NationStates Jolt Archive

Edolian Broadcasting Corporation Channel One; 2052 Hours
July 16 2019

“…The man and his cat were both fine. Next, we turn to the world of competitive gerbil raising, where a new star Arman von Korosk has…”

The broadcaster turned and looked off screen. Frowning for a moment, she motioned quickly to someone out of sight and looked nervously at the camera. Reaching out her hand, she took a note from someone standing just off the screen. Reading the first line, she froze. Audiences around the Scarlet Empire could see that something had happened that had made the normally calm woman’s face take on a look of shock and incredulity. There was another twenty seconds of quiet before she shook her head and turned back to the camera. She smoothed her hair and began to speak.

“Some shocking news has just come from the Scarlet Palace.” There was a quaver in her voice and she appeared to be trying to get the words out, but was having difficulty. “The Impërator is dead.”

---

The streets were deserted. Although normally bustling with activity at all hours, a visitor walking through Blätterschplitt City would have thought that they were traveling through a ghost town. The populace of the Scarlet Empire was in shock, and no one seemed to be able to bring themselves to go outside. Most were glued to the television. Some were holed up in their offices, working frantically in their own ways to keep a massive collapse of society from occurring. Those Edolians with religion were praying. The mourning and celebrations would begin soon, but for now, few had the energy to feel anything but complete and utter shock. It was the end of an era. The man who had brought Edölia out of the darkness, from a struggling fascist oligarchy to a mighty, socialist power had, without warning, suffered a stroke and died. No one knew what would happen next, but everyone knew that life would be different.

---

Alawan Turosi walked calmly onto the podium. The governor of Yasmarea’s face was famously stony and impassive, but today, it looked like it had not changed expression in years. This meeting of the Yasmarean Parliament was just one of the many taking place all over the Scarlet Empire, but Turosi wasn’t thinking about that. As he adjusted his microphone, an uneasy silence fell across the room. It was not regular for the Imperial-appointed military governor of a District to speak in front of its democratically-elected parliament.
“Good evening,” Turosi said, coolly. “I do not believe that I need to tell you why I called this meeting.” He straightened his jacket and continued. “Upon the death of His Majesty, the Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt, the paradigm has changed. Under his wise rule, Yasmarea assumed a position of influence. With our fertile river deltas, we have been the opium basket of Edölia and have enjoyed great economic privilege. Thanks to the Impërator, we have also enjoyed great autonomy and that is what I am here to speak upon today.” He looked around meaningfully. Suspense filled the room. “I wish to announce that I have spoken to the commanders of the fifteen Yasmarean Defense Armies and have issued an order placing the District of Yasmarea under martial law and temporarily suspending the powers of this parliamentary body. Furthermore, Yasmarea, until such a time as conditions have stabilized, is independent and fully autonomous from the Socialist Republic of Edölia and will no longer be answerable to Blätterschplitt City.” Dozens of Yasmarean MPs rose to their feet in surprise; many shouted questions. The military governor raised his hand and shook his head. “I am afraid that I will not be accepting questions. Good day.”

---
Diplomatic Communiqué
Broadcasted in all diplomatic channels
“I wish to officially confirm previous announcements as to the death of the Impërator, Erik von Blätterschplitt. At 2046 minutes Blätterschplitt Standard Time, he was announced dead after suffering a massive stroke. The people of Edölia mourn his passing.

Although the closest living relative of the Impërator, his daughter, Flavia von Blätterschplitt is away on a diplomatic mission, she has been immediately recalled. Until the time that she can take office as the first Impëratrix of Edölia, the Imperial Cabinet of Edölia has taken control of the running of the country and has temporarily established a state of martial law.

Rumors of a Yasmarean declaration of independence are merely that: rumors.

Further diplomatic announcements will be made as new information becomes available.”
Matthew von Pickett
Minister of Foreign Affairs

On behalf of myself and of my people, I offer our sincerest condolences on the tragic loss of Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt and express our good will towards his heiress, Flavia von Blätterschplitt, may her reign be long and prosperous.

Sincerely,
Agwene ni Gwydion
High Queen of the Danaan High Kingdom of the Resurgent Dream

“Prime Minster Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan was deeply moved to learn today of the death of Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt, and the Government and the Staten-Generaal of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss offers its condolences to the Imperial family and the Edölian people.

The Impërator was one of those few leaders who could be instantly recognised by people in any walk of life all around the NS world. He expressed and symbolized in his person the national aspirations of the Edölian people. He will always be remembered for having led the Edölians to accept the principles of peaceful coexistence in Haven. It is tragic, therefore, that he did not live to see his dream of a peaceful and strong Haven fulfilled.

The Knootian government wishes Flavia von Blätterschplitt strength in what must be difficult times, and pledges to continue to work to further improve Knootian-Edölian relations. The Knootian cabinet expresses its worries about the state of martial law that has been established, and offers its assistance to the Imperial Cabinet of Edölia, should any problems arise.”

~Public statement

Allanean News Network

It seems that the Edolian Emperor – a man whose best achievement is moving Edolia from Fascism to ‘Socialism’ – a rose by any other name, that is – is dead. Before anybody of our faithful listeners start cheering, we would like to remind them that it doesn’t mean anything good, and for many Edolians it’s actually worse.

On a related note, the Communist government of the Scarlet Empire of Edolia has declared Martial law in Yasmarea, depriving the locals of whatever shreds of liberty they had remaining. According to official – official! – statements of the Edolians, the have no desire to grant independence to the Yasmareans.

According to the CIA, however, Yasmarea has already declared independence. The President has been quoted as saying: "While I doubt greatly an independdent Yasmarea is anything but a Mini-Edolia, I still support the right of the people of Yasmarea to be independent."

In some parts of Allanea, particularly where former Edolians congregate, major celebrations are takind place - thankfull not evident in the capital - and several people have been injured due to fully-automatic weapons fired into the air. The Centrel of Disease Control has again issued warnings that firing weapons in this fashion is not safe, yet so far no visible effect has been made on the celebrators.

And now to the new offering by Allanean Arms, the XM-140 9mm semi-automatic…

The Free Republic offers it's condolences to the People of Edolia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad



****

At the same time, the Retaliatory Guard puts asatellite on Yasmarea and puts the Naval Guard in the area on standby, holding their positions.

New Haven State-Run News (NHSRN):

"Today, billions of people across the New Haven Socialist Republic held a moment of silence for late Erik von Blätterschplitt, who passed away sometime yesterday. President James Newman had this to say today:"


"We mourn the loss of a fellow leader of the Union of Socialist Republics. His death marks the end of a great era, but he shall be remembered by the USR for his contributions and comradeship. New Haven has full confidence in his daughter, Flavia von Blätterschplitt, to get Edolia back to standard operations."


"We now return to the Kriegorgrad Crisis, we take you back to..."

Weyr Net News Network

The Edolian state has apparently suffered a major blow today, with the death of the Impërator, Erik von Blätterschplitt. The current ascension remains in question, with the current status of his successor, Flavia von Blätterschplitt, currently undisclosed by Edolian officials. With martial law in place, and denied rumors of secession by at least one Edolian member subState, the stability of the nation has been put under question.

The Diplomatic Service has not issued a statement to date, although the Regent has expressed her deepest condolences to the family of the Emperator and to the people of Edolia.



Office of the Regent, Paradigm

I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family of the Emperator, the people of Edolia, and especially Flavia von Blätterschplitt. Ascension to the head of a nation is never something one can fully prepare for, and I hope she will have the full support of her people and of the international community in the coming years. The Kingdom of Weyr will back the integrity of Edolia should any state attempt to violate it during these trying times.

Sincerely,
Victoria li'Paradigm
Regent

Edolian Broadcasting Corporation Channel One; 2251 Hours
July 16, 2019
“…the sentiment was undoubtedly heartfelt.

In case you are just joining us now, I’m Lüret Sun and you’re watching our special edition of Edölia Today. I will continue to bring you up-to-date coverage on the evens following the death of the Impërator, Erik von Blätterschplitt. A petition, signed by 181 Members of Parliament was sent to the Imperial Cabinet earlier this evening, calling for the body to take advantage of the death of the Impërator to bring full democracy to Edölia. The response by the Minister of State, Scottford von Harrick, was short and chastised the MPs for, in his words, ‘taking advantage of this horrific event for political gain.’ In the same press statement, the Minister of State announced that there would be a temporary suspension of privileges relating to political demonstrations and called for all Edolians to go about their lives normally and not engage in political action. He also warned that demonstrators, regardless of their message, would not be tolerated and political activity would be ‘discouraged’ by Edolian police and military forces.”

---

“We thank all those who have expressed their condolences to us for their support. It is good to know that the Scarlet Empire has such friends.”
Matthew von Pickett
Minister of Foreign Affairs

The First Republican switched off Edolia today after the clamp down of protests and democratic rallies was announced, shaking his head.

"Absolutely fitting that they should honour their tyrant's death by suspending civil liberties. He turned to the Minister of Foreign Affairs "Send a message to Yasmarea, let's see if those rumours of independence are just rumours."

The Minister nodded "Can't hurt to test the waters."

To: Alawan Turosi, Governor of Yamarea
From: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

It has been reported by Edolian news that there has been a declaration of independence in Yasmarea. I want you to know that the Free Republic is committed to democracy and self determination . If independence in Yasmarea is a reality and is accompanied by true democracy then the Free Republic is , as in the past, prepared to stand by you and help to build a strong , stable democracy for our Yasmarean neighbors.

Best Regards,
Theleb Kanaan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

Diplomatic Response
Re: Vaadian Inquiry
"As the military governor of the District of Yasmarea, I wish to make it clear that we currently remain a part of the Socialist Empire. However, until further notice, we will be acting independently from the central government in Blätterschplitt City. As the protector of the Yasmarean people, it is my honor and duty to do all that is required to safeguard our prosperity and autonomy. We welcome Vaadian assistance in all regards.”
Alawan Turosi,
Military Governor of the District of Yasmarea

The Premeir was sleeping when he received a call from La Ministres d'Affaires Internationaux. He was quickly dressed and ready to give a speech to both the Galadisian people and the world.



It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of the Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt of the Scarlet Empire. It is our hope that the Edolian people will be able to overcome this tragedy. It is said in human mythology that a mystical bird known as the Phoenix burns brightly and consumes itself, and then rises again from the ashes. It is my sincerest hope that the Phoenix of the Scarlet Empire will again rise. We implore the Yasmarean leaders to reverse any separatist decisions they have made, as our intelligence service indicates that they are no longer under control of the Edolian central government. We also urge the sucessesor to the Imperator, Flavia von Blätterschplitt, to consider wisely the best interest of her people.

We are troubled by the vote of the Edolian parliament. It is our hope that from this tragedy some good may come. While the late Imperator ruled the Edolian people wisely and well, we must remember that he did just that. Rule the people. It is our hope that the Edolian people; with the Lady Flavia von Blätterschplitt can sweep away the last remnants of the Fascist past of Edolia and establish a free and open society.

Because I, and Les Ministres, have such hopes I have done something that has not been done since the founding of The Empire of Greater Lothlorien in the dark past of our own nation. I have ordered the White Arrow and Stone of Caras Galadhon to be sent to Edolia and the Beacons of our nation lit. Accordingly tomorrow shall be accorded a National Holiday.

I again reiterate our sincerest hope that the Edolian Phoenix shall rise from the ashes of the Imperator's death and continue to lead this region in its aspiration for peaceful cooperation. May the Valar continue to watch over us all unto the ends of Arda.



***Behind the Scenes shortly afterwards***

Premeir James the Sorta-Elven slunk slowly into the chair in his private office. He opened his windows giving him a 360-degree view of the city around him. He could see the beacons being lit and knew that in twenty minutes his address would be broadcasting on every public address medium and every any other form of mass media existent in the country. It was a disquieting thought on its own without the added worry that it would be sent across all of Haven. He looked up as Torin nan Huor, chief weapons expert and invaluable advisor, along with Elendil Feanoro nos Glorfindel.

Torin sat across from James while Elendil sat beside him. Torin spoke gravely; "we must of course send a delegation to the official funeral when such arrangements are made. Decorum insists that you attend as Head of State, however I would like to go along as well to ascertain the situation in Edolia.

James shook his head; "I don't feel it would be appropriate. I believe it is general form to for a head of state to take along their spouse. While I do not have one, I had intended to announce my engagement to Elendil tomorrow. That is no longer appropriate, but, if he is willing, he shall come with me."

OOC: Notes on things mentioned:

White Arrow and Stone: symbols of peace and friendship since the earliest days of the Galadisian state, these symbols are offered only by the one of proper authority, in this case the Premeir. The first Emperor of our predecessor state gave them to the leader of the men of the area as a token of their union. It should be interpreted as a symbol of promise to Edolia.

Also, I apologize for length... This is a little longer than I originally intended, don't shoot me...

Indigo had read about the death of Erik of Edolia, and smiled; not in satisfaction of one's death but rather the birth into this new, world of afterlife. He still as such, mourned the death of one living, and he was furious at those who would use such an event for their own, political gain. Indeed, they were unworthy to call themselves even human, nothing but tiny, weak rats who feed on the crumbs of giants. Sending a message to the Scarlett Empire, he was sure to be writing to Flavia, the daughter and supposed inheritor to the throne, or leadership of that nation. The pigeons would fly.

-----------------------------------------------
TO: Whomever It May Concern, Edolia
FROM: Indigo Blue, Lord of the Blood Dynasty
SUBJECT: Death of your leader...
-----------------------------------------------

Although I may seem satisfied with the death of your leader, and his passing to perhaps my side of these realms, I would like to in fact express my condolences to you for his leaving of the living. Since I have already made a passing of this kind, you can be assured that my dogs will look after his soul. Who knows, perhaps you may hear from him soon, from the other side of course.

Anyhow, I am appauled at those who want to use the death of Erik to change the system of government within the Socialist Empire. To whom may in fact need any assistance against these 'rats', I lend a few battallions of the underworld. Perhaps they may even come in hand in preventing the southern province from seperating. These dogs dont deserve independance, and I am all too willing to lend a hand in these matters.

Anyhow, you have your offer, and who knows what kind of alliance may result if we can work together in co-operation.

Yours in Excellence,

Indigo Blue
Lord of the Blood Dynasty

In the meantime, whilst the bird began its flight, Indigo ordered just a few batallions for active service, in case for a positive Edolian response only.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a statesman. We offer our condolences to the Edolian people and to the Imperator's family.

To: Matthew von Pickett, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edolia
From: Vrak Diplomatic Corps

We are saddened to hear of the death of the Impërator, Erik von Blätterschplitt. Vrak and Edolia have had long political ties and we grieve with you.

====

To: Matthew von Pickett, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edolia
From: The Office of the FKC President

I am deeply saddened. He was a good friend of Vrak. May the great winds guide him in his new journey.


Signed:

[The Great Seal of the FKC President]
[The Great Seal of the King of Vrak]

Official Statement of the Prime Minister's Office

We are saddened to hear of the loss of the Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt, a wise, just and noble leader who led his nation with honour and dignity to see it emerge as a modern, powerful nation that became one of the true great powers of Haven.

We are, of course, heartened slightly by the fact that the daughter of the late Impërator Flavia von Blätterschplitt has taken over the reins of government and now sees through a difficult time for the nation of Edolia with a firm but steady hand. We hope that in the future that the new Imperator can be seen to be as just and wise as the old.

Today we mourn the passing of an old friend. Long may his memory live on and long may his family continue to provide just rule over the Scarlet Empire, and we wish to reiterate that Edolia will always have a friend our goodselves, w'ever the winds of fortune take ourselves.

Good luck and God bless.

Signed.
John T.Barham

Right Honourable John Theodore Barham, Prime Minister of his Majesty's Commonwealth Government

Open Diplomatic Communiqué
July 17, 2019
“I wish to personally thank all those who have sent their condolences. They have been comforting in our time of need. I would also like to express an especial thanks to the people of Caras Galadon. White Arrow and Stone is deeply inspiring and shall be forever treasured by the peoples of the Scarlet Empire.

I will also take this opportunity to announce that the funeral of Erik von Blätterschplitt and the official coronation of his daughter, Flavia von Blätterschplitt, shall take place on the 23rd of July and that representatives from Edölia’s friends and allies are welcome. Under Edolian custom, the funeral of the Rëx or Impërator cannot take place except at the same time as the coronation of his successor. Flavia von Blätterschplitt is currently rushing home from a diplomatic engagement in the Austar Union and shall take control of the Scarlet Empire upon her return.”

<<OOC: Yes, AU, she’s still at your coronation. Sorry I didn’t respond to that for a while. Basically, as soon as Dr. Israel says something else, I’ll have her get the news and rush back home.>>

... And while the Edolians have been suffering under a grief for their late leader, Lord Indigo Blue has spoken out against those acting for a change of government, especially against those in the southern province which remains lawfully under the rule of the Scarlett Empire. He is currently in the process of activating several battalions for ready service in case the heir, and Erik's daughter by blood, Flavia who was at the time staying within the Dynasty, required additional forces for assistance against any revolutionaries who pay push for independance.

Indigo is currently in the process of confirming his attendance of the funeral and coronation of the two leaders, which will be held presumably within Edolian Borders sometime within the next few days. Although a member of the underworld, he seems to be not on a mission of grieving, but rather capitalizing on the opportunity to build further stable relations with the Socialist Republic. And in other news...

Private Diplomatic Communiqué
To the Austar Union
“Although we thank you for your offer of military assistance, the Yasmarean problem is a strictly internal affair that must be dealt with by Edolians. As of yet, there is no indication that Military Governor Turosi plans to declare permanent independence from the Scarlet Empire. Until that time, we will continue to view the problem as a low priority and an invasion will be a last resort.”
Matthew von Pickett
Minister of Foreign Affairs

De Volkskrant cartoon:

A man with a monocle, dressed in clothing appropriate for a funeral, stands solemnly before a grave with the words 'von Blatterschplitt' inscribed on the tombstone. He uses one hand to hold his top hat while using the other hand for aim while pissing on the grave.

Subtitle: Knootoss government honours ‘war hero’ Erik von Blatterschplitt

OOC: Just had to add some relativety to the high praise in the official government message. The whole Allanean invasion thingy means the former Impërator was not exactly popular. Looking forward to the new gal though. :P

Flavia von Blätterschplitt sat in the private study about the Scarlet Swan -her private transport jet- and brooded. Although she had not been terribly close to her father –he was almost always working- Flavia could not overcome the deep feeling of loss that permeated ever fiber in her body. The most difficult part of it was that Flavia would not have the opportunity to suffer the loss in private. After all, she was her father’s heir, and it would be she who would take up the mantle of leadership now that he was dead. A knock on the door of the study snapped Flavia away from her thoughts. “Come in.”
“Your Majesty…” Arasu von Görnbit, Flavia’s aide stuck his head through the door. “The plane is experiencing some engine problems. We’re going to have to make a landing.”
“Where are we?” Flavia asked.
“We’re just South of Haven. We’re planning on landing in a little Edolian airbase constructed during Project Imperium.” The soon-to-be Impëratrix nodded.

