Politics, preparation and the three Angels

Gracemeria, Herman's house 19H30(Anea Time)13H30(Usea Time)

While terrible events were taking place on the other side of the globe, inside their home in the quiet suburb of their peaceful Gracemeria Melissa and Mathilda, unaware of what was happening, were quietly eating a plate spaghetti at the table dining room, while watching their favorite Osean series, NCIS St Helwett on TV as the team is preparing for the wedding of two of the heroes Kensi and Deeks.

"I wonder if Hetty will show up for Kensi and Deeks' wedding! "Ask for a Matilda, now aged of 14yo.

"We have hardly seen her since they went to save her in the jungle south of the Verusa. "Answers his mother, who brings her a glass of water. "In any case, they're very busy with these bad guys."

"Hey look, a car just broke through the wall..."

While both were waiting to see who was getting out of the car, the episode was interrupted by a special flash from the news channel 24.

"No no no, why now and at the best possible moment! "Complains Mathilda who changes channels but it's the same for the others."Are you kidding me?"

"It must be really important if it's the same on all the channels. "Answers her worried mother.

"We interrupt your programs for a special bulletin, today at one o'clock on the continent of Usea, the Kingdom of Erusea has declared war on the Osean federation, as soon as the declaration of war was carried out, several drones hidden in cargo ships near the largest naval base of Osea carried out bombardment on OMDF ships docked or still under construction and also causing severe damage to many key military installation on the whole federation."

"My God..."

"Why people always have to wage war against each other... "Says Melissa.

"Hold on, we have just received breaking news, the international space elevator located in south of Usea in the free city of Selatapura has been captured by the Erusean forces, after a fierce naval and air battle between Erusea's and the IUN's armed forces, the latter were forced to withdraw outnumbered by the Erusean's army, at last information the flagship of the second fleet, the Marigold, which was present with its battle-group, was reported to have survived the attack and prevented the destruction of several warship of the IUN, and its current position is still unknown, the president and parliament have not yet made any statements, but it is unfortunately clear that our country is now at war again, stay tuned for new information it was Alicia Perdonni from the news channel 24."

Gracemeria presidential palace, 20H00

The surprise of Erusea's kingdom's declaration of war and the subsequent invasion had fallen like a stone into a lake, President Santini Mattarela sitting behind his desk had to interrupt his meal with his family to return urgently, since he had been reviewing the last report and looking at the satellite images provided, he removed his glasses and rubbed his tired eyes.

"And from when did this report come out? "He asks by looking at the pictures of Erusean soldiers entering the city and the destroyed ships and another showing the Marigold covering the retreats of the surviving naval units.

"Made 20 minutes ago, Mr. President, our forces resisted as they could, but were forced to evacuate when enemy reinforcements arrived. "Replies Vicenzo Garbucci, the Minister of Defense, showing the pictures of the Erusean "Reborn" fleet attacking the IUN ship.

"And while I thought that with the IUN at its borders Erusea would be quiet, I would never think of having to manage a war again for my second term... at least our ships are healthy and safe for the moment, no signs of suspicious activity off our cities?"

"A war that we will be able to deal with as we did four years ago! "Replies the minister but also former general, hero of the retaking of the Bartolomeo fortress and many other battles, who adds. "Negative sir, but as a precaution our forces are on high alert."

"Well, I want every cargo and aircraft that has docked or landed in the last 48 hours to be systematically checked, especially those coming from Usea, and air and ground units to be deployed in naval bases that may be the target of an attack and all permissions are suspended until further orders as for me I will speak at the congress."He say while he take his black vest.

"Well, it will be done Mr. President."

The two men parted as the president got into his armored Mercedes to go to an emergency session in the capitol where the Congress was located, which following Erusea's attack on the Emmerian and IUN forces, there was a rush between senators and deputies, when the president arrived, all began to calm down, giving the floor to the president.

Gracemeria capitol

Santini clears his throat before he talks and says."Ladies and gentlemen member of Congress, thank you all for being here in these dark hours today our nation, like many others, including Osea, is once again caught up in a conflict which although it is not happening in our country, concerns us all, far away our brave soldiers, sailors and pilots who were sent south of Usea to keep peace and protection were attacked by surprise by the Kingdom of Erusea, many of our soldiers were killed or wounded while doing their duty, by a country that prefers war and conquest to dialogue and cooperation as it was 15 years ago, that is why I have come to ask you, senators and deputies to vote for or against a formal declaration of war against the Kingdom of Erusea, do we stand with our allies or do we bow our head before Erusea?"Everyone applauded the speech and then came the time of the vote, the result was unquestionable,195 vote for the yes, 15 for the no, especially members of the royalist party and pacifists, and 5 abstentions from some of the PCE members.

