The War in Heaven

The War in Heaven, possibly the most destructive global conflict to date. Fought on the lands of Arendeska, Uzbroskia, Suthenica, and eventually Brikania, will always remain in the memories of those who fought in it. Fighting either for glory, or for survival.

## The Beginning

**December 27th, 1003, 10:30pm | Arendeskan Hydroelectric Monitoring Station, Northern Brikania**

Eight five-man teams of the Brikanian IIB approach on ground towards the facility, UAV support is present. Total stealth is maintained by the units, with snipers escorting machine-gun crews towards favourable positions. Each team has heavy-duty suppressors.

*"(Overlord) Overlord to Sledgehammer, UAV assist confirms 12 ground targets present in facility grounds, retain stealth, keep internal "All Clear" signal."*

*"Do not alert enemy forces. (Sledgehammer)"*

*"Copy Overlord. Engaging ground targets."*

Arendeskan patrols circling the station are eliminated by well placed shots. Ground teams continue to converge on the station to prevent any chance of enabling the local alarm, or the end of the "All Clear signal. The Brikanian 1st, 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 12th armoured divisions begin to take up positions along the Arendeska-Brikania borders, as well as in the Dubrovnik pocket.

And so, the first shots of the War in Heaven have been fired.

## The Dam

The Dam Alarm goes off, all forces are ordered to mobilize, and the dam is placed under lockdown. Scientists and workers are dispatched to emergency shelters, and a pending enemy attack is anticipated. The Union diplomat in New Brickbridge submits a question to the Brikanian Government as to why 12 men were killed on the treatment plant. The 9th army group is placed on the border south, and the 2nd army group is placed on the border northwest

2,000 Soldiers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs rush out of all exits and secure the dam. Unbeknownst to the Brikanians who did not expect the Dam to be the largest secured power generation and science center in the entire UCSR.

## The Suthenican Campaign

The landings have begun on the continent of Suthenica by Brikanian Forces. Thanks to Obskurakorps surveys and photos of the landing zones, as well as the presence of the 2 heaviest ships in the Brikanian Navy, there were relatively few casualties for the Brikanian Marines present. The main objective of the Brikanian Marines is to capture the port, rail, and aircraft housing facilities in the city of Todmorden, 20km southwest of the LZ. Meanwhile, the rather shoddy rail & road system of Vontegria struggles to move the large number of Cordinian Soldiers south, even though that they are fast-response units. They have begun to secure everything north of the Auctermunty River (The river north of the LZ), and are making progress towards the south.

Todmorden has fallen to the Brikanian marines after the airforce threatened to level the city if it was not abandoned. Now, with both a port and airfield in hands of the marines, armoured units begin departing from the main fleet to land in Vontegria. Brikanain air assets also begin to redeploy to the city as it becomes the FOB for the entire invasion. Now, the marines prepare to march east, boarding trains and attempting to cut off the Cordinians before they can secure Vrand. Additionally, supplementary landings are to proceed somewhere around Lindow.

More divisions are being committed to the invasion of Vontegria. Mostly second rate soldiers, or units recently raised from the newly established conscription laws, they will be mixed in with elite units to gain combat experience and tactical knowledge. The first armoured divisions have already embarked from Vukovar, consisting of some of the newest Brikanian tanks to roll off the production lines.

After weeks of luring the Cordinian forces into a false sense of security, 500 men from the 47th Airborne Division are paradropped far behind enemy lines at the railways bridges that cross the Auctermunty and Holbeck rivers. With the area housing only local police forces to engage the parasoldiers, the bridges are seized and sabotaged with explosive charges. Being the only railway line that connects north and south Vontegria, it is no time before a Cordinian supply train carrying armoured vehicles and tanks is spotted and halted by the paratroopers, taking control of the train and it's cargo. Using this stolen equipment, the paratroopers signal for the second wave of airlifts to begin, dropping another 2000 soldiers throughout the rest of the day.

Defensive positions are established around the bridges while the Brikanians wait for the oncoming storm. Near Lindow, Brikanian landing operations were forced to proceed without sufficient indirect fire-support, leading to sizeable casualties and the loss of the divisional commander. Nonetheless, the beachheads were established, and the divisions present wasted no time to begin advancing inland.

## Operation Knife's Edge

A total of 103 divisions of the Union's armed forces have slowly amassed in Kulachia, masking their positions by forming small contingents and moving them forward. A telegram arrives at the Brikanian Government, declaring the 5th world war on Brikania. These 103 divisions (support included) are 83 tank, and 20 motor infantry. Spread out across the front, these divisions will all charge across the border with lighting pace. Tanks leading the charge, infantry reinforcing. Additionally, 6 Air Armies will be given 1 each to every part of the front.

**Cordinia, 0100 Hours, November. 1004**

Lugrinian forces amassing on the border have now been perfected. Infantry divisions and tank divisions move southward, More specifically, Mountain infantry divisions have moved downward toward Yessengrad, and more have been moving to surround the city. South of the city though, Lugrinian infantry divisions cut off the roads and then begin to set up traps. For months the Lugrinian military has been moving aircraft to airfields all around, in Cordinia and Avrentria and Riqua. These airfields then come to life, With aircraft taking off and firing Air to Ground missiles, Specifically; Bunker busting GBU 27 Laser guided rockets. Which inflict heavy damage along the Brikanian line. In Mezhdurkuta, Lugrinian cavalry divisions have arrived, and formed a defensive line around the city, Whilst armour divisions press forward in massive spearhead formations. In addition to these armour divisions, airfields behind Mezhdurkuta have been more capable of reaching the frontline than the ones in Avrentria, Which is buying the Lugrinian, Riquan and Avrentrian advance valuable support. These airfields are heavily defended, With point defence and security forces. Enemy air support won't do much considering there is 8 wings, 60 jets each wing. so 480 attack jets. And then, Multirole fighters, there is 11 wings, 660 multirole fighters. Lugrinian infantry, 10,000 men made up of Avrentrian and Riquan soldiers, 7,000 RIquan and Avrentrian and 3,000 Lugrinian legionaries push downward toward the surrounded Brikanian soldiers next to Novorossiluga and Khizan. Next, Lugrinian cavalry armies press downward towards Novorossiluga. They then create a defensive line whilst 256 tanks begin to go around that line and spearhead forward. The invasion force inside Avrentria extends all the way to the southern coast, but is somewhat spread out.

The order has been given, the 31st Elite Corps have arrived on schedule. They will perform a complete frontal assault to oust the encircled 30 thousand from their entrapment.

The Brikanian parasoldiers had evacuated their lighter troops to more secluded positions within the many small towns and villages in the area, taking up in farmhouses or logging compounds for shelter, they had left their unmanned vehicles and a few volunteer soldiers to create the illusion that you had surrounded the enemy fully and were beginning to mow them down. However, Brigadier Kommandant Heinz Leonov had discovered a flaw in the Lugrinian assault; almost half of the attacking forces didn't even speak the same language as the main Lugrinian force. This presented an opportunity for the officer, and successfully tricked both sides of the converging pocket to fire upon eachother, allowing for the few real Brikanian soldiers within to escape unscathed. Lugrinian forces have achieved nothing but 200+ deaths from friendly fire, 30 vehicles destroyed, and many more wounded.

With the loss of almost all of their heavy equipment and vehicles, the Brikanian parasoldiers can only watch as hundreds of helicopters roar overhead of their positions, striking down any Brikanians that stray too far out of the small covered areas that litter the countryside. However, the Kommandant still has a couple tricks up his sleeve. By utilizing scouts to call out grid markers for himself, the Kommandant uses stolen Arendeskan radios to mark false locations for cavalry strikes. This adds to further confusion and friendly-fire incidents during the entire attack, killing even more Lugrinian, Arendeskan, and Riquan soldiers in the process.

Lugrinian soldiers with shoulder-launched AA rockets take down the supposed "Brikanian" air cavalry units pummelling their forces, while the Arendeskan helicopters keep receiving locations for close-air support from Brikanian teams impersonating enemy troops on the ground.By the end of the day, almost 3000 Coalition forces are killed, 4500 are wounded, 77 light and 12 heavy vehicles plus 23 attack helicopters were lost, and the Brikanian casualties are estimated to only number around 100, not including wounded soldiers. The only success of the joint operations were the capture of almost all of the parasoldier's heavy equipment and vehicles, and 38 POW's. Only minuscule elements were able to reach encircled forces, and without enough supplies to keep the 29000-man force fighting, huge swaths of the encirclement surrender to Brikanian and Vontegrian forces. Mechanized infantry divisions of the Brikanian Military begin to charge north in an effort to finally relive the marines and parasoldier divisions that had done so much for the campaign. Leonov is to be promoted to Divsional Commander upon request from Cromwell.

The Union's Military Command over the region has been failing for the majority of the start of the war. Old, expired, inefficient military tactics being used against a technologically and ideologically superior foe. Commissariat Command think change is necessary, not just necessary but in dire requirement. And for that reason, The Commissariatic Military Council has made the choice to deploy Arendeskan General Von Nekenot Heldar to the Suthenican Front, effective immediatley. General Von Heldar has re-assessed the situation at the front. All command has been relinquished to him, that is command of all Lugrinian, or Cordinian Units on that part of Suthenica. Fighting in the mountains has been utterly disastrous if losses are considered. So henceforth, the northeastern front command will be relinquished to the **31st Elite Corps**, a large fighting force of around 90,000 men total. Only 50,000 have been dispatched to Suthenica. This detachment is known for it's ruthlessness and straightforward tactics. They will be great defenders of the eastern flank.

The Brikanian 37th Armoured Infantry and 20th Parasoldiers is moving to assist in the west, while the 34th, 35th, and 36th Infantry divisions will be dispatched from their garrisons in Davigrad and Whitbridge. Oberkommander Krebs is hastily preparing a defence of Vrand, taking advantage of the hills to the northeast and river to the south to channel the Lugrinian armour into a head-on assualt. In a desperate attempt to get his fleet back to friendly waters, Grand Admiral Engel goes against the orders of Cromwell and moves the Brikanian 2nd Fleet out of port at Todmorden, ordering all ships to steam north at a rapid pace. This includes the Prinz Schussen and damaged Otto-Schwarz.

A major Brikanian supply convoy en-route to Suthenica is intercepted by a Union task force. The destruction of this convoy further removes the Empire's ability to maintain its forces on the continent. 15th Brikanian  Marines will withdraw southeast to reinforce defensive positions due to lack of supply. Manpower will be diverted from the Siege of Yessengrad to protect eastern mountain roads from Snezhgovian attacks. 20th Parasoldiers will be repositioned south to assist in kicking out the Lugrinians. The Brikanians already had garrisoned the biggest ports just incase something happened, such as Todmorden and Suno. The 37th Armoured Infantry and 20th Parasoldiers is moving to assist in the west, while the 34th, 35th, and 36th Infantry divisions will be dispatched from their garrisons in Davigrad and Whitbridge. Oberkommander Krebs is hastily preparing a defence of Vrand, taking advantage of the hills to the northeast and river to the south to channel the Lugrinian armour into a head-on assault. In a desperate attempt to get his fleet back to friendly waters, Grand Admiral Engel goes against the orders of Cromwell and moves the Brikanian 2nd Fleet out of port at Todmorden, ordering all ships to steam north at a rapid pace. This includes the Prinz Schussen and damaged Otto-Schwarz. Brikanian Garrisons in Todmorden are surrounded, and running out of supply. And Lugrinian infantry and mechanized infantry begin to surround and push into the city. They then begin to push inside the city. Whilst Lugrinian armoured divisions move in that general area to counter a possible Brikanian armoured attack.
*Operation Final Blow*

*November 18th, 1005*

For long the Union has stood idle in the war in Suthenica. The Suthenican Military Operations Command has analyzed the current playing field and assessed the needed details to perform an offensive maneuver. The objective is to liberate Suthenica, and the plan is to do it swiftly.

3555 tanks have been brought from the UCSR, and combined with Cordinian Armoured Units will execute a forward assault south from staging points in the north. The three groups among them have 1000 tanks in each, with 555 held back in reserve. The attack will see close air support and helicopters used along with the tanks. GPS mapping has shown where trenches and defenses are. RevMilCouncil has calculated for possible fake defense positions.

The tanks, (mostly T-19s, some modernized T-18s and T-17s) have been ordered to deploy smoke screens in advance, and after this their vision will be obscured for some time, after that, they will roll out of the smoke cannons blazing, machineguns firing. Infantry in the trenches will be engaged with air support from several thousand helicopters also participating in the assault. Long range artillery in Novorossiluga will fire on marked targets ahead of my advance using the new Artillery Equation otherwise known as the Palkin Formula. Additionally, the 31st Elite Corps will begin advancing on you from the mountains, slowly but surely overpowering any resistance it meets due to large amounts of helicopter support, RPGs, and overall some stuff that would give them the edge (argue against this if you will). The first actual combat use of the Zu-57 Multirole Combat Aircraft will take place as well. Several squadrons of Zu-57s will fly high above dropping the odd HEMR bomb or two, sometimes even a missile.

For the first time during the war in Suthenica, actual Brikanian companies are sent into an unorganized, disorderly retreat. The mass of tanks and helicopters has finally proven too much for even the hardened parasoldier units, forcing them to abandon defensive positions and withdraw. Many Vontregrian Platoons are stationed to delay the Arendeskan divisions as long as possible. Brikanian Suthenican Command, or Totem, has ordered retreating units to regroup at new defensive lines being prepared south of Yelepeysk. Mountain platoons are ordered to withdraw to locations further south to avoid encirclement, and the siege of Yessengrad is finally lifted. The 12000 soldiers surrounded in Yelepeysk will dig in and prepare for siege.

*Operation Battle Axe*

*December 1st, 1005*

For months, Brikanian diplomats in the Republic of Conia worked tirelessly to persuade top Military Officials to reposition soldiers and assets to the Lugrini-Conia border on the Straits of Gilvor. It had been determined that both nations shared a common goal, and were more than happy to assist each-other in exploiting the weakness of the Lugrinian Expeditionary Force. Lugrinian assets were withdrawn from Suthenica, and it was only a matter of time before the overstretched, undersupplied Aventrian divisions would be forced to reconsider their positions. That time has come.

With coordinated landings of the 20th parasoldier division behind enemy lines, shock from the armoured counterattack west of Lindow, and the complete withdrawal of all Lugrinian commanding officers, Aventrian units are forced to retreat from previous positions, with no sense of direction or destination. Fresh Brikanian fighter-bombers tear up the minimal road infrastructure leading out of the city, trapping thousands of wounded and tens of thousands of men within.

North of Vrand, Vontegrian forces had been putting up a bloody resistance, fighting dearly to defend their capital city from enemy occupation. Now, these divisions are paired with APC's, IFV's, and other mechanized armoured vehicles. After a intense 12-hour artillery bombardment on enemy staging grounds, the Vontegrians launch their attack. There is almost no fighting, many Aventrian units either abandoned their positions and fled or willing gave themselves up to the rapidly advancing forces.

The City of New Bricksburg is cut off from railway access as the reinforced 37th Armoured Infantry Division smashes through hastily prepared defensive lines, continuing their advance along the Lower Teragon River. Inside the city, panic ensues as Werwolf Strategic Bombers begin to level the districts, one by one. Aventrian Command desperately needs any assistance, lest they want to retain a foothold in Brikanian Vontegria.

Brikanian troops have been estimated to move in several days. This assault was way overdue. Arvrentrian Soldiers have been outgunned and outnumbered, due to the awful strategic decision made by the Lugrinian High Command. Nonetheless action must be taken.

The 31st Elite Corps, in conjunction with the Cordinian Army (the largest standing military in Suthenica), and the Union's 1st and 2nd Suthenican Sector Armies (plus support groups), have been standing by ready for an attack. With the fall of Yelepeysk, the UCSR now has an open but fairly difficult front into the west.

Under the cover of the forested mountains, and the environment surrounding the front, Union forces (particularly the 31st elite corps) were able to amass large amounts of 'tools' further and further along the frontline.

Operation Tilting Clock has outlined the main maneuvers of the Commissariat Army: With the support of several thousand tanks, and Cordinian armoured units numbering in the several thousands. The 1st and 2nd Armies will execute a full forward offensive south from Yelepeysk, attempting to capture the Gold Canyon. The armies will be supported with air cover, enemy position designator battalions (or EPDBs, that's helicopter patrols and satellites), naval support and logistics.

