Fools Expansion

[Varro]

The television screen blares with the Naraemat Broadcast Channel's logo and sound clip as it switches over to a bright, white furred rodent in a black suit sitting at an anchor's desk. He calmly stacks his reports as the camera pans in towards him.

"Greetings," he says with a trite proficiency, "I'm Albin Black, and this is the evening news.

"This Monday, Republic forces combined with various troops from combined SOTO forces, moved out to various areas in the federation in order to stabilize several countries currently in states of unrest. Over the past three days, these efforts have encountered little, though now increasing, resistance due to an apparent mis-interpretation of news reports on April the first.

"It is custom in several of the federations territories for people to perform pranks of various sorts on each other on 'April Fool's day', Naraemat included, as well as for the government to falsify news reports in the same light. The Republic had its fair share of such on the first, but under the assumption from other nations that no real reports of importance would also issue. This caught the various regions off guard to an extent, and allowed for a successful advance into each.

"While the invasion into several federation territories is still under way, Republic forces in joint effort with the Kingdom of Cal successfully arrested what is assumed to be eighty-five percent of the pirates that had taken refuge around the Southern Gulf.

"Reactions from the Federation will be reported as they come in."

At his point, the news switches over to different domestic reports, stories, and interviews of little international interest.

[The Union of Tinis]

To: Varro Marcello
From: First Speaker Izixs
Subject: Regarding Prismwind

I would like to formally request that you discontinue military operations in Prismwind. Many citizens of that former nation are today Tinisian citizens whom have friends and family in that Furry Federation Trust Territory. Beyond that, the status of Prismwind as a Furry Federation Trust Territory indicates that the soverignty of the citizens is protected by the Furry Federation and that the Federation Defense Forces are handling security. And doing a good job of it, thus calling into question the claims of lawlessness.

We are also curious as to your reasoning to move troops into T3h Furry, another mostly vacant territory, where those remain are parimarily hereditary inhabitants whom have done well without governments before.

-Best regards
Izixs

[Kingdoms of Cal]

The Commonwealth releases a statement.

"We have received requests from the outer Kingdom of Utoer to aid them with their and increasingly our and Alba's pirate/raider problem.

The pirates and raiders are not native to the islands, in fact they are primarily from Cal it self. These being what remains of the rebel forces that attempted to rest power from our duly elected government.

The Naraematen have taken the land based ports to deny them a place to run. A Teuie and Inleefen force have moved at speed though the islands to catch what of them tried to run, with aid of a Albaen contingent.

The natives of the islands have been provided with weapons to deal with those that remain, what they do with them is not our concern.

Along with the request of aid, Utoer Queen Ingodm IV has requested talks with the commonwealth. The nature of these talks we are not willing to divulge at this time".

The action had been quick and very few land forces were required by the commonwealth as the native forces quickly took their lands back from the foreigners.

A few Calie forces remained on the islands they had, had to deploy troops to including the island of Acta.

[Varro]

To: First Speaker Izixs
From: Representative-elect Varro Marcello
Subject: Re; Regarding Prismwind

I understand towards what you are concerned. An invasion into a territory, especially that of one which is protected by the Federation is an unsettling thought, but understand that such a term is used in the lightest form only to describe a type of action. The military in our sense is not strictly that of an organization of professional soldiers, but encompasses many aspects of civil activity as well.

As we understand, Prismwind had been the subject to a small number of atomic weapon attacks, and due to its geography of being flanked by the mountains, had taken a more severe dose of chronic radiation than if it had spread properly. Thus, it is our, if belated, action to send one such aspect there to remedy any long term effects from the fall out that may only now be showing. There is no need to worry anew about the safety of your or any other citizens. There are fewer than one thousand armed men accompanying our technical force.

The situation is also similar in T3h Furry; It is not so much a military unit as volunteers in fatigues. Any action we take there is strictly humanitarian.

There is no further reason to worry. If any of our assessments are incorrect, we will withdraw our forces from where we see they are not needed. We apologize that reports did not detail or address what we considered minor operations within the two states.

-Marcello

[Kingdoms of Cal]

The Calie cabinet met in, surprisingly enough, the cabinet room high in the executive tower of the parliamentary complex in Tel. The sun was streaming in though the windows as they sat around the large round table. As prime minister Eye was off on government business in Erenmor, chancellor Anderamia (the states treasurer) was chairing the meeting. It must be noted due to the parliamentary system that operates in Cal the role of deputy to the prime minister was a role usually held by one of the senior ministers along with their normal portfolio as under normal circumstances it was redundant. This is doubly so as the parliament could elect a new prime minister with a single vote.

