November 2010: The Race Conquest Fleet, which is moving at around half the speed of light, reaches the vicinity of the Solar System. Unknown to the members of the Race that are largely in cryogenic sleep, astronomers on Earth detect the Conquest Fleet that is numbered in the hundreds on November 12th. SETI's (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) ATA (Alien Telescope Array) also picks up transmissions coming from the "unknown interstellar object" that confirms it as of alien origin by the end of the month. It is calculated that the fleet would arrive some time in December 2011.
By November 21st, SETI and various other American-based astronomical institutes are under the direction of NASA. Under authorization of the United States government, work begins to devise a broadcast that will transmit a message of peace (from the U.S. and its allies) to the fleet. The European Space Agency have also approach NASA to coordinate their resources and efforts of keeping track of the fleet.
Similarly, plans are laid down by the People's Republic of China to transmit a radio broadcast to the fleet. Work begins on a transmission array capable of doing this in Yantai "Space City".
December 2010: In an emergency meeting, the United Nations Security Council informs its members of the discovery. No progress is made as to the best course of action.
A meeting is held by South American nations on what is believed by the public to be concerning on how to coordinate better for future recession, but in reality it is secretly focusing on the discovery of intelligent extraterrestrial life. All members vow secrecy on the issue.
Chilean President Sebastian Piñera and Alan Garcia, President of Peru, agree on modernizing their military. Previous concerns about strategic balance are ignored.
President of Argentina Cristina Kirchner announces a new politic of "gradual self-reliance". The goal is "strategic resources" independence.
Trouble arises in Venezuela when President Hugo Chavez, in his program Alo Presidente, reveals that the U.S. has been in contact with aliens. He then proceeds to show some evidence of the Race ships.
January 2011: With more and more nations discovering the news, the United Nations holds an emergency summit in Switzerland, inviting all the world leaders. Hugo Chavez is berated heavily for his revelation of the Race and all governments agree to put top men on the job to "prove" that these are fakes and dissuade the public from panicking. During the talks, the Americans reveal that "this fleet is far too large to be on a simple exploration or contact mission. We should suspect hostile intent". The talks continue on by the third day, but by the end, Hugo Chavez is enraged at constant patronization and ignoring of his loud and often outrageous ideas. He leaves the summit in a huff.
On the fourth day, it is decided that the UN is to contact the aliens as a diplomatic measure once they come close enough for a quick and practical exchange. The standardized greeting will be sent out, as well as efforts made to understand their language should they be willing to cooperate. The summit ends with plans that are under way for more funds being contributed to space exploration and aerospace engineering. It is also agreed that companies like NASA and weapons manufacturers should work on further developing ASAT (anti-satellite weapon) type technologies as a precaution to this alien fleet. The Outer Space Treaty is reevaluated to fit the latter proposals.
By the end of the month, military preparation is underway by NATO and many other nations in preparation for the arrival of the aliens. NATO troops are being withdrawn from Iraq and Afghanistan at increased rates.
After almost a week following his fallout with the summit, Hugo Chavez, somehow, has procured documents and secret videos of the discussions. He threatens to release them to the world unless some diplomatic demands are met. He has, though, yet to decide what these demands are to be exactly. Four days later, however, Chavez is found dead in his bedroom, apparently having suffered a heart attack the previous night.
February 2011: There are major consequences to Hugo Chavez's "untimely" death, as the Venezuelan government has lost its leader and the opposition has seized the opportunity for grabbing power in some provinces. Such actions are punished by the Bolivarian Army. The first shots in the Venezuelan Crisis have been fired. Furthermore, FARC units are later seen exploiting the country's political turmoil that forced Colombia to engage the rebels deep within Venezuelan territory. Subsequently, the Colombian government suspects and accuses the Venezuelan government of giving equipment to FARC. It is ignored by it, as the wake of Chavez's death is quickly escalating into civil war.
Reactions among the governments concerning the Race fleet range from skepticism, in the case of Iran, to expectation, in the case of Canada, to defeatism in Nicaragua. Some news of the spaceships have reached the public. However, this information has been secretly leaked by the U.S. and Russian governments to sources of dubious quality, such as Alex Jones and Coast to Coast AM. The ruse works, and Hugo Chavez's claims are quickly dismissed.
