08-06-2020, 04:16 AM
(Joint post with [nation]Legionas[/nation])
August 1st
Nicholas Moretti paced the cabin, thoughts flooding his mind at an almost uncontrollable speed. He knew, and everyone else on that plane knew, that Legionas must try and act, in the defense of Texōccoatl and Yauhmi, in the defense of peace for East Caxcana and her people. Nobody wanted a conflict, yet everyone mentally prepared themselves for the worst. Moretti, unsure of what to do, gauged the emotion in the cabin. He could feel the gaze of everyone else on that plane, they pierced his body, scanning his thoughts, picking out his intents. A jolt threw him off balance, making him mutter curses under his breath. He began to feel nauseous, the plane had entered a rough patch of turbulence. He felt as if his mind had been scrambled, he needed to sit down. He moved over to the bar and poured himself a glass of Eirian Liquor, downing it without second thought. He felt his mind at ease for a second, allowing him to steel himself adequately. He downed another glass, rose and loosened his tie. This small gesture subconsciously signaled that he was about to deal with a potentially dangerous situation. The deck was definitely stacked against Texōccoatl and Yauhmi, that was for sure, and only the Most High could save them. Moretti knew of the wrath of Xochiuhue, he knew that extreme force was about to be laid down, and that it would be administered without mercy upon Chuaztlapoc. He, nevertheless, knew what he must do. He waited anxiously as contact with Texōccoatl was being established.
Texōccoatl was in the midst of an emergency meeting with Brigadier General Tlanexchel and the members of his acting Cabinet when the call came through. He quickly motioned everyone to silence and took the call. “This is Texōccoatl. Thank you for calling me, Prime Minister. I’m sorry for the delay in taking the call, but things are a bit hectic here as you might expect.”
Moretti paused for a second, the deafening silence of the cabin reassuring him. "Yes, definitely. I can't imagine the stress you are going through at the moment, but hopefully I can offer some aid to you on behalf of His Majesty, and the rest of the Kingdom. I'd first like to offer my sympathies over what you and your mother have had to go through during these troubling times. I hope you are doing well."
”I am doing as well as can be expected, thank you for asking. I’m recovering well from the recent attempt on my life, thankfully, and should be back to normal soon. My mother....clearly has not fared as well,” Texōccoatl said in a tone of voice that did not bode well for those who had mistreated her. “But I know she will be grateful for your support as well.”
Moretti listened while watching as his aides frantically prepared digital maps of Xiomera, the adjacent seas as well as arranging information on the Junta's influential figures on a series of electronic devices to be at Moretti's disposal. The Prime Minister shifted his posture on hearing the subtle yet noticeable change of tone in Texoccoatl's voice. The man definitely had gone through hell, along with his mother who had definitely been through some serious shit. "Thank goodness you survived, you and your mother. With that being said, I understand the serious danger your mother is in at the moment." Moretti looked back at his aide-de-camp who had been receiving information of troop movements in Xiomera. A substantial force was definitely on the move, towards Yauhmi. A laptop was placed close to the Prime Minister, of which he scanned the images displayed. "I'm afraid to inform you that what seems to be a very large force advancing towards Chuaztlapoc. Time is of the essence it seems, and I on behalf of the Kingdom of Legionas would like to lend a hand in armed suppo..." He was distracted by a dispatch from the Admiralty which was placed in front of him, disclosing the location of the Third Fleet, returning to base following a series of naval exercises in the Tenebric Ocean, near the Indigo Islands. The fleet was west of Cenotillo Island, in range of the Xiomeran mainland. "We would be willing to dedicate as many resources as you would require, in the event of a conflict. Evacuation of your mother is also possible at the moment, with our Third Fleet within range of her location." Moretti motioned for contact with Admiral Gustavsson to be made with haste as he unbuttoned his collar button.
”This is a very welcome offer, and I would be happy to accept on behalf of our government. I will say, however, that I doubt my mother will evacuate. She has chosen to make her stand at Chuaztlapoc for a reason. Besides, running away isn’t her style.” Texōccoatl was looking at his own maps and information as the cabinet hastily prepared their own plans for him. “What would be most helpful would be airstrikes in support of the forces that are currently in position trying to defend Chuaztlapoc. There are people on the ground ready to fight, and the addition of the battalion that defected and the Civil Guard units will help. But they have no substantial air power and only limited air defenses.”