Anderamia was a graying leefen and though a brilliant economist he was slightly less charismatic than a breeze block. Most view Salatos choice as a very shroud one as Anderamia was basically unelectable as a leader and was from her parties coalition partner, the fact he was good at his job was of secondary concern. The knowledge required from a minister was never that great, having one that had a clue about what they were doing was a bonus as it really pissed off the civil service.

"Item one on the agenda" Anderamia says in his usual monotone voice.
There is an amount of paper shuffling as the cabinet members dig though their papers to find out what item one was. Salato usually ignored the agenda, as did most of the cabinet as it got things done quicker.
"Ah the Naraematen expansion" Teu Janato ha says (Health And Social Security) as she had been the first to find the agenda for the meeting.

"Ah yes, that" Al says (Foreign Minister).
"Well we have secured the outer kingdom, well more or less, with minimal loss" Sir Alan Douglas III (Defense Minister) interjects.
"I would hope so, considering the size of the fleet used, did we get all of them? They were beginning to cause us problems on trade routes to Naraemat, did you have to use so many ships?" Anderamia asks, in an uncharacteristically aggressive manner.
Most of the cabinet were thinking the same thing: "It was kind of over kill for such a small matter.", there were some exceptions who knew exactly what was going on.

"The western fleet and elements of the Wind fleet were required to ensure that the outer kingdom was cleared of the problem. Think of it as an investment, our shipping lanes are safe and we have secured the north of the western gulf." Alan replies.

"And with luck the resources there in" Al adds.

A few quizzical looks are exchanged around the table but nothing is said.

"Right the Naraematen have only taken main land ports we and our friends have control, give or take, of all the islands and the sea. The Naraematen have been good to their word." Al continues after a pause.

More quizzical looks are exchanged.

"But a number of the pirates and raiders did escape to the Kay Eye Ex, mostly from the western islands, but we doubt they will be a problem for a while. We can keep an eye on them there as the western fleet can contain them there" Alan says, exchanging a glance with Al.

"Now Naraemat, they seem to have moved in on many places, most notable a force near Tinis. Tinis is a good friend of ours so as much as the Naraematen are good friends Tinis is a key ally in the north, what can we do to reassure them?" Al asks.

"We have the fire fleet on route in that direction, but it will take a while" Alan replies.

"Do we have a cruiser we can spare up there?" Al asks.

"No idea, I'm a minister not a sea lord." Alan replies shrugging.

"Could you give Za a kick?" Al replies.

"Give me a mo I'll see what they have up their...what is your plan?"

"Well a good will visit to restock and fly the flag. With what's going on up there I think Tinis might like being reminded that they have friends."

Alan taps away on his machine and says "We have the Crow up there, though it was going to join the extraction group. It's been at sea for a while so the crew could probably do with a bit of shore leave."

"Hmmm I'll get onto the Tinisens about a good will visit, as for the extraction group. An extra cruiser wont make a difference, we have a carrier fleet heading that way any how. " Al says.

"Isn't it a bit big for a goodwill visit?" Janato asks.

"Well it's a big amount of good will" Al replies smiling.

-----
Foregien Al to Tinis authorities.

"We would like to send one of our cruisers on a good will visit to one of your ports. As well as restocking we believe this might be an excellent opportunity to cement relations between out nations. Ideally the port city of Matabia would be the best location."

"Just a minor detail can your naval port there take a three hundred meter ship? Otherwise civilian facilities are not a problem."

[The Union of Tinis]

Secretary of Defense Tilsre and Under-Secretary of State Pok to Foreign Minister Al:

"We would be delighted to have a visit. Tilsre assures that the naval facilities at Matabia are adequate for at least one three hundred meter ship. We just hope your crew doesn't get to distracted by the local color."

-----

First Speaker Izixs was walking down a hallway somewhere in the Arx Spire being followed by a very eager Secretary Tilsre.

"A small force all the same is still a force. Any chance they might be willing to fly the Furry Federation flag instead of their own?" asked Tilsre.

Izixs shrugged. "I would of hopped they would of made such a decision already. You can send them a message asking them to but to do now might be improper."

Tilsre, a multicolored rabbit, didn't seemed phased by this advice. "I still think it would be a good idea to at least ask. Epshrin is already showing the first signs of wanting to have puppies over this."

"Epshrin is too cautious sometimes. I am to." Izixs paused and came to a stop. He turned to the rabbit and said, "Naraemat is a friendly nation yes?"

"I'd hope so," Tilsre replied.

"Then wouldn't it be friendly of us to let them deal with crises closer to home as opposed to traveling all the way up here to enjoy watching over ten thousand ornery furs who don't want to leave their radioactive promised land?"

"What are you saying sir?"