---

“Is it all set?” Four men huddled together. The darkness was almost completely enveloping. Only the light cast by the airbase’s searchlights illuminated the scene.
“It shouldn’t be difficult. The ground crew will leave the door open. This is an Edolian airbase and they’re in a hurry. Security will be light.”
“Excellent.” The men craned their heads upward, towards the descending airplane

---

Lights flashed. As the gerbil straightened his collar, Flavia felt a jolt of fear. “Your father is dead.” Flavia shook her head.
“No he isn’t.” The gerbil laughed and walked towards her. “Dad!” Flavia yelled. She looked around, struggling at her bonds. “Help! Help!” She thrashed against what had become long, writhing snakes. As the gerbil prepared to take a bite from her exposed neck, Flavia sat up in bed, her face drenched in sweat.

“Interesting dream?” the man in the room asked her. Flavia snapped her head towards the voice. A tall, thin man sat in the chair by the side of her room. For a moment, Flavia was too stunned to say anything. After a few seconds though, she found her words.
“Who the hell are you and how did you get onto this plane?” She spoke with an imperious tone, but fear tinged her voice.
“It’s none of your concern who I am, Your Majesty.” The last words were filled with scorn. “However, as to the second part of your question, I believe that you should be a bit more wary of who your friends are. Mr. Von Görnbit was… more than helpful in facilitating my entry onto the airplane. The man gave her a wicked smile.
Flavia spat defiantly. “This plane has escorts. Wherever you take me, I will be tracked, and when the Death Head assassins find you… you’ll be crucified along Route One.” As the words left her mouth, an explosion rattled the airplane, followed by another and a third.
“Those will be your escorts.” Seeing the princess about to move, Flavia’s captor reached his hand into his jacket suggestively. “I would advise you to stay in your bed and continue your sleep.” Flavia tensed and the man laughed. “Don’t worry,” he said, his voice filled with irony, “I’ll keep watch.”

---

“What do you mean ‘disappeared’?” Matthew von Pickett looked out at the hapless intelligence officer. His voice was steady, but he was trying to keep it under control. “How does the heir to the Scarlet Throne disappear?”
“Comrade Foreign Minister,” placated the intelligence officer, “their plane experienced engine problems and took a stop-off in a small Edolian-controlled island South of Haven. They took off and… disappeared. I don’t know how else to explain it.”
“What about their escorts?” That was Arubon von Serüf, Minister of Intelligence. “Standard protocol is to have three YT/A-2 Hellions guarding that plane at all times.”
“They were destroyed, sir.”
“By whom?” Thomas von Leifric, the Minister of War cut in. The intelligence officer paused and licked his lips.
“That’s the… um… difficult part about it, sir. We’re not sure. It would seem that they were taken down by very advanced air-to-air missiles, somewhere equivalent to the systems that they carry themselves. We didn’t detect any aircraft beyond normally scheduled flights in the area. They would have to be advanced, state-of-the-art fighters.”
“Are we looking at a foreign government then?” von Pickett asked. The Foreign Minister leaned back in his chair and sighed. “If the Allaneans are behind this…”
“It’s unclear sir. The Allaneans could have done it, certainly.” The intelligence officer paused. “The Scandavians definitely have the technology, although they don’t have any reason to want to undermine Imperial authority… Kriegos technology isn’t normally up to that level, but they might have been able to patch something together.”
“What about the Vaadians?” asked von Pickett.
“It’s unfortunately a possibility. I would consider them our prime suspects at the moment. They have the means and they certainly have the motive.” Silence filled the room.
“We have to admit it, comrades,” von Leifric said quietly. “We don’t have any clue who took von Blätterschplitt, and more importantly, we don’t have an heir to the Scarlet Throne.” Matthew von Pickett furrowed his brow thoughtfully.
“Without an Impërator, we don’t really have any option but to continue to rule as a Council. Let’s get the announcement out and make sure that the world knows that they will be dealing with us for a bit longer.”

In the Halladi Parliament...

"...Comrades, I implore you, we must leave this dreadful USR! Dissasociate with Edolia, and move on!"

There were noises of disagreement.

"We're not your comrade, capitalist dog!" One voice called out.

"Order! I will have order in this building! There will be no insults to a fellow Halladi here!" Premier Hasan Muhammad stood at the head of Parliament, trying to remain in control.

One delegate stood up, a True Directorate member. "I believe we should congratulate the Edolians. They've shed their chains of oppression in a way, that god awful king is dead, and now they're ruled by a council. Isn't that better than that damn monarchy they had before?"

"But, we can't just insult them! We can't just say 'Oh, I'm so sorry that your king died, but, we'll be celebrating his death all night, feel free to come over'! It just does not work that way." Another man interrupted, a Collectivist.

Omar Wadi, the People's Spokesperson of Hallad, began to speak. "Who says we can't? I'm all for leavin the USR! While it has good qualities, they seem to be brought down by the Edolian sell outs, and the idiotic Jonderans!"

"Hogsweat was being Imperialistic-" One man interrupted, a Capitalist, but Wadi interrupted him.

"Hogsweat is our greatest and closest ally! They may be authoritarian in times of War, but that is understandable. Everyone seems to want conflict with them, and that's not good."

Wadi added, "And, he'd be in the USR if it wasn't for those bastards in Edolia."

"Comrades!" Premier Muhammad yelled, over the arguing of the delegates. "I declare this meeting of Parliament finished. We're done for today. Good bye. I will have comrade Ghazi write up a response."

* * *

We are deeply saddened by the loss of the Imperator, and will be flying flags at half staff.

People's Commissar of Diplomacy Talal Ghazi
The Worker's State of Hallad

On behalf of the Iuthian People, I would like to offer our sincerest condolences on the tragic loss of Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt, a leader we will all miss in these chaotic times. In his honor we shall errect a modest monument in the deGritz diplomatic district of Iuthia Prima so he shall be in our memory always.

Foriegn Minister Mick Lakely, Iuthian Diplomatic Corps

undersigned,

Lord General deGritz, leader of the Iuthian people.

"On behalf of the people of the Principalities of Forodren Annon and Forodren Cormandor, as well as the collective peoples of the Kingdom of Bryn Shander as a whole, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the people of Edolia in this time of mourning. May Edolia find continued peace and prosperity under the leadership of Flavia von Blätterschplitt."

--Princess Season Amastacia, Governess of the Principalities of Forodren Annon and Forodren Cormandor

“And so the almighty Lord smote down the vile sinner!” Reverend Iesus von Erubö was on fire. He was well known for being a powerful speaker, but today his audience was held spellbound by the intensity of his sermon. “Erik von Blätterschplitt was a wicked man who persecuted God’s children for thirty years. Now he pays for his sins! Now the Almighty watches as demons tear his flesh, delivering just divine punishment! The flames of hell lap across his body!” The reverend paused and then continued, more softly, his words building in intensity “But the death of one wicked man does not make right the wrongs have been done us. The Scarlet Empire is today in turmoil. The time has come for us, the followers of Christ and children of God to rise up! He who hath not a sword, give him one sayeth the Lord! Arise Christian soldiers! Smite down the infidels!” Silence followed the last words. Then a woman stood up, clapping. Others followed. Tears and shouts of agreement followed and all were bathed in a religious fervor. Two trainee preachers rose from the sides of the pulpit and quietly strode out the back door as Erubö watched a small group of young men stride forward. He smiled. “Are you ready, my brothers?” The two trainee preachers returned and nodded to the reverend. “Follow brothers von Brout and von Wërsin into the back.” The young men nodded. The Holy War was beginning.

---

It was five o'clock in the morning in Tetelburg City. The Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt had been dead for over twenty-four hours and the streets were now somewhat less empty than they had been previously. Slowly but surely, the people of Edölia were moving back into their normal routines. Nevertheless, far fewer people were out on the streets than normal. Five o'clock was not normally peak hours, but Edolian streets were never deserted. Given the new state of martial law that had been imposed on the populace, it would not have surprised anyone to see a small team of three soldiers patrolling Fourteenth Avenue.

All clear at 0500 hours with Team 0215 the lead man -a Alpha Warrior- radioed in. He listened for a confirmation response before taking his hand away from the side of his black helmet and ending the transmission.
"It's always clear," grumbled a second soldier –a Beta Warrior.
"Sacrifices must be made for the Scarlet Empire," his commander retorted curtly. "The mission is necessary." Alus Muhammad von Kubal, another Beta Warrior shrugged his shoulders. He wasn't interested in getting involved in the discussion. Rather, he watched the backside of a passing businesswoman, presumably walking home. She was
moving quickly, and her tight leather pants made her shapely legs all the more appealing. Alus Muhammad smiled to himself and then sighed. Unfortunately, he was in the middle of protecting his country and didn't have the time to chase women. It was too bad. Suddenly, a series of loud popping sounds startled him out of his thoughts.
"What was that?" he asked, turning to his comrades. There were no time for a response as a wave of fire swept over the small patrol and them men were knocked to the ground. Alus Muhammad felt the Kevlar compound of his combat suit melt, and pain like burning needles stabbed throughout his body. He screamed and dimly heard the sounds of other screams coming from his comrades. Faced with the incredible heat, the Edolian could do nothing but cry out in pain. Suddenly there was quiet. Alus Muhammad’s agony-filled voice was the only sound in the air. Little fires burned all along the street and the Edolian soldier looked up to see his blackened combat suit, pieces of it singed away. The other two Edolian soldiers were lying next to him, unmoving. Alus Muhammad was having difficulty moving his body himself. The pain was unbearable. Raising his hand to his helmet was painful, and hard work. “This is Private Alus Muhammad to base. Come in base.” There was no response. He cursed. His radio had been destroyed. The Beta Warrior lay on the ground and stared up at the sky through his helmet’s screen. Most likely, a bomb had exploded underneath the skyscraper to his North. It was owned by the Ministry of Economics, and would be a prime target for militants. The building in question was barely in Alus Muhammad’s line of vision and he moved his head to be able to look at it more clearly. Windows throughout the building were blown out and flames still festered throughout the lower levels. It’s going to come down, the Edolian thought, horrified. Ignoring the pain in his body, he forced his torso up, and then brought himself to his feet. He moved towards the building, slowly and gingerly. Picking up speed, he began to run. A few people were coming out of the building, their hands over their mouths to protect against the smoke. Far more were undoubtedly trapped inside. “Get to safety!” Alus Muhammad yelled at them. As he burst into the building, he looked around the lobby. Blackened corpses littered the ground and broken furniture was strewn everywhere. Spotting the stairs, he broke into a run. As his foot hit the first step, the Edolian soldier heard a bone chilling sound and looked down at his feet. The building was shaking.

---

Edolian Broadcasting Company Channel One; 0700 Hours
July 17, 2019
“Good morning. I’m Lüret Sun and you’re watching an early, special edition of Edölia Today. A devastating attack on an Ministry in Economics building in Tetelburg City early this morning has left over eight hundred people dead and some four hundred injured. These horrifying pictures show the extent of the attack. Experts have declared that the nature of the bombing is still being investigated, but several eyewitnesses have suggested that the explosions came from the subway station under the building, as well as from independent locations on several lower floors. These coordinated attacks were able to destroy the building’s structural supports and bring it crashing down. Law enforcement officials are blaming insurgent groups linked to practitioners of the Cult of Christ, especially the Seraphim Guard, and have warned of further attacks against government targets.”

---

Emergency Meeting of the Imperial Cabinet; 1200 Hours
The council room was packed. While normally, the U-shaped table held the complete group of Cabinet ministers, as well as their guests, chairs had to be pulled in from other rooms of the Imperial Palace to accommodate this meeting, which included members of the intelligence community, top Haven diplomats, military leaders and specialists on Christian terrorist activities. A large screen on the back wall showed the situation.
“This attack against the Economy building in Tetelburg appears to have been a call to arms,” explained the Minister of Intelligence, Arubon von Serüf. “Although this has been the most destructive and the deadliest, reports of further terrorist strikes all throughout the Tetelburg District are being reported. All in all, there have been fourteen major and minor attacks. Already over twelve hundred people have been killed and nearly four thousand injured.”
“What are the locations of our military units in the area?” inquired Scottford von Harrick, Minister of War.
“We have the full complement of Tetelburg District armies,” returned Marshal Zhang Daming. Both elite rapid response armies are fully mobilized, and half of the twenty eight regular armies are fully operational. That gives us a total of nearly seven hundred thousand soldiers there.”
“How quickly can the remaining armies be mobilized?” asked Wang Xiaoping, Minister of Economics.
“I can call the forces up almost immediately. The remaining four hundred thousand soldiers will be reporting to duty in a matter of days. Until then, military and police forces in Tetelburg should be able to keep rebellion down.”
“Rebellion isn’t the issue, comrade Zhang,” cut in von Serüf. “Estimated numbers of Seraphim Guard are relatively low. There are only between four hundred and six hundred thousand members of the organization and its affiliates in Tetelburg. The issue is whether or not we can keep them from striking at further government buildings.”
“Give me command of Tetelburg.” All heads turned towards the new voice. General Albert von Tusk, commander of the First and Second Armies of Blätterschplitt had stood up. The controversial Allanean War general was not known to speak at meetings. “Allow me to bring in my armies and give me command of the forces in Tetelburg. I will ensure that the region is brought into martial law. Give me a week and Tetelburg will be the safest District in the Empire.
“I must disagree,” Foreign Ministry Matthew von Pickett objected. “This is a dangerous situation that we have found ourselves in. Overly aggressive action will only serve to inflame passions in Tetelburg. Almost forty percent of those in Tetelburg District are members of the Cult of Christ, and many more are Hebrews and followers of the Cult of Muhammad who may be sympathetic. We cannot risk starting a second Christian Insurrection by going in and blowing things up.” Albert von Tusk scoffed.
“The Christian Insurrection was an entirely different matter. The entire South was Christian and the central government was far less powerful. Our campaigns have done well in destroying the superstition. Those who have not taken up arms against us are loyal Edolians and the deaths of these Christians will not turn them against the Scarlet Empire.”
“If you would allow me,” Zhang Daming said, “I believe that General von Tusk has a point. Although I urge him to be cautious, he is the best man for the job. With the most elite units in Edölia under his command, not to mention his extensive battlefield experience in Axackal, he would be an ideal general to have on the scene. Therefore, if there are no further objections from this body, I will exercise my power as the Scarlet Marshal to appoint General von Tusk temporary Military Governor of Tetelburg.”

---

Press Release: Ministry of War
July 17, 2019
“Due to the current attacks taking place in the Tetelburg District, by decree of the Imperial Cabinet, the District has been placed under complete military rule. Starting tonight, a curfew of 2100 hours shall be established. Violators who cannot present a proper identification card will be arrested immediately. Furthermore, all public religious ceremonies and political demonstrations in Tetelburg have been temporarily suspended, and any attempt to stage such rallies will be met with force.

The General Albert von Tusk has been placed in command of Tetelburg District for the time being. We have full confidence in his ability to bring peace and stability to the South.”
Matthew von Pickett
Minister of Foreign Affairs

An Excerpt from an Imperial Satellite Network news broadcast. When the truth matters most, you can depend... on ISN!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/Sirithil/isn.jpg

"...of Edölia has apparently died suddenly after suffering a massive stroke. Impërator Blatterschplitt led his nation's socialist revolution several decades ago but more recently Edolian diplomats made overtures of friendship towards Menelmacar at the Unity Island summit."

*"Would you like to learn more?" flashes in the holo, indicating that viewers in Menelmacar can access background information on Erik von Blatterschplitt from the HoloNet via a one-touch button on their remote.*

"The Elentári today made a brief statement from Fëanor Palace.

*Siri is shown in the palace press room*

"It was with great dismay that I learned today of the Impërator's death. Our thoughts are with the Edolian people in this time of mourning and international turmoil, and I hope and believe the beginnings of friendship shown to Menelmacar by Edölia will not be derailed, and that it can herald a better future for all Edolians."

*back to the ISN newsroom*

"There are reports that Yasmarea province has declared independence, and martial law was declared in response. Nevertheless, an Economics Ministry building was bombed in an apparent terrorist attack, leaving hundreds dead. Meanwhile, heavy but scattered fighting occurred across the region throughout the day."

*"Would you like to learn more?" flashes again, this time regarding the Ministry bombing and the fighting in Yasmarea.*

Meanwhile, in other news, turmoil in Zvarinograd continues..."

OOC: As a general rule, background information is anything in ISN's database on the subject, and occasionally satellite images and on-site video, if available.

Diplomatic Communiqué

TO: Edolian Foreign Ministry
FROM: Talal Ghazi, People's Commissar of Diplomacy, Hallad
SUBJECT: Yasmarea

Comrades,

We have recently noticed the declaration of Autonomy from the Edolian occupied territory of Yasmarea. We would like to inquire on the possibility of Yasmarean independance.

In addition to this, with recognition that Petty Imperialism is an Edolian policy, we would like to push for a Free Yasmarea. We feel that no nation should be forced to bow before another, no person to bow before another. As such, we believe any possibility of Yasmarean independance should be explored. The Halladi Commissariat would like to vouch on behalf of the Yasmarean government for possible independance.

Peace and Solidarity,

Talal Ghazi
People's Commissar of Diplomacy
The Worker's State of Hallad

Diplomatic Communiqué
To the Worker’s State of Hallad
“Comrades,

The idea of Yasmarean independence is laughable at best, and offensive to the Edolian people at best. I wish to respectfully request that Hallad not interfere in the process that is currently going on. Yasmarea has not issued a declaration of independence, nor shall it. The people of Yasmarea are proud Edolian citizens, as can be seen when they go to the polls every five years and elect their officials. If, however, the current military governor of Yasmarea chooses to issue a declaration of independence, the Scarlet Empire will be forced to, on behalf of the people of Yasmarea, retake the District. We will expect Halladi support in basing troops if that situation arises.

Yours in friendship,

Matthew von Pickett
Minister of Foreign Affairs”

Diplomatic Communiqué

TO: Alawan Turosi, Govenor of Yasmarea
FROM: Talal Ghazi, People's Commissar of Diplomacy, Hallad
SUBJECT: Inquiry

Comrade,

The Commissariat of Diplomacy in Hallad has recently heard rumors of Yasmarean independance from... various sources. We would like hear from the Yasmarean government itself before drawing any conclusions.

According to Edolian officials, any possibily of Yasmarean independace is "laughable." We would like to know if you are currently struggling to have sovereignty from Edolia? As we have stated to Edolian officials, we are for an end to Edolian colonialism, and would gladly vouch for you in diplomatic talks.

We hope you will be open with your comrades to the south.

Peace and Solidarity,

Talal Ghazi
People's Commissar of Diplomacy
The Worker's State of Hallad

Alawan Turosi was shocked. A message from the Halladi government had just come in, offering support for an independence bid against Edölia. That was something quite unexpected. Turosi was suspicious. As one of Edölia’s closest allies, a response requesting help could be a call to arms for the Edolian military. On the other hand, if the Scarlet Empire was trying to test him, they could have chosen to ask a variety of other, less suspicious governments. There were talks of a rift developing between certain USR states. Perhaps the message was for real. The military governor of Yasmarea thought about it for a moment before composing a response.