An aide brought forth a map of Chuaztlapoc, showing the city and its adjacent suburbs. Moretti moved forward, his eyes engrossed in the study of the map. It reminded him of his time in the Air Force, studying detailed maps with his squad mates before takeoff. He swallowed his saliva, this truly was a war. A war of liberation. Moretti began estimating potential casualties, and winced. He knew however that blood must be spilt in the battle against a tyrant. Another piece of information was passed to him, one infantry division as well as two motorized and one armored batalions were in the Zarmeza Islands, participating in biannual war games. "Yes, I believe we can aid in the skies. We also can aid on land, with a few thousand troops in position at the border islands."
”The troops you have in position could serve as a diversionary tactic, to divert some of the forces in western Xiomera from any assault on Chuaztlapoc.” Texōccoatl was thinking quickly as he looked at his maps. “Moving then into position as if they were about to advance into the border islands or western Xiomera could divert substantial numbers of the forces Xochiuhue was planning to send there.”
"I will create contact with Army Command as soon as I can." he said while making eye contact with his press secretary who stumbled, dropping his laptop and smashing the screen. Moretti sighed and continued his study of maps and information. A thought soon crossed his mind, "When will you be returning to Xiomera, Texōccoatl?"
”The timetable for that, under the circumstances, will need to be greatly accelerated.” Texōccoatl sighed. “We hadn’t planned to mount our offensive operations for several weeks yet. But best-laid plans, and all that.” The Crown Prince paused. “I should bring you up to speed on what our plans are. With support from friendly nations, we had planned to force a landing at the city of Zapotlán. The city sits atop the thin strip of land that connects Xiomera proper, in the east, to the rest of the Empire. Our plan was to cut the country in half and isolate Xochiuhue’s forces in the east. We think we can convince the people in the west to side with us.”
"I see, Zapotlán definitely would have been an exceptionable strategic target, and with probable aid from us as well as other allies of your government the plan could have worked. Fortunately enough, or rather unfortunately, your mother has been able to fast-forward events, especially with the news of Xochiuhue's injury. If we can move swiftly I am sure of our success and the reinstating of the rightful government." Moretti was distracted once again by the relative chaos that was unfolding in the cabin with aides rushing to get as much information as possible in the aid of Texōccoatl and his forces. Contact was also being established with naval, aerial and ground command, with streamlined uninterrupted information between Moretti and Texōccoatl's command center being paramount. Success was soon achieved with an open secure line to all Legionite Armed Forces Commands soon being established. "We have been able to create a channel between your command center and our armed forces command, Admiral Gustavsson, of the Third Fleet, has also been reached. I will have one of my aides confirm that the line is indeed operational. Is there anything else that myself or Force Command would need to know?"
”The very first thing: don’t get too close to the shoreline, at least not yet,” Texōccoatl said without hesitation. “There will be shore defenses present, but the bigger problem will be the XM-350-M. It’s a mobile anti-ship missile system we have, that can cripple or even sink warships. It has a range of up to 3000 miles, and being mobile, it’s damn hard to pin down.”
"If any anti-ship missile is fired at our ships, I will be forced to consider it an act of war." Moretti stated, much to the shock of his aides. His aide-de-camp nodded silently, knowing full well of the scale of a Legionite retaliation. He nevertheless relayed the information to Naval Command, stressing the need to avoid detection by Junta Shoreline Defenses. Back at Aerial Command, contact was being established with Space Command at Atraxes Island, where the White Hawk was being utilized for reconnaissance. A hastily formed file of the XM-350-M was being created, much to the chagrin of Moretti who wondered why information of the weapon was not already collected. "Our land forces are in position, Mr Moretti," Isaiah Thompson, his aide-de-camp said, while simultaneously handing him a file showing the force present at the border islands, around 56,000 men in total, with several hundred tanks, armored personnel carriers and artillery pieces. Lorstan Air Base was also at high alert, with around 100 or so jets ready to be scrambled at any time. "Our land forces are ready, hopefully they will serve as a fitting temporary distraction for Xochiuhue's forces."