The 31st Elite Corps, with the help of Cordinian Units, will push unprecedented amounts of light elements through the lightly guarded mountains along the frontline. These light troops (with helicopter and mountaincrawler (bmps basically) support) will proceed with offensives on Brikanian outposts, eliminating them with ease by outnumbering them in numbers, and pelleting them with high explosive missiles and infantry based weapons. This offensive will be so large, and was prepared for so long that Brikania will lose communication with it's FOBs on that side of the front with such speed that sending reinforcements to aid the mountain front will be slow and tedious. After light troops continue with their operations, this will allow heavier units to be transported in.

General Heldar has noted in his personal diary; that "Brikania's one true military asset is not possible to use in this situation. To rob the Empire of it's most powerful broadsword, the tank, is to destroy the very basis of Brikanian Doctrine. That is exactly what I did in this situation, the Brikanians cannot possibly use tanks in such mountainous terrain, therefor helicopter troops, paratroopers, and mechanized infantry in large numbers can deal devastating damage, both to enemy morale and their soldiers".

*Attack on Gold Canyon*

*05:00 Hours*

The defenses of Gold Canyon have been softened up by heavy artillery bombardment for the past week. Almost any visible defense around the perimeter of the supply base has either been rocked to the ground or has become an eight-metre wide hole in the ground, this is the power of the PA-787 “Big Gun”. A weapon that requires helicopters for assembly, and a weapon the quantity of which remains below the dozen mark. These massive cannons which have been set up are also each a heavily fortified base, and have a larger caliber than the largest Brikanian artillery. In short, they are big guns.

Around 7,000 wings of Zu-57 aircraft have been stationed in Suthenica, another several thousand are being brought in. Air superiority has been achieved a long time ago. The Brikanians cannot possibly keep up with the production of a Zu-57, with an S-5, 6, or 7. And so far, Sector Command has been keeping this a secret, deploying only small amounts of air forces into the fray. But now that the true strength of the Commissariat Air Army is revealed, it will be the time to strike.

Loaded with high explosive bombs, and guided missiles. Armadas of Zu's will converge on gold canyon, attacking it from multiple directions. Targeting areas of importance and ripping them up from the ground. They will be followed by huge armoured advances. Using marker aircraft, the armoured elements will have the needed information on all enemy units they will face, and their exact locations. With added helicopter support, and the monumental numbers of the Union Tank Corps, these heavy hitter units will plunge holes in the Brikanian line. Any barricade, defense, or trench will be marked by surveillance divisions and reported to ZapKom the Union's Eastern Command. Then armoured regiments will either avoid them, or tear them to the ground.

After this has happened, mechanized infantry companies will be ordered to advance, intermixed with auxiliary tank regiments. A standard Arendeskan tactic. These rear units will have rocket artillery support to provide additional firepower on the Brikanian enemy. Long range PA-787 guns have shifted their firing coordinates to just west of Gold Canyon, cutting off any reinforcements by ground.

Union Naval Elements have breached Brikanian defenses in the Southern Ocean. Using a spearhead ship formation known as Echo-0-Delta, lead by High Admiral Oton Brimmark, the vessels of the Southern Ocean Sector Fleet have divided themselves into more organized battlegroups, and using the Union's newest weapon, the supercavitating torpedo; were able to break Imperial defenses in the water region. With large quantities of the now popularly produced Zu-57 multirole combat aircraft in almost every single Union-allied nation, from the three republics to Uzbroskia, Eskovia, and Severôstrava.

The blockade below Vontegria is in shambles, as a secret task force of Union ships were able to sneak undetected below the continent, and in turn come up in the south. To a great surprise to the Imperial Navy, Union ships were smaller in size but larger in number. Missile frigates and other ships, quick and speedy, were able to overwhelm the titanic ships of the Brikanian Sector Group

*The Soft Underbelly of Suthenica*

*August 1st, 1006*

For the past month, Suthenican command has deliberated over the continued retreats in the north, only retaining defensive lines long enough to merely slow down the attackers. If Totem wanted to hold onto the city of Gold Canyon and prevent a breakout to the south, 2 officers stepped forward with a solution to the issue. They were FC Anton Rundsten, and FC Lorenz Marchall, and their plan went as follows.

To relieve pressure applied on the city of Gold Canyon by the UCSR client state, a diversion must be created to force a withdrawal of Union forces from the area and re-establish Imperial superiority over the region. By utilizing reserve units kept for preventing a breakout to launch several rapid offensives into southern Aventria, it is undeniable that Ivan will be forced to rush to their aid. A request will be submitted for the movement of these divisions imminently.

A.Rundsten

L.Marchall

In the early morning of the first of august, the duo had their plan approved by Totem, deciding that units held at the frontline presently will be more than substantial at holding back the red horde. The Aventrian defenders were caught with their pants down, still digging trenches and building fortifications when the airstrikes began, levelling any emplacements deemed "too dangerous" by pilots. Just like before, the Aventrians had next to nothing in the realm of Close Air Support, Artillery, or Armoured Support, relying heavily on Lugrinian and UCSR antiquated weaponry. All of this meant that mechanized and motorized platoons easily swamped the defensive works, driving deep behind enemy lines and cutting supply lines to any foolish enough to remain. By the time Union command was notified of the attack, Brikanian units had already driven ~600km behind enemy lines, and all organized resistance had been dismantled. Any attempted rallying of divisions was quickly stopped by overwhelming Brikanian artillery and air-support, meaning that very little resistance was employed against the attackers. With Glonio and the internal cities of Aventria now threatened, as well as a continued push all the way through to Riqua, the Union will be forced to commit forces to the defence of the nation, if they can even arrive in time...

All sector commands have been alerted, as judgement day for the Brikanians approaches.

In a foolish attempt to take away the Union's gaze from the north by utilizing a feeble distraction in the south, the SuthMilCom has it's orders. At 03:00 Local Time, every single military grouping on the Northern Suthenican Front will execute a forward assault against the enemy. The Gold Canyon supply base has been all but destroyed, and the Brikanians have still not been able to snap back at the PA-787s which have so far brought upon irreplaceable damage to the Brikanian defenders near gold canyon. Two armies, the 1st and 2nd Suthenican Operations Army, after utterly obliterating the supply base, have performed an overwhelming air superiority campaign. Thousands of newly built Cordinian, Riquan, and Avrentrian Zu-57s have been launched into the fray. In a massive forward assault, Brikanian fighters simply cannot keep up with the constant attacks, having to fly 24 hour patrols daily. The ground assault consists of heavy armoured units supported by helicopter elements. As all enemy positions are marked, tank commanders and battalion headquarters can perfectly pinpoint foreign lines and plot direct attacks that will deal the maximum amount of damage to the enemy. The simple lack of Brikanian armour in Vontegria has brought about their inability to combat Arendeskan tactics efficiently. With death coming to them by air, ground, and sea. The Brikanians have little choice left. By this point the Commissariat Navy has next to complete control over the waters south of the Continent. With hunter submarines, and battleships roaming the seas. Firing volleys of sea-to-land rockets and missiles to even further beat the Brikanians back.

*Eastern Vontegria,*

*03:10 Local Time*

The 4th and 3rd Suthenican Armies were not a threat to the Brikanians several months ago. But after their rallying near the Southern Front, they now pose a direct threat to Brikanian supperiority. Comprised of all kinds of soldiers, and mixed divisions from many Union-allied States, the renewed 3rd and 4th armies will now unveil their true colours.

While purposefully staying behind the main Lugrinian line, luring the Brikanians further and further East, the 3rd Suthenican Army will now conduct a titanic attack on the Empire. With an additionally overwhelming amount of mass-produced T-18 tanks, along with several battalions of T-19s. The 3rd Army will step in to assist the overwhelmed Lugrinians. Lugrinian Air armies, while still limited, will be more than a match for local Brikanian fighter wings.

Assault after assault they will continue to batter the Brikanians.

Until finally, the 4th Army will do it's task. From the mountains in the north, para-companies will drop into lightly guarded sectors in order to destroy enemy comms towers, and local power stations. Without power or comms, the Brikanians will have to limit their radiocommunication. Batteries run scarce for the Imperial soldiers, and after the 4th army's additional passage through the mountains (with added tank support, and extra damage from PA-787s), the Brikanians will again be put in crossfire.

All sector commands have been alerted, as judgement day for the Brikanians approaches.

In a foolish attempt to take away the Union's gaze from the north by utilizing a feeble distraction in the south, the SuthMilCom has it's orders. At 03:00 Local Time, every single military grouping on the Northern Suthenican Front will execute a forward assault against the enemy. The Gold Canyon supply base has been all but destroyed, and the Brikanians have still not been able to snap back at the PA-787s which have so far brought upon irreplaceable damage to the Brikanian defenders near gold canyon. Two armies, the 1st and 2nd Suthenican Operations Army, after utterly obliterating the supply base, have performed an overwhelming air superiority campaign. Thousands of newly built Cordinian, Riquan, and Avrentrian Zu-57s have been launched into the fray. In a massive forward assault, Brikanian fighters simply cannot keep up with the constant attacks, having to fly 24 hour patrols daily. The ground assault consists of heavy armoured units supported by helicopter elements. As all enemy positions are marked, tank commanders and battalion headquarters can perfectly pinpoint foreign lines and plot direct attacks that will deal the maximum amount of damage to the enemy. The simple lack of Brikanian armour in Vontegria has brought about their inability to combat Arendeskan tactics efficiently. With death coming to them by air, ground, and sea. The Brikanians have little choice left. By this point the Commissariat Navy has next to complete control over the waters south of the Continent. With hunter submarines, and battleships roaming the seas. Firing volleys of sea-to-land rockets and missiles to even further beat the Brikanians back.

*Eastern Vontegria,*

*03:10 Local Time*

The 4th and 3rd Suthenican Armies were not a threat to the Brikanians several months ago. But after their rallying near the Southern Front, they now pose a direct threat to Brikanian supperiority. Comprised of all kinds of soldiers, and mixed divisions from many Union-allied States, the renewed 3rd and 4th armies will now unveil their true colours.

While purposefully staying behind the main Lugrinian line, luring the Brikanians further and further East, the 3rd Suthenican Army will now conduct a titanic attack on the Empire. With an additionally overwhelming amount of mass-produced T-18 tanks, along with several battalions of T-19s. The 3rd Army will step in to assist the overwhelmed Lugrinians. Lugrinian Air armies, while still limited, will be more than a match for local Brikanian fighter wings.

Assault after assault they will continue to batter the Brikanians.

Until finally, the 4th Army will do it's task. From the mountains in the north, para-companies will drop into lightly guarded sectors in order to destroy enemy comms towers, and local power stations. Without power or comms, the Brikanians will have to limit their radiocommunication. Batteries run scarce for the Imperial soldiers, and after the 4th army's additional passage through the mountains (with added tank support, and extra damage from PA-787s), the Brikanians will again be put in crossfire.

Brikanian command rules that the front in Suthenica can no longer allow for any offensive operations until units can be freed up from other frontlines. The Brikanians will withdraw on all fronts to better fortified ground, and dig their heels in to hold off the advance of the red tide. Similar to the Arendeskan attacks in the north, Lugrinian forces have been working around the clock to put air superiority firmly in Lugrinian hands, As the days go by, More and more jets had been readied for fighting. Airports loaded, and runways constantly occupied with jets launching off one by one.

The Union now possesses a momentum that will be very difficult to stop. Brikanian reserves sent to reinforce the Imperial troops in Suthenica have done little, Brikanian troops in Vontegria are once again outnumbered and outproduced. Suthenican factories continue to pump out machines of war, utilizing as many as possible of the continent's metal deposits. Gold Canyon has fallen to the First and Second Armies, the tank regiments of these armies do not stop, and push further and further into enemy lines. Behind them, their support regiments capture numerous static defenses, and reinforce the interior with light infantry and mechanized elements. Air campaigns keep the Brikanian and Vontegrian defenders awake at night, never sleeping due to continuous bombing. The Imperial Fleet has been all but routed, and the Brikanian supplies from Oreica have been cut for more than a month. Brikanian command has again instructed forces in Vontegria to retreat under the cover of night. Vrand is undergoing evacuation and military supplies must be fully relocated before the city can be abandoned.

Preparations are made to evacuate Brikanian divisions from Vontegria. As Brikanian forces withdraw further into Vontegria, they raze villages, destroy bridges, and burn farmhouses. They will leave nothing for the Suthenican armies and the Vontegrian people, who obviously did not fight hard enough.

The defenses at Vrand collapse. The Brikanian and Vontegrian defenders were cut off from supplies, and even though they still posessed much ammunition, they broke after being encircled for several weeks, and under continuous air assaults. Arendeskan Marines have managed to secure several beacheads in the West. Stratsford has been overtaken, as rapidly-advancing Cordinian armour has just broken through the northern Vontegri-Brikanian defense line.

But with heavy casualties. The Vontegrian Government is in disarray, after choosing to allign with Brikania, it's hopes of seeing a united Suthenica under the Vontegrian banner now turn to hopes that they can survive the Eastern Onslaught. A Lugrinian offensive from the south crunches down further on those hopes, as New Bricksburg and Lindow begin to crumble. With supplies from Oreica completely and utterly blocked off, Brikanian ability to provide air support has decreased. Limiting deployments to only locally based air wings, launching from secret air bases.

Vontegrian factories continue to produce what amount of goods they can, and currently it is sufficient to keep Brikanian troops fighting with maybe a magazine or two, but materials are running scarce.

After the Union's capture of Gold Canyon and Davigrad, the influx of rare metals, minerals, and other supplies has ceased from that quadrant. Vontegrians now see many caravans in the streets, carrying whatever ores they can scavenge to keep up with the demands of war production. Vrand had fallen almost unopposed, only remnants of the Imperial Vontegrian Army choosing to remain and defend their capital city. The supreme commander-in-chief of the Suthenican theatre, whom reports directly to the Mandate has been strategically denying the enemy combat for months, instead leaving behind vontegrian units to delay and disrupt the Coalition's swift advance. Brikanian forces have been allowed to withdraw and consolidate thanks to these efforts, a factor that would prove useful in maintaining a foothold in Vontegria. While a large portion of soldiers and tanks are still rolling westward towards Cirrian, the seizure of Stathford poses a large threat to the convoys. Great emphasis will be placed on maintaining the bridge and rail passings across the Redwick River until the convoys can safely cross.

The surrender of most of the Vontegrian army and the time bought by extensive delays within Coalition forces have benefitted the remaining divisions greatly, stocked with a surplus amount of guns and ammunition.

The Mandate intends on holding Suthenica, and more tactics must be developed to turn the conflict around. Arendeskan and Cordinian forces have amassed an army across the Redwick River, in a staging ground up west. Several Imperial Divisions have attempted to launch attacks in an attempt to halt Union movements, but such attacks have proven less than successful due to Union air superiority. Consisting primarily of armoured elements, and supported by air and by ground, the 2nd Suthenican Army will begin it's assault Southwest-wards.

Their goal is to capture the city of Cirrain. If this city falls, it will be the end of Brikanian rule in Suthenica. Subsequently, an overwhelming amount of forces is dedicated to this invasion. Two sector armies, plus a third on the way. More than 50 tank divisions, 30 air wings, and 100 infantry battalions. Front Intelligence has reported all large groupings of Brikanian forces, and alerted the regiments of their position. Light infantry battalions have begun engaging enemy forces in weaker areas. Drone surveillance has assisted in marking targets for aerial bombardment. Helicopter troops have been called in to provide support for the tanks.

*East of Martslock*

*2:30 PM. January 21st 1008*

Brikanian soldiers hear a roar that sounds like hundreds of bombs were detonated nearby. Then, above them. Squadrons after squadrons of attack aircraft and helicopters scream forward, unleashing havoc on the ground below. Some helicopters even taking the time to mow down soldiers on the ground. Followed by this air attack, Divisions of armour advancing forward. Having crossed the Redwick river, Lugrinian forces push forward.

Brikanian vessels leave the port of Todmorden. Before them, clear skies and open sea stretch out towards the horizon. No Lugrinian or Union vessels in sight. However, no agreement has been made between the Union and the GBE for safe passage of troops off the continent. A lot of good men and women died defending Suthenica, should the Brikanians leave, their lives will be in vain. They committed the greatest sacrifice, and brought our nation a military victory. Subsequently, the Brikanian brutes who brought these losses upon us, must pay with their own.

