Moroccan War

[DuQuense]

this is for posts about the Morocccan War. Morrocco against Libya, Spain, Empire of Songhai, & Imperial Roman Empire/Hespaeria.

[DuQuense]

Tangeirs Morocco, Capital 1600 hrs, August 1st

Juan CarlosVII [House of Hapsburg], Defender of the Faith, King of Austria, Holy Roman Emperor, Emperor of Spain and all it's Possessions, Watched as High Cardinal Juan Miguel Alvarez paced the Throne Room. "No, The Light was a Sign of the Devil, I'm Sure of it." "The Godless Republicans In Spain are Gone, True. But now there appears to be a Jewish Libya, to the East. A new Large Muslim Country to the South. And some Heretic Negroes to the southwest, Claiming to be Romans. Even the Pope in Rome seems to be Different, and This Vatican Claims the Office of the Holy Inquisition, was disbanded over a hundred years ago." "It is the Work of the Devil And there is only one Way to Deal with his followers, Who tried to Sneak in and Destroy Gods Nation. "

That night at 2100 hrs the Auto-De-Fe Began in front of the Cathedral in Tangeirs, As the High Inquestidor read the charges against The Marranos, Moriscoes, & the Heretics, The Guards tied the prisoners to the stakes. At 2200 the fires were lit, and the punishment of the sinners was broadcast, Across the Nation. Several minutes later the Burnt Bodies of the Travelers who had accidentally stumbled across the border, were removed for burial.

====================================
August 15 Libya, Morning Cabinet Meeting.

.............................. Then it was the Turn of the Minister of State. " First I'll start with the Moroccians. It has been definitely established that over half of the People burned the first night after the EVENT were from a 707 ** carrying passengers returning to Tunis, which passed the new Border about a minute after the EVENT. It appears to be Controlled by the Spanish Inquisition***." " Over the Last two weeks it seems to be deteriorating into increasing paranoia. We have identified half of the remaining victims as coming from a nation called Hesperia. and we assume the last group is from the Empire of Songai." " On a lighter note we have made contact with this Hesperia, Which seems to be the remains of a Roman Colony that survived in Senegal." "Four Days ago a Freighter full of Missionaries, from Hesperia docked here. They wanted permission to buy some property and establish a Mission Church. They seen to be very well behaved & have Plenty of Gold to Spend, but the Policia are keeping a eye on them. They also have sent Missions to Spain & Italy." " And last Italy seems to be taking a lead in sponsoring a Meeting in Genoa, at the end of the month, I suggest that we attend, if for no more than observing our new neighbors."

[DuQuense]

August 20 -Tripoli -1400 local [1200 GMT]

President Rabin sat back in his Chair and paused the Cabinet meeting as the "Calling of the Faithful" rang out outside his Window, He know that in Churches, synagues, and Temples, priests, Rabbi's, and Imans, would all be starting Prayers. No one had decreed this. It had just happened over the last 60 years, like morning Coffee break at the 10 am, allowed all religions to stop for prayers. Which reminded Him. Turning to the Interior Minister He asked about their latest group. " So ?How are this "Church Light Thingy, Doing?". Answer " For a group that didn't know TV existed a 10 days ago, they have taken to TeleEvangilism like a Camel to the Desert. They have Bought a TV/Radio station. And put up a new High powered Tower close to the Tunisia Border. Amazing what having half of Ton of Gold in the Bank can do to get things done."

Tunisia/ Libyan Border- 1420 hrs

Pedro Miguel Lead his flight of four planes across the Border, They were going to strike at the Infidels, and Heretics who were polluting Gods Holy People, with their foul Broadcasts. He had received his Orders from the Holy Inquesitior Himself. Pedro was proud of his orders, just like he knew the other strikes north at Gibraltar, and south against the Muslims of Songhai, and the Hesperians. Ahead He saw one Libyan Fighter.

1425 hrs- Tripoli

President Rabin was about to close the meeting, when the door opened and a Aide rushed in and gave a message to the Defense Minister. DM- "It appears we have another Crisis" After reading the message The President turned to a Aide, "I want to Talk to the Leader of this, 'Earth School of the Light- Christian' , Now" The DM noticed the president didn't seem to have any problem with name at all.

1430 hrs -Rome [de Sud]

Julius Anthony Augustus-Caesar of the Imperial Roman Empire/Hesperia , was Angry, So angry He was pacing up & down across the Throne Room. stoping and turning to Ranger Walker head of the Imperial Police*. " ?It is certain that it was Imperial subjects these BarBarians Burned?." Oh Yes, Your Majesty, the Libyan's have perfected Radiofonic picture transmission. A retired Ranger with the School of Light Mission in Libya positively identified them from their news films." Turning to the Lord of War. "Six of our planes were destroyed? " "Yes your Majesty, Wing Master Felix was leading a Training mission. first Reports are that He shoot down one of them." " Well if any of our Biplanes , could get one of these super planes, Triple Ace ** would be the one. I want a State Funeral, with all the trimmings, for our hero's." "What About the Radio Tower & Station." "Your Majesty," the General in charge of Rescue operation Paused, then Remembering he was a Officer in Rome's Service, Continued, " The Tower Collapsed on the Station, and all those people are Dead." taking a Deep Breath, " Their [Missiles] also hit the School Buildings, so far the Rescue Service, has pulled 50 Children & Teachers out of the Burning Rubble." " Your Majesty there were over one thousand people in the school". "?What are the chances of Survivors?". "Your Majesty, there are always God's miracles, But they are very few and Slight of Chance."

Caesar resumed pacing for several minutes, while no one dared interrupt. Then having reached Decision, Caesar gave out orders, "I want to Address the Nation this Evening on all channels. I want the Army and the Fleet brought to full readiness. I want a fleet Group headed for this Libya within six hours, Carrying a full Diplomatic Group. You did say the intell believes that Libya, Ispania, & Songhai were also hit. Contact the Songhai, and see if they will lend us one of their Super planes, to convey Our Diplomatic mission to Libya. Contact Libya, and see if they will permit Our representatives to accomply them to the Genoa Meeting, and see if the Ispania War Lord will be there."

1500 hrs- Tripoli

President Rabin and his Cabinet were listening to The Bishop explain his Mission. "I know You believed that our mission was simply one of religion Missionary zeal, and to our shame, we let you believe that. But the Group of our people that were burned included the Cardinal of the Hesperian Province of Mauritania, and his Staff." Our Church is not Martial, but on the other hand, we couldn't sit back and allow them to simply get away with it."

Just them another aide rushed in with another message,which he gave to Rabin. As the president read it his face paled. "Gentlemen, It appears We were lucky in the Attack. The Message is from Hesperia, Requesting a immediate Meeting with our 'Lord of War' . We lost one plane who's pilot ejected safely. Hesperia lost a School full of a thousand Children." " They also want to travel with Us to the Genoa Meeting".