Following Chavez's threats, an unofficial UN summit is held in Zürich. There are no records of any kind, not even in paper form. It is decided that the public must be informed. In one month, the governments of the world will simultaneously announce the discovery.
Several African nations request military assistance from China.
On February 21st, Fleetlord Atvar receives a simple contact message developed by SETI. It goes without response, although the Fleetlord is preoccupied that such a primitive species is capable of detecting and contacting the Conquest Fleet.
March 2011: On March 5th-6th, all governments around the world release the discovery of the Race fleet. The reaction, needless to say, is explosive. Newspapers, TVs and radios for weeks onward report largely on the news of imminent first contact with an alien civilization. The internet is abuzz with talks on what might happen once the fleet reaches Earth. However, there is also an initial panic. Stock markets around the world sees a downward spike in points following release of the news. The Arab Springs is overshadowed by the news and many mass protests in the Arab world is somewhat contained, which leaders such as Hosni Mubarak and Muammar Gaddafi addressed their people urging for unity in the face of a likely extraterrestrial threat. Doomsday or alien worship cults around the world appears. Some say the fact that the fleet is expected to reach Earth in 2012 is too much of a coincidence and believe that the Mayans somehow predicted it. "Mayan 2012" becomes the top search on the internet for the next six months. Pope Benedict XVI, on behalf of the Vatican, releases the statement that "Though we should take caution at the coming extraterrestrials, there should not be any mass-panic. Rather, we must remain calm and infallible in the times of uncertainty that lies ahead."
Jarring to the public anxiety, on March 11th, Japan is rocked by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami off the east coast. Emergencies are declared at four nuclear power plants affected by the quake.
NASA engineers by now estimate that the fleet should have received the signal sent by the SETI arrays. However, thus far, no response have been received from the ships. The engineers wonder if perhaps the aliens were unable to decipher the message...or whether they really do have the hostile intent of invading Earth. A second message is prepared and sent on March 25th, a message which is sent on behalf of the world (or at least from the permanent members of the UN Security Council).
In response to the unanswered SETI message, the United States government draws up a planned response to the event of a hostile alien invasion known as War Plan Teal. The war plan involves:
*The strategic relocation of U.S. Army and Marine units prior to the contact. Canada and Mexico have also been involved in the planning, given the proximity of these countries to the US. Given the large size of the continental USA, only key areas are to be defended initially. Mutual assistance is also expected from all three nations (US, Canada, and Mexico) in event of an attack on North American soil.
*Most NATO units serving in the Afghan war will be immediately withdrawn in the event any NATO members find themselves under attack. Plans are made to withdraw critical military units back to their respective home countries in less than 72 hours. Already, arrangements are being made with Pakistan to facilitate the rapid evacuation of these military units. Prior to the expected date of contact with the fleet, a communications blackout will be imposed in Afghanistan. NATO forces will also temporarily withdrawn units back to their home countries should an invasion occurs. The coalition forces in Afghanistan will largely comprise of the Afghan National Army and special forces units. Most air assets will also be withdrawn. All major operations are to cease three months before expected date of contact.
The U.S. military also prepares telegraph networks between various key nations. It is expected that the aliens will likely have the capability to disrupt satellites and thus, communication lines. Various other "old school" methods such as the use of carrier pigeons are also being considered in a worse case scenario. The communication method is later adopted by Chile, Peru, Brazil and Uruguay.
NATO is still in discussion as to how best to defend Europe in the event of an extraterrestrial attack. The fact that all countries want priority in any defense plan makes planning difficult, as it is assumed that the aliens would likely have the ability to strike at any point in the world. NATO is also unsure if they should engage Russia and other European non-NATO members into their war plans as well.
The Chinese military also draws up their own war plans in cooperation with Russia. Like with the Americans, they intend to only defend key regions. Plans are also laid out to relocate industries to the nation's rugged interior in the worse case scenario where coastal regions and either banks of the Yellow River has been overrun. In response to the request of several African nations, China agrees to send token "peacekeeping" forces as well as sell off surplus fighter planes and other military assets. The international community is unease by this.
North Korea leader, Kim Jong-il, calls the discovery of the alien fleet an "utter hoax" and a "capitalist ploy to re-arm and conduct acts of aggression against the motherland." North Korea mobilizes military units along the DMZ. South Korea nervously does the same.