Diplomatic Communiqué
To the Worker’s State of Hallad
From the District of Yasmarea
“Comrade Ghazi,

I was surprised to receive your offer of support, and I must say rather pleased. We are, at current, loyal citizens of the Scarlet Empire. However, if the continued strife in Edölia threatens to trickle down into Yasmarea, I will, without hesitation, break the bonds that connect us to the Scarlet Empire. If the Worker’s State of Hallad were to offer us their friendship in such a case, Yasmarea would be eternally grateful.

Yours,

Alawan Turosi
Military Governor of the District of Yasmarea”

Tag, with condolences, funerals, half-staff flags, and reminders of alliances

-Tiburon

“Prepare to move in.” Alpha Private Arubman von Weifruburg gripped his rifle. Further orders from commanding officers, replies from lower soldiers and information from scouts filled the radio traffic of his helmet. Von Weifruburg was a veteran of twelve military operations in different parts of the world, but this was the first time that he would be killing Edolians. The thought went through his brain once, before he discarded it as irrelevant. Commander Qian Yaobang’s voice filled his helmet. “The church is undoubtedly filled with members of the Cult. Move in quickly but cautiously and expect heavy resistance. Our intelligence indicates that no civilians are within. Shoot on sight and take no prisoners. Remember that this is a building of Edölia and that the church is but one part of it. Stick to rifle fire and hand-to-hand combat only. Good luck. Move in.”

The orders were finished and von Weifruburg stepped in front of the church door. His cybernetically-enhanced muscles tensed as he prepared to break into the cathedral. In a way, the Edolian soldiers carrying out this operation were all test-beds. Equipped with the latest in Edolian military technology and modified with cybernetic implants, their performance in this raid was being monitored by the Ministry of Research and Development. Von Weifruburg kicked with almost two hundred kilos of force behind the strike. It shattered. As the first into a hostile environment, the Edolian soldier dived forward, his rifle shouldered and his eyes darting. A bullet whizzed by his head as insurgents fired from the church pews. Hitting the ground, von Weifruburg rolled, squeezing off short bursts of fire into the church as he did so. Wooden benches shattered as bullets tore through the soft material. Other benches were protected by sheets of metal and served as barriers to the withering fire of Edolian assault rifles. Apparently, the defenders had known that they would be attacked. As von Weifruburg rolled into a crouch, he saw other soldiers moving through the door. “Go go go! Maintain heavy fire!” Commander Qian’s voice urged the soldiers. Von Weifruburg found himself next to another soldier, his armored black body huddled in an almost identical position, his assault rifle barking as he rained bullets down on the Christian rebels. Qian switched his radio to broadcast in close proximity.
“Comrade warrior,” he said, using the traditional form of address amongst military personnel, “let’s take the balcony.” The other soldier nodded. “Cover me.” Von Weifruburg leaped to his feet and bounded towards the nearest corner of the spacious cathedral, moving at a surprising rate considering the bulk of his armor. As he moved, bullets tore into the ground nearby. He felt the thuds of some of them entering his armor. The integrity was still good though, and none penetrated. Von Weifruburg frowned. The other soldier that was supposed to be covering him wasn’t doing his job. He crouched down for a moment, keeping a steady stream of suppressive bullets towards the pews. Quickly scanning the wall, he found the stairway, just five meters in front of him. “I’m moving to take the balcony,” he broadcasted to the platoon. Commander Qian responded affirmatively and von Weifruburg bounded towards the stairwell. The wooden stairs groaned as the full weight of the Edolian battle armor pressed down on them, but in a matter of seconds, von Weifruburg found himself at the top. A bullet snapped past his head and suddenly he knew why the other soldier hadn’t been doing his job. The sniper in front of him was small and dressed in white, apparently some sort of priest. With a leap forward, von Weifruburg had tackled the holy man, and with a short jab, crushed his scull. Taking up the sniper’s position on the balcony, he had a wide view of the battle zone. The sprawled-out body of the covering soldier was the only sign that the Edolian troops were suffering any casualties. Checking the magazine of his rifle, von Weifruburg found that it was empty. He quickly replaced the cartridge. He now had a clear shot at over a dozen insurgents. Turning off his automatic fire, he turned on his battle suit’s targeting system. He aimed and fired. An insurgent toppled to the ground. Another and another followed.

In a matter of minutes, the battle was over. The church was ruined. Colored glass pseudo-windows had been shattered and the lights behind them broken. The pews that had once seated hundreds of worshippers were broken and toppled, and blood drenched the floors. Arubman von Weifruburg strode across the church’s alter. A small fire had started as tipped over candles ignited the cloth they had been sitting on. Von Weifruburg let it burn. Looking up, he found himself staring into the face of a thin, emaciated man. His arms were out to the side, nailed to a wooden beam, and his head lolled to the side. From the image of Jesus Christ, the Edolian soldier turned his vision to the scene of destruction behind him. The statue had been unscathed by the fighting. Unlike that poor bastard over there. Von Weifruburg still didn’t know who had been killed, but he had known everyone in the platoon for years. He turned back to the statue. “Damn you for the harm you have done to the Empire,” he said quietly. Tensing his cybernetic muscles, he snapped the body of the Christ in half. Turning around, he walked off the alter, back towards the rest of the platoon.

Diplomatic Communiqué

TO: Alawan Turosi, Govenor of Yasmarea
FROM: Talal Ghazi, People's Commissar of Diplomacy, Hallad
SUBJECT: RE: Inquiry

Comrade,

You have our support with whatever decision you make. But, we feel independance is a nations sovereign right, and as such we would be willing to stand by your decision.

Peace and Solidarity,

Talal Ghazi
People's Commissar of Diplomacy
The Worker's State of Hallad

“Erik von Blätterschplitt is dead,” pronounced Scottford von Harrick, Minister of Internal Affairs, dryly. “Flavia von Blätterschplitt is who-knows-where. The von Blätterschplitt line is dead.”
“Treason!” Marshal Zhang Daming rose to his feet in anger. “The line is not dead. Did His Majesty not have two other sons? Did he not have eight grandchildren? If I am not mistaken, and I am not, he was lucky enough to see the birth of a great-grandson. The line of von Blätterschplitt is far from dead, my friends.”
“The brothers of Flavia von Blätterschplitt are not trained for leadership,” returned von Harrickk. “She was the one primed for the Scarlet Throne. Erat von Blätterschplitt is a university president and Werun von Blätterschplitt a diplomat,” he raised his hand in response to small contradictory cries from around the table. “He is the Ambassador to the Union of Socialist Republics. Yes. Still. He is a diplomat. I mean no offense to Comrade von Pickett” –he bowed his head in acknowledgement of the Foreign Affairs Minister- “but a diplomat cannot rule an empire. Both sons of von Blätterschplitt are successful, intelligent men, but neither has the ambition nor the ability to rule the Scarlet Empire.” Zhang Daming had not yet sat down.
“The firstborn son of Flavia von Blätterschplitt has the right to rule upon the death of her mother.”
“Hubertus von Blätterschplitt may have the training,” supplied Matthew von Pickett, softly, “but he would not be accepted. He is twenty-four years old and many Edolians would be unable to recognize his face.”
“He is the rightful Impërator,” Marshal Zhang said, defiantly.
“Please sit down, Comrade Marshal,” von Pickett said, calmly. Slowly and reluctantly, Zhang Daming complied. “This council cannot possibly support the ascension of Impërator Hubertus von Blätterschplitt XVI. Tetelburg District is in continual rebellion. Yasmarea District is slipping away before our eyes. There are rumors of uprisings in Axackal, and Tolkiës, and numerous military commanders have been acting independently of our command.”
“Then what do you suggest?” Zhang Daming asked. Matthew von Pickett sighed.
“I believe that this Council must take up full control of Edölia and act, not as an interim government, but as the ruling power in Edölia until Flavia von Blätterschplitt can be located.”

---

Press Release; Imperial Cabinet
July 19, 2019
“Earlier today, the Imperial Cabinet of the Socialist Empire of Edölia issued an executive order, declaring itself to be the official government in Edölia until such a time as the rightful Impëratrix, Flavia von Blätterschplitt, can be found. The Parliament of the Socialist Empire shall therefore be officially suspended, and all its authority delegated to the Imperial Cabinet until such a time as the Constitution can be reinstated.

The Imperial Cabinet would also like to request that all nations whose intelligence services have information leading to the retrieval of Flavia von Blätterschplitt come forward with their information. All that do shall earn the eternal gratitude and friendship of the Scarlet Empire.”

---

“The Cabinet has declared its power, Lord Governor.” The Gubernatorial Aide, Francis Urosi bowed low before Arawan Turosi.
“Excellent.” The Military Governor smiled. “Prepare the statement.”
“But sir…”
“What?” Turosi snapped.
“There is the issue of the prisoner… The Edolians have issued a call for all nations with intelligence regarding her to bring it forward.”
“And?” Turosi was pleased, and was in no mood to see his pleasure ruined.
“We have reason to believe that the elves may have knowledge of her capture. The Elf Queen’s lot.”
“They have no reason to help the Scarlet Empire.”
“As you say m’lord.”

---

Press Release; Office of the Military Governor of the District of Yasmarea
July 19, 2019
“Good evening, people of Yasmarea. I believe that we are all still in mourning after the death of His Majesty, Erik von Blätterschplitt. He was a wise ruler who presided over the transition of Yasmarea from a small, corrupt and economically backwards state, to wealthy and prosperous nation that it is today. Yes, Edölia has done great things for Yasmarea.

Lately, however, things have changed for the worse. Upon the death of His Majesty, Erik von Blätterschplitt, and the subsequent tragic kidnapping of Flavia von Blätterschplitt, opportunistic vultures within the Imperial Cabinet have seized upon the opportunity to take control of the Scarlet Empire for themselves. Yasmarea cannot accept this. For years, we have enjoyed great autonomy from the Scarlet Empire. Our opium fields have enriched ourselves and the rest of Edölia. This autonomy is now at stake. We stand at a crossroads in time. We can either submit to the rulership of a corrupt oligarchy in Blätterschplitt City, or we can strike out on our own. This is a hard decision, and is one that has required strong leadership. Therefore, as the Military Governor of Yasmarea, I wish to announce that I have placed my signature upon the Yasmarean Declaration of Independence.

Long live the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea.”
Alwan Turosi,
Premier of the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea

To:Alwan Turosi,Premier of the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea
From: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

The Free Republic supports the will of the People of Yasmarea and their right to self determination. We stand ready to assist your nation in it's transition from colony to Republic.

All Power to the People,
Sir Alec Connover

At the same time the Minister of Defence was also taking action.

To: Imperial Cabinet, Edolia
From: Minister of Defence, Ilek-Vaad

Respected Ministers,

We have watched with some trepidation the chain of events in your nation. After long deliberation the Republican Council is prepared to move and help your nation. We have seen the attacks of terrorists in your nation and though we do not agree with your government and it's policies, we are strongly against such vile attacks against the People.

We are prepared to give you aid in whatever form you need.

William 'One-hundred man ' Issem, Minister of Defence, Ilek-Vaad

Press Release; Imperial Cabinet
July 19, 2019
“On behalf of all the people of the Scarlet Empire –including those of Yasmarea- I wish to condemn this so-called ‘declaration of independence’ and make it clear that Edölia will not and shall not recognize an independent Yasmarea unless a fair plebiscite, conforming to international standards, is held. The fact that it has not been held and that the Military Governor, Alawan Turosi, has made no plans for such a plebiscite shows that he has no intention of allowing the will of the people of Yasmarea to be done. The District of Yasmarea has been a part of the Scarlet Empire for two generations and we shall not relinquish it because of a would-be tin-pot dictator with ambitions.

I also wish to make it clear that Edölia will do everything necessary, including launching an invasion of the territory, to ensure that Yasmarea remains part of the Scarlet Empire. The Imperial Cabinet has issued a reward for the capture or execution of Alawan Turosi, and I urge all military commanders in Yasmarea not to accept this unilateral declaration of independence. I know that the people of Yasmarea are loyal to the Scarlet Empire and shall not stand for this blatant violation of their rights.”
Rupert von Fitzrëil
Minister of Information

---

Diplomatic Communiqué from the Executive Office of the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea
To the Free Republic of Ilek-Vaad
“I wish to thank you, Sir Alec Connover, for your generous offer of support. On behalf of the now free people of Yasmarea, I humbly accept your offer. Furthermore, I wish to bestow upon the Free Republic coastal land for the construction of a military base. I hope that this relationship will be the beginning of a partnership between our two nations that I believe will last for generations.”
Alawan Turosi
Premier of the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea

---

Diplomatic Communiqué
To the Free Republic of Ilek-Vaad
“To the honorable William Issem,

I wish to extend my thanks to you for your generous offer of military support. However, I must humbly decline the offer. As you have made it clear, the Free Republic does not look upon my country well, and we do not believe that it would be diplomatically prudent for us to have unfriendly foreign troops upon our national soil. I will, however, request that the Free Republic not interfere with Edolian efforts to reunite Yasmarea with the rest of the Scarlet Empire.

In friendship,

Matthew von Pickett
Minister of Foreign Affairs”

Diplomatic Communiqué

TO: Alawan Turosi, Premier of Yasmarea
FROM: Talal Ghazi, People's Commissar of Diplomacy, Hallad
SUBJECT: Independance

Comrade,

We in Hallad are happy with your decision to break from Edolia. No matter what they say, it is the sovereign right of Yasmarea to be free. If Edolia tries to take your land back by force, we will back Yasmarea.

Peace and Solidarity,

Talal Ghazi
People's Commissar of Diplomacy
The Worker's State of Hallad

"Well, apparently Flavia's disappeared too," Ataralassë informed the prefect.

"You're joking."

"No, I'm really not." The MISSION DDI's stare was level. "Though, I'm sure we're capable of tracking the plane. Based on what we know of the craft's flight plan, we can check the appropriate satellites and follow the trail from there. These birds watch everywhere, everywhen. We can follow a missing plane."

"Well, do it," Serendis replied. "The question is, what do we do with the information? Do we locate Flavia ourselves, or do we hand the information over to the Edolians? Do we give it to them for free, or in exchange for something?"

"Well, I'm not a foreign-policy expert, but my recommendation, milady, is to make it a gesture of good will. Edölia wants to make nice; let them. This gives them a reason to trust us and it tells them we're willing to play ball. We score easy points while losing nothing, and plus it's simply the right thing to do. I'm sure Lady Siri would approve."

Serendis pondered. "All right. Find that plane, and give me a report as soon as possible. It would be most embarrassing to go running to the Edolians only to learn they have already found it first."

Sir Alec responded to the Yasmarean communique:

To: Alawan Turosi,Premier of the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea
From: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

I am sure that you have seen that the Imperial Council of Edolia is declaring your declaration of independance illegal because of no plebiscite or planning of such a plebiscite to express the will of the People of Yasmarea. I agree with them on that point. I am fully willing to recommend to the Republican Council that we immediately establish a presence in Yasmarea and recommend building a Foreign Guard base there as well IF the step of organizing a democratic and transparent election is taken. We will send to you satellite linked voting booths, election law attorney's and as many Velite Guard that are needed to fairly and impartially man the polls. You will of course decide what the election will be, a simple plebiscite to declare independance, or that and full or partial elections. We will help facilitate whichever you decide.

With this step taken, the Imperial Council cannot deny your independance and we will have no issues backing you fully, militarily, economically and politically.Until then our Naval Guard will secure your coastline from any oppurtunistic aggression and will have Naval Guard Marines ready in case such forces are needed.

Sir Alec Connover, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

****

LNS Lassic , Ilek-Vaad

Our reporters caught up with the First Republican as he headed into the Republican Council's open session this morning. He was asked what he thought about the Scarlet Empire's condemnation of Yasmarean independance.

"I find it intensely interesting that this 'Imperial Council' in Edolia demands a plebiscite in Yasmarea. Are they aware that a plebiscite is a democratic vote? I don't think they do, as none of the Council members were elected democratically. Appointed lackeys of an Imperial power cannot demand a democratic plebiscite in another nation, it's farce.

I fully believe that the democratically elected Prime Minister of Edolia should be in control. The People of Edolia elected a Prime Minister , why is it that the Imperial Council does not recognize that plebiscite? It seems to defy logic. They demand a vote in Yasmarea, they ignore the vote in Edolia, I don't know what to think."

The Minister of Defence was also asked his opinion.

"The Free Republic believes in the right of self determination of all peoples in all nations. We have ofered our support to help Edolia in these trying times. "

His nebulous statement was obviously one of non-committal.


*****

In internationsl waters off Yasmarea the nine Naval Guard Tactical Groups that had been on standby received their orders.

"Sir, incoming from Tollan." stated the Leftenant as he turned to Admiral Coyohuitl, the Victor of Yasmarea.

He nodded to the Leftenant and the Leftenant turned and put the Supreme Republican Commander on screen.

"Admiral Coyohuitl, you are to move directly to Yasmarea and set your forces in a defensive arc around the territory. Remain outside of national waters for the moment . Have Colonel Escham prepare his marines , just in case. You are to take no other actions yet. My Life For the Republic, Commander Ring, out."

The Admiral raised his fist in salute " By your command. My life for the Republic!" He then nodded to the helm "Relay the Commanders orders and make them a reality."

With that , the task force was underway and would be in position in a matter of hours. Admiral Coyohuitl was supremely confident, with a force that was a third the size of this current one , he had bested the invasion fleet of the Empire of Fluffywuffy in a now legendary losided victory. He knew the waters off Yasmarea like the back of his hand.


********

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also pens another letter.

To: Matthew von Pickett,Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edolia
From: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

The Free Republic has always supported the rights of all peoples to self determination. It is our belief that the People of Yasmarea are now preparing to excercise this right. The Premier of Yasmarea has been in touch with our nation to ask for assistance in moving forward with a possible plebiscite/election. We have no right to turn them down.

I would ask that your current Imperial Council refrain from taking any moves until this plebiscite can be arranged and the issue of the will of the People of Yasmarea can be sorted out. We will, as always, make sure that any vote is independant, transparent and fair. Military rhetoric and movements can only inflame this issue.

It would be in your nations best interests to make representatives available that can plead the case of remaining with Edolia to the Yasmareans and that are able to monitor such votes as they may occur. A peaceful determination of the status of Yasmarea would be beneficial to all.

Sir Alec Connover, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad


********

Low Admiral Avaro Mencini stood in the command deck, gazing out over his ship. The Yasmarea was a fine vessel. One of the five flagships of the Scarlet Armada, it carried enough firepower to lay waste to entire fleets. Nearly a kilometer long, she was a Doujin-E class super dreadnaught. With the Yasmarea battle fleet still stationed in harbor, Avaro Mencini had a dilemma. He looked down at the note in his hands.

