attentive as he scanned the eyes of the Chancellor. Perhaps this was a genuine outpouring of what she really thought about the state of affairs in Europe, or it was a carefully planned outburst meant to gain Hourglass's sympathy, and by extension, that of the Arcticans. If it was this latter, she was quite good at it, because De Witt really couldn't tell which it was. He wasn't a people person.

When she was done, the only thing he could think to do was grin and say, "Spoken like an African." Then he caught himself, not wanting to bring the woman's self-expressed xenophobia forth. "Sorry - I'm sorry if that offended you, Chancellor, I wasn't thinking." A short pause. "But I have heard that talk among us Africans, often. From the Arcticans over the years, and my own colleagues when I lived in Transvaal. I remember the Arcticans issuing exasperated messages, appealing to warring parties to see reason when all they wanted was conquest.

But I have never heard it from the mouth of a European, who has lived through the hegemonies and nuclear wars personally rather than watching from a distance. Personally, I find it refreshing to see someone with the opportunity to change it."

He said no more, [i]especially[/i] didn't tell her than he hoped her cause would succeed. As an officer of a corporation that thrived on not being tied to any cause, he couldn't. Instead he reached into his pocket and took out a small memory card, handing it to her. "Encryption and decryption protocols for secure communication. The configurations are unique to every contract partner. Just hand them to your specialists, they'll know how to set it up."

De Witt extended his hand once more. "Until next we speak, Chancellor, I bid you farewell."

The plane was in the air just as the sun began to pass behind the hills.

[Centurius]

Paper, for all the modernization attempts, the implementation of ISIS, Genesis, MCNET, etc. Paper was still there. Since the announcement both Valerio and Ariadne had received dozens of folders, hundreds of memos and the most information since the last war. With a sigh Ariadne read through a field report from Trieste until a knock was heard on the door of her office. While being underground beyond the reach of any kind of weapon there still was space for proper residential and working areas for all in the Imperial War Cabinet.

“Come in” She said putting the paper she held on the desk.

As the Lieutenant walked in he immediately saluted. “Your Imperial Highness, the Cabinet has assembled”

“Thank you Lieutenant, I will head there myself soon.”

She looked at a picture made before she became Empress “Life was so much easier back then”.
By now she had been dressed in her dress whites, purely ceremonial of course but it helped the Forces to take their direct orders from someone wearing their uniform. The navy had been her choice, the air force that of Valerio.

Followed by her personal lieutenant she walked through the halls filled with soldiers moving back and forth to bring reports back to their commanders. In the distance she could see the Genesis Localized Command Center and next to it Naval Command. After walking for 5 minutes she entered a highly secured room in the absolute center of the enormous bunker that was the Imperial War Cabinet. Filled with generals, magistrates and intelligence directors the room seemed even more impressive than just the amount of electronics already made it seem.

“The Empress has arrived”

Immediately all inside except Valerio stood up.

“At ease, updates” She said while taking a seat at the table in the center which hosted Imperial Command, the Chief Magistrate, Magistrate of Defense and Magistrate of Energy.

“Your Imperial Highness, reports from our field officer in Vienna show the Imperial Army is so far holding. That said our reports at the border, from our inside woman and satellite feeds show the rebels are advancing steadily and are making bold moves. At the moment we are unsure if this is backed with a plan we don’t know of or simply idiocy at the hands of the former Chancellor.” Mengsk said while looking through the report from the Committee for State Security.

“Your Imperial Highnesses, our forces have been mobilized for months now and we have close to 500,000 men with proper support of all kinds in Italy, our navy is preventing any naval support from coming in and with the Quantum and Phoenix reaching production stages we can ensure air dominance. Perhaps we should be moving forward and launching a preemptive strike against the rebels” Manolis added, the room turned silent for a minute before Valerio shook his head.

“No, the Royalists wouldn’t want it and the world at large doesn’t want it. Providing actual boots on the ground simply isn’t an option.”

“I agree, sir. Perhaps a better tactic would be to maintain our current blockades and provide a different kind of support. The Austrians know how most of our older technology works, while it is both undesirable and unfeasible to give them the Quantum or Phoenix our other weapon systems may be a good option. As it stands the Hellenic Navy is guaranteeing a safe supply line for transports, our reports show that Koper still is very much Imperial. At your order we can begin moving fighters, bombers, tanks, artillery, armored vehicles and combat armor there within a day. To be sure we can hire Ravenwood to send in a group of advisers. This way we are not getting directly involved but still are providing support they need.” Admiral Manera said, while she was a new member of Imperial Command she had learned fast.

“Will the Germans and Parliament agree to this Hektor?” Ariadne asked looking at her Chief Magistrate.

“Probably, ma’am. So far you enjoy support of the Socialist Alliance, the Dove Party, the Green Party, the Equal Rights Party and the Slavic Unity party. The Nationalist Front is leaning towards the rebels, the Liberalist Union favors full neutrality. Under current circumstances you have a supermajority in Parliament, the recent German announcement has suggested that weapon supplies are acceptable.”

“Very well, anything else?”

“Your Imperial Highnesses, while they are still busy in Austria we must prepare for an attack on our land, Trieste is in the middle of the game and all of Northern Italy in general could come under attack. It is our recommendation that the Hellenic Forces are brought to Alert Condition Gamma, the forces in North Italy to Beta and finally the forces in Trieste to Alpha. We should also look into reinforcing the latter to make it able to withstand attacks for a long time. If we lose Trieste it will be the beginning of the end.”

