War in East Africa

[king of cochin]

As the higher tech battle was going on , elsewhere preparation for a lower tech battle was going on.

At the Bishkek Air Base the HB11 and HB12 regiment of HALOB bombers were being armed for bombing runs over Aether.

Advanced models of B52s, these 8 engine bombers are not meant to be precision bombers but designed for area saturation. But armed with precision guided J-SOWs and J-DAMs they too are now a precision weapon platform.

They shall aim for the ground forces of Aether. They are being provided escort by a squadron of Mig29Ks from RF35 regiment.

In sea the 2 cruiser task forces are giving support to the land forces.

[Zarfef]

The first phase of aerial combat engaged by the Dragonisians was the air war. At the lead of the flight group was a single predator drone with a radar mount. As air targets were identified.. a Leviathan (think advanced B-52s with electronic warfare packages) dropped a rack of 10 long range air to air missiles, LRAAMs, based on the data provided by the predators radar. The predator would likely be destroyed by the fighters and surface equipment ahead after it got he picture, but the missiles only needed a basic initial lock to achieve optical guidance once they had traveled some. The Aether air force would be butchered without a sufficient counter measure. (ooc:: Which I leave open to you to describe)

The Aether forces in the region would look to the skies as the 10 long range air to air-missiles moved over the battlefield. They would utter one word.

"Do!@#$e?"

Von Zak would utter more.

Von Zak:... But we don't- have- any airplanes in the region O_O.

And he was right, all Aether Airplanes were in Raochin and Aether in their diplomacy had cut off their usage from Von Zak and kept them grounded... They certainly would be an easy kill, but would require the bombing of Raochin Airfields and... well they weren't doing anything.

The only things in the air in the region were Aether missiles moving about at a dizzying pace from time to time on air-raids and... well there were air-planes in the region:

F-22 Raptors roared overhead Nod positions due west of the Nodic region and launched an all out rocket assault against antiaircraft positions. This wave was quickly followed about a lightning strike by F-35 Lightning IIs as they dropped bomb and bomb on the enemy mobile SAM sites.

[OOC: Aircraft were targeting antiaircraft SAM sites along the western flank of the Nod forces, if any. If there weren't any, assume that any fired rockets smacked into infantry lines instead of nonexistant SAM sites, naturally]

It wasn't quite known precisely what the air-to-air missiles would do while hunting for a target in an air-space without any... well except friendlies... But there had to be tons of communication between both sides on marking their planes with radar or other signatures via long range to avoid them being accidental targeted right? And they were distributed and in motion... Either that or there was a chance that DE First world missiles would be playing with friendlies out of boredom with the possibility of a multi-plane international incident. It certainly drew Aether troop attention in the region to closest in anticipation to see just how both sides would react to this odd maneuver or what inspired it to begin with!

Elsewhere though there wasn't time for this. The battle from the skies was still constantly thinning Aether Ranks and it was quite a difficult task even though they were also getting hits in. Missiles that hit the RADARs were annoying and would have to be replaced with tanks imobile and in hiding while the other moved forward and there was only a finite number of units after the constant strikes... still bad were missed strikes which still made the joy of hitting entire Aether Squads or blasting into a tank behind it... some hit the ground but forces losing in their rapid movements without full cover. The battle to the north and consequent surrender had put them down to 400 war Tzars with a roughly even number on either side. To this end, Von Zak planned to consolidate his losses with the goal of having his factory equipment which was stolen from Aether and now being em placed in the thick jungles to the East of the Nod cities in the cliff there by Von Zuks troops work to output more in a continuous fashion. The goal was of course to do this from the forest side under the cover of the trees with as little observational status as possible to avoid enemies striking the regions... while the structures were being organized though the equipment was held elsewhere at hidden locations the troops had found in the forests while making their defense there against Somal.

