United We Stand - European Union AAR

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Operation Asphalt Minor
2nd Air Assault Brigade
05:50 Paris Time
November 11 2003

Colonel Adam Templer looked up from his wedding ring, stretched out across his finger. The golden band ran round it in an infinite loop, and an ever lasting cycle. He moved his other hand over it, while his rifle hung on the rack just above him in the Eurocopter Cougar. It almost felt like he was holding her hand again, assuring her once more that he was going to be coming home. That he was not going to die out in the field. Assuring her once again that he wouldn't risk that with a child on the way. She had been angry enough about him leaving her while she was pregnant. By god, there would be hell to pay if he didn't come back he thought, smiling gently to himself.

He thought back to it. Back to the time when they were first discussing the future, oh so many years ago. They were young then, and hardly ready to contemplate the rest of their lives at 18. Who knew that they would be where they are today. He thought of her long dirty blonde hair and how it hung round her neck, flowing like the sea and then curving down around her shoulders like his armed wrapped round her in an amorous embrace. He thought of her eyes and the fire that he had always seen in them. The ice fire in those deep blue eyes that had always grabbed his attention. It was almost as if she was sitting across from him, he could remember her so well. Her face was soft and her smile warm, dotted with freckles like spots of paint upon a beautiful canvas.

And then he remembered leaving her on the night of his deployment. Unlike the men under his command who for the most part had time to say there goodbye's the Colonel could not afford such a luxury. He had bid his home adieu, and waved to his German Shepherd as he left, but he had hated leaving her. His beautiful darling, lying there beside him as he rested through a sleepless night. A soft kiss on her forehead was all he could manage as a goodbye. A short, until next time.

The green light at the front of the helicopter flicked on, pulling him from his thoughts. He reached up and grabbed his rifle, checking the mag as he did so. "Men, we have 30 seconds before these doors open. Intelligence estimates that we have a well co-ordinated force of 30 000 Serbian troops heading for us. We are going in alongside our brothers in the 1st and 3rd brigades with limited air cover." The loaded magazine was full, he realized as he glanced down for a second before slamming the magazine back into the rifle.

"This is going to be the one of the greatest conflicts that our beautiful Corps will ever face. All seven and a half thousand men of the First Air Assault Division are to take part in this battle. You will seize the mountain passes en route to Novi Pazar, and you will do so in a most heroic and memorable fashion." He said as the men arrayed around him nodded and their hearts raced, their eyes demure and restless for the coming storm.

"Men, welcome to the war."

The voice of the pilot came yelling over the comms. "Go! Go! Go!" was the word, over and over again as the embarkation door opened into a forest of moss and dark green hills. The men stood from their seats as Colonel Templer turned from his men to face the outside world, and hooked his harness onto the zip line. With his rifle slung over his shoulder, the Colonel grabbed onto the rope and dropped into the howling world below him.

____________________________________

OOC - Other commitments have kept me occupied for a while and I have to go to work soon. Rest assured that there have been significant developments since my last update - and that I will be updating when I return from work in approximately four hours.

 

[Sumeragi]

Just beautiful.....

Master Writer, please take your time. Art comes only from long labor, and as such you should not rush yourself.

 

[Alfredian]

What do the Italians and Greeks think of all this activity in their backyard?

 

[Mr. Santiago]

Seizing the mountain pass to Novi Pazar in a memorable fashion involves helicopters flying low and playing Wagner really loud?
'Cause that would be really awesome.

In a more serious note, I suppose that this means that the operations in Serbia are advancing.

 

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Nouvelles d'Union Fédérales
Broadcasting from Paris, District of France, European Union

"Bonjour et Bienvenue. We greet you this morning, at 9:01 on November 11 2003 with news of important developments in Operation Asphalt Minor, the European Intervention into Montenegro. As we were made aware three days ago, European forces have made landfall in Montenegro and as of this morning, not only have numerous reinforcements been brought up, but a severe concern for the planners of Operation Asphalt Minor has been dealt with, without serious casualties suffered by European Forces."

"In terms of reinforcements, the original First Airborne Brigade, having secured the port city of Bar and the airport of the city of Tivat, has opened a floodgate for European forces into the beleaguered nation. Within 14 hours, the Armed Services Bureau estimated that at least 6 further Brigades had made landfall and were already pushing out from their beachheads. Within hours of landing, the Franco-German Corps, alongside the First Air Assault Division had seized a number of the precious cities and towns along the coast, with the Northern coast seized by the rapid assaults of the First Air Assault Division, and the Southern coast being taken with ease by the Franco-German Corps."

"Shortly afterwards, forces moved north and continued throughout Montenegro, seizing Podgorica after a brief firefight with occupying forces and sending the First Air Assault Division north, before a right hook maneuver seized many of the central towns before they could set up a proper defence. With these great advances, EUMFIMAK (1) announced that, prior to the arrival of the last forces forming EUMFIMAK, Montenegro had been successfully secured by European Forces."

"After confirmation from President Horst Kohler, in what he characterized as a natural response to increased and continued Serbian aggression and destabilization of the Balkan region through military expansionism, the First Air Assault Division earlier today lead the first assault into Serbian territory. Achieving the element of surprise, and quickly seizing the Mountain passes towards Montenegro proved to be a decisive turn for the Division, numbering only 7 500 men."