”I believe that they will,” Texōccoatl replied, a bit stunned with how quickly things were moving, but pleased as well. He had been waiting in exile for long enough, and with Yauhmi free, he felt like they finally had a chance. “Contact Minister Errante and also contact Ms. Rouchard, we need to loop them into all of this,” the Crown Prince told his aides. They quickly picked up additional phone lines. “We still plan to proceed with our plan to move at Zapotlán. With Xochiuhue committing so many forces to Chuaztlapoc, he will be stretching his defenses thin. This will give us the perfect opportunity to strike.”
Moretti grinned, he had found a new appreciation for the Kingdom's innovative Strategic Mobilization Strategy. He also appreciated the relative ease of communication 40,000 feet above the ground, Taheton 1 quickly becoming his very own Mobile Command Center. "Sir, I have word from the Third Fleet. Recon jets have noted movement in several positions close to the shore. We don't have confirmation yet, but we are sure that the junta knows of our intentions." Moretti's grin faded, and his demeanor quickly became that of worry. He knew that the Third Fleet must avoid being the recipient of a direct strike by Xiomeran anti ship ordnance. "We need them to move further northwest, closer to, uhhh, farther away from Cenotillo and Manauia Island. Have Admiral Gustavsson adopt a holding position and await naval command's orders. "Mr Texōccoatl, how many troops will you be able to utilize on a landing at Zapotlán?"
”Between the troops that have defected to our side and the volunteers we have who have been training in Milintica, we have a good sized force available. The 1st Expeditionary Brigade and the International Legion form the core of our force. They’re either Jaguar Warriors or trained by Jaguar Warriors, so they are a formidable force. They number about 8500 in total. Then, we managed to convince the 17th Brigade of the Army, which was deployed to Vulkaria, to join us. They add another 5500 troops. So the formal military contingent is 14,000 in total.” Texōccoatl quickly looked through some numbers on a tablet. “We also have our volunteers - they’re not as well trained or equipped as regular military forces, of course, but they’re prepared as much as we can be under these constraints. They add another 5000 to our total. So, we have a total of 19,000 troops we can deploy at Zapotlán. We can definitely use some naval support as we land, but the 1st Fleet will be deployed as well to aid us.” Texōccoatl paused. “The forces currently defending Chuaztlapoc....are not quite as robust. We estimate there are about 2000 Shorn Ones, 2000 regular Army troops, and 6000 or so former Civil Guard soldiers there, as far as a formal military contingent. There are also volunteers there also - we estimate that in total there are 12,000 defenders in place at Chuaztlapoc.”
"The defenders of Chuaztlapoc are definitely small in number, and that is worrying. If they can assemble perimeter defenses such as anti tank ditches, destruction of roads and bridges leading up to the city as well as assemble ambush teams near the city, that could aid in the stalling of Xochiuhue’s forces. The forces that are attempting the landing at Zapotlán sound ideal, although they may encounter resistance since the city is a massive strategic target. I will have information of the defenses of Zapotlán confirmed via recon as soon as possible. We will also be able to supply around 84 ships in close air support if necessary." Moretti looked at one of his aides who knew of the hangar capacities of Orion and Chiron, the sister aircraft carriers of the Third Fleet. She confirmed his estimation, and he continued. "When the assault commences I'm sure we'll be able to coordinate everything. I believe the top priority plans are the defense of Chuaztlapoc?" Moretti asked.
”As much as it pains me to say this, the beachhead at Zapotlán has to take precedence over everything else,” Texōccoatl said after a moment. “If we miss this chance to break through, any future attempts will be far more costly and difficult. Our current plan is to stage the assault at Zapotlán while simultaneously providing air cover and fleet support as much as possible to the defenders at Chuaztlapoc. Your diversion on our western border, coupled with our attack at Zapotlán, will hopefully force Xochiuhue to redeploy his forces elsewhere and weaken his attack on Chuaztlapoc enough to give the defenders a fighting chance.” Texōccoatl’s voice was clearly saddened as he said this, but it was clear that he was making a tough choice.