“I agree, I do think with that this meeting is over, please keep open communication links, I do not want to hear stuff on TV before I hear it here.”

---

The orders were executed almost immediately after the meeting, naval transports would begin loading F-1s, F/A-47s, B-9s, Juggernauts, and all elements of the Future Combat Program. The goal was to modernize around 10% of the Imperial Army before too much ground was lost.

At the same time all forces in North Italy established positions near the border and in the area. Aircraft were on alert, tanks were moving, soldiers were aiming. If anything tried to cross the border they would have it. In part due to the unattended ground sensors watching the border. A total of 4 full divisions attached to the Greek Second Army were redeployed to Trieste and the direct area surrounding it.

---

For a few weeks now Field Commander Drago had been in charge of the defense of Trieste, while it originally seemed as a punishment the events in those weeks had shown that this was where the action would be. Being basically isolated if the Austrians made the right moves the city could be the first to fall. However he had received the reports that they were getting reinforcements with approval. After a few days the promised force had arrived and set up positions in the city while also establishing depots and seizing buildings that would be needed for the defense.

---

"The Athenian Federation warns all parties that support of the rebel movement is considered supporting an act of war against an ally of the Federation. If we find evidence of active foreign involvement on behalf of the rebels individuals and organizations will be held responsible, be it countries or stateless entities."

Edited May 15, 2011 by Centurius

[Mergerberger II]

[center][img]http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s45/kansasrules/Akitsushima.png[/img]

[b][size=4]Official Statement from the Government of Akitsushima[/size][/b]


The Government of Akitsushima wishes to formally declare its neutrality in regards to the Austrian Civil War. We are in no position to assist either side, nor do we have any vested interest in seeing either side win.

It is the hope of this Government that this can be brought to a swift conclusion with minimal casualties and that whatever the outcome, the people of Austria are not forgotten.

- Abe Honda, Minister of Foreign Affairs -[/center]

[Padraig Rua]

Kaiser Frederick was given the message received from the Austrian Chief of the General Staff. After reading through the message with the utmost care, he placed it down on the table beside him and said [i]"So it begins....."[/i]. Frederick turned and looked at Field Marshall Johann Von Richthofen, and nodded his and said [i]"It is time, I want to mobilize all 40 of our GO 244 transports along with a fighter escort of 5 ME-262's. I want all transports to head for Linz from the most southern point of the Pilsen Gegend and I want to fly in around 10,000 troops to support our Imperial Allies."[/i] The Field Marshall quickly nodded and went about doing so.

About 1 hour later the first GO 244 transports began to take off. This flight of 40 would deliver 1120 troops to Linz and then fly back to Bohemia to take over another 1120 troops. A total of 9 flights are to be made to Linz from Bohemia, then another flight of 21 GO 244's will fly over 21 small artillery pieces such as the German 88mm anti-tank gun, and the German 76mm Minenwerfer. After the troops and artillery are delivered 21 tanks would be flown over to Linz, all King Tiger tanks. These movements will take about a day to complete since there is such a short distance between Austria and Bohemia. The flight of troops, artillery, and tanks would be flown over the small strip of GNED land dividing Austria and Bohemia. Once the flight is over said piece of territory it will fly into Austria and head towards Linz.

[VigilantWatcher]

[quote] [u][b]Official Commonwealth of Buryatia Dispatch[/b][/u]

The Commonwealth of Buryatia is willing to assist with humanitarian efforts. The Buryatia Red Cross is sending a cargo ship carrying food and medical supplies to Venice where it can be unloaded. If need be the vessel will make more than one trip. [/quote]


The Four Hundred Dead Weight Ton Cargo Ship BRCV Hope of the Buryatia Red Cross begins it's voyage from Magadan. It's cargo on board consisted of dry food, bottles of water, medical supplies, tent shelters and clothes.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

The sound of artillery fire made Steffan Schroder jump from his bed in the inn of Oberwolz. He sat up, the fog of sleep still in his eyes as he tried to collect his thoughts, then another echo of cannon fire released the fog and brought him to the realization that his forces had either attacked or were under attack, likely by Imperial Militia. The General jumped out of the bed and grabbed his coat and holster hanging over the end of the bed. Before he could even dress himself, the door to his room swung open as a young woman with brown hair in a messenger's uniform sharply saluted him.

"General Schroder, I apologize for bothering you like this, but Colonel Luft sends his regards."

Schroder gave the girl a weak salute as he finished buttoning his coat and strapping the gun to his waist. "Go on Major, I don't need formalities right now, what did Luft get himself into."

She took a small piece of paper out of her coat and handed it to him. "The Colonel says that he was moving down towards Scheifling to secure the junction before the main force moved down the road. There were a few militia units in the region and the Colonel believed that he would have the ability to sweep them, but they turned out to be Imperial Regulars, with tank support no less. The Colonel wishes to state that after the initial push back through Scheifling, he reformed his unit and attacked again. But he is afraid that with so much little tank support and that we don't know just how large of a force we might be facing, if he has the ability to retreat back to Oberwolz and lure the enemy into the passes surrounding Scheifling."