The African Union calls for an emergency meeting as to coordinate their responses towards an alien invasion (should it ever occur) and planning to elect a representative to speak on behalf of the Union.
Similarly, the Arab League is also call into an emergency secession.
Australia and New Zealand reaffirms the Five Power Defence Arrangements with the United Kingdom, Singapore and Malaysia. All nations begin to review war plans in the event of an alien attack on the Asia-Pacific region. Indonesia and the U.S. is invited to the planning as well, together with various other Pacific nations.
In other worldly events, Venezuela is in deep political crisis. Already, key factions within the Venezuelan government are vying for complete control of the country following Hugo Chavez's death. However, Venezuela is deeply offended with Colombia interfering in the country as relations between the two nations turns sour.
April 2011: The populations of the world begin to calm down after the initial panic. The world market return to some semblance of normality, although the situation is still dire.
The deteriorating relations between Venezuela and Colombia continues to escalate, which the former accuses Colombia for supporting the Anti-chavistas and respond by moving Venezuelan troops to the border with the said country. The Colombian government likewise reinforce their border after a UH-1 helicopter belonging to the Colombian Army was shot down by the Bolivarian Army while chasing rebels into Venezuelan soil. On April 7th, an arbitration is offered by Brazil to the two countries. However, it is outright rejected by both parts. On the same day of Brazil's arbitration, Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's Head of State, survived an attack by the Anti-chavistas, which one of Maduro's bodyguards was killed. Two weeks later, on April 18th, Venezuela finally declares war on Colombia after a Venezuelan recon plane is shot down by Colombian military forces along the Colombian border. The Colombia-Venezuela war begins in earnest when the Colombian Air Force launch an aerial strike on the Maracaibo oil refineries.
Argentina orders 300 new TAM tanks, along with 100 support vehicles. A new law demands that 15% of all agricultural surpluses be stored.
On April 12th, WikiLeaks publishes a first draft of War Plan Teal. The American public - most particularly those on right-wing leanings - is enraged by what is seen both as "barbaric paranoia" and "unpatriotic defeatism". Barack Obama's popularity plunges, yet he is convinced that Teal is the best plan against an unknown enemy. In response to Teal's exposure, Teal is readopted to incorporate counter orbital bombardment measures. The U.S. Navy also petition for funding to its COIL (chemical oxygen iodine laser) project.
In Israel, some political factions begin to advocate for further integration with their Arab neighbors.
The neighboring tension between North and South Koreas begins to cool down as they withdraw their respective military from the border.
In the United Kingdom, in coincidence with the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, British officials and gathered Commonwealth leaders make formal discussions of a mutual defense plan not so different from the Americans' War Plan Teal and civil defense programs.
May 2011: On May 5th, U.S. President Barack Obama makes a one hour Presidential speech on the issue of War Plan Teal and the state of American healthcare. He urges the American public to understand that the roll back in troops from the Middle East was "not a retreat", but rather a "necessary precaution" against a potential foe.
The military of the People's Republic of China conducts a massive upgrading program. The last of the older generation Type 88 tanks were largely replaced by the newer Type 99s. Many Type 88 tanks however, have found their way to Sudan and various other African nations in exchange for resource deals. The PLA also expands and continues to modernize its air force.
The Australian government announce the speed-up of the Royal Australian Air Force's 24 F/A-18 Super Hornets that will be outfitted with Boeing EA-18 Growler capability purchased from the United States.
The Colombian-Venezuelan war escalates in intensity. In retaliation to the Colombian air strike on the Maracaibo oil refineries in the previous month, Venezuela likewise launches a massive air-strike against military and economic targets on May 2nd. Sukhoi Su-30 and CF-5 fighter bombers, supported with Venezuelan F-16s, are used to pull off the so called "sustantivo" raid. In the aftermath, one notable target that was badly destroyed was the Casa de Nariño; or the presidential house. Refineries and military airfields/camps were struck too. Loss of lives were minimal. The loss of the palace however, serves only to further anger the Colombians. However, the Venezuelans lose twenty-one of their fighters as the Colombian Air Force and anti-air defenses successfully intercept some of the attacking air-groups. Cucuta is shelled by Venezuelan artillery, in which the Colombian military retaliated in shelling several Venezuelan towns.