"As these Mountain passes were secured, and Montenegro was deemed secure from a major assault from the easily defensible mountains by Serbian troops, a major albeit brief attack on the First Air Assault Division was launched as the 7 500 men set up their defences. In what can only be described as a heroic effort, the 7 500 men managed to fend off an advance from the unprepared troops of a trio of Serbian divisions, totaling 30 000 men, all meticulously organized and managed from what is suspected as being an old-Yugoslavian era Mobile Head Quarters that brought up rocket support for her compatriots."

"Not to be outdone, Euro-fighter pilots began strafing runs on the oncoming troops, and after a three hour engagement, the Serbian forces had had enough and left the valuable Mountain passes in the hands of European troops. Seizing the initiative in what has been called a masterstroke by fellow commanders, Lieutenant General Jaeger pushed his forces in the First Air Assault division inwards and took up positions in both the difficult terrain surrounding Novi Pazar, while moving the 1st Air Assault Brigade to assault the city itself. In all of this, a reported 34 troops were injured, and another killed while a single Euro-fighter was lightly damaged by Serbian small arms fire." (2)

"EUMFIMAK reinforcements are already moving into the mountains and the valley to secure the area after the initial advance, but it is expected that the difficult terrain will impede their progress. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports also indicate that the President has scrapped plans to send a Mechanized and Armoured Division to Serbia as a part of EUMFIMAK, after the Armed Services Bureau reported that:

As of November 11 2003, following the EUMFIMAK seizure of the Novi Pazar region with the First Air Assault Division under Lieutenant General Hans Jaeger, the Armed Services Bureau advises against the deployment of large numbers of additional forces now that the Novi Pazar region, cited as the most crucial point of military concern (3) in Operation Asphalt Minor, has fallen. It is also the recommendation of this board that, in the aftermath of the Serbian advance into the European aligned but neutral Kosovo, the existing forces of EUMFIMAK pursue Operation Asphalt Minor in it's full, rather than the originally planned limited, capacity to initiate a change of government in the Serbian state.

"This report is already proving to be incredibly controversial in the European Senate, where Anti-War parties reluctantly passed a resolution to send troops to intervene against Serbia in Montenegro, are now seeing the war expand to cover a change of government in European war aims. We expect more information on their reaction, as the Senate gathers later today."

"In International news however, Japanese officials landed in Dresden today to discuss their nations industrial crisis, and unconfirmed reports mentioned sightings of South Korean and even Taiwan officials present at the meeting. Should such allegations be proven true, it is unknown what sort of effect this could have on relations with the People's Republic of China, which at the moment, are luke warm at best. An announcement from both sides is expected in the near future."

"Meanwhile, the Balkan states remained largely elusive for questioning as news of the European advance reached the governments of Croatia, Albania, Greece and neighbouring Italy. While most of the nations did not discuss the events, all of them espoused their neutrality in the conflict and desire to not engage any side. Slovenia, however, was the only dissenter, encouraging a larger European role in maintaining the International Order in the region and from preventing Foreign Influences from corrupting and managing the Balkan region. The United States and Russia however, condemned the advance into Novi Pazar and called on the European Union to allow negotiations to take place. A motion put forward by the UNSC to call on European troops to leave Serbian territory and for peace keepers to be deployed, has been vetoed by the European Union, while China abstained from voting on the Resolution."

"In other news, European Defence Officials confirmed that two days ago, the first major purpose built Hybrid Military Vehicle engine was tested in the Liege region of the Benelux District. Weather and Sports after the break."

_________________~ Further Reading ~ ___________________​

1 - European Union Military Force In Montenegro And Kosovo. As this is being treated as an intervention/liberation operation by the European Union, they have followed the United Nations mission naming conventions for their operations in Montenegro.

2 - Despite the engagements, and me rushing to seize Novi Pazar, I had to divert an astonishingly low .05 IC for reinforcements. I'll explain why I'm surprised in a moment.

3 - Due to the fact that I was playing an integral part of this AAR with home made events that I could not be certain would work as planned, I wound up running several trial runs of the events, and of the war. In almost all of these, Novi Pazar was turned into a murder ground by Serbian troops as I lost more and more forces - to the point where I was putting 47 IC into reinforcements for a combination of 12 Brigades and 4 Divisions - not counting that I had lost 7 brigades after they were defeated in a massive counterattack from Novi Pazar that almost made me lose my beachhead.

Also, an interesting note - instead of executing Plan Ivan, there was an option where they would execute 'Plan Gavrilo' and invade both Kosovo and Macedonia and receive increased forces from the USA and Russia. I had also considered (but decided against) a chance for Albania and some other Balkan states to ally with them in exchange for land - Albania gets Kosovo, Croatia gets Slovenia, etc - but all that is changed and I didn't lose thousands of men needlessly. Instead, I lost a sub - which never occurred in my tests - and seized Novi Pazar almost effortlessly - which again, never occurred in my tests. Whatever happens now is anyone's guess.

OOC - This was originally going to continue following the Colonel, but after having written most of that update and then the computer suddenly shut off and losing all of it, I didn't want to have to do it over, and also wanted to mention some International reactions. He will be back soon however.

 

[Sumeragi]

What are those Taiwanese doing in Dresden? Suspicous.