The President, surrounded by his advisers, and in the presence of the press, signed the declaration of war against the Kingdom of Erusea.

Within half an hour, Erusea's ambassador was summoned to the office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who handed him the declaration of war in person, who was rather surprised, the Erusea government had thought that other nations would not get involved in this conflict, even those that had deployed peacekeepers,the ambassador therefore informed his government of the situation before he and the rest of the delegation were exfiltrated to the Kingdom of Nordenavic, whose neutral government would now take on the task of representing the interests of the two nations to each other.

At 22H00 Melissa and Matilda continued to watch the various news channels reporting on the conflict in recent hours, videos showed drones attacking the naval bases in Osea or Abrams tanks invading Selatapura Street, followed by a newscast.

"This is Alicia Perdonni from the news channel 24 for further news of the terrible events that are taking place, following the surprise attack on the peacekeeping forces, including our armed forces, the Congress and the President of the Republic of Emmeria have decided to vote by majority vote a declaration of war against the Kingdom of Erusea, the President made known to quote, I say:"We cannot stand by and watch these events while Erusea ignores all the international treaties made in recent years in the interest of all the inhabitants of the Usea continent who have suffered so much from all these years of instability as a result of the devastation caused by Ulysses and the many crises that the continent has experienced."The government has also ordered the freezing of all Eruseans assets on our soil and the sending of additional troops as soon as possible, but we currently have no further information or when and which units precisely will be sent, so stay tuned for new information on our channel."

"We are officially back in the war again, as we were four years ago. "Sigh Melissa.

"Yes, Mom, but this time we won't have to run away and we won't be separated again... "Says his daughter to reassure her.

"That's right, you're right, my darling! "Answers her mother by holding her in her arms.

"And then you want me to tell you, Mom, I think the Eruseans will soon learn to dance with the angels! "Says the teenager with a smile.

Ragno fortress, Grageo canyon 23H27

Since the conflict with its eastern neighbor, the fortress of Ragno had been repaired and considerably reinforced, it had also become once again the GHQ of the three branches of the Emmerian army, in a grey room lit by neon lights and computer screen where there were radio and radar operators, and around a tactile table representing the continent of Usea, Erusea and their allies in red, and the IUN and its allies in blue and the neutral countries in grey, the officers of the three army branches were talking.

"I recommend sending the 3rd and 5th combat corps to Anea, they are among the soldiers who have the most experience in combat. "Says the now General Andrew Gallagher, who had successfully led Silvat's siege at the head of the Dragon Buster during the war against Estovakia. "The Second Corps and the Second Brigade and the 7th Parachute Unit will also be of the party."

"The Marigold and his group are still complete and have suffered minor damage, the rest of the second fleet and the San Loma aircraft carrier with Avalanche Squadron will be ready to leave once your soldiers have boarded. "Admiral Denis Milano replied. "The information we have at the moment about the situation is unclear, which is why the fleet will first set out to Comberth Harbor before venturing further afield."

"The 8th Air Division and the 35 bomber squadron and the 2nd Supply and Support Squadron are also ready to be sent there. "Add the air marshal Emario Balbo."Has everyone know they are the best of the best!"

"How long will it take to deploy all these units? "Asked the Minister of Defense, who is also on the site.

"For air units, they can be on site in less than 3 days with a stopover, however for our naval forces, the time to prepare the ships and recall the soldiers who have to embark will be longer, about a week to prepare them, and another to arrive at Comberth Harbor. "Answers the general.

"So the air force and airborne units can be on the scene quickly but we will have to wait for our ground forces, do the best you can but do it well I trust you! "Answers the minister who leaves the room, immediately the various officers give their orders for further operations, that night many soldiers, sailors and pilots will be woken up receiving a call to tell them that their permissions are cancelled.

Gracemeria AFB, the next morning.

In the heavily active base, mechanics and armorers finished to prepare the fighter planes and transport aircraft, carrying out a last minute checks, on the runway several F16C of the 8th Air Division belonging to the 15th Fighter Squadron took off, followed by several C17 and KC-10 transport and refueling aircraft from the logistics unit, then 3 grey F15E arrived on the runway, carrying the famous and much feared Garuda team emblem a divine blue bird with three red stars.

Waiting their turn to take off, the three pilots took the time to talk.

"Talisman, it looks like the country needs us again! "Says Marcus Lamper aka Shamrock to his leader and friend.

"Yes, here we are again caught in the turmoil of war, but we will succeed as we did before. "Answers Antony Savotti, better known as Talisman.

"This will be my first deployment abroad and in combat operations, I will finally be able to prove myself! "Replies the red haired and green eyed girl, Adriana Visconti, the new member of the Garuda Squadron, aka Edelweiss.