With some of the fog of sleep still drifting through his head, Schroder looked at the messenger with puzzled eyes, trying to get a grip on the situation. "I thought I made it clear that Colonel Luft was not to enter into any engagement with Imperial Forces until the rest of the division had been brought up." He sighed and shook his head. "We still have units marching out of Ranten and that's some five miles back."

"The Colonel underestimated the enemy's will, we thought they were only militia and skirmishers, no one expected them to hold."

"Especially Colonel Luft it appears." Schroder groaned.

"Does the General have orders for the vanguard units then?" The girl said quietly, not wanting to anger Schroder further.

"No, I think I'm going to take a look for myself. Go down to the road, Major, have my aide prepare the care, I want to see what Luft has gotten himself into first hand."

"Of course sir, very good sir." The girl saluted and as quick as she had arrived, was then gone.

Schroder turned back towards the window as another blast of artillery echoed through the sky. "I hope to God that's ours."

---

The roads south of the central mountain range curved like snakes through the tall hills. This terrain offered a decisive advantage to those forces who were able to fire first. Nearly the entire area was covered in thick forestation which made maneuvering impossible except through the narrow roads. On these roads, units became easy targets for snipers, tank fire, and artillery shells that were positioned on the tall hills. For Luft's vanguard force, having left Oberwolz, they had only wanted to secure the Scheifling Junction to permit the main Republican Force to push back along the roads towards the north. At the beginning of the day, when the fog and dew was still hovering through the sky, the echo of artillery tore the serenity of the small village apart as the vanguard found themselves bombarded from positions south of the junction.

While this had not been the first time that Imperial Militia in the mountains had displayed artillery. Once Luft pushed towards the south to capture the artillery pieces and rout the skirmishers he found that the Imperials strength was much higher than he had first anticipated. In the low-lying fields south of the junction, the first battalions of Republican forces engaged the Imperials who were dug in along the roads and on the hillside. Artillery placed on the hillsides surrounding Scheifling continued to bombard the Republican units moving through the town to the point where Luft, in the face of being routed, ordered his men to pull back towards the roads leading north to Oberwolz. However, as the Republican units began to fall back into the northern passes, Imperial tanks rushed out from positions behind the dug in infantry, turning Luft's pull back into a full rout. When Schroder finally arrived on the scene, he could only look in confusion as three thousand Republican soldiers ran north, fleeing from Imperial artillery and tank attacks.

Jumping out of the jeep, Schroder watched as another car thundered it's way towards him and Colonel Luft jumped out. He had a white bandage wrapped around his head with a few specks of blood covering his black uniform.

"General Schroder, I beg to report on my position."

"Go ahead Colonel, I can already see that we have a bit of a mess on our hands."

"The Imperials are too dug in and we don't have the sufficient means to push them from the positions south of the junction. I'm suggesting that we find another route around Graz. To be honest, General, I think we're fighting the Graz garrison itself. They must have discovered our movements. But I doubt our ability to loosen them from the hillside and along the road."

Schroder looked down at the junction valley at the black uniforms still running across the plains, the fields were already scattered with dead Republican soldiers. "I ordered that no engagement was to take place until the rest of the army could bring itself together. Were those orders misunderstood, Colonel?"

"No sir, we have fought militia and skirmisher units before, we've swept them off the field as well. No one expected that the Imperials would pull up Regulars from Graz or wherever the hell they're coming from. I didn't expect the amount of artillery either. But do you want me to pull back to Oberwolz, we can give them the field and find a different route towards St. Polten."

"No Colonel, it wouldn't be of any use now. We've been discovered and if we pull back now, the Imperials will only start to trail us. We have to take this field. I want you to reform your men and position them along the northern road, outside of the village. We can bring up artillery and armor from Ranten, it should arrive in a few hours, do you think you can hold until then?"

Luft nodded and looked back over the field. "If we don't have a choice General, then we'll hold them all the damned live-long day."

"If we can put fire on those hills on the southern part of town, if we can get positions up there, we can take the village, push the Imperials down from the mountain and then we'll have the high ground. Hell, we could threaten Klagenfurt and Graz at the same time with two divisions."

"Then we'll hold. Very good sir." Said Luft as he saluted and jumped back into his jeep as he went down to join his soldiers on the road.

Schroder stood on the hillside, listening to the pulse and blast of artillery fire and the explosions that were happening all across the valley. He would stand his ground her and the first engagement of the war would begin. The Battle of Scheifling.

[code]
General Saenger,

Engaged Imperial forces thirty miles outside
of Graz. No choice but to attack, they have
discovered our position and I believe
that the best move for the Republican Army
is to conduct a Southern Campaign against
Klagenfurt and Graz and to open up a
corridor with Dalmatia.

I await your orders.

-Schroder
[/code]

Edited May 15, 2011 by Sarah Tintagyl

[Padraig Rua]

After a very long 8 hours all 10,000 Bohemian Troops arrived in Linz, under the command of Field Marshall Johann Von Richthofen. The artillery and tanks were to arrive in Linz within the next 12 hours, along with munitions for the Austrian Imperial Army and other supplies such as food. Field Marshall Richthofen waited to be greeted by a senior official of the Austrian Army, before he could move out and aid the Imperial Army on the battlefield.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

When Lemann and Frehauf arrived at the War Council that Bridgette had summoned them for, they found the Chancellor holding a letter and staring silently over the map laid across the table. Her teeth bit hard on the finger resting on her teeth while her other hand tapped gently against the edge of the map.

