Trouble in the Nahr

Sach'aqan gunboats roared up and down the shoreline of the Nahr, rocking it's usually calm beaches, where they existed, with rough waves reminiscent of a busy storm. Storms rarely encroached deep into the Nahr, thanks to the mountainous entrance at Bawwaba Medina, but the river knew those waves.

The waves of attack upon Alghana Al'ard were vicious and quick. Thanks to the massive delta the city was built upon, there were many avenues of attack and bombardment available to Sach'aqa, but the size had a few bonuses to the defenders as well: The complex water ways were only really well-traversed and know by Alssahra, who blocked off sections that would lead to the capitol buildings, the size was too hard to uniformly attack at once, whereas the defending navy had time to organize themselves into traps and to arm sections of the river's edge with rockets and other ordinance, and there was a storm that was blowing through. Aimed for the mountains, it was the one downside both navies had.

Despite the storm, the battle continued fiercely, with Sach'aqa electing to bombard and destroy the city instead of simply capturing it. The air forces of both sides were in battle over the skies, and the armies of both fought street to street in the same city that was crumbling around them.

Avon City, Noveaux

19:35 12th of Octide

            The Imperistarium’s chamber was roaring with arguments as the Senators caucused among themselves on the proposed Declaration of War against Sach’aqa on behalf of Alssahra with whom Noveaux had signed a rather lucrative agreement just seven months prior. The agreement stated that Alssahra would accept all of Noveaux’s prisoners who were sentenced to Death or Life Imprisonment and in return for such an exchange Alssahra would lower sanctions that had been placed against Noveaux decades prior. This was seen as a normalization of otherwise neutral relations. A clause however which had been difficult for Noveaux to swallow but the economic advancements made it a tad easier, was that either state was otherwise obligated to come to the other’s defense should they be the victim of a war of aggression. At the time intel suggested that while Sach’aqa and Alssahra had been at odds in the past there weren’t any obvious signs of aggression at present, with that the Imperistarium had approved the Act of Imprisonment reluctantly with great voices in the official opposition and some in the ruling party denouncing it as a new excuse to send the soldiers of Noveaux, the young men, the fathers, brothers and sons off to die in some foreign land for some useless cause. The Empress Satine had also been reluctant to sign it, though her own reasons for such reservations were not public knowledge yet.

            The Empress raised her hand and stood, the chamber ever so slowly became normalized as the Senators took their seats and quieted down. “Senators, we digress as a state from the Policies of my reign but it is that digression that perhaps brings Noveaux into a more modern stance. No longer should we simply keep to ourselves and only look outward when it suits us.” The Empress said, her voice carried through the chamber by microphones that were miniscule but did their job adequately. “I ask that you approve this Declaration so that we may further our nation’s cause.”

            As the Empress took her seat once again the Senators clapped and some stood but most remained seated and clapped half-heartedly. There was little enthusiasm in Noveaux to send soldiers off to a foreign land to fight a foreign war. It would be essentially be breaking centuries of tradition. It’s at this moment that Senator Galven stood. His robes fluttered gently in the breeze as he admired the architecture of the Imperistarium. The building was in a neo-classical design and had an open oculus at the top which shone wonderful light in, adding to the splendid amount already present thanks to the banks upon banks of windows in the round chamber.

            “The Dias recognizes Senator Henri Galven of Medici.” The Chancellor said, her voice ringing out clearly and to that Henri bowed and showed his appreciation to the Chancellor eliciting a small nod from her.

            “Thank you madam Chancellor. Fellow Senators, Guests and Your Imperial Highness,” he said looking to the Empress and nodding in respect. “As you know here in Noveaux an agreement, a pact or someone’s word is taken up as a vow that must be honored.” He said pausing, several senators groaned knowing where this young, freshman senator was going. “Noveaux passed the Act of Imprisonment just seven months ago, that was our word that we would come to Alssahra’s defense should it be requested or required. We stand at the precipice of showing that our word means less than a grain of sand if we don’t come to their aid. We must, it is our duty as a people to honor the pa…” He was immediately cut off from an outburst by another Senator.

            “Alssahra be damned! Those fools included that clause simply to lure us into their war!” Shouted that senator. She jumped to her feet and glared at the Chancellor, Senator Galven and indeed the Empress. “It is not our war to be in,” to this the woman drew much agreement from those around her. “Victory at what cost? That is what I was asked this morning by a constituent, so I ask the Empress. Victory at what cost? How many of our sons must die before we return to tradition and become Neutral? We all know that intervention now means intervention somewhere else tomorrow!” She shouted. Upon sitting down again the woman was patted on the back by her colleagues and rapturous applause could still be heard.