My old friend,

Our homeland stands today at a crossroads. As you know, Yasmarea has declared its independence from the dangerously unstable Scarlet Empire. We are now free to take a responsible, path, safe from war and invasion. As a protector of Yasmarea, you have undoubtedly been called upon by the government to assist in the destruction of Yasmarea. I would like to therefore offer you an alternative. Declare your allegiance to your homeland. The corrupt Imperial Cabinet cannot and will not press their attack with the might of Hallad and Ilek-Vaad behind us, and the addition of a battle fleet of Edölia would only cement our independence. We have known each other for years, and have been trusted comrades. When Yasmarea became Edolian, we together willingly defected to the Scarlet Empire. I still do not regret that decision –as I said, Edölia has done much for Yasmarea. The Yasmarea of today is far different from the impoverished and defunct land it was when Edölia first conquered it It is time that we realized when our allegiance is no longer merited.

I hope that you make the right decision,

Alawan Turosi

Mencini sighed and stared out over the expanse. There was no question that the ships could stay in Yasmarea. The crews were almost completely composed of Yasmareans, and they would follow their Low Admiral anywhere. He looked down at the letter again and then stared over the bow of the mighty warship. The flag of the Union of Socialist Republics fluttered over the massive guns, anchored to the deck. The Edolian and Yasmarean flags flew under it, their hammer and sickles standing out in defiance of oppression and inequality. Slowly, Mencini turned back the letter. "Ensign Rembardi," he said slowly to his aide, "relay the orders to the fleet. Set a course for international waters."
"Yes comrade Admiral." The Yasmarea was leaving its homeland.

---

A signal from the Yasmarea was dispatched to Admiral Coyohuitl and the Vaadian fleet.

The Yasmarea and accompanying battle fleet are moving towards your position. We mean you no harm, but due to the threat of attack by Yasmarean rebels, weapon systems are armed and fighter squadrons are patrolling the skies over the fleet. Edölia has no interest in war with your nation. We will be taking up a permanent position some forty kilometers North of you. I do not believe that this will cause any problems.

Peace,

Low Admiral Avaro Mencini

OOC: Mencini? Sounds awfully familiar to another name I know. :D

OOC: Mencini? Sounds awfully familiar to another name I know. :D

<<OOC: Subliminal messaging?>>

Edolian Broadcasting Corporation Channel One; 2000 Hours
January 24, 2019
“Good evening. I’m Lüret Sun and you’re watching a special edition of Edölia Today. First, a summary of the news.

Flavia von Blätterschplitt has now been missing for nearly a week. The whereabouts of the heir to the Scarlet Throne are still unknown and government officials have refused to comment on the ongoing investigation. So far, no international terrorist groups have claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, and foreign governments have offered up no public information. There have been major discussions on the future of the Scarlet Empire, and many, including the Chancellor, Rosaura von Grönbouler, have claimed that besides Flavia von Blätterschplitt, no member of the Imperial Family is qualified to act as Impërator. The Imperial Cabinet and its chair, Foreign Minister Matthew von Pickett have expressed some concern over the readiness of the next-in-line, Hubertus von Blätterschplitt XVI but have stood by his right to rule if his mother cannot be located.

General Albert von Tusk spoke today in front of reports to ensure the Edolian people that fighting in Tetelburg would soon come to an end. He said that Seraphim Guard units were being systematically rooted out and exterminated and pledged that the South would be secure within a month at the latest. Fighting in Tetelburg has been sporadic but bloody. Official estimates say that since the death of Erik von Blätterschplitt, over forty thousand rebels have been killed and an equal number captured. Civilian dead is believed to be at some five thousand and two hundred and sixteen Edolian soldiers have lost their lives.

Southern Blätterschplitt City has apparently been taken over by protestors, as hundreds of thousands of Edolians, ignoring government warnings, have congregated in the capital to demonstrate their opposition to the Imperial Cabinet’s policies. Although police have not been called on to disperse the demonstrations, the local Third Army of Edölia was called out to supervise. The demonstration, which began earlier today, has been growing rapidly, and has shown no signs of abating as thousands of Edolians prepare to spend the night on the streets.

Edolian corporations around the world have been hit especially hard after the death of Erik…”

---

“According to our satellite photos, the demonstrators are numbered at nearly nine hundred thousand and growing rapidly.” It was the morning of the twenty fifth and the members of the Imperial Cabinet were watching the presentation by Aferu Mingrisi, the Minister of Internal Security. The small, swarthy Yasmarean had been explaining Axackali saboteurs, Tetelburg suicide bombers, Gërburg armaggeddon cultists and the Blätterschplitt protests for over an hour, and most members of the Cabinet were getting rather bored.
“If you excuse me,” Marshal Zhang Daming cut in, “I believe that we’ve heard enough about the problems currently afflicting our fair Empire. The time for action has come. Comrade General von Tusk has been doing excellent work down in Tetelburg, but I believe that the time has come for us to demonstrate to the demonstrators who rules this country. They are in clear violation of the rules set down by this body, and their unlawful protesting is a threat to our national security. The time has come to act.”
“What would you suggest we do?” Matthew von Pickett replied. “Massacre hundreds of thousands of Edolians? We would incite a rebellion a thousand times more dangerous than the one in Tetelburg. Axackal would follow the same path as Yasmarea.”
“We do not need to slaughter them,” said Marshal Zhang, contemptuously. “We have forty thousand soldiers on the ground in Blätterschplitt City that can be immediately equipped with teargas. They’ll disperse soon enough.”
“Do you have any idea what a million people, running for their lives in tight spaces like those in an Edolian city is like Comrade Marshal?” asked Thomas von Leifric skeptically. “We might as well slaughter them ourselves if that’s our plan.”
“Then they will be dying by their own hands, not ours.”
“Let us be reasonable here, comrades,” cut in Matthew von Pickett. “We cannot order the deaths of these people. That is out of the question. However, we can keep the protests contained. I would suggest that we recall Albert von Tusk’s First Army from Tetelburg. It can meet up with the Third already there and form a perimeter around the protestors. We wont let anyone into the area, and when they leave –there isn’t enough food to last them for long without resupply- we don’t let them back in.” There was silence for a moment as the other members of the Cabinet considered the option.
“I would support that,” said Marshal Zhang, thoughtfully. Others seated around the table nodded.

---

Albert von Tusk stroked his bald head thoughtfully. The order to return to Blätterschplitt City had taken him by surprise. He had been under the impression that the Imperial Cabinet was satisfied with his work. The notice did congratulate him on his achievements in Tetelburg and gave him the option to appoint a successor commander. Perhaps the Imperial Cabinet felt that his services would be better used at home, keeping the demonstrations from becoming a rebellion. Fools, he thought bitterly. This was the place that he was supposed to be. The First Army of Edölia was not meant to watch over protestors, but to fight and kill.

“What I do,” he said to himself, “I do for Edölia.”

The Naval Guard's Task Group's Flagship, The Revenge, hailed the Yasmarea

"Low Admiral Avaro Mencini, this is Command Admiral Coyohuitl of the Naval Guard. We have no intentions of starting hostilities with any nation. We are merely deployed to prevent oppurtunist aggression against Yasmarea caused by the confusion and mayhem in mainland Edolia. We will, as always do our best to help resolve all issues in a peaceful manner."

He nodded to the comm officer and awaited further commands. The Free Republic's next actions would depend on Turosi and the Imperial Council.

City of the Eternal Alliance, Former Alliance State, Tiburon
January 24, New Common Era 198

Sometimes things just went your way. And sometimes things just didn't. Unfortunately for Director of National Intelligence Rajiv Uphanad, this was definately one of those times. And that was a problem for the nation as well. Normally, they'd just stay out of the whole mess and intervene only once things quieted down a bit... but Edolia was an ally stretching back to the Fourth World War. The natural thing to do was send top secret messages to both sides offering support. Well... that would be done, of course. But with this latest news of an almost Tiananmen-like situation in main Edolia, Tiburon had to act. It could not support such actions, but it also couldn't go against one of it's oldest allies in the region.

This just didn't turn out to be a very good day.

To: Alawan Turosi, Governor, Yasmarea
From: State Department of the United Republics of Tiburon
Classification Level: Top Secret (BIGOT) Level Zero

Governor Turosi,

The United Republics of Tiburon is committed, among others, to two major principles: freedom and equality for all people, and the right of a people to self-determination. Our nation is willing to support the Yasmarean independence movement if- and only if- it can be promised that the rights of all people as defined by United Nations Commission on Human Rights are respected in this new nation, and that the Yasmarean movement enjoys the support of the majority of people living in the area. Can such requests be promised? Also, please inform us as to what the new titles of the Yasmarean government are, so as to assist us further in keeping our messages updated.

Sincerely,
Nova Starfighter, President, the United Republics of Tiburon

To: The Imperial Cabinet, Edolia
From: State Department of the United Republics of Tiburon
Classification Level: Top Secret (BIGOT) Level Zero

Imperial Cabinet,
The United Republics are, and shall remain, an Edolian ally. However, recent and longstanding points of concern have troubled our nation over the decades, and we believe it is time to resolve such issues once and for all. The recent death of the former Imperator and the subsequent disappearance of the present one proves beyond a reasonable doubt the failure of the monarchist system as a legitimate system for rulership over a people. We believe that genetics is not a good prerequisite for competent rulership, and would be extremely open to overtures by the Edolian government to change such a slipshod system, and would be preferential to any move to replace the actual power of the Imperator with symbolic power, and turn true power over to the democratically elected, responsible office of the Prime Minister of Edolia. In all of this, however, we outrightly reject any rebellion in Edolian territories, and will fight alongside one of its oldest Havenic allies to the ends of the Earth to end this bloody and senseless war.

Sincerely,
Nova Starfighter, President, the United Republics of Tiburon


Cable News Network- Breaking News

"CNN reporting live from New York, breaking news now. The United Republics of Tiburon has just released an official statement on the state of the protests in Edolia. For now, the data we have states that they condemn the use of military presence to combat an unarmed, peaceful civilian force, and wish to let its ally know that while Edolia and Tiburon enjoy mutual support, allies must sometimes rectify nations from going astray and reorient them onto a more suitable path for the future development and proseperity of all sentient races living in peace. To these ends, they declare that they will not support the mobilization of the Third Edolian Army to combat the citizens of Blatterschpitt City, but will stand on guard to support Edolian forces against military strikes from a foreign nation. That's all we have for now, but stick with CNN for all of the latest coverage on the Edolian Civil Crisis. Now back to Barry King Live."

OOC: Yes. I know there's a war going on with Hogsweat. However, he invaded on Feburary 10th of a certain year, and this is Edolia in January 24 of a certain year. The years don't even have to be the same. What's that? I weasled my way out of stretching my forces too thin? Yes. I suppose I did. Too bad.

Diplomatic Communiqué
From the Edolian Foreign Ministry
To the United Republics of Tiburon
“President Starfighter,

I wish to thank you and your nation for your generous offer of support for us in these troubling times. However, Edölia has no enemies, and at this time, the Scarlet Armies are more than sufficient to protect our borders from any assault. If the time comes that war is threatened against our lands, you shall be the first we contact, and I know that you would do the same in a reversed position.

Other elements of your response to our crisis, I was less pleased to hear about. The First and Third Armies of Blätterschplitt have been mobilized, but they are merely to contain the situation and to protect the city of Blätterschplitt from rioting and looting. They have been given orders to use only non-lethal means against protestors, who are out illegally against temporary restrictions on political demonstrations. Edölia, as you said, is going through troubled times right now, and distasteful as some of our restrictions have been, they are nothing compared to the chaos that could result from a complete power vacuum in the country. Once the Impëratrix Flavia von Blätterschplitt has been found, we will immediately return to pre-war levels of freedom.

This leads me to the main body of your letter. I am well aware of your position in regards to our governmental system, and I am afraid that I do not need to be reminded of it. The Kingdom and later Socialist Empire of Edölia has been ruled by the family von Blätterschplitt for five hundred years and it has protected us in our times of greatest need. The people of Edölia shall not turn their backs on the descendents of Blätterschplitt. I would prefer if this discussion were left to a later date.

Edölia has always been an example of liberty in Haven. I hope that the United Republics of Tiburon can bear with us during this brief time of trouble.”
Matthew von Pickett
Chair of the Imperial Cabinet
Minister of Foreign Affairs

---

Diplomatic Communiqué
From the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea
To the United Republics of Tiburon
“My friend President Starfighter,

I was greatly pleased to see this message waiting for me upon my return from inspecting the opium farms of Yasmarea. They are in good working order and the economic future of my country is bright. Your offer of support is extremely welcome and I hope that our relationship with Tiburon will grow once the Scarlet Empire ceases their attempts to forcibly return us to their dominion. Your offer of help, as you made clear, is dependent upon my preservation of human rights and my support from the Yasmarean people. I therefore wish to give you my word of honor that I am deeply committed to preserving human rights. Furthermore, the Yasmarean people are strongly in support of our liberation. They have been as disturbed as you by the recent developments in Edölia and welcome the chance to shed their chains of oppression. You have noted that Blätterschplitt City is filled with protestors. You see none in our capital of Yaz. That is all the evidence that you need.
Alawan Turosi
Premier of the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea

---

The Yasmarea battle fleet continued on its path, passing the massive Vaadian armada. If shots had been exchanged between the fleets, it was questionable which force would have come out on top, but both admirals were undoubtedly careful to maintain a respectful composure. As the Yasmarea and its surrounding warships settled into a fixed position, Avaro Mencini waited for word from Edölia.

Noordeinde Palace, The Hague
“…Vaadian fleet has taken to the sea again and militaries in other Haven nations are yet again mobilising. All Knootians in Haven have been apprised of the situation and evacuation proce…”

“More Haven stupidity.” – Lady Galadriël angrily switched off the television, motioning a young man – no older then 20 - sitting next to her to hand her a scale of cookies. The human quickly obliged, and she muttered. “Socialist Republic of Yasmarea indeed. Silly Edölians. Their incompetent allies don’t even protect the integrity of their own socialist union. That is the most stupid part of it all so far.” She grumbled and chewed loudly on a pretzel, speaking with the thing still in her mouth: “And we haven’t made peace with the Free Republic yet or they are already going after someone else to play the role of annoying morality meddlers.” The kid nodded in admiration for his Prime Ministers astute analysis and she smiled in return, reaching out to ruffle his hair a little. She liked to talk to the boy as he was a good listener: didn’t say too much and was always obedient… and he gave great massages. Hmmmm....


To: Matthew von Pickett. Chair of the Imperial Cabinet and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edölia
From: Prime Minister Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan, Knootoss

In the interest of strengthening the general peace and improving relations between our nations I come to you with a proposal designed to provide some much-needed stability in Haven. The proposed treaty attached to this message should be read as a non-aggression pact between our two nations, only taking exception to binding treaty agreements.

Furthermore in this treaty we recognise the sovereignty of the Scarlet Empire as a whole as well as her legitimate interests. In return we ask only that Edölia will cast a benevolent eye on the developing interests of the Dutch Democratic Republic in the region. The Knootian government feels that it is also in the interest of Haven security to solidify by treaty the closing of the southern Haven Straits to military outsiders in order to prevent incursions into the region by hostile forces from the south. Our two Great Powers should exert influence to resolve this.

I hope you will accept my proposal.

Yours in friendship,

Prime Minister Lady Galadrël Táralóm nos Círdan



The Knootian Reinsurance Treaty
A proposal

The governments of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss and of the Scarlet Empire of Edölia, animated by an equal desire to strengthen the general peace by an understanding destined to assure the defensive position of their respective States, have resolved to confirm the mutual agreement established between them by a special arrangement and have agreed upon the following articles:

Article 1 Benevolent neutrality
a) If one of the High Contracting Parties should find itself at war with a third power, the other will at least maintain benevolent neutrality towards it, and will devote its efforts to the localization of the conflict.
b) This provision does not apply to a war against treatied allies of either Knootoss or Edölia in case war should result from an attack directed by one of the High Contracting Parties against such allies.

Article 2 Recognition of legitimate interests in Haven
a) Knootoss recognizes the rights historically acquired by Edölia in Haven, and particularly the legitimacy of her preponderant and decisive influence in Axackal and on the Scarlet Isles.
b) Edölia recognises the rights of Knootoss acquired in the former territories of Lietuveska by its prolonged presence, and pledges to endorse changes pursuant to these rights upon agreement with the Kingdom of Ëtaros.
c) Both High Contracting Parties engage to admit no modification of the territorial status quo of Haven without a previous agreement between them, and to oppose, as occasion arises, attempts to disturb this status quo or to modify it without their consent.

Article 3 Haven Straights
a) The High Contracting Parties recognize the principle of the closing of the southern Haven Straits, including the Scarlet Isles, to military vessels not belonging to the state holding sovereignty over their respective waters, as founded on international law and confirmed by treaties.
b) They will take care in common that the New Haven Socialist Republic shall make no exception to this rule in favour of the interests of any Government whatsoever; by lending to warlike operations of a belligerent power the portion of its Empire constituted by the Straits.

Article 4 Ratification
a) The present Treaty shall be ratified and ratifications shall be exchanged at the city of The Hague within a period of a fortnight, or sooner it may be.
b) The present Treaty shall remain in force for the space of three years, dating from the day of the exchange of ratifications and it may be extended or modified by consent of the High Contracting Parties.

Admiral Coyohuitl watched as the Edolian/Yasmarean fleet passed through his. The Doujin Superdreadnaught loomed on the screen, he could sense his crews anxiety over the ship being so close.

Captain Marte shook his head "They've got us pinned aginst the shore if they should attack."

Coyohuitl smiled " Just like we did to Fluffywuffy, only the guns on the shore might be on our side. " He turned to the captain "The bigger they are the harder they fall."

Capatin Marte smiled grimly "I have no doubt about that. I'm just afraid of what'll take to get that monstrosity to fall."

Admiral Coyohuitl nodded to the helm. The order was passed for the Revenge Battleships to 'dig in'. The passing Edolians would see the Battleships slowy sinking as they filled their ballast tanks, giving them a low profile and stability to fire their main 24" guns.

Admiral Coyohuitl sat and waited.

"We have a location."

Serendis looked up. "Hm?"

Ataralassë grinned, waving a datachip in the air. "We found Flavia's plane. It's in Yasmarea. If I may?"

Serendis nodded. "By all means..." she gestured to the holoprojector.

Ataralassë inserted the chip, and the holo bloomed to life. She accelerated the playback, and the two Elves watched as Flavia's plane took off again from the field where it had been waylaid, and travelled south, several thousand kilometers before landing in Yasmarea. From there, the Impëratrix was seen bundled into a car, which moved off the tarmac and onto a road that disappeared into the forests.

"We're still reviewing the footage after that to try to get a more certain location, and also to see if we can determine the plate number on the car."

"Good work," Serendis replied with a grin. "I'll pass this along immediately, and offer the Edolians our help. If we can find their leader for them, we score, bigtime. I just hope she's still alive."