* Scotland Yard meets the RCMP Meets the FBI.
** "Triple Ace" Felix actually had over fifty kills in the Great War, [Red Baron-Eddie Rickenbacker]

[DuQuense]

When the Fleet was still sixty miles from the Straights, the Lookout reported Planes spotted, and the Fleet went to General Quarters. But then before even a fourth of the Crews were on station, the planes were roaring past. The lookout thought the planes were louder & faster than anything had a right to be. But He did his job, and reported the markings- Red, Yellow, Red tri-color- As CIC reported the identification as Spanish, Admiral Anthony relaxed slightly, and ordered the Greeting to be sent,

Attention, Attention this is the Imperial Roman Naval Fleet*, we are proceeding thru the Straights in about three hours, on a Diplomatic mission to Libya, Do not interfere!.

The Message was in Latin, but the language, was close enuff that the two Spanish Pilots could understand the meaning. As they came around and made one more pass heading back to Spain, The Flight Leader called his WingMan, " Look at the Big Bad Baby and his Freinds, I would hate to be in the Vicinity when it starts delivering It's Diplomatic Messages".


* Battleship, Battle Crusiers, Light Crusiers and Destroyer screen.

[DuQuense]

Roma De Sud -August 24th On the Beach

The Emperor looked down at the Airship Parked on the Beach out side the City. When they had announced that they would provide a Refueling stop for planes and Airships on their way to the Conferences in Europe, he had never imagined this. 1200 ft long, 400 ft wide, and 120 ft high, It had landed on the water and taxied onto the Beach, there being no room at the Air Base for such a Giant. And the small Airplanes surrounding it, like Fly's around a Elephant, had all landed in side it. Well at least these planes had propellers like a plane should, Not those 'Jets' like the Songhai Super Planes that had taken the Crown Prince to the Songhai Capital en route to the Conferences in Europe.

Princess Diana, Stood on the Landing Deck in the Center of the Airship, gazing around in Delite. A accomplished Pilot herself, She was fascinated, by the planes parked on the Deck. Cornell Julia von Helsing Captain of the IMN AS Vera Cruz, was explaining that the four planes were the Ready Cap. Ready to takeoff immediately if there was a Attack, not that they expected one, but then no one had expected the Moroccan attack four days ago. It was weird, the Mexicans, [who seemed to be the replacement for the Aztec Empire of Vinland] had already known all about the Attack. They even had photos of the Attacking Planes returning to their base in Nouadhibou Morocco.

Diana decided that a Ride in one of these Planes would be Great for the Depression that had been plaguing Her ever since She had read the papers about her assassination. She understood that it had happened in another Time Line, But She still shivered thinking how close.. Turning to the Captain, A Woman in Charge of Some thing like this, and the Mexicans, had other Women in command positions in their Military. Wait till Father hears About this. The Princess Made her request, She had requested the same from the Songhai, But the Hesperian Officers, had nixed that proposal, and She half expected the same again.

Ignoring the Protests the Hesperian Officers were advancing to the Princess, the Captain turned to one of her Officers. "Major Smith, Your Call." Major Smith of the Republic Navy, looked Up and Down at the Princess, and the Princess felt Herself coming to attention under His Stare. "A New Trainee, and a Training Flight, Captain" "My, Idea Exactly." Turning to the Protesting Officers, "Major Smith is our Senior Training Officer, Trainee Diana will be perfectly safe."

As He turned to go Back inside to the Waiting Diplomats, from Mexico and the Republic, the Emperor saw a Plane takeoff from the Airship. Wonder what that is About, No Doubt I'll Hear about it tonight at the Royal Dinner.

[DuQuense]

Septembre 1st Imperial Palace, Royal Dinner

The Songhai Planes had returned bringing the Crown Prince back from the Conference in Genoa. And the AS Vera Cruz, had returned as well. The Emperor had the Mexican Minister sitting on one side, And the Captain of the AirShip on his other. Looking down the table at his Daughter with Major Smith beside her, the Emperor, asked the Captain, "Could they really be talking Airplanes." Looking at the way the two were waving their hands, The Captain replied, "Of Course, the hands are the give away." The Emperor looked at the Captain. "?Why are your people really willing to do this?" As Juan Valdez started to answer the Emperor stopped Him. "I want to hear the Captain's explanation.

Realizing that most of the table was listening Von Helsing started. "Your Majesty there are three main reasons.
One- As the Minister explained at the Conference, Our Nations were already fighting this War. And Whe don't think it stopped, it just moved to a new Battle Field, and Whe promised Aid to others who had to fight it with us.
Two- Whe are asking Hesperia to sign a Treaty of Mutual Aid and Defense, as well as major Mining Clauses. You can look out the Window at the Fleet, and the Air Base, and know what you can offer, whe on the other hand are a Dark Horse. You Need to know, How whe hold up when the Race starts.
Three- And this is a little more Complex. Forty or so years ago when our world started developing Rockets to put Satilites in Orbit , Whe had a chance to build Jets. There were even some experimental Models Made. But for what our world thought was valid reasons, whe turned away. Whe went down a different path. As far as whe have been able to learn, whe are the Only Fragment, that followed that different Path. Whe need to know if whe made a Mistake."

The Emperor Looked at her again. " ?And if You Lose Your whole Ship and all it's Crew?." "Then Your Majesty, So be it, as your People say 'that is the life lesson our people need to learn'. Our Emperor, Military, & People would Mourn. And, consider the lesson Cheap at the cost. Better a Airship Tomorrow, than the Nation next year."

The Emperor Turned to the General sitting across from Him, "I approve the Operation."

[DuQuense]

Septembre 1st Rome- 0000 hrs local- 0100 Zulu

Ten Days ago The Barbarians of Morocco viscously and with out cause, attacked our Nation, killing 1300 of Our Citizens. For ten days the Imperial Romans have tried to find a Diplomatic Solution. The only Response from the Barbarians has been increasingly foul and incoherent rants.

Therefore 'The Senate and People of Rome do declare that a State of War does exist between the Empire of Rome and the Barbarians of Morocco.'

May the Gods grant victory to the Just; Julius Anthony Augustus: Caesar of Rome

[GBW]

September 1 - Gao, Empire of Songhai

Via National Television and Radio Broadcasts

In response to the burning of innocent Songhay citizens at the stake and of the unprovoked air attacks against our civilians, I, in the name of the Empire of Songhai, declare war upon Spanish Morocco. We will see this war through to victory and put an end to any further atrocities by the barbarous Moroccans.

King Muhammad VII Askia
Empire of Songhai

[GBW]

September 5, 2004

Excerpt of Songhai's Imperial News Network

"...I am here on the post-Event border between Songhai and Spanish Morocco. Off to my side where our cameraman can not show you are Songhay soldiers, a small portion of the forces deployed for war against the Spanish Moroccans. We haven't seen any movement of ground forces as of yet but we have heard and even seen aerial combat between Songhay and Spanish Moroccan aircraft along the border. (File recording of a dogfight between Spanish Moroccan and Songhay fighters.) We have questioned government officials for some sort of timetable for military action against Spanish Morocco following the declaration of war five days ago, but the only answer we have received is that the Foreign Ministry is trying last minute diplomatic talks with Spanish Morocco. However, an anonymous source tells INN that one of the points of contention appears to be ongoing negotiations with Spain, one of the other three countries who suffered air attacks from Spanish Morocco on August 20. According to our source, these negotiations have become increasingly 'cool'..."