            “You’re right,” The Empress said standing once again. “Victory at what cost? Putting it like that shows naivety, the Declaration clearly states the Noveaux will take a support role in the war. Subsidizing the active combatants purchases of food supplies, weapon equipment and munitions. In addition, thirty-thousand Novean soldiers will be dispatched to Alssahra to secure liberated zones along with ensuring security to supply lines and humanitarian aid distribution. Our soldiers will not be on the front lines; it is our duty to the Gods to do all we can to ensure that the citizens of Alssahra do not suffer as their own nation focuses on repelling an unjust invasion.” The Empress sat once again as the chamber fell eerily silent. It was a fair point, in the Faith defending those who cannot defend themselves is an important tenet and here were the people of Alssahra beset by an enemy and not able to do anything about it. Their nation was fighting a war, allies had joined and were combating a common foe. The people still needed those to look after them and Noveaux was prepared to honor an agreement to do so.

            The Chancellor banged her gavel drawing attention, “The vote on whether to pass the Declaration of War against Sach’aqa will commence through a rollcall. When your name is called please affirm by vocal response whether you are In Favor, Against or Abstaining.” So the vote began.
 

10:00 13th of Octide

            The votes were in, the Imperistarium adopted the Declaration of War by a margin of two-hundred and sixty votes in favor to two-hundred and fifteen dissenting without any abstentions. It was one of the closest margins in the modern era for Noveaux which properly reflected initial polling among the populace. While a slim margin was indeed in favor of intervention in the Nahr War, that thin line would likely flip to the other side’s favor should any Novean soldiers be killed overseas. The goal was to move the already mobilized soldiers over to Alssahra to take up rear guard positions and occupation of liberated cities to help with a maintenance of order along with distribution of relief aid that Noveaux would be sending. The Empress upon hearing the news took to address the nation on television the following morning at ten.

            We interrupt your normal program to bring you to a live broadcast of the Empress Satine Remanti’s address of the nation. Read the television screens across the nation along with on the radio stations.

            “Today Noveaux will break with tradition that has been a cornerstone of foreign policy for several centuries. The order has been given to begin sending soldiers to Alssahra along with aid supplies for the affected civilian population. This comes in light of the Declaration of War upon Sach’aqa that was passed yesterday by the Imperistarium.” The Empress paused in her address as the weight of what was occurring was felt deep within her being. “It is time that our nation holds its word that was given to Alssahra seven months ago. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with Alssahra, Fornoire and Sartoria in this conflict against the aggressive and illegitimate war that Sach’aqa has chosen to wage against Alssahra.”

            “Let it be known that one of my sons, the Prince Edward and two of my grandsons the Princes Alphonse and Andrew will also be serving in this conflict alongside their fellow servicemen and women.” The Prince Edward and his two nephews were three of the nearly dozen Imperial Family members in active service in the military of Noveaux. It was tradition among the Novean people that all men and women aged 18-24 would give four years’ service to the military and in return higher education would be free. “We must all give to this effort to see the rewards tomorrow. May the light of the Divines shine upon you all.” She said and the broadcast cut off.

            It was quite brief for what was beginning but the Empress was not in a state that she could give prolonged visits or speeches. She decided to make some calls to the heads of the seventeen other realms that made up Noveaux and then prepared a phone call to the leader of Alssahra to discuss long term strategy for Noveaux’s soldiers and the goals they wished to accomplish. 

SNS Giacomo Costa
5:30PM

"CAPTAIN ON THE BRIDGE!" said a voice out loud, as Captain Giorgio Falco made his way to the front of the bridge. A mere few minutes ago he had received confirmation that the fleet was approaching the territorial waters of Alssahra, and quickly walked to the bridge to see those famed sandy beaches for himself. He was beginning to lose himself admiring the coast when someone next to him approached with a phone, a call from the Admiral.

"This is Captain Falco."

"Captain, you will know now that we are approaching Alssahra. Our orders are to guard the surroundings of Alghana Al'ard and dispatch the River Group to support the defence of the city. There will be a coordination meeting with the Alssahran High Command -perahaps also with allied militaries-, so I will need you and the other captains to accompany me once we reach the capital."

"Sir" asked Falco "will our orders include offensive operations north of the capital?"

