Tumultuous Dissension

[Spectral]

.:Classified:.

The First fleet of the Nyugen carriers set sail towards the Chinese coast, accompanied by 2 Battleships, 1 Battlecruisers, 6 destroyers, and 3 submarines. On the carrier, lies 40 Hurricane fighters and 6 Armstrong Bombers. The fleet would carry 3,000 men onboard, accompanied by 20 bishop SPA units, 50 Challengers, and 80 Rhinos. Plans were made to deploy another 4,000 soldiers after a beachhead was established. Guangzhou was to be the first port taken. After doing so, the city would be fortified as an FoB, and used to launch a bombing campign on supply lines while Nyugen forces linked up with PLA forces to assault the Nationalist held cities.

[Just Monika]

As Japanese merchants and fishermen, quite active in the South China Sea, due to commercial activities in the Philippine Colonies and with the South Chinese trade ports, noticed the foreign flotilla steaming towards Southern China, news of this development would soon reach Tokyo, as telegrams from Manila reached the Imperial Navy General Staff. It would not take long, before an official communique was sent to Sydney, presenting a Japanese inquiry.

Quote

 

To the Government of the Confederation of Holland,

It has come to our notice that a large force of yours is inbound to the South China Sea, thus coming quite close to Imperial territories in the Philippines and Taiwan. Given we have not been notified of any such deployment, we hereby inquire as to the purpose of this force, as undoubtedly, such a heavy fleet might potentially pose a threat to the Imperial territories in the Southwest.

With regards,

Takeyama Shinichi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Empire of Japan

 

Confidential

Given the unclear purpose of the foreign Navy in the South China Sea, the Imperial Japanese Navy dispatched a force consisting of the fast battleships Akagi, Atago and Takao, with support from the heavy cruisers Myoukou, Nachi, Ashigara and Haguro towards Manila. Additionally, the Japanese Navy Air Groups from Chitose Air Field and Kanoya Air Field were transferred to air bases near Angeles on the island of Luzon. Consisting of Mitsubishi 48 A5M fighters and 36 G3M bombers, they were to fend off any potential air attacks. A flight of C5M reconnaissance aircraft were also sent, to keep patrol over the South China Sea and to potentially monitor the foreign fleet. The IJN Intelligence Bureau was also tasked with keeping tabs on activities in China, by evaluating the local news sources and reports from Japanese merchants active in China.

[Spectral]

A communique would be sent to the Japanese government in response.

"The naval presence has been deployed for exercises in China, and will continue towards the coast without delay. Although we have no quarrel with the Japanese nation, obligations prevent us from communicating the nature of our goals or finding an alternate route. We wish the Japanese government well."

After receiving the communique, the fleets would be on heightened alert, prepared to combat the potential enemy at a moment's notice. Though they were not the intended for, the Hollish would not abandon an obligation once a deal was struck.

[Just Monika]

A diplomatic response was sent back to Holland swiftly.

"The Empire of Japan wonders why the Confederation first states it is to conduct exercises, then states that its purposes are not to be disclosed. This does not really assuage our concerns and we hereby inquire how long these exercises are supposed to last. While we do hope they will pass without incident, we do hope that Japanese interests in the regional security will be respected, as to avoid an increase in regional tensions, which would cause problems for both of us."

Given the vague response, the IJN started mobilising another fleet at Hashirajima, to be ready for deployment. The First Carrier Division, as well as the battleships Kongou and Haruna were prepared with several destroyers and light cruisers to depart for the Southern defence perimeter, in case it was needed, while another small flotilla at Taihoku, consisting of the cruiser Jintsuu and four destroyers was put on alert, to be planned to be reinforced.

[Spectral]

"The Japanese fleets will be welcomed to conduct exercises in response, Hollish shipmaster's have been ordered not to engage Japanese forces unless engaged first. However, the exercises will not be conducted in your territorial waters, and thus do not pose a legitimate threat to your interests. Thanks nature of these exercises are Classified, and the Nyugen clan will not be divulging information regarding the exercises until they've begun. Should the Japanese emporer desire, an embassy will be made available as well as a direct line with the Nyugen Clan Head, Edward Nyugen." Would be the response, as the ships continued to head towards Mandarin waters.

[Spectral]

@Just Monika

An elderly woman would step into the foreign affairs portion of the Japanese embassy. There, Arissa Gray, would inform the Foreign Affairs Minister of an urgent matter of discussion in regards to naval movements towards the Mandarin Coast.