[Justin Green]

"You told me to tell you as soon as the men had returned?" The Aide was a short Basque man. Polite, but the Basque were known for their disdain for their southern neighbors. Over time that hatred, well desearved perhaps, had faded due inpart to the ever present threat of a greater enemy to the north. Now days a Basque would only take offense if you called a Spaniard. They had finally gotten used to the idea of being tied to the rest of Iberia.

"Yes bring them here. I must know what they found." A few moments later two tired men, visibly exhausted were led in. Over the next few minutes they would tell the Consul things he had not thoguht possible. Genocide. On a scale almost equal to the Turkish Pogroms the Russians had run. Convert or die. He had been for sure that the Morrocan people still existed, that someone was their to free. But they were gone, not all dead, but beaten into a new way. "How could we have done such a thing?" Yes we did the same things centuries ago, and it was wrong, but still. They did these things, and hope to continue in this world. "This changes everything. Get me the Songhai ambassador. I want to relay to his government that we now have new intelligence that disproves our original ideas on the liberation of Morroco. We will agree to the latest proposal made by Libya."

"Also tell General Rameriaz that Operation Judicator is on."

"Justice will be done. They will pay for what was done, and perhaps we can make up for the crimes we comitted as well."

[Justin Green]

Radio message broadcasted to Morroco

The regime "currently" in control of Morroco has in the past and present commited the most heinous crimes, among them torture and genocide. In the name of the Federated Sovereign Republics, I, Consul Alejandro Marquez, declare a state of war exists between the Republics and the Government of Morroco. The Presidential Council has voted unanimously in support of war and so the people of Spain go to war united. May GOD show as little mercy to those guilty as we shall.

Consul Alejandro Marquez
Federated Soveriegn Republics of Spain

[DuQuense]

0930 hrs Tripoli [0530 Zulu] Septembre 7th

Wing Master Danilo Costanzo lead his wing of Fighters, providing protection to the Bombers. Libya had 200 B-29J 's [J= jet] Bombers, and Danilo believed it was only because someone had Goofed thirty years ago when Italy had up graded it Air Force. But Libya had one thousand Fighters, 250 were in Egypt, and another 250 had been held back for defense, just in case. But that left 500 planes. Divided in half 250 fighters to protect the 100 bombers attacking the Moroccan air base at Tunis, the other 250 to protect the Bombers attacking Sfax. the Bombers were scheduled to hit at 1000 hrs.

Tangeirs, Morocco 0600 hrs Palace of his Highness.

Juan CarlosVII [House of Hapsburg], Defender of the Faith, King of Austria, Holy Roman Emperor, Emperor of Spain and all it's Possessions, was at mass, in the Royal Chapel, as He was every Morning at this time. And as was the custom the Mass was being conducted by High Cardinal Juan Miguel Alvarez .

Young Lieutenant Juan Miguel [he had been named after the high Cardinal] rushed up the Palace steps, with a message from the Border. When informed that the Defence Minister as well as the Joint Staffs were in Mass with the King , The Leutenatant demanded that they be summoned out immediately.

As the Lieutenant was lead away by the Inquisitions Guards, the first shells from the Hesperian Battleships started falling on Algiers and Nauadhibou.

0610 Hesperian/ Morocco border

Major Marcus Lucretia lead his enlarged Squadron of planes across the Border, His planes were flying so high that the wheels almost touched the grass. The Hesperians had given a lot of thought to the problem in the last month. Ever sense they had realized that their newest Planes and Tanks were obsolete. This was the Solution that they had come up with. If Their planes where no longer eagles To Soar against other Birds then they would use them as a pack of Running Hyenas, Swarming over and around their prey. The hope was that the last place the enemies lookouts, and Radio phonic detectors would look for planes was on the ground. The first enemy machine gun nest was just over the next rise.

[Justin Green]

Malaga, FSRS

"You checked the seals twice?" A very nervous pilot Jorge Hernandez said to his ground crew.

"Sir, if there was a leak I would be spasming on the ground if I wasnt already dead. And so would you."

The pilot said no more as the ground crew finished their jobs and he started his. Roaring off into the air the pilot joined 24 other aircraft headed roughly south. Looking out the cockpit at the coast and ocean he saw the large flotilla of landing craft amid the much larger carriers, destroyers, and cruisers. All built and mantained in case of war against foreigners. What irony that Spain's military machine would taste first blood in over fifty years against other Spaniards.

The trip was quick. The Squadron flew low to avoid radar. He dimly heard his commander say fifty miles and closing. And without warning the target was in front of them, a large Airbase. Rows of hangars, barracks, and ammo bunkers dotted the landscape.

"Bandit 12 and 14 take out the radio and radar towers. Bandits 1-11 go low & slow and release your sarin. Everybody else stay on the lookout for bogies. Bandit Chief out."

Hernandez reduced speed and toggled the release switch. The fighter-bomber kicked as the gas tanks dropped to the ground. "Sleep my sweets" someone said over the radio. Then something no pilots wants to see happened. A flashing light told him that either a AAM or a SAM had locked onto his plane. Someone had stayed conscious long enough activate the missle defenses or their were Morrocan palnes in the air. But why hadnt anyone seen them?

"Jorge, its closing on you. Its going to go up your exhaust. Eject!"

Jorge hit the eject button and was immediatly sorry for doing it. It felt like a Horse had kicked his ass as the the canopy popped off and the seat rocketed up. Jorge then felt as if he where next to the sun as his missle destroyed his plane. Between moments of unconsciousnes Jorge thought about the bitter irony that when he hit the ground he would be exposed to the same sarin he had dropped. And then the ground welled up and Jorge stop thinking.
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Across northern Morroco this was repeated. Airbases were targeted with Sarin (the Spanish Military was keen on eliminatining the Morrocan airforce and capturing as many planes as possible). On air strips in Southern Spain paratroopers in hazard suits loaded up onto planes and headed for targets hit with gas. On the coast defences decades old were hit with precision, like a surgeons blade. And a fleet of ships closed the narrow divide.

[DuQuense]

Morocco Before the War

[GBW]

September 7, 2004 - 2028 Hours (Gao, Songhai Time)

(Scattered sounds of automatic rifle and shell fire in background) "...I am some miles northwest of the city of Quarzazate along a ridge of the Atlas Mountains here in central Morocco, not far, I'm told, from the source of the Oued Dades. The Songhay invasion of Spanish Morocco began this morning, almost a week after King Muhammad VII broadcast Songhai's declaration of war. From what I've been told, the Songhay invasion was launched in coordination with forces from Libya, the Hesperian Empire and the Federated Sovereign Republics of Spain and, by all accounts, ground is being gained on all fronts.

"From what I can tell you, Songhay aircraft launched in coordination with the Hesperian offensive against the south of Spanish Morocco towards the city of Nouadhibou while Songhay offensives were launched into the Western Sahara coastal region, into Morocco proper and into Algiers. I can tell you with certainty at this point that the Western Sahara region is under Songhay control with the fall of the cities of El Aaiun and Al Dakhla while the... (stops as he's interrupted by the scream of a jet flying by overhead. Continues as the sound fades.) ...while the southern half of Morocco proper has also fallen. The Songhay offensive in Morocco, as it currently stands, is being held up by Spanish Moroccan defenders holding this ridge of the Atlas Mountains, more a factor of the ruggedness of the terrain than the Spanish Moroccan forces, I'm told. Barely more than an hour ago, the port of Agadir on the Atlantic coast fell to Songhay forces with limited naval support from Hesperian warships and Songhay aircraft are attacking Spanish Moroccan positions in and around Marrakech, Essaouira and Beni Mallal. Come tomorrow, I'm told, Songhay forces should be able to force this ridge where the terrain will be much easier and they will begin driving towards Marrakech and the rest of Morocco proper beyond..."

