CLEANSE THE EARTH!: An Alien Invaders Doomsday AAR

[Space Papist]

NOTE: All Zeta Reticulan names, phrases and figures of speech have been transliterated into their English language equivalents for the sake of our readers. We thank the Zeta Reticulan Republic’s Embassy to the Holy See and the staff of it’s Office of Public Relations for their kind help and cooperation in this work.

=================================================

I am called Ruell, son of Qeeth, of the family line named Ibun-Miryam. My home world is called Bontyer by my people and Zeta Reticula by the people of the world called Earth. Earth, also known as Terra, is a world which we now inhabit with it’s natives, as friends and neighbors here, conquerors and governors there. We are loved and hated by all and a mystery to each one of them, as they are certainly to us.

We did come here, guided by the command and blessing of the One True Above, to don our battle armor, with our swords and pulse guns in hand, to slay the tyrannies of this world before they could spread their villainies to us…and to the stars beyond. And that knowing that the One True Above cannot lie nor be lied to, we flew with all possible swiftness to that sad world to do His bidding - to cleanse the Earth. And in turn, be cleansed ourselves of all unrighteousness.

And it has been so for the five major wars we’ve waged in the last three centuries with other powers in our part of the galaxy.

I have been tasked by my superiors to write a chronicle of these events, both sweet and bitter. So in obedience I shall do so, in hopes that our descendants and yours will learn from what they read and apply these lessons to their own times. So as to be better understood by you, our Terran friends and neighbors, I will use your standards of measuring time, weight and distance.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On October 13th, 1935, outside the town of Fatima in Portugal, a delegation of my superiors met in secret with representatives of Earth’s major governments. They met under a giant tent staked outside the diplomatic saucer ship’s landing zone. A set of tables were placed in the middle of the tent. My people sat with our backs to the saucer, the Terrans sat facing us.

The spokesman for our people was the Voice of the People’s Assembly, who was equal to a chancellor or prime minister to Terrans. Unlike the rest of our people, he was taller and paler, quite advanced in years. For the Terran’s sake, he called himself “Lazarus”, for his true name was unpronounceable to humans. Truth be told, so it was also to us, save for those who were quite studied in the art of languages.

Before us were delegates from France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Russia, China, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Mexico, America, South Africa, Spain and the host nation, Portugal. Salazar, the Portuguese delegate, brought Pacelli - a representative from a small state called the Holy See - with him to witness the proceedings. Each delegate brought a translator with him, along with some secretarial staff.

In brief, Lazarus informed the Terran delegates that the One True Above gave our people a command to “cleanse the Earth” of all tyrannical governments and their systems of support. He testified how the One was incensed with their wickedness and shamelessness of life. Then for an hour, and in painful detail, he summarized how we Bontyeri spied on the affairs of the major nations since their Great War of over twenty years past. He told how we and our allies the Kephans, who looked most like the humans, blended in with them, observed them, deciphered their plans and schemes against each other.

“The pollution in your souls,“ he concluded, “is manifested in the pollution of your lives, your lands and your world.” He then sat down, dripping with sweat from the pure mental effort of his speech.

Needless to say, all the human spokesmen - save for Salazar and Pacelli - hotly disagreed. Each briefly spoke in their homeland’s defense.

The German delegate, Hess, claimed that his people only wanted “living space” to sustain their Reich and be protected from the British, French and Russians.

The British and French delegates- Churchill and Renaud, respectively - claimed their people only wished to preserve their empires and be protected from the Germans. The Australian and South African delegates added their voices in support of Churchill.

The Russian delegate, Molotov, claimed his people desired only to build a “socialist society” and be protected from the British, French and Germans. (To our horror, he went so far as to deny that the One even existed. “We are materialists, sir,” he boasted, “and reject all deities as illusions.” Wretched human!)

The Japanese delegate, Tojo, claimed his people only wanted to feed their growing population and be protected from the British, Russians, Americans and Chinese.

The Chinese delegate, Chiang, claimed his people desired only to unite as one people, equal to the rest of the world, and be protected from the Russians and Japanese.

The Italian delegate, Ciano, claimed his nation used to be a great empire in the long past and had a right to be one again. He also claimed they wanted protection from the British and French.

The American delegate, Knox, claimed his government wanted only to preserve trade with all and stay out of foreign conflicts. He did, however, mention their “growing concern” with the Russians, Germans and Japanese.