A submarine group has been dispatched from ports in Cordinia, with orders to sink these ships without mercy. The flotilla of submarines stays out of Brikanian sonar, until the convoy reaches target waters, a ways away from the nearest Brikanian Naval group. With satellite assistance, all nearby Brikanian naval elements are marked and their position is reported to the submarine group before submerging. They will now maintain radio silence. Commander of the submarine group, Commodore Eduard Brontitus has read over his orders, a former Arendeskan naval officer, he knows his task and will accomplish it. The submarines communicate their final messages through use of infra-red morse code, shined off the starboard and port side of each vessel. The signal has been given, the attack is to commence. An unknown amount of submarines moves towards the Brikanian ships. Their orders are to target first the front ships, then the rear ships. The group splits up, and the first submarine cuts off the convoy. Converging from the front, it arms all twelve HEMR torpedo tubes. It fires. The torpedos penetrate the water towards the first ship, and detonate in target areas. The explosions are heard throughout the fleet, as then a couple seconds from the time of the alarm going off, several more explosions are seen and heard from the rear end of the fleet.

More ships begin to catch smoke. All submarines arm and re arm their torpedos. And open fire.

They will continue to fire until the convoy is utterly decimated. In the front, two groups of Union ships, with missile destroyers, have taken position to block any surviving ships from escaping. Cordinian troops on the mainland, fueled by their victories, storm into Cirrain. Planting the Cordinian, Arendeskan, Lugrinian, and Commissariatic Flags on the city’s government building. Auxiliary regiments proceed to occupy all possible areas.

The Brikanian 9th have not yet evacuated. Todmorden remains the final holdout of Brikanian forces in Suthenica. Several Vontegrian companies have attached themselves to this final remnant, and pledge to fight like brothers to the last man.

It has taken over two years, and costed the Coalition a little over 150,000 Casualties.

The following is Brikanian estimates for causes of death

45,000 Killed during active combat

4000 Killed via disease, artillery, or other incidents

57,000 Captured as POW's (32,000 rescued/released)

21,875 Killed during capture (disease, execution)

39,000 Wounded

5000 Died of wounds despite initial survival

5000 Missing

It seems that the Cordinian and Aventrian people sustained the greatest casualties. All of this death and still there is Brikanian Vontegria. Brikanian assets have been allocated and consolidated. Concentric rings of defences surround the city, turning it into a fortress. Through the absolute will of the Mandate, it will not fall. Modified submarines continue to evacuate soldiers thanks to the reinforced submarine bays. However, in several hours the submarine bays have reached estimated capacity, mostly from wounded and sick. With the tanks being offloaded quicker than the infantry, officers from the army and Obskurakorps within Totem begin to argue over priority. It has been well established that the withdrawal of the 9th Armoured Inf.D was paramount to all other operations in the region, but the numbers of armour declining every day is a large drain on the morale of Brikanian soldiers. Sappers have begun to dig tunnels and basements through the city to act as strongholds capable of withstanding the artillery barrage, however still remaining defendable. The only positive news from Todmorden is the volunteering of 2000 Vontegrian civilians to assist in the defence of themselves and their city, really having no other choice.

Union Command has a plan.

3 Battalions of Aruzhein will have been activated

These troops will accomplish the task that the Commissariatic Artillery, and Air Force have failed to accomplish

Amidst the continued barrage, these 3 battalions will be inserted into Todmorden aboard armoured assault choppers

The Aruzhein are experts in urban combat and close quarters fighting, their light but powerful armour, 71 round submachine guns, and their blades will ensure a total Union victory in the city.

The helicopters will drop firebombs across the entire city, burning every quadrant to the ground

The Brikanians and Vontegrians do not know what is coming upon them. When they do, it will be too late..

The 20th Parasoldier division, along with shattered remnants of other infantry brigades, have been reorganized into the 20th defence brigade. They will be deployed to counter Coalition advances into the city. Armed with entrenching tools, cut-down ZBK 31's, and the dreaded BK-PAS, these soldiers equal the playing field in the close-quarters of the city. The metal-lattice structure around the face is common among soldiers during urban combat, as it protects the eyes and mouth from shrapnel and dirt.

The three battalions of Aruzhein fighters have successfully broken through lighter defenses outside the city. During they day they quelled any resistance, and now in the night they will move to the third phase of their operation. Darkness sets in, ambient artillery and anti air fire still persists, as the Aruzhein prepare for their assault. Using the night to their advantage, the three groups of soldiers take up positions near well-armed Brikanian blockposts. Fueled on adrenaline, and the urge to kill, these beasts will make no mistake.

The signal is given, and the men charge ahead

Simultaneously, the three battalions strike. Revealing to the enemy the true horror of facing the Arendeskan soldier-fanatics. After maintaining inescapable suppressive fire by the support element, the rear echelon charges the Brikani-vontegrian defenders. Through the hallways of buildings, the Aruzhein's blades find flesh. Through the open areas, their rifles find targets. In close quarters, Imperial troops simply cannot fight once they see the faceless helmets of the Arendeskans. Instantly being ripped to pieces by their close quarters automatics. The PPZ shreds concrete as it does the human body, and with the expensive demobilizing bullets (bullets which break apart inside the body), the Aruzhein clear building after building. After Brikanian city command loses contact with many of it's outer posts, they are dumbfounded. For they cannot combat an enemy with such brutality and such skill, as the Aruzhein.

During the daytime, Totem orders a general consolidation within the city. Gas will be deployed within the sewage systems to flush out any enemy combatants still remaining there. By now, there are only about 3 divisions remaining in Todmorden, the rest either killed or evacuated by Obskurakorps maintenance submarines. To combat the hit and run nature of the Aruzhein, Brikanian soldiers will begin to employ the same tactics used against the Kulachians only 30 years prior. While the PPZ may be devastating, nothing can beat the volume of fire present on both the BK-PAS and ZBK. As they are initially designed for paratroopers, they are designated as weapons to be used at ranges not exceeding 300m. AP belts deployed for use against helicopters will cause great damage to the armour of the Aruzhein, and seizure of pistols from the Vontegrian police will be carried out in order to give Brikanian defenders a close range alternative should their primary weapon fail.

The Aruzhein have entered the submarine bays, slaughtering all in their path. Those in their path are made up mostly of Vontegrian conscripts and Parasoldier units. As the Aruzhein fight tooth-and-nail through the bays, taking shots from hidden machine-gun nests, flamethrowers, mines, and trapped doors, they finally enter the main holding pens for the Obskurakorps vessels. Andrey, the Aruzhein Commander, bursts through the door, VZA rifle in hand ready to spray down another machine-gun wielding Brikanian. However, his ferocity is not met with a hail of bullets, but instead a dockyard void of life. Sleeping bags, tents, makeshift stoves, Kodatorrent parts, everything litters the ground in the holding pen dockroom. However, one thing stands out above the rest.

Andrey walks up to a bucket filled with ice, a bottle of Koprivician Wine, and a note reading:

"Ach so nah! Wir wissen Ihr Beharren auf unserer Gefangennahme zu schätzen, aber wir haben andere Pläne. Wir sehen uns in Uskor!

-Anton Rundsten"

Andrey stares at the bucket, the note, and the cheap alcohol he has been presented with. The amount of men that he lost to get into this facility, to get to this room, just to be mocked by a Field Commander that is probably long gone. He proceeds to begin knocking down every single thing he sees, and in a fit of rage, unloads his entire magazine into the wine bottle.

The Union flag is planted in Todmorden. Atop the rubble of previously destroyed buildings. But not before the Arendeskan flag is put up, the red and black banner of the Aruzhein combatants, without which the city would not have fallen.

Vontegria is split into two

The capital city of Vrand is divided into the respective UCSR and Lugrinian sectors.

The Suthenican Campaign has ended.

## Operation Tartana

Alarms blare over Grantry Airforce Base, alerting pilots to the commencement of their operations. Planes are lifted onto the runways via elevators, having been stored underground for the past couple weeks as to keep them out of view of Arendeskan reconnaissance assets. Cromwell wishes the pilots best of luck as they peel away from the tarmac.

*5:13 AM, South Gedinfield*

The air is filled with a terrible howl, a howl that will strike fear into the hears of veterans of the Continental Wars, it is the high-pitched wailing of the Stukam Jericho Trumpet, and it can only mean one thing. The War in Heaven has begun. S-7 and S-6 aircraft have traversed the border and have begun targeting Arendeskan SAM sites with precision munitions, levelling radio stations, and pummelling military installations all throughout the night. Meanwhile, the large Brikanian S-5 airfleet is much more dispersed, with units in Diseland, Vontegria, and Brikanian-Occupied Valead running sorties over Arendeskan military units. Those units that remained in central and eastern Brikania begin patrolling Brikanian airspace, probing for an Arendeskan counterattack. On the Hammer-Down Line, the decades old artillery pits are once again lit up with the symphony of thousands of howitzers, striking Arendeskan border units with hundreds of thousands of shells within the first hour.

    The Gedinfield Hydroelectric Dam is put on the highest alert. It's thousands of anti air batteries roaring into position. It's garrison on maximum readiness. The Sechen Republic of the UCSR will clearly be the first target of the Brikanian invasion, all Sechen Garrissons are mobilized. In the Grazna Basin, the Brikanian 2nd and 3rd armies begin to roll out from their bases. The armies head east, and will begin to penetrate the Arendeskan border defences. All Union border troops have been evacuated, they are underequipped to fight such a force. In their place, the Sechen Armoured regiments will meet the Brikanian invaders. For the Brikanians, in order to conduct ground operations over the Hammer-Down line, the Gedinfield Dam must be compromised, and thus the Brikanian Armoured begin tearing a bloody swath over the Sechen Republic, and rolling over any resistance present. At the Hammer-Down Line, 20 Mechanized and 8 Armoured infantry divisions cross the border, enveloping Gedinfield and pushing northeast up the Dhrim River.

Unfortunatley, a swift counterattack by the 87th and 75th Sechen Armoured Corps, and the Arendeskan Third Armoured Regiment puts the most northern Brikanian attack in an encirclement, with a defense battalion arriving to the south to block it in from moving up. The Gedinfield Dam, being now directly at the front line, fights on. It's 15,000 men and women, defenders of Arendeska and the Union will not surrender. In the west of Uzbroskia, Brikanian armor would face severe challenges in their invasion, as the recently dug bunkers, which is made extremely minimalistically, for difficult detection, and issues destroying large numbers of them. Previously seeing the need for anti tank capabilities from the last war, the new Uzbroskian anti tank missiles were quickly deployed across the countryside prior, in the bunkers, which remain concealed until one of the missiles has been used. Brikanian aircraft are countered by a newly purchased large number of Hornet 3 missiles, as well as the recently build up number of traditional anti aircraft artillery and flak, when at closer range, leaving Brikanian armor with significantly reduced Ariel support in their invasion, and leaving them vulnerable to anti tank capabilities. Uzbroskian forces from the east of the nation are organized for a counterinvasion of Brikania, slipping around the edge of the mountain range for better cover from aircraft, while having more tame terrain. The forces are to move south until they hit the next range, and block support to the northern group coming from the main route to the west.

The initial attack is met head on by Brikanian forces. After 2 days of engagements, and reports from regimental commanders returning to Bellinstadt, Field Kommandant Anton Rundstedt surveys the situation and notices a gap between the main movements of Arendeskan armour. There, he will strike. After finding the plans of the entire operation off a dead Arendeskan officer, and combining this knowledge with communications that had been tapped by the IIB, Anton is sure that there is a gap between the advancing forces that could be exploited. After obtaining information that implied that Arendeskan forces were to mount a counter-offensive against the advancing Brikanian armour, Field Kommandant Rundsten wheeled around his reserves and armoured assets to attempt an encirclement of Arendeskan units. In the north, the commander briefly discussed the battleplan with Field Kommandant Serebryakova, coming to an agreement to link forces in the city of Kisermansk. The first objective for Rundsten would be the acquisition of the Gedinfield Hydroelectic Dam, as it's advantageous position served as not only a staging ground that could be used for Arendeskan forces to attack his spearhead, but also provided a location that artillery could fire upon the bridges in the region.

And so, Rundsten's forces split from the main advance, beginning to converge on the dam with tanks, mechanized infantry, and artillery. The Uzbroskian assaults would greatly slow the advance of the 2nd Army, but not halt it. While the region that the assaults take place in does house moderate road and rail infrastructure, the Uzbroskian forces will no longer be within their own territories, and they will have to supply a foreign invasion even though it is relatively small.

As far as Brikania is concerned, the Uzbroskian army is also without major amounts of heavy armour or mechanized forces, mostly relying on hit-and-run tactics to wear down their foes before the final confrontation. This would lead to a slower advance and give Brikanian reserves more time to engage the advancing Uzbroskians.Air-Cavalry divisions will be diverted from the frontline and reserve operating bases to engage and slow down the enemy. Meanwhile the 32nd, 33rd, and 38th mechanized infantry divisions will redeploy from the frontline to assist. The Gedinfield Hydroelectic Dam is proving quite the challenge to capture. 8 failed assaults, almost 8000 Brikanians dead, and the Arendeskans have only just been pushed off of the security gates. Rundsten is given an order to either capture the Dam in the next 48 hours or the Brikanian airforce will glass the area, forcing the commander to find another way to cross the river and slowing down the advance even more.

The following two days see the mass use of deadly chemicals against the defenders of the Dam, out of which only on the final day do the Brikanians see results. Scarred bodies of the Arendeskans litter the interior and exterior of the structure, and out of sheer desperation, the final platoons defending the Gedinfield Dam launch an all out assault on the Brikanian troops entering. Many Brikanians are killed, and the Commander of the Dam Garrison dies with his soldiers.

The Brikanian army speeds north at a rapid pace. As Anton and his adversaries are busy encircling hundreds of thousands of Arendeskan soldiers and tanks, Oberkommander Hans Kreuger wheels around his reserves to begin a counterattack against the Uzbroskians, ordering several other commanders to also begin their own offensives. With railways to Arendeska having long been cut, and the Uzbroskian Air Defence Network incapable of defending against air raids, it is only a matter of time before the nation capitulates.

Civil disorder has begun in Uzbroskia. With almost a fifth of the army surrendering near Grazna, the civilian population is desperate. Stores are looted, schools are closed, any and every public resource is shut down. The Confederated Cantons of Uzbroskia has received a delegation from the nearby Sechenian Commissariatic Socialist Republic, an integrated republic within the UCSR. The Uzbroskian Government capitulates. In the form of a human wave, Uzbroskian refugees prepare their documents for entry into the UCSR. Overcrowded border checkpoints, flooding across the open border. Promises to serve the Union in an effort to rid their country of Southern Imperialism. These promises circulate around the populous. The Commissariatic Government has stated in an open address to the Uzbroskian people, that as long as the Imperial Invader remained a prevalent threat, the Union would offer complete economic and military support.

*(In Arendeskan) "...Grazhjdani. Vremya togova ne spilega. Seeli vazhistkovo imperialistikovo napadneka, peresekly territorialu Uzbroskiyi. Mi stoyimi s vami vemste, i mi uberom etih barbariande s vashestiy strani!"*

*- Leonid Sobakin to the people of Uzbroskia, National Address Aug. 1006*

Convoys of rare metals, fuel, and other resources leave Uzbroskia, the final caravans of freedom headed for the now thousands of factories within the Union.

## Stage Two

Arendeskans fight with whatever strength they can muster, repelling attack after attack, but slowly moving back. Thousands of soldiers are captured in addition to tanks and ammunition. The defense of Nebrein has begun, as Brikanian troops are ammassing outside. So far the surroundings of the city and it's outskirts are being held by Sechenian Armour and Arendeskan Infantry. Snezhgovian troops hold Atlan. The defenses include, tank ditches, TOW spots, machine gun boxes, lines and lines of trenches dug five metres wide to make crossing tanks over them difficult. Additional elements include mines, and artillery target zones.

A huge air-campaign is ordered by Brikanian Frontal Command to cover Anton's push in the south, as cutting off railways at Kisermansk will stop withdrawn divisions from forming an effective counterattack. As the Brikanian 12th Armoured Battlegroup is caught once again repelling attacks against supply trucks from the north, Anton and his divisions reach just east of Kisermansk, dropping off the slower artillery divisions to begin shelling the city. Near Altan, troops begin landing by air and sea at beachheads established by forward units. Armoured infantry and long range artillery is unavailable, leading to an inability to effectively advance beyond the beachheads.