"We were called, Madame Chancellor? Is there something the matter?" Lemann spoke up and placed his hands firmly behind his back.

"I just received a missive from Schroder, his force is under attack thirty miles outside of Graz. He doubts his ability to make it to St. Polten within any reasonable time for us to spring the flanking maneuver."

Lemann and Frehauf both looked at each other nervously before Lemann once again spoke. "He's sure that he doesn't have the resources to move to St. Polten?"

Bridgette shrugged, "I can understand his concern. It is a rather far march and across the mountains no less." She pushed herself up from her chair and looked over the map. "He is suggesting a change in strategy that instead of focusing on flanking the Imperial Army from two sides and concentrating on capturing Linz. We should move the entire army towards the south, take Graz, Klagenfurt, and Slovenia. It will open up a corridor with Dalmatia and we'll be able to get supplied faster."

"It also put us in range of the Athenians." Said Frehauf, "And to have a sufficient campaign, we would have to abandon Salzburg."

"No matter where we go, aside from the border with Dalmatia, we are near enemy forces. Athens or Germany, neither nation concerns me at the moment." Bridgette placed both of her hands firmly on the table. "What does concern me, however, is that if we decide to pursue this Southern Campaign, then we have to stick to it. We don't have the time or energy to constantly jump back and forth with strategies."

"We would be throwing ourselves into a vortex of unrest, Madame Chancellor." Frehauf continued, "The Imperials still haven't quelled the Slovene rebellions."

"But if we could use their rebellion to our advantage and we could threaten Vienna from the South as well as restrict Imperial support from overseas. We would command the ports."

"And air?" Said Lemann.

"We have anti-air capabilities and we have some air power. If the Athenians are going to fly supplies into a war zone they had best know we'll shoot them down."

"We would risk a war Madame Chancellor, it would set the entire continent on fire." Chimed Frehauf.

"And the people will only hasten to join our cause. We will have to fight the Germans and Athenians eventually, we are destroying their puppet after all. That said, if they would invade, by the time their done, either Austria would prevail or there will be nothing left of Austria to claim. The population will not allow a foreign intervention, if the Imperials require foreign help, then they've signed their death wish." She moved the figures around Salzburg towards the south. "While Schroder's divisions are engaged near Graz, we will take the rest of the army down towards Koper and cut off Imperial supplies from the sea. Maybe capture some of the Athenian supplies as well."

"And Salzburg?" Said Lemann.

"We'll leave a garrison of ten thousand, keep Von Hess and the Bohemians busy. General Lemann, I trust you could defend the city to hold back the Imperials from following us into the mountains?"

"For at least a few weeks I think. It'll take them some time to storm the city, no matter how many men they bring down on us. Has that Doctor from Russia produced anything of value yet?"

"I sent Sebastian to talk with him, I haven't received a report yet." Bridgette said moving back to her chair. "I'm sure he'll have something. Though maybe the approaching Imperials will give him a bit more of hurried motivation. Inventors are strange people, they work at their own pace, the world shuts down around them." She chuckled, "I wish the world moved the same for me."

"Shall we begin to ready the corps for movement then, Madame Chancellor?" Said Frehauf.

"Yes, General, have your corps meet with my main army in Mallnitz, from there we'll take Klagenfurt and advance on Koper and Istria." She stood up from the chair and saluted. "You have your orders gentlemen."

The two generals saluted in return and clicked their heels, "Chancellor." They said in unison and then left the council room as Bridgette moved her forces into the south.

---

The next morning, fifty thousand Republican soldiers began to move out of Salzburg into the mountains heading south. Having left Sebastian and Lemann in charge of any foreign concerns that would fine their way into the Republican capital, Bridgette took off with her men heading towards Klagenfurt. Her hopes were that the main Republican Army could bear down on the Imperials quickly and cut off supplies, in addition, she prayed that the Germans would continue to push to recognize Austria as part of the Germanic Sphere of Influence. Already scores of Austrians had bolstered the Republican ranks after seeing that the Hapsburg Policy had gone as far as to show Germany as in control and politically stronger than Austria had ever been or would become. She could play off of her people's own history, the Athenians were Communists, the Germans were Pagan-Goths trying to recreate a society from long ago. The end of the monarchy was simply a needed stage so that Austria could reach it's true potential.

Pulling off the road at one of hills, Bridgette jumped out of her jeep and stared out over the terrain before her. Salzburg was still in the distance and up the winding roads into the mountains were columns of men and women. They marched proudly with their rifles slung around their shoulders and the tanks lumbering behind them. As they passed her on the road, the men and women took off their caps and rose them into the air in salute. One man in particular called out."

"Three Cheers for Chancellor Saenger! She'll set us free boys! We'll win this war! Hip Hip Huzzah!"

"Hip Hip Huzzah!"

"Hip Hip Huzzah!"

Bridgette rose her own hat into the air and smiled. With any hope they would be right, but the war would not end instantly and Vienna would not fall easily. They were in for a long war and she hoped that the smiles and cheers wouldn't fade after the first taste of battle. It would get much darker in Austria, before it would get lighter.

