Belka;
Dinsmark Belkan Parliament
"Greetings, Ladies and Gentlemen. We have much to discuss today so let's get started. Minster Luxen, can you please begin with the report from the Military Training and Procurement sub-committee?" So said the Chairwoman of the Budgetary Board, Minster Charlotte Grimm.
A man with a clear military bearing and strong build stood up to address the gathered board members. "Thank you, Ma'am; currently, the extra funds needed for the 1st and 2nd quarters' Joint Strike Interception Pitch Black' is about 57% extra of regular operation cost. Still, the results should more than make up the cost. The two exercises are two months long, each with a month rest period between them and a month after. The drills will be a mix of high-speed interceptions against our Aggressor Squadrons and both Air Groups against each other. The other training missions they will fly are Air Supremacy and Strike missions. We expect an overall boost to the 21st to be on par with Belkan War Elite formations. The 16th hoped to get close to that same level, and if they are pushed hard enough, they may reach that same level."
With that, Minster Luxen set aside the training plans given to his committee. He gathered the papers with the details for the production, sales, and shipment of military equipment to the neighboring nations if they agreed to the deals. "The next project I have for the board is the sale of military equipment for the following year. To supply Gebet, Recta, and Ustio with replacement units for the two former and expansion for the latter. The local company Wernher and Noah Enterprises has been awarded the contracts for Gebet. In the last decade, Wernher and Noah Enterprise has become one of the finest arms manufacturers in Dinsmark. While they aren't on the level of Grunder, they certainly have come close. Being housed in Dinsmark has allowed them access to the best graduates from the university, and this has pushed Wernher and Noah to develop several novel technologies. They also seem to be working on some form of advanced automation tech for aircraft production, with the possibility of the tech being adapted to naval and ground vehicle production as well. The technologies are still in the early stages, but it might be to our advantage to invest and support WNE in this project."
Next, the Minister picked up the contracts from Recta and started speaking. "To keep this going, Recta's contract has been awarded to the Grimm Arms Corporation, a medium-size weapons producer headquartered in Wintermaar at the southern edge of the Mund Valley. A company with a reputation for good but not exceptional product quality. This contract should allow them to expand some of their lines and operate at a higher capacity than before. The GAC was formed from South Belkan exiles that fled the Osean occupation. This allowed us to supply the post-war Belkan military back when the treaty restrictions reduced it to a shadow of our current level. With our expansion, GAC has been left behind as a major supplier, but they have always been loyal. So this contract is both a reward and a way to create a more prominent company for our own future expansions."
Finally, Luxen looked over the details of the Ustio agreement before speaking again. "For Ustio, the Contract has been awarded to Raven's Nest in Hoffnung. They are a relatively new arms merchant that focuses on proven reliable designs. That focus on mass production instead of getting into the high-end equipment market makes them a safe bet for supplying most militaries. Though as we develop and refine advanced designs, Raven's Nest is a good partner for us to get those designs into production quickly. With them, in Hoffnung, the city has seen growth that, combined with HIE, has the potential to make it on par with Sudentor, given a few more years of positive growth. All three companies have been vital to maintaining our current military since we lost Sundentor, Grunder, and South Belka. Even if we regained all three, these companies should continue to see government support to increase Belka's global arms trade position." With that final statement, Luxen sat back down and yielded the floor to the next Economic and construction Sub-committee representative.
Taking the invitation by Minister Luxen, Minster Emilia Heinreich stood up to her full 5' 11" stature. She was the board's newest member, having been assigned only in the last quarter of 2021. Being taller than most women and even a good number of men, she had a presence that demanded respect. Her descent from the Knightly House of Heinreich gave her the training to earn it from her peers. So she brought forward the information needed for the presentation and projected it for all the members to see. "Thank you, Minister Luxen. As the slide shows, we are currently on track with both of our major projects that fall under my committee's purview. The economic development we started last year is moving along very well. So long as we keep the same level of funding or even increase the budget, we will complete our new construction on time. Once the current work is done, we can begin shifting more efforts to the education aspect of the plan. We already started last year with the new grants and scholarships for the universities and colleges. Still, now we hope to build and expand the numerous trade schools in Aafang and Hoffnung. This is to ensure we have a large and skilled workforce to keep pace with our expansions, especially in the arms industry. Much of this work can be funded by the income from our Usean trade routes and the windfall we gained from the transportation expansion."