*"The Empire has finally regained its strength, its determination. It is becoming more obvious by the day that our political adversary, the Union, is nothing but a paper superpower."  - Konig Elias*

**Konigsschlacht**

Emboldened by victories in Uzbroskia and Lesovo and the upcoming Brikanian Independence Day, the Mandate has decided that now is the time to launch the second great offensive of the War In Heaven. Deemed "Konigschlacht", it translates directly to "King's Battle", and it is truly worthy of such a name. Involving over 5.2 million personnel in all branches of the Grand Imperial Army, and numbering an insane 210 divisions on the frontline alone, Arendeskan forces are taken aback by the waves of both Brikanian tanks and infantry, overwhelming defences in a majority of sectors and beating back counterattacks. However, it is still early in the operation, and it cannot yet be determined the outcome of the attacks. However, Nebrien has been surrounded. Overwhelming amounts of Brikanian armour completely annihilated resistance around the city, already suffering from a retreat only weeks prior. In the east, Brikanian marines have made several landings on the Altan Peninsula, securing beachheads after sustaining heavy casualties. Unlike in Lesovo, these marines posses heavier armour, allowing for them to push further inland than normal. Parasoldier divisions have been deployed to assist in the landings and wreak havoc behind Arendeskan lines, stopping resupply vehicles and blowing up railways. Altan is now in serious risk of falling, already having parasoldiers fighting with local police within the city. In Uzbroskia, Field Kommander Paul Magif has capitalized off the success of the capitulation and pierced deep into the nation, capturing key strategic locations without any sort of resistance. Uzbroskian towns and cities lay empty following the evacuations, but it only makes it easier for the attackers.

"The Empire has finally regained its strength, its determination. It is becoming more obvious by the day that our political adversary, the Union, is nothing but a paper superpower."  - Konig Elias

**Konigsschlacht**

Emboldened by victories in Uzbroskia and Lesovo and the upcoming Brikanian Independence Day, the Mandate has decided that now is the time to launch the second great offensive of the War In Heaven. Deemed "Konigschlacht", it translates directly to "King's Battle", and it is truly worthy of such a name. Involving over 5.2 million personnel in all branches of the Grand Imperial Army, and numbering an insane 210 divisions on the frontline alone, Arendeskan forces are taken aback by the waves of both Brikanian tanks and infantry, overwhelming defences in a majority of sectors and beating back counterattacks. However, it is still early in the operation, and it cannot yet be determined the outcome of the attacks. However, Nebrien has been surrounded. Overwhelming amounts of Brikanian armour completely annihilated resistance around the city, already suffering from a retreat only weeks prior. In the east, Brikanian marines have made several landings on the Altan Peninsula, securing beachheads after sustaining heavy casualties. Unlike in Lesovo, these marines posses heavier armour, allowing for them to push further inland than normal. Parasoldier divisions have been deployed to assist in the landings and wreak havoc behind Arendeskan lines, stopping resupply vehicles and blowing up railways. Altan is now in serious risk of falling, already having parasoldiers fighting with local police within the city. In Uzbroskia, Field Kommander Paul Magif has capitalized off the success of the capitulation and pierced deep into the nation, capturing key strategic locations without any sort of resistance. Uzbroskian towns and cities lay empty following the evacuations, but it only makes it easier for the attackers. Nebrein may have been encircled, but it has not yet fallen. Union defenders have an iron grip on the city, and with the lack of enemy anti-air present, Union bombers have dropped in supplies in large quantities. The troops are well fed, and patriotic, they will not give up the city so easily.

As Union reserves slam into the oncoming armoured infantry north of Nebrein, imperial units in the east shove their way through defensive line after defensive line, charging north at a rapid pace. Altan has been captured by Brikanian parasoldiers, who have also taken many prisoners. Hant has almost been completely levelled by Brikanian light-artillery, as it is not a large city. Meanwhile, Cromwell's 8th and 9th armoured infantry divisions make great gains, linking up with marines south of Balkor and overwhelming any staging points. The sudden advance also sees many airfields change hands, providing imperial forces with more options for the deployment of CAS and air-cavalry. Nebrein remains as a roadblock to an attack on Sechen, as the city sits in a major road and railroad junction required to sustain such an advance.

It has now been almost 2 weeks since the start of Konigsschlacht. Both sides have suffered major casualties, especially among the armoured divisions of each nation.

Imperial divisions have forced Union divisions back over 400 kilometres, and have now maxed out their supply lines. Nebrein remains as a thorn in the side of the Shield of God, massively delaying the movement of troops and supplies. It must be taken. Cornwallis Landing has been engulfed on 3 sides by Brikanian Ground and Mechanized Infantry, the defenders have been taking beating after beating for days. House-to-house fighting is occurring in the ruins of Hant, where imperial forces are attempting to dislodge the Snezhgovian units stationed their. Flamethrowers and grenades are proving imperative to completing this objective. Vessilo is under assault from the south by Brikanian Infantry, there is currently fighting in the suburbs of the city. Sechen remains as a prime strategic objective for the operation, it will have to wait until Nebrein is secured. Marines and mechanized infantry south of Balkor have been ordered to continue the advance, despite huge gaps in the line and shortages of supplies. Marines are instructed to begin shelling the fortress while the more mobile units hit the supply lines in the town itself. What remains of the 8th and 9th Armoured Infantry divisions have been redeployed near Vessilo, a large bulge is developing in the frontline around these new arrivals.

Rear artillery has been shelling the Imperial invaders for all the time the war had been proceeding. PA-787s, massively account for major Brikanian infantry casualties, but of course not majorly. So far, Union Tank Armies have been launching several offensive skirmishes to keep the enemy at bay, a lot of them have proved successful due to the attacks occurring at unknown points. Defenders in Altan and Gedinfield surrender, but several resistance groups have already been formed. Regarding the defenses of the cities of Sechen, Balkor, Vessilo, and Hant, a quote from Major Mann Kveslon; "...The so-called "cities" on the current front between us and the enemy can barely be called such. Every road, is a minefield, every block, a fortress. Every possible building, an armed defensive position. Cornerstores become bunkers, with metal plating hung up outside. Subway stations, outlets to move troops in between buildings..." The defenders on the front are well equipped, well fed, and have the will to fight. With the winter coming on, the troops are in full gear. The defenses stretched throughout the front are strong, and reinforced. Areas which are not covered by rows of trenches and artillery emplacements, are covered by rows of tanks.

The onset of winter has placed all movement on the southwestern oreican front at a standstill. Through November, further offensives by Brikanian forces were able to be conducted, but by december, the roads had frozen, and all roads really have been cut off by Commissariat troops. The launching of major military operations by Brikanian command has been halted by poor visibility, and constant snowfall. With the evident preparedness of the Imperial soldiers, environmental conditions are still proving hazardous. The Union, with newly asserted "artillerial supperiority", can continue to damage Brikanian rear units, regardless of visibility or snow. The forces at Hant, Vessilo, Sechen, and Novokatysh, have put up a bitter resistance against the invader, with rows of defensive cordons and battery emplacements. The Balkor Fortress, a staple of Arendeskan Naval and Land supperiority has been armed to the teeth in recent days, anticipating a Brikanian attack. It's massive guns remain pointed to the south, and it's garrison with full fighting spirit.

The day is quiet, all that is heard is the sound of cold air howling, and the distant thunder of artillery. One sound that is not heard however, is the slow creeping of tanks to the frontline. The awful visibility, combined with a cloud-like blizzard that has set in, has enabled Union Command to prepare an offensive operation on the centre of the Brikanian line. The purpose? To secure territory north of Nebrein. It's defenders, and citizens who elected to remain, have been living off of rations stored in the city's many bunkers and storage warehouses (which have remained untouched by Imperial forces to the large surprise of Arendeskan officers). The defenders of Nebrein continue to fight valiantly. The offensive to eliminate the Nebrein Blockade will see the use of primarily armoured and air elements. Providing tactical information to the ground units, and neutralizing enemy defenses from the air. The stretched Imperial Landarmy on the front will allow this large armoured assault to complete the initial breakthrough stage. Further movements will be orchestrated by each participating division.

Brikanian forces are caught unprepared and left without defensive emplacements due to the notion that the front would still move further north. 3 divisions are broken, fleeing the battlefield and leaving much of their winter equipment behind. Meanwhile, Imperial tanks begin to roll towards the the breakthrough, with orders to plug the hole before substantial enemy forces can pour through the gap.  Across the rest of the frontline, however, imperial officers have received different orders.

Union divisions engage Brikanian divisions in frontal assaults. While several divisions slip past and proceed to Nebrein with great haste. Across the front, artillery has begun firing again, and armour elements have begun moving forward across the entire front. Under the cover of the blizzard and artillery, added onto the support of air cavalry units. All tanks on the front unload large amounts of ordnance southwards, reloading and firing with quick succession. Hopefully Shocking Imperial troops with added artillery and tank fire. The cold has brought major advantages to the Arendeskan and Snezhgovian defenders. No longer will machineguns overheat due to barrel temperature. Arendeskan machineguners have taken the extra ammo magazine today, and the defenders on the front and in Nebrein have been firing their guns nonstop. Soldiers equipped with the Union’s new weapons deal devastating damage to Brikanian infantry. So far, not a single battalion sent into Nebrein has been able to make it further than three habitation blocks.

The inability of Brikanian forces to force negotiations between commanding officers in Nebrein and ourselves has finally convinced Overlord to change the approach to the issue. The densely-packed buildings and numerous alleyways provide ample hiding spaces for the enemy, preventing our use of heavy armour to root out strongholds within the metropolis. It will be decided that the use of infantry and light armour is not sufficient in capturing the city. Therefore, surplus artillery brigades will be allocated to deal with these stubborn holdouts. 3000 guns are lined up south of the city and commence fire. Like an orchestrated symphony of destruction, the city is systematically levelled, block by block. Brikania will no longer allow the enemy to relish in the blood of our soldiers, and they will either face execution or annihilation. Rule Brikania.

The Heavenly Mandate has made a decision. There will be no more delays, no more pausing in the march north. No more retreats and no more concessions. "Totallanschlat" has been ordered, and Brikanian command has been overruled. Having less than 12 hours to prepare for the renewed advance, Brikanian officers are issued their orders. Addressed in letters identical to each-other, they read; "Attention Kommandanten, Totallenschlat has been ordered effective immediately. This brutal enemy must be crushed under the weight of our superior arms, superior men, superior race. You are to direct all assets to proceed with objectives delegated in Operation Tartana. The IIB has attached multiple personell to each divisional Kommander. Failure to carry out the wishes of our Heavenly Leader will result in relief of your duties. The Mandate expects nothing less than complete victory. Losses are irrelevant, fatigue is irrelevant, only the goals of the Mandate and his Empire.

Rule Brikania, may the God-King bless your souls.

Forged intelligence is fed to divisional commanders, enforcing the belief that their section of the frontline is close to breaking. IIB units ensure that communication between divisional commanders is kept at a minimum. Not only will the men be armed with the notion that they are superior in numbers, but they are also to be constantly reminded of their duty to the Empire. An offensive that rivals the size of Konigsschlat has begun, this time with men more confident in themselves and their officers. Rule Brikania. In locations other than Nebrein, Brikanian units begin to charge forward, mostly infantry units with multiple mechanized and armoured elements mixed in-between. They meet Union defences head on in brutal close-quarters trench fighting, as the constant blizzards blind both tanks and aircraft. Sheer will allows the Imperial units to never lose hope, constantly thinking that the line they are attacking is the final defence in this sector. In other events, the barrage on Nebrein has been intensified, and Cornwallis Landing has fallen to Imperial units. The supply issues for Brikanian soldiers have somewhat been resolved. North of Nebrein, Arendeskan tanks have only managed minor breakthroughs to defenders in the city. Brikanian armoured infantry continues to tighten the gap that Union forces have made.

**Staging Ground Emil, 23 Kilometers from Sechen, February 8th, 1008**

It is a night of confusion and uncertainty, miscommunication and failure. Of the few transmissions that make it to the FOB in Sechen, they speak of legions of tanks, the make and model of which yet to be determined. They speak of unyielding flames that wipe out entire trenches at a time. All throughout the evening and night, an area occupying ~40km of the frontline south of Sechen is completely overrun by the might of the 233rd, 234th, and 235th Armoured Infantry Divisions. These units, equipped with the newest Kodatorrent F and Kodameier FLM-3 easily crush initial defences and roll over the Arendeskans. Surgical airstrikes performed by S-7/07's knock out many radio towers and transmission stations, severely limiting Ivan's ability to react to the offensive. At the same time, armour surrounding the Nebrein breakout resume their offensive, pinning down Union armour and forcing it to stay within the salient. Brikanian losses among tanks in the region are high, but with each loss the noose is tightened around the already weakened supply line. Mechanized infantry begins to screen the edges of the salient in search of a lightly defended region where an encirclement may be possible.

The medieval fortress of Balkor, a thorn in the side of the advancing imperials. The fortress has stood the test of time, but the Brikanian war machine has finally caught up to its fledgling rigidity. High altitude S-6's begin to map out the citadel by dropping reconnaissance munitions overhead (a dumb bomb that contains no explosive filler, but takes pictures of its surroundings and the ground below, relaying them to the pilot before hitting the ground). It is imperative that AAA defences be removed prior to an arial bombardment of the fortress, as artillery prohibits the use of infantry or armoured assaults. Brikanian cruise missiles begin to level Sechen. The new VZ-1 rocket carries an explosive mass equivalent to 11 tonnes of TNT, it is devastating to buildings and soldiers.

Field Marshal Aun Onov has been briefed of the new defense strategy.

Southern Front, Broad Daylight.

A general retreat. All Union forces will abandon their positions, as tanks begin to pull back from their defensive posts, they cover the retreat of the infantry. Artillery bombardment and air assaults make it difficult for the Brikanians to jump straight at the retreating Arendeskans. All fronts have been given the order to step back. Brikanian Command has noted the speed at which the Arendeskan and Snezhgovian defenders managed to run away. Honestly it's laughable, in terms of retreats they hold the fastest record yet. But it is also scary, the retreat happened as if it was planned, simultaneously all fronts managed to pull back quickly and with minimal losses. Two hours after the assault, the Empire has managed to oust Severnish troops from 40km worth of territory. VosMilCom is panicking. Aun Onov calms them down, but nonetheless he waits. Most of the forces have abandoned their posts, and Brikanian tanks are still rolling forward on schedule. It is a risky situation, but it is the last chance the Union has.

The abrupt seizure of communications, recorded in the morning of February 8th, was the first sign of the imminent attack. This sign has been known for generations of war, the loss of communications always means invasion. Through purposeful positioning of land based communication stations, and feeding the enemy monitored information, Marshal Onov was able to create the ideal conditions for the Brikanian offensive. For this, the front commander, Front Marshal Voronov, threatened to execute him for treason. Onov only laughed at this, and called the Front Marshal a fool. Through the creation of these perfect circumstances for an attack, Onov was able to perfectly plan in which way the Brikanians would attack. The placement of visible, and uncamouflaged radar/communication stations above ground in a perfect arch across the front, created a sort of tripwire. As the locations of these stations would instantly signify when the Brikanians would attack due to loss of communication. Subsequently, the Union was able to quickly notify it's troops to retreat, giving them at least a half hour to retreat from their positions before the onset of complete Brikanian onslaught. Tank regiments were positioned in such a way as to provide an ample degree of fire for retreating infantry, and appear as they were relentlessly defending their territory.

"Onov do something you pig! Our entire front has collapsed!", Shouts Voronov. The twenty seven year old Aun Metrakan Onov responds with; "Generalcommander, I take your thoughts into consideration, but if you please, allow me to continue with my work."

"ONOV YOU SWINE, I WILL HANG YOU!", Voronov is red with anger, he orders two of his men to arrest Aun. When the Snezhgovians approach him, he orders two of his Aruzhein to block their path, the Snezhgovians are confused. The Aruzhein fix their bayonets and shoulder their rifles. The Snezhgovians, looking at eachother, take a couple steps back. Onov steps in front of them and looks Voronov in the eye. "Generalcommander, I hold here in my hand a direct note from the General Secretary himself. It explicitly states that I am under orders to go through with this operation." He hands the note to Voronov, who grabs it instantly. He is shocked. But being a career military officer who was just made the fool in his own headquarters, he spits on the ground and leaves the war room.

Onov turns to his men, "it is time." he says.

Brikanian tanks have reached the 40km mark into Union territory, with resistance being adequate, but expected. Brikanian command heavily underestimated the number of tanks on the northern side of the front.