---

Meanwhile Marshal von Richthofen would be greeted in Linz by General Franz Huber, the commander of the Linz garrison who would also be in charge of leading the attack on Salzburg when the time came. "We appreciate the quickness that your men have been able to arrive, Marshal. Vienna has instructed that we move towards Salzburg with all possible speed. Our scouts have reported that a great number of the Republican defenders have already moved away from the city. With our army, plus your reinforcements, we should have no trouble in crushing the resistance and bringing the city back under Imperial control."

[Padraig Rua]

[quote]Meanwhile Marshal von Richthofen would be greeted in Linz by General Franz Huber, the commander of the Linz garrison who would also be in charge of leading the attack on Salzburg when the time came. "We appreciate the quickness that your men have been able to arrive, Marshal. Vienna has instructed that we move towards Salzburg with all possible speed. Our scouts have reported that a great number of the Republican defenders have already moved away from the city. With our army, plus your reinforcements, we should have no trouble in crushing the resistance and bringing the city back under Imperial control."[/quote]

Marshal Richthofen smiled after hearing the plan from General Huber and said "I would like to request permission to delay the assault on Salzburg until my artillery and tanks arrive along with our troop transports. It would give us a bit more advantage over our weaker foes in Salzburg." Richthofen paused and looked up into the clear blue sky over head and continued " Also may I suggest we soften up our enemy first? I have many available attack/bombing aircraft ready to use, at my command. I can order them to be sent to Linz and stay there until no longer required?"

[Malatose]

[b]Greater Visari Military Base
Bucharest, Romania[/b]

Hundreds of large logistic vehicles pulled into the base under the cover of heavy security. As soon as the trucks parked, they were unloaded by logistics personnel and placed onboard dozens of large transport aircraft. In order to keep the utmost secrecy, the personnel were told they were unloading humanitarian supplies to displaced children in Africa. However, that was far from the truth. The crates were loaded with munitions and other weapons to support the Austrian Revolutionaries. The weapons were all stripped, to take off serial numbers and anything else that could be traced back to Dalmatia.

Keeping watch over the operation was General Nod Terrik, a party member and soldier in the Greater Nordic Armed Forces. He expected the crates, making sure there was no visible information that could lead to the true contents.

[i]"Everything appears to be in order.."[/i]

He looked at his data packet to confirm the total shipment.

[code]15,000 - StA-12 Assault Rifles
80,000 - Rounds of Ammunition
10,000 - Panzerschreck Ausf.B Advanced, Fire-and-Forget Anti-Tank Guided-Missiles[/code]

With his final approval, he gave the go ahead for the tranports to begin taking off and heading towards Austria.

[Zoot Zoot]

Her Imperial Highness Maria Hapsburg has the full support if Great Britain and we shall provide aid should you request it, in the form of financial assistance.

[Vedran]

At Lusaka International Airport, a 747 was taxiing to the runway while another sat on the tarmac, still in the process of boarding.

The jet, identified as belonging to Lemur Charters by gold-bordered black text on its fuselage, turned on to the runway and began the takeoff process. Inside, there was the typical two-aisle configuration, and this first plane was packed to capacity with passengers. Namely, Hourglass operators. As the plane accelerated along the runway, the cabin was silent. In the case of some of them, they were just waiting for the plane to take off and get to Austria so they could do what they did. Some thought about the mission ahead and what the future would hold for them, working in Hourglass. Others still were focused on their typical worry that something was going to go wrong with the plane; an equipment failure, a crash, even being shot down by Athenian fighters.

With a feeling of inertia, the landing gear parted from the asphalt, and they were in the air. Twenty minutes later, the next plane followed. Soon enough they formed up with one plane behind the other, approximately a kilometer apart so the trailing plane could just barely see its companion on the horizon. Once they were well on their way, and the food and drink carts had begun making their rounds, the mercenaries got comfortable and started chatting. Their US Woodland camos were unbuttoned, and all their equipment was in the cargo bay.

In the front plane, a Mozambican brother and sister pair were seated next to each other, and the brother turned his attention from the African countryside passing by the window. "Are you alright, Raquel?"

She seemed to be nervous. "Oh, you know how I don't like to fly. And I'm preoccupied with this Austrian contract." She glanced around the plane. "There are a lot of us here, and so many things could go bad. From the blockade, to actually being on the ground, fighting."

He put a hand on her shoulder to reassure her. "Hey, we signed up for this, remember? And we've got each other's backs, that's why we joined up together, and the recruiters put us in the same group."

"Yeah, I suppose. But I have a bad feeling about this."

The brother, Marco, hailed a passing flight attendant and got soft drinks for the two of them. "We'll see how it plays out."

In another aisle, there were two Transvaler men in their twenties enjoying themselves much more than the siblings. They were taking generous gulps from their bottles of Springbok Lager, and were laughing at a story one of them was telling. Clearly they were friends before they joined Hourglass.

Sitting a few rows in front of them were two black men, having difficulty sparking up a conversation. From the looks of it, they didn't know each other. They soon found common ground, however, when the one sitting in the aisle seat glanced over to the other, who had been in silent, and whispered, "Hey."

"What?"

"Don't you think those two Boers there are getting a little annoying?"