[DuQuense]

0645 [0545 Zulu] off Algiers's Beach

General Emilio looked thru His Binoculars at the City. Below him thousands of men waited to climb out of the Freighter into the waiting improvised landing crafts. He looked again, Still no sign of activity in the City. His Freighters were less than 500 meters from the beach, They were also less than a Kilometer from the Wharfs. He made a Decision, "Helm head for the Pier." Radio Room relay my order for the Piers. We may be able to take the Wharfs, and Warehouses intact.

0650 IRN BB Invincible one click off the beach.

Admiral Aquila realized what General Emilio was trying to do. "Radio, order a Couple of the Destroyers to follow the Freighters and provide covering Fire if needed. The Admiral Looked at the Naval Docks, were there were three destroyers, and five patrol Boats tied up. Radio, Order three Destroyers to head for the Naval Docks at Flank Speed. And request General Emilio send one of his Freighters after them."

O655 Airport Tower

Miguel Eduardo go up off his knees were he had been listening to the radio broadcast of the Bishops Morning Mass. As he looked around He saw several dozen Helicopters headed from the Beach. Lucky guys got to miss Mass.. Miguel saw the Fleet out beyond the Breakwater, As he hit the Siren Button Eduardo realized, the Copter Pilots didn't care about missing Mass.

General Diego Epifanio Commander of the Spanish Forces defending Algiers, was standing on the Cathedral steps talking to the Bishop, when the alarms started sounding. He was still standing there as the first Shells from the Invincible starting hitting the Fortifications along the Waterfront.

0700

The First Spanish Guns, began to answer back

0730

Major Danoto lead his Tanks down the street toward the wharf were the invaders were Unloading , The first reports said they only had light Jeeps and Tankettes. Major Danoto knew that his ten Soviet T-54 Tanks would hurl the Infidels back into the Sea. As the last Tank turned the Corner, the Captain of the Hesperian Destroyer at the end of the Pier gave the Fire order. The first 5 inch shell tore the Turret off Major Danoto's Tank, smashing it into the tank behind him. The three inch shell that hit the second tank was simply overkill. Two minutes later it was over with the Tanks getting off only two rounds. One Missed, but the other hit the Three inch gun Mount, destroying the Gun and killing all ten of the crew. They would be the only Naval Fatalities of the assault.

[DuQuense]

IRN BB Invincible in action off Algiers

[DuQuense]

0745 IMN AS Vera Cruz

The AirShip was flying at 250 kph. Normally the Ship had a design top of 375 kph, of course that when it wasn't carrying 3.000 imperial Centurions, from the Hesperian Army. 60 Biplanes from the Hesperian Air force, with their Pilots. As well as a extra 50 planes from the Californian & Confererate Navies.

Major Smith was worried, like a itch he couldn't scratch, something was wrong. he prowled the Hanger, and Flight decks trying to figure it out. Fifteen minutes from Launch point, what was his subconscious trying to tell him.

Lieutenant Rahul Algosaubi had been watching Major Smith, as the Songhai Military Observer, by rights he should have been on the observation deck with the other Military Observers. But Lieutenant Rahul Algosaubi had been involved with several Deployments during War Games. He knew how it normally went. First you had to line up the Planes, and their order, make sure the Troops and Equipment got to the Airport at the rite time to meet the rite plane. Get them loaded, and out of the way before the next plane. True once the planes took off they flew to the landing airport at 5-600 mph, but then you had the unloading. Lieutenant Rahul Algosaubi had known extended deployment with fifty cargo planes to take up to a week, from first planning to troops in position. This had been truly different. Last Nite the Airship had landed on a field inside the Military Base. There the pilots had Taxied the Sixty Biplanes up a giant Ramp into the Hanger Bay, followed by the Equipment drivers driving in and parking, then the Crew had Fastened them down. This had taken about Two hours, then three Legions of Troops had formed up and paraded on board. The ramp was Closed and the Ship got under way. One Ship, and this wasn't a Ship designed for deploying Troops. That was why Lieutenant Rahul Algosaubi was on the Hanger Deck watching the Crew in action. And that was why he knew Major Smith was Worried.

As the Major can by for the next round the Lieutenant stopped him. "?Yes, Lieutenant can I help You, ?Are you Lost?" "No, I'm not lost, I'm wondering why you are worried". As the Major started to brush the young man off, He remembered just who the Lieutenant was. It wasn't good for the Career to be offhand with Royal's. "Perhaps You can Help, Stand here and tell me what you see as you look around the Deck."

" In the Front are a lot of Hesperian Soldiers, Most of them Sleeping, or at least pretending. With good Soldiers it's hard to tell the Difference" "Then are several trucks and Cars full with Supplies. Some of the Hesperian Biplanes, they maybe the best Hesperian has, but they look small compared to either Your's or My peoples." Then more Soldiers , I think they're a mix of Hesperian Pilots and Yours. It's the hands that give you away, Tie a pilots hands, and he can't talk. Then more Biplanes, I suppose the Woman Pilot, is excluded from the Group. Then... " Lieutenant Rahul Algosaubi realized the Major wasn't listening, He was looking at the Pilot. Walking towards her, with the Lieutenant beside him. "Trainee Diana, ?What are you doing here?"

Thumbing his belt com, Major Smith called " Bridge,Major Smith here, I need to talk to The Captain." a moment later, "Yes Major" "I'm afraid we have a problem down here with Trainee Diana" " I see Major, Handle it. We launch in five minutes." "Yes Captain". turning to the Lieutenant, You're some kind of Prince aren't you." " Princess Meet Prince Rahul Algosaubi, of the Songhai Royal Court." Prince Rahul Algosaubi meet Princess Diana of the Imperial Hesperian Court." "Now that you have been properly introduced" " Lieutenant, I'm putting you in Charge of Trainee Diana, You will look after her till I relieve you. Is that understood." "Good, I've got a Launch to get to." The itch had stopped. As the Major walked away the Lieutenant turned to Diana, " I'm not You know, He got me confused with someone else, I'm just a Arab who saw a chance for a better life in the Service."

[Justin Green]

Tangier, Spanish Morroco

The once peaceful city of Tangier was broken. Blood and bodies where every where. The dead seem to sit where they had fallen, watching. Every soldier saw their possible fate when they glanced into their lifeless faces. But they kept on fighting.

In a shallow trench a foul mouth private narrowly missed a bullet aimed at his head.

"Fucking Cocksuckers. Why won't they surrender like the rest, Sarge?" The private cursed at his superior.

"These are Inquisition troops, Private. Their the best the Habsburgs have".