The delegates from Mexico, Brazil and Argentina said likewise, though they added at the end their wish to lessen American and British “overshadowing” of their domestic and foreign affairs.

The delegates from Spain, two artists called Picasso and Dali, claimed their country’s neutrality in the affairs of the “Great Powers”, as they called them. (As a side note, I witnessed both men shooting angry glances at each other when the Mexican delegate spoke. I felt it was, I know not why, some premonition of dark things to come within their nation.)

At last, Salazar spoke for his people, asking for any possibility to avoid a war between our species. He wished to know what terms that our government - the “Rex Pub’l Bontyer” or “Zeta Reticulan Republic” - would accept in order to avoid mutual bloodshed.

Rising to his feet, Lazarus said that the Great Powers must give up their obsessions with “creating empires” and be satisfied with their own domains. They must decentralize and localize their governments. They must develop their light and heavy industrial sector on a small factory and co-operative basis, rather than on the huge factories that polluted their water and air. They must renounce both “agribusinesses” and “collective farms”, returning to a small farm and co-operative base for feeding their people. They must stop lending money on interest and restrain the power of banking. They must strengthen marriage laws and enforce them. They must not treat the old, sick, insane, political and ethnic minorities as “inferior” to themselves.

(I witnessed both the German and Russian delegates bristle at that particular remark.)

When Lazarus finished, the Terrans - save for Salazar and Pacelli - rose to their feet, shouting their defiance. They claimed we had no right to “dictate” what was proper policy among themselves. Almost to a man, they vowed to resist in blood any attempt by us to “remake the Earth in our image”, as Churchill so put it. With that, each delegate rushed to their waiting vehicles and sped away to return to their capitals.

Pacelli covered his face and wept, as Salazar bowed his head in shame. Lazarus looked on them in pity, assured them that neither of their lands were in danger of attack. It was only the Great Powers that were targeted and none other. Looking into their eyes, I could sense they were unconvinced. Wordless, both humans went to their vehicle and departed, returning to make their report.

On the morning of the 14th, we entered our diplomatic saucer for the long journey back to the homeworld. Lazarus himself was silent, save for the deep sighs that erupted from his heart. “Ruell, son of Qeeth,” he said to me as we left Earth‘s atmosphere. “There are bitter days ahead for us all, Bontyeri and Terran alike. Let us weep our fill now, kind friend. For there will be no time for weeping when these sad tomorrows come.”

How true his words were.

On December 26th, 1935, a group of our diplomatic saucers landed at the capitals of the Great Powers and several minor ones. Our mission was to set up embassies with those countries, both our future foes and neutral lands. For reasons unknown to me even now, I was assigned to be the Republic’s ambassador to the island of Ireland. I had no schooling in the arts of affairs of state. All these years later, I am barely able to practice them now. I fear I have embarrassed my people and government with many a faux pas, as the French Terrans call it.

During those weeks and months, I kept a record of the military and political events involving Bontyeri and Terrans both. The following will be a summary of those records, along with some personal comments during those times. I pray to the One True Above that they will not seem tedious or self-serving to you who read this chronicle. And if they are, I apologize to you all.

[anonymous4401]

Very interesting start! Well-written, and all that! We do need an Alien AAR, and hopefully this one won't stop after the first update like the other three!

Though it does seem to be in the wrong forum.

[cthulhu]

Interesting... *subscribes*

[The Yogi]

Very nice, very nice indeed!

So, the Catholic Church and Portugal stand, at least morally, behind the alien invaders? Given the list of demands of the aliens I can see why the Church might support their agenda, if not their choice of methods, but why would Portugese dictator Salzar be in their good graces? Aren't they against tyranny?

[Space Papist]

The Bontyeri would not consider countries like Portugal, Belgium, Holland, Turkey, Siam and so on as one of the "Great Powers" that they're fighting. They are mainly after the Allies, Axis and Comintern.

Besides, with the three major blocs in Bontyeri hands, the minor nations would be more "responsive" to their "concerns" over encroaching tyranny in their domains.

For the game format, I've used the 1936 Scenario playing as Ireland. I've planted the Aliens in England, use the "fullcontrol" cheat to give the Aliens some direction to start, then mostly let them go for the first couple of months. So much of the upcoming fiction will be the computer playing against itself (Aliens vs. Allies) with Ruell the son of Qeeth looking on from Dublin.