-------
QUANTUM ENTANGLEMENT COMMUNICATION INITIATED
ENCRYPTING...
...
...
...COMPLETE.

x - Lady Serendis nos Fithurin, Prefect, Imperial Defense and Homeland Security, Fëanor Palace, Vinyatírion, Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
o - Matthew von Pickett, Foreign Affairs Minister, Blätterschplitt City, Edölia
cc: Rosaura von Grönbouler, Chancellor

Greetings;

I am pleased to inform you that Menelmacari intelligence has located the missing aircraft of Impëratrix Flavia von Blätterschplitt. It is currently located in Yasmarea, at [coordinates]. From there Flavia was transferred to a vehicle, of which we have lost track. We continue to review all available evidence in hopes of determining the location of the Impëratrix.

We have converted all available data to formats your computers should be able to read, and everything we know is enclosed. Should you wish to review the original data, we can dispatch a diplomat with the necessary holographic display equipment at your earliest convenience. If you wish to avail yourself of Menelmacari help beyond simple intelligence, please feel free to request it; it is in both our nations' interest that the current turmoil in Haven subsides as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
Lady Serendis nos Fithurin
Prefect of Imperial Defense and Homeland Security
Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar

QUANTUM ENTANGLEMENT COMMUNICATION COMPLETE

The Republican Council met briefly to discuss the 'Edolian Crisis' the Minister of Foreign Affairs was the first to speak.

"As of yet we have had no response from the Imperial Council in Edolia or from Governor Turosi in Yasmarea. The only movement has been that of the Yasmarean fleet out to sea." He explained.

The Minister of Defence nodded "It seems they are both waiting to see what sort of 'meddling' we are committed to."

The Minister of Foreign Trade rubbed her chin " I'd say that we should be prepared for any eventuality, but that if Turosi won't hold an election or a plebiscite, then by all means we should step aside and let the Edolians do whatever."

The Minister of Defence smiled "I think we have more of a stake than that, in the last war Edolia wrote off Yasmarea as a loss, if it wasn't for the death of our valiant Naval Guard and their sacrifices, Yasmarea would be part of the Empire of FluffyWuffy."

The First Republican looked thoughful "Well, we can't very well take Yasmarea, that is illegal, and forcing democracy or regime change is suspect at best. The wrong action would most certainly bring the Velite General down on us like a ton of bricks."

The Minister of Foreign Trade smiled " Well, like I said prepare for any event. If Turosi wants to be a tin pot dictator, than maybe we should take care of him, hold the plebiscite ourselves and force Edolia to deal with the consequences of their dictatorship. We know that they can't be trusted with a democratic vote, look how fast the 'Imperial Council' took power, where is the elected parliament and Chancellor? "

The First Republican nodded "Okay then." he nodded to the Minister of Defence "Have Supreme Republican Commander Ring call up waht forces he believes he would need to secure Yasmarea, have Velite General Ihsan prepare his men to hold elections in Yasmarea and make sure we have all of that ready."

"If Turosi and Edolia are incapable of doing the people's will, or even finding out what the people's will is, then we'll give the people the voice they deserve."

Diplomatic Communiqué

TO: Alawan Turosi, Premier of the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea
FROM: Jabir Yusuf, People's Commissar of War, the Worker's State of Hallad
Subject: Military Support

Comrade,

As tensions grow and Edolian forces move closer and closer to Yasmarea, we feel it is our duty to send men to help secure your sovereign homeland. With your permission, we would like to move a division of men and several regiments of aircraft into Yasmarea. We would also be willing to sell you arms and equipment.

Peace and Solidarity,

Jabir Yusuf
People's Commissar of War
The Worker's State of Hallad

To: Matthew von Pickett, Chair of the Imperial Cabinet, the Socialist Empire of Edolia
From: Nova Starfighter, President, the United Republics of Tiburon
Classification Level: Top Secret (BIGOT) Level Zero

Chairman Pickett,

We are pleased to note that Edolia has no need for Tiburonese assistance at the moment, a sign that most is calm in the nation. However, we must take point with the second and third parts of our correspondence.

The use of armies to pacify unarmed protests has had a long and troubled past, stretching from the Boston Massacre during the English colonial times of our Atlantican state, to the First and Second Tiananmen Revolutions in China in the Old Common Era. Among other things, we try to make sure that such a bloodstained history does not cross over into the New Common Era as well, and for 200 years, it has not. We have no reason whatsoever to believe that the well-trained, highly-disciplined, and well-principled Edolian army will be used as an instrument of terror towards the Edolian people, but it is absolutely necessary that we make sure such an event will never happen in Haven, and will never happen in the New Common Era.

And as for the third part... we in no way suggest that we wish the Edolian nation to turn their backs on the Blatterschpitt family. However, in the new age that we have brought forth, it is no longer time for older vestiges of control, such as monarchies. Once again, we do not suggest, and in fact highly look down upon, throwing the Imperial family out into the street like dogs. Instead, we would highly favor, and highly support having a democratically elected, popularly supported Prime Minister... alleviating the burden forced onto the family.

We also at this time would like to note our support of the proposed plebiscite in Yasmarea as a fair and impartial manner for the Yasmarean people to decide their own future.

-President Nova Starfighter, the United Republics of Tiburon
-------------------------------------------
To: Alawan Turosi, Premier of the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea
From: Nova Starfighter, President of the United Republics of Tiburon
Classification Level: Top Secret (BIGOT) Level Zero

Premier Turosi,

We are greatly pleased about this show of cooperation from your nation, and strongly believe that this can mark the beginning of good relations between the Tiburonese and Yasmarean nations. We are relieved to see your committment to the furtherment of human rights and the democratic principle, and agree that the fallacy of a royal system is one that must be rectified as soon as possible. In order to fully ensure that the democratic process is met, we urge Yasmarea to hold a fair and impartial plebiscite, as define by the UN Human Rights Commission Third Report, to determine what the Yasmarean people want for their freedom. We look forward to working with the free, democratically chosen government that you shall introduce under the plebiscite, and hope that our nations' bond shall grow stronger. We do have some concerns over the use of opium as a primary means of economic growth... but that is a discussion for a later time.

-President Nova Starfighter, the United Republics of Tiburon

<<OOC: Hey... sorry for not responding... my internet has been down. I'm not sure when it will be back up, but until then, I won't be able to write anything on NS. I hope it will be in a few days.>>

Diplomatic Communiqué
From the Edolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
To the Office of Prime Minister Lady Galadrël Táralóm nos Círdan of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss
“I was both surprised and pleased upon reading your request for a treaty of friendship between our two nations. Although I cannot promise anything –after all, the Imperial Cabinet is only a temporary vehicle of control until the time that the family von Blätterschplitt can be returned to power- we in the Imperial Cabinet have the authority to temporarily see treaties signed. Before this happens, however, I have a few concerns with regards to some of the clauses. First, in the second Article, we would also appreciate a Knootian recognition of Edolian claims to Yasmarea. Its absence, especially considering the recent situation, is conspicuous. Also, in the second clause, the third section is somewhat troubling. It would suggest that Edölia would have an obligation to intervene in situations that would change the ‘territorial status quo of Haven’. Although I believe that the spirit of the clause is that neither the Socialist Empire nor the Dutch Democratic Republic would change this status quo unilaterally, it could be interpreted in such a way as to obligate Edölia to fight in foreign wars, something that we have no interest in doing. Other than these small concerns, the Imperial Cabinet is quite approving of this treaty and I believe that after they are addressed, either I, or a representative, will find their way to The Hague for formal signing.

In peace and friendship,

Mathew von Pickett
Minister of Foreign Affairs”

---

“They’ve found her!” Matthew von Pickett looked up, startled, as a short, swarthy Yasmarean burst into his office. The Minister of Intelligence, Aferu Mingrisi was as excited as von Pickett had ever seen him. “They’ve found her!” The Foreign Minister rose to his feet.
“Who’s found her?” he asked.
“The elves” the other man blurted out. “We have just received a notice from Sirithil.”
“Where is she?” Von Pickett was excited, but also impatient. He didn’t appreciate having to wait to hear news of his Impëratrix. Mingrisi lost his smile and hesitated. Von Pickett braced himself.
“Yasmarea.” The string of swear words that left von Pickett’s mouth was long and would have shocked a even the most hardened of criminals. Mingrisi waited patiently until he was finished.
“Call a meeting.” Von Pickett sighed. “I want to see the Imperial Cabinet in the Scarlet Room immediately.” He stopped. “Who else knows about this?”
“Just the Marshal.” Von Pickett looked ready to begin swearing again. “Did I do wrong to tell him?” Von Pickett looked directly at Mingrisi. His voice was calm, but held a sharp edge.
“From now on, make sure that I am the first to know on every important development. Marshal Zhang Daming is unstable, and could inflame the situation badly. He can know what I want him to know.”
“Yes sir.” Mingrisi nodded. “I’ll get the meeting ready.”
“Do that.”

---

Alwan Turosi paced about his office. Maintaining control over Yasmarea was not as simple as he would have imagined. Although Yasmarean opium fields were fully operational, in the past few days, several important contacts had informed his government that they would be seeking new contracts with other suppliers. It would be difficult to find new markets for Yasmarean heroin. On the other hand, despite the defection of Low Admiral Mencini, the Yasmarean military was remaining remarkably loyal to the new government. Furthermore, offers of support from the Halladi, Vaadians and Tiburonese were promising. Turosi chuckled to himself. Soon, Tiburonese support would be flooding into Yasmarea. They were naïve fools, and he found it amusing that they were so willing to take his assurances of democratic ideals at face value. Yasmarea doesn’t need a democracy, he thought to himself fiercely. It needs a leader. A knock on his office door broke him away from his private thoughts. “Enter,” he said absently. The door opened and a tall, well-dressed gentlemen entered. He looked to be in his mid forties and his graying hair was carefully groomed, giving him the look of a 17th century noble.
“A private notice, has arrived for you, Lord Premier,” Turosi’s aide, Alun Erensi said, bowing. He handed the other man a diskette, bowed again and stood by the door. “The information arrived through governmental channels from Blätterschplitt City. The instructions were that the information was for your eyes only.”
“Thank you, Alun,” Turosi said kindly. He walked over to his personal computer and placed the diskette into its drive. He began to read the letter that appeared on his screen.

To the Military Governor of the District of Yasmarea, Alawan Turosi,
This letter has been sent through official channels, which I am pleased to see are still operational. The offer that it contains is unofficial and is merely a personal assurance made by one reasonable man to another. First, I wish to make it utterly clear that you are a wanted man. The price on your head is over one trillion SUMUs, which means that every man and woman with a gun in Haven will be trying to kill you. I expect that soon, one of your own guards will kill you. The first that does will become one of the ten richest men in Edölia. No one could doubt that this is a reward not to be sniffed at. I expect that you already know all this and so should know that Edölia can be merciful. As a formerly high-ranking official in the Edolian government you know that the penalty for participating in an insurrection against the government is crucifixion. A barbaric holdover from our fascist past, no doubt, but one that in this case, would be appropriate. You also know that, while I am capable of carrying out your sentence, as the Chair of the Imperial Cabinet, I have some authority to show mercy. Therefore, I wish to offer you a deal. Return the Impëratrix to safety in Edölia and surrender Yasmarea to the Scarlet Empire. You will be allowed to leave Haven without Edolian interference. I would suggest, that for your sake and for the sake of both our peoples, you take this offer.
Matthew von Pickett
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Turosi finished reading the letter and sighed. His famously impassive face was crimson with anger. He fought down his fury as his stood up. Pressing a few buttons, he deleted the letter. “Please leave,” he said to his aide.
“If I may ask, sir, what was…”
“It was nothing important,” Turosi cut off the other man softly. “Now get out.”

---

Diplomatic Communiqué
From the Imperial Cabinet of Edölia
To the Lady Serendis nos Fithurin of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
“On behalf of all the people of Edölia, I wish to offer you our deepest thanks for the service that your nation has rendered to us. Thanks to you, I hope, the heir to the Scarlet Throne, Flavia von Blätterschplitt will be safely back in her homeland. Until that time, I wish to ask that this knowledge remain between as few people as possible. If leaked, it could prove potentially destabilizing in our already unstable region. Once the Impëratrix is returned, I believe that she will wish to issue a special ceremony thanking the people of Menelmacar for their service and that she will continue to pursue the alliance that has been discussed between representatives of our governments.

Again, I offer you our most sincere thanks,

Matthew von Pickett
Minister of Foreign Affairs

<<OOC: There's more coming tomorrow, specifically dealing with the protests, the Yasmarea naval fleet and other things.>>

Government Complex, Freeport, New Haven

"Whoa, what is this?" President Newman asked as his examined the letter. "Is this some kind of joke?"

"No sir," the messenger noted. "Edolia is offering ONE TRILLION SUMUs for the head of Yasmarea's Military Governor. Thats official and on the record."

James Newman picked up the phone to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "I want a meeting with the Chief of the Aerospace Forces in thirty minutes. No, I don't give a shit, just get in here."
-------------------------------------
"Gentlemen, I would like to inform you that Edolia is offering a trillion freaking SUMUs for the capture of Yasmarea's Military Governor," Newman began. "Thats an awful lot of funds to pass up, and Asherton's cleanup isn't going to pay for itself. What I propose is a government-operated bounty hunt. We send in the entire Special Forces, a small force, and a lot of combat corvettes and fighters. We take on Yasmarea, we capture their Military Governor or kill him, and bring him to the Edolians for the bounty. To get our men to do this, we'll offer to split the bounty with the Special Forces, where they get 10 percent."

"But sir, that is 100 billion SUMUs, or 10 million SUMUs per SpecOps soldier! You risk making that unit into the richest men in New Haven!" Aerospace Chief Fleet Admiral Johnson noted. "I like it, it'll turn this into a hell of a fight. I'll notify the Special Forces immediately."
-------------------------------------
"Ladies and Gentlemen, further more I would like to say you did a hell of a job in Hattia and in resecuring our proper government," Colonel Stanley said in front of the entire Special Forces Division, seated in an old stadium on the edge of Freeport. "To make it up to you, our President has given us the job of a lifetime. We're going to go into Yasmarea and claim the bounty on that son of a bitch's head whos running the place. Hes got a trillion goddamn SUMUs written on it, and if we bag him we'll each get 10 million SUMUs each. The rest will go to rebuilding Asherton, God help those poor bastards. Are you guys with me?"

"Sir yes sir!"

"Good, now report to your dropships! This is not a drill!" Cheering could be heard from the audience as men and women grabbed their guns and kits and ran off for the local military base. Their Maurader Mk.II dropships were already ready to go, their combat corvettes and fighter drones ready. This was going to be an operation for the record books.

<<OOC: Just a note: We determined that 1 SUMU = 5 Eurocents, so a trillion SUMUs is about 50 billion Euros or ~$65 billion and 10 million SUMUs would be about $650,000. Not small change, certainly, but not a vast sum of money, considering the size and wealth of the nations involved.

I'm sure that you know that, NHSR, since you use the SUMU as your currency, but I thought I would clear this up for others and also to remind you of what kind of money we're talking about.

Oh, BTW, if you're going to get involved militarily, remember to use postmodern tech. I'm afraid that this would exclude futuristic dropships, since the Yasmarean military is supposed to be close to cutting-edge, and if they were massively outclassed by uber-tech, that wouldn't make very much sense.

Thanks.>>

On an airfield in Allanea

The men stood in a long, long row along the strip. They were among Allanea’s best – Team Spearhead, one of Allanea’s new special force units. Dressed in light battle armour – which appeared black right now since the active camoflage unit has been turned off – with flag-shaped patches on their forearms, grasping AAR-8 assault rifles, they listened to their commander speak:

Ladies and gentlemen!

We hear that the Scarlet Empire has offered a reward – some twenty-five billion Allanean dollars – on the head of the leader of the Republic of Yasmarea, for even considering independence. As you also know, under the Supporting Yasmarean Independence Act 20??, passed yesterday by a veto-proof majority, the President has been instructed to take indirect action to protect Yasmarea without actually declaring war on the Scarlet Empire. Part of that includes protecting Mr. Turosi. You are to be ready to launch towards Yasmarea at a moment’s notice, as the offer of protection has been made known to Mr. Turosi. We are awaiting for his response.

* * * * *


Mr. Turosi!

I hear that a reward has been announced for your head by the Edolians. Due to the fact we support Yasmarean independence (in part due to our values, and in part due to our strategic opposition to the Scarlet Empire), we are ready to provide help with your protection, or to fund your own forces. While I may not be able to send a significant force to protect you, Team Spearhead may be in fact deployed. Also, it is possible that private parties within the US of Allanea will be ready to provide you with manpower, in following with the ancient New Orleans Greys Model.

Alexander Kazansky, President of the United States of Allanea

* * * * *

Mr. Turosi!

It seems that your nation (Yasmarea) has troubles finding markets for certain goods. I would like to notify you that Allanean Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is always ready to make bulk purchases.

Alberto Hernandez, Chief Executive Officer, Allanean Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

- obligatory line because just quoting isn't allowed -
To: Mathew von Pickett, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edölia
From: Prime Minister Lady Galadrël Táralóm nos Círdan, Knootoss

I am glad to hear of your positive response to our proposal, and I believe your concerns can easily be met. A Knootian recognition of Edolian claims to Yasmarea was implicit into our recognition of Edölian territories as we consider it to be part of the Scarlet Empire now and forever to come. However, in the interest of making this relationship explicit we have included Yasmarea into the second draft treaty. The second clause of the third section is indeed in the spirit as you suggested, with regards of its obligations.

I hope the current draft can meet your expectations.

In friendship,

Galadriël


The Knootian Reinsurance Treaty
Second draft

The governments of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss and of the Scarlet Empire of Edölia, animated by an equal desire to strengthen the general peace by an understanding destined to assure the defensive position of their respective States, have resolved to confirm the mutual agreement established between them by a special arrangement and have agreed upon the following articles:

Article 1 Benevolent neutrality
a) If one of the High Contracting Parties should find itself at war with a third power, the other will at least maintain benevolent neutrality towards it, and will devote its efforts to the localization of the conflict.
b) This provision does not apply to a war against treatied allies of either Knootoss or Edölia in case war should result from an attack directed by one of the High Contracting Parties against such allies.

Article 2 Recognition of legitimate interests in Haven
a) Knootoss recognizes the rights historically acquired by Edölia in Haven, and particularly the legitimacy of her preponderant and decisive influence in Axackal, in Yasmarea
and on the Scarlet Isles.
b) Edölia recognises the rights of Knootoss acquired in the former territories of Lietuveska by its prolonged presence, and pledges to endorse changes pursuant to these rights upon agreement with the Kingdom of Ëtaros.
c) Both High Contracting Parties engage to admit no modification of the territorial status quo of Haven without a previous agreement between them, and to oppose, as occasion arises, attempts to disturb this status quo or to modify it without their consent.