 

[Sethanon]

Good update once more. Progressing nicely into Serbia. I hope next update will wrap this little war up.

 

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Japan to join EU.

 

[unmerged(156978)]

Wait! Does this mean that you are really going to occupy all of Serbia? You should just keep Montenegro and Kosovo, and try to get other states like Macedonia and Albania peacefully into the Union.

Curious! Taiwan and South Korea await for the Japanese faith to be revealed. I wonder why. Maybe it's because they are somehow dependent of Japan.

And great news have reached that European scientists are a lot more efficient in your AAR than in real life XD. Can you show us a few pics of Europeans research and keep us updated to when do other nations completed new technologies.

One last question. Will there be Nobel prizes here? It would be awesome.

 

[Mr. Santiago]

So Serbia finally forced Europe to do what should've been done from the start: liberate the occupied areas and initiate a change in government... It's the smart thing to do, if the Serbs were left untouched they'd build up (with aid from Russia and the US) until they could start another war, and a more bloody one.

There should be some sort of medal or award for the almost bloodless occupation of Novi Pazar; in the end the sinking of the submarine was an isolated incident and not the rule, the Serbs aren't putting much of a fight, it seems...

I wonder how the Chinese will react to this unexpected approach to Taiwan via Japan...

Also, will there ever be an update on Weather and Sports? Cause you're promising one since the start of the AAR

 

[Aliasing]

Yeah, I agree with Santiago. The Serbs Super-Nationalism won't be quelled this easily.

 

[unmerged(157789)]

What are those Taiwanese doing in Dresden? Suspicous.

"unconfirmed reports mentioned sightings of South Korean and even Taiwan officials present at the meeting"

Unconfirmed. The press is full of wild speculations.

Good update once more. Progressing nicely into Serbia. I hope next update will wrap this little war up.

It might take slightly more. Not sure. Possibly. Might be a long multi-character update to conclude it.

Japan to join EU.

Stay tuned.

Wait! Does this mean that you are really going to occupy all of Serbia? You should just keep Montenegro and Kosovo, and try to get other states like Macedonia and Albania peacefully into the Union.

Curious! Taiwan and South Korea await for the Japanese faith to be revealed. I wonder why. Maybe it's because they are somehow dependent of Japan.

And great news have reached that European scientists are a lot more efficient in your AAR than in real life XD. Can you show us a few pics of Europeans research and keep us updated to when do other nations completed new technologies.

One last question. Will there be Nobel prizes here? It would be awesome.

Macedonia and Albania will come into play very shortly. As for Serbia, the advance into Novi Pazar opens up the possibility of a Change of Government - but will it go that far?

Remember that Japan isn't as US-aligned as it is in our timeline. It is trying to carve out it's on future on the canvas of history.

If only they were as capable in OTL. Think of the inventions we could have! As for European research, I'll see if I can grab some pictures but the tech tree is a little messed up for some reason. Like I can produce Leopard 3 Tanks but in the Army Equipment or Army Organization screen, I forget which, I only know how to use Tanks from the early cold war. It's an interesting little paradox that I'm solving through countless days of wasted research in game. I don't plan on modding this to give the AI a chance to better ready themselves.

As for Nobel Prizes, that is actually a great idea. I imagine that it would take up a good portion of national prestige with the world so divided. I'll look into it.

So Serbia finally forced Europe to do what should've been done from the start: liberate the occupied areas and initiate a change in government... It's the smart thing to do, if the Serbs were left untouched they'd build up (with aid from Russia and the US) until they could start another war, and a more bloody one.

There should be some sort of medal or award for the almost bloodless occupation of Novi Pazar; in the end the sinking of the submarine was an isolated incident and not the rule, the Serbs aren't putting much of a fight, it seems...

I wonder how the Chinese will react to this unexpected approach to Taiwan via Japan...

Also, will there ever be an update on Weather and Sports? Cause you're promising one since the start of the AAR

Given the need for public support, I would very much agree that if this prevents a second conflict (like it may have - I'm the only one who knows for sure ;P) then it is worth it. And with how it is going so far, it certainly looks to be the correct course of action.

"unconfirmed reports mentioned sightings of South Korean and even Taiwan officials present at the meeting"

Unconfirmed. The press is full of wild speculations.

I will make an update to include Weather and Sports one day. Just to placate you. If it happens when everyone is expecting a super awesome update full of combat and world changing events, and all they get is a couple of football matches, and how it is sunny in Paris then I'll send the angry mob your way.

Yeah, I agree with Santiago. The Serbs Super-Nationalism won't be quelled this easily.

But this could be a good start.

 

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The Dresden Accords
Discussion on the Japanese Economic Crisis
18:17 Paris Time
November 25 2003

"Prime Minister Ozawa(1), President Geun-hye(2), please take a seat." President Kohler said, gesturing to the black, leather bound seat across from him, on the other side of the fogged glass table. He wasn't particularly accustomed to the Foreign Ministry building. Much of his contact with it was done through Secretaries or through his Foreign Minister Javier Solana who was seated on his left, along with Zapatero on his right. Solana, still fresh after a long day at the office had only just changed his shirt. It had been white and accompanied by what Kohler assumed was his favourite red tie, having seen him wear it countless times. Now however, Solana out in a well ironed blue, escorted in by a cream tie that looked quite well when accompanied with his jacket. Zapatero however, was still in his white shirt and his trusty striped grey and black tie.