I plan to post a game month-by-game month account of this AAR.

And I thank you all for reading and commenting the story so far.

[OAM]

Wow! I was thinking of doing something like this, but it would be me defending aginst aliens. This will be cool and I'll definatly read it.

[Spitfire_Pilot]

Nice, and Alien AAR, About time someone made one of these. People have been talking about making one for quite some time now. And nice update by the way.

[lifeless]

very nice beginning! i was wondering...can you play as the aliens or are they like partisans?

[Spitfire_Pilot]

You are able to play as them just type in Alienattack (Province ID#). In the F12 Menu.

[Space Papist]

OPERATIONAL SUMMARY: MONTH ONE

January 1st - 7th, 1936: Our first military forces have landed in the British city of Liverpool. It has enough space for our fighters and bombers to land on and replenish themselves. Our cargo transports have unloaded prefabricated water strike ships (henceforth called “naval” as the Terrans name them) along with dry-docks to weld them together for quick action. Infantry and armored forces have assembled in their bivouacs, many of them still in training. Some divisions - the shock of it all - are still using weapons over forty years old! The scandal of it all. Have our military planners thought this through? Are they not acting too hasty to smash the Great Powers? Do they think we can conquer them all at once?

If so, woe unto us for being so presumptuous.

January 8th - 14th, 1936: The formal declaration of war to the Great Powers was sent to the French, for the British refused to meet with us. Rumors are that Churchill made sure we wouldn’t be received by anyone. So be it.

The 1st Armored Division, in the process of being upgraded, was ordered to take London. The 2nd Armored Division was tasked with making a mad dash all the way through Scotland up to the British naval facilities at Scapa Flow. The 2nd Armored had more advanced heavy assault vehicles - called tanks by the Terrans - but were still considered obsolete compared to their modern day variants.

The infantry divisions, as usual, would slog along behind them as fast as feet could carry them. I pity them all, for I have a nephew and three cousins in the Infantry. Many in the Armored Forces look down upon them as “slowpokes” and “snail feet”. They’ve no cause to do so, for we’re all one army, aren’t we?

On the 8th, British air forces dropped bombs on our positions in Liverpool. We did likewise to them in Sunderland.

On the 9th, the British bombers struck us in two raids on Liverpool. But our forces were making rapid progress against them. That day, the 4th Armored took Sheffield, allowing our fighters and bombers new fields to operate from. The 2nd Armored took Blackpool on it’s way to Scapa Flow. The infantry divisions were either on anti-partisan duties or readying themselves for the march.

In any case, the island of Britain was cut in the middle.

On the 10th, the 3rd Armored entered Cardiff, capital of Wales. The 2nd Armored was scampering it’s way toward Edinburgh. The British hit Liverpool again, as we hit Sunderland again.

On the 11th, a heavy strike force of British bombers attacked the 2nd Armored in overwhelming numbers. They were barely driven away. Goodness, where were the interceptors when they needed them? Were they all asleep or at play?

On the 12th, our strategic bombers attacked Belfast in one raid, while another went all the way to the French island of Corsica. What? Corsica? Are they insane? Enemy forces there pose us no threat yet. The arrogance of these bomber men, really.

Many of our infantrymen now rush up north in the wake of the 2nd Armored. Good hunting, fellows.

On the 13th, the 2nd Armored finally took Edinburgh, resting for a few hours before heading off to Glasgow. Enemy bombers did a raid on Blackpool, but did little if any damage. Our bombers hit Sunderland, Belfast and Corsica again. Now Belfast I can see hitting, as it has nearby ports and airfields to threaten our troops on their way up through Scotland. But Corsica again? Such foul depths of pride, these bomber men. No wonder my heart lies with the Infantry.

On the 14th, the 2nd Armored encountered resistance from British infantry, but easily pushed them back. We also broke up another attack at us from the Birmingham area, and are advancing to take the city. British and French naval forces sail outside of Liverpool, daring us to come out and fight. But our forces will not engage them until they are good and ready. “Never fight a battle on the enemy’s terms,” my cousin Eli in the 83rd Infantry always told me. Surely our Navy has learned a similar lesson.

Apparently, someone in Bomber Command must have seen the same thing I have. Today we bombed Cholet in central France, not Corsica. Closer to the real battle, yes, but still hitting a place of no immediate consequence. Surely their ranks are too lax in discipline. This is a war we are in, not a Summer Festival.