On May 7th, Osama bin Laden, the founder and leader of the militant group Al-Qaeda, is capture during an American military operation in Pakistan. The confirmation of bin Laden's capture is reveal to the public on May 9th. bin Laden was found seriously ill from advanced kidney disease, which he is kept alive and treated under imprisonment to be physically fit to stand under trial. The revelation of bin Laden hiding in Pakistan cause some doubts and suspicions on the Pakistani government and military of allegedly protecting bin Laden.
On May 10th, the United States Strategic Command begins developing the Minuteman IV ICBM, which is to be designed to strike targets in space via MIRVs.
On May 11th, Colombian commandos stage a daring raid by landing at Catia La Mar and infiltrating their way towards Caracas in an attempt to assassinate key members of the Venezuelan government; including Nicolas Maduro, all of whom were supporters of the late Hugo Chavez. It was hoped that this would serve as the catalyst for a coup against the current government and to unseat the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela. Unfortunately, the assassination is averted and ends up with the capture or deaths of most of the commandos. This incites the Venezuelan population when word of the attempted assassination spreads.
On May 15th, the National Army of Venezuela, spearheaded by the 1st Calvary Division, launches an attack on Colombia with the aim of seizing Cucuta and Valledupar and its key highway routes. Venezuelan commandos land at Riohacha to seize the adjoining highway route. However, it meets heavy resistance from the Colombians. By May 18th, Venezuelan forces reach the outskirts of Cucuta. However, bitter street fighting begins. Casualties thus far for Venezuela overall: 9,300, Colombia: 10,200. However, the attack on Valledupar is repulsed. In contrast, the Venezuelan commando raid and seizure of Riohacha succeeds. More than a week later, the commandos abandon Riohacha in an organized retreat. The plan was to see the twin capture of Valledupar as well to cut off northern Colombia. Likewise, the Venezuelans give up on taking Valledupar due to stout Colombian resistance. The Battle of Cucuta rages on, however.
The conflict further brought Brazil, together with other South American nations and the United Nations, in an attempt to get both parties to discuss a ceasefire ever since the outbreak of the war. However, Colombia and Venezuela rejects the offer outright. The world economy enters a recession due to a spike in oil prices and general decline in business confidence in South America over the war. The U.S. thus far does not wish to intervene, given its commitments in the Middle East. However, it "urges both sides to show restraint and to consider a ceasefire at the very least."
June 2011: Cuba begins aiding military support for the Bolivarian Army, in which Colombia declares war on Cuba when more evidences of Cubans helping Venezuela appears. Neither Colombia nor the Alianza Bolivariana, as the pact between Cuba and Venezuela is known, makes any advance during this month. However, the U.S. covertly helps Colombia gathering intelligence on the Alianza's advances. Brazilian troops are sent to the triple border with Venezuela and Colombia, as the Brazilian government states that it will not tolerate intrusion by either part. Brazil's statement is exemplified when Brazilian troops surrounds and capture a Venezuelan company near Cucui on June 11th and causing tensions between the said country and Venezuela.
Deepak Chopra claims to have been communicating with the Race for some time. He speaks of a "Message of Peace and Love." He is abducted by the Department of Homeland Security shortly after making that statement.
Mexican President Felipe Calderón makes a public speech on national television detailing the so-called "Plan Huitzilopchtli", which is similar in nature to the U.S.'s War Plan Teal, albeit more aggressive. Plan Huitzilopchtli would include the purchase of twenty-four F-15SE Silent Eagle jet fighters from the U.S. at an estimated 1.1 billion USD; and the FX-05 Xiuhcoatl rifle being enter into full production phase that will intend to replace the old G3 rifle by mid 2012. Along as being part of their coordinated plan in War Plan Teal, Mexican forces will also be able to fully rely on American air bases and personnel to operate their fighters.
In Canada, the Canadian military receives ten surplus F-15E Strike Eagles from the Americans, together with seven F-15SE and two of the latest F-22 Raptors.
On June 3rd, in a surprise move, a Chinese naval fleet carrying a division deviates from its scheduled route to Ethiopia and heads towards Somalia. The purpose of this is the "stabilization of maritime routes" given to the presence of piracy in the Somalian coast.