A commander of a Brikanian tank section opens the hatch to take a look outside. His binoculars with him, he opens the hatch. He yells something to his driver, and his tank stops, he displays a hand signal with his right hand, and the wedge formation grinds to a halt. In front of them, open land, ripe for the conquering. The mood of the Brikanian troops at this time is jolly. They have utterly beaten the Arendeskans and sent them running to the hills, literally. The commander smirks casually, and takes his binocs to his eyes. Surveying the landscape. His orders are to advance, but he has already overstepped his front, and now waits for the rest of the sections to advance. A couple minutes pass, still nothing. But then the section is given the order over the comms, they are to advance further to reach 40km. Just as the commander is about to get back into his tank, he notices something out the corner of his eye. Roar of airplane jet engines, and after that, smoke, lots of smoke. Whether it is the smoke of burning tanks, or the smoke of enemy cities, the commander does not know, but then he sees it. Dozens of airplanes, of various model and make, he zooms in further. They are dropping smoke bombs across the entire front, by the tons. One of the portable anti-air units in his element takes aim and fires at the approaching aircraft. The commander picks up his unit radio and orders it either stop firing, or aim better, they have just given away their position. Back to Onov, he has just ordered a massive smokebombing campaign on the front, marking the positions of each of the Brikanian divisions, and the Regiments composing them, he has masked the onset of his armoured units. All this time, the Union's tank presence on the front was limited, and subsequently the UCSR has not won a single engagement, only retreated, and held. Brikanian command has thought nothing of this, believing it to be mere incompetence on the side of the northerners, their entire military upper cadre consisting of officers old enough to be pensioners. But no, the Union continued to consolidate massive armies in the north. The Empire's satellites wouldn't think much of these forces if they were to see them, as they were so spread out across the nation that they couldn't possibly coordinate such an offensive as this! But they sat, in military bases and depots, ready, and waiting. There were numerous small events which hinted to this, such as the shifting of national production goals towards tanks. Not aircraft, not APCs, tanks.

And so, the labelled 3rd Frontal Tank Army, a consolidation of the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th Tank Corps, has descended it's hammer of justice onto the Brikanian hotbed.

Striking from within the smoke, the 3rd Frontal Army attacks. The Brikanians, so caught up in their will to gain territory and finally beat the enemy back once and for all. Did not pay attention to the slow, 100 by 100 movements of tanks south.

The Army exits out of the smoke.

As well, Brought in by massive shipments through oceanic, land, and air means. Arendeska's new but expensive shield. The IT-230 "Pig", an automated anti-tank swarm robot. First began manufacturing in 1006, now will enter military service. These robots will stand stationary, out of view of Brikanian radar, and eventually, will lock onto tanks via visual and IR tracking, rolling over to them at high speeds, and detonating a hemr warhead either beneath the tank, or near it's weaker points. These robots have been attached onto many of the advancing tanks, and after dis-attaching close to the front and staying hidden, they will spring their trap and engage. Commander Piet Kiesewetter, of the tank section under his command, continues to look through his magnifiers with stumped confusion. Out of the smoke, appear hundreds of tanks, hundreds. He is in awe, but his orders are to advance. He steadies himself, and descends into his Kodatorrent. Suddenly, the air (which was previously filled with all kinds of weak looking airplanes, is now filled with fleets of Zu-57s, launching from small, inconsiderable airbases abroad, but all close to the front. Union sappers, whoever can, locate Brikanian front based transmitter stations, and mark them for small Air Cavalry detachments to smoke. It is an entire frontal assault. Perhaps the largest tank battle in history, except for one thing. The Brikanians do not yet know that they are outnumbered.

"Beweg dich, los! Feindliche geamorte Infanterie ist im Anmarsch! Formation lockern! (Move move, quick! Enemy armoured infantry is coming! Loosen formation!)" Piet screams into his radio, his driver quickly switching gears and turning the tank into a ditch. The sudden barrage had definitely frightened the Brikanians, who at this point had been advancing non-stop for almost an hour with no resistance. The confusion that they had hoped to install among the enemy was thrown back at themselves, quickly dispersing and taking up what little cover they could. It would take some time for air reconnaissance to assist, especially since the conventional drones had maxed out their flight range. However, when the first reports begin to circulate of a massive grouping of enemy armour racing south, Field Officer Monika Serebryankova is quick to form an emergency plan.

As Union armour slams into the 233rd Armoured Inf.D, mechanized units from the 234th are detached and ordered to continue the advance east, while their heavy armour will begin to roll north at a rapid pace. The 235th will directly pursue enemy infantry and motorized into Sechen, hopefully capitulating the city before a sizeable defence can be established. Brikanian light infantry will move east aswell from staging camp Emil, as it had already been ordered to screen the advance of Arendeskan armour that had been sighted in the region.

Imperial air support is deployed to deal with incoming strike aircraft, it is only a matter of time before the skies are once again dominated by Brikania.

The Brikanians have yet to see the onslaught which is about to happen. So far, the enemy armour seems to be on good stance, and executes it's emergency plan. However one little detail will throw this plan into the sea

Only a small portion of the 3rd Frontal Army has been seen by the Imperial Forces, and the rest is about to now also proceed south. The 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th Tank Corps, all now consolidated within this larger force, will not stop. It is a complete forward offensive, in the surrounding frontlines, Union artillery opens up again, and the air is filled with aircraft. The Brikanian Airforce, no matter how powerful, will be outmatched on all fronts. A naval battlegroup enters the sea south of Balkor, and begins shelling Brikanian forces stationed there. Brikanian command still considers the situation salvageable, a simple counterattack by the Snezhgoviand and Arendeskans wont stop the might of the Imperial War Machine.

Regrettably, they are wrong. The IT-230s, called "Pigs" by Commissariat Soldiers, are small and almost invisible. But they have been deployed by the thousands. Brikanian tanks are still holding, and some have even advanced further north. However, these tanks are about to meet their end. A couple minutes pass, and as Union tanks advance, they see the Brikanian tanks in front of them detonate en masse. The view is astonishing, almost the entire frontal line explodes. The rear echelon does not know what to do. As for the tank regiment advancing on Sechen, a surprise for them has been prepared; rocket artillery within the city will attempt a pinpoint of their position and strike them, meanwhile scout helicopters mark their exact coordinates for long range artillery. A secret tank collumn awaits them in the west, as soon as they have engaged, this group of tanks will push down and hit them on the side. All across the front the Union is making advances, the allocation of such a large number of tanks to the Sechen fields has resulted in an advantage for the Union, all positions will move forward.

***Nebrein, 1500 hours.***

7 Battalions of Aruzhein fighters surrender to the Brikanians, being the last defenders of the city, they have finally ran out of supplies. Brikanian mechanized infantry parade through the destroyed city, finally releasing many divisions from the siege on the city. As the armoured engagements continue, and the 235th Armoured Inf.D is bogged down in the Union ambush outside of Sechen, the first combat deployment of the Talyomanka S-8 begins.

While rushed through both the airframe and weapons testings phases, and in small numbers, the aircraft boasts an even higher speed and payload limit than it's counterpart the S-7. Brikanian armour will halt advances and request artillery support from staging ground Emil. However, once again the training and expertise of the veteran tank commanders prevents the disorganization of the divisions, even in the face of encirclement. Once again, Field Officer  Serebryankova orders her units into a new formation, realizing the new weapons of the enemy.

It has already become apparent that enemy infantry is not present, and the Arendeskan forces are engaging in a massed armoured assault. Aircraft and artillery already have Brikanian armour pinpointed, and Ivan is employing weapons that have not been documented by the Empire. It is apparent, though, that these weapons are not manned, and quickly approach tanks before detonating close by, ensuring that the tank is either disabled or destroyed.The skies above southern Arendeska see the largest aircraft engagements since the 2nd World War, with tens of thousands of aircraft taking off and engaging eachother in an attempt to keep the other side grounded.

However, one major oversight in the defensive planning of Sechen will undo all of this meticulous placement of insignificant airfields. While they are small, hard to spot, and numerous, these airfields do not possess the same level of infrastructure that a normal airbase would have installed. Refuelling bays, maintenance hangers, munitions bunkers, these are all necessary for a plane returning from an engagement. However, these airfields have none of these things. As the first Union aircraft return from sorties over Sechen and Nebrein, they not only find it hard to find a place to land amidst the chaos, once landed there is nothing protecting them from Brikanian air-launched cruise missiles such as the Cyclone. While deadly in the skies, Union aircraft become effectively defenceless once landed, with the hundreds of tiny airstrips having no AAA to ward off enemy jets. Damaged union aircraft that managed to limp back home are grounded, and those that manage to land find there is neither the munitions nor maintenance crews to assist in the repairs on the airframe. In two hours, the balance of power in the air around Sechen shifts drastically, with constant Imperial sorties striking the undefended airstrips behind enemy lines.

Unfortunately, the reputation of the Aruzhein may have been underestimated. No Brikanian who has met one face to face in combat has been left unchanged. As the soldiers are being herded to their deaths, they search for the opportune moment. A moment which the Brikanians will not expect. Brikanian Front Command has lost contact with several hundred of it's Prisoner Control Troops. 7 Battalions of Arendeskan Aruzhein soldiers are unaccounted for, pending investigation. The Brikanians laugh and joke, they have just captured the almighty Aruzhein warriors, to them they look defeated, but to the Aruzhein, the Brikanians are merely an obstacle. As they are clumped in rows, ready for execution, one of the Aruzhein, concealed by crowd, reaches down, and out of his right boot, extracts a knife. Sharp as glass, the knife he holds, ready. The Brikanian Guards are spread out, not many can be allocated to affairs like these. The Aruzhein moves rapidly, and almost in an instant, the guard is lying dead. The other guard, not noticing before turning around, has not cocked his rifle. While he fumbles (seemingly a conscript), his heart is impaled with steel. As if on command, every soldier in the regiment draws their blades, sometimes even two. With no regard for personal safety, the Aruzhein charge their captors, stabbing them to death in anger and hate. Some of the Brikanians open fire, others are afraid to hit their own men and hold back, either way, the wave of Aruzhein envelops all. This happens in multiple holding areas, and results in the deaths of many of the Aruzhein. May Obovon keep safe their souls, and ferry them to the undying land. Over 5,000 Aruzhein Combatants are behind enemy lines, armed with Brikanian weapons, stolen vehicles, armament, and various rations. Each Aruzhein contingent can operate independently, and now they have been given their task. They will complete it without hesitation or fear. Even if they die, they died defending the Shieldland. Union Tanks hold a dense perimeter.

Production has surpassed pre-war rates by 400%. Iron comes in from Lugrinia, Eskovia, and Suthenica. A majority of Union tanks has been transported back to the mainland from Cordinia. Cordinia itself, being given the license to produce unlimited quantities of T-19A and T-19B tanks for their army. Airstrikes commence on Brikanian controlled Nebrein. The conditions being already horrible, Brikanians in the city will cower in fear under the might of the Commissariatic Air Armada. Additional airfields are again constructed near the front. The techniques of industrial tree-clearing have been perfected by Unioners over the years. The Zu-57 can stay in the air for enough time to deal considerable damage to enemy air units. With consistent resupply via airborne refueling aircraft, and ground based refueling stations, Squadrons can rotate with quick succession allowing them complete air control over the front. And with the presence of 2 aircraft carrier groups off the coast of Balkor, their numbers are increased even more.

The 3rd Frontal Tank Army will execute a complete forward offensive south-southwest of Sechen City. The Army currently outnumbers all Brikanian divisions in the sector combined, and after the defeat of the Brikanian invaders in the east. Under orders from Marshal Onov, the assault will begin. With air and ground elements overrarching the Brikanian forces. The assault will plunge deep. Employing previously used tactics, all other divisions will also advance. Brikanian units, while still in large number, are still outnumbered. Outgunned by helicopter superiority, through the dropping of anti-tank guided firebombs. Rear units are once again the target of long range and rocket artillery, succumbing to sustained fire and unable to help the frontal units. The battle hardened tank divisions will plough through Brikanian armour, and while at the same time rapidly deploying IT-230s. Panic once again has a chance of setting in, to the Brikanians of course, as their tanks are ripped apart by vicious Union advances. This is the second largest offensive after the Sechen counterattack, and all other offensives in the war.

Initial defences prepared by Brikanian infantry are swamped, allowing for Union forces to quickly penetrate behind lines. Brikanian amoured reserves rush north and south in an attempt to stymy these attacks, however the IT-230 makes it difficult to engage enemy armour at closer ranges. Instead, Overlord calls upon the Brikanian airforce.

Switching their target from supporting infantry at Hant and Balkor, available assets begin to hit advancing enemy divisions, slowing them greatly. 1st Legionaries Armoured Infanterie Division halts its advance west, turning north to assist in the protection of Rykov. The 2nd and 3rd Legionaries will rush to engage enemy forces wherever a breakthrough is imminent.

Another major offensive towards Nebrein has occurred. Three Armoured Divisions with support of air cavalry, mechanized infantry in the rear, and several Zu-57 squadrons, have plunged through the 2 overwhelmed Brikanian divisions guarding the territory around Nebrein. The tanks participating in this offensive are part of the 16th Tank Corps of the Arendeskan Tank Army, the exact tank army stationed in Nebrein before the war

Their families were ousted from their homes, and said homes were utterly incinerated by Brikanian bombs. They will give no ground to the invaders of their motherland and they will carry out their duties with no remorse or mercy.

Brikanian Armoured Infantry near Sechen will execute a fighting retreat, utilizing smoke and air cover to halt attempts at rapid pursuit by enemy armour. 1st Armoured Legionaries will meet the 3rd Frontal Tank Army head on, slowing it's advance by making use of flares and P-51  Heibrauch smokescreens to confuse and destroy the IT-230 away from Imperial Armour or Infantry. Now, with the main Union advance stalled, the Brikanian airforce has a much easier time acquiring targets. Due to the rapid advance of the Union Armour, sufficient AA defences could not be brought forward to protect against airstrikes performed by S-5's and heavier bombers, leaving Ivan's tanks isolated and under fire. However, it requires a large amount of Brikanian armour to halt such an advance, and losses among each of the blocking divisions are high. Additionally, drawing forces to other sectors like Vessilo and Western Oreica has forced multiple sectors further east to lack sufficient air or armoured support.

Defenders near Nebrien will not let the city once again fall into Arendeskan hands, organizing for all available brigades of Air-Cavalry to converge on advancing Union forces. Vessilon suburbs fall without much resistance, lack of Brikanian armour has made the defence of the city difficult.

Vessilo is liberated by Arendeskan armour. Brikanian Mechanized Infantry repositions to halt any further advances out of the city. The 3rd Frontal Tank Army is engaged from the south and southwest by Imperial Heavy Armour, with pockets of Brikanian infantry establishing strongpoints in the farmsteads that dot the landscape.

One benefit of being pushed and forced to withdraw is supply chains are no longer hamstrung by the distance to the frontline. Losses among both Union and Imperial tanks are high, with Brikanian air support and Arendeskan numbers being the largest factors in the deaths. 3 additional armoured divisions are to be deployed for tasking in Nebrein.

**Let this day go down in infamy, as the end of Brikanian control over our territory.**

02:30 on the dot. Several light strike craft in the form of light submergables cross through the Brikanian line going up the Dhrim River. The crew of these transports are Aruzhein, commissioned by the Union Verhkommissariat for a mission of titanic importance.

02:50 in the morning: The operatives approach the Gedinfield Hydroelectric Dam. The monolithic structure still standing as a vast display of Arendeskan architecture.

It will not be standing any longer, it will burn, and so will the Empire.