"They might well be, Captain. Our ultimate goal is to restore Alssahran's territorial sovereignty." some voices could he heard in the background, the Admiral apparently turning to listen to whatever was being said "I understand. Alright, we are making our final approach. I will see you once we disembark, Captain."

Palazzo Cerveleri
5:45PM

"Madam Speaker, our Royal Navy is making its final approaches to Alghana Al'ard as we speak. I am receiving regular reports from Admiral Prezzo regarding the status of the operation, and coordinations will the Alssahran High Command are already underway to determine how all allied militaries will share in the defence of the capital. I must thus dismiss the criticism levied by my honourable colleague. Ours is most definitely not a blind undertaking."

Senator Salucci rose, just as First Councillor Valerio took his seat, and addressed the presiding officer. "Madam Speaker, I am most proud of our Royal Navy, and have nothing but the utmost respect for their professionalism, but the nature of their mission is vague at best. We have heard the First Councillor say just how that coordinations are still underway to determine how our military will interact with others. Why did these coordinations not take place prior to us deploying our fleet? Must this Government rush to conflict, endangering the lives of our valiant soldiers, while lacking a coherent plan to keep them, where possible, out of harm's way?"

Valerio shook his head, partially agreeing with Salucci, but politically unable to concede like he would prefer. "I share the concerns of my honourable colleague, but the reality of war is we rarely have the benefit of hindsight, nor can we always determine how a situation will unfold. We certainly had a plan for a possible war between Sach'aqa and Alssahra, but it was beyond our foresight, or that of other powers for that matter, to anticipate how fast the invading forces would move. This Government is committed to bringing our soldiers home safe, but it we are to do that, we have to stop arguing about what we could have done and instead focus on how we can work together to ensure our military strategy is well devised and executive. That is the importance of our ongoing coordinations with allied militaries."

In his mind he imagined the worst possible insults for the Sach'aqans, for making him debate military policy with Salucci.

4:00 PM: High Chambers of The Supreme Chancellor 

Gaius was bored.
Again.

He'd been sitting and listening to these people drone on and on about the war. The gunboat attacks and the fleets, the victories and failures. It was comical really, as this is what happened every time another country did anything outside their borders or asked for diplomats. And every time they did, the foreign affairs ministry came charging in like bulls in a china shop, accosting him in a barrage of requests and pleads. And every time the Righteous Empire did nothing.

Yet the war machine was never turned off.

To make matters worse, Demascus had lost his armed combat match in the gladiatorial games. Gaius had bet 200 Imperium Units that he'd win. He liked Demascus, but unfortunately didn't know him personally enough to attend the funeral. So here he was, tuned out and out of betting money in his office. Out of all the things the position of supreme chancellor brings, he hated this the most. Suddenly, there was a creak at the back off the room as a door opened. And a god entered the room.

Although only a god figuratively, the man was none other than Cassius Horatius Zeno: The Emperor of the Righteous Empire, and his rule was divine. A man who could change the course of the entire country overnight. As the emperor, he could make any decision without being halted, although every emperor only made decisions based on the majority of votes. One emperor (Nonus) decided to make decisions based on his own desires. It didn't end well. Ever since then, the Zeno bloodline has been home to emperors who make decisions based on the people. Like war. Especially war. 

Cassius was late, but it didn't matter now. He turned toward the group of individuals and instantly spotted Gaius among the star-struck others. "Gaius, old friend, we need to talk."

Alghana Al’ard, Alssahra
15th of Octide

            Large scale invasion throughout northern Alssahra. Locals seem to have lost complete control of the river north of the Capital city of Alghana Al’ard. Intelligence suggests that a group of allied ships has arrived as well and is beginning preparations for some offensive action. It is the recommendation of the Military High Command that the Novean Forces continue with their intended plan of secure and defense of liberated areas to ensure a steady supply line along with humanitarian aid distribution.

The dossier was a bore really and Legate Bast couldn’t do anything about it. He like the rest of the people in the military didn’t enjoy the reading of these things but they did generally get it right and the suggestions from the High Command were hardly ever just that and instead were orders. Ollivier Bast was a mid-level Legate who had shown promise throughout his time at the Academy and quickly promoted through the ranks before leveling out at Legate. He was to lead the Vanguard of two thousand soldiers that were going to be flown into Alghana Al’ard the moment a greenlight was received from the Alssahran military. Their initial role would be to bolster the defenses of the city though in time they would be ahead of the main force of thirty-thousand to ensure that the bulk of the army didn’t fall into any Sach’aqa traps left for the liberators. Not very glamorous but better than his last assignment, guarding the border with Belka along the Aston – Chalidor zone. Not too glamorous since the war ended nearly a decade prior.