Article 3 Haven Straights
a) The High Contracting Parties recognize the principle of the closing of the southern Haven Straits, including the Scarlet Isles, to military vessels not belonging to the state holding sovereignty over their respective waters, as founded on international law and confirmed by treaties.
b) They will take care in common that the New Haven Socialist Republic shall make no exception to this rule in favour of the interests of any Government whatsoever; by lending to warlike operations of a belligerent power the portion of its Empire constituted by the Straits.

Article 4 Ratification
a) The present Treaty shall be ratified and ratifications shall be exchanged at the city of The Hague within a period of a fortnight, or sooner it may be.
b) The present Treaty shall remain in force for the space of three years, dating from the day of the exchange of ratifications and it may be extended or modified by consent of the High Contracting Parties.

The Republican Council had to receive a response from Turosi or the Imperial Council in Edolia, they were forced to draw conclusions for themselves.

The First Republican furrowed his brow and finally picked up his phone , connecting to the direct line to Tollan Fire Control.

"Supreme Republican Commander Ring please." He waited for a minute " Commander? Yes this is the First Republican, please draw up plans for an invasion of Yasmarea and a dfence for Edolian counter attacks. Be prepared to implement them as soon as possible,if Edolia and or Turosi don't respond to us then I will ask the Republican Council to give you Military Mandate to deal with the issue. Thank you Commander, good evening."

He then turned to the Minister of Foreign Affairs "Alec , send Turosi and Von Pickett another message, if they do not reply again we'll leave it Commander Ring and the Retaliatory Guard. If either of them thinks they are going to be a tin-pot dictator, they're sadly mistaken."

Sir Alec nodded "Right-o sir, I'll have something sent to each of them by this afternoon."

Yasmarean Capital City

"Thirty seconds, clear the ramps!"

"Alright men, we're going to be conducting roof top landings!" Colonel Stanley radioed to all of the Maurader Mark 2s. "We're going to land fast, hit hard, roll onto the rooftops, and get into the buildings as fast as we can. We'll secure the buildings in a semicircular pattern on the city's outskirts and hit them! Disembark when the doors open!"

Edolian Broadcasting Corporation Channel One; 1900 Hours
July 26, 2019
“Good evening. I’m Lüret Sun and you’re watching Edölia Today. Protests in Blätterschplitt City continue to grow, despite an order by the Imperial Cabinet for demonstrators to disperse and the mobilization of two Edolian armies to help contain the protests. While military efforts to contain the apex of the demonstration were largely effective in breaking up the mass of nearly a million people, smaller groups of protestors have appeared throughout the city. Although considering the disorganization, it is almost impossible to give an accurate count of the protesters in the streets, the EBC estimates that the number of demonstrators has swelled to over two million people. Earlier today, the Imperial Cabinet declared Blätterschplitt City a disaster zone and warned that if protestors did not disperse, harsher methods would be employed in order to break up the illegal demonstrations. Although soldiers and police regulating the protests have not engaged in any violent clashes with demonstrators, some twelve people have been reported dead and another forty-nine injured due to stampedes and other accidents. General Albert von Tusk, famous for commanding Edolian troops during the UnAPS-Allanean War, arrived at the scene today at the head of the First Army of Blätterschplitt, which was called in to protect government buildings…

---

“Democracy now! Democracy now! Democracy now!” The voices of protestors rose through the streets of Blätterschplitt City. Strains of the Edolian National Anthem drifted through the breeze and mixed with the slogans being hurled at a group of soldiers and police officers whose black urban combat outfits stood out in stark contrast to the multi-colored throng of demonstrators. Suddenly, the sound of rifle-fire cut through the air. As bullets whizzed around the Edolian soldiers and police officers, the men dived for cover. A Molotov cocktail exploded in the midst of the guards, splashing one of the policemen with burning oil. He hit the ground, rolling to put out the flames. As the soldiers frantically searched for the gunman, protestors began to scatter. Bullet fire ripped into an upper-story window, as Edolian soldiers strafed the building with bullets. Heavy armor-piercing rounds tore into the clean sides of the skyscraper, as chunks of granite, concrete and glass rained down on the protestors below. A policeman began frantically yelling into his radio. “Get a strike-team to clear the building, now!”

---

Edolian Broadcasting Corporation Channel One; 1900 Hours
July 27, 2019
“Good evening. I’m Lüret Sun and you’re watching Edölia Today. Violence erupted in Blätterschplitt City today as security forces from the Blätterschplitt Police Department, Red Palace Guards and soldiers from the Third Army of Blätterschplitt District clashed with armed demonstrators. Although it appears that the majority of protestors in Blätterschplitt City are relatively peaceful, snipers taking positions inside Edolian buildings have killed over a hundred security officers. The entirety of Albert von Tusk’s First Army of Blätterschplitt arrived today in Blätterschplitt City and have taken up positions around important government buildings. The elite First Cybernetics Corps has been given responsibility for the security of the Scarlet Palace and the Imperial Cabinet. We’ll bring you more information as it arises.”

---

“Give us Flavia or Democracy!” Albert von Tusk surveyed the chanting crowd before him. The demonstrators were surrounding the Scarlet Palace. A few hundred black-armored soldiers surrounded the building, forming a protective ring, separating the government members inside from the hundreds of thousands of demonstrators massed outside. The Edolian general walked forward, moving across the broad parade-ground. Two soldiers flanked him, their rifles at the ready. Von Tusk knew that he was taking a risk putting himself in the open, but also that the demonstrators weren’t going to go away. As von Tusk approached the crowd, a man stepped forward, away from the front lines. The Edolian general turned to him, fixing his cold blue eyes onto the other man.
“How can you betray your country?” the man pleaded. “You served us honorably against the Allaneans. How can you betray your people?” Von Tusk was silent and his gaze did not flicker.
“What I do, I do for Edölia,” he responded calmly. “What you do, you do for Edölia. We are the same.” He turned, and flanked by his two guards, walked back towards the Scarlet Palace.

---

Waves cut across the bows of the Gërburg, as the massive warship moved through the island chain making up the New Haven Socialist Republic. The Doujin-E class superdreadnaught and her fleet were USR military vessels and were thus exempt from normal rules restricting shipping to special corridors through New Haven. As the massive fleet moved past inhabited islands, crowds gathered on the banks to watch them go by. It wasn’t every day that such large fleets passed through the former Island States. As the Gërburg’s Battle Fleet moved into open waters in the South Haven Sea, it joined with the Tetelburg Battle Fleet. The course was set for Yasmarea. Three-fifths of the Edolian navy would be participating in the operation, and if anything would make Ilek-Vaad think twice about interfering, it would be the presence of three Doujin-E superdreadnaughts.

---

Private Communiqué
From the Imperial Cabinet of Edölia
To the Office of Admiral Coyohuitl
“Friend,

The information contained in this brief is for your eyes only. I ask that you share as little of it as possible with your colleagues and if such information is made public, the Edolian government will categorically deny it.

The Edolian intelligence service has recently acquired intelligence that implicated Alawan Turosi in the kidnapping of Flavia von Blätterschplitt, the heir to the Scarlet Throne. Although I am well aware of the opinions of you and your countrymen in regards to the Family von Blätterschplitt, I am sure that you can recognize the diplomatic and political importance to Edolian-Vaadian and Vaadian-Haven relations in keeping our sovereign alive. Satellite images have suggested a mass Vaadian fleet deployment towards Yasmarea, which we can only assume is to be used to occupy the District and institute a democratic plebiscite. I wish to request on behalf of the Edolian government that you do not go ahead with the invasion. It would threaten the life of Flavia von Blätterschplitt, and would destroy Edolian attempts to see the situation resolved peacefully.

As you are aware, Edolian naval forces in the area are being tripled and with the arrival of the Gërburg and Tetelburg Battle Fleets, Edölia will have a naval presence in the area to blockade Yasmarea and force the resignation of Turosi. I understand that the position of the Vaadian government is that a plebiscite on Yasmarean independence is in order. It is the position of the Edolian government that official polls taken two years ago showing 64% of the Yasmarean people in favor of maintaining their participation in the Scarlet Empire enough justification for our claims to it. However, in the interests of appeasing the Vaadian government, I will offer you our promise that a full plebiscite will be held once the Edolian government is back in control of the Yasmarean District.

In peace,

Matthew von Pickett
Minister of Foreign Affairs”

---

<<OOC: It’s late, I’m tired and it’s time to go to bed. Responses to the Knootians and Allaneans later. Go ahead with your op, NHSR. Just remember that Edolian cities (including Yasmarean cities) are extremely densely-populated, set on a strict grid and are mainly serviced by public transportation, with cars being extremely rare.>>

OOC: I get the distinct feeling Turosi is de-facto dead.

Good morning, this is Fox News, Allanea.

In Edolia, rumours have it that violent clashes have begun between the Edolian security forces and pro-democracy processions, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties. The casualties – but strangely not the violence – are acknowledge by the government of the Scarlet Empire. How that can be, we at Fox News don’t know, but we do know that the commander of the government forces is Marshal Albert von Tusk, also known as the Butcher of Axackal – the man still suspected of having illegally executed – some say raped, too – Allanean militia members prior to the start of the Axackal conflict.

In related news: in front of the House of Congress, a group of demonstrators about five hundred strong, has assembled, demanding no less than a full-out military intervention in Edolia, but it seems Congress disagrees.

And now, for some commercials, and then to our daily talk show.

Allanean Arms – we were there for our best boys in the trenches in Axackal. We were therre for the Khristian rebels in Quaalchourah Mars. We were there for the Hashi conflict. We are here for you

Aaand, welcome to ‘Fox and Friends Allanea”. This is Bill Madsen, tell us, Bill, what you think of this?

“Well, I think the events of the 27th of July are a new Boston Massacre. I hope that, just as the victims Boston Massacre, they will not have died in vain”

* * * * * *

Good Morning, this is Radio Free Edolia..

Today we will pause our transmissions for thirty minutes in memory of the victims of the recent violent events. Before we do, we transmit a recording of a poem read by Allanean actor George T. Rhodes, star of “Blue Sunset”. It speaks of a different event, a different time – but an event and a time all too similar:

“Tianenmen
is broad and clean
and you can't tell
where the dead have been
and you can't tell
what happened then
and you can't speak
of Tianenmen

You must not speak
you must not think
you must not dip
your pen in ink
you must not say
what happened then
what happened there
in Tianenmen

The cruel men
are old and deaf
ready to kill
but short of breath
and they will die like other men
and they'll lie in state
in Tianenmen

They lie in state
they lie in style
another lie's
thrown on the pile
thrown on the pile
by the cruel men
to cleanse the blood
from Tianenmen

Truth is a secret
keep it dark
keep it dark
in your heart of hearts
keep it dark til you know when
truth may return
to Tianenmen

Tianenmen
is broad and clean
and you can't tell
where the dead have been
and you can't tell
when they'll come again
They'll come again
to Tianenmen”

Good night, Edolia. May you wake up free.

Diplomatic Communiqué
From the Imperial Cabinet of Edölia
To the Office of Prime Minister Lady Galadrël Táralóm nos Círdan, Knootoss
“Friend nos Cirdan,

The second draft of the treaty is greatly to the liking of the Imperial Cabinet of Edölia and a representative will be sent immediately to The Hague for signing and ratification. Although due to the current political situation, I cannot myself attend, the Chancellor of Edölia, Rosaura von Grönbouler will take my place at the signing ceremony. A second signing of the treaty will have to take place once Flavia von Blätterschplitt is found and restored to office, though I have full confidence that she will uphold the decision made by the Imperial Cabinet. She has long worked to bring Edölia closer to the foreign community, and she will certainly not stop now.

In peace and friendship,

Matthew von Pickett
Minister of Foreign Affairs”

---

Alawan Turosi read the letter from Allanea carefully. Setting it down on the table, he re-read it again and considered it. Was it worth it? Allanean support would be militarily invaluable; of that he was certain. On the other hand, open support from the United States would bring about the hostility of other Haven nations, which would not look favorably upon a breakaway government propped up by the Allanean military. He considered it for a moment and then began to write a response.

Diplomatic Communiqué
From the Office of the Premier of the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea
To the Office of Alexander Kazansky, President of Allanea
“Mr. Kazansky,

Your warm and open support for my struggle for freedom is greatly appreciated, and on behalf of the newly free people of Yasmarea, I thank you with all of my heart. However, I am afraid that I am unable to fully accept the open support of your government. Other backers of our independence movement who have, in the past enjoyed poor relations with your nation could find themselves reluctant to continue their support, and many in Haven might see this as an opportunity to stop Allanean political and military expansion by returning us to the Scarlet Empire. That being said, we would welcome more covert support.

The Yasmarean military, although trained and armed to Edolian military standards, is a fraction of the size of the Scarlet Horde, and the entirety of our navy has defected. This puts us in a poor position if Edölia launches an invasion, as it seems likely to do. Furthermore, there is a growing concern with pro-Edölia rebels operating on some areas of the country. If an invasion by Edölia takes place, we will not be able to fight both. Allanean covert operatives would be invaluable in suppressing these anti-democracy factions and securing the ability of our legions to battle the Edolian army. If Edölia is repulsed once, it is likely that they will abandon further attempts to invade Yasmarea, guaranteeing us our independence.

I would also be interested in making contact with members of your pharmaceutical companies in regards to opium contracts. I hope that Yasmarea and Allanea can, in the future, continue their friendship and trade.

Your obedient servant,

Alawan Turosi,
Premier of the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea”

Alpha Squad, Colonel Stanley

"Alright, lets go! Fire at will!" Colonel Stanley yelled as his squad jumped from the hovering dropship onto a rooftop in Northeastern Yasmarea City. A lone man on the roof was the first to die, militia or not, having been shot and then kicked off the roof by New Haven SpecOps troops. "Alpha squad to all squads, check targets and proceed down into the buildings! Use flashbangs to clear rooms with Yasmarean rebels in them. Otherwise, conserve your ammo! We're going to be here a long time."


New Haven Type 22 Gunship "Deimos"

"All gunships, follow my lead down the streets at rooftop level," Commander Parsons called out. "Destroy all military vehicles and hardened bunkers! Lets get our guys in with a bang!" With that, the gunships began firing their anti-tank chainguns and anti-tank missiles into the city.

Another gunship, the Phobos, began relaying a message from Newman Station in orbit:

"Attention Yasmarean Rebels! Turn over your leadership to New Haven Special Forces immediately and we will spare your lives! The blood of fellow comrades does not need to be spilled over such a hopeless cause! We will ask our Edolian comrades to accept amnesty, but only if you turn over your leadership and put down your arms! I repeat..." The message began to repeat on every AM/FM radio and television station in Yasmarea, the television component only showing the yellow hammer and sickle on a red backround surrounded by the stars representing the USR member states.

OOC: Edolia, do I get a response?

IC: Cable News Network Breaking News: Tensions in Edölia

CNN reporting live from Crystal City in Tiburon, on the Tiburonese continent. The President of the United Republics is moments away from responding to the clash between the pro-democracy protesters and the Edolian Army. It is as of yet unclear what his position is- Edolia is a valued ally in the region and is a Class I nation on the Haven Watchlist, but Tiburon has historically committed itself to pro-democratic protests around the world. And here he is, coming out to the front yard now, about to address the nation. We turn live.
-----------------------------------

"The nation of Tiburon is comprised of many republics. Across the Earth and outer space, across planets, galaxies, and solar systems, each has its unique traditions and customs. But each of the republics that fly the blue and white of the Tiburonese flag and sends representatives to convene in the government shares, above all, one basic principle- the ideas of freedom and liberty. All citizens of these united republics we call the nation of Tiburon have been able to revel in their fundamental freedoms, rights that, according to the founders of part of our republic of North America, are "certain inalienable" rights given to all sentient creatures throughout the universe. When the people of a nation attempt to reach these freedoms that they are entitled to, must they not have all assistance? When these people wish to create a greater nation, must they be stopped with the bullet or the flame? The nation and the people of Edölia understand freedom. Their government has created a mostly democratic nation, with its laws and government determined by the people themselves! When a people cry out for the last bits of tantalizing, necessary, and fundamental freedom so closely within their grasp, why does a government protest? These people are doing nothing more than their right, their duty- their Edölian tradition!

The people of Tiburon, hundreds of years ago, made a pact of solidarity and support with the people of Edölia. And for all this time, the government has properly represented the people. We must not waver in their time of need- our two nations, now and forever, one and inseperable- it must be so. And, with these realities in my head, heart, and soul, I plead with the Edölian government- hear the people of Blätterschplitt! Free Edölia, and do what is expected and deserving of the Edölian people, nation, and government. And as you do, remember that Tiburon remains with Edölia, now and forever, one and inseperable. Thank you.
--------------------------------------

And that was President Nova Starfighter speaking live in front of the Tiburonese legislators. We now turn to Bill Schneider for an analysis. Bill, what did you think of the president's speech?

Admiral Coyohuitl watched the displays in Fire Control as New Haven forces began their assault on Yasmarea and the Edolian navay began to move south. He forwarded the message fon Edolia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, to his Vaadian counterpart. As an Admiral such communications did not involve him.

He turned as the Supreme Republican Commander came up on channel "The Island States have begun an assault on Yasmarea, it looks like a targetted decapitation attack, Commander."

"Yes Admiral, we're watching it here as well, do not take any action yet and don't worry about those Doujins, they have the Sword of Damocles hanging over them, literally." Commander Ring replied with a chuckle.

The Admiral nodded "What if we come under fire sir?"

Commander Ring replied "Return fire, neutralize any forces that take a shot at you. If anything heavy happens you'll have all the support you need, Coyo."

The Admiral nodded again "Yes sir, my life for the Republic."

******

Meanwhile Sir Alec contacted Von Pickett and Turosi, a bit annoyed that neither had replied to him previously.

To:Matthew von Pickett,Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edolia
From:Minister of Foreign Affairs,Ilek-Vaad

Admiral Coyohuitl forwarded along your message. I must say that I am perplexed that you would send such a message to a Naval Guard Admiral instead of through diplomatic channels and I am still awaiting a reply from my first message.

You are correct that we believe that now is the time for a plebiscite in Yasmarea. While you may be correct that citizens of Yasmarea may wish to remain part of the Scarlet Empire, the fact remains that Yasmareans appear to be perfectly calm and supportive of Governor Turosi.

We have expressed to Governor Turosi that he must allow the people of Yasmarea to choose for themselves. We will express the same opinion to you. I would also recommend that the New Haven forces also be called off. USR forces moving in, killing Yasmareans that support Turosi will only give him more popular support and make a peaceful solution much harder.

I await your reply.

Sir Alec Connover, Minister of Foreign Affairs,Ilek-Vaad

Then a message to Turosi

To: Governor Turosi
From :Minister of Foreign Affairs,Ilek-Vaad

I still have heard no reply from our last mesage to you. To re-iterate our position. Replacing the Scarlet Empire with another dictatorship, is unacceprable. The People of Yasmarea must be allowed to determine for themselves what step to take next. If you truly do serve your people you must allow them to determine their own fate.