Across from them, Ozawa and Geun-hye took their seats as the attending members of Kohler's cabinet, known as the Hapsburg Three (3), did so as well. Kohler was quite certain that Ozawa looked older than he had done at the last G8 summit. Undoubtedly, the unprecedented catastrophe to befall his government had been straining him. Still though, he looked the statesman in his suit with his black tie tucked in his jacket. Ms.Geun-hye however looked just the same as she always had, wearing a black suit that Kohler would have sworn he had bought his wife last Christmas.

"So then Mr. Ozawa, Mr. Solana has informed me that both your government and that of Ms.Geun-hye" he said, nodding his head in her direction. "are a month away from a production collapse that could cripple your respective economies for years."

President Kohler watched as an attendant translator whispered into the ears of the Prime Minister and the Head of State. Prime Minister Ozawa looked exasperated at the admittance by Kohler. His eyes fluttered about, as if he was looking for something, while his mouth moved to talk before going still, and staying silent. Slowly but surely, a very grave expression made its mark on his face. Ms.Geun-hye stayed stone faced during the translation.

"President Kohler, it is my position to inform you that the South Korean economy is indeed in such a state. Normally, we would not have come to Europe for aid but your ... incentives for such a dialogue could do nothing but arouse our interest." Ms.Geun-hye said in perfect German, giving a privacy that neither his French and Spanish fluent ministers, or the French fluent diplomat could grasp the gravity of. "The proposal for Free Trade agreements with both the European Union, and the Nordic Union is one that your American counterparts could not match." She explained, a smile forming across her face. She turned to Prime Minister Ozawa and exchanged a reassuring nod before briefly saying something in Japanese.

"Your grasp of German is very good Ms.Geun-hye." Kohler remarked. "And yes, I assure you that a Free Trade agreement with Europe and the Nordic Union is not an offer that can be matched by any other party, and of course the transport of large quantities of metal and our rare material reserves to alleviate the current crisis is not an offer than can be easily matched, considering the rate we are charging you for it."

"It's no secret that you gain the most from this agreement. None of your counterparts can afford to reach your offer, because they aren't asking us what you are. " she said, her smile growing into a chuckle. "As stupid as he believes them to be, he would rather look to the Americans for aid." she said, her laugh dying off as she spoke. "If you want him to agree to this deal, then he will want more than just a stabilization of his economy."

"And you're telling me this to get him to go along with the deal?" President Kohler said, looking at Ozawa who looked to be growing even more impatient with each German phrase.

"South Korea can only be South Korea for a short time, Mr. President. In the world of today, we all must do our part to ensure our security." she said. At that, Kohler felt Solana put a hand on his shoulder.

"Mr. President, it would be diplomatic to invite Mr. Ozawa into you're conversation." he said in Spanish. Kohler nodded in agreement and looked up at Ozawa.

The man almost immediately began to voice his concerns, at a rate that even the translator was having trouble relaying. Eventually it was all relayed across the table. Supposedly, Ozawa was not particularly pleased.

"Mr. Kohler, I did not travel all the way from Japan to discuss a ludicrous proposal on my countries economic crisis, to be sidelined in favour of a private discussion with a close ally of my home nation. Japan's crisis is certainly at least twice as dire as Korea's. If there is to be a discussion, let it be between us. And further, the Nordic Union was supposed to be involved in this agreement, why are they not present?"

The usual awkward exchange through the translator proceeded, and then, thankfully, became a bit more fluid.

"Mr.Ozawa you are quite right, and on behalf of the European Union, I extend my sincere apologies. If I may explain, Ms. Geun-hye and I were just discussing the last G8 summit. Do you remember? The Russian Prime Minister in a rage with Saddam Hussein for refusing to grant Russian oil companies drilling rights in his oil fields?"

The two men smiled briefly at the reminder.

"And in the stead of the Nordic Union, they have put forward my Foreign Minister, Javier Solana to act in their stead. Now, I have considered my last proposal to you, and I believe that it may be doing a disservice to the Japanese people. Let me extend my apologies for the last proposal, and replace it with one more suited to the best interest's of both our nations. Our economic exchange initiative, is one that I believe is unparalleled and should remain so. We will provide you with all the metals and rare resources that you require to keep your economy going, while you recover from your crisis and secure your resource future, and in the mean time you will sell advanced computer and electronic systems, with all the usual military applications, to the European Armed Forces at a discounted price. Can we agree to that before I continue?"

The answer, when it came through the translator, was a begrudging yes and a smattering of the new found Japanese reliance on Europe.

"I completely understand Mr.Ozawa. Looking forward, I was going to propose a limited defence exchange between our countries. Of course your hands are tied by the constitution in exporting and producing weapons, but the European Union is more interested in protecting her friends in Japan than receiving your weaponry. In exchange for unfettered access to the Predator Missile Drone System and other advanced systems that you are developing with the United States, we will agree to a discounted sale of the Euro Fighter Typhoon to Japan, and a withdrawal of European military and intelligence assets in cooperation with the People's Republic of China."

As the translator relayed the information to Prime Minister Ozawa, the man's face hardened and a slight frown crossed the lips of Ms.Geun-hye. If Europe was going to give more to Japan, it needed more in return. That was the stance Kohler had taken with Solana, and it was the stance that they, and consequently Zapatero, would abide by.