It was now a race against time and the question was whether Von Zak could keep the air-support up long enough to move in and around to surround the already tied up UMS forces. As their forces drew in, the time was now to flip up the utilized strategies. Units were now directed by ground troops according to targets spotted according to opportunity and the anti-air and RADAR broke off and began driving every kilometer in a different direction to create random motion targets. Then the strategy from the bare back of Nod Line began to spread firing targets from both sides at once with random units turning on their RADARs to spot the sky with a flickering display and ground anti-air continuing their displays as well. There were now targets all over the place a total of 50 to each side in terms of war Tzars and hundreds of units. Because these last minutes were critical the units joined in to bring in a major blow to the Air Forces of both sides firing at targets along with the missiles from the War Tzars... while these normally couldn't reach those in the outer ranges they would give the pilot far more targets to shake and pull away from and in the short time of areal dog-fighting, it was hoped they'd avoid the wrong ones on occasion or by chance and miss the critical ones that would survive the bunch to take them down. Air forces from both sides were targeted and bombers going for the tanks would either have to take a longer trip via a different path or fly through the riff to get to their targets (with all sides now still using the proximity of the battle to stay in range and provide open air cover.

Edited July 1, 2009 by Zarfef

[Zarfef]

The NNEMP shall detonate at an altitude of 300 M above their target frying off any unshielded electrical or electronic equipment.

To avoid damage from EMP devices, the computer system and important electronics devices are surrounded by Faraday cages to avoid unwanted damages.

Unfortunately, Ziggy had already thought of EMP type attacks and so these strikes would hit the region but would have to deal with shielding over all sensitive components. Most Aether Radar systems employ a 2 m dish and with the recent focusing to seek out stealth in the area, these planes would also be in targets of opportunity although I won't state how those things fare. Also the units the region were turning on and off on their own to avoid HARMs not because they detected inbound missiles creating a variety of targets including wider beam signatures from various ground crews and missile RADAR that was already in the air. There was no doubt these and HARMs could hit targets but the region was made to be a mess.

[king of cochin]

OOC: Vehicle based radars do not have the power and range for long distance detection. Only fixed installations have that kind of power. My missiles are targeted at the fixed high power radars. Vehicle mounted radars are used for engaging low level fighters and helicopters and will be ineffectual against high altitude fighters and stealth air crafts.

So shall I consider your fixed ground radars as being neutralized?

For focusing a radar dish on an aircraft first you need to detect. For that you need massive amounts of power. Only after detection in passive tracking mode can focused tracking be done. When a high power radar focuses it can defeat stealth but for that you need large ground based radars which I have already targeted.

IC: Following the SHARM attacks the next phase was area neutralization of the mass of smaller radar emission systems used by Aether in an effort to impede the Air attacks.

The areas where these systems are concentrated was plotted by the MERAT AWACS and MERAT ELINT aircraft patrolling the skies.

The ships of the 2 task forces launched a volley of 16 KUB cruise missiles armed with cluster munitions to take out the area targets.

The KUB cruise missiles burn in low at an altitude of 100 mts above ground. They have a variable speed of 0.5 Mach to 1 Mach. They are on a terrain hugging course to defeat counter battery. The missiles shall take a ballistic path on their final approaches and release their munitions from an altitude of 500 Mts.

[Zarfef]

SNIP

Edited August 4, 2009 by Zarfef

[LeVentNoir]

OOC: Seeing as any ground based RADAR I'd have I'd be relying on Nod, I'll leave that question up to him. (Plus I could at least use some of those otherwise useless Incapacitators to provide pulsed support to this range)

OOC: You can't boost an ac signal with a DC supply. (like a cap) Just saying.

[Zarfef]

SNIP

Edited August 4, 2009 by Zarfef

[Firestorm]

M'Bossa

"The microbiologists confirm the virus is a particularly nasty version of the flu. We've managed to halt its progress with several thousand cases in M'Bossa we've managed to get off with minimal losses of life," reports a very nervous Aide of Mama Bob Denard.

"How many died," she asks?

"Five hundred and thirty three total confirmed from the virus. They were either very old or young the type that tends to suffer the worst from the flu."

"Pass it along to Maelstrom he'll need to know this," replies Mama Bob.