And there has be no word so far, at least to my ears, on what happened to the 1st Armored. They couldn’t have vanished into nothingness, have they?

January 15th - 21st, 1936: I met with DeValera, prime minister of Ireland, and several members of his government. They are hoping for a non-aggression pact from us. They need not worry, for they are no bother to us. Much of the world looks likewise to us anyway.

On the 15th, The 4th Armored took Norwich before local noontime, while our bombers hit the enemy at Birmingham. They also struck Cholet again. Can’t figure out why.

Oh yes, I discovered what happened to the “vaunted and fearless” 1st Armored. They took their own sweet time upgrading their tanks to one level above obsolete. All the while the rest of the Army is sweating and bleeding on that island. Well, they’re on their way to London again. Let’s pray they don’t lose their way.

On the 16th, the 2nd Armored took Glasgow. More infantry are piling into Wales, readying for Heaven knows what. The 1st Armored are speeding into Birmingham, as the enemy pulls back into London. They are fortifying it as fast as they can. And our bombers hit Troyes and Dijon today.

I will have to speak to someone at Bomber Command to find out why. It makes no sense to me at all.

On the 17th, the 2nd Armored attacked Dumfermline, breaking through enemy lines before noon. Meanwhile, the 3rd Armored and six infantry divisions in Wales have struck Bristol, smashing the British before us. And the 1st Armored finally took Birmingham with help from the 54th Infantry. Couldn’t do it by yourselves, could you? And you still think rifle-carriers are inferior to you “tank-men”? You could do with a little humility.

Our bombers hit Troyes again, but also Chaumont. I put a request to Bomber Command for an answer, but have heard nothing yet.

On the 18th, 3rd Armored entered Bristol on their way to Portsmouth. Chalon-sur-Saone was bombed today.

On the 19th, 3rd Armored reached Portsmouth, one of the British main ports. We’ve cut off Plymouth from the rest of the south, and taking it will be easy. British and French naval forces have doubled, launching a sea-based air raid on our Liverpool docks. Little damage was reported. But our navy will not take the bait. Good show, brothers.

The 32nd Infantry, 4th Armored and the “fearless” 1st Armored are attacking London from three directions now. And I’m still angry at the “Fearless First”, as I shall call them from here onward. If they didn’t drag their feet like the “snail feet” they deride, they could have taken the city without a second thought. They are their own worst enemy.

Sunderland was bombed again, and one of our divisions should take it before the month ends.

Troyes and Chaumont hit again. Finally got an answer from Bomber Command. They’re bombing these areas to keep the enemy off-balance as to where we’ll strike next. Playing games with their planners. Ahhh…

On the 20th, the 2nd Armored took Dumfermline, and their way looks clear to Scapa Flow. The 37th Infantry took Sunderland on the march. Fantastic! The 3rd Armored turned east toward Dover, where they’ve run into some decent enemy infantry resistance. Meanwhile we have entered the suburbs of London, where we are wearing down the defenders.

We have bombed Dijon again, as well as Rheims. The enemy tried again to bomb our Liverpool docks, but spent their efforts trying to avoid our anti-air pulse cannon batteries. You’re time will come, be assured.

News has come of late that the British King, George the Fifth, had died. May his soul rest in peace. Our intelligence corps believe his body will be buried quickly, while the rest of the Royal Family is spirited off of the island. Alas, such are the results of war.

On the 21st, the 3rd Armored took Dover by mid-morning. Bomber Command sent two bombings raids on Chalon-sur-Saone with heavy damage to their industries. And the ring around London draws ever tighter, as our forces close in on their financial and government centers. Well and good.

January 22nd - 31st, 1936: This weekend, Mr. DeValera invited me, my wife and my immediate subordinates to a concert of his people’s music and dance. Overall it was an acceptable performance. The instrument called the “bagpipes” quite intrigues me, for it is a very ungainly piece of work. Yet to our ears, it put forth a most unique combination of sounds. I shall ask my Kephan chief of staff to make discreet enquiries about this instrument.

On the 22nd, the French launched a bombing raid on Blackpool which did little damage. In response, Bomber Command launched three massive attacks on the still defiant resistance in central London. The bombing saucers came at them, one after the other, energy spheres turning stone and steel into rubble. It is estimated that over sixty percent of the city’s infrastructure has been shattered. Horrendous!