Legate Bast wore the white military dress uniform customary of the Army. Silver trim and buttons denoted his rank as a Legate as black trim and buttons would be used for lower ranks. Gold was reserved for the officers of the Imperial Rank. Bast’s bright red hair and blue eyes made him stand out to most Noveans who were traditionally blonde or light brunette. Black was only common in the north east and south east of the nation while red was actually somewhat common in the north central region. Accompanying the Legate was the Minister of Defense, Olivia Tranto who in her white business suit poured over her own dossier though this was detailing the Imperistarium’s budget approval for the Alssahran Campaign. She was hardly surprised they had capped the budget rather than leaving it operationally open but if need be they could get more from other areas. The third and final member on the flight that was to attend the joint military conference in Alghana Al’ard was Prince Edward. One of the Empress’ own children and while he was ceremonially of the rank of Legatus he continued using his service rank of Commander. He was assigned oversight of the Vanguard with Legate Bast but was going to prefer to actually serve with his men inside the unit.

The plane was a standard Embracer L-10 used for long range VIP transport. Four escort jets were also with the Embracer for security detail considering the VIPs on bard, one of whom was in line to the throne of Auvatoria. The four EF-Galants would return to Noveaux when the Embracer departed returning the Minister of Defense but Prince Edward and Legate Bast would remain in Alghana Al’ard until the arrival of the Vanguard forces.

“They’re meeting us at the airport right?” Asked Minister Tranto. It was an open question to those present but truly no one was one hundred percent certain about who was meeting them at the Airport. Well they did know that Ambassador Dera was going to be there, she was the Ambassador form Noveaux to Alssahra and had the monumental task of ensuring the safe evacuation of all Noveans currently on holiday or business in Alssahra.

“I’d imagine so,” Prince Edward said looking up from his crash course in Alssahran geography packet that had been given to him by the High Command as they departed. It was indeed helpful to memorize local plants and geography before inserting one’s self into the place. The soldiers of the main force would receive the packet but also instructive classes on the ride over on the transport ships. They really weren’t due to arrive in Alghana Al’ard for a couple weeks thanks to the logistical nightmare of partial transportation. Noveaux didn’t have the amount of ships to do it all in one go unfortunately.

The plane landed at the International Airport and the three departed with a bodyguard each. The smiling Ambassador Dera approached and greeted the small group before introducing them. “This is Foreign Councillor of Alssahra, Yasin Khouri.” She said motioning to the representative of their host country. “Councillor this is Foreign Minister Olivia Tranto, His Imperial Highness Prince Edward Remanti, and Legate Ollivier Bast.” She said going down the line as each shook hands with the Foreign Councillor. After a short exchange of pleasantries the group followed Councillor Khouri.

5:00 PM: The Imperial Palace.
Gaius had known Cassius ever since they were seven years old. They had begun basic combat training and Gaius realized that Cassius' duties as emperor would separate them as they grew. He had decided then, to strive to be Supreme Chancellor: the right hand of the emperor. And now here he was, looking at a painting in the Imperial Palace. It's was titled "A message to those who follow his ways" and it depicted Emperor Nonus being killed by rioters. It hung above a fireplace, along with several animal heads taken as hunting trophies.

Cassius had never been fond of hunting, nor was he very religious. Despite his rule being proclaimed to be divine, he never bought into what the high priests said, but he worshiped the gods every now and then. When a new emperor is born, the high priest take a pile of animal bones and let the child pick one. They then burn it over high heat until it cracks, and interpret the cracks to determine what god the emperor has the favor of. Cassius had the favor of Peregrinus: God of battle.

"Gaius." Cassius began, interrupting his train of thought. Gaius looked up to the mahogany desk in front of him, to the kind middle aged man with blond hair and brown eyes. His old friend. Cassius cleared his throat. "As you probably know by now, there is a war going on between Alassahra and Sach'aqa over the possession of the river Nahr." "I think it's time we got involved." This was the first international war The Righteous Empire had entered in generations. Both men knew this. "Most of the nations involved have joined up with Alassahra," Cassius continued, "And I think that's our best option."
There was a knock on the door.
A servant entered and looked at Cassius.
He nodded.
The servant left.