"What of the Aether Forces that have penetrated our borders?"

"How far in have they gotten," she asks?

"Not very far."

"Destroy them."

"Yes ma'am, anything else," the Aide asks?

"Yes, launch Operation Swift Justice," she replies.

***Private to Maelstrom Vortex***

We are more than pleased to announce that the virus deployed by Promised Land agents has been contained and identified as a particularly virulent form of the flu. Five hundred and thirty three civilians dead at this time.

We leave this matter to you to resolve given our respect for you diplomatic prowess.

Republic of Free Somal Annoucement

The epidemic appears to be a more or less nonlethal flu virus. Evidence of the attack on us has been forwarded to the Dragon Empire and we leave it to the good offices of Maelstrom Vortex to find a suitable resolution in this manner. Our previous statement regarding NOD and the Aether Empire still stands, we will be rejoining the fighting.

Immediately.

Republic of Somal Air Force Bases

"Load up on cluster bombs, napalm, and five hundred pounders. We'll be flying close support missions for Special Operations who are currently tracking Aether Empire infiltrators," orders Wing Commander Jamal Wingard.

"Sir yes, sir," comes the instant reply from the tired looking noncommissioned officer.

Roughly forty minutes later nearly ninety Mig 35 fighters and thirty HALOBs take to the skies and are quickly marshaled to their positions near the coast of Somal in preparation for their role in the coming fight.

The Northern Coast of Somal

The infiltrators from Aether that had opted for the coastal route had tried to play a sneaky game, but truly they had failed. Quite miserably in fact as the Somal intelligence systems kicked into high gear. Quiet calls were places, pins were placed, and messages were sent. General Thomas Johns of the 4th Armored Division gives the order to commence operations against the infiltrators.

The majority of them had been spotted earlier and tracked by Somal Resistance cells that had undergone training with Special Forces and the Internal Directorate of Security. These resistance members are all locals, they know the land, and they are well armed. One might wonder how exactly they are armed, but that becomes readily apparent to the Aether Empire recon squads as the first rounds of the engagement are a fusillade of well aimed sniper fire. The first, and not the last shots to be fired, are followed by the springing of nearly 79 ambushes by various resistance groups fighting from cover in their home territory.

This is a mission they've prepared for and are more then well suited to handle.

The next phase of the elimination operation is simpler as several Special Forces Groups guide in air strikes and artillery fire on the recon squads. Napalm, cluster bombs, and 155 mm artillery fire screams in on the lightly equipped Aether soldiers. After the dust clears the Special Force Groups, reinforced by nearly five thousand reservists, launch physical attacks on the remaining Aether Empire soldiers. They scream their way into battle supported by heavy machine gun fire, mortars, and grenades.

Western Somal

The men of the 9th, 10th, 11th Light Infantry Brigades, and two heavy reserve infantry brigades swing into action after recieving intelligence that Aether Empire soldiers have penetrated Somal territory. They are fresh, determined, and have excellent intelligence from the Internal Directorate of Security and the Somal Constabulary. They are joined by several hundred resistance cell members as well who have been watching the infiltrators. Their attacks are supported by HALOB preliminary bombardments using SOAD (stand off and deliver) Guided Munitions from a safe distance and Mig 35s dropping their deadly canisters of napalm, cluster bombs, and five hundred pounders.

Resistance cell members plotting the infiltrators relay the invaders current locations and heavy artillery salvos are added to the fury of war. As the dust clears dozens of snipers open fire, along with the massive tidal wave of of 21,000 infantry men who strike from their positions in a massive front of fire and maneuver. These men have spent months training for this sort of operation and are well versed in the use of terrain for remaining under cover. Squads provide cover fire for each other as they move forward in a leap frogging motion.

In the air above Pirahna helicopters scream through the sky adding their deadly contributions to this dance. Their chain guns and rocket pods hammer out lines of death at the Aether Empire forces. The pilots make use of terrain as they fly forward to pop up, fire, and dive back down to stay out of sight. They've spent a great deal of time perfecting their craft as well and they are very competent at what they do.