Our Intelligence believes that the British will set up their new capital somewhere within their Asian domains. Let it be so, for we will catch up with them by-and-by.

On the 23rd, to our utter amazement, Churchill appeared, commanding a division of soldiers scraped up from survivors of yesterday’s bombing raid. They struck us hard and without warning, especially the 7th Infantry. Three of their companies, both Bontyeri and Kephan volunteers, were mowed down like grass in the early morning hours. Oh those poor souls!

Bomber Command sent our troops aid from above, launching six quick raids on the resistance. Only nine and a half percent of the city now remains standing. Dreadful, simply dreadful. Lazarus was right. These are bitter days for we and the Terrans, and these are but the first of many.

Later that afternoon, Intelligence reported that Churchill and his surviving troops joined remnants of British Army HQ to retake Portsmouth! Retake it? Heavens, why didn’t 3rd Armored leave some infantry support behind to patrol the area? So the 4th Infantry was sent in to put the British down, while 3rd Armored just sat there in Dover, doing nothing but admire the area’s white chalk cliffs.

Oh, as for the “Fearless First” Armored? Wonder of wonders, they somehow “changed their minds” about taking London after all and returned to Liverpool. And with no reprimand forthcoming either. This is iniquitous! No wonder my sympathies have always been with the infantry.

In any event, the 7th, 10th and 36th Infantry are now clawing their way through what remains of the capital. The 9th Infantry heads toward Plymouth unhindered, while the 2nd Armored are resting and regrouping before attacking Inverness.

On the 24th, the 7th Infantry finally took London. Bomber Command sent two more raids against some pockets of resistance, but that was totally unnecessary. Only three percent of London remains upright now. They also launched another raid on France, this time at Perpignan. I know not which branch of the Armed Services I despise more, the Armored Divisions - except for the 2nd - or Bomber Command.

Speaking of the 2nd, they have been detoured to take Aberdeen, while two infantry divisions will replace them at Dumfermline. Meanwhile, 4th Infantry advances toward Portsmouth, the remnants of the British heading toward Plymouth. And the Royal Navy have retreated to their base at Scapa Flow. Our navy has refused to give into their temptations. Hurrah!

On the 25th, a force of British bombers attacked the 4th Armored at Norwich, but they got the worst of it. In the meantime, word must have reached Military High Command (MHC), for the commanders of the “Fearless First” are now under investigation for - among other things - cowardice and incompetence in battle. It serves them right.

Part of our navy, including four of our aircraft carriers, are sailing now to our captured port at Glasgow. I don’t know if that’s wise, with the enemy still at Scapa Flow. Are they trying to lure them to battle or what?

Bomber Command are hitting the French harder now, striking at Dijon and Toulouse. But they also hit Belfast again. Why? The DeValera government still considers that area as part of their territory. There is no need to antagonize them. Oh the foolishness of it all.

On the 26th, the 9th Infantry entered Plymouth, there to await the arrival of the scraps of the British Army coming from Portsmouth. Some of them comes with their hands up, tired and ragged. I learned earlier today from our liaison with the Irish Army that the “hands up” gesture among humans means one is surrendering. Well-well…..

The 41st Infantry hit the British in Inverness, driving them back. The 38th Infantry support them in the assault. The 2nd Armored are fast becoming the ONLY Armored Division that I can honestly approve of. Stout fellows they are!

And the carriers arrived at Glasgow untouched. Thank the One True Above!

On the 27th, French fighters intercepted our bombers over the English Channel, but we drove them off. A small British bombing force attacked London but the 7th and one other division shooed them away. We retaliated by bombing Saint-Etienne.

On the 28th, the 4th Infantry finally took Portsmouth and captured the last of the enemy there. But they never found Churchill or several of his staff. Better luck next time then. The French bombed Plymouth and the British bombed London again, but to no avail.

A huge French fleet, including some carriers, sailed in front of Liverpool this morning. So our carriers based at Glasgow steamed back to Liverpool. Around midnight, both fleets collided for the first time. And it doesn’t look good for our Naval brothers.

On the 29th, the 2nd Armored took Aberdeen. And the carrier fleet barely got back to Liverpool with pretty bad damage.

On the 30th and 31st, we bombed Montpelier in France, while the fleet was patched up in Liverpool. We now have seven-eighths of the island of Britain in our hands, as more fresh divisions arrived from the homeworld, our colonies and from Kephan volunteers. Unless I am presumptuous, I think we will surely have some of the Terrans themselves join us in this struggle. May Heaven will it so.