The window seat passenger glanced back at the Transvalers, and grinned. "Figure so?"

"Yeah. But it's better than what they did back home. I used to live in Limpopo-"

"Oh, you too?"

"Yeah! Where you from?"

"You wouldn't know me, I'm a farm boy; little town."

"Ah, I lived in the capital. Moved to Maputo after I joined Hourglass, since they got a field office there. Figure I might make some money, and I knew a little about guns already. They just smoothed out the corners, y'know."

"Yeah. Now what's this about the Boers?"

"Oh, yeah, we had this little place, nice bar downtown. None of them there, just us blacks. Well, one day, a bunch of them come in looking like they own the place. Beefy types, maybe police cadets or something, something to make them feel like they got more power than they already do with a white government. Anyway, they come in there, and the manager tells 'em, get out you, stinking Boers, this is our place."

"Then what?"

"Well, they break a bottle over the guy's head. And he's an old guy, you know, so he goes flat on the floor. And the rest of us, we'd been watching, we pick up whatever's handy and go at them. Eventually the police comes and clears out the place. Went out of business."

The other man was astonished at this story, but not surprised. "And you?"

Aisle seat rolled up his sleeve and showed window seat a scar running down his arm. He flashed his white teeth. "I was the one that got away."

"Man, what a story. Too bad it happened regularly back there, from what I hear. They never bothered our village."

Aisle seat nodded and rolled down his sleeve. He glanced back a few rows, where the Transvalers were still joking with one another. "But not all of them are like that. I've met some good men since I've joined Hourglass. White, black, brown. Maybe there's still hope we'll all get along one day." He looked back at window seat. "So what's your name, friend?"

"Akhona."

"Aviwe. It's nice to meet you."

And so the mercenaries got to know each other, or related old stories to each other if they were already acquainted. This lasted for a few hours. Then they watched the in-flight movie and ate. When they were done, the group leaders walked down the aisles. "Ladies and gentlemen," an Arctican group leader said to his operators, "I want you to get some rest now. We'll be arriving at the blockade line in a few hours, and I want you to be alert once we get to Austria - if they let us through. If not, there's no need to worry. We'll just have to turn back."

He smirked. "But none of you really want to turn back after coming all this way, do you?" A raucous cheer rose up from the mercenaries. Raquel sighed and looked down at her lap, wishing for the pep talk to be over.

"I just want to tell you all good luck. We're all counting on you."

------

Hours later, the mercs were just stirring. They were over the Mediterranean Sea, and it was nighttime. The group leaders walked down the aisles, checking their troops and making for last-minute arrangements with the flight staff, going over the details of unloading all the equipment.

When they were still over international waters, in the trailing plane, the Hourglass representative overseeing the mission went into the cabin upon the summons of the pilots.

One of the pilots turned to him. "We're reaching the exclusion zone." The representative, Andrew Fletcher, looked out the window, as if expecting to see something.

"Very well. Request to pass into their airspace en route to Austria."

The pilot did so, as did the pilot of the leading airplane.

"Lemur Heavy 309, requesting access to Athenian airspace en route to Austria, over."
"Lemur Heavy 310, requesting access to Athenian airspace en route to Austria, over."

[Imperator Azenquor]

A highly classified and encrypted message would be sent to Austria:

[quote]
[b]***Encrypted Message***[/b]
To: The Offices of Chancellor Bridgette Saenger, Austria
Fr: Dmitri Petrovic, East Asia Company, Private Military Division

It has come to our attention that you are currently conducting a military campaign in your native land of Austria. I sympathize with your plight and I am prepared to offer assistance at a nominal fee.

The East Asia Company is prepared to offer a unit of 350 soldiers and a cache of surplus military armaments to your cause. All we would require in return would be a secure route for the movement of these personnel and arms to Austria and a one time payment of B$ 320,000 if and only if your side emerges victorious and our contract is fulfilled.

I have also been asked to state that my offer has support from, let us say an unnamed higher power.

I sincerely look forward to your response.

Signed,
D. Petrovic, CEO East Asia Co., OV, OVE
[/quote]

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Bridgette stared out the window of the inn in Mallnitz as the snow began to fall from the sky. The darkened hills across the country were already coated with a fine sheen of white. They had already marched for some three days and the vanguard units were getting ready for their descent into the long, flat expanses of the lower Austrian plain. The weather would slow the rest of the army down, but if Bridgette could reach Klagenfurt within the next week, Schroder's attack in the east still might be enough of a distraction for the Graz garrison to have free reign all the way to Koper. It was a pipe dream more than anything, but there was always the chance for success and the Imperial Forces were still spread out. If the Republicans could only win these first few battles, it might be enough to swing the entire war around.

Turning back from the window, she darkened the gas lamp on the bed stand and crawled into the covers. Having ridden in a jeep for most of the day any bed was soft and she could feel herself falling to sleep peacefully, before a loud knock on the door pushed her eyes opened.

"What is it?" She spat annoyance towards the closed door.

Frehauf walked in slowly, biting his bottom lip the moment he saw the lights shut off. "Forgive me, Chancellor, but this just arrived from Salzburg. Sebastian forwarded it over to me just over an hour ago. The East Asia Company has shown interest in helping our cause."