On June 7th, SETI officially ceases to exists. It is replaced by the Research of Extraterrestrial Intelligence (RETI) and is well funded by the U.S. government.
On June 12th, Egypt, Israel and Turkey discuss what to do if the Race are hostile. Egypt demands some mild concessions for the Palestinians, in exchange for a military alliance. Given the distance between Turkey and Israel, there's only a token alliance between them.
On June 14th, out of a little altruism and much more a dire need and to at least have a back-up plan in case the NATO dematerialises from the quarrels that infest it now which would made old mutual defence treaties null and void - Finland, Sweden, Austria and Lichtenstein sign into life the European Coalition, which amalgamate the EU-neutral economic, industrial and social programs, alliances and, in a special case, their militaries into a single power bloc, still without a Headquarter or an assembly. The EC militaries declare that it will fully cooperate with the European members of NATO, other European or global defence organization and the EU in case of an alien attack. Plans are beginning to be drawn.
Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe, passed away. Joice Mujuru, the vice-president and General Francis Noel Mutisi, who has the support of the Armed Forces, dispute the power.
Lesotho announces that in case the aliens are hostile, they would seek an immediate peace with them. The country's "pacifistic" approach earns criticisms from several African countries, especially South Africa, given that Lesotho is landlocked within South Africa and, as such, could prove to be a major problem if the aliens use the nation as a staging point for their invasion of South Africa.
On June 18th, the EC asks Switzerland to join the Coalition. Switzerland refuses because it cannot join something that is also a military alliance which can be drawn into a international conflict with it, if it joins. The EC representative reply that the military part of the organization is there only in the case of an alien attack to coordinate defense with the major powers. Switzerland afterwards replies that it can defend itself very good alone from any such foe as well. The only answer to that is from the Swedish Prime Minister, and to quote him: "How do you want to use the mountains and rivers for the defence of your country, if an invader can land in a spaceship directly in Bern or Geneva, completely bypassing any natural defences." The EC members storm out of the meeting to let the Swiss "stew and rot" on their own for a while as the Austrian Chancellor said it later that day.
On June 24th, Muhammar Gaddaffi seeks support from the United Kingdom without much success. Within days, Libya obtain military equipment from Russia, in exchange for drilling rights.
On June 25th, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his administration, after seeing the gradual progress of a military and economic unification on the continent for some time and now under extreme pressure from the initially small but more and more influential Pro-western part of the Russian government, allows talks to begin with NATO on the partial addition of the Russian Federation into NATO. The U.S. and the U.K. are stalling it, but are coming under immense pressure from the European leaders of the alliance and the public.
After the Russian declaration, the Swiss government asked the EC for a new meeting in Geneva. The meetings (as in plural) will drag on for more than a month, where future and past neutrality pacts, alliance treaties, two-way and one-way agreements and organizations were considered and ratified, extended or nullified, created or dissolved with other states, major powers, power blocs and organizations. In the end it was agreed that the EC council and HQs will be stationed in Geneva, as many other organizations had their seats of power also placed there and that Switzerland will join this organization. Scenery was also to blame for the decision on the placing. Much years later it was argued that the Swiss had chosen Geneva deliberately, as a political black-jack to dominate the organization, and prevent it to do something foolish and drag them collectively all into its problems.
On June 26th, the Vietnamese Defense Ministry re-recruits former Vietnam War veterans to train asymmetric warfare to a new generation.
On June 27th, the Boeing YAL-1 successfully destroys a unmanned aerial vehicle at a distance of 200 kilometers. However, the tests shows that the airborne laser must be perfected for an anti-aircraft role.
In Russia, the Russian Defence Ministry plans for at least twenty PAK-FA operating by 2012. Unconventional plans which range from biological warfare to antimissile lasers are also made.
On June 28th, joint Chilean-Peruvian war games are held in the Atacama Desert. It is announced that if either nation is attacked, the other will support it.
On June 29th, NATO tests its first successful nuclear-tipped French anti-orbital missile that is carried by the new specifically build cruiser Temeraire. The Temeraire is subsequently added as the FS Temeraire to the NATO naval force stationed in the Mediterranean sea. The detonation happened in orbit 3,500 km above sea level during midday.
July 2011: After so many months of silence from the Conquest Fleet heading towards Earth, many scientists and politicians fear what they have long suspected: that the aliens do have a hostile intent.