Removing the development readouts, Minster Heinreich replaced them with data reports from South Osea's HIE branches. For the second project, we are performing Aurelia's and Leasath's reconstruction. Again, last quarter's influx of money has allowed us to make significant progress. So long as no major issues arise or the damage is more significant than expected, we should finish ahead of schedule. I am sure I don't need to spell out what we stand to gain from having more allies and friendly powers on our side. The economic boom alone would justify our efforts in the south. But there is also another major gain from both Leasath and Aurelia. Both of those nations had fairly advanced technology development that we can gain access to with proper research pacts. In addition, both Nations fielded COFFIN-equipped aircraft, and they may help our modernization efforts to create new designs and upgrade existing ones to a higher standard. Aurelia also has access to advanced particle accelerator research and the two aerial fortresses taken from Leasath that would be useful in creating our designs. Leasath built the Aerial fortresses with all the information on their technology and systems. As well as rumors that they were developing a new 6.5 Gen aircraft before the war turned against them. Suppose we could get a three-way agreement between our nations. In that case, it could see increased security for all as it becomes unfavorable to attack."
After finishing up her presentation, Emilia moved back to her seat. She gave the nod to Luxen, having pushed both an industrialist option while leaning heavily on her Old Belkan Roots as a Knight. They both hoped that by discussing the economic benefits, the new technologies possible, and the military edge gained, they could get all three parties to work together. This would force the New Belkans to act in favor of the military, at least for a while.
The final member to speak was Minster Erik Dahl. He was a fairly average man, which was probably why he was the board's representative for the Belkan intelligence agencies. He went through his routine procedures of checking the countermeasures installed in the meeting room to certify they were operating as intended. Once his "paranoia" was satisfied, he went to each other member and began talking. No slides were used; instead, encrypted data packets were handed out to be read and wiped before anyone left the room. "We are finally ready to begin our reunification plan with South Belka. With the Osean finished with their elections and the power dynamics of their legislative and executive branches, this is our best chance to play both sides into an agreement to return the occupied lands. The plan will still take many years and must be done carefully, or we may be exposed. However, the first stage is in front of you. The people of South Belka are still our kin to their core. There is a strong desire to reunite, but that desire is unorganized and ignored. The missions we will fund are meant to network all the different groups working to reunify. This will be both the political groups and the less problematic militant factions. The framework is already in place. Our influence to turn South Belka into a "Dove Stronghold" was done through many separatist groups. We will also fund these groups and get more local officials elected to support reunification on the media and political sides. Once the local systems are done, we can move on to stage two. Stage two will be focused on getting the Hawks to crack down very publicly on South Belka. This will justify pushing for reunification to protect our people from "Osean discrimination and abuse" on the world stage. Stage three would be a more public showing than the other stages as we begin negotiations with the Osean President while increasing anti-hawk rhetoric in South Belka and Pro-Dove sympathy in South and Nord Belka to make both parties willing to support Reunifaction for different reasons. I don't need to remind everyone that this does not leave the room. We will do everything to return South Belka to its rightful place. Still, we can not discuss reunification until stage two's latter parts. We will be the Men and women who corrected the Belkan War's injustice. I promise you that." With that, Minister Dahl leaned back in his chair and waited for the other board members to finish reading their data packets and ensure they were appropriately purged.
When all data packets were purged, the chairwoman addressed the board again. "That is everything that was to be discussed this session. If there is nothing more, please return to your regular duties and committees." When no one spoke up for more business, the meeting was adjured, and the board left the room.
Gebet;
Mons Belkan Embassy
Ambassador Sebastian Schultheiss sat in his office, waiting for his counterpart to arrive. He already knew that the Gebetan ambassador would accept his invitation. The improving relations between Belka and Gebet had led the two to develop a friendship of sorts. And Sebastian was confident that the offer in his hand would only deepen that friendship between the ambassadors and their two nations. Right on time, his counterpart Ambassador Hans Wilks entered his office after speaking with Sebastian's assistant. "Ambassador Schultheiss, while I enjoy meeting with you, I confess to being curious about what you wish to discuss with me. As far as I am aware, there have been no incidents that would require such a quick request, or am I misinformed?"