You will not have our support if you do not opt for a peaceful and democratic solution.

Sir Alec Connover, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

OOC: Yes, I know TIS will prolly kill Turosi. My troops don’t, tho.

IC:
Hestonia Airbase
“Go! Go! Go!”

The big, black fat bellies of the modified Antonov-225 aircraft were open, and, from their barracks, Team Spearhead troops were running, AAR-8’s at the ready. Their target was, of course, Yasmarea. They could have easily fit them all in one of the oversized jets, but Command decided to use three – just in case of over-eager Edolians with SAM’s, or whatever other nonsense could just happen.

“Team Alpha, for your positions! Team Bravo, for your positions! Team Charlie, for your positions!” – Colonel Redrick chanted out, as hundreds of feet stomped by, armored troops seeking out their places inside the steel titans and strapping themselves into the various safety harnesses. The Colonel frowned – the men still were not as fast enough. Sure, they were faster than any troops in Allanea except other special operations teams. But they were not as fast as he wanted his team to be. But then again, to Colonel Redrick they were never good enough.

Finally, he took his own place in the belly of one of the AN-225’s. “Okay, men,” he bellowed out, the message transmitted through the communications systems of the armour to each and every member of the unit. “Here’s the mission. We are going to Yasmarea.”. The troops cheered. Not really a surprise, he thought, after the last propaganda blitz performed on them during the various briefings. “We are going to Yasmarea, flying at high altitude to avoid SAM’s. After landing, our mission is to secure and protect the person of Alwan Turosi, and, if HQ orders it, to carry out strikes of long-term value against potential enemy forces invading, or trying to invade, the Republic of Yasmarea. Any questions? Good. Let’s go, men! May God Bless Allanea!”

And the black planes touched off, escorted by several fighters. Against the early sunrise, they looked like a flock of strange black birds that slowly disappeared in the distance.

<<OOC: NHSR: Remember that this is postmodern tech, so those dropships you’ve got are nothing more than souped-up troop transports. I’ll let them get through Yasmarean air defenses because chances are the Yasmareans wouldn’t be expecting an attack from the NSHR, but they aren’t going to be invulnerable to AA fire once they’ve made their presence known in Yasmarea. If you have any questions, TG me. But this isn’t going to be a walk in the park. Your soldiers are badly outnumbered, in hostile territory, with no back up. We’ll see how it goes.>>

Alawan Turosi brooded. Three massive Edolian naval fleets lay off the coast of Yasmarea, insurgent attacks were intensifying and the Premier’s new government was coming under increasing pressure from other Haven nations, most notably Ilek-Vaad. He was just preparing to begin work on the evening’s upcoming speech when his door burst open. Turosi rose in anger. Whoever it was that dared to disturb him was unlikely to keep his job –or his head. It was Alun Erensi, Turosi’s aide. “How dare” –Turosi was cut off as his aide rushed to his side.
“We’ve got to evacuate you, sir. The building is under attack.”
“What?!” Thoughts of retribution towards the aide had left the Premier’s mind. “How?”
“NHSR special forces. Their dropships made it through our air defenses. We’re preparing to get you out of the building. We’re going to use the catacombs.”
“They’ll know about them.”
“Not likely sir. Chances are this is an attack designed to collect the bounty on your head. It would have been planned at the last minute and they wouldn’t have had time to go through every bit of information on the building’s defense. They’re also very well defended, and even if they know about them, they’re probably counting on being able to capture you quickly. If we hurry, we can beat them.” The sound of gunfire echoed in the distance. “Hurry, sir. We must go.” Turosi nodded.

---

“We have three squadrons in the air around Yaz City already, with more taking off.” Marshal Tomir Wesozki nodded.
“Excellent, Leftenant. Order them to intercept those dropships immediately. They’ll never know what hit them.”
“Yes sir.” Leftenant Andri Colapsi nodded and picked up the phone.
“And make sure that our military bunkers are secure.”

The thirty-six YT/A-2 Hellions approached Yaz City from the Northwest, Northeast and South. Swooping low over the countryside, the scramjet-propelled drone fighters were birds of pretty, streaking towards their prey. Automatic targeting systems within lead fighters picked up the signatures of the New Haven dropships and relayed them to other fighters. As the squadron systems coordinated their missile locks, the fighters maintained their flight path. It was low, and they were going to make sure that the New Haveners had no idea they were there until it was too late.

---

“They’ve secured the roof and are moving down the stairs. Intercept and destroy the invaders!” The Waking Dragon Corps of the Yasmarean Retainers were some of the Scarlet Empire’s most elite units. Specially trained to guard the main Yasmarean government buildings, it was a match for most any other military force. Captain Endiro Lepisi’s unit of 256 commandos was responsible for the Central Offices –the building housing Alawan Turosi’s government. Lepisi peered from behind his corner towards the stairwell. A flash-bang exploded in front of him. His light-sensitive helmet darkened, shielding him from most of the effects, and then returned to normal transparency. As New Haven forces burst through the doorway at the top of the stairs, Lepisi stuck his gun around the corner and fired off a grenade. The 20mm fragmentation grenade exploded against a wall, sending fragments throughout the stairwell. Machine gun fire from other Retainers ripped through the plaster walls and ceiling. A communications signal broadcasted in the Captain’s helmet.
Secure the Central Offices. The Premier is being evacuated.
“We need reinforcements,” Lepisi screamed back. “The New Haveners are moving in swarms. Casualties are heavy.”
Hold your positions. Reinforcements are en route. Machine gun fire ripped past Lepisi's head. He brought his rifle to his head and fired into the smoke. It was impossible to see at whom he was shooting. He trusted to luck. Some of his bullets were bound to bite flesh.

The soldiers fighting inside the Central Offices were unaware that outside, the battle raged as well. Yasmarean casualties were heavy as the New Haven gunships’ heavy machine guns and rockets tore into buildings and the street. The crowded city streets were filled with the dead and dying. Soldiers crowded behind shelter as they returned fire against disembarking New Haven troops and dropships. Anti-vehicle rockets fired from shoulder launchers burst around the dropships. All in all, four full Yasmarean armies were stationed in Yaz City, comprising over one hundred and sixty thousand men. Although only a few thousand were based in and around the center of the city, they were putting up heavy resistance. The two thousand Retainers and Scarlet Paladins who comprised the main defenses of the central office buildings had been some of the most elite forces in the Scarlet Empire, and were mostly carrying on the defense of the buildings inside.

The Hellions neared Yaz City. At fourteen kilometers, they were in range to fire their low-range missiles and thirty-six sped out of their launch bays. Streaking towards their targets at six times the speed of sound, they homed in on the New Haven dropships and the Hellons followed behind. The three squadrons of fighters that made up the initial force were far from the only Hellions approaching Yaz City. Hundreds more approached the city, flying low over the flat landscape of opium fields and olive orchards.

---

As explosions echoed through the catacombs, Alawan Turosi boarded the emergency monorail that waited. A select group of Retainers stood by his side as he strapped himself in to one of the seats. He nodded to them and saluted. “Let’s go.,” he ordered the conductor. The Retainers returned the salutes and watched as the Premier’s train shot off through the dark tunnels. He would arrive in the Yasmarean Defence Headquarters within half an hour. The Retainers on the other hand, checked their weapons. They were going upstairs.

---

Andor von Frën was angry. The Ambassador to the New Haven Socialist Republic slammed the door to his diplomat’s car and strode upthe steps of the NHSR capital building. Pulling out his identification papers, he approached the guards standing outside. “As the Ambassador from the Scarlet Empire to the New Haven Socialist Republic, I demand to see President Newman immediately.”　Von Frën’s voice carried with it authority. He would have his way.

---

Edolian Broadcasting Corporation Channel One; 1200 Hours
July 28, 2019 Edolian Reckoning
“Good morning. I’m Lüret Sun and you’re watching our noon edition of Edölia Today. The Tiburonese President, Nova Starfighter spoke out against violence in Blätterschplitt as clashes between demonstrators and security forces intensify. He called upon the Edolian government to immediately begin a transition to a full democracy, and called representative government and ‘inalienable right.’ Matthew von Pickett responded briefly to the statement, saying in part that the Edolian government enjoyed the support of the vast majority of Edolians and that protestors in Blätterschplitt made up a radical fringe group that sought to destabilize the Edolian government. He also promised that once the chaos in Edölia was at an end, the Constitution of the Scarlet Empire would be reinstated and that demonstrators would be given all the freedom they want. Finally, the Foreign Minister stressed the difference between peaceful protestors and militants, saying that the Edolian armed forces have the responsibility to root out and destroy terrorists who strike at the security personnel of the Scarlet Empire. For more on the situation in Tetelburg District, we turn to our Senior Tetelburg Bureau Chief…”

<<OOC: I will write more tomorrow. It's 2:30 in the morning and I want to sleep. I haven't forgotten about you people to whom I haven't responded. There's just so much to write and not enough time... It will happen tomorrow.>>

Alpha Squad

"Get those goddamn birds outta here! AHHH!" Colonel Stanley had taken a bullet through the left leg, a medic tending to his wounds. He was trying to wave off the dropships so they could return with the next wave of troops. The one on his roof began to VTOL out when it was struck by a missile, showering the troops still on the roof with shrapnel. Colonel Stanley and his medic were behind an air conditioning unit and were spared the majority of the blast, but three soldiers were blown clear off the roof. "Goddamn! Get me inside! Now damnit!"

Bravo Squad

"Sir, we're taking heavy fire inside our building! They fired fucking 20mm HE grenades at us in close quarters! Me and Lieutenant Lyles are incapacitated, we're both too hurt to move! We need backup!" Captain Sellers called out over his radio. Both of his legs were gone below the knees, and Remington's arm had been blown off just above the elbow, exposing the upper arm bone at the tip.

"Captain, what are we going to do?" Remington yelled as she tried to wrap a tourniquet around her arm. Sellers finished the tourniquets on his legs using two belts from a few dead Yasmareans that also lay dead.

"We keep fighting! Learn to fire it left handed if you have to, just don't let them get close!"

More special forces troops arrived, dragged out the bodies of their fallen comrades while providing suppressing fire.

"Flashbangs don't have an effect on these guys, we threw one in and these guys still got us," Sellers yelled as he fired his pulse rifle down the hallway. "Fire in the hole!" Sellers had reached into his belt, pulled the pin on a white phosphorous grenade, slightly 'cooked' it and threw it so it would bounce in and on the other side of the wall.

Dropship Excalibur

"Jesus christ, enemy fighters!"

Missiles and gunfire began coming up through the buildings at the dropships. The relatively thin armor of the dropships was pierced immediately, dropping several onto the streets below. The damaged and destroyed dropships' plasma compression cores released their EM fields as the power systems failed, releasing superhot plasma through the dropships. Those that had already crashed set neighboring buildings ablaze, including two with squads inside.

The Excalibur, as well as fifty of her sisterships, perished immediately from enemy fire. The few remaining VTOL'd clear and began heading home as fast as they could.

Type 22 Gunship 'Deimos'

"Cover us goddamnit! Enemy fighters everywhere!"

"Order all fighter drones to lock onto enemy fighters with AAMs," Commander Parsons ordered. "All gunships, lock onto enemy fighters that approach you and fire AAMs. Otherwise, find wider avenues and hit the deck!" As Parsons finished, an Edolian-made Surface-to-Air Missile struck his gunship in one of the booms supporting the twin tail. The gunship struggled for control as its damaged airframe twisted under the stress of flying at 600 MPH. "Oh shit, we're hit! John, we gotta bail! One... two... three!"

The crew of the 'Deimos' ejected as their crippled gunship flew into the streets below, uncontrolled and crashing into a park before its internal Plasma Compression Core released, setting the vegetation and park benches on fire. The crew parachuted to the ground, pulled free their pistols and made their way into the sewers underneath the city as bullets shot overhead.

Trotsky Drone Fighter Wing

After Parsons' transmission cut out, instructions entered the brains of the Trotsky drones forming Air Superiority over Yasmarea City. They began to form into tight wings and dove into the city, engaging fighters with Air-to-Air Missiles and 20mm chainguns. Some of the Trotskies were shot down, while others nimbly moved between buildings, their AI knowing what to do.

Overall NHSR Losses

210/1000 SpecOps dead
120/1000 SpecOps wounded/incapacitated
15/1000 SpecOps missing

55/85 dropships lost with all hands
12/50 gunships lost - 5 crews unaccounted for
50/400 Trotsky Fighter Drones lost

Presidents Office in New Freeport, New Haven

The President had recently accelerated his move to make the Capital of the NHSR New Freeport on New Haven, especially after the coup attempt. A new Government Complex had just been completed, as well as the surrounding apartment structures (more comfortable than those back in Freeport).

"I'm sorry Mr. Ambassador. Without an appointment, the President will not see you," A Militia Guard stated. "You can file an appointment with us, and we will pass it along. However, if the President is busy in Legislature, he will not be able to see you until tomorrow unless it is a matter involving imminent war, economic collapse, etc."

“We’re not going to be there on time!” – the Colonel screamed at the pilot, as he pointed at the radio. It screamed like wounded beast, translating cries of pain and hatred in two languages as Yasmareans and Islanders clashed in the city, each begging their support troops for fire support, medics, talking about wounds, destruction, death.

The pilots shrugged. “Actually we are, Colonel. ETA is five minutes.”

It was only a second that it took the Colonel to get his bearings.

“Men! Go for it!””

From the sky, the sixteen F-16A escort planes dove in to engage the Trozky drones. It was suicide – maybe. They had to try – to give the small, black-clad figures time to get close enough to the ground to unfold the parachutes.

A plane turned into a speck of fire, crushing into the narrow crack between two buildings. Then another. Then another.

But the sky was already filled with parachutes, and from the sky came the battle cry of the soldiers - a single, rebellous yell, devoid of words, but full of meaning – in a simplified, battlefield way, like a sign on an airplane’s wings, it told the enemy all he needed to know. They wouldn’t surrender. They wouldn’t turn back. They wouldn’t run.

“Yeeee-haw!”

"I'm sorry Mr. Ambassador. Without an appointment, the President will not see you," A Militia Guard stated. "You can file an appointment with us, and we will pass it along. However, if the President is busy in Legislature, he will not be able to see you until tomorrow unless it is a matter involving imminent war, economic collapse, etc."

Ambassador Andor von Frën’s voice was soft, but filled with authority. His voice held a trace of the guttural Edolian accent, but he enunciated his words clearly, putting every ounce of menace in his body into the words. “The matter I have to discuss concerns all of these things. I advise you to allow me entrance into this building, or you will not like the results of my being denied access to President Newman.”

---

Lepisi’s Corps was steadily being depleted. The vicious tactics employed by the New Haven special operations forces were steadily driving back the Yasmarean defenders. Of the 256 Retainers fighting in the Central Offices building, nearly have had been eliminated. While Lepisi didn’t know the numbers of dead amongst the few hundred or so Scarlet Paladins and Alpha Warriors fighting in the building, he assumed that they were even higher. “We need back-up, damnit!” he screamed into the microphone in his helmet. “We’ve been driven down twenty stories, and they’re picking up momentum.” An explosion ripped about the wall he was crouching behind and he dove for more cover. The response from Commander Renduri crackled in his head.
All units are en route or occupied. Heavy fighting is occurring through downtown Yaz. Casualties are heavy. Turosi has been evacuated. Retreat when necessary. The last order was a relief, and Lepisi followed it gladly. Relaying the command to the men under his command, he shouldered his rifle and fired off a smoke grenade in the general direction of the New Haveners to cover the retreat.

In the meantime, outside the offices, the battle was raging just as hard. As dropships and drone fighters tore the streets apart, New Haven soldiers fired at Edolian defenders below. As cars were a rare sight on narrow Edolian city roads, soldiers on the ground level had little cover and many had been killed instantly, along with hundreds of civilians caught in the crossfire. Those that survived made their way into the ground floors of the buildings, using windows are firing points. The overwhelming fire from the New Haven dropships was forcing them to keep their heads down. Nevertheless, rocket-fire from the Yasmarean soldiers were taking their toll on the New Haven ships. A B-2 Imperium Drone Main Battle Tank rolled down the center of the street. As missiles exploded around it, passive and active defenses shielded it from most of the fire. Twin Crescent missiles shot from its back and streaked towards a dropship, before the tank was engulfed in flames. Just above it, a New Haven gunboat was hit by a rocket, causing it to spiral out of the control. With a burst of flame, it smashed into the side of an office skyscraper, sending glass raining down onto the streets below and showering a column of three APCs that had arrived on the scene with chunks of concrete. As the surface-to-air miniguns on the roofs of the carriers opened up on the gunboats, soldiers poured out of their doors, bolting for cover inside buildings in the area.

Similar scenes were being played out all around the center of Yaz City, as the fierce battle raged. Initially outclassed by the fierce assault, the Yasmarean defenders had suffered heavy losses in the first few minutes, but as the numerically superior Yasmareans regrouped and troops from other parts of the city rolled onto the scene, the battle was stabilizing, massive casualties being suffered on both sides. Some of the first units to join the battle were the long-range Echidna surface-to-air batteries that had been stationed around the city. As dozens of missiles streaked up towards the Trotsky drones, most of the launchers began to move to more favorable positions as the tall buildings blocked many of their radar signals. As hundreds of tanks and tens of thousands of soldiers rolled towards the center, reinforcements were also arriving from the air.

Although of the thirty-six air superiority fighters, only eight were left undestroyed by the return-fire from the Trostskies, the unmanned drones continued their mindless path into the city. With their life expectancy most likely measured in seconds, an automatic suicide protocol took over. The remaining seven missiles in their bays were released in rapid succession, each targeted at a different dropship. Without full radar locks, they were not likely to be as effective as normal, but they would be better than nothing and the slower and less maneuverable dropships would make good targets. As one by one, the eight remaining Hellions were destroyed, a second wave of fighters from the First Airbase of Yasmarea began to arrive from the East. The first Air Wing of one hundred forty-four air superiority fighters was spread out along the ground, keeping low to avoid enemy missiles. As the first fighters reached the outskirts of the city limits –some nineteen kilometers from the center- they each released two missiles, targeted at enemy Trotsky drones, and continued their path forward. Although primarily designed for long-range encounters, Hellions were some of the best fighters in the world in a close-range battle, such as the one that was developing over Yaz City. They were going up against other drones, however, which would likely be equally maneuverable. It was going to be a hard-fought battle indeed, but the Yasmareans had the advantage of numbers, as three more air wings made their way to the city from the North and South, boosting their numbers to nearly six hundred fighters. Another air wing of Hellions and two of the slightly more ground attack-oriented Scarabs followed some fifteen minutes behind.

More than a few Allanean commandos were undoubtedly killed by Yasmarean defenders, but as the message that allies were arriving was relayed amongst the troops, attention was turned to allowing the Allaneans to more easily land. They had been put in a difficult situation. The cityscape was made up entirely of skyscrapers, and the narrow streets below were not ideal drop zones. Complicating the matter was the fact that most of the building tops were controlled by New Haven forces, who would make it a difficult and bloody task to reclaim. As Yasmarean forces were pushed lower and lower in the buildings, they had no choice but to worry about themselves and hope that the Allaneans would be blessed with good luck.