[anonymous4401]

Ah, poor Britain falls first. Are you playing as the Aliens? If so, are your bombers somehow not under your command?

[Space Papist]

Originally Posted by anonymous4401

Ah, poor Britain falls first. Are you playing as the Aliens? If so, are your bombers somehow not under your command?

In the scenario, i'm playing as Ireland, letting the Aliens and Allies fight it out. I only play the Aliens when needed to further the story.

Hope this helps.

[lifeless]

very nice update! so britain falls...france will be next and the rest will fall like dominos...

[therev]

looking forward to developments

[Space Papist]

OPERATIONAL SUMMARY: Month Two

February 1st - 7th, 1936: It was a cold, cold winter here in Dublin. Sometimes rain, sometimes snow. The cobblestone streets in certain areas here can be troublesome to walk on if one isn’t careful. My Kephan chief of staff is better able to navigate these streets, since their race’s feet are almost the same size as the Terrans. He’s better able to blend in with the Irish, feeling them out and discerning the mood of the street. Thank the One for a soul like him.

So far, that mood is mixed. From what little we’ve been able to decipher, the average Dubliner is glad the British have all but collapsed before us. For these Irish humans have had a bitter, centuries-long struggle with their neighbors. But they also hear of the punishment we’ve dealt them and feel sorry for the civilians caught in the middle of this titanic struggle. When they saw what happened to London - presented to them through a media outlet called a “newsreel” - they were shocked into silence.

We saw one of these newsreels ourselves, my staff and I, at a local theatre here called the Metropole. It showed what happened to the city using a before-and-after comparison. We left the theatre stunned. Three of the lower level staff officers actually cried in pity for the British, the pictures of London turned into charred ruins and thick piles of smoke-gray dust burned into their memories.

I will inform both Bomber Command and MHC on what has transpired here.

On the 1st, the 38th Infantry continued their march toward Aberdeen. The remaining British land forces on the island are now rushing toward Aberdeen as fast as they can.

In naval matters, there was a huge battle on the Solway Firth, off of the West Scottish coast. In the pouring rain, our navy joined hands with both Fighter Command and Bomber Command to attack two British aircraft carriers on the Firth. Both enemy carriers were driven off to join their fellows now based at Belfast. They, in turn, attacked our docks at Liverpool for minor damage.

In air matters, Bomber Command bombed Brest and an airbase in Paris.

On the 2nd, British and French bombers, for the second day, hit the 9th Infantry occupying Plymouth. The 9th is driving them off well enough, but two more divisions are being set to reinforce them. We, in turn, bombed airbases around Paris and factories in Nantes.

On the 3rd, British and French bombers attacked us in Sheffield and Plymouth. We, in turn, bombed Rennes and Paris.

On the 4th, Plymouth was hit again. We, in turn, his airbases in Paris and factories in Nantes.

On the 5th, the British tried to land an attacking force near Glasgow. The 5th Armored met them at the beaches and stopped the attack. Prisoners were taken and the enemy transports driven away. Bomber Command against attacked Paris and Lorient.

On the 6th, we landed our troops into Belfast. Known as “Operation: Silent Wonder”, the 21st, 25th and 26th Infantry landed in that port city around local noon. We landed unopposed and as quietly as possible. We marched toward the port facilities, catching the British by surprise again. They began evacuating their ships as quickly as they could. We were ordered to let them leave unhindered, so as to calm the fears of the locals. By midnight, the port was ours. Miraculous!

While this was happening, the 38th Infantry took Inverness. After they rest, they shall head toward Stornoway and the Hebrides Islands. The 2nd Armored will take their place in a few days.

Paris and Nantes were bombed again, while the enemy bombed our troops in Birmingham.

On the 7th, the 38th Infantry was rerouted to take Scapa Flow, as there were no transports scheduled to land them. They smashed the local defenses with ease.

Meanwhile, our bombers and fighters have been assigned to hit the British and French fleets in the Irish Sea. For the British fleet has based itself now at Portadown.

February 8th to 14th, 1936: Our troops in Northern Ireland are behaving themselves quite well, thankfully. They patrol the streets without incident, stay polite and keep out of trouble. Belfast has become quiet since our landing, though. The factories and mills were shut down since we arrived and by the workers themselves. Few go out to their marketplaces to buy their foodstuffs. No one has gone to their taverns, or “pubs” as they call them here in Dublin. So all the streets are quiet.