Taking that as his queue Sebastian started his pitch. "No, Ambassador Wilks, no incidents, but I felt what I am offering would greatly interest you and your government. So please have a seat; we have much to discuss."
Wilks raised an eyebrow at the vagueness but could see that Sebastian was as close to jumping in his seat as any adequately trained diplomat could be while maintaining their dignity. So he took the offered seat. "Well, what is this offer that has you so excited?"
Sebastian smiled for a moment and began his speech that would bring Gebet evermore into Belka's sphere of influence. "Ambassador Wilks, it has come to the attention of the Belkan Government that several of our neighbors have been looking for new weapons and equipment. We know that Gebet has made offers to certain Belkan companies to try and secure equipment to modernize your forces. However, we also understand that no real commitments have been agreed to so far. Belka is offering to green-light a one-year sale of modern aircraft, AFV, IFV, helicopters, and ground equipment from our top military supplier, Wernher and Noah Enterprise. The deal is for enough equipment at a minimum to upgrade 10 Divisions worth of troops to a modern standard similar to what we provided to Aurelia except spread out between your army and air force. We are also willing to offer a joint training exercise if your government wishes after the deal have been completed. I should also mention that we are reaching out to Recta and Ustio with similar offers. Still, Gebet is the first we have talked to and the one we are offering the best company. This is because of our good relations and strong ties compared to the other two nations." With that, Sebastian slid the folder and data drive with all the details over to Hans.
Hans took the offered items with a reserved look but inside, he was thinking a mile a minute. This could be the answer that his Government was looking for. However, he knew that the tensions in Eastern Osea might boil over into a war, and Gebet was nowhere near ready for such an event. Every attempt to acquire new equipment had either been denied or was still in talks with no guarantee they would produce the equipment requested. Both Sapin and FATO, the other two significant sellers, are using their products for themselves. Nordland is struggling to expand their production and can't spare any of its goods. And Osea has demanded far greater prices than usual because of Gebet's close ties with Belka. Even the Belkan companies, before this offer, had been noncommitted. Due to them not knowing if they would get sanctioned by other nations without having the support of the Belkan government. But, now that support has been provided, and the current biggest arms manufacturer in Belka is taking up Gebet's contract. With all of this in mind, Hans looked at his colleague, no his friend, and said, "Thank you, Sebastian. If this deal is everything, you claim, then Belka may have just secured Gebet from getting dragged into an unwanted war. You can be assured that my Government and its people will not forget what you have done." After finishing his statement, Hans stood up, shook Sebastian's hand, and left the embassy, heading to talk with his country's leadership about the opportunity that had presented itself. While also wondering how this relationship with Belka would end.
Belka;
Dinsmark Rectan Embassy
The Rectan Ambassador to Belka, Aleksandr Cala, had received a meeting request from the Belkan government. He was waiting for his counterpart to show up. However, he did not have a clear idea of what the meeting was for since the request came through normal channels. And with no urgency from the Belkans, Aleksandr didn't feel it was anything to be overly concerned about. In fact, he was hoping that the meeting would be about a possible expansion of the Belka-Gebet trade line that was benefiting both nations so well. Recta could gain much from being a part of such a thriving trade line.
Just then, his assistant let him know that the Belkan official had arrived. As Aleksandr straightened out his suit and posture, in walked a woman he recognized as Minster Emilia Heinreich. The minister was a member of the Industrialist party of Belka and just barely shorter than Aleksandr's own 6' 1" height. This made Aleksandr very happy as a member of the industrialists; coming to this meeting meant trade deals, and an invitation to the trade line just became far more likely.
After exchanging pleasantries, the two sat down to discuss the reasons for the meeting. Aleksandr decided to start off by just asking. "Minister Heinreich, what may I ask does your government wish to discuss with my government and me exactly?"