The United States Strategic Command successfully launch the Minuteman IV on its first test run, albeit under secrecy.
In North America, the military of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico held a series of joint war games in the New Mexico and Arizona region as well as in Saskatchewan in Canada. These war games mainly involve simulation air battles as well as anti-aircraft engagement: in the belief that any alien attack would entail attempt to gain air superiority over key transport routes and industrial centers.
The European Coalition; or rather as known to the media, "The Coalition of the Unwilling", meets a stumbling block over the Swiss dilemma. Also, there is a disagreement with the Russians as to how much of their defence technology should they share. Furthermore, NATO and the U.S. in extension is reluctant to agree to a system whereby military intelligence is freely shared amongst the various parties. In the end, negotiations continue as to under what terms should the Russians join the EC under. These talks are largely held at Stockholm, which has been a temporary assembly and HQ for the EC. By July 21st, France, Belgium, Germany, and Italy joins the EC as non-participating "observers".
In the Venezuela-Colombia war, Venezuela and Brazil agree to a tentative peace, as Brazil has made it clear it merely aims to assert its borders following the Cucui border incident. The front between Colombia and Venezuela however, remains hot. The U.S. contribute more military support for Colombia and having American warships patrol the seas around Cuba in an attempt to cut off Cuban aid bound for Venezuela. The UN, thus far, has been unsuccessful in brokering a peace agreement between the two nations. Though activity has died down on the front by the end of July, border skirmishes and the occasional air strike remain common.
Inspired by the European Coalition, Kenya and South Africa press for the necessity of a NATO-style military alliance in Africa, no matter how temporary, until the alien threat is gone at least. Talks are underway between Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Madagascar, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Botswana and Swaziland. Other Sub-Saharan African nations are similarly interested. South Africa is also attempting to influence Lesotho away from their "pacifist" policy towards the aliens and to encourage them to join the coalition.
Tensions rise between China and the rest of the world when Chinese marines disembark at Somalia. Though welcomed by the provisional government in Mogadishu, many other major nations insist the Chinese to leave. On July 17th, after one week, half of the marine force quietly sail back for China as the PRC agrees to a compromise. However, the rest remain in Mogadishu under the premise of a "peacekeeping" operation. Meanwhile, the PRC secretly begins testing cruise missiles capable of orbital flight to destroy satellites.
The ASEAN agrees to the formation of a mutual defense treaty of sorts between member states, though conditions have yet to be fully defined. Already, many SEA nations fear that the U.S. and other major powers are too concerned with their own defenses to pay the region too much thought. Australia and New Zealand also wish to observe.
August 2011: The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully destroyed a satellite in low Earth orbit via a missile on August 2nd. Similarly, China has conducted similar tests. However, some speculate that the Chinese are also developing missiles capable of delivering a nuclear device to medium Earth orbit.
The war between Colombia and Venezuela, which began on April 18th, has long since ended (officially) on August 10th. Nicolás Maduro, president of Venezuela, was overthrown on August 5th by key members of the military as the conflict was quickly miring the nation into a massive economic recession. Already, Venezuela was growing redder and redder in debt as its war loans increased; something which even its oil revenue could not reverse. The retired but respected Venezuelan General Antonio Rivero is convinced by the military to assume the role of president (to maintain the illusion of a civilian government) and to broker a peace between Venezuela and Colombia. However, not everybody in Venezuela approves this change in leadership. Loyalist forces and staunch anti-Colombians continue a low level conflict against the Colombians as well as waging a guerrilla campaign against the military government. Puerto Ayacucho in Venezuela remains a hotbed for rebel activity by the beginning of October. The Venezuelan countryside is still plagued with conflict. Likewise in Colombia, the FARC still continue their campaign in Colombia. The abundance of Cuban and Venezuelan arms left over from the war has been a great boon to them.
U.S. involvement in the Colombian-Venezuelan war is leaked to the public and immediately attracting public allegations on the Obama administration for starting a "Second Afghanistan". Disapproval at President Obama's failure to slash the growing deficit from defense spendings has only added fuel to the fire.
The YAL-1 airborne laser tests conclude, indicating that such a weapon has its niche in modern warfare. The U.S. Navy COIL program gain political support after this.