In the beginning the Spanish didnt know what to call the nation and men they were fighting. They refused to call them Spaniards, and knew they were not Morroco or Morrocans. So they borrowed a term from thier old world, a term used to describe Germans, Flemish, Czechs, and more. They had belonged to the Habsburg. And now the word had new meaning.

A small, muscular man dropped into the hole. "Sergeant Cortez?" he yelled over the continous artillery barage. The Sergeant nodded and the Colonel continued. "My compliments to your unit. Re-enforcements are coming up for the dawn attack tomorrow. The 3rd and 4th Tank divisions are swinging around the city as we speak. With do way to escape we can destroy a large portion of the Habsburgs crack divisions. Im asking all of you to fight like mad tommorow. We win this and their nothing but those shitty Habsburg conscripts for a good fifty miles."

The colonel them made his way down to the far end of the trench, no doubt to say the same thing he had told them.

The Private turned to Cortez and said, "The Colonel's a good man. I wonder what he does when hes not killing people?"

The sergeant replied," I asked him once. Hes a pre-school teacher. Isnt that something?"

[DuQuense]

0800

Major Marcus Lucretia was feeling good. So far the tactic had worked, They had lost two planes but they had knocked out several machine gun Nests, and two artillery Batteries. This had cleared the way for the Tanks and Infantry following behind. Now the town of Nouadhibou Was just ahead. If their Songhai Allies had been successful there shouldn't be any of those Super Jet Planes, But Should have & Could have, are words smart planners never use**. Major Marcus Lucretia expected things to go wrong, as usual he was right.

Captain Artoro Elvoy had been scouting in his Plane when the Songhay had attacked the base just after first light. By the time he got back, His was the only plane left to the forces in Nouadhibou. When the spotter for the second destroyed Artillery Battery had called in Elvoy had taken his refueled plane up after the Hesperians. When he spotted them he thought it would be like shooting fish in a Barrel.

Major Lucretia Had thought hard over the last three weeks, wondering what maneuver Lieutenant Felix, his Wing Master had used that day to bring down one of these super planes. Now as his wing scattered, Marcus could hear Felix, voice in his head, as clear as when Felix had been teaching him. A climb, and a twist, and a Inerman, and coming out of the loop, there was the super plane, just below and ahead. There was only one more maneuver left. As the remains of his plane were sucked into the air intake, Major Marcus Lucretia , heard Lieutenant Felix, " Good job Kadet". And as Captain Artoro Elvoy's plane smashed into the ground at 550 mph, he wondered how they ever thought they could beat these.



**Should have & Could have, are words we never do use.
They only Depress Us, and give Us the Blues.

[DuQuense]

1100 hrs Tunis [0700 Zulu]

Wing Master Danilo Costanzo lead his Fighters back from the Strike on the Moroccians, The Raid had been a great Success. His 250 Fighters had totally destroyed the enemy Planes before the B-29J's had arrived, They had dropped their loads on the Morocians Tank, Artillery, and Naval Base. Major Danilo thought they would have time for another Strike Before they would have to break off to support the ground troops at Sfax.

1300 75 clicks south of Sfax, Tunisia

Major Farouk Hegazi the Songhai military Observer was riding in a command car, with his Spanish counterpart Lt. Colonel Alberto Fuentes. Both of them thought the Libyians were mad. The Hesperian Observer didn't know any better. This was the craziest way to go to war. It wasn't the Tankettes,* they understood the Libyan's lack of Steel to produce Tanks, and that most of the Tanks they had were stationed in the Suez. No it was the stunt they were pulling now.

This morning the two dozen tanks, they had, sweep across the Border, Backed up with three hundred Tankettes, and 50,000 Infantry. Then having captured the border posts, at Nalnut. They had loaded everything onto tractor trailers, including the Tanks. They were now headed north on the Main Hiways to Sfax at 120 KPH . True there were several hundred Gunship Helicopters along side. True the Libyains believed they had total command of the Air. But still who ever heard of traveling down the enemies highway like you were simply delivering a load of Automobiles.

1330

30 clicks south of Sfax, Tunisia

The Convey had stopped and was rapidly unloading, as the Tanks and Tankettes, starteted moving out, the two Observers realized that the Libyan had had very precise Intell about the positions, of the Enemy

1500

Just north of Sfax outside of the Airport.

Sergeant Colombo peeked out of his foxhole at the Moroccan Troops holed up on the ridge overlooking the airport. These were the Inquisition Guards. About 100 of them, they were all that was left of the fighting. The Sergeant had heard that even the Observers had captured a company of regulars, that had been surprised, when the Spaniard and the Songhay had rounded a corner and come upon them. The regulars hadn't waited to see how many, they had thrown down their weapons and raised their hands.

The sergeant hoped the Captain would play it smart, no wonder boy charges, Or other such stupidity. Then with a roar a Flight of Bombers laid a row of eggs along the ridge. A Little mopping up and the airport was theirs. They even had a few tanker trucks to support tomorrows attack on Tunis.




*Tankettes -- Mini Tanks built by the Ford and GM Libyan Truck Plants, Based on a one ton pickup frame, with two dually axles in back and two single axles in Front, they look like a mini British lorry, or a super ATV. With a Driver and a Gun Operator in a Turret, with a 75 caliber Vulcan Phalanx Gatling Gun. This is the Best the Libyan's could come up with, & Produce, in the Month Since the Event.

[GBW]

September 8, 2004 - 1343 Hours

"...It is an amazing sight as Songhay tanks and APCs roll through the center of downtown Marrakech as aircraft continue to pummel the remaining Spanish Moroccan holdouts within the city limits. There are very few civilians out on the streets but those that are don't appear to show much emotion one way or the other on the toppling of their old regime here in Marrakech and the arrival of Songhay forces. I spoke to some civilians earlier today, and their faces have been distorted as per their own request.

Local Man - "Yes, I heard of the burning of those people shortly after that Event brought the country here. How am I supposed to feel about it? It happened every so often when some moriscoe was discovered by the Inquisition, but as long as it doesn't effect you you go on with your life. The government in Tangier said that the Songhay were heretics but they said that about pretty much everyone in our old universe. Seeing Juan Carlos VII thrown out of Marrakech is pretty good, but I can't get too excited about these Songhay. If they don't mess around with things too much, I suppose it will be okay."

"Songhay forces crossed that ridge of the Atlas Mountains in the early hours of the morning and, within hours, advanced down the other side to Marrakech where what Spanish Moroccan forces there were fortified themselves in some strongpoints throughout the city. I'm told that they are mostly Inquisition Guards with some regular army soldiers to pad out their numbers. There have been some Songhay casualties since the entry into the city, but they have been relatively light. I'm told a holding force will stay in Marrakech to reduce each of the Inquisitor strongholds while the bulk of the force will continue on towards Casablanca. Considering the defense the regular Spanish Moroccan army has put up to this point, Songhay officers are confident that our forces can reach that city by the end of the day..."

[DuQuense]

0800. IMN AS Vera Cruz

As the planes had been launched Lieutenant Rahul Algosaubi had stood with the Princess, along with the Spanish, Lt. Colonel Fernando Burgos, And several others. Princess Diana was feeling a little lost, she had been wondering what to do when the Major had found Her. It wasn't at all like in the Movies of the Great War, No Jaunty Pilots, joking with their crew as they got in their planes, no crewmen, joking back. She might as well be back in her hanger, watching the Air Force mechanics prep her little Biplane. Just a lot of grim faced men doing their job.