Emilia removed a folder and data drive from her suitcase and set them on the desk in front of her. She opened the folder and handed some sheets to the Ambassador before speaking. "Ambassador Cala, I am here to extend an offer to the Rectan government regarding their attempts to purchase new military equipment. The Belkan government is willing to support a deal with Grimm Arms Corporation to buy enough supplies to update 10 divisions over the coming year. We know of the tensions that Ratio has been causing in your border regions and expect some kind of flare-up in the near future. Whether that is a war or a border skirmish is unknown. However, we also understand the wish to be prepared better than most, so we are offering Recta to host a series of war games with Belka once the trade deal is completed to help your forces get used to the new equipment. We have already extended a similar offer to Gebet. Assuming they agree, we can make this a joint operation between our nations."
The Rectan Ambassador reviewed the files that the Minister had handed him and saw the prices, projected timetable, and the list of equipment available to Recta. Frankly, it was a good deal, all things considered. It was possible for Recta to get a better deal with another nation to buy the new equipment. Still, time was also a significant factor, and only Belka was offering an immediate deal. In contrast, other countries like Osea, Emmeria, or Yuketobania still needed time and negotiations before delivery could even begin. Once he finished weighing the pros and cons, Aleksandr spoke. "This is certainly not what I expected when I got the meeting request, or at least not this kind of military trade deal. I will bring this offer to my government with my recommendation that it be accepted. Still, ultimately it is not up to me, as you know. If there is nothing else, Minister Heinreich, I need to work on this?"
At that question, Minister Heinreich decided to try and get the last part of her mission completed. "Yes, there is one more request Belka would like to request from the Rectan government. Please understand that whether you agree to this request or not will have no impact on the arms deal I have given you. The Belkan Government is simply asking for the help of Recta in reaching out to Ustio to offer them a similar deal to what we have offered Gebet and Recta. We hope the Ustian embassy in Cor can be convinced to meet with our ambassador alongside the Rectan representative."
The Ambassador thought for a moment before replying. "Considering the less than ideal relations between Ustio and Belka, I suppose it makes sense to try and use an intermediary. However, the request is simple enough, so I don't see my Government refusing. So long as it is just setting up the meeting and not taking any side in the talks beyond the observer."
After both sides agreed to the terms, the meeting ended, and the Minister left with a thank you. Once she left, Aleksandr got onto a secure line with Cor to relay the offer and request. While Recta hadn't gotten an invite to the trade line, they got a trade deal they needed. And the more business they did with Belka and Gebet, the closer all the nations would become. With that closer relationship, the trade line became much more likely to be in Recta's future.
Recta;
Cor Ustian Embassy
Juliette Borak had been the Ustian Ambassador to Recta for the last 5 years. She has been able to maintain cordial relations with Ustio's northeastern neighbor. So when she received a request for a meeting with a Rectan representative and the Belkan ambassador, she decided to accept and take a wait-and-see approach to the Belkans. Unlike some of her countrymen, Juliette did not hate Belka. She had actually been born in South Belka before her family moved into what would become Ustio a few years later. Due to her mixed heritage, she had always had an open mind and had done her research on Belka and the underlining issues that resulted in the Belkan war. So while she understood why Belka felt they had to act, she still did not agree with them invading her home.
The two men arrived for the meeting at the designated time and sat down after complete introductions. This was the first time Juliette met her Belkan counterpart in an official capacity. The Belkan Ambassador Jeffery Reiske had only been in Cor for a little under a year so far. The Rectan representative that would serve as the observer was Aurek Dziedzic, a member of Recta's military oversight committee.
"Gentlemen, what exactly is this meeting about? Your request simply said that it was due to recent regional tensions." Ambassador Borak said to her guests.
"I am here only as an observer at the request of Belka, and any agreements made are only between Ustio and Belka." Said Dziedzic.
The Belkan Ambassador started speaking then. "Ambassador, this meeting is about establishing a mutually beneficial trade deal between Ustio and Belka. We are aware that Ustio has been looking to expand its Air Force and Army but has had issues locating a supplier that isn't already using most of its production capacity. So what Belka offers is an endorsed 1 year deal between Raven's Nest of Hoffnung and the Ustio military for enough equipment to raise a Division each of Air and Land troops. We have also offered similar deals with Recta and Gebet with other Belkan companies, so supplies do not get backlogged."