"I assure you that the clan Nyugen is doing sinething that you will find interesting. Should you find the time, I will be staying at a local hotel for the next few days. I'm in room B-38." She would tell the receptionist as she moved for the door.

Edited May 23, 2018 by Spectral

[Spectral]

.:Classified:.

Clans Carson and Graham began covertly moving their military towards the nation of Thalassolonia, as Nyugen diverted both their attention and forces farther north. Clan Carson would begin their assault on the Eastern portion of the islands, utilizing their 14 subs to devestate the slumbering navy, in conjunction with their cruisers and destroyers moving in after to bombard the vessels that recovered, while the frigates we're used defensively. Every fighter in the nation was sortied and dispatched from the airfields to begin a rapid-strike of the nation's aircraft before they could get in the air, sending all 240 spitfires, 130 Hurricanes and even 30 Armstrong bombers. Clan Carson would withhold from a land-based invasion until they had establish the initial front.

Clan Graham would move their fleet of vessels off the coast, claiming to be dispatching it towards the Mandarin seas to calm the nation. The fleet, consisting of 1 carrier, 3 battleships, 2 cruisers, 3 destroyers and 4 submarines to assault the western portion of the nation. They would use the navy to bombard the docked vessels. Utilizing Carson airfields with their own aircraft carrier, the clan would begin bombarding Thalassolonian airfields with their 300 spitfires, 100 Hurricanes, and 40 Armstrong's. 

[Spectral]

Square - Carrier

Circle - Battleship

Triangle - Subs(Packs of 3)

House - Cruiser

Star - Destroyer

Arrow - Fighters

Lightning Bolt - Bomber

Black - Graham

Red - Carson

[Just Monika]

While it was deemed good to investigate, given the issues the government in Tokyo had with Holland caused them to send an aide to meet with Arissa Gray, to avoid drawing much attention.

Confidential

Meanwhile, in response to the moves in the South, the IJN started a general mobilisation of the Combined Fleet, sending the battleships Kii, Owari, Tosa and Kaga, as well as the carriers Houshou and Ryuujou, the cruisers Kuma, Abukuma, Ooi and Yura with destroyers Akatsuki, Inazuma, Ikazuchi, Hibiki, Akebono, Sazanami, Oboro, Ushio, Nenohi, Hatsuharu, Wakaba, Hatsushimo, Asashio, Arashio, Michishio and Ooshio, together with the transport ships Nitta Maru, Hoshi Maru and Sanzen Maru to Palau, from where they were to head towards Hollandia. These transport ships had been prepared by chartering several civilian cruisers, to transport two divisions of the Yokosuka SNLF. Japanese forces in the Philippines were notified of the possibility of them having to sortie on short notice, in order to reinforce this fleet.

[Spectral]

As the aide met with the head of clan Gray, she was met with a small security detail in a rather lavish room. Upon sitting down, Arissa Gray would ignore the pleasantries.

"Clan Nyugen is taking a contract to aide the communists in China. Of they succeed, you would be looking at a destablozed nation outside of your borders. If, however, you attack their forces while they're occupied with the Chinese, the plan would be killed in it's crib, and my rival would be far weaker for it. We would both win." She would tell the aide curtly as she focused on her paper.

[Just Monika]

The aide nodded and made a few mental notes, before asking Gray. "Thank you for telling us, but you must excuse if I ask... Do you have any proof? What does your Clan stand to gain from this? And what would prevent this affair from escalating into a full-blown war? Certainly, neither of us is going to profit from a protracted military conflict between our countries and while Nguyen meddling in Chinese internal affairs is a serious issue, it'd be not unproblematic to potentially start a war over it."

[Spectral]

"Our proof of their movements into the South China Sea. What we stand to gain is weakening a rival clan; if they complete this job, they will be a lot stronger afterwards, which poses a problem for us. Nyugen is allowed to Clan Inden, but they're unlikely to get involved over this. As long as you tefrain from invading the mainland of Hollland, it will be treated as a natural consequence of their raid. It seems clear you do not understand our culture, but each raid is on the back of the clan that conducted it, and rarely is there a consensus among the master clans to defend anyone over a raid." She explained to the aide slowly, trying to make the individual understand.

[Just Monika]

"We appreciate your assistance in this matter and we'll see what can be done and what measures might be appropriate. I can reassure you however, that as long as the Clans do not back up Clan Nyugen in this matter, Japan will similarly not escalate its efforts further and while we keep this meeting confidential, we shall take your cooperation into account for future relations. It is our hope that tensions can be avoided and settled peacefully.", the aide stated.