I dare say we frighten them so much, they won’t leave their homes. That hurts my heart to hear it. It truly does.

On the 8th, the British fleet at Portadown left to engage our navy in the Solway Firth again. Fighter Command and bomber Command re-routed as many saucers as they could spare to attack the Royal Navy in the Irish Sea. They fought since local dawn. Alas, we still have too few ships to our name to outnumber them and had to retreat, losing four destroyer divisions and the aircraft carrier Westward. But we did sink five enemy heavy cruisers in turn - five less ships to trouble us. The bombers, however, continue their attacks, both day and night.

On the 9th, we bombed Paris again. I am hoping against hope that Bomber Command learned their lesson from what happened in London.

On the 10th, we hit the airbases in Paris again. The 38th Infantry arrived in Scapa Flow this evening, allowing the remaining British ships to leave unhindered, just like we did with Belfast. The men of the 2nd Armored have been behaving in Aberdeen like good soldiers and true. And rumors have come to my ear that a division of Terran volunteers is being raised. Well-well…

On the 11th, we launched another amphibious invasion, under the code “Operation: Wet Whistle”. Crossing the English Channel, our troop transports are landing five infantry divisions - led by the 33rd and 45th - onto French soil near the city of Caen.

On the 12th, the enemy bombed Liverpool again, while our bombers hit the Royal Fleet sailing out of Portadown.

On the 13th, the 26th Infantry entered Portadown, with our troops reaching the Irish border by mid-afternoon. Save for Stornoway and the Hebrides, all of Great Britain is now in our hands. Bless the One True Above!

Four groups of French bombers attacked London this morning, but were driven of. We sent one squadron of bombers to hit Paris, but they were driven off themselves. Our bombers were attacking the Royal Navy in the Solway Firth again. Scaring them a lot, but so far not sinking any ships.

On the 14th, we bombed Paris again and they bombed London again. It is getting to be routine now, alas.

February 15th - 21st, 1936: For the very first time, I’ve tried the Terran confection called “ice cream”. The embassy medical team first tested some that my Kephan chief of staff bought for us. It was tested both for poison (none found) and for assimilation by our stomachs (able to be, but not on a regular basis). “Vanilla” and “strawberry” flavors are something that cannot be described, only experienced. And that with the greatest of pleasure. Ahhh…..

On the 15th, we spied French troops heading toward our positions at Caen. We’re waiting for both supplies and reinforcements before moving on. Meanwhile, the Royal Navy has based itself at Stornoway, awaiting orders from their superiors I reckon.

On the 16th, Late last night, the 4th Armored attacked a French cavalry division at Argentan. (Terrans have four-legged creatures called “horses” that they employ for such military duties as this.) Thanks to some communications mix-ups, the eight infantry divisions that landed with the 4th Armored didn’t support the attack until sunrise. But all went well afterwards and the French retreated.

Later that morning, French bombers attacked the docks at Portsmouth again. But the guns of the 14th Infantry kept them at bay.

Later that evening, a French armored division made contact with the 4th Armored and her support. It looks like they will be defeated easily.

Further late that evening, Royal Navy elements attacked our troop transports in the Channel. They retreated as quickly as they could.

On sunrise of the 17th, the 4th Armored took Argentan. The enemy tank division retreated toward Paris. Meanwhile, our troop transports were able to break away from the Royal Navy and head for the eastern English shore.

On the 18th, around local noon, Bomber Command launched an attack on a British-allied troop transports heading toward the Irish Sea from around Belfast.

For the rest of the day and into the night, our bombers attacked the Royal Navy forces based in Cherbourg and in the Channel. It looks like Bomber Command’s arrogance finally caught up with them and made them lose face. Not a single ship was sunk. Well, they brought it on themselves.

On the 19th, 4th Armored attacked Le Havre, supported by the infantry. They intercepted another French tank division coming towards Argenten. The fight was long and hard, lasting all day. But the French attack was broken up, and they retreated toward Dieppe as evening drew on. We also continued bombing enemy ships in the Channel.

At local midnight on the 20th, a French infantry division did a sneak attack on the 4th Armored but were pushed back with ease. But as we are close to Paris, the enemy offensives will become fiercer as time passes.