The Ustian native processed what she had been told. She knew that her homeland required more equipment with Ratio's current belligerence. She was also aware that a Belkan minority in Ustio has been pushing for closer ties with Belka to counter Ratio. Belkan equipment is also known to be high quality and reliable so buying their equipment has little risk of breakdowns. The Aurelian war is also another example of what Belkan equipment can do. Still, she didn't want to agree to a deal that would make Ustio too dependent on Belka. The one-year limit is a good counter to that fear since there wouldn't be enough time for Belka to entrench itself in Ustian procurement. "That is a fair offer Mr. Reiske, but Ustio is also looking into developing its own industry for this very reason. Why would we need Belkan weapons if we can eventually do it ourselves?"
Reiske nodded and spoke, "While Ustio might be trying to build up their industry, it is nowhere near ready yet. Even after all this time, Ustio has only industrialized moderately and not into the heavy industry needed for arms manufacturing. I will be honest with you Belka is reaching out to you because we see a profit if we move fast, no more, no less. We know you are developing your native military-industrial complex and have no interest in stopping that. We just want to get in before it grows enough to be self-sufficient. In fact, we see Ustian development to be in our interests as it makes Ustio a better trading partner and ally. If your government is interested, Belka would be willing to help with the planned expansions with investments and technical expertise. But that is a topic for a much later date."
Juliette listened to the Belkan admit to only caring about this deal with Ustio for monetary reasons. And she found it refreshing still she was sure that there were, in fact, other reasons for the sales. Still, it seems money is the first and biggest one. That is something that she and her government could work with. Plus, the offer of help in the future in industrializing their military sector was something to remember. Benevolent self-interest seems to be the global strategy Belka is engaging in with Western Usea, South Osea, and the local East Osea regions. So she made a choice for Ustio's own self-interest as well. "I will give my recommendation for the approval of this deal to Directus. Do you have the formal contracts and paperwork on you?"
Reiske pulled up his suitcase and removed the folder and data drive with all the details needed for the deal. He handed the items over to his colleague and remembered another option he was meant to offer. "One more thing actually, so far, we have also offered to conduct joint training exercises with both Gebet and Recta and are willing to extend the offer to you. The exercises would not be undertaken until after the new deals are completed. If all four nations agree, we can have a very effective training event and improve relations between our respective militaries.
Juliette took the items and wondered if her government would agree to a multinational training exercise. It certainly hadn't been done before, with the only thing close being the IUN-PK. Still, even those tended to be "pure units" that worked in the same general area as other "pure units." She would have to wait and see as that kind of decision was above her pay grade. "Thank you, gentlemen, for coming and bringing this offer to me. I hope this will lead to warmer relations between our nation in the future." With that, the Belkan and Rectan stood up and left the office, leaving Juliette to wonder just what other surprises Belka had planned for the world.
Belka;
Rheinmetall Air Base
In the secured briefing room inside the command building of the Rheinmetall Air Base, all twenty-four squadron commanders of the 21st Air Defence Group and the 16th Strike group were gathered. The building, along with the entire Air Base itself, was a recent addition to the defense of Nord Belka, the city of Hoffnung, and the local Gebet-Recta Border. Built after the Osean incursion of 2010, Rheinmetall AB has the most advanced sensor and air defense suites available.
The squadron leaders were meeting with the Base commander and a higher headquarters representative to go over the training exercises that would be conducted over the next 6 months. First, the base Commander Brigadier General Hansel Kellerman arrived, followed by a Colonel, and they moved to the front of the briefing area to begin.
"At ease, everyone we have much to discuss today in order to get these programs running smoothly. With me is Colonel Sinclair from the Private Liaison Office (PLO) and the Aviation Combat Center (ACC)." At the mention of the PLO, some of the officers grew stone-faced as they knew that the PLO actually meant mercenaries. While not every officer hated mercenaries, it was considered a less than ideal path for a Belkan to take if there were other options. Though the skills of some mercenaries and the experience that they could bring back to Belka were acknowledged, so there was no restriction on that line of work.