Lt. Colonel Fernando Burgos, looked around, He had been stationed on one of Spain's Aircraft Carriers for a short time. This was almost the same. hard to believe they were hovering a thousand feet up. One thing he was struck with was the Quiet, no reeving engines, or roaring jets, just the hum of electric motors, and the whirling of the Fans.

As the Group of observers left the flight deck Burgos saw a tall Commander in a fancy dress uniform, approach the Princess. Ah Yes the Young Crown Prince, of Sweden. Burgos wondered how two such valuable personages, had been allowed to come on this trip.

As Princess Diana laughingly introduced 'Prince Rahul Algosaubi' The prince was wondering the same thing. He had arrived a week ago aboard one of Sweden's newly inherited Aircraft Carriers. While the Hesperian Navy was touring the Ship, The Prince had been to Royal dinners. Sometimes he believed that half of the Genoa Conference was here. The other half being in Tripoli.*

0820 75 miles from target

As the Observers stood out of the way watching, Colonel Julia von Helsing Captain of the IMN AS Vera Cruz, prepared to fight. While at the Conference in Genoa, She had talked to many of her counterparts. One of the things touched on was Stealth technology. While Her Planes were slightly Stealthy due to their materials, there was no way of hiding a 1200 foot long AirShip. Therefore the Moroccan's, had launched their fighters. The advanced Intelligence put the total force at the Base at 50 planes, and they had launched 47.

The normal complement was 75 War birds, but due to the distance and the unknown Conditions, the normal had been augmented with 25 Confederate, And 25 Republic planes. Now holding 40 back as a screen the other 80 raced at mach 0.85 to meet the Moroccan fighters. At five miles the Moroccan fired a Flight of Missiles. Not one of them achieved lock on.

Aboard the Airship the Observers were watching the Battle on Television Transmitted from the Mexican Planes. Most of them recognized the missiles as Heat seekers, and lots of Mental notes for the reports, Heat seekers useless. The AWACS system aboard the airship would have cramped a 747. As the Electronic Warfare Officers Directed the Battle, The Skill of the Mexicans came into play.

In most Air Forces, due to fuel and Maintance costs, Pilots consider themselves lucky if they get 32-40 hours of flight time a month. The Roman Army's Motto had been "Adjust, Adopt, and Improve" The American Air Forces had their own Motto. "Practice, Practice, Practice, and when you get done, Start Practicing all over again." Many of the NAFTZ Pilots got 40 hrs a week, and some even more. And three months earlier they had been Practicing against Admiral Yokomoto's Japanese, who thought the Americans didn't practice enuff.

The Mexicans had a top Speed of 0.9 Mach, while the Migs, had a Afterburner Speed of 0.95. But in this as in all things Experience and Skill Counts.

Major Smith was behind the Mig and was lining up his gun sights, when the Mig Pilot hit his after burner and pulled away looping to get behind the Major. As he had done some many time in the games the Major, used the agility of his lighter craft to loop inside, as the Migs speed brought it back into the Majors sights. Unfortually the Major had lost his Wingman earlier when taking on three Migs. So while Major Smith got the Mig, the Mig's wingman got the Major.

Suddenly in the midst of the Battle the last 12 Migs jumped away and went racing South. It took a second for everyone to realize they were attacking the Airship. As they came into range they fired a spread of all their missiles, 30 of them, and turned and raced East. Aboard the Airship the observers realized why most of them were only Captains, or Lieutenants.

Colonel Von Helsing, turned to her Electronic Officer "LADAR** locked, Fire Torpedoes" Along the side of the ship pots opened and Aerial Torpedoes popped out. they sped away at 1.5 mach, at the speed they were turning , even the titanium reinforced carbon fiber fans would rip themselves to bits in 15 minutes, not to worry, at the speed they were over clocked, the motors would burn out in 10, But not to worry, the direct shorted batteries would only last 5. Just 3 minutes after launch, 27 of the torpedo's found their target.

The Airship turned slightly to port and along her Broadside 48 LADAR guided Vulcan Phalanx Gatling Guns opened fire. As the Ship resumed its course the Captain order the Flight Officer to prepare to recover Planes.



* ooc; if any of the readers want to report from their observers....
** Laser Aided Detection And Ranging

[DuQuense]

Algiers 1300 Zulu/ Septembre 7th

From General Emilio, Libyan Forces in Control of Algiers.
To General Hassane Tahirou - Songhay Army

This is to Inform You that the combined Libyan & Hesperian Forces have taken the city of Algiers.

The Airport is open and useable if you want to use it to support your Ground Troops thrust north toward Algiers.

[DuQuense]

Algeria Province, Spanish Morocco, 20 miles south east of Algiers. 1000 hrs Septembre 8th


General Diego Epifanio, Commander of the Spanish Forces defending Algiers, looked over what remained of his forces. Here He was hiding in the Desert. His plan on being forced out of Algiers was to retreat along the Coast to Tunis. The 18 inch Guns on that Hesperian Battleship had stopped that. So here he was with 2000 regulars and 1200 Guards. He didn't trust the Regulars, he too had heard about the company of Regs that surrendered to several Observers armed only with their pistols.

General Diego Epifanio, turned back to the Radio, all Morning it had been nothing but bad news, The Songhai infidels in control of Marrakech, The Libyan's and the Songhay meeting in Algiers. A major battle for Tunis. Spanish Heretic Troops, in Control of Rabat & Oran, driving toward Fes. Even Fighting in the outskirts of Tangier.

The General didn't know what he was going to do, but He wasn't going to allow God's Nation to slip away without more of a Fight.

[GBW]

September 8, 2004 - 2207 Hours

"...as I stand here on the outskirts of Casablanca, the Ministry of Military Affairs in Gao has declared that the front here in Morocco proper has officially shifted from active combat to consolidation. The city center of Casablanca is in Songhay hands and the reduction of each of the Inquisition Guard strongholds in both Marrakech and Casablanca continues even now. Songhay forces have continued northeast of Casablanca to occupy the towns of Mohammedia, Ben Slimane and Rommani, as well as points further east, to solidify the boundary between the Songhay and Spanish zones of control here in Morocco proper. Though I do not have clear confirmation, I have also heard that Songhay forces have met up with Libyan forces in Algiers and that organized opposition within that city has effectively ended. Earlier today, Foreign Minister Sule Ouane, at a joint press conference with the Minister of Military Affairs, announced that he has asked Spain if they require any Songhay assistance in the fighting in Tangier or other parts of their theatre of Spanish Morocco in the form of Songhay aircraft providing aerial support. At the moment, I have not heard whether Spain has accepted or refused the offer..."

[Justin Green]

"I hear you traveled to the vicinity of Tangier, Pablo. Don't you think that a little dangerous?" Alejandro Marquez question his fathers old friend.

"There was no real danger, Consul. I was perfectly safe. Even the Habsburg of are world were tougher then these cowards." The Defense Minister would know. Where a hand should be, a knarled stump stood in its place, curtesy of Habsburg shell exploding in the rubble of Florence, Italy.