"Tell Epshrin that I'll be sending Marcello another note," Izixs paused. "Epshrin has wanted out of Lemurly for a while but the chamber's resolution and the alliance keeps him obligated to retain forces there. An exchange may be in order. Let Varro police southern Lemurly, we handle the desert north of the mountains, and we replace them in T3H Furry and Prismwind."

Tilsre had concerned look. "Umm... you think they'll go for it?"

"Good question. I'll be visiting the chamber after I send the message so weather they go for it, the process will be proceeding."

----

To: Varro Marcello
From: First Speaker Izixs
Subject: Re: Regarding Prismwind

Perhaps my language was a little hard in my last message. But after some thought a more sensical plan might be in order and we can work together. Your nation seems to be very concerned with cracking down on certain unsavory elements, so are we. But observing the geopolitical tides perhaps we are both going about it the wrong way.

In a few minutes I'll put before the chamber here in Tinis a strategic realignment plan. Tinis will withdraw our troops south of the Rayor mountains in Lemurly, retaining our few garrisons in the desert and near the Ciatan boarder, and instead place those peace keepers into T3H Furry and Prismwind, where they'll be more than happy to relieve your forces there and carry out their peaceful mission of fighting crime and instability. We will retain our perimeter with Ciata so that we may continue to fulfill obligations to their nation. During the fall of Shimandu to rebellion they were both a stabilizing force and a victim of the violence there. If they had not taken in refugees from the western reaches of Shimadu a greater loss of life may have occurred. The people of Shimandu, who are slowly rebuilding their society under the protection of the federation owe them allot, but are unable to repay the favors, so the Union does such on their behalf. Also for this reason, we wish to protect the northern boarders of Ciata as well, and thus do not feel a burden from being the relief force in T3H Furry. We have also a deal with the unorganized skunks north of Shimadu to keep them safe.

We of course ask that in exchange for us moving to be responsible for Prismwing and T3H Furry that you would be willing to replace our ranks in Lemurly as without us there to act as a stabilizing force, the country could break out into yet another revolution. If you are up to this task, I would of course hope you had the mind not to send to many humans to Lemruly, they seem to have issues with them. Ancient legends and such of oppression by them.

-Best regards
Izixs

[miokalia]

Admiral Ceratch contacted the Calie fleet neer Utoer and carbon-copied the message to Appropriate government leadership.

"Though we haven't had trouble with pirates since over 30 years ago, we would like to use some new equipment we've had floating around for a little while and make sure that they are aware that the south ocean is not a place for the pirates. If you don't mind. We will be sending a small force to help apprehend some particularly dangerous pirates on your most-wanted list."


The MZS Ellis mauevered around Cal and lightly floated it's way upward. The Cthulu-class carrier was not near as large as the mile-long super carriers of the Calie high-seas fleet. It's defining characteristic was it's propulsion and it's unusual shape. While moving, it produced a much smaller wake, a wake that a boat of only a quarter it's size would produce. This was because the boat traveled along the top of the water, instead of cutting into it.

[Kingdoms of Cal]

Alan (Defense minister) sends a message to Admiral Ceratch:

"This is an ideal time for the Calie and Miokaliaen to work together. We do have a few problems in the north, so we would welcome the chance to work with you. Thus we will in the interest of a future alliance ask you to take control of the north of the western gulf, navally. I know you have no interest in taking the area, we will also gifted you the control of twenty eight corvettes and three frigates. So to allow you to teach you people and ours by default, to work with a foreign forces.

Work with the crews they will work with yours.

Oh yeah the sea page of the CF 83 (or the Flying F****) is your best allie. She knows the area, don't ask how she knows."

----
Al to Miokalia

"Keep an eye on the sea page on the 83 she is an ex-smuggler but it is for the best, do not make this obvious to them. She knows the area in a way that none can.

Watch her but take her advice"

----

Al sighs, it was probably the first time the Miokaliaen had dealt with a person like that. He knew they would ignore her, Za had said the sand banks moved at random in the north and well tech didn't work there. That was the reason than Calie avoided sending large ships up there.

Al was curious if the Miokaliaen were stupid or not. Would they take local knowledge, or waste hours on figuring it out crap they couldn't?

The north of the gulf had things that Cal knew of but didn't mention. But they knew exactly the geology now the hot spot had passed thru.

[miokalia]

Commander Samsoro took a look at the some charts and then said,
"If it was drugs, then we have no problem with you here.", she said.

The Sea Page, an exsmuggler then looked away for a moment and said, "If it will make things easier for everyone: yes".

"You're cooperating because you want to get back at someone out here. Somebody left you for the SeaPoh, didn't they?", said Samsoro.

"It's the nature of the business.", she said.

"You're right about the shallow rocks.", said Samsoro.