(OOC: My resistance groups have been rped for quite some time. Most attempts on your part to try and sneak into Somal would have been noticed. However, due to your recon squads movements being buried in your text I missed it and did not deal with it as it occurred. I think, I like this way better.)

Operation Swift Justice

Three Armored Divisions crank their engines to life. They've been waiting for this day for awhile. The First through Third Armored Divisions unleash their deadly spears. After watching the Southern Aether Empire being pounded by the Dragon Empire. As the aircraft of the Republic of Somal Air Force unload their deadly burdens on the Aether Empire infiltrators the tankers prepare to unload a little surprise of their own.

To the rear, using satellite imagery and remote drone intelligence, the Somal gunners unleash their storm. Each division having 24 MLRS vehicles, 24 155 SPH, and 48 Towed 155 howitzers unleashes their combined might as one. They frankly don't give a damn who they hit whether it be Roachin forces or Aether Empire forces. Killing either at this point in time is fine with everyone. The hammering guns of the three divisions aren't alone either.

The remaining HALOBs of the Republic of Somal Air Force unleash a wave of SOAD Guided Munitions to soften the way for the tankers. With them a two wings of MIG-35s, having learned a hard lesson in aerial warfare, come in well in advance as they unleash a storm of HARM missiles to suppress Roachin or Aether Empire air defenses. Their approach to the mission is a simple one as they come in at high speed, lock onto the radar sources, and open fire with a HARM missile. Promptly after this they dispense their chaff canisters, flares, and drop to the deck as they retreat for another run, another, and finally their last one to expend their full payloads.

The Armored Divisions have their own special payloads in the form of armored piercing rounds that they are eager to use on Roachin and Aether vehicles. The coastal regions being nice and flat are far more conducive to this sort of warfare. No mercy will be shown as the men of the three divisions are looking for a little revenge of their own. The losses occurred in the west had been made up with replacement men and vehicles, but the new faces are a stark reminder of those lost in the fighting.

The attack is lead by Scout Cars and Combat Engineer vehicles to deal with mines. As the tanks and other vehicles aren't planning on using roads the likelihood of avoiding large mine concentrations appears all the larger.

Task Force Hammerhead

The men of the 1st through 5th Light Infantry Brigades are joined by three more reserve infantry brigades. Their mission is strictly defensive at this time to contain any further Aether infiltration attempts. Defensive means different things to different people and this is shown as the snipers assigned to the units let loose with their torrent of deadly .50 caliber sniper fire. Artillery strikes are called in on known Aether positions, and patrols are sent out to detect other infiltrators. Guiding these men are the men of the Frontier Regiments who have come to the front to add their own contributions to the effort.

A total of 30,000 men now consist of Task Force Hammerhead, and that number will soon grow with the arrival of the men stomping on the Aether probes.

Edited July 1, 2009 by Firestorm

[SpacingOutMan]

With absolutely no resistance shown by the Nodic forces [OOC: Seriously, no responses in a day and a half], Mechodamian forces have begun crossing the Nodic border to achieve complete occupation. Bombers have been pulled back into reserve in case of city resistance, but all soldiers and armor are advancing on the basic rules of engagement: 'if you fire at me, I fire at you'.

Civilians are to be subjected to Mechodamian occupation, but will be treated as citizens of a foreign nation, and as such still retain their sovereignty, though slightly delineated.

Zemunda sat atop his jeep, gazing at the masses of soldiers hopping over abandoned barricades and defenses. "It was all... just too easy."

[Arkantos]

OOC: You have to wait more than a day and a half.

Edited July 1, 2009 by Arkantos

[SpacingOutMan]

OOC: You have to wait more than a day and a half.

OOC: His IC posts indicated that his forces were barricaded in the northwest. I'm attacking from due west, meaning that essentially his posts are abandoned. Going by what he wrote mate.

Edited July 1, 2009 by SpacingOutMan

[Executive Minister]

IC:

The screen once again flickered to life, albeit with a noticable delay...The Nation of Nod's power relays and communications systems were heavily burdened by developing situations in the conflict.