"True, but your not a young man anymore. For Gods sake your a great-grandfather. For your family's sake, don't risk yourself like that again. That's an order from your commander-in-chief."

The minster mumbled a half-hearted apology and told the Consul what he really wanted to know. "Consul, as you can see on this map, we have secured all of the coastal area of our sector, including parts of Tangier. As we speak Tangier is being cleared block by block. I estimate that that with Libyan renforcements in Tangier and in consolidating the interior, it will be a matter of days before we control everything in our zone."

"How are our allies holding up? Is it true that they are farther ahead then we?" the Consul queried.

The Minister grimaced, "Understand Consul, the Songhai, Hesperians and Libyans have fought bravely and well considering, but it is we that have consistently taken the brunt of the punishment. The fighting in and around Tangier alone has produced as many Spanish casualties as the rest of our allies combined. Im not saying they arent fighting, only we pay the butchers bill becasue the enemy focused on defending the core of their nation." PAUSE. "I do have good news though. The Sarin attack against the large airbase near Rabat was as successful as hoped. We captured several million liters of jet fuel as well as 4 dozen fighter aircraft that are not far behind our own technology. We have also been able to capture a limited number of small arms and armored vehicals."

"Thank you, Minister."

[DuQuense]

Septembre 8th

From Libyan Ministry of Defense
To General Emilio, Commander Libyan Forces in of Algiers.

You are here by ordered to turn over Algiers to General Hassane Tahirou , our Songhay Ally, and reembarke you Troops for reinforcing the Spanish in Tangier's.
Warning, Intell indicates that there are many more Guard Troops than first expected. Due to this stiffening and due to most of the Regulars being of Spanish, [Unlike the Arabs, and Berber in Algiers], Whe expect much higher causality losses. Dispute this, Whe must be seen as a creditable Ally. You will coordinate as closely as possible with the Spanish Forces.


From Imperial Roman Ministry of War
To Admiral Aquila, Hesperian Naval Forces Algiers.

You are here by Ordered to proceed with General Emilio, to provide Surrport to our Spanish & Libyan Allies in Tangeirs.


From Libyan Ministry of State
To the Federated Republics of Spain

This is to inform You that the Libyan Goverment considers the Use of Poison Gas, as a Weapon of Mass Destruction, and is prohibited under the Geneva Accords on Civilized Warfare.

From The Imperial Hesperian Court.
To the Federated Republics of Spain

The Imperial Roman Empire/Hesperia is a Signatory of the Rome Accords on Civilized Warfare, As such whe protest Your use of Poison Gas in the Resent Attack in Morocco.

[DuQuense]

1200 hrs IMN AS Vera Cruz , Santa Cruz Naval Station, Canary Islands.

The Airship had landed right in the Center of the AirField. with its Guns Blazing at any thing that moved, and several aerial Torpedoes for those points the Guns weren't enuff for. Then the ramps had opened, and 3.000 Hesperian Troops had rushed out to secure the Station. The really weird thing, for which no one had a explanation was that. All 14 Ships [2 cruisers & 12 Destroyers] were still in port, half of them didn't even have steam up.

As the Troops had continued into the Town six Freighters had pulled out of the Harbor. Reconasence that reported that the Freighters were crammed to the Rails with men, Women and Kids. Excatully where they were headed was unclear, but they let them go. Imperial Rome did not make war on Women & Children.

The Town had seemed sort of Empty afterwards, and while there had been a few hold outs, by 1100 hrs the first troops had begun to be airlifted to the villages on the other islands . The Hesperian Biplanes had been off loaded and the first patrols began.

Colonel von Helsing hoped the relief fleet of Hesperian Vessels arrived soon. In order to lift everything, She had been forced to offload a lot of Supplies. The mess was down to one days rations, and if the Food ran out......

[Justin Green]

To the Foreign Ministries of Libya and Hesperia: Spain has always tried to avoid the use of chemical agents against civilians, and we have only used it limitedly in this war, mainly against military bases.

To Hesperia: We congratulate you with your rapid victory in the Canaries. We also remind you that they are part of Spain's zone.

[DuQuense]

Septembre 11th
IMN AS Vera Cruz , Soa Miguel, Azores.

After the Hesperian Fleet had arrived at Santa Cruz, The Airship had resupplied and re embarked the original 3000 Troops. Then with a Hesperian fleet about 24 hours behind her had transported the Centurions to the Azores. The three largest islands, one legion each, giving Hesperia a clear claim to the Islands.

Von Helsing had been here before, as a Young Ensign on Her first deployment. The Contrast between those Brown Desert Islands, and these Verdantly Green, heavily forested Isles. These were part of what the scientists back home were calling the Empty Lands. She hoped the Hesperians would take better care of them than the Portuguese had originally.

As the Airship turned and headed back to Rome for the first step in returning Home, the Colonel thought about the Diplomatic fray going on between Hesperia and Spain over the claims to the Islands. Oh Well, no War ever ended with everything Being Peaceful Sweetness and Light between the Parties.



From Hesperian Royal Court
To Songhai High Command

Please Detach Lieutenant, Prince Rahul Algosaubi From your Observer Corp, and Reassign Him to Permanent Duty with the Hesperian Royal Court. Something about having been assigned to take care of the Princess, and not being relieved of that Duty.

[Justin Green]

Official orders to the Aquisition Fleet and Garrison soldiers.

In regards to Canary Islands: 8 thousand Spanish researve are to be spread out over all the Canaries. They are ordered to detain Morrocan officials, to police, and to restore order if needed. Also Morrocan naval, air, and land bases are to be taken over and be put to use.

In regards to Madiera: 1 thousand Spanish researve are to be landed with naval engineers. Construction of Naval facilities and a scientific out post will be top priorities.

In regards to the Antilles: 5 thousand regular infantry and 2,000 naval researve are to be deployed to the islands to construct both air and and land bases for use by the Spanish military. Navy Engineers are to search for an appropriate area for construction of a main Atlantic naval base.

In regards to Hesperians encountered on any island: They are illegally trepassing on the territory of the Federated Republics. They are to be notified of this. After that all communications with them should be kept at a minimal, try to ignore their very existance. If Hesperian soldiers or officiers order you to leave an area, their message is to be relayed to base camp. Proceed according to what your officers tell you. If Hesperians attempt to follow you or force their way into a sensitive area they are to be detained and evicted from that area. Do not use lethal measures. If the Hesperians fire on you, proceed to use tear gas grenades and rubber bullets. If all options are exhausted, you may use live rounds.

To the court of the Hesperian Dictator: We would like to inquire why you have deployed your soldiers to our soil. Perhaps they are lost?

[DuQuense]

Septembre 8th Tunis, Tunisia

Wing Master Danilo Costanzo Was a Catholic, So he winced as his Missiles hit. The Guards had holed up inside a Church in the middle of town. The Ground troops had surrounded this. One of the last holdout's still actively fighting, this evening. Without any tanks, the Church had been like a fort. But several planes worth of Missiles, showed why control of the Air was so important.