"Attack sometimes is the best defense, let's hope this is one of those times. If we are to ensure that the assault on Zapotlán will pay dividends later on, we may also need the troops on the ground to disable as much infrastructure that Xochiuhue’s forces may be using. Things like disabling network lines that I'm sure pass through the city. Zapotlán must become a citadel as well, strong enough to hold Xochiuhue’s Eastern Forces." Moretti motioned for his personal secretary to pour him another glass of Eirian Liquor, his mind beginning to swirl once more, due in part to the stressful situation he was in. Taheton 1's captain, an experienced ex-Air Force Wing Commander, had adopted a holding pattern over the skies of Aunistria, allowing Moretti to aid in a civil war that was about to go hot. The cabin too had become as streamlined as possible to allow as much information as possible to be collected, analyzed, prepared and sent over to relevant parties. On the ground too, the situation was being discussed by the Minister of Defense, and the Legionite General Staff. If Legionas was to be attacked by Xochiuhue’s forces, 56,000 men were at the ready to pour into Huenya, with a further 250,000 troops being able to be mobilized and in position within 96 Hours. Direct war though, was not on the mind of Moretti, he knew this was not his fight. He, and the Kingdom of Legionas, were merely allies in a civil war that would forever scar East Caxcana.
Texōccoatl nodded, handing information over to his aides to disseminate and begin enacting instructions. “Disabling or taking over control of essential infrastructure will be our first priority. Fortifying Zapotlán and ensuring it can be held to fulfill the first phase of our plan will be highly important as well. If Zapotlán and Chuaztlapoc both are able to hold, it will demoralize the forces loyal to Xochiuhue and could even possibly spark upheaval within the ranks of the junta. We greatly appreciate any help you can provide with our plans.”
"We will definitely be able to aid, in any capacity that is required. Fortunately, communication channels between your command center and our force commands have been established and are operational. With most pressing issues prepared and out of the way, I believe we can complete this impromptu meeting." Moretti downed his glass of Eirian liquor and motioned for the table to be cleared. "The Kingdom of Legionas is with you in this fight, as an ally. We hope that by our combined firepower, we can defeat this pretender to your throne, and restore peace and harmony to Huenya!"
August 1st
Nicholas Moretti paced the cabin, thoughts flooding his mind at an almost uncontrollable speed. He knew, and everyone else on that plane knew, that Legionas must try and act, in the defense of Texōccoatl and Yauhmi, in the defense of peace for East Caxcana and her people. Nobody wanted a conflict, yet everyone mentally prepared themselves for the worst. Moretti, unsure of what to do, gauged the emotion in the cabin. He could feel the gaze of everyone else on that plane, they pierced his body, scanning his thoughts, picking out his intents. A jolt threw him off balance, making him mutter curses under his breath. He began to feel nauseous, the plane had entered a rough patch of turbulence. He felt as if his mind had been scrambled, he needed to sit down. He moved over to the bar and poured himself a glass of Eirian Liquor, downing it without second thought. He felt his mind at ease for a second, allowing him to steel himself adequately. He downed another glass, rose and loosened his tie. This small gesture subconsciously signaled that he was about to deal with a potentially dangerous situation. The deck was definitely stacked against Texōccoatl and Yauhmi, that was for sure, and only the Most High could save them. Moretti knew of the wrath of Xochiuhue, he knew that extreme force was about to be laid down, and that it would be administered without mercy upon Chuaztlapoc. He, nevertheless, knew what he must do. He waited anxiously as contact with Texōccoatl was being established.
Texōccoatl was in the midst of an emergency meeting with Brigadier General Tlanexchel and the members of his acting Cabinet when the call came through. He quickly motioned everyone to silence and took the call. “This is Texōccoatl. Thank you for calling me, Prime Minister. I’m sorry for the delay in taking the call, but things are a bit hectic here as you might expect.”
Moretti paused for a second, the deafening silence of the cabin reassuring him. "Yes, definitely. I can't imagine the stress you are going through at the moment, but hopefully I can offer some aid to you on behalf of His Majesty, and the rest of the Kingdom. I'd first like to offer my sympathies over what you and your mother have had to go through during these troubling times. I hope you are doing well."