Germany is somewhat prepared for entering a war economy, as their factories are already producing war material for NATO and EC countries at a fast pace.
China begins conscription of healthy males age 18 to 25 from major coastal cities, in conjunction with a rapidly growing military.
Referendum takes place in Southern Sudan on August 17th, whereby the south will vote for its independence. By October 1st, results show that 98.9% of South Sudanese overwhelmingly votes for independence. The new state is expected to come into existence on April 11th, 2012. For now, the North is helping the South get on its feet via construction of a new oil pipeline.
Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines begin a series of joint naval exercises in the Strait of Malacca. Key in these exercises is the coordination of air assets from air bases located on Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
Overall, the increase of military spending around the world has led to a mild recession caused by the tendency of governments to increase spending without raising taxes, leading to deficits that generate uncertainty among investors.
September 2011: UFO and Mayan Doomsday cults gain prominence among western countries. Some of these groups vehemently oppose the rearmament of the countries, claiming that "it is no way to treat a guest". The U.S. in particular, has witnessed bouts of massed suicide incidents. On September 9th, San Diego enters martial law for three days when a group of cult members, described by the news media as a copycat of Heaven's Gate, attack Camp Pendleton and Naval Base San Diego with Molotovs and plant parcel bombs around the city in a misguided attempt to "bring down the government" and "defend our alien masters". The bomb threat is averted and the perpetrators caught by cooperation between the DHS and FBI.
On September 2nd, a disused American communication satellite was destroyed by a "satellite killer" missile in yet another test of U.S. space defense capability. The test was a success. By use of the newly revealed ASM-140 ASAT missile, the satellite was knocked out of its orbit of around 900 km from the Earth's surface. The missile can be launched by an F-22 Raptor.
Brazil, ever since the end of its brief war with Venezuela, has begun a program of military modernization. Existing Northrop F-5 are to be upgrade to F-5EM standards, which include new radar, avionics and weapon systems; and the purchase of another batch of fifty-four Mirage 2000 fighters from France.
On September 18th, NATO and the EC holds a joint war game in the Black Forest in Germany. Three days after the war game, the German government, in a none too surprising move, announces that it has scrapped plans to abolish military conscription - at least until the Race fleet has shown it does not have hostile intentions.
In Russia, the Russian Defence Ministry orders production of an additional twenty more Sukhoi Su-35BM fighters, on top of the forty-eight already ordered. It is also rumored that several of these fighters are to be fitted with "satellite killer" missiles.
Australia begins to expand its armed forces. It hopes to put a total of 180,000 men and women in both reserves and active duty by the year's end. The Australian parliament is also considering conscription.
October 2011: RETI have been attempting to decrypt messages emitted by the Conquest Fleet. Already, they have had success in having a basic understanding in the language of the Race. The RETI can also confirm the possible hostile intent of the Race, as well as presence of nuclear weapons in the fleet. Also, RETI is surprised at the low standard of Race cryptology, and the fact that the aliens are not so advanced that human technology is out of their league. Several of the radio signals are not even encrypted in any way. Military organizations around the world tap in to listen.
On October 3rd, North Korea, in yet another show of defiance, launches a Taepodong-2 missile that intrudes upon South Korean and Japanese air space. The missile lands in the East China Sea. It is stated by North Korean news outlets that this missile test is a clear warning to the world that it will use "all means necessary to destroy all who opposes the North". China is worried just what the North might do in the event of an alien attack.
Japan raises the military fitness age to 60, in an effort to have more manpower available for the JSDF. China however, lodges an official complaint. It claims this is in direct violation of post war treaties.
The South American Security Council, which Brazil has long proposed for since 2008, is created on October 15th. The various alliances and treaties between South American nations are consolidated into this council. Members are: Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana and Ecuador. Venezuela and Colombia however, are only observers as of now. They have no wish to have to deal with each other in the aftermath of their recent war. Venezuela is also at odds with Brazil.
On October 21st, Russia joins the EC. It is agreed that the Russians will receive a free flow of military intel from EC members. A decisive factor in having this outcome was the fact that Coalition and NATO countries were of the opinion the aliens had a hostile intent, after intercepting inter-fleet transmissions. Switzerland soon relented in joining the EC as an observer on October 24th, and be allowed to share its intel and paving the way for coordinated war plans in the Alps. Subsequently, Italy, France and Belgium becomes full-time members of the EC. By then NATO diminishes its power as both Europe and the U.S. seek to ally with their neighbors.