"Surely you can understand this Mr.Ozawa. If Europe is to make such a drastic policy change in one of the most volatile and economically vibrant regions of the world, then the recipient of new relations must be willing to offer something in return."

"Very well then. In the interests of the people and Emperor of Japan, I will agree to the signing of the Dresden Accord, with the updated conditions that you have just described to me." Ozawa said, looking quite unsure of himself as he finished, a rather unusaul situation for the Shadow Shogun to be sure.

The men stood and shook hands, Zapatero the silent companion he was obliged to remain in matters where the President had overriding authority, and Ozawa smiling slightly, at least somewhat more sure of himself than a second ago.

As President Kohler shook the hand of Ms.Geun-hye she spoke to him once more in German.

"You are an excellent liar Mr.Kohler. The KCIA(4) know's that you have no military or intelligence assets cooperating with the Chinese."

Kohler chuckled slightly as she turned to leave for the day, unsure if it was an insult, an observation, or a compliment.

"That's the Russian's job." she said as she left the room.

_________________~ Further Reading ~ ___________________​

1 - Prime Minister Ichiro Ozawa has been Prime Minister of Japan since 1996. With President Lee Hoi Chang of Korea, the two men worked out a new era of Japanese-Korean relations. Together, they managed to pass and sign the Busan Treaty of 1998 to reconcile the countries. This Treaty, similar to the Treaty of Élysée between Paris and Berlin, brought the countries closer together in friendship and economic exchanges that benefited both parties. By 2003, both nations have an inextricably linked economy, and talks of the adoption of a single currency, in place of the Japanese yen and South Korean won were underway before the economic crisis with Lee Hoi Chang's successor, President Park Geun-hye. In OTL, he has not been Prime Minister but has been incredibly influential. His nickname in OTL, and in TTL is the 'Shadow Shogun' for his incredible influence in Japanese politics behind the scenes. In both time lines, he is skeptical of Americans and is prone to unfriendly remarks.

2 - President Park Geun-hye is in TTL the first woman President of South Korea and of any of the three major East Asian states (Japan, China, South Korea.) She is incredibly popular in South Korea, the most popular politician in fact, but has been criticized as the 'Dictator's Daughter' for her father's presidency in both TTL and OTL. Similarly, she is also named the 'Queen of Elections' in TTL and OTL for doubtlessly and easily winning reelection each time one occurs (though in TTL one has not occurred since she became President.) In TTL, she is much more in favour of a unified Asian force acting as a counterbalance to China and projecting and securing it's own interests abroad, without having to rely on the Western powers.

3 - The Hapsburg Three is a reference to the fact that the three men who control Europe's actions on an international standing are either German or Spanish. The President is German, while both the Chancellor and Foreign Minister are Spanish. In light of this, some in the media began to refer to them as the Hapsburg Three although they have no relations to the Hapsburg line. It is often used as a serious term, as much as it is in satire.

4 - Korean Central Intelligence Agency. No I did not make up the name, and yes it is incredibly original.

Special thanks to Sumeragi for outstanding work in making this update possible.
In fact, I award you with ...

TemplarComander's Cookie of Achievement ●​

 

[Andcus]

Awesome trio of posts templar

Good mix of politics and action!
Can't wait to see how the senate reacts to the war in Serbia and also with the new deals in Japan (distancing themselves from China i guess)

 

[Mr. Santiago]

I will make an update to include Weather and Sports one day. Just to placate you. If it happens when everyone is expecting a super awesome update full of combat and world changing events, and all they get is a couple of football matches, and how it is sunny in Paris then I'll send the angry mob your way.

*Facepalm* Me and my mouth
_______________________________________________


So, we are replacing China for Japan?... Interesting, the only downside I see at the moment is loosing an ally at the Security Council, but we have the veto... so who cares? At least they are as democratic as we are (are they?)

It's rare to find a straightforward politician as the Korean President, I really liked her. I'm a bit worried by the KCIA, they know too much about the operations (or the lack there of) within China.

I'm also waiting to see the reactions in the Senate to this re-alignment... All in all, we've just bought ourselves an ally!

 

[unmerged(156978)]

Awesome update. I guess that one of the next updates will have something to do with Japanese METI.

Just a few questions. Does Ms. Park Geun-hye speak english in real life? Why is she much more friendly than Ichiro Ozawa? Why is Korea more aware of European chess game than Japan? Japan is world power and South Korea is just a Regional power.
Also, what does OLT and TTL stand for?

 

[Sumeragi]

Besides calling Park by her personal name and reviving the KCIA (it's the National Intelligence Service), I find this update flawless. Up to the standards as usual, great writer! I wait for your action posts!

Awesome update. I guess that one of the next updates will have something to do with Japanese METI.

Just a few questions. Does Ms. Park Geun-hye speak english in real life? Why is she much more friendly than Ichiro Ozawa? Why is Korea more aware of European chess game than Japan? Japan is world power and South Korea is just a Regional power.
Also, what does OLT and TTL stand for?

Since I'm the one who had thought of Park being president, allow me to answer your questions to the best of my abilities. Obviously, TemplarComander's words would override my own.