Septembre 9th Nouadhibou

Brig. General Alvaro Mendez, Stood with several other Observers, as the Hesperians moped up the last of the resistance in the Town. And they complained about our use of Gas in Rabat and Oran. The Hesperians hadn't even tried to get the resisters, to Surrender, There had been that morning's, blanket call to surrender, Then the Field Artillery had opened up on the Moroccan troops. As the Hesperians advanced, they had ended up with almost point blank Range firing into the pockets of Resistance.

It had taken the Hesperians two days to get here, Two days of the Moroccan's, fortifying and preparing their defenses. For all the Good it did them, they would have been better, spending the time preparing to surrender. 75.000 Troops including self propelled Artillery, Against, about 15.000 Regulars and 5.000 Guards. When the 1000- 11 inch guns had opened up, with high explosive shells, against the hastily dug trenches, and fortified positions, all that was left was counting the body parts.

As they moved forward Brig. General Alvaro Mendez, noticed that Major Gahiji Diatta, the Songhai Observer , Didn't appear as affected by the Gore as much as the Some of the other observers. A Hausa from Niger, Mendez made a mental Note to include the reactions of the other observers in his Report. Mendez also noted that the Hesperians seemed to be avoiding firing at Civilian Targets, Till a attack came from it. Then the Hesperians, responded with immediate overwhelming force, obliterating the target and any thing around it. As Mendez mentioned this to his Songhay Counterpart, Major Diatta said, "Yes, Machiavelli, would have liked these Hesperians."

Septembre 12th Tripoli

President Rabin sat back in his Chair and paused the Cabinet meeting as the "Calling of the Faithful" rang out outside his Window, He know that in Churches, Synagogues, and Temples, Priests, Rabbi's, and Imans, would all be starting Prayers, of thanksgiving that the War was over. Or at least the main part of it.

Turning to the Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz "So how is the aftermath of the war working out."

" Pretty good from our preceptive. The Tankettes worked, Whe are shipping several hundred to Suez for backup as that craziness is getting worse. And Songhai & Hesperia have both bought several dozen for evaluation. Whe seen to have a solid foundation for Friendship with Songhai. They have a extensive Steel Industry in the Niger Highlands, They'll ship it down the Nigeria, and Hesperia will deliver it. Solving our steel Problem. Songhai is working With us to realign the Cross Border Roads and Rails, Allowing the resumption of trade."

"Hesperia is involved in a Diplomatic Fray with Spain, over It's occupation of the Carnaries and the Azores. Songhai's grabbing those Four Islands rite along their new Coast hasn't helped. Libya Gave up all it's claims to the Atlantic Coast, and even pulled back from Algiers, so whe are staying Neutral, in the Dispute, for now."

"Other than that Hesperia has agreed to help us with Operation Food, by sending two Legions, along with some food supplies."

"The Main problem with the Occupation Zones for all Three of Us is General Diego Epifanio. General Epifanio was the General in Charge of Algiers, after the fall He ended up in the Desert. He seems to have had all his men take off their Uniforms and return home. Since the end of the Fighting He is Trying to organize all the escaped Guards as a resistance group. He seems to be having more luck in our, Algerian Republic and the Spanish's, Morocco Republic, than in the territories Songhai & Hesperia anexxed completely."

[DuQuense]

Morocco After the War

[DuQuense]

In regards to Canary Islands: 8 thousand Spanish reserve are to be spread out over all the Canaries. They are ordered to detain Moroccan officials, to police, and to restore order if needed. Also Moroccan naval, air, and land bases are to be taken over and be put to use.


From Julius Anthony Augustus-Caesar of the Imperial Roman Empire/Hesperia
To Alejandro Marquez- Consul- Federated Republics of Iberia

The Canaries are already being Policed Quite adequately by our 5000 Troops and our Songhai Ally's Soldiers. Whe Thank You for your offer of Assistance but it is not Needed. Our Troops are not Lost. They are simply re-occupying with the Aid of our Mexican Ally, Territory that was part of the Roman Empire before the Event.


In regards to the Antilles: 5 thousand regular infantry and 2,000 naval reserve are to be deployed to the islands to construct both air and land bases for use by the Spanish military. Navy Engineers are to search for an appropriate area for construction of a main Atlantic naval base.


From Imperial Mexico
To the Federated Republic of Columbia & Guyana.

As per our treaty with your Nation. It has come to our attention that the Federated Republics of Spain are planning to send some 7.000 soldiers to claim the Antilles to your north. While whe do not have a Treaty with them, perhaps You may wish to inform the Nation of Amazonia as well.

[GBW]

September 10, 2004

Excerpts of Songhai's Imperial News Network

"...Songhay troops were airlifted today to the four easternmost islands of the Canary Islands grouping off the coast of southern Morocco proper. They have begun security operations on the islands and are receiving constant air cover from Songhay aircraft operating out of the mainland..."

"...the Koutoubia Cathedral in Marrakech, a famous mosque apparently converted to Christianity by the Spanish Moroccans in the early 19th century in their universe, has received preliminary surveys by Songhay engineers and architects. They say that it is in poor condition due to neglect by the Spanish Moroccan government that preferred the Spanish-style churches they constructed themselves. King Muhammad VII has decreed that the historical building, completed in 1195 and possessing a skyline-dominating 77-meter (253-foot) tall minaret, will be restored at the expense of the Songhay government, as well as many other historical structures neglected by the Spanish Moroccan regime..."

"...government has announced its support in helping to suppress the underground organization of Inquisition Guards coordinated by former Spanish Moroccan General Diego Epifanio. Though their activities have been light in Songhay territory, Foreign Minister Sule Ouane stressed Songhai's support to the Algerian Republic in this matter..."

[Justin Green]

From Julius Anthony Augustus-Caesar of the Imperial Roman Empire/Hesperia
To Alejandro Marquez- Consul- Federated Republics of Iberia

The Canaries are already being Policed Quite adequately by our 5000 Troops and our Songhai Ally's Soldiers. Whe Thank You for your offer of Assistance but it is not Needed. Our Troops are not Lost. They are simply re-occupying with the Aid of our Mexican Ally, Territory that was part of the Roman Empire before the Event.


Songhay troops were airlifted today to the four easternmost islands of the Canary Islands grouping off the coast of southern Morocco proper. They have begun security operations on the islands and are receiving constant air cover from Songhay aircraft operating out of the mainland

Excellent. Though are forces are a bit rusty with joint-occupation duty, we look forward to better aquanting ourselves with each other and learning more about each other.

[DuQuense]

Septembre 14th

Fleet Admiral Eloy Fabuis, Had a problem. With one major fleet in the Mediterranean, A Second assisting in the Quaritine of the Congo, and a third exploring South Africa, And a Fourth spread out across the Canaries, & Azores , He was short of Men. Caesar wanted troops sent to the Canaries to deter Spanish Adventurism, and to rebuilt and upgrade the military bases. He would have to Borrow some.


Septembre 17

The First of 12 Legions of Construction Workers, from the Army Corp of Engineers, Departs for Santa Cruz. All of them are scheduled to be there by the end of the following week.

[GBW]

September 14, 2004

"...Songhay soldiers in the Canary Islands have been reinforced by new arrivals from the mainland. Songhay aircraft continue to patrol the skies as engineers begin the process of updating the port and air facilities.."