Bridgette sighed and leaned over turning back up the gas lamp. "All right, bring it here." Frehauf handed the letter over to her and she read it through with one eye shut and the other foggy. "Ah, well, any support is appreciated, but they're going to have to go through Dalmatia to get here." She ran her right hand across her hair and nodded. "Luckily for these guys, Dalmatia is a Republican supporter so they shouldn't have too much trouble." The Chancellor tossed the letter on the nightstand and fell back onto the pillow. "I'll take care of it tomorrow Frehauf."

"Of course Chancellor, have a good night."

"Oh, and Frehauf, when I go to bed, please try to limit the visits."

He chuckled and shut the door behind him, "Of course Chancellor."

[quote]
[b]To: Dmitri Petrovic, East Asia Company, Private Military Division
From: Bridgette Saenger, Chancellor of the Republic of Austria[/b]

[i]Dear Sir,

I do appreciate your organization's support for our cause. The Republic does not have much, but what we lack in munitions and soldiers we have in friends. However, while I do accept your offer and am willing to pay upon your force's arrival, getting them to Austria is an entirely different story. My suggestion would be moving through Dalmatia, they too are supporters of our cause and if you were discovered transporting munitions and other things, they might be lenient. All in all, I hope that this partnership will not only bring the Republic close with the East Asia Company, but the whole of the Serene Republic.

Regards,

Bridgette Saenger[/i]
[/quote]

---

[quote]
Marshal Richthofen smiled after hearing the plan from General Huber and said "I would like to request permission to delay the assault on Salzburg until my artillery and tanks arrive along with our troop transports. It would give us a bit more advantage over our weaker foes in Salzburg." Richthofen paused and looked up into the clear blue sky over head and continued " Also may I suggest we soften up our enemy first? I have many available attack/bombing aircraft ready to use, at my command. I can order them to be sent to Linz and stay there until no longer required?"
[/quote]

"That would be fine," said Hubert, "The Imperial Army already outnumbers the Republicans. A few days of delay shouldn't hurt our position. In fact it would give us more time to get organized. When you have brought up your forces, by all means Marshal, you have the field. Whatever you can do to weaken and destroy their positions in their 'capital' will be acceptable. We will gladly made commendations for your forces."

[Padraig Rua]

[quote]"That would be fine," said Hubert, "The Imperial Army already outnumbers the Republicans. A few days of delay shouldn't hurt our position. In fact it would give us more time to get organized. When you have brought up your forces, by all means Marshal, you have the field. Whatever you can do to weaken and destroy their positions in their 'capital' will be acceptable. We will gladly made commendations for your forces."[/quote]

It had been 18 hours after Marshal Richthofen spoke to General Hubert after their last conversation. By now all Bohemian military forces and supplies had arrived in Linz. Marshall Richthofen now gave the orders for the DBL to begin bombing the city of Salzburg around the clock until Austrian-Bohemian Forces were in range of Salzburg to take it themselves. At Pilsen air base the first ME-262's began taking off with medium explosives heading for Salzburg, after receiving the Field Marshal's orders. About a half-hour later the sounds of the first Jets roared overhead, heading off to the distance towards Salzburg.

[Triyun]

The skies of Austria were not as open as they appeared. Sergei looked at the bright HUD screen ahead of him as he maneuvered the F-165 Scythe Vanguard through the clouds over Austria. The F-165 had been built in near total secret and was built as a potential competitor to the original F-1. Mainly disqualified due to range issues, it sported a weapons suite that would make even the newest and most advanced fighters pause. The swept wing killer's unified body sensor swept the skies with its low probability of intercept radar waves searching for targets.

The Me-262s were heading towards Salzburg, unawares of the fate which awaited them. His 3-d display illuminated them producing a magnified image of each. [i]Like shooting fish in a barrel.[/i] he thought to himself. Sergei nodded his head forward slightly to confirm to the air plane that he wanted to take the shot at the first one. Focusing in on the first aircraft a powerful microwave was sent across the sky directing energy into the high explosives detonating them on-board. This was repeated one after the other as the F-165 remained at beyond visual range for the engagement. To the Bohemians it would appear as if god himself was striking their aircraft out of the sky.

As the micro-wave DEW ran low on power Sergei smirked, any future aggressors would be left to the Austrian defenders. Instead he would continue to feed them combat data from his F-165s tracking computer, acting as a guide for the missiles and anti air guns in the city.

"Such pitiful challengers." Sergei declared. "I was hoping to see one of the new models." he wished. "Where are the Athenians, Israelis, or Chinese?"

Dr. Y's voice came on the line, "This is a trial run for the Scythe Vanguard, do not seek to exploit its capabilities fully."

Sergei shrugged, "If I cannot push this machine to its limit, there is no point in me flying it." he boldly declared.

Dr. Y sighed. "Understood, continue deterrence patrol."

The F-165 formed up with eight of its companion aircraft which continued their phantom deterrence patrol.

On the ground over Salzburg, a powerful laser grid came online. Several infrared long range lasers emitters, acting in similar fashion to Boeing the airborne laser would be deployed by Dr. Y around the city. These systems would negate the ability of the Chinese or Athenians to intervene with their long range anti-radiation weapons, while providing missile and air defense detection for the region.