1. OTL is "Original Timeline", and TTL is "This Timeline "

2. Park is known to be able to speak English, French, and Spanish pretty fluently, and also has a good facility of Mandarian Chinese. While German is not one of her languages (she needed a translator when meeting Merkel at a Korean university), I would say that it is likely Park would have tried learning German in this world, given how German would be important in the EU.

3. Could be that Park is more "internationalized" than Ozawa.

4. While Japan is a world power based on its economy and cultural exports, I wouldn't hold my breath it its intelligence is dismal, as it is in RL. You're talking about a demilitarized country which has a article in the constitution forcing it to forgo all methods of war. In addition, there is no intelligence agency in Japan which is like those of other countries. The four main Japanese "intelligence" agencies are

(1) Naicho: The "Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office", it's basically a mixture of the CIA and the NSC, but is notorious for being bureaucratic to the point it mostly just translates foreign publications.
(2) Public Security Intelligence Agency: The counterintelligence branch of the Ministry of Justice, focusing on "subversive organizations".
(3) Defense Intelligence Headquarters: The intelligence of the SDF, which pretty much explains what it does.
(4) Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Public Security Bureau: The police version of the PSIA.

None of the four major agencies would have the resources or means to gather political information of foreign countries, unlike the KCIA which is a sort of super CIA, including the functions of the NSA and NRO.

 

[unmerged(157789)]

Awesome trio of posts templar

Good mix of politics and action!
Can't wait to see how the senate reacts to the war in Serbia and also with the new deals in Japan (distancing themselves from China i guess)

I'll probably hold off for a bit on the Senate. The world is going to be busy in the next while.

*Facepalm* Me and my mouth
_______________________________________________


So, we are replacing China for Japan?... Interesting, the only downside I see at the moment is loosing an ally at the Security Council, but we have the veto... so who cares? At least they are as democratic as we are (are they?)

It's rare to find a straightforward politician as the Korean President, I really liked her. I'm a bit worried by the KCIA, they know too much about the operations (or the lack there of) within China.

I'm also waiting to see the reactions in the Senate to this re-alignment... All in all, we've just bought ourselves an ally!

They are indeed as democratic as we are.

As for the Senate, as I said I may need to hold off on their reaction for a bit just because of what will be happening in the next while.

That said though, we have elections coming up ...

Awesome update. I guess that one of the next updates will have something to do with Japanese METI.

Just a few questions. Does Ms. Park Geun-hye speak english in real life? Why is she much more friendly than Ichiro Ozawa? Why is Korea more aware of European chess game than Japan? Japan is world power and South Korea is just a Regional power.
Also, what does OLT and TTL stand for?

I couldn't actually find any information on whether Ms. Geun-hye (proper form to address her Sumeragi?) or Mr. Ozawa actually spoke a second or other languages. I wound up having Ms. Geun-hye speak German in this although you can gather that she speaks French as well, not needing an attendant translator herself.

As for Korea, it is in a much more precarious position than Japan is. She is looking over border at the North Koreans and, although in this timeline they are on much better terms, Pyongyang ultimately answers to Beijing. And Beijing had gone to war against America in the 90s, a major supporter of Japan and South Korea. By pulling Europe away from China, South Korea and Japan have solidified a position and attempts of weakening China. That said, Russia still helps out China in research and political matters - despite fighting a war with China, they resent America more for having needed their help after half a century of being nemeses - but much like in OTL, does not give China highly advanced military tech.

And Sumeragi was right.
OTL - Our Time Line
TTL - This Time Line

Besides calling Park by her personal name and reviving the KCIA (it's the National Intelligence Service), I find this update flawless. Up to the standards as usual, great writer! I wait for your action posts!

Since I'm the one who had thought of Park being president, allow me to answer your questions to the best of my abilities. Obviously, TemplarComander's words would override my own.

1. OTL is "Original Timeline", and TTL is "This Timeline "

2. Park is known to be able to speak English, French, and Spanish pretty fluently, and also has a good facility of Mandarian Chinese. While German is not one of her languages (she needed a translator when meeting Merkel at a Korean university), I would say that it is likely Park would have tried learning German in this world, given how German would be important in the EU.

3. Could be that Park is more "internationalized" than Ozawa.

4. While Japan is a world power based on its economy and cultural exports, I wouldn't hold my breath it its intelligence is dismal, as it is in RL. You're talking about a demilitarized country which has a article in the constitution forcing it to forgo all methods of war. In addition, there is no intelligence agency in Japan which is like those of other countries. The four main Japanese "intelligence" agencies are

(1) Naicho: The "Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office", it's basically a mixture of the CIA and the NSC, but is notorious for being bureaucratic to the point it mostly just translates foreign publications.
(2) Public Security Intelligence Agency: The counterintelligence branch of the Ministry of Justice, focusing on "subversive organizations".
(3) Defense Intelligence Headquarters: The intelligence of the SDF, which pretty much explains what it does.
(4) Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Public Security Bureau: The police version of the PSIA.

None of the four major agencies would have the resources or means to gather political information of foreign countries, unlike the KCIA which is a sort of super CIA, including the functions of the NSA and NRO.

Sumeragi has pretty much explained it here, in conjunction with my post to answer your questions.

And btw, How should I address Park and what happened to the KCIA? From what I read it was still in service ...

__________________________

Expect another update today. Possibly two. I'm trying to update often when I have time on my hands.