"You're going to be able to show our future opponents what you learned in training, after all you got two Kill's on our comrades, basically I wanted Marcus to keep an eye on you, but it looks like it's going to be the opposite! "Says Talisman, remembering the moment Adriana came out of the clouds and had Marcus by surprise.

"I was caught by surprise, I didn't expect that! "Grumbles at the person concerned.

"If you don't play with the elements, they will play against you, you know. "Adriana replied to him.

"That's not untrue, remember the time we flew into the maintenance tunnels to retake Ragno, the Estovakians didn't expect that. "Says Antony.

"Ahh, what I can say when you're both right! "Answer this time with a smile Marcus.

"Garuda team, sorry to interrupt your interesting discussion but that's to tell you that the runway is clear, you are clear to take off! "Indicates the air traffic controller.

"Garuda 1, copy that, Garuda team launch. "The 3 F15Es are taking off and will regroup above the king's bridge with Windhover squadron that is communicating with Garuda 1.

"Oh, there you guys are finally late, we were starting to think with O'Neill that we were going to leave without you! "Says Daniel Pollini with an amused look.

"So that you can have fun without us, no way and then don't we say that the best are always desired? "Answers Garuda 1 with a smile.

"Oh oh, touché ! "Answers Ambra Costilla aka Lanner.

"Well said, boss! "Add Garuda 3.

"Don't mess with Talisman Dany, you must know that right!"

A slight laugh from Ares Lindao their AWACS adds to the conversation. "It seems that our friend has nothing to add, but more seriously our first objective is to go to Ortara where we will have Snake Pit's backup and the Nazca unit, we will then head southwest to reach Fort Gray, it's good for everyone?"

"Garuda 1, Roger that. "Confirm Antony by raising his thumb. "It's going to be a long way, thank God I had food, chips and brownies! »

"Windhover Squadron, it's good for us."Daniel radioed before he add toward Talisman." "You bastard, you could have offered us some!"

"O'neill, with two L's, or Hammerhead, the same here ready to go. "Answers the 50-year-old pilot aboard his 50-year-old bomber. "I allowed myself to have soda, considering my speed it's not likely to overflow because of the tremors."

"Anna 1, received we have the hold full of food for you guys!"

"Well, if everyone's ready, we can go. "Says Ghost Eye. "And don't crumble all over the place or the maintenance guys will grumble again!"

"I just have one thing to say first. "Says Marcus when opening a bag of chips.

"And it's?" asks Garuda 3.

"Make the golden king smile upon us! "With these encouraging words, the fighter armada took the western route, heading for the desert extents of Ortara and then the oceanic extents.

Marigold battle-group, at the same time.

While the country was sending reinforcements, the Marigold at the head of the convoy of IUN ships where the two aircraft carriers were in the middle continued the trip to Skully Island after a night of concern, because one of the ships had suffered engine damage the fleet had to operate at reduced speed while the naval aircraft were performing CAP (Combat Air Patrol) flights routinely.

On the bridge of his ship the admiral observed the horizon ahead of him, trying to find a piece of land while giving his orders, the crew remained on constant alert, all the crew had changed their usual clothing to more appropriate clothing in time of war with an Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) as well as a helmet including for the admiral.

"How long before we reach Skully Island?"Kenneth ask.

"About two hours, sir. "Answers the navigator.

"Well, a few more moments and we'll be safe, there's an IUN naval base with everything we need to refuel and repair our damaged ships."

"Admiral, AWACS Rough Sea reports the arrival of ships!"The Tao report.

"Friendly?"Ask this one.

"Negative sir, they were identified as Erusean, 8 ships approaching, bearing 3-6-0, distance 35 nautical miles and they are gaining speed on us!"

"The bastards, they know that with our damaged ships we have to sail at low speed, there are fighters too?"

"No aerial contact but wait, other ships approaching bearing 2-8-0 distance 55 nautical miles, 10 ships!"

"They are smart, they divided their forces to take us in a pincers, contact Skully air base if they send us reinforcements and tell everyone to prepares for battle, they must not pass, if they reach the Island it will make things even more difficult for the continuation of the war!"

"Aye aye sir!"The Xo respond and the alarm blaring on the whole ship.

On his orders the fleet was preparing to fight again, the admiral knew that if they lost this battle, the islands would probably also be lost, the allied forces on the archipelago being present in reduced numbers and would be in difficulty if the enemy managed to land.

The battle of Skully Island was about to begin.

PCE: Partito communista Emmeriano

Garuda team is now a three man(and woman) squadron, as it was supposed to be when the game was being developed on early screenshots, the third member call-sign 'Edelweiss' is also a symbol of luck.

NCIS st Hewlett is obviously based on NCIS Los Angeles.