The soldiers have with them a HEMR-V warhead. The first of it's kind, and probably the last due to it's price. As they slowly approach the base, they pinpoint the exact coordinates for a secret entrance built exactly for this purpose. The teams enter through this entrance, carrying the bomb to it's destination. The night is dark, Brikanian troops patrolling the base have not seen combat in months, and most of them are reservists. The hallway follows through into the primary power accumulator in the centre of the structure. Silently, the Aruzhein take out guards in the reactor room. They then proceed to plant the bomb. After saluting, they cover their exits and exfil. Leaving one man behind to oversee the detonation, with orders to hit the lever if enemy forces breach the barricaded doors to the reactor. The men are able to make it back into their transports, and in several minutes a loud rumbling sound is heard from inside the dam. The warhead detonated, in the reactor built above the support to the dam. With the interior shaken, the concrete begins to collapse, a truly horrid sight. As the gigantic, dark grey form of the dam crumbles. Water begins to pour, mimmicking a tsunami. The aftermath of the explosion sees the Drhim River experience a flood the likes of which has never before been recorded. It's banks overflow on both left and right, sweeping through the forests and fields. Sweeping with them the Brikanian forces unfortunate enough to remain in harms way. Union Troops however do not suffer similar fates. All tanks and APCs have been equipped with underwater breathing equipment, and infantry stood on top of tanks to avoid the flooding (and they were warned in advance). The Brikanian divisions on the sides of the river were hit hard, the unexpected flooding will have the desired effect on their morale. Next, begins the artillery strike. Sector artillery, marking the EXACT positions of each Brikanian division, delivers a powerful blow to each quadrant. Specifically marking how much firepower is required to deal maximum damage to each sector. Thankfully, the amount of shells the Union has been able to stockpile has been sufficient. Unlike the Brikanians, Belereskian artillery is much more accurate, and as such, extremely devastating. Within several hours, Brikanian frontal positions have been hit so hard that those who survive the bombing are unable to consolidate their divisions. Brikanian Air forces were kept at bay by false air offensives and scrimmages in order to ensure their distraction. The third phase sees the launch of auxillary squadrons from the untouched aircraft carrier groups in the Black Sea, and from interior airfields. The numbers of these squadrons will overwhelm any pathetic collection of Brikanian Air Wings, no matter how many missiles are shot at our planes, there will be minimum casualties. The S series of planes was built upon the principles of cowardice, and the Commissariatic Air Army will take advantage of this weakness. Those who were lucky to survive the initial bombardment become the targets of bombings and strafing runs. Brikanian Tanks become stuck in the mud. Spring is here, the snow is melting. Roads have turned to dirt. The Union has held its position for 3 months on purpose. As Brikanians continue to push forwards, blindly, they do not only stretch their supply lines, they extend their operational capabilities. Consequently, Brikanian Armoured units become less and less effective. Tanks need fuel, soldiers need food, ammunition. With the current supply shortages, the state of the Brikanian Army is not what it once was. The artillery barrage, and air assaults will continue. An area which the Brikanians elected to ignore will now live up to its expectations. Airfields in Novokatysh and the surrounding area have been secretly outfitted with thousands of aircraft, once more, slowly arriving over the period of several months. Those aircraft will now be used against our enemies. While rotating out currently active squadrons, the sky has made room for the pilots of the Air Army. These planes will hit the western flank of the enemy, delivering powerful bombing runs against armoured divisions near the river. Adding onto that, amphibious assaults accross the river will also commence. With only a few Brikanian divisions guarding the coast, after the infantry sets up beachheads, new orders will be given to them. Below said river, (in the West), the 3rd Frontal Tank Army executes yet again a major forward offensive. Outnumbering the Brikanian tanks once more. Unlike in all the other areas, the land west of Sechen is not as bad as in the South, being both flat and less wet. The tanks will move forward with the support of air cavalry. With a multitude of Brikanian tank divisions unable to break the Union line, and also unable to move, or return fire due to not seeing the enemy. Vast squadrons of Belereskian Air Cavalry will be sent into action. These helicopters will target Brikanian tanks and armoured vehicles with HEMR firebombs. Working even in the described conditions. As far as surgical strikes go, tank divisions can do little to prevent their own destruction, and unfortunatley flak cannons can only do so much.  Air cavalry detachments being deployed en-masse like this has never before been seen in warfare. Particularly on this side of the globe. So, with the first wave of helicopters, the second wave goes in after them. Using heavy transport helicopters loaded with infantry (equipped with anti-armour weaponry) land behind enemy lines in an attempt to secure valuable footholds within the front line. Tanks, and infantry can do nothing to repel them, for they do not know where they are (in the initial strike). Subsequently, Paradrop Forces are sent in after them. The Paratroopers have with them fighting vehicles and tanks. One or two of those dropped into an area of interest can do many things for the droppers. The aforementioned tank assault in the northwest, combined with additional Paradrop Troops from that northwest, will help both sides of the front link up. Trapping the forces at Hamilton. The infantry has been sitting inside trenches for, well, years. Being constantly shelled, and bombarded. Now will be the time for them to prove themselves. All infantry regiments have been given the order to advance over the top. This is the second largest infantry movement on the front since the general retreat from Nebrein. Supported by APCs and helicopters, the infantry advances on the enemy. With artillery continuing to obliterate enemy positions from afar, the soldiers have no fear. Attached to these brigades are the new Grenadier Troops. Entire squads of men equipped with revolving grenade launchers, the perfect trench-cleaning tools. Machinegun nests, bunkers, and dugouts no longer stand a chance against the Commissariatic Army. A show of Brikanian regressivism. The weak Brikanian blockade around Nebrein is once again broken. You cannot hope to defend a city like that with two tank divisions and a couple of troops. You are outnumbered, and my tanks, and my shells, will crush you. Several regiments of Grazhmilitia volunteers have broken through into the city suburbs. Supported by Grenadiers, and light infantry vehicles. They will establish command posts in order to move more technical equipment to the city.

As outlined in the Arendeskan Spring Offensive, the 3rd Frontal Tank army redeployed from the southwest of Sechen to south of Hamilton to cut-off and encircle Brikanian troops stationed there. While it was a successful endeavour, Union divisions were so eager to continue to advance and reach Nebrein first that Arendeskan intelligence failed to spot the large groupings of Brikanian armour. The Brikanians aren't holding on tightly to anything but the most vital of locations, such as Nebrein and Cornwallis landing.

If you want to argue about organization, again, most divisions, with exception of those defending around Nebrein and Cornwallis Landing, were already prepared to launch their own offensive. All it took was minor changes with the plan. If the Aruzhein have infiltrated the munitions storage, then no expense will be spared to remove them, the Brikanians have had their fair share of dealing with these maniacs. The depot will be sieged out by Brikanian forces. Snipers will infiltrate the surrounding woodlands, and pick off those who are unfortunate enough to be caught in the open. There will be no frontal assault.

**The second stage of "Cromwellschlat" has begun.**

While delays and exceptionally stiff resistance have delayed the arrival of additional armoured and mechanized forces to Staging Ground Duhrer, the momentum achieved following the first stage of the Brikanian Spring Offensive must not be lost. The operation was no doubt a shock to Union command, proven by the lack of sufficient forces to screen the flanks of the Union advance. The strategic error of pivoting the majority of the 3rd Frontal Tank Army towards Cornwallis Landing and leaving the Union centre open for exploitation was Ivan's ultimate undoing.

Sechen has become within striking distance of Armoured Group Venus, approximately 5500 tanks, 100,000 Mechanized soldiers, supported by sporadic air support and light artillery. The Arendeskans are much worse off, of the quick-response divisions to arrive in time at the encirclement head, most are not sufficiently equipped to deal with this many mechanized and armoured soldiers. Armoured Group Mercury pivots west, allocating more and more resources to continue delaying the 3rd Frontal Tank Army from reinforcing the centre. The quickly dug Union lines are smashed within a couple of hours, however as Brikanian armour pushes closer and closer to Sechen, Arendeskan defenders become exceedingly ferocious, sacrificing themselves by running under tanks with plastic explosives.

The frontline now sits less than 30km away from the suburbs of Sechen, no doubt civilian militias have been mobilized, and Union reinforcements flood into the area. The 3rd Frontal Tank Army desperately attempts to break through armoured positions held by Armoured Group Mercury, with the Brikanian tankers clinging to their hastily prepared defensive works. Losses are very high, especially among the armoured corps of both belligerents. Defenders at Hamilton receive the last paradropped supplies. Arendeskan AAA has been bolstered in the region, and Overlord has deemed it impossible to resupply the defenders any longer. They are ordered to fight and tie up as many of Ivan's forces as possible.

Attacking with vicious ferocity, the 3rd Frontal Tank Army retaliates. Plunging through the territory northwest of the encircled Arendeskan and Sechenian infantry, the army is able to breach a massive hole in the Brikanian line. The volume of tanks is too great for the Brikanians to bear, and all infantry elements have been ordered to retreat into that corridor. All the while.. All military resources from Dubrovnik have been recalled to the southwestern front. As the tanks of the First Frontal Tank Army combine with the tanks of the Third. Across bridges, thousands more tanks cross over the river. They advance directly on the troops in Hamilton. Advancing relentlessly, and without mercy. The might of the entire 1st Frontal Tank Army is being brought down on that encircled area. Lugrinian commanders on the southwestern front have been notified in advance of this change, and Lugrinian troops stand poised to defend the territory at any cost.Hamilton falls, union air defenses are all mobile, and were organized to flee first. The front in the northwest cannot move forward, the offensive in the Northeast has lost momentum and can no longer continue.

**Operation Viktoriya**

In less than a week, Cromwellschlat, the Brikanian Fall Offensive, and the unnamed Arendeskan Fall offensive have seen both sides of the fighting deploy all reserves in an attempt to finally strike a decisive strike to the other. The first week of November, 1008 has seen the death or capture of over 200,000 soldiers on both sides, a number that should not be taken lightly. However, Overlord clings onto the idea that victory is within reach, and all it will take is one killing blow against the Union. For an entire day, Armoured Group Mercury consolidated its positions around Staging Ground Duhrer, west of Vessilo. The large focus placed upon movements further north and west allowed Brikanian armour here to assemble unchallenged and without harassment from the Union's long-range artillery batteries. However, every hour the Armoured Group consolidates is another hour Brikanian lives are being lost to such a barbaric enemy, and they must act now. Just like in Nebrien, volunteer screening divisions will begin their assault upon Vessilo, using short-range divisional artillery to slowly pry the Arendeskans off of their defensive works. Brikanian air-cavalry will move with Armoured Group Mars along the banks of the overflowed Dhrim river, using their superior numbers and long-range AT rockets to pierce through the static Union lines. Airstrikes conducted by S-6 and S-7 sorties will target supply depots, roads, and bridges to slow down incoming reinforcements, and ensure that any divisions trapped within Vessilo will stay there.

Armoured Group Mercury will be tasked with smashing through the weakened defences north of the city, before rapidly moving east to link up with Armoured Group Mars. Enemy armour, numbering no less than 5 divisions, is confirmed to be present within the vicinity of the encirclement, however with the majority of Arendeskan reserves committed to other sectors, it is unlikely that enemy armour will receive any support.

The UCSR stands it's ground. After the crippling Brikanian offensive targeting Sechen was valiantly eradicated by the First Frontal Tank Army, the subsequent encirclement of that Brikanian Army Group has brought the front to yet another stand-still. While the 3rd Frontal Tank Army and the many tank divisions along the line maintain their positions, rear artillery continues to deliver blows to the enemy rear.

Within several days of the Operation Vostok, the entire Brikanian front collapses, and Union forces reach the Hammer-Down Line.

## Operation Vostok

Over 3,000 ships, from the navies of the UCSR, the Republic of Lugrinia, Akumora, and Valead, have been deployed.

Basing near the frontal staging ground in Suthenica, this massive fleet has set sail.

By the time it has crossed through the range of Brikanian markers and became realized by the Empire, it is already too late. The Obskurakorps will be able to do nothing, just recently almost half of it's entire fleet was dispatched to protect it's interests in the Western Ocean, then again in the Arctic. The Brikanians have next to no naval assets to be able to stop this. The Grand Fleet's objective is unknown to the Brikanians, but it will become apparent soon enough The Union and Valeadean ships combined are able to deliver devastating blows to any coastal infrastructure on Brikanian soil. The territory in the Brikanian south has been observed for months for a proper landing ground, and the beaches south of Viec will be the optimal target. That land is close to the Conian mainland, therefor heavily unguarded in comparison to the rest of the Brikanian coast. The long beaches stretch from Varazdin to Vukovar, but cuts near the heel (a bulwark of coastal defenses left over from the second world war). And so, this fleet's purpose is the invasion of the Brikanian southern coast, it will begin this task. As it arrives within view of the coast, it is already in defensive position, the Brikanians have no tactical knowledge of the fleet's composition yet, they will only be able to learn that in a few days, and they still do not know what lurks below. The landings will begin.

Simultaneously, operatives from the LSS, CRK, and VIS are given special orders. Those are the rapid detonation of all bridges along the Bricksburg river using HEMR explosives, and hand-held X-200 launchers smuggled in weeks prior. The detonation of these bridges will prove crucial to the invasion. Additionally, multiple explosions are reported from many major factories inside Brikania. These explosions rock the nation, in some cases, entire roofs collapse inward due to the detonation of a HEMR explosive. LSS Agents sent in 2005 have waited 3 years for this moment. They were sent with seismic charges. And in the past week, they have planted them all around Bellinstadt & New Brickbridge. The same bombs which destroyed a train station in New brickbridge some years ago  Fires across the nation. As hundreds of CRK detachments set fire to key infrastructure. Train tracks, farmland, trees, houses. Amplifying it with fuel, large sections of major urban and industrial centers are in flames. In fact, similar orders were given to almost all operatives of the Allied Intelligence Unit, in both major and minor cities, fires now take hold, and timed perfectly with the wind, will soon become major disasters, as well as forest and plains fires.

Brikanian Quick reaction forces in Koprivicia, Makarska, and Domovina are activated and ordered for rapid deployment to Viec. Despite initial demands by Crossroads, Overlord, and Brikanian High Command, Loewenstien refuses to move any more divisions. It seems he has noticed something that the rest of his staff have not.

**Akumoran Landings**

Prior to any combat operations, the 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Brigade infiltrated through ACIRO to provide strategic level reconnaissance for the ADF.

This morning, the seas surrounding Brikania's southern coast was overwhelmed with the AMDF's tonnage, the 1st Carrier Group, 1st and 2nd Naval Group, 2 Patrol Groups and 2 Landing Groups sweeps across the Passage under the cover of the dusk of the morning. AMDF and AADF air superiority fighters, interceptors, CAS and tactical bombers fill the skies and harass Brikanian installations, destroying much of the signals infrastructure in the area and wreaking havoc in Brikanian lines. With all this happening, the patrol craft groups blockaded a major Brikanian canal.

Then, 2 Special Landing Battalions of the SLF descended upon the shores of Brikania, under fire support of the AS Tenshi and Naginata and their separate rotary air wings secured a beachhead for the combined army forces. Less than an hour behind them was the AGDF, raring to go.

In heavier ships, and with basic dockage systems built by SLF engineers, the AGDF rushed from their craft with no time to waste, the 1st and 2nd Mechanised Divisions wasted no times, using their extremely fast cross-country Type 91 IFV's dug their claws deep into Brikanian lines, harassing any combative installations with autocannons and rocket fire, giving little for the Brikanian defenders to make out what attacked them and what with.

Following a few miles behind was the 1st and 2nd Imperial Guard, elite shock infantry with experience in the Conian war. These light infantry deployed via. All-Terrain Vehicle and provided scattered contact, which with the ongoing signals issues within the Brikanian defenders made it seem like a much larger force was attacking any impending units, when in reality it was ~2 Battalions.

It would be an insult to disregard the brutal fighting in the alpine regions of Brikania, despite their inexperience in combat, the 2. Divisione Alpina, an Eastnorian Mountain Warfare Division fought in mountain to mountain combat against Brikanian defending forces. (assuming there were defenders in the range). The Eastnorians showed their value in cold combat, many Eastnorians have lived their entire lives in freezing temperatures and live hunting lives. Combine this with mountain warfare training and you have a fine sub-zero warrior.

Much of the combat in the mountain range was attempting to bypass defending forces to cut them off, and box them in for a surrender or face starvation.

By the early morning the next day, 2 field artillery divisions arrived with the 1st and 2nd Infantry Divisions, they laid ruin to any defending forces with their artillery and the infantry divisions with the illusive Imperial Guard simply had to clean out any holdouts.

With all this happening, the Mechanised Divisions penetrated deep into Brikanian lines, setting up a shifting defensive line on major river crossings, denying further reinforcements to the region.

Air superiority laid firmly in Akumorish hands with the AMDF's AS Nami letting the 1st Naval Air Wing provide Air Superiority missions to the Brikanian airspace with the main AADF assisting via mid-air refuelling tankers and basic airstrips set up near ad hoc logistical hubs allowing for rearmament. The sheer amount of F-3B fighters and I-3 interceptors alongside allied systems has given the allied forces practical air supremacy in this region.

Further combat units such as more tanks are expected to arrive to set up a proper defensive line upon the banks of the river. By the end of the week, Akumorish generals anticipate to be entrenched on the river banks.