Vlad:...clusion of Somal is most puzzling, indeed. Those vile !@#$%^&* declared their acceptance of our invasion previously! What more, it appears that the Dragon Bloc has been aiding them in their air-incursions into Aether and National airspace!

Iago:...we believe that this situation can be remedied...International favour is slowly swaying towards us...many are condemning the attempt of the Mad Dog to bomb Addis Ababa as Genocidal at worst...We believe that the pen is mightier than the sword, and have tasked our media department with arming the ink. With all these coming into play, the Eastern front may be neutralized, given time.

EM: Dante, what of the Somalian air raid?

Dante: Although significant infrastructure loss was inflicted, minimal civilan casualities resulted - no doubt Ms. Wright can find this useful for propaganda and sway further world opinion in our favour.

Our airborne forces have successfully been transfered to the North Western front, as we speak they are setting up positions to reinforce our breth-

Michaelson: No! Divert them immediately South! The UMS have sent Hydra 2 (Dashin) straight into our heart! As we speak they are nearly at our doorstep! Activate the home guard! Ambush these haughty UMS!

EM: Yes, I agree. An ambush of this magnitude would provide a significant boost to our morale at the moment... Iago, what of Kane's reappearance in the far North?

Iago: The treacherous Molakians have already declared themselves as peacekeepers, and are enroute to the area... Kane has already resurfaced, No doubt they will try to seed intelligence nests throughout our nation... I recommend an immediate innactment of protocol MS1337 (basically the Patriot Act on steroids) and rebuttal of Molakian aid.

Michaelson: No! We cannot pass up this opportunity for humanitarian relief! Simply halt their personnel and recieve the aid!

EM: No doubt they will be informed of our thoughts on Molakian leadership if we do that, but yes implement both Iago and Michaelsons suggestions... I want that second head of the hydra neutralized... I want damage reports from the South east and North West please...

Vlad: Sir, the defence cordon we had in place has not yielded to the Somalians, however, our previously vaunted SPAAG and SAM emplacements have proved less-than one hundred percent effective...I project the loss of approximately 20 % of our fighting strength in the region...any ground incursions have been either halted or discouraged by our Defenders and their AH-DM postions...

The Northwest has also seen noticably high casualties from air raids...although not in man power, but in communications and command... Michaelson?

Michaelson: Sirs, the bombardment has been extremely heavy...just yesterday a bunkerbuster bomb exploded outside our regional headquarters, distrupting our communications, hence the delay in setting up this conference... However, our forces are still in play, discouraging a NW offensive, but I feel it is my duty a portion of the rear guard be immediately widthdrawn back to Addis Ababa...

EM: Yes, it is paramount that enemy forces do not eliminate our air defence cordons over the city...bunker busters would prove disastrous for the Undercities...

All of you are to perform your assignments at once.

Brotherhood, Unity, Peace

All: Peace through power!

OOC: Sorry for the delay guys...

[Executive Minister]

Media broadcasts emanating from the Nation of Nod showed 'scenes of carnage' from the streets of Addis Ababa...

Wright:..."Another cruise missile detonated over Addis Ababa today, killing scores of civilians in a brutal, callous act of genocide by the Invasion forces of the UMS-Somal/Cochin threat.

The missile, believed to have been launched from a UAV, exploded over a crowded market place...Many of its customers clamouring for food and medicine in what is now believed to be a growing humanitarian crisis in Africa...

But the losses of civilian Nationals has not been in vain - with each passing day our forces' resolve grows more, their directives absolute, their hands steadied in the defence of our proud nation against this unjust and illegal invasion attempt.

A massive air attack originating from Somal was previously halted dead in its tracks!

The screen turned to an amazing photo onboard a doomed Somalian Bomber

A combined effort from National and Aether anti-air defences inflicted heavy casualities on the invading aircraft - recovered black-box recordings shown above - the wave of bombers was forced to retreat and the victorious, although weary defenders celebrated...