"What was that about?" Gaius inquired. "I declared war on Shach'aqa" Cassius replied. He said it as if he was asked a question at dinner. "Think about it," he continued "more nations are allied with Alassahra." "Some are close to us, like Fornoire." "We can improve relations, and please the people." Gaius had to agree. Despite the peace, at its heart the Righteous Empire is a war machine.

Military service is compulsory in one way or another. Most men and women fight, but fighting isn't imperative. People can still serve by farming, working in factories, developing weapons, or building bases and hospitals. Most jobs could be used to help the war effort in a heartbeat. Battle plans, naval warfare, and air combat tactics are all electives in high schools. The average soldier is an engineer, building roads and camps to support allies and the army. Certain tanks have attachments that help lay down asphalt, and light attack vehicles can have saws attached to cut down trees.

"But even this is overboard," Giaus pressed "we don't have any-" "Hey!" "Where are you going?"
Cassius had began to walk down a hallway leading to a large deck. Gaius stepped out and looked. The palace was located on a mountain (a large hill really) above Imperius. Even from here Gaius had to admire the view. The tall skyscrapers shone in the setting sun, and the whitewashed homes with orange tiled roofs only accentuated the majesty. The Arena Major beamed in the sun, almost mocking Gaius. His brows furrowed as he remembered the money he lost. And then, if on cue, fireworks shot up along the divide: a half mile wide canal splitting the city in half. This way, fleets just go straight through the whole island instead of around. Cassius smiled at Gaius, the fireworks only go off when troops leave for war. Cassius turned towards the divide. Gaius could see the fleet.

5 Battleships
8 cruisers
3 submarines
8 destroyers
But this paled in comparison to the 3 aircraft carriers.

The Sons of War

An Aquarius Class carrier is 1,100 feet long and 250 feet wide, these were twice the size. An Aquarius Class also carries 50 Gladius Fighters, these had a different payload. They were invasion class, and carried 200 planes each: 50 fighters, 50 bombers, 50 interceptors, and 50 troop transporters. They also carried 70 amphibious tanks, and 120 light ships armed with machine guns. One of the sons had 70 helicopters instead of tanks. Each had a capacity of 15,000 troops each and were meant to convert most of their payload into a land force. However, they were slow moving, and had to sacrifice some armor for playload space. Gaius smiled as he watched them. They didn't glide through the water.
They punched through it.

Gaius turned towards Cassius. "You swapped the heavy bombers with light ships, because we're fighting a river battle." "Exactly." Cassius replied "Now, let's go." "I have a helicopter waiting for us."

SNS Principe Carlo II
10PM

A man in military uniforn was sitting behind his desk, staring intently at a map on the screen of his computer. It was a map of the Nahr, detailing the advances made in the preceding hours, particularly the astonishing incursion into Sach'aqa. Captain Carlo Renzi had been as astronished his fellow officers and probably his counterparts from the allied forces when the Alssahran Army had pushed further than what the original plan dictated, heading beyond the occupied zone and into Sach'aqa. His orders were clear, to assist Alssahra in reclaiming its occupied lands, restore the status quo. He had not been ordered to invade Sach'aqa, so he had ordered his ship to halt as soon as they reached the border. In fact, all Sartorian ships stopped at the point, and he was informed that the Admiral and Captain Falco had informed the Alssahran High Command that Sartoria would not follow them through the Nahr.

What would they do then? Captain Renzi was asking that same question in his log, wondering what use was there for a navy when they were prevented from going up the river. That is not to say he disagreed with the decision. It was often said only soldiers knew the real cost of war, and as he was concerned that was 100% true. He was yet to lose one of his people, but there had been far too many close calls, so the sooner they received their orders to head back home, the better. It was selfish for him to think this, but if the war was to continue through the still-ocuppied northwest, then he would rather have the Army handle it. The Navy had already done most of the job, so why not let them go home? Of course he knew the answer, and he grudgingly agreed. It was entirely reasonable to assume Sach'aqa might wait for the naval forces to retreat from the Nahr to launch another invasion, and that would undo all their work. Nay, it was better to ensure they were defeated for good.

He was now wondering how would the Military Command and the Privy Council react. The original plan had been to move upwards to the northwest, but apparently Alssahra intended to go deep into Sach'aqan territory. If they were planning on completely taking over Sach'aqa, he could already imagine the people over in Messelia sweating and quickly trying to get in touch with Alssahra, convincing them to stick to the plan. He had no idea how things would end, but he sure hoped the Army would take care of whatever came next.