”I am doing as well as can be expected, thank you for asking. I’m recovering well from the recent attempt on my life, thankfully, and should be back to normal soon. My mother....clearly has not fared as well,” Texōccoatl said in a tone of voice that did not bode well for those who had mistreated her. “But I know she will be grateful for your support as well.”
Moretti listened while watching as his aides frantically prepared digital maps of Xiomera, the adjacent seas as well as arranging information on the Junta's influential figures on a series of electronic devices to be at Moretti's disposal. The Prime Minister shifted his posture on hearing the subtle yet noticeable change of tone in Texoccoatl's voice. The man definitely had gone through hell, along with his mother who had definitely been through some serious shit. "Thank goodness you survived, you and your mother. With that being said, I understand the serious danger your mother is in at the moment." Moretti looked back at his aide-de-camp who had been receiving information of troop movements in Xiomera. A substantial force was definitely on the move, towards Yauhmi. A laptop was placed close to the Prime Minister, of which he scanned the images displayed. "I'm afraid to inform you that what seems to be a very large force advancing towards Chuaztlapoc. Time is of the essence it seems, and I on behalf of the Kingdom of Legionas would like to lend a hand in armed suppo..." He was distracted by a dispatch from the Admiralty which was placed in front of him, disclosing the location of the Third Fleet, returning to base following a series of naval exercises in the Tenebric Ocean, near the Indigo Islands. The fleet was west of Cenotillo Island, in range of the Xiomeran mainland. "We would be willing to dedicate as many resources as you would require, in the event of a conflict. Evacuation of your mother is also possible at the moment, with our Third Fleet within range of her location." Moretti motioned for contact with Admiral Gustavsson to be made with haste as he unbuttoned his collar button.
”This is a very welcome offer, and I would be happy to accept on behalf of our government. I will say, however, that I doubt my mother will evacuate. She has chosen to make her stand at Chuaztlapoc for a reason. Besides, running away isn’t her style.” Texōccoatl was looking at his own maps and information as the cabinet hastily prepared their own plans for him. “What would be most helpful would be airstrikes in support of the forces that are currently in position trying to defend Chuaztlapoc. There are people on the ground ready to fight, and the addition of the battalion that defected and the Civil Guard units will help. But they have no substantial air power and only limited air defenses.”
An aide brought forth a map of Chuaztlapoc, showing the city and its adjacent suburbs. Moretti moved forward, his eyes engrossed in the study of the map. It reminded him of his time in the Air Force, studying detailed maps with his squad mates before takeoff. He swallowed his saliva, this truly was a war. A war of liberation. Moretti began estimating potential casualties, and winced. He knew however that blood must be spilt in the battle against a tyrant. Another piece of information was passed to him, one infantry division as well as two motorized and one armored batalions were in the Zarmeza Islands, participating in biannual war games. "Yes, I believe we can aid in the skies. We also can aid on land, with a few thousand troops in position at the border islands."
”The troops you have in position could serve as a diversionary tactic, to divert some of the forces in western Xiomera from any assault on Chuaztlapoc.” Texōccoatl was thinking quickly as he looked at his maps. “Moving then into position as if they were about to advance into the border islands or western Xiomera could divert substantial numbers of the forces Xochiuhue was planning to send there.”
"I will create contact with Army Command as soon as I can." he said while making eye contact with his press secretary who stumbled, dropping his laptop and smashing the screen. Moretti sighed and continued his study of maps and information. A thought soon crossed his mind, "When will you be returning to Xiomera, Texōccoatl?"
”The timetable for that, under the circumstances, will need to be greatly accelerated.” Texōccoatl sighed. “We hadn’t planned to mount our offensive operations for several weeks yet. But best-laid plans, and all that.” The Crown Prince paused. “I should bring you up to speed on what our plans are. With support from friendly nations, we had planned to force a landing at the city of Zapotlán. The city sits atop the thin strip of land that connects Xiomera proper, in the east, to the rest of the Empire. Our plan was to cut the country in half and isolate Xochiuhue’s forces in the east. We think we can convince the people in the west to side with us.”