"Yeah, but that's not why you shouldn't go through here. It's the underwater storms.", she said.

"Gas bursts underwater?", asked Samsoro.

"They'll change the density of the water and produce a lot of turbulence.", she said.

"Full stop and reverse. We're changing course.", said Samsoro into a phone that led to the bridge.

[Kingdoms of Cal]

She replied as expected, smuggling drugs into Cal, like that was ever profitable. She had done that and she had smuggled stuff into miokalia that was profitable. She knew the routes and had been given an unofficial pardon, well the crimes against cal had since bean repealed. She was not alone when it came to the defense fleet.

Her ships where capable of dealing with shutting off the remainder of the problem fleet. The unofficial fleet in the northwest was largely made of her kind.

"Ah yeah I'm called Lae Entinia en....Sea Lord Lae to you" she ends.

Silence falls.

"This is our territory you are just a friend, like the rest of the others. Be nice to the natives, or they will put a bullet in the back of your head. Things are still a little rough up here. It has rarely been otherwise." Entinia says

"Is my ship safe?" Commander Samsoro replies

"You are at sea? No, is a ship at sea ever?"

"Point made...."

"Yes we can move and fix the problem, our small corvettes work well in the north, just don't be silly and make sure you don't send your own fleet too far north.

Unless you want to be grounded." Entinia ends.

Commander Samsoro was half incensed by the arrogance of the female. She was only the equivalent of a small ships commander and she was telling him what to do. Heck she was a criminal, her type would never be allowed in the miokaliaen forces. Who knows what crimes she had carried out and was not caught for.

Samsoro couldn't help but think this obviously tough fur was not what he was used to. But she was probably the best person for this and he did know he was very much on her turf.

"Right get you tail in gear and lets get these gits, a few of them still owe me money! So I would like those ones alive." Entinia ends smiling in a disarming manner.

[Kingdoms of Cal]

Commander Samsoro gained respect for the unofficial fleet over the weeks they had been working together. Their small corvettes had proven to be more than a match for the pirates and raiders. The main problem used to be the remaining rebel ships and he had seen the much smaller corvettes take on ships twice there size and win. Though their crews were what the miokalian would view as criminals they knew the waters and their small ships like the back of there hands.

In a scant few weeks they had driven the rebels from the north with little more than air cover from the miokalian ship. They were being used as recon rather than for the attack as Entinia's people pointed out they had to shut down the nest (as they put it) not the ships.

One thing Samsoro had noted was just how tough the corvettes were, the small ships seemed unsinkable. Many had taken hit after hit from rebel ships and still could fight. He couldn't wonder it perhaps his navy could use some of these, never mind the speed at which the Calie seemed to be able to produce at.

His unorthodox fleet was clearing Utoer much quicker than he had thought possible, allot of this was due to the increasing size of the fleet. Most of the smugglers once caught and those that had given them selves up to the calie were quickly returned to the field in corvettes to secure the area. He now had more than twenty corvettes under his supposed command, though Entinia seemed to be the one giving most of the orders.

What had left him shocked was when a 'wasp' swam, as Entinia's people called them, had in pitch darkness attacked his ship. They had raced out of near by fjords when they were passing though the channel between two islands. His ship could not maneuver in the waters, even the corvettes had trouble as the torpedo boats raced toward them and launched. He had been a sitting duck but the corvettes had moved between his ship and the attackers at speed and had taken the hit for him.

In all four corvettes were horribly damaged but they stayed afloat and limped off home to Cal, but only when replace. They had also managed to return fire and kill two of the torpedo boats. His forces had got the rest.

Commander Samsoro wondered if perhaps the cynical calie attitude was right and was very impressed by the small ships.

[The Union of Tinis]

"And that's my report on the abilities of the Cali's anti-pirate activities," said Yerzok to Supreme Commander Epshrin.

"Thank you Commander. My condolences on the loss of the agent."

"She managed to point us in the right place for the big show. We were a little surprised the Cali hadn't noticed the swarm coming in. But then again sir, even good intellligence isn't perfect."

"I'll have to remind you of that in the future you know, so thanks for saying it yourself so I can shove your words back at you," snidded Commander Vinlia.

Yerzok gave the wolf a nasty look. "I'll recommend to the council of commanders now to endorse the proposed exchange for their ships. As Delbrook can already attest the Cal have as many agents snooping around random countries as we do, some of them of excellent quality. I wouldn't put it past them to have infiltraited the Raja Borah, or at least tried to. So having their more conventional forces near wouldn't be an intelligence risk."

The council commanders, in a rare meeting of all of them discussed the evidence provided. The next day they formally endorsed as a council the port for ships deal with Cal.