**Union Landings**

The first to throw themselves into the fire, the 41st Elite Corps begins the assault in the fist wave. The day is bright, and as the beaches of the Brikanian south lie peaceful, gazing towards the Conian coast, fleets of landers materialize in the distance. Any civilians caught off guard were forced to retreat. In the night before, Border posts were destroyed by SpecOps who landed in the night. But on that day, hundreds upon hundreds of landers crashed onto the beaches, opening their doors to reveal rows of armoured vehicles and tanks. Infantry ferries dispatch pacification troops, and armoured transporters occupy key positions along the coast, while helicopter wings fly high above, marking all targets ahead, and striking any military installation with high explosive missiles.

The Obskurakorps has finally arrived from the Western Ocean. An undisclosed number of Imperial submarines lurk in the waters south of Brikania, they await the command to begin operations. Additionally, with the Imperial Navy to the east, and a Conian Auxillary fleet to the south and west, resupply vessels from Akumora, Valead, Lugriniya, and the Union have all been cut-off from their destination.

After an intese battle, the fleet suffers major damage, however still remains in position. The Obskurakorps have run out of munitions. Valeadean Forces push north to Brisksburg, while the 31st Elite Corps of the Union Army assists the Akumorans in pushing East.

**Operation Tatsumaki**

Pockets of resistance remained in the main cities, which have been besieged by the AGDF's 4-6th divisions respectfully. Whilst the more elite/mechanised units moved up, SPG and MLRS artillery was able to use it's speed to keep up with the advancing echelons. By the time they had reached the mechanised, they found a hungry and tired few divisions who were happy to catch a few days rest whilst the main infantry units held the line.

Once the engineers bridge layers arrived (which turned out to be slight issue due to a main road being diverted by military police) they waited for the middle of the night, and all units were placed on alert.

The 1st ARB was able to relocate to the second patch of alpine terrain, using tiltrotors to insert powerful radars to some watch positions which gave great assistance to the F-3B fighters in the area allowing for relative air supremacy in this second region.

*DAY 0*

Under the cover of an intense artillery barrage, air strikes and the night, the engineers deployed on both flanks, building floating bridges strong enough to permit their Type 91 IFV's pass over as well as infantry across. Right after the mechanised came the light infantry, the Imperial Guard, swarming across in ATV's and special forces equipment. Followed closely by standard infantry and finally the artillery. The infantry held and waited for armour, whilst mechanised dashed through the enemy lines which had been cracked by artillery.

With absolutely no time to waste, as soon as the floating bridges had worked, engineers began building a more sustainable bridge for the Type-08 and 89 MBT's to cross over, this was completed by ~3:45AM (believe it or not, having a engineering division to spare means stuff gets built pretty quick). The tanks, as soon as it was declared, went over 2 at a time. By 4, the first brigade consisting of Type-08's and their SPAA's etc. had crossed and began to advance. The main attack was supported by a 3rd Armoured Brigade leading (as attention was diverted to the main assault) followed by a motorised infantry division. This division had little to no issues encircling Verdansk. The motorised infantry dismounted and quickly overwhelmed the Verdansk defenders with heavy emphasis on non-destructive methods, obviously this slowed down the main attack and eventually as hard points emerged, the clear was given on using explosives.

*DAY 1*

Back to the main assault, the forces continued their steamrolling of defending forces, using their disarray to take thousands as prisoners of war, their goal was to reach the coast in 7 days, which is what it took for advancing forces to roll across and successfully hold the coast if it was not for isolated pockets of resistance which forced infantry to relocate and sternly stomp them out, increasing this time to 9 days.

*DAY 9*

Forces begin to relocate across the Brickston river, the 2nd Mechanised did gods work performing an elastic defence across the river, denying any reinforcements. A repeat is very obvious to Brikanian commanders, forces of the Imperial Guard and 1st Mechanised begin to encircle Brickston for an assault. Artillery continues to rain across the river, giving Ai Uehara the nickname "Thunderqueen" for her near excessive use of artillery units. Snipers are largely used to shoot any unlucky Brikanians found outside fortifications.

The Valead'n Armed Forces launch a successful airborne landing off the Western coast of Konigsville. After landing several divisions, the connection of the southern and northern fronts is made the goal. Only then can the fleet in the Southern Ocean disperse.

With the loss of the majority of Coalition air power following the disastrous defeat in the Southern Ocean, the Brikanian airforce has enjoyed its cemented air superiority, especially in Koprivicia. Coalition air defences are undersupplied and in too few number to repel enemy sorties, and the lack of sufficient long-range radar emplacements in occupied territory (as a result of advancing so quickly) has made it extremely difficult to counter the flying fortresses of the Imperial Airforce.

Previous airal assesment, satellite imagery, and infiltrated IIB agents have allowed the Empire to operate with an very thorough and accurate description of enemy movements and volumes, permitting surgical strikes on high ranking officers, generals, and vital supply convoys carrying air-defence weapons.

However, the Empire was not keen to sit back and just pummel enemy forces from the air. Brikanian peoples in Koprivicia and The Red Coast cry out for liberation, liberation that will come in the form of crashing waves of tanks, infantry, and aircraft.

The operation, codenamed "Kastovia", begins with the detonation of vital roads and bridges, as well as the seizure or disruption of communication lines between frontline forces and reserves stationed in Viec. The night of November 19th sees the entire Makarska-Koprivicia border go dark to Coalition command, all the while reports trickle in of a Brikanian military operation in southern Makarska. The elite 10th Parasoldier division, secretly redeployed from Tartana, is dropped west of the Bjelvari steppe, taking up positions on vital road junctions and directing airborne light-armour east. Defences are light, it is obvious that Brikanian air-campaigns did a number on what remaining AA defences the Coaltion retained. Further east, Armoured Group Jupiter crashes against Coalition defences south of the Steppe. Supported by artillery, airstrikes, and directed cruise-missiles, defenders are forced to retreat from their emplacements, fleeing right into advancing light-armour. The Parasoldiers know the terrain well, as do all of the soldiers in this theatre, the thousand-year-war against the Kulachien People ensured that.

**The Akumoran December Offensive**

Despite Valead’s whining which caused Akumorish forces to withdraw east, Akumora has been able to set up a somewhat awkward offensive line, the first priority was bringing in winter clothes, as troops waited in entrenched positions dug out by the ready equipped Eastnorians (a few interesting judicial cases there), and caves. Once this was completed, infantry units continued across the mountains as heavier units used barges too far inland to be attacked by the Brikanian navy, and gunboats supporting them.

Instantly, Akumorish forces tore into Vukovar and Bjelvar with all their force, instantly occupying them with what little resistance was there. Eastnorian alpinists remain in the mountains with orders to deny any Valead’n forces from using the mountain range.

With some semblance of order and a burning passion to take the capital before Valead can, simply to spite them. The Akumorish continue their push through the new region, with Vukovar and Bjelvar under Akumorish control immediately. Knin and Koda are taken one after the other, with help of the new urban warfare unit "HECB" which made urban warfare ever more easier with room clearing and other necessities drilled into them with assistance of infantry mortars.

Along the river, Akumorish infantry and the 45th Light Mechanised Infantry Brigade from Eastnor are deployed and entrench quickly, holding the flank along the black line. Engineers prioritise building airstrips for cargo planes to land, once this is done, the engineers move onto better temporary defences along the holding lines.

Once victory is established in the cities, the units move to join the red defensive line (which was already being defended by mechanised which squeeze through gaps in defensive lines)

For now, the Akumorish lines have halted to resupply, as heavy logistic aircrafts are unable to provide what shipping could, however, a large number of destroyers have been refitted for submarine warfare, and will deploy as escorts with shipping.

The citizens of Makarska, the soldiers of Makarska, will not give up so easily.

With the rapid deployment of fresh armoured units, as well as the redeployment of veteran units from Arendeska, Imperial Brikanian forces number in the hundreds of thousands in this sector alone. Eager to reclaim their homes, Makarskan infantrymen prepare themselves for the coming operation.

Unlike most operations, however, it does not open with airstrikes or massed armoured assaults, but rather the terrifying harmony of over 2000 1.7cm artillery pieces, tearing up Akumorish Supply depots, strongpoints, and AA installations. The rhythmic drumbeat of the massive batteries shakes the ground, with coordinators in New Brickbridge reporting that they can hear the onslaught.

However, a number of Makarskan and Koprivician divisions were discontent with sitting behind their defensive works, waiting for the approval from the Brikanian Military Command to begin their offensive. These divisions move forward under the cover of the barrage, engaging Akumoran Mechanized Infantry with handheld AT weapons and recommissioned APC's. It is unclear what the motives or goals of these divisions is.

Meanwhile, further southeast, Armoured Group Neptune begins to roll towards Koda. With Total Brikanian Air Superiority, any organized resistance by Akumorish armour is swiftly dealt with by the "flying artillery" of the Brikanian Airforce, engaging enemy armour with guided precision munitions and phosphorous munitions.

Being at the end of their recently massively extended supply lines, Akumoran units are forced to retreat on the basis of lack of both sufficient ammunition and fuel. All the while the Imperial Airforce harasses the enemy from the air.

Akumorish units are able to set up an elastic defence against attacking forces, whilst they had many trenches, only so few were manned at one point, with squads waiting in somewhat deep bunkers for invading forces, this means that wherever the Brikanians attacked, they would be met by heavy Akumorish resistance across their lines. Due to the cover of foliage, this may make the Akumorish forces seem way bigger that they actually are, through the use of concealed SPAA positions, and a lot of F-4’s and F-3B’s, Brikanian CAS is skewered, through the use of BVR missiles a somewhat secure airspace is established.

Akumorish air assets are ordered to either fly extremely high or extremely low as to avoid AA. Almost immediately, Imperial Guard units exploit their extreme speed and the night to infiltrate enemy lines, wreaking havoc on Artillery positions and supply lines, meaning that Brikanians had to redirect forces to deal with them which meant that the main offensive against the river (which has had units withdraw for both imperial guard harassment and to find a hole in the perceived massive defensive line.)

Units received resupply via tiltrotor, now able to supply a lot faster with shipping arriving in Brikania. In a daring operation, a large number of these were employed alongside regular helicopters to resupply the units by tomorrow’s last light. The operation was successful mostly, however some lower priority units had to hold in defensive lines until their supply arrived.

This counter attack punched far with little resistance and heavy use of armour such as the Type-08 and slightly less modern units were able to crush the defenders, use of cheap yet reloadable Type-27 ATRL’s and their upgraded counterparts crushed any vehicular resistance encountered. This advancing echelon threatened to cut off the forces through ACIRO being able to trick IIB through fake orders that the units would push south. This meant that pressure was taken off the southern forces as

Akumorish units dug in to prevent overextending (like what had spelled this counter attack) and with Brikanian units motivated not to give up an inch of ground, the southern units resupply similar to the northern counter attack and punch into the stretched out lines. Using the night and their NV’s to their advantage, they are able to destroy a division in their push, capturing thousands. In this push, for the first time in years, a bayonet charge was. considered the only way forward by one officer, a lot of her soldiers were lost, but it truly scared the Brikanians, such an advanced enemy using such outdated tactics was unexpected and a lot of soldiers were killed or captured.

The advance halted with the 2 lines connecting, encircling what units remained and capturing them. The advance halts again as more units are brought in from Akumora to secure the river and the new lines, it is also so supply lines can reestablish supply hubs and reach the front. Engineers are brought to the new holding line to help the front echelons dig in further and help conceal heavy assets such as SPAA or artillery.

The 106th Rocket Brigade, positioned northeast of Kastovia has been contacted by the 107th Rocket Brigade which is positioned west of Akumoran positions in Vukovar. All of them have confirmed their orders with the Fourth Front Command, and the 108th Rocket Brigade remains on standby. The order is given, and the 106th and 107th Rocket Brigades begin angling their mobile Korol-90 HEMR Ballistic Missiles. The 108th follows suite, they fire. 12 rockets from the 106th, 6 rockets from the 108th, and 18 rockets from the 107th, making 36 in total. The rockets from the 106th Brigade target New Brickbridge and Knin, while the rockets from the 107th target Keslen, Koda, and Mittelburg. Rockets from the 108th Brigade Target Tantovast and Slavonski (lighter bombardments, only 6 rockets)

Once the HEMR Missiles reach optimal altitude they continue on their ballistic trajectory high in the atmosphere, upon reaching the correct deployment altitude (usually right above the target area, or at half way, depending when the operator gives the signal, or if the missile malfunctions or something), they split into dozens of HEMR bombs which fall all across the city as if it is an air raid, except it is only from a single missile, and the bombs being dropped full at such high speeds that they are very difficult to shoot down with conventional anti-air. The individual munitions dropped from a single missile number at over 60 bombs, all of them standard HEMR bombs employed by the Union. They evidently are quite effective on the front, but in urban environments they don't cause devastating damage (something the Union High Command would have wanted them to cause), and instead have the same effect as a huge bombing raid would do. The casualties are however devastating, despite the lesser infrastructural damage. Hundreds of thousands dead in each city in the east, more wounded. Tantovast and Slavonski were hit less, but still suffer from damage. The 109th Rocket Brigade receives the order as well, and fires 18 rockets at Grantry and Bellinstadt, similar effects are seen. After the main bombardment is completed, additional rocket strikes on nearer cities and villages occur, targeting military supply depots primarily, but major urban areas as well.

These bombardments occur over 18 times.

Brikanian forces, including elements from Armoured Group Jupiter as well as the entirety of "The Shield of God" reposition armoured and mechanized elements around Tavorsk, the Valeadn force sent to capture the city and it's surrounding towns and villages is outnumbered nearly 2/1.

Early in the morning of December 15th, Armoured Group Sol (Part of the Shield of God) pivots south, breaching through a weakened position in the Valead'n advance, overwhelming the single Armoured Division poised to protect the region. Airstrikes from S-7's engage enemy armour with pinpoint accuracy, thanks to spotting and guiding from civilians and inserted undercover soldiers. Valead'n advantages at long-range combat are offset by the prominent use of hedgerows and hills to remain in cover from enemy armour, forcing them into a closer-range fight.

Brikanian mechanized infantry south of Tavorsk make excellent use of local terrain, turning the small villages and farmsteads that dot the fields into strongpoints, keeping enemy armour and infantry at bay through prominent use of light-artillery and airstrikes. This massively slows down any advances attempted on the city, as each strongpoint must either be levelled with artillery or taken by force before mechanized columns can continue.

Speaking of the Brikanian airforce, it still reigns supreme over the skies of the Empire, with civilians relaying accurate information of enemy sorties to Crossroads, allowing for Brikanian interceptors to easily catch enemy pilots off-guard during their long journeys from airbases in Valead. This job is not made easier by the fact that as Brikanian forces withdrew, they ensured that airfields within what would become captured territory were destroyed, and all jet-aircraft fuel burned.

**Operation Debiruzudansu**

In the early morning (1AM), the 7th Akumoran Airborne Division airdropped in the largest airborne drop completed in one day, dropping it's entire unit ~50 km behind lines. The unit, consisting of the best trained "shock" infantry of Akumora was able to disrupt Brikanian lines using commando warfare on their logistical hubs and rear echelon units. Obviously, this didn't go unnoticed and Brikanian units began to attack the unit, but using their amazing speed with paradropped ATV's to quickly form up a defensive line, making a ring of steel by the afternoon. Following this, the 9th Air Assault Division deployed via UH-X "Spectre" stealth helicopters and their light armour deploying by tiltrotor. This unit fanned out, clearing the ring of any unwanted pockets of resistance using mortars and some field artillery, they then joined the ring of steel ASAP.

As soon as this was completed, engineers had prepared to almost immediately lay down a bridge when the radio call was given. The 14th Armoured Division, mainly consisting of Type 89 MBT's, was waiting in the foliage to cross and the 6th Mechanised Division with them. This was followed through as expected and this allowed for armour and mechanised to swarm into the ring, now making it more of a ring of unobtanium than steel. Type 18 tank destroyed were also rerouted, using great use of Brikania's road infrastructure and that which was laid down by engineers to speed across the roads to the new front.

By the end of the 3 days, a new bulge had been formed which forced Brikanian units to redirect forces, as this threatened the capital even more than the main offensive, which had had little to no pressure taken off it with primarily fresher units deploying to Brikania.

Now, with the defensive held, HACB was able to quickly redeploy to the new bulge, airstrikes have begun on Tresden and mechanised, with HACB spearheading, they begin to attack Tresden.