The African Mutual Defense Pact is created. In Cape Town, HQ for the Pact, Kenya, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Madagascar, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Botswana are its first batch of members. Namibia and Angola joins as observers. Libya soon joins the African Pact on October 11th, after pressure from Egypt to "have a common defense against a common enemy," and due to geographical reasons (in which was one of several reasons Egypt had joined, yet maintain its membership and alliance with the Arab League). Tunisia also joins on October 30th. However, Israel expresses alarm at this new pact. In reaction, Israel proposes that it is interested in a "Security Agreement" with Egypt as well. Thus far however, plans are made for only the defense of the Suez Canal. Both parties cannot agree to what extent should such an agreement cover.
In late October, the Conquest Fleet arrives in Earth's orbit after the final plans are laid down. Unknown to human powers, the designated landing sites are:
Outskirts of Monterrey City, Mexico
Belleville, Illinois, USA (The attack is to see the capture of St. Louis, which has been noted to be a key transportation hub)
Outskirts of São Paulo, Brazil. (Possible additional landings at Belo Horizonte.)
Outskirts of Cairo, Egypt.
Frankfurt am Maim, Germany
Bari, Italy
Kiev, Ukraine
Al Basrah, Iraq
Mumbai, India (Possible landings at Surat to support invasion.)
Outskirts of Beijing (Close to Miyun), PRC
Shenyang, PRC
Bendigo, Australia
The landing sites have been designed to inflict more damage on factions which seem industrially stronger. As such, the two landing sites in North America are for the purpose of defeating the U.S. Less forces have been directed to the conquest of Central America. The sites are also key transport or industrial centers or have climate favorable to the Race. Ideal regions: Sahara region, Australia, Gobi desert, Southern USA and Middle East.
November 2011: From November 5th-6th, news of the imminent arrival of the Race fleet sends parts of Earth's population into a panic once more. This panic is more organized however, with most civilians simply further preparing themselves for the future. All across the world, nations begin preparing their forces as the Conquest Fleet enters Earth orbit. Their air forces are fully mobilized, and patrols begin in earnest.
Venezuela and Columbia continue to hold resentment between each other, but with the alien fleet now in orbit, Brazil and neighboring nations request for the two countries to set aside their anger and begin preparing for the invasion. Reluctantly, they follow suit. (However, both nations leave forces on each others borders, on the off chance that their neighbor may decide to "take advantage" of the situation.)
On November 7th, at an emergency UN meeting, representatives arrive to sign a document declaring that "No Government recognized by the United Nations shall surrender to the extraterrestrial invaders." The document is mostly just a political and diplomatic document, and no one is sure if all the signatories will follow through.
On November 9th, NASA, the European Space Agency, and other contributing nations receive a clipped transmission from the International Space Station: "We have been boarded." Contact with the space station is broken shortly afterwards.
November 11th, North Korea protests the nuclear powers' apparent reluctance to launch a nuclear attack on the Conquest Fleet. It declares the fear of possible retribution for such an attack currently outweighs the advantages of such an action. North Korea pledges that it will destroy the first ship to touch down on Earth. Most nations ignore this statement, but the Chinese government views it as a possible threat. China increases its anti-nuclear defenses on the Korean border.
November 13th, Race aircraft leave several ships in high Earth orbit. Each air group possesses an 'explosive metal' bomb. Intention is to disable Tosevite electronic systems and confuse and disorient its military forces.
Most groups succeed, however, three do not. US and Mexican fighters manage to strike down the entire air-group headed for Monterrey. Two fighters, one of which carries the EMB, are shot down over Frankfurt, Germany, as German Typhoon's test themselves against the first of the alien aircraft. And over the skies of Egypt, an Israeli fighter manages to destroy a fighter loaded with the EMB.
However, the remaining air groups carry out their missions. Civilians sectors within range of the EMP's are hit hard (with infrastructure that is vital to national defenses an exception). Military units within range are less affected, as they are for the most part prepared. However, some small problems do emerge.
On November 14th, the first Race ships begin descending down to Earth under heavy air-cover. Race aerial forces endeavor to clear the invasion zones and gain air superiority over them. The war has begun...