Also, I have a cool new effect for screens that I'm going to be testing. I would really appreciate feedback on it.

 

[unmerged(157789)]

Operation Asphalt Minor
First Air Assault Division Headquarters
05:00 Paris Time
November 25 2003

Satellite Imagery of Serbia and the Balkan Area.​

The headquarters of Lieutenant General Jaeger was as busy as it had ever been. The old wooden door was creaking open and closed nearly non stop as men and women in uniform from the Ground Forces, the Air Forces and Intelligence walked in and out on tiles in need of a good clean, delivering reports and dropping off requested provisions. Before it was serving as his headquarters, the building had been something of a living quarters. All they had found inside the run down apartment were cabinets that were in dire need of a new coat of paint, and old tables that had clearly seen better days and which someone named Marko had decided to claim as his own, carving 'Marko was here' into it's top. Still though, it served it's purpose and the space was enough. They even got a breeze coming off of the Adriatic from the Harbour.

Finally, after fourteen days of waiting for the rest of EUMFIMAK to take up positions in Novi Pazar, and to secure the pre-war borders of Kosovo, the first major combat operation against the Serbian Army was to be undertaken. Under the authourship of General Zeller of the Franco-German Division, the force had been divided into the Central and Eastern Combat Groups.

Central Combat Group was the larger of the two, consisting of the First Air Assault Division, the Franco-German Brigade, the First Marine Brigade and the Sixth Paratrooper Brigade. The Eastern Combat Group however, was still formidable with the Second Air Assault Division, First Brigade - 8/9 Ligne, and the Jager-Brigade 37 in tow. The CCG consisted of a total of a total of 32 500 well equipped and highly trained combat personnel, and the ECG had 17 500 soldiers under it's command, for a grand total of 50, 000 combat troops capable and ready for action.

Opposing the Central Combat Group in the Kragujevac area was the heavily dug in soldiers of the First Serbian Army, totaling up to what the EIB had estimated was approximately 40 000 men and Infantry Fighting Vehicles. Despite their propaganda and their numbers however, the men were using old weapons from the Yugoslav era and could hardly match the superiority of modern fighting equipment in use by EUMFIMAK. In the Nis area, however, Serbian forces were about to be out maneuvered, out manned, and out gunned. Nis was left almost entirely undefended by the Serbian Army, apparently believing that the European force was either unprepared for a multi-pronged advance or that they were awaiting news from the CCG before an advance was made. Regardless, the best defence of the Nis area was the local police forces under heavy coordination by the Serbian High Command, who had decided to use Nis as an Observation and Command and Control Centre to direct the fighting in Kragujevac in conjunction with the police, an Artillery brigade was assigned to the defence of the area and was under the direct command of the Command and Control Centre. In Nis, Serbian forces numbered barely over 6 000.

Despite the odds however, it had been debated whether to postpone the Operation in light of Cold weather conditions and to allow more time for the Air Force to soften up enemy positions. Today though, the skies were clear and the forecast was looking better for the next week. An alert had gone out earlier, but it wouldn't be the first time an advance was postponed.

"Lieutenant General, I have a message from General Zeller." Came an unfamiliar voice from behind him. The General suddenly realized he had been staring off over the harbour in Kotor, watching small fishing boats bob along the waters as his attention was called to the message. Jaeger rose to his feet and turned round to see the runner.

Before him was one of his new staffers. A woman with blonde hair, tied back in a bun underneath her hat and with streaks of a golden brown dashed throughout was standing before him. She had brown eyes and was standing at eye level with him. Her skin was smooth and was untouched by freckles or the dirt on the faces of other troops.

"Your name, Lieutenant?" he asked as she handed him a brown and sealed envelope. Without delay, he drew his combat knife and cut through the seal. She was unfazed.

"Lieutenant Liliane Chirac, Sir." she said, staring at him. There was something there that Jaeger recognized, something at the back of her eye that she hid from everyone else.

"Lieutenant Chirac? Any relation Jacques Chirac of France?" he asked, rather disinterested in the answer. He read the single piece of paper in the envelope as he tore it out.

GENERAL CALL TO COMMANDERS OF THE CENTRAL COMBAT GROUP AND THE EASTERN COMBAT GROUP.
OPERATION ASPHALT MAJOR IS SUPERCEDING OPERATION ASPHALT MINOR.
LOCUST. LOCUST. LOCUST.

"As a matter of fact, yes. He is my Father." The Lieutenant said. Jaeger looked up from his orders in a mixed surprise. It took a second for both of the revelations to click. One of his staffers was the daughter of an influential French politician, and LOCUST had been sent out.

"Lieutenant, Relay these orders to our Commanders in the Field. Notify them of LOCUST immediately." He said, walking past her while the wheels in his head spun round plots and battles.

* * *​

The Dresden Accords​

• Open Clauses Between the Respective Governments of Japan, the European Union, the Nordic Union and the Republic of Korea, stand as follows ;

Article 1 - The government of the European Union, in full and earnest cooperation with the Nordic Union shall endeavour with all haste to transport sufficient quantities of metals, and rare materials so as to keep the industries of Japan and the Republic of Korea from experiencing a total and long lasting Economic Collapse.