The screen again changed to a scene of absolute carnage over Addis Ababa

In other news, the mass memorial preparations are currently under way in the Undercities to remember the 1223 people who died last week in a vicious attack on the NoN populace...

Several advanced fighter bombers originating from UMS space dropped a massive fuel-air bomb on Kolfe square, destroying a hospital and several residental blocks in one fell swoop. The attack on our residences was unwarranted and must immediately be held up to international scrutiny...time and time again the UMS and their allies have proven their true goals, the elimination of our Nation's very existance!

Several Nations have condemned the attacks, and many more have begun aid operations - these are all welcome, especially Molakian and Pax Pacis declarations of aid, however peacekeeping forces will currently not be allowed into Addis Ababa proper and its surrounding areas. The UMS and Somal have made it clear that their 'Indiscriminate Justice' is first and foremost on their agendas, and the Executive Minister would be loathe to allow foreign nationals be slaughtered on his soil.

All aid will be transferred to the Civil Defence forces, then evenly distributed to the needy...

The Executive Minister urges the citizenry to be steadfast in their resolve for our plight is just, our strength unquestionable...

For NOD news, I'm Arianna Wright..."

[King Kevz]

Inside the Pax Pacis Government building

"This is outrageous!!! The nation of Nod is being torn apart by other nations who show no mercy or thought towards civilian deaths. This calls for immediate action. We must go to their aid now with military force!!!" roared governer John Stone in charge of the nation's military budget. "Are you crazy governer we are outmatched and in case you didn't notice the Dragon Empire one of the main aggressors is in direct border contact with us. Attacking now would be suicide!!" replied civilian emergency marshal William Dirist. "Actually we have a large military force already on the way to the North as it is, no instead we should make a statement against the terrible tactics used and work on project Alpha-X" replied military representative Jane Black with a grin. The room immediatly went quiet as everyone took in the words of Mrs Black. Alpha-X was a experimental virus that was being tested and produced as a means of bringing a superior enemy to their knees as quickly as possible. Natarle quickly brought the meeting to a recess whilst a statement was issued and more thought wa sput into what action should be taken.

------

Response from Pax Pacis

"War is a terrible waste and yet sometimes it is neccessary for peace but consideration should always be made for the protection of innocent life and the nation of Somal and the UMS has clearly showed that it cares not for civilian life and we ask that they stop their attacks now before they kill anymore civilians. In response to the attacks money and material aid will be provided by clearly marked Pax Pacis aircraft. Any attack on our aircraft will be taken as an attack on our nation and will be met with force".

[Executive Minister]

OOC: SOM, you're too over eager....with a IG force of 70,000 troops, did you really think all of that would be NW?? You've been subject to a huge feint by the NoN homeguard...

The UMS offensive described by SOM above, from the perspective of a trooper in the UMS caught in the unfortunate trap laid by the NoN... the subject, XM-243/AE was part of an advanced probe by the UMS that got utterly annihilated by the NoN homeguard.

If SOM objects to this in any way, consider this post null until we agree on something...

IC:

Taken from confiscated Live Combat footage from subject XM-243/AE during the opening moves of the UMS offensive in the East...

The Screen shook with each step the trooper took. Heavy breathing could be heard through out the recording. Subject XM-243/AE had been running along with a division of UMS troops and light armour, and in the middle of the night had finally reached the ourskirts of the Kolfe section of Addis Ababa (Far Western part of the NoN territory).

"Heh, no resistance so far boys, lets move in and form up inside the city proper"

Tanks and men moved side by side, the twin apartment complexes infront of them were dark, the surrounding district bombed out by a previous bombardment of artillery and aircraft. They looked like a gate of some sort, towards the heart of NoN territory...

Suddenly, without warning, the windows of both Apartments were alight! Tracers flew through the air, towards the advancing UMS!

"Augh! Keep running forwards! This is a trap!" the screen turned to an accompanying MBT, its commander still visible in the top hatch.

"You! Suppress that window!"

Almost as those words came out of his mouth, the cannon fired, its report drowning out the now deafening sounds of automatic gunfire and explosions from both sides...