**Battle of Tresden**

With the attack North stabilising, HACB deployed in reserve outside Treaden with Light Infantry forces, ready to attack at a moments notice. Akumora, first of all, uses small drones to deploy leaflets in Brikanian, warning them to evacuate the city by midnight and head north.

MRLS batteries of artillery regiments begin to relocate to the defensive lines, preparing their artillery charts and setting up a line to supply hubs. By now, the ring of steel is heavily fortified with trenches, bunkers, barbed wire and tank ditches. The engineers on the front have given the MLRS further concealment with better IR shielding and nets.

Then, bang on midnight, hundreds of MLRS systems open up in a horrifying orchestra, having plenty of time to prepare targets and charts, the artillery is deadly accurate and wreaks havoc upon the city.

The shelling lasts all night, with tens of thousands of rockets lying in reserve in the region, with at least 16 systems firing at one point. By the morning, all that is left is ashes of a city, a few structurally sound buildings made husks and bunkers exposed from the sheer amount of rockets kicking up earth. These bunkers, receive a nice bunker busting munition from the AADF’s F-3B’s with coordination from ground observers.

At first light, HACB and light infantry move in armoured vehicles to the city, dismounting and sweeping up the city of any somehow remaining pockets, however, anyone left remaining had their morale absolutely crushed, and quickly surrendered. The AGDF reports only firing 139 rounds during clean up operations.

**Operation Dīpusutoraiku**

Using the lull of Brikanian artillery, Akumorish forces use this time to reorganise, rearm and return to strength. Planners use the time to prepare air assets and construction engineers begin laying down fairly crude runways, advanced enough to let more advanced AADF planes land there, often repairing city airports for this purpose.

Under the cover of night, forces mass on both flanks, now a series of trenches and bunkers. These full strength, reinforced and resupplied groups have planned for a small while their assaults. Artillery forces reorganise and with help of engineers have set up a multitude of defensive positions in primarily wooded areas, most of them are unmanned, designed to be used after a small volley to prevent targeting by Brikanian air forces. Missile systems are also dotted in these defences with reserve troops assigned in defence of these assets, hiding in foxholes and the forestry.

The forces take a gamble and wait another day, as Akumorish ministers and general staff delay the enemy with politics. This pays off and now the forces have nearly every card in their deck for the assault. Now it was the waiting game to see how politics could play.

With the Brikanians no longer interested, the go word is now given "Rirīsu." First, a screening force of light infantry launched from both spear heads, consisting of elite light infantry from the Special Landing Force, paratroopers and some Imperial Guard, they were primarily dismounted or in light scout vehicles. These units did not engage unless it was critical to, this gave valuable intelligence to Akumorish commanders to make any adjustments to their assault and gave them the prior knowledge of their opposing forces.

What followed then was a series of laser guided JCKD (JDAM) bombs from F-3B and F-4 aircraft, alongside a barrage of laser guided artillery munitions, taking out vital equipment and defences such as air defence assets (which were also dunked on by ARM missiles from F-4's). Using the fractured lines, Imperial Guard forces pierced through the cracks in the defences using extremely quick ATV's with some stealth on them. These forces engaged any remaining anti-tank assets, choosing to avoid regular infantry where possible (though in situations where this became unavoidable, they would usually prevail as they are special forces unit). The second "wave" of forces were a mix of mechanised and armoured forces. These attempted to bypass any remaining infantry much like the prior light infantry. These units focused on countering any remaining armoured assets. This was extremely useful to the AADF, and SPAA now advanced with the armoured forces, easily able to dispatch most S-8's with relative ease, with MANPAD's able to take care of less advanced models. This advance was basically screened with heavy mortars and SPG's, being more logistically friendly than MRLS systems, this let them keep up with the advancing columns and provide fire support.

Logistics was fairly difficult for Akumorish forces, however they had been prepared for a lack of logistical supply, with soldiers carrying up to ~72 hours worth of provisions to keep them combat effective. This took a burden off logistics as they now only really had to focus on supplying armour with shells, diverting only a small amount to ammunition (keep in mind, AGDF soldiers are very well trained, so are more efficient with their supplies, and often are able to scavenge if it proves necessary, letting more experienced units extend this to up to 5 days or more).

With this amount of pressure, alongside whatever forces the Union had sent to fight alongside the Akumorish, the Brikanian lines were brought into disarray. This can also be attributed to Akumorish deception tactics, with signals able to replay audio recordings of various commanders, deceiving the Brikanian lines into redeploying to irrelevant areas or accidentally engage friendly forces. Brikanian lines, despite new commanders, could not depend upon the individual soldier as their religion played against them, with PSYOP audio files able to break a soldiers morale through religious exploitation.

Even with logistical issues, Akumora saw the need to be at the smouldering gates of New Brickbridge. This combined with the now becoming somewhat stubborn commander, LtGen. Ai Uehara kept on pressing her advance to New Brickbridge, extending around and encircling the city with fairly convoluted lines with one clear goal, creating a 360 defence from attacks from both the outside, and inside of the 2 perimeters.

Following behind the advance, primarily on the north, heavier infantry formations and engineers were used to set up a defensive line, defending the north from counter attack with defences such as anti tank ditches, dugout firing positions with static AT and AA, covered trenches and concealed howitzers. Most of these lines however were unmanned most of the time or with very limited sentries, relying upon light ATV patrols around the area and orchestrate defence suitable to the amount of offense given.

New Brickbridge is nearly liberated by Akumora, but HECB must first relocate and logistics fully catch up with Akumorish lines.

**Operation Verdansk, 1st Day, Part 1**

A counter-attack from Verdansk was inevitable. The strategic positioning that it held as the crossroads between Kulachien and Domonovina was too great to be relinquished, even after Brikanian forces had left so much land behind. Warplanners expected that Coalition infiltration within the city had already begun, shortening the period of time in which the operation could be performed.

Despite Valeadn intelligence reporting large amassing of Brikanian armour and mechanized infantry the morning before the attack, the speed at which such a scale of forces had been quickly redeployed allowed Valeadn reserves no time to reach Verdansk. Armoured Group Saturn, consisting of 8 Armoured Infantry and 8 Mechanized Infantry Divisions, would be supported by an additional 2 Air-Cavalry Brigades and 2 Mechanized Infantry Divisions.

Already aware of the presence of Lesovian tanks, Brikanian armour began rolling south, reaching the established front-line by 12:00 AM, having taken light casualties to VIS AT teams and enemy airstrikes. By 1:00, the attack had already begun.

Brikanian tanks were almost immediately bogged down by ATGM fire and dug-in enemy armour. Initially losses are heavy, however by 1:30 Brikanian aircraft and artillery had determined the positions of enemy artillery batteries and armoured encampments. By 3:00, Armoured Group Saturn was once again moving swiftly, with Air-Cavalry and Mechanized Infantry dispatched to chase down the retreating enemy armour.

After breaching through the one armoured division and two infantry divisions assigned to the region, there was little to hamper the advance of Brikanian tanks as they moved south, save for the occasional airstrike. Once reaching the Bricksburg river, however, combat engineers quickly began assembling float-bridges as Brikanian armour disperses, finding what cover they can in the hedgerows and forests surrounding the region.

They will wait for the imminent greenlight signal from Crossroads.

**Operation Zlatna Storm**

To Brikanian warplanners, it had become apparent that using traditional methods of crushing enemy flanks with armour, then proceeding to encircle would not work on such a mobile, responsive enemy. Either Brikanian tactics and doctrine would adapt, or the War in Heaven would be lost. Operation "Zlatna Storm" involves the rapid deployment of light-armour and infantry south of the Bricksburg River, using both aircraft and helicopters to achieve this. Operation Verdansk would allow these helicopters to be put to the test, due to the need to secure a bridgehead over the river as to rapidly continue the advance of Imperial Armour across Koprivicia and southern Kulachien.

At 2:40 AM, just prior to the end of combat south of Verdansk, the 76th and 77th Air-Cavalry Brigades take off from airbases in Verdansk, rapidly moving south to catch up, then overtake their grounded counterparts. Due to the efforts of detachments of mechanized divisions from Armoured Group Saturn, Valeadn ground forces are unable to impede the swift movement of the low-flying, heavily armed helicopters.

By 3:00, the first infantry began to offload light-armour and AT weapons from their transport aircraft, meanwhile smaller groupings of combat helicopters moved south to establish ambush points and scouting positions, expecting a redeployment of Valeadn armour from Viec or southwest of Tresden. All those who were finished their duties, or had prior knowledge in construction, are moved to the banks of the Bricksburg River, where they begin to clear obstacles and prepare refuelling depots for the soon-to-arrive Armoured Group Saturn.

The great success of Operation "Zlatna Storm" can be contributed not to just the unpreparedness of Valeadn forces, but the extremely swift movements of capable Air-Cavalry. It has also been noted their usefulness in scouting roles, as well as quickly transporting limited armoured assets and supplies.

**Operation Verdansk, 1st Day, Part 2**

When Armoured Group Saturn arrives at the Bricksburg River, they are greeted by soldiers and light-armour from the 76th and 77th Air-Cavalry Brigades. Work on constructing crossing-points is quickly accomplished through the use of engineering vehicles acquired from construction divisions in Verdansk, and also due to the efforts of the airborne infantry.

By 5:00, Brikanian armour has crossed the Bricksburg river, quickly refuelling and re-arming thanks to the supply depots set up by the withdrawing 76th Air-Cavalry Brigade. Any enemy movements towards the bridgehead and it's surrounding defences would be quickly noticed and reported by the 77th.

**Operation Kastovia, 1st Day**

The momentum gained through Operation Verdansk was too lucrative of an opportunity to pass up. Brikanian officers within Armoured Group Saturn, namely Lieutenant General Paul Riggensdorf of the 56th Armoured Inf.D. Despite the best efforts of Crossroads and Overlord to remove all of these hot-headed ambitious officers from such a precarious frontline, it seems that it is within the nature of Brikanian armoured leaders to strive for greatness. Disregarding orders from Crossroads and rallying the other divisions of the Armoured Group behind him, Riggensdorf immediately orders the Armoured Group into two separate groups.

These groups, labelled as Contingents, were given the equally distributed forces of AGS. The first Contingent, under the personal command of Riggensdorf, was to roll south at breakneck speed, stopping only to refuel from supply trucks. The second Contingent, made up mostly of the weaker and less-mobile units, is sent east to immediately prepare defensive works, expecting a Valead'n Counterattack. Mechanized Infantry would be diverted from both Contingents to move south and besiege Kastovia.

At 7:00 PM, all divisions were ordered to begin movements. Little resistance is encountered, mostly from enemy airstrikes and the occasional AT teams. Already aware of the presence of a sizeable Union garrison in the region, mechanized infantry moves forward, although dispersed. Air Cavalry from the 77th departs from Staging Ground Emil at 7:30, carrying both ordinance and airborne infantry. They reach their designated landing zones in no time, once again proving the unparalleled mobility offered by Air-Cavalry. Airborne infantry disembarks, setting up a FOB only a few dozen kilometres north of Kastovia.

By 7:50 Mechanized Infantry from both Contingents reaches the FOB established by the 77th, shortly refuelling and once again moving south to encircle the city.

The land east of the city is scouted, and Mechanized Infantry from the 2nd Contingent is positioned at vital crossroads and villages. This allows the smaller force to engage enemy forces wherever they may arrive with haste. Meanwhile, their counterparts from the 1st focus their full attention on sneaking plainclothes soldiers into the suburbs under the cover of the setting sun, while also establishing resupply positions and landing zones west of the city.

Riggensdorf's armour, however, is not spared the luxury of repeated breaks and refuelling. Intelligence from both civilian collaborators and limited reconnaissance from the 76th Air Cavalry Brigade has suggested that both Union and Valeadn forces are elsewhere, leaving the regions west of Kastovia open to Brikanian Armour. Riggensdorf, already well aware of this, pushes his soldiers and armour onwards, with the infantry lagging behind the armour, and the artillery lagging behind the infantry.

By midnight, Riggensdorf finally gives into the tired pleas of his subordinates, halting his mad advance south. At this point, Operations Verdansk and Kastovia had driven Armoured Group Saturn nearly 1000km south. By the time that Brikanian Armour had finally halted, nearly all refuelling trucks had run completely dry, Riggensdorf's men even going as far as to siphon gasoline from civilian cars and farm equipment.

**Battle of New Brickbridge**

Now it’s time for the main event! The city is surrounded from both land borders, with HECB prepared to enter from the south.

The ORBAT of invading forces is primarily based in the south; with northern units being smaller so more of their soldiers can focus on securing the north and main combat lines. This force is heavily entrenched and primarily focused on picking off retreating Brikanians.

Under the cover of night and smoke, mechanised infantry, light infantry with a spearhead of HECB punch into the city from the south, with a new trick up their sleeve.. Akumora issued every squad taking part in the attack with a disposable flamethrower, which will be of great use.

From the previous firebombing of New Brickbridge, only the husk of great buildings stand; their concrete structures left defiantly standing in the skyline. However, what minimal resistance is overwhelmed and captured by Akumorish forces. Any deeply entrenched positions are raided using carbine Type-90C’s from the SLF and flamethrowers.

It was less of a glorious battle and more of a sweeping up, the Akumorish flag now flies from the capital building of New Brickbridge in a major propaganda blow.

Further encountered resistance is quickly dispatched with troops equipped entirely for urban warfare, their uniforms grey and their training being based on urban warfare. This, mixed with use of heavy mortars and field guns ultimately let the AGDF triumph against any organised resistance. Reports of abuse by the AGDF are quickly suppressed by ACIRO and Public Safety.

The assault was purely an Akumorish operation, with no other powers taking part.

Heavy resistance forms when Akumoran forces attempt to enter the subway systems and underground metro stations within the city, with evidence suggesting the presence of elite Brikanian infantry being recovered from enemy corpses. Compared to the rather lacklustre defence of the city, it seems that whatever is beneath the city is more important than what is above.

The top floors of the Subway are penetrated by bunker buster munitions, but not everything could be covered, requiring this unit. An ad hoc “CDG-1A” grenade is developed, using CD-01 to flush out enemy combatants/make them combat ineffective. Every Akumoran attack upon the metro is met with a vicious counterattack, enemy combatants using maintenance tunnels and sewer entrances to surprise resting Akumoran combat teams. This, while also forcing Akumoran units to constantly retreat, reform, then attack again, does not allow for bodies of Brikanian soldiers to be retrieved, making identification of the unit nigh-impossible.

The BK-PAS and ZBK-31 prove extremely effective in the close-range environment, with their high rate-of-fire able to shut down entire sections of the metro. Meanwhile, sections of the tunnels are detonated by high-explosives, rendering passage through them impossible, and forcing Akumoran soldiers into prepared defences.

Additionally, soldiers can report the sounds and vibrations of trains moving below them.

The Akumorish flag being raised atop the New Brickbridge head government offices by an unidentified HECB soldier. Though there is much to be done underground, New Brickbridge is an Akumorish occupied city.

The Western Brikanian Front collapses. The Empire moves it's capital to Bellinstadt, where the armies of the Union, Akumora, and Lugrinia are mounting an offensive.

Uzbroskia, Southern Arendeska, and North Brickcliff are liberated from the tyranny of the Greater Brikanian Empire.

## The End

Operations Yūtopia, Alexandrova, and Zeven, have brought the Imperial Army to Brickcliff City. Brillifia is almost entirely under allied control. The Union's First Front has punctured the legendary Hammer-Down Line, one that had never been punctured before, and has regrouped with the Second Front. The Sechenian Corps, in conjunction with the 31st Elite Corps mount an assault into Karlovac. Grantry is on the verge of collapse, and both the UCSR and Akumora have their eyes set on Bellinstadt.

In the next six days, the Union Army decimated the defences around Bellinstadt, and after uncovering abandoned secret railway entrances into the city, launched an operation to kill or capture the Brikanian leadership. After entering the Apollon Headquarters in Bellinstadt, the centre of control, a joint battalion of Aruzhein and Union troops employed B67 NSG gas (advanced sleeping gas) in order to supress the building's protection, after which it was stormed.

The Brikanian High Command (majorly members of the Apollon Corporation), have been apprehended, and await trial in the UCSR, as well as thousands upon thousands of other war criminals.

Marshal Imram Onov and the mysterious new Brikanian leader Nicholas Tartana sign peace on September 10th, 1009, ending the state of war between Belerskia and the newly formed "Empire of the Sun.