Nine hours later, two infantry divisions attacked the 4th Armored as it crawled closer to Le Havre.

As the day wore on, the French brought three more infantry divisions to bear on us, two of them with their version of anti-tank guns. Fighting continued into the night.

On the 21st, a total of seven French infantry divisions were attack the 4th Armored and our infantry. Valiant fellows all, but we were still progressing in spite of them.

At local noon, four French bomber divisions attacked London but were chased away. All during the day, we continued our bombing attacks against French and British naval units. And the French kept up a stiff resistance to our advance on Le Havre. I must admit, these French are tougher than we thought. Give credit where it is due.

February 22nd - 30th, 1936: It took long days of negotiation, but bless the One, we did it! On the 22nd, we signed a formal non-aggression pact with Ireland. Both we and the Irish were relieved. On the same day, we also signed similar pacts with Austria, Belgium, Greece, Lithuania, Persia, Poland, Portugal, the Philippines and Siam. There was also a “letter of understanding” signed with the Holy See and with Tibet.

All in all, an excellent and productive day, at least for the Diplomatic Corps.

On the 22nd, our interceptors chased away an enemy raid against Norwich. And the 4th Armored finally entered Le Havre around local midnight. But the French kept up their attacks, including some - admittedly - brilliant small-unit tactics.

On the 23rd, French resistance was wearing down the 4th Armored severely. Two enemy infantry - one with artillery - and two cavalry divisions kept up a steady attack. Our infantry back in Caen has still organizing and re-supplying when Le Havre was taken. It looks like we will be forced back before too long.

On the 24th, our eight infantry divisions were ordered to attack Dieppe and assist the 4th Armored. But around evening tide, we were forced to retreat from Le Havre back to Argenten. Such is the ebb and flow of war.

On the morning of the 25th, we landed five infantry divisions at Dunkerque. Meanwhile, the French attacked our troops from Le Havre and Paris. And it looks like the battered 4th Armored may lose us Argenten.

On the morning of the 26th, we retreated from Argenten, yet we broke the French attack from Le Havre and are advancing toward that city once again. Meanwhile, the infantry at Dunkerque are advancing down the coast toward Dieppe, intent on linking up with the Caen attack. Can they succeed?

On the 27th, French resistance stiffened near Le Havre, as it also pushed us back from Argenten. Meanwhile, the 11th Corps marches down from Dunkerque.

During the day, both British and French ships attacked our troop transports again. They were blessed to have escaped at all, heading for their new base at Norwich. But they carried out their mission and landed the 17th Corps of seven infantry divisions at Dunkerque.

And as always, the French attacked either London or Portsmouth or Plymouth with their bombers.

On the 28th, the 17th Corps attacked Lille, while our bombers tried to hit the Royal and French navies again. We are building new destroyers in Liverpool, however they won’t be ready for another two months. Curses on it! And in the meantime, French naval forces sun one of our transports in The Wash, off the Sheffield coast. Blast it all.

Meanwhile, the 4th Armored has retreated to Caen, battered and bruised. It’s eight infantry divisions, organized as the 1st Corps, are still attacking Le Havre.

Near local midnight, the 11th Corps took Calais and immediately attack the French, who had an armored division in their ranks. By midnight, all but the enemy tanks had retreated to Amiens.

On the 29th, the French did light raids on the 1st Corps but were pushed back. However the Australians, an ally of the British, have now landed four infantry divisions at Stornoway. They are adequate protection for the Royal Navy elements there. We’d best keep an eye on them, lest they do much mischief to us.

On midmorning of the 30th, the 1st Corps took Dieppe, attacking a French infantry division at Amiens and forcing them back. As evening drew onward, the 17th Corps took Lille, pushing aside French resistance there. Now the whole northwest coast of France is ours.

[lifeless]

very nice work! with all the Terrans..will there be a Protoss or Zerg?

[Carthade]

I demand screenshots!

[Space Papist]

Originally Posted by lifeless

very nice work! with all the Terrans..will there be a Protoss or Zerg?

I don't know who these races are. Sorry.

[Space Papist]

Originally Posted by Carthade

I demand screenshots!

If I can find out how without screwing everything up, okay. but I cannot guarantee it.
Sorry.

[DeSota]

I'm curious did you just make up the thing about Zetas liking strawberry ice cream or did you read it somewhere?