"I see, Zapotlán definitely would have been an exceptionable strategic target, and with probable aid from us as well as other allies of your government the plan could have worked. Fortunately enough, or rather unfortunately, your mother has been able to fast-forward events, especially with the news of Xochiuhue's injury. If we can move swiftly I am sure of our success and the reinstating of the rightful government." Moretti was distracted once again by the relative chaos that was unfolding in the cabin with aides rushing to get as much information as possible in the aid of Texōccoatl and his forces. Contact was also being established with naval, aerial and ground command, with streamlined uninterrupted information between Moretti and Texōccoatl's command center being paramount. Success was soon achieved with an open secure line to all Legionite Armed Forces Commands soon being established. "We have been able to create a channel between your command center and our armed forces command, Admiral Gustavsson, of the Third Fleet, has also been reached. I will have one of my aides confirm that the line is indeed operational. Is there anything else that myself or Force Command would need to know?"
”The very first thing: don’t get too close to the shoreline, at least not yet,” Texōccoatl said without hesitation. “There will be shore defenses present, but the bigger problem will be the XM-350-M. It’s a mobile anti-ship missile system we have, that can cripple or even sink warships. It has a range of up to 3000 miles, and being mobile, it’s damn hard to pin down.”
"If any anti-ship missile is fired at our ships, I will be forced to consider it an act of war." Moretti stated, much to the shock of his aides. His aide-de-camp nodded silently, knowing full well of the scale of a Legionite retaliation. He nevertheless relayed the information to Naval Command, stressing the need to avoid detection by Junta Shoreline Defenses. Back at Aerial Command, contact was being established with Space Command at Atraxes Island, where the White Hawk was being utilized for reconnaissance. A hastily formed file of the XM-350-M was being created, much to the chagrin of Moretti who wondered why information of the weapon was not already collected. "Our land forces are in position, Mr Moretti," Isaiah Thompson, his aide-de-camp said, while simultaneously handing him a file showing the force present at the border islands, around 56,000 men in total, with several hundred tanks, armored personnel carriers and artillery pieces. Lorstan Air Base was also at high alert, with around 100 or so jets ready to be scrambled at any time. "Our land forces are ready, hopefully they will serve as a fitting temporary distraction for Xochiuhue's forces."
”I believe that they will,” Texōccoatl replied, a bit stunned with how quickly things were moving, but pleased as well. He had been waiting in exile for long enough, and with Yauhmi free, he felt like they finally had a chance. “Contact Minister Errante and also contact Ms. Rouchard, we need to loop them into all of this,” the Crown Prince told his aides. They quickly picked up additional phone lines. “We still plan to proceed with our plan to move at Zapotlán. With Xochiuhue committing so many forces to Chuaztlapoc, he will be stretching his defenses thin. This will give us the perfect opportunity to strike.”
Moretti grinned, he had found a new appreciation for the Kingdom's innovative Strategic Mobilization Strategy. He also appreciated the relative ease of communication 40,000 feet above the ground, Taheton 1 quickly becoming his very own Mobile Command Center. "Sir, I have word from the Third Fleet. Recon jets have noted movement in several positions close to the shore. We don't have confirmation yet, but we are sure that the junta knows of our intentions." Moretti's grin faded, and his demeanor quickly became that of worry. He knew that the Third Fleet must avoid being the recipient of a direct strike by Xiomeran anti ship ordnance. "We need them to move further northwest, closer to, uhhh, farther away from Cenotillo and Manauia Island. Have Admiral Gustavsson adopt a holding position and await naval command's orders. "Mr Texōccoatl, how many troops will you be able to utilize on a landing at Zapotlán?"
”Between the troops that have defected to our side and the volunteers we have who have been training in Milintica, we have a good sized force available. The 1st Expeditionary Brigade and the International Legion form the core of our force. They’re either Jaguar Warriors or trained by Jaguar Warriors, so they are a formidable force. They number about 8500 in total. Then, we managed to convince the 17th Brigade of the Army, which was deployed to Vulkaria, to join us. They add another 5500 troops. So the formal military contingent is 14,000 in total.” Texōccoatl quickly looked through some numbers on a tablet. “We also have our volunteers - they’re not as well trained or equipped as regular military forces, of course, but they’re prepared as much as we can be under these constraints. They add another 5000 to our total. So, we have a total of 19,000 troops we can deploy at Zapotlán. We can definitely use some naval support as we land, but the 1st Fleet will be deployed as well to aid us.” Texōccoatl paused. “The forces currently defending Chuaztlapoc....are not quite as robust. We estimate there are about 2000 Shorn Ones, 2000 regular Army troops, and 6000 or so former Civil Guard soldiers there, as far as a formal military contingent. There are also volunteers there also - we estimate that in total there are 12,000 defenders in place at Chuaztlapoc.”