The subject looked ahead, and saw several troopers downed by what appeared to be 'Torrent' fire from the apartments. The screen rattled as the subject rushed over and took cover behind a debris mound. The view swiveled and soon the subject was looking into the face of another man who appeared to be a communications officer of some sort...

"Battle command! We have no close-air support, Dashtin-2 is NOT OPEN!"

The subject turned and fired an automatic burst towards the apartments. In reply, several Stabber missiles streaked towards the ground - some impacting harmlessly into the dirt around them, others impacting the Heavy C-88 Gammas that had accompanied the force. The rest had either been off course or were intercepted by the soft kill anti missile systems of the Phantom IFVs...

The subject then turned to the radioman again.

"We have heavy incoming fire! What has happened to the previous incursion force is unknown! We need immediate close-air support NOW!"

The screen shifted to the upper left, several small tanks with abnormally large cannons were cresting over a ridge, lobbing howitzer shells at the now scattered UMS.

"Get me a strafing run on that ridge! And take down those Apartments!"

The subject turned and saw several UMS MBTs moving towards the apartments, in his direction. Each aimed their cannons and fired, their resulting explosions muffled and rocked the twin towers.

The subject peeked over the cover at the apartments - they were up in flames and there was noticably less fire being directed towards the now advancing UMS.

The enemy tankettes were now engaging the MBTs, desperately drawing fire away from the apartments. As the first UMS MBT was overwhelmed by the incoming fire, the air screamed. Several F-35s flew overhead, their 25 mm cannons illuminating the skies above, perforating the tank ridge. With the threat neutralized, the F-35s flew over the now fully enaged UMS division. Tracers were whizzing all over the place - the subject looked up and saw several Air-to-ground missiles erupt from the planes, streaking towards one of the towers.

A great explosion rocked the base of the left tower, kicking up plumes of smoke and ash. Tracers could still be seen coming from upper windows as the structure buckled under combined fire from ground and air. The whole building teetered to the left and collapsed over the road heading into the city - the UMS would need another entry way into the city bar the now smoking mound of rubble.

This would cost the UMS time and cut off the escape routes of the forces now trapped within the city.

The subject slumped back behind the cover, his back turned to the fighting, and watched several troopers open fire on the enemy. A C-88 moved forward, all guns blazing when suddenly it exploded, the source seeming to come from above. Several streaks were falling from the sky - indirect artillery barrage!

"Take cover! Take COVER!" as the trooper motioned to another man closest to him. It was no sooner than that when a shell directly impacted the man, vapourizing him and a few others beside him.

The subject looked towards a shell of a civilian car, several troopers were huddled behind it, one firing off an anti-tank missile at the now visible enemies cresting the apartment's rubble. Another round was fired from the launcher when several loud roars were audible. Enemy MBTs were advancing!

Several tanks with unusually lithe turrets and giant rotating drums forded the debris field, accompanied by several black-armour carapaced men, firing weapons that gave off huge muzzle flashes. The tanks seemed to dig down, past the surface of the earth, burrowing themselves until only their turrets remained!

These tanks suddenly started firing - a Phantom was downed in a single volley, and a C-88 was suddenly hidden within a large plume of smoke - its ERA setting off a large explosion in defiance to the rounds the enemy had fired.

An ugly contraption was seen on the ridge, its turret bristling with missile launchers and autocannons -It was a SPAAG, and its turret traversed, following the departing F-35's. It fired a SAM, then followed up with a long burst of its twin guns. A distant thump was heard, as the SAM exploded - it was unclear if it hit the jet or detonated prematurely.

Its work done, the SPAAG aimed its smoking barrels the advancing UMS. A large torrent of tracers, moving unnaturally slow it seemed, streaked towards the infantry, shredding them and a few lighter vehicles. As it moved back, behind the crest, it popped off a missile launch in the general direction of the MBTs.

The artillery barrage had become more and more brutal. An explosion ripped the leg off of a trooper. Another rushed over to help the writhing man to safety, only for the both of them to be engulfed by a shower of steel flechettes from above.