The General saw the expression of some of the officers but didn't say anything as they maintained their strict professionalism. "We will be flying sorties and drills for two months straight against a combination of 16th Strike fighters, hired adversary units, and aggressor flights. We will then rest for a month to review before trying again for another two months. Unlike the last set of exercises which was focused only on defending the City of Hoffnung, these exercises will be spread out all over the border. There will also be new restrictions on the missions. Interception flights will be limited in size to simulate this kind of large-scale operation. As a result, they will almost always be outnumbered. While the 16th will be flying strike missions against the 21st, they will also be performing ground attacks and air supremacy missions in the area. All the missions for both groups will be contested one way or another by the other groups, aggressors, and mercenaries. The stated goal for these exercises is to increase the individual skills of our pilots as we need a higher level than our adversary if we are to survive another conflict. But, another unofficial goal is as a show of force to our neighbors meant to remind them of our abilities. And for Gebet and Recta, a preview of what we can offer their own pilots." With that said, the General stepped aside and allowed Colonel Sinclair to take center stage.
The Colonel was a woman with an expressive number of combat medals and citations on her chest. Considering that some of those weren't Belkan, it wasn't hard to figure out why she was with the PLO and ACC. She must have been a mercenary for at least part of her career, but at least she returned to Belka. Colonel Sinclair began speaking after pulling up some data onto the briefing screen. "Now for the mercenaries we are hiring to help test your skills and reactions. There are four teams split into two squadrons total. The mercenaries are a mix of pilots from North Point, Aurelia, and Estovakia. They have had combat in at least one of the last three wars. The units they worked with have given positive reviews, and the leaders are pilots I have flown with. They are competent and will use every trick and tactic they learned to push you to the edge. Aside from normal interceptions, the mercenaries will sometimes be performing "secret" objectives that you will need to discover and then stop, or the mission will be declared a failure. This is meant to increase your situational awareness for better coordination between air units. Your duty is to rise to the occasion and stop these secret missions."
The Colonel then brought up the profiles of the mercenaries so that the squadron leaders could review them. Finally, she sent a data packet with the profile and reports from past operations the pilots engaged in so the 21st and 16th could better prepare for the unorthodox tactics they would face. With that, she brought up the information for the ACC part of her briefing. "For the joint operations, you will have multiple objectives per mission, but it will be up to the flight leads and squadron commanders to decide how to achieve the objectives. You will be judged on how fast and what those decisions are. You will also be judged based on the results of those decisions and compared to your peers that received similar parameters. We hope to develop intuitive and proactive pilots and officers who can react and make the most of any fight they find themselves in. We lost many of those pilots in the war of 95, and we need to find new people to replace them. They will become the future and hope of Belka once again.
You have 160 + 18(One Time) + 15 (1/8) EP
49 have been converted to MP and spent on upkeep
You have 144 EP to spend
Current Bonuses:
CP count as 1.25 when applied to Economic Development
CP & MP count as 1.25 when applied to Espionage and Black Ops actions
Chosen Actions:
-[] Train unit
--[] 21st Air Defense Group 0/17 MP, 16th Strike Group 0/11 MP
-[] Sell Military Equipment
--[] Short term (2 turns) Ustio, Recta, Gebet 0/30 MP Per Turn 0/2
-[] Aurelia/Leasath Hoffnung Industrial Engineering reconstruction work 33/100 CP Must be completed by the end of 2023 (4 Turns)
-[] Medium-Term Economic Development 25/70 CP Must spend 4 turns on action 1/4
-[] Begin movement for self-determination of South Belka to be reunited with Nord Belka
0/150 CP 0/3
AN: Alright here is the budget turn. Finally got the last part written but damn did it fight me at the start. I am fairly sure noting I added should be incorrect with the stuff established before but if you see something that might be wrong let me know. Like always voting will be closed for 24 Hrs so people can talk and argue about how to fund certain projects. After that the vote will be open until late Monday as I am going to be woking this weekend so will not be able to start work on the results until then anyways.
Enjoy and remember "The only thing worse than a Belkan with a plan is an Osean with a complex."
