[PRIVATE] Command and Operations Center

[Voshkod]

"It's an interesting idea, Captain. We could acquire the subs covertly. We could even cover a small slipway in one of the fjords, to prevent satellite or aerial discovery. My concern is the crews. You're going to have some two hundred men working those subs. Someone will talk. Something like that can't be kept secret too long.

"On the other hand, what if we just covered some slipways and let some crewmen talk about the new Russian nuke boats we had? Let the Tillies and the Spainish search for our non-existant Akulas, while our diesel boats make the killing shots? Cheaper, that's for sure."

 

[HJ Tulp]

"Hmmmm yes sir indeed the crews are a problem however we could silence the crew by offering them more pay and on the other hand life-imprisonement or even the fire-squad if they talk. We could have SAW bug them and follow them. The problem with your proposal sir is that the dieselboats make more noise then the Akula's. When they search for the 'Akulas' they will find the diesels. If they think we've got Akulas they'll just guard there capital vessels better instead of sailing further away. Offcourse my plan is expensive sir, very expensive, but without those secret Akulas we have to have a surface fleet capable of defeating the whole combined fleets of the Tillies and the Spaniards instead of severly damaged ones."

 

[Voshkod]

"Hmmm. I always thought diesel boats were quieter than the nuke boats, at least when they're running on batteries. We can threaten the crews with imprisonment - the new laws on state secrets would allow that. We could justify more pay - working in proximity to the reactors could be seen as risky. We'd need OSO to handle the purchasing and the 'money laundering' aspect of things, which means we'd need to bring in the Minister. Think he'll respond well? He's a better man than I expected the Socialists to put in office, and he seems to like the covert side of things."

[OOC: In reality, I think a well-maintained diesel boat is quieter (unless you're talking about an American boomer)]

 

[HJ Tulp]

"Hmmm. I always thought diesel boats were quieter than the nuke boats, at least when they're running on batteries. We can threaten the crews with imprisonment - the new laws on state secrets would allow that. We could justify more pay - working in proximity to the reactors could be seen as risky. We'd need OSO to handle the purchasing and the 'money laundering' aspect of things, which means we'd need to bring in the Minister. Think he'll respond well? He's a better man than I expected the Socialists to put in office, and he seems to like the covert side of things."

[OOC: In reality, I think a well-maintained diesel boat is quieter (unless you're talking about an American boomer)]

[OOC: well I have to admit that I'm not a expert on subs but aren't it the moving parts that make the noise? And wouldn't that mean that Dieselsubs would make more noise then nuke-subs? I'll try to look into it ]

 

[Voshkod]

[OOC: well I have to admit that I'm not a expert on subs but aren't it the moving parts that make the noise? And wouldn't that mean that Dieselsubs would make more noise then nuke-subs? I'll try to look into it ]

[OOC: When submerged and on batteries, the major moving part on the diesel boat is the prop. They make a lot of noise when they snorkel for fresh air and to run the diesel engines. A nuke boat has reactor noises at all times (and if it doesn't, it has even bigger problems).]

 

[HJ Tulp]

[Hmmmm, yeah but exactly how much noise do Nuke subs make and what if they don't move? They still make noise? There are other cons about conventional subs but that's offcourse IC ]

 

[Voshkod]

[OOC: Nuke subs always make some noise, even when stationary, as the pumps on the reactors always have to be on. A stationary or creeping diesel can be almost silent. Nonetheless, an Akula is a fast, quiet nuke boat with advanced weapons and would be a hell of a threat - if we can get some]

 

[HJ Tulp]

[OOC: I'll take this thing IC again ]

After quickly reading some documents the young Captain looks to the General again.

"Sorry sir I was mistaken. Nuclear subs do make more noise then Diesels. For example the Kilo class submarine is alot more silent. However the problem is that the Kilo can only stay underwater for 7 hours at most according to my sources. If we want to keep our subs a secret or even approach Spain then we need better then that. The new German subs would do the trick, they can stay underwater for more then a week. But we can't purchase those vessels, even if the embargoe is lifted. The Germans would tell the Spanish right away. The Improved Akula is our only shot. Maybe we can try to work with the Russians to make ours even more silent? If you agree I will try to persuade the MDIS."

 

[Voshkod]

"Worth a shot, Captain. Two improved Akulas would be a hell of a threat. The Americans might figure out we had them via SOSUS, but they might just think the Russians are cruising about as well. I doubt Tilipian or Spanish ASW is up to the task of killing them, either. Make your pitch to the Minister."

 

[HJ Tulp]

"Worth a shot, Captain. Two improved Akulas would be a hell of a threat. The Americans might figure out we had them via SOSUS, but they might just think the Russians are cruising about as well. I doubt Tilipian or Spanish ASW is up to the task of killing them, either. Make your pitch to the Minister."

"I will sir, thank you. Now if you excuse me sir I have to meet the Minister." After that Captain Tulp salutes his superior and then walks to the MDIS room.

 

[Voshkod]

The response from Minister Keller relating to environmental issues is distributed to appropriately cleared officers on the Joint Staff, so planning can begin on the operation, Captain Tulp and Captain McGrath among them.

Careful placement of tabs and post-its ensures that no one misses this charming line:

Lieutenant General Levarge, I must admit I'm not much of a fighter, and am not very fond of the military. However, in a world like this it is a necessary evil.

 

[unmerged(24047)]

OOC: At the Great Excercise (i don't know if it exist in english, but the exact translation from italian would be Great Maneuvers) Cap. McGrath will write on his helmet "Necessary Evil"

Captain McGrath walked into the Pit, spotting immediately Lt. General Levarge and saluting him.
"General, is that true? We have the green light from the MESA to take our boys do some jogging?"

 

[Voshkod]

"Looks like it, Captain. I'm trying to get some night-time maneuvers approved as well. This may be a big show; the Americans may turn out to watch, and it may evolve into joint ops with the Tillies and the Espies. How do you feel about night-time airborne deployment into wooded terrain?"

 

[unmerged(24047)]

"General, i would be lying by telling we are totally ready. But i think we can do it, sir. Would that be an helo insertion? If that's the idea, i want to plan the thing as soon as possible with the helicopter units..."

 

[Voshkod]

"Captain, if you want to participate in the exercise, I can't really tell you anything else. So, do you want to jump, or do you want to be on the exercise staff?"

 

[unmerged(24047)]

"Sir, i'm honoured by your offr, but i think my duty is to jump with my men. That's where i have to be."

 

[Voshkod]

"Good answer, Captain. Guess you'll have to wait to see what going to happen. By the way: how long have you been at rank?"

 

[unmerged(24047)]

"I'm a Captain for 4 years, sir"

 

[Voshkod]

"Too long. Find yourself some oak leaves on your way out, and I'll put together the promotion papers, Major. Get me a report on LIRA combat effectiveness. Dismissed."

 

[unmerged(24047)]

"Thank you Sir, the report will be on your desk tomorrow"

Capt...ehm Major McGrath turned and left the room.