The screen was suddenly jolted, and tumbling in the air it seemed. The subject was thrown several feet into the air by a large explosion and recorded the tops of several UMS MBTs being engaged by NoN forces.

The battle from above looked like a mosaic of tracers, explosions and craters. The screen captured the demise of NoN and UMS forces alike, the indirect fire support being fired almost 'danger close' to friendly forces.

As the view neared the ground, flamethrowers were seen being ignited at the forefront of the advancing NoN, and huge tanks had started to join the fray. One fired an enormous volley of rockets at the MBTs and moved to engage.

As the sounds of battle grew louder and louder, the screen was jolted, its host's body landing with a sick thump. The camera was still rolling, however, and saw several black armoured boots marching past from ground level. One black trooper had fallen, its body covering most of the camera...

The enemy was coming closer, the fate of the previous divisions sent to the city first was clear. It was obvious that a new front had opened in the grim Second Battle for Addis Ababa...

Edited July 1, 2009 by Executive Minister

[Comrade]

We thank the Nation of Nod for acceptance of aid.

-Statement from the Tsarina of Molakia, Anna Ivanova-Romanov

CLASSIFIED

Smart Move Heretics. I enjoy your propaganda immensely.

----

Somal-ISOA Border

BoM Task Force 1

Archon Roe and his men slip across the border under the cover of night and air raids. The groups target: Addis Ababa.

[Executive Minister]

X

Edited August 5, 2009 by Executive Minister

[Firestorm]

Government of the Republic of Free Somal Response to NOD Propaganda

The government of the Republic of Free Somal wishes to know when we suddenly acquired A-10 Thunderbolts?Please in the future use propaganda that is at least semi-founded in reality.

To Pax Paxis:

Humanitarian Aid to Nod civilians is of no objection to the Republic. We do suggest that these cargoes be inspected beforehand and we pass this matter to our allies to sort out at this time.

***To Maelstrom Vortex, Private***

We've no objection to the Pax Paxis offer of humanitarian aid to the Brotherhood of Nod forces. We do wish some sorts of controls put in place to ensure that contraband is not smuggled into NOD territory via these shipments. Do you have any suggestions on how to best facilitate this matter?

[King Kevz]

Pax Pacis C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying food, water and medical supplies will be flying constant flights into the Nation of Nod civilian areas once we recieve data on known functioning airports as for the claim on contraband we find that highly offensive and recommend you watch what you say in the future Somal.

[Firestorm]

You are free to be as offended as you want. We hardly care what you and your lot think.

[Subtleknifewielder]

You are free to be as offended as you want. We hardly care what you and your lot think.

"You will watch your tongue when speaking with our protectorate. They are a nation devoted to peace, but prepared for war."

[Executive Minister]

OOC: In regards to the A-10's, simply a lack of understanding regarding your airforce... just an aesthetic mistake I assure you, picture serves its purpose well, however

IC:

The National air defence grid will allow a vector, (co-ordinates to be delivered discreetly to Pax Pacifican headquarters) to be open to Pax's airlifter fleet. Fortunately Lideta Army Complex's Airstrip and Bole International Airport are both fully operational and will readily accept ANY forms of aid the Pacificans are willing to give to the NoN and its citizenry

Edited July 1, 2009 by Executive Minister

[Firestorm]

"You will watch your tongue when speaking with our protectorate. They are a nation devoted to peace, but prepared for war."

You and your murderous lot will not be acknowledged at all. The blood of five hundred and thirty three innocent men, women, and children rest in your hands.

[King Kevz]

With the flight path and destination transmitted to Pax Pacis the first C-130's have taken off with their load of Humanitarian aid onboard they are clearly marked and we expect neither side to launch aggresive actions against the aircraft.

[Subtleknifewielder]

You and your murderous lot will not be acknowledged at all. The blood of five hundred and thirty three innocent men, women, and children rest in your hands.

We deny responsibility for any such action, and disclaim it as mere propaganda.