"The defenders of Chuaztlapoc are definitely small in number, and that is worrying. If they can assemble perimeter defenses such as anti tank ditches, destruction of roads and bridges leading up to the city as well as assemble ambush teams near the city, that could aid in the stalling of Xochiuhue’s forces. The forces that are attempting the landing at Zapotlán sound ideal, although they may encounter resistance since the city is a massive strategic target. I will have information of the defenses of Zapotlán confirmed via recon as soon as possible. We will also be able to supply around 84 ships in close air support if necessary." Moretti looked at one of his aides who knew of the hangar capacities of Orion and Chiron, the sister aircraft carriers of the Third Fleet. She confirmed his estimation, and he continued. "When the assault commences I'm sure we'll be able to coordinate everything. I believe the top priority plans are the defense of Chuaztlapoc?" Moretti asked.
”As much as it pains me to say this, the beachhead at Zapotlán has to take precedence over everything else,” Texōccoatl said after a moment. “If we miss this chance to break through, any future attempts will be far more costly and difficult. Our current plan is to stage the assault at Zapotlán while simultaneously providing air cover and fleet support as much as possible to the defenders at Chuaztlapoc. Your diversion on our western border, coupled with our attack at Zapotlán, will hopefully force Xochiuhue to redeploy his forces elsewhere and weaken his attack on Chuaztlapoc enough to give the defenders a fighting chance.” Texōccoatl’s voice was clearly saddened as he said this, but it was clear that he was making a tough choice.
"Attack sometimes is the best defense, let's hope this is one of those times. If we are to ensure that the assault on Zapotlán will pay dividends later on, we may also need the troops on the ground to disable as much infrastructure that Xochiuhue’s forces may be using. Things like disabling network lines that I'm sure pass through the city. Zapotlán must become a citadel as well, strong enough to hold Xochiuhue’s Eastern Forces." Moretti motioned for his personal secretary to pour him another glass of Eirian Liquor, his mind beginning to swirl once more, due in part to the stressful situation he was in. Taheton 1's captain, an experienced ex-Air Force Wing Commander, had adopted a holding pattern over the skies of Aunistria, allowing Moretti to aid in a civil war that was about to go hot. The cabin too had become as streamlined as possible to allow as much information as possible to be collected, analyzed, prepared and sent over to relevant parties. On the ground too, the situation was being discussed by the Minister of Defense, and the Legionite General Staff. If Legionas was to be attacked by Xochiuhue’s forces, 56,000 men were at the ready to pour into Huenya, with a further 250,000 troops being able to be mobilized and in position within 96 Hours. Direct war though, was not on the mind of Moretti, he knew this was not his fight. He, and the Kingdom of Legionas, were merely allies in a civil war that would forever scar East Caxcana.
Texōccoatl nodded, handing information over to his aides to disseminate and begin enacting instructions. “Disabling or taking over control of essential infrastructure will be our first priority. Fortifying Zapotlán and ensuring it can be held to fulfill the first phase of our plan will be highly important as well. If Zapotlán and Chuaztlapoc both are able to hold, it will demoralize the forces loyal to Xochiuhue and could even possibly spark upheaval within the ranks of the junta. We greatly appreciate any help you can provide with our plans.”
"We will definitely be able to aid, in any capacity that is required. Fortunately, communication channels between your command center and our force commands have been established and are operational. With most pressing issues prepared and out of the way, I believe we can complete this impromptu meeting." Moretti downed his glass of Eirian liquor and motioned for the table to be cleared. "The Kingdom of Legionas is with you in this fight, as an ally. We hope that by our combined firepower, we can defeat this pretender to your throne, and restore peace and harmony to Huenya!"
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