Additionally, throughout the city, a new weapon system would be deployed. Based on the Club K, a SAM variant of the cargo container missile would be linked in with the F-165s and infrared laser sensors. The end result would be a powerful combination of low probability of detection stand off kill vehicles, difficult to launch a pre-emptive strike against.

[Padraig Rua]

Field Marshal Richthofen watched as the burning wreckage of the ME-262's crashed down to earth with great speed. He expected a few losses during the bombing of Salzburg but not five ME-262's. At the moment he was filled with anger, but it was eclipsed by thought of revenge. Frederick sent a message back to Pilsen confirming the loss of the 5 ME-262's and ordered no other aircraft to fly missions during the course of the rebellion, unless the mission would be transport of reinforcements and supplies. After doing so Richthofen looked out into the distance towards Salzburg, waiting patiently to attack.

[Centurius]

[b]Warehouse, Outskirts of Sofia[/b]

Ravenwood had been a company that had gained quite a reputation by now within Athens, being used for protection of special persons and having aided the intelligence agencies more than once their job would become more lucrative and bigger. Already 20 employees had been sent to Koper to guarantee the safety of the cargo that was being transported.

André Lima had been a part of the legendary Thracian Guard and had seen more wars than most people. He had been brought to a warehouse at the outskirts of Sofia for a new job. Just as he entered the warehouse accompanied by 2 guards a large elderly man walked in, as André turned around he immediately recognized him.

“Director Mengsk” he said bowing slightly.

“Mister Lima, I thank you for coming. I will go right to business. We have a job that will fully show the capabilities of Ravenwood to my government and the world at large.” He said upon which he nodded to one of his guards who would pass a folder to the CEO of Ravenwood.

“The Athenian Federation can not attack the Austrian rebels, but we do want to aid the Imperial Army. That will be your job. You already have 20 men for protection in Koper. I seek the services of another 200 of your employees accompanies by proper armored support and a squadron of the new F-99.” Mengsk walked to a side of the warehouse. “If you agree you will be paid from an account belonging to a fake company in Lisbon. I can guarantee your reward will be quite worth the risk”

André grinned. “This is exactly what my men have been waiting for. I will gladly take the job, how far can my soldiers go?”

“Second Act of Milan, no WMDs, rebels that surrender will be handed over to Imperial authorities and finally no unnecessary killing of civilians. We want a habitable Austria.”

“Understood”

André would be given another folder which included exact addresses and such to forward the bills to.

---
[quote][center][img] http://www.mistercosmic.com/images/Ravenwood-Crest-v2_TH.png[/img][/center]

To whomever it may concern,

Upon hearing of your situation and receiving orders from an undisclosed individual Ravenwood would like to offer the Imperial Army its services. Employees are all veterans from wars past, consisting of various nationalities they also have a diverse set of skills.

We have been given instructions to send and payment for 200 fully armed soldiers of which 10 snipers accompanies by tanks and other armored support at a rate of 1:10. In addition a Squadron of the new F-99 Phoenix.

If you desire our services our employees and material will move toward Austria.

Yours sincerely,
A. L.[/quote]
---

[b]Hellenic World Services Private Airport, Tirana[/b]

Only a day after taking the order and receiving permission the full force would prepare to leave. Using 2 Airbus A400Ms for the employees and a transport by sea for the vehicles. The squadron of F-99s would fly towards Austria, the aircraft were for all intents and purposes unique, while they were based on existing technology the actual design was so far only used by the Athenian Federation and members of the Sovereign Initiative had only limited knowledge of the existence. After all, it was still experimental.

After several hours the men would arrive at Koper establishing positions near the harbor, around 12 hours later the transports would arrive unloading 20 Juggernaut tanks and 20 of each FCP vehicle.

[b]Temporary Air Command, Otranto[/b]

Officers at the command center that had been set up at Otranto were busy around the clock maintaining the air part of the blockade, by now several aircraft had already been forced down for inspection, others had been ordered to turn back.

[i]"Lemur Heavy 309, requesting access to Athenian airspace en route to Austria, over."
"Lemur Heavy 310, requesting access to Athenian airspace en route to Austria, over."[/i]

A Lieutenant at the station looked up at his radar screen showing the location of the aircraft. However upon looking in the records he could not trace the aircraft back to a location.

“Lemur Heavy 309 stand by” “Lemur Heavy 310 stand by”

The aircraft had caused some suspicion and the Lieutenant did not feel comfortable enough to make the call alone.

Minutes would quickly pass, after being forced to stay out of Athenian air for close to 15 minutes the 2 Arctican aircraft would finally discover their faith.

“Lemur Heavy 309, permission to access Athenian Airspace granted, stay away from cities.”
“Lemur Heavy 310, permission to access Athenian Airspace granted, stay away from cities.”

---

Giullia had been mostly following Bridgette’s entourage and traveling across the border to maintain contact with her contacts in the North Italian movements. After weeks of negotiations the Italians had finally given her their word that they would provide support when requested. With this information she arrived at the inn where Bridgette was staying the next morning. With some hesitation she walked past the guards as she had become a regular in the last months.

First making sure that Bridgette was in fact awake she knocked on the door.

Once Bridgette opened she would see Giullia exhausted from the long trip.

“Chancellor, the deal with the Italians has been achieved. If Athens tries to attack they will rise up to strike the Hellenic Army in its back. I have also talked to my sources that state the Federation will not directly intervene”