Article 2 - The government of the European Union and the Nordic Union will enter into a complete and long lasting Free Trade Agreement with the governments of the Republic of Korea and with the Nation of Japan. Such an agreement is binding and covers all areas and industries, to be reviewed by both parties after a period of 5 years at which time a Forum shall be set up to discuss ways to improve the economies of all parties through the modification of said Free Trade Agreement.

Article 3 - All material and resource goods transported to the governments of the Republic of Korea and the Nation of Japan per Article 1 are to be sold at a discounted price standing at 60% per tonne the market worth. Such a discounted sale is to occur only so long as the governments of the Republic of Korea and the Nation of Japan are recovering from the near economic collapse both nations have suffered. Upon the recovery of their respective economies, both nations agree to pay an additional 10% of the market worth per tonne for the goods exchanged per the Dresden Accords.

Article 4 - Together, the European Union and the Nordic Union will agree to a purchase of 30% of the respective debts of both the Republic of Korea and of the Nation of Japan. At such a time when they are respectively capable, each nation shall endeavour to pay their debts at 70% of the original cost. Should a revision of this clause be requested by any party, then it remains open to a discussion after 2 years from the date this document is signed. Should the debts of both nations remain unpaid, then this stipulation is extended every two year period until the Republic of Korea and the Nation of Japan are capable to pay their debts to the European Union and the Republic of Korea.

• Black Clauses Between the Respective Governments of Japan, the European Union and the Republic of Korea, stand as follows ;

Article 5 - The Government of the European Union will, in full and immediate capacity terminate co-operation in military, research and intelligence fields with the People's Republic of China.

Article 6 - The Government of the Republic of Korea and the Nation of Japan will begin shipping Advanced Computer and Information Systems to the European Union complete with pre-installed and updated military hardware.

Article 7 - The Government of the Republic of Korea and the Nation of Japan will give total and unquestioned preference to the Euro Fighter Typhoon and European Arms companies over competing Fighters for their respective nations. Should concerns arise, then each government will open a dialogue with the other and further action will be discussed.

Article 8 - The Republic of Korea and the Nation of Japan will immediately send to the European Union, advanced blueprints, schematics and research reports on the American Predator Missile Drone system, and PATRIOT Missile Shield recently purchased by the Japanese government. Further, any and all other military, intelligence and research cooperation with the United States is to be scaled down and progress in joint-projects is to be shared with the European Intelligence Bureau and Armed Services Bureau.

Article 9 - The Republic of Korea and the Nation of Japan will hereby enter into a defensive alliance with the European Union in the face of regional aggression. Such threats not included in this alliance;

- Russian Federation
- The United States of America or the Coalition of Nations as a whole

Article 10 - The Republic of Korea and the Nation of Japan shall endeavour to increase ties with both the European Union and the Nordic Union to create a new era of friendship and prosperity with the all the aforementioned states.

Article 11 - The Nation of Japan will begin an immediate and comprehensive reform to bring it's military and intelligence potential and capacity in line with it's International status as an economic and cultural World Power. Should aid be required by the government in this matter, the European Union and the Nordic Union will enter into discussions to alleviate issues to the best of their abilities.

• Black Clauses Between the Respective Governments of the European Union and the Nordic Union stand as follows ;

Article 12 - The Nordic Union will give total and unquestioned preference to the Euro Fighter Typhoon and European Arms companies over competing Fighters for their respective nations. Should concerns arise, then each government will open a dialogue with the other and further action will be discussed.

Article 13 - The Nordic Union will hereby enter into a defensive alliance with the European Union in the face of regional aggression. Such threats not included in this alliance;

- The United States of America or the Coalition of Nations as a whole

President Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea leaving the meeting. Here, Lawmakers and envoys travelling in the Company of President Geun-hye and Prime Minister Ozawa applaud the signing of the agreement as they exit the European Foreign Ministry.​

_________________________________

OOC : A long update today and with two parts no less. I had hoped to work more on the Serbian war but I needed to get something done with Dresden. It will make moving forward easier, as I can focus on solely writing for EUMFIMAK now.

In fact, considering that I am eager to get an update out by tomorrow, at which point updates will slow down to the regular one every few days rate - I will most likely try to get another one posted today.

EDIT : Fixed the Empire of Japan to the Nation of Japan.

Also, what do you guys think of the Satellite effect I added?

 

[Sumeragi]

Kosovo liberated! Now, is it time to topple the Serbian regime and bring democracy?

And btw, How should I address Park and what happened to the KCIA? From what I read it was still in service ...

1. Ms. Park. Park is the surname, while Gyun-hye is the personal name.

2. It is still in service, but had name changes, because of the bad connotations that the previous names had.
(1) Korean Central Intelligence Agency (1961-1981)
(2) Agency for National Security Planning (1981-1999)
(3) National Intelligence Service (1999-)

I still think that having it be KCIA would be more interesting. We could have the TTL conservative president Lee Hoi Chang divide the intelligence agencies to fit the US model (CIA, NSA, NRO), thereby reviving the KCIA name. Given that Lee was considered someone not related to previous dictatorships, he might just have been able to pass through the name.


A "problem" with your newest post: The official name of Japan is the "State/Nation of Japan", hence why it just uses Japan in all official functions. Any uses of "Empire of Japan" will cause all those Chinese nationalists to condemn the "revival of Japanese militarism"