---

The Vaadian admiral received a reply from Matthew von Pickett almost immediately.

”The messaged was relayed directly to you in order to contain the information that it contained. Although you will doubtless inform your higher-ups of the development, we would prefer that as few people as possible outside of the Imperial Cabinet were aware of the location of Flavia von Blätterschplitt.

I believe that I have already given you my word that Yasmarea will hold a plebiscite, and when the time comes, Vaadian inspectors will be called upon to supervise polling.

In peace,

[b]Matthew von Pickett”[/I]

A similar reply from Alawan Turosi was curiously absent.

Alpha Squad

"Incoming dropships!" Stanley's aide yelled.

"They're early, let them land with harassment!" Colonel Stanley yelled as he walked around, using his rifle as a temporary crutch. He got on his ZMI communications device and issued the following order, knowing it could not be intercepted: "Attention all forces, blow the stairwells at the floor you're at and then set your primary charges. Dropships are here." It meant they were going to cut the Yasmareans off and blow off the upper levels of the buildings to create sheer panic in the streets in an effort to keep Yasmarean Militia concerned with 'street fighting' than with the Special Forces pullout.

All across the Yasmarean districts, the remaining gunships began strafing rooftops as Trotsky drones got incredibly low in an effort to scare Yasmareans into either shooting too soon or drawing the fire to them.

Squads of special forces troops began blowing out the stairwells with specialized charges, cutting off roof access from the lower eighty or so floors. They began placing large charges capable of blowing steel supports on alternating floors in an effort to create a diagonal stress fracture and set the timers for five minutes. "Jesus christ, the shit is set to go! Get out of here!" A Lieutenant called on his ZMI communications device. "Death to the rebels, may they burn in Hell!"

"Thats it, everyone pull back for detonation! Now damnit!" Colonel Stanley yelled as his squad boarded a transport. Fighter and gunship cover grew more intense as the dropships came by in an effort to keep the Yasmareans from concentrating fire. Two dropships were hit by missiles as the special forces troops pulled away, leaving the gunships and fighters to create a finale and leave.

The gunships began dropping cluster bombs throughout the city to scatter and confuse the Yasmareans before the top floors of their tallest skyscrapers would come crashing down. As the final dropship lifted off and sailed skyward as fast as it could, the building's top floors sheered off at the beams, careening into the streets below as a mesh of steel and concrete... Operation Beehive had been completed.

"All troopers, you did well today," Colonel Stanley said. "We've pushed the enemy back. Now we're going to meet up with our brothers in the forests and fields of Yasmarea and began targeting bunkers... we've probably scared the rodents running this revolt into the hills, now its Military Intelligence's turn to give us a victory."

------------------------------------------
Sierra Squad

Fresh special forces troops had just been inserted into the countryside via HALO jumps, their men and gear scattered with accuracy across the Yasmarean countryside. Within minutes, all 1,000 men had organized into 6-man squads under the command of Major Kilgore, Stanley's "Right Hand Man."

"All right men, listen up, we're about due for communications with New Haven Military Intelligence," Kilgore called out on his ZMI communications device. "With any luck, Stanley and his men will be here just after it comes in so we'll have a head start. If we're really lucky, the gunships will be able to drop bunker busters on the underground escape routes we know lead out of Yasmarea. We can only hope Turosi didn't get brave enough to stick around in his building, especially after we blow the top floors off."

---------------------------------
New Freeport, New Haven Colony

"Then proceed, Mr. Ambassador," The guard replied. "But if you're lying to us, I wouldn't want to be you when the President finds out." Both guards opened the doors and quickly closed them behind the Edolian ambassador.

With the clatter of AAR-8 rifles, the howl of incoming ATGM’s, the clanking of Bowie knives, Team Spearhead began to settle to the ground among the wreckage, firing at the escaping Islander craft, and the surviving F-16’s launched a slew of missiles at the dropship.

On the ground, the Colonel surveyed the terrible damage done bythe Islander troops. Hundreds, he thought, perhaps thousands murdered – for what? If what he knew about Edolian architecture was right, those floors hand unbelievable amounts of people in them.

He didn’t know where Turosi was… and several dozen of his own troops where dead, too, some shot down when parachuting onto the city, some wiped out in the explosives. And people were still dying. He took a deep breath as he approached a man who looked as if he was someone important.

“Colonel George Redrick, United States Armed Forces,” he said, pointing to his shoulder patch – a miniature copy of the Allanean flag. “We came here to try and stop this attack. It is now, unfortunately, too late. I believe that now makes it a rescue operation.”

The dropship dived sharply, releasing chaff and flares as it dove. Trotsky fighter drones, retreating from the city, locked onto the F-16As and fired 20mm shells from a nose-mounted coilgun.

The last of the dropships disappeared into the upper stratosphere, moving to drop the recovered special forces troops somewhere to the northwest to begin their trek to the closest Yasmarean defensive installations.


Crew of 'Deimos'

"Ahh!" Lieutenant Commander John Kilgore called out as he held his leg. It was sprained in the landing, and he barely made it into the sewers with Parsons.

"Damnit John, we gotta keep moving," Parsons said as he helped his weapons officer along. "If we stop, either the Allaneans or the Yasmareans are going to find us, and between us we only have two pistols and two grenades. I'd rather save at least one grenade to kill us both if we're in danger of being captured."

"Actually Bill, I got a ten bricks of C4 and fourteen detonators, just in case I lost a few," Kilgore said as he limped along. "The Good Colonel made sure the Base Commander handed them off to me, just in case we were shot down. The Special Forces operation on the surface, Operation Beehive, can still be undertaken if we just set some of these to blow the sewers out. The road above would crater in and any tanks and vehicles above couldn't get through."

"Right now, I'm just trying to figure out how to get us out of here alive," Parsons said. He soon grew tired and took a rest against a wall. "How long can we set these things to blow?"

"Ninety-nine minutes, ninety-nine seconds," Kilgore replied.

"Set two for twenty-five minutes and put them up here," Parsons said, pointing to the top of the sewer junction. "There is a big intersection up here, lets see if we can't blow it out."


Gunship 'Phobos'

"Attention gunship flight, you're not done yet. You still have bunker buster bombs for Phase B of this operation," the ship's onboard radio called out after being decoded. "Target locations are being relayed into your targeting computers."

"Ahh, sir," Lieutenant Commander George Jackson radioed back, his signal encoded before it left the gunship. "Thats an open field according to our reports."

"There is an underground tunnel in there, we're planning to blow them out," Command radioed back. "If Turosi left the city, and we have good reason to believe he did, we're going to prevent him from going back without making himself noticable."

"Aye, Command, proceeding to target alpha-zero-one." The gunship boosted to mach two and shot southward, finding rolling farmland and small towns below. The targeting computer alerted the 'Phobos' weapons officer to release a single bomb, which angled in for a direct hit against the tunnel line. One tunnel exit out of Yasmarea out, several more to go.


Current losses/troop count

410/2000 SpecOps dead
180/2000 SpecOps wounded/incapacitated
50/2000 SpecOps missing

72/180 dropships lost with all hands
18/200 gunships lost - 5 crews unaccounted for
89/600 Trotsky Fighter Drones lost

OOC: I thought I replied here, but oh well.

IC:

He's dead?! Yessssss!
- Random Citizen

Edolian Broadcasting Corporation Channel One; 1200 Hours
July 28, 2019 Edolian Reckoning
“Good morning. I’m Lüret Sun and you’re watching our noon edition of Edölia Today. The Tiburonese President, Nova Starfighter spoke out against violence in Blätterschplitt as clashes between demonstrators and security forces intensify. He called upon the Edolian government to immediately begin a transition to a full democracy, and called representative government and ‘inalienable right.’ Matthew von Pickett responded briefly to the statement, saying in part that the Edolian government enjoyed the support of the vast majority of Edolians and that protestors in Blätterschplitt made up a radical fringe group that sought to destabilize the Edolian government. He also promised that once the chaos in Edölia was at an end, the Constitution of the Scarlet Empire would be reinstated and that demonstrators would be given all the freedom they want. Finally, the Foreign Minister stressed the difference between peaceful protestors and militants, saying that the Edolian armed forces have the responsibility to root out and destroy terrorists who strike at the security personnel of the Scarlet Empire. For more on the situation in Tetelburg District, we turn to our Senior Tetelburg Bureau Chief…”

Cable News Network Special Report: Tensions in Edolia
...President Starfighter responded briefly to the statement made by Matthew von Pickett of the Edolian government. We have a copy of the statement, which notes that the call for freedom can bring nothing but added benefits to the people of Edolia. It notes that there has already been an example during which an allied government had completely shaken off its progressive standpoint and had stood against the light of the world (namely, the NHSR blockade of Shen-Zhou during the recent Hogsweatian-Tiburonese War), and sending in an army to combat a peaceful democracy protest gives evidence to similar tactics. For more on the situation inside Edolia, we turn now to our senior Northeast Haven correspondent, John Maculyra, who is standing outside in Blatterschpitt City, on the edges of Tetelburg Square. John?

Endiro Lepisi ducked as an explosion showered he and his men with shrapnel. “I need intel!” he screamed at his superiors. “Tell me what the fuck is going on!” There was silence on the other end as the defense commanders struggled to get a better picture of the situation.
NHSR forces are pulling out. Expect more set explosions. Continue to the ground floor. Lepisi nodded and relayed the instructions to his men. As the Retainers made their way down, taking the long stairwells, Lepisi signaled a group of soldiers to follow him towards the top of the building. They made their way through wrecked hallways and past dead bodies. Lepisi had just bent down to inspect the armor of one of the dead New Haveners when a massive explosion sent he and his men flying. He smashed into a wall, and shook himself, dazed. Another explosion knocked him to the floor, as debris rained down around him.
“The building is collapsing!” he shouted. Turning, he broke into a run towards the stairwell behind him. He made it down the second flight of steps when the stairs under him broke apart, sending him falling down onto the level below. His armor shielded him from most of the shock, but Lepisi could feel that his left arm was broken. Staring up, he realized that he was looking up at open sky. He got to his feet, wincing as pain shot through his arm, and looked around. He drew in a shocked breath. Yaz City was devastated. Smoke poured out of ruined buildings, some of which had had their tops completely blown off. Down, seventy stories below, ambulances raced about, trying to get the wounded off to hospitals. Despite his years of emotion training, Lepisi felt anger welling up inside of him. The vast majority of the dead and wounded were civilians, who had committed no crime but that of working near the government offices. Thousands must have been killed. But for what? To capture one man? Lepisi knew that Turosi had escaped and was most likely holed up in a bunker somewhere in the hills. All the death had been for nothing. Lepisi was not a political man –he was a soldier after all, and soldiers were highly discouraged from getting involved in politics- but he knew that the Scarlet Empire would not stand for this. New Haven would pay.

---

Over two hundred and fifty meters below Lepisi, Major Randulf Werisni eyed the Allanean in front of him. The Allanean had spoken Edolian –after all, they weren’t likely to find many Yasmarean speakers in the United States –and rather good Edolian at that. Like most Yasmareans, Werisni spoke quite passable Edolian as well, and responded in the same language. “Welcome to Yaz, Colonol Redrick. It’s too late you didn’t arrive earlier.” He shrugged. “Better late than never, I suppose. We would appreciate whatever help you can give us in getting the wounded out of here.”

---

Andor von Frën nodded courteously to the guards and stepped inside the building. He paused as his cellular phone began to ring. He checked the number. The name underneath the number read “Matthew von Pickett.” Von Frën was surprised. He had thought that the Foreign Minister would have trusted him enough to allow him to handle the situation. He turned on the phone and put it to his ear.
“Sir?” Von Pickett’s voice came in clearly. It was tired, and the Foreign Minister sounded sad.
“Good evening Ambassador von Frën,” he said. “I assume that you are preparing to meet with the New Haven President?”
“I am inside the building now, sir.”
“Good, good.” There was a moment of silence. “I wish to remind you that New Haven is one of our closest allies. We cannot offend them.”
“What?!” von Frën asked, incredulously? He looked around and saw that some passing bureaucrats were staring at him. He lowered his voice. “I remind you that hundreds –probably thousands of our citizens have been killed in this attack. This would be justification for an all-out attack.”
“But we will not go that far,” von Pickett replied. “Make it clear that Edölia is displeased, and demand a pull-out, but do not go further than that.” There was silence.
“I obey,” sighed von Frën. He clicked off the phone and replaced it in his pocket. Suppressing a grimace, he turned and walked to meet the President.

<<OOC: I’m not sure how he would find him. You can just RP their meeting, blah blah blah.>>

---

“I will order the deployments to the Scarlet Isles immediately.” Albert von Tusk stood before the Imperial Council. “New Haven must pay for this.” There was silence. Matthew von Pickett spoke first.
“I’m afraid, as I have just finished explaining to Ambassador von Frën, who is about to sit down with President Newman any minute, Edölia will not be taking any kind of major retaliatory action against our friends in New Haven.”
“What!?” Von Tusk’s response was almost the same as von Frën’s, “Have you seen the most recent pictures from Yaz City?” Von Pickett nodded.
“New Haven is one of our closest allies. We must maintain good relations with USR states. You shall order no military action. This will be handled diplomatically.” Von Tusk grimaced and bit his lip, to keep himself from making a comment he would later regret. He bowed, made a sharp about-face and stepped out of the council-room. A short, plump woman waited for him on the other side of the door. Von Tusk looked at his aide meaningfully.
“This is ridiculous.” The woman nodded as well. “Initiate the preparations.” She bobbed her head once in understanding. They continued walking, not speaking or looking at each other. Albert von Tusk turned back to her. “What we do, we do for Edölia.” She said nothing but nodded again.

President Newman sat with his Chiefs of Staff as they discussed the growing situation in Yasmarea City.

"I told you guys to just stir the hive up to spook Turosi out so we could divide him from the majority of the militia and catch him at any one of the few places he could escape to," Newman said as he picked up a after battle report. He slung it across the room, spilling papers everywhere. "Bullshit, you guys can't be trusted with a potato gun, much less 10,000 men and some high explosives. Get out." The Joint Chiefs picked up the briefcases and left the room, passing by the Edolian ambassador. The door had been open the entire time.

"Whoever is outside, please step in or out, and no stupid "new era" military bullshit or I'll be very angry."

-----------------------------------------------
LZ Asherton

"Good, good, we'll have the Yasmarean Defense Center in sight in three hours," Stanley said as a medic tended to his leg further. The medic tightened the bandages, making Stanley whince before he returned to his mid-battle briefing. "Get the dropships to drop more men and equipment in the hills, intelligence states there are rebels out there that want the Yasmarean Independence to fail. Make sure they receive adequate training, equipment and supplies."

New Haven, Allanea battle in Yaz City- Ravage City, Leave Thousands Dead, Including 258 Tiburonese

http://www.serbia-info.com/g3/images/nytimes-logo.jpg

Yaz City, Yasmarea/Edolia- Special Operations forces from the New Haven Socialist Republic landed in Yaz City yesterday while fighting off an assault from the Allanean Air Force as well as Yasmarean ground forces. The attacks by the NHSR left tens of thousands of people in Yaz City dead, wounded, or missing, including hundreds of reporters and relief workers throughout the world. The attacks resulted in a direct bombing of the United Press Building near the Government Building of Yasmarea, as well as a bombing of the Red Cross/TiburonAid building. Current estimates place the number of Tiburonese dead at approximately 258.

The Special Operations units landed in Yasmarea to secure Alawan Turosi, the Premier of the breakaway region of Yasmarea in Edolia, a member of the United Socialist Republics. The NHSR, also a member of the USR, sent a moderately large team of Special Forces units to capture or kill the rebel leader, believed to be hiding in a bunker in Yaz City. As their forces began landing in Yaz City, a squadron of F-16 Allanean-Types flew in and attacked the New Havenic dropships, forcing them to retreat. During their retreat, sources claim that the Havenic soldiers dropped C4 bombs, ravaging the city.

The bombs were dropped in the streets, presumably to destroy the subway and sewage systems underneath, as well as on key buildings. Among the buildings that were hit were the Government Building of Yasmarea, the seat of power in the breakaway republic, as well as the United Press Building nearby, the building where many of the news networks native to Tiburon as well as the rest of the world were stationed. Although it is unclear whether the United Press Building was deliberately attacked, the resulting blast of the building and the subsequent collapse of the building, following an evacuation, has effectively shut down all press from Yasmarea. The Associated Press, Reuters, NBC, ABC, FOX, CNN, the BBC, the Times of London, and our own paper report a cumulative death toll of 120 people.

The bombs also hit the Tiburon Aid Building, the base of operations of the non-governmental organizations TiburonAid, reporting 70 dead or missing, and the Tiburonese Red Cross, reporting 68 dead or missing. The Tiburon Aid Building did not collapse, although it had to be evacuated and shows serious stress fractures.

The Tiburonese government, in response, declared itself "completely outraged and ashamed" at the attack. Although it has not removed the NHSR as an ally, it demanded the immediate resignation of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the NHSR, as well as an immediate apology and reparations to the families and the organizations totalling approximately $35 billion (which is worth about 105 billion SUMU), and has ordered a temporary no-fly zone for any and all military vehicle from the NHSR, Allanea, Yasmarea, and Edolia until the end of all combat operations. Some senators [continued on Page A3]

New Haven State News

"Today, hundreds of Islander special forces soldiers gave their lives to maintain Edolian control of Yasmarea," an anchorwoman began as patriotic music played softly in the background. "Through their sacrifice, we will crush this defiance against the power of the USR and its member states. Our troops fought well, disrupting enemy communications and movement throughout Yas City while we prepared to capture the elusive and fugitive Turosi, an enemy to the people of the USR."

"An official investigation will be taking place shortly to determine why events unfolded and who is to blame for the deaths of countless Yasmarean and foreign citizens," The anchorwoman continued. "While Special Forces troops report they are the ones who caused the explosions, sources say that the arrival of Allanean troops caused a shift in power that triggered an 'operation failsafe'. This 'failsafe' included the detonation of stairwells and the destruction of floors above to prevent enemy troops from overrunning positions and to create enough confusion to facilitate escape. Why civilians had not been moved down the stairwells before the explosions will also be determined at the conclusion of the operation. The 'failsafe' will also be under investigation as to whether or not it should be used in future operations."

The Edolian diplomat stepped into the room. "Good evening Mr. President," he said. His voice was polite, but cold. "I come on behalf of the Imperial Cabinet of Edölia." He waited for the President to nod. Newman obviously knew what was going to be said. "As you are aware, NHSR forces are currently engaged in combat operations in Yaz City. This is unacceptable.” The diplomat paused, collecting his thoughts. “Perhaps you are not aware that the capital of Yasmarea District is the second largest city in the Scarlet Empire. You cannot engage in a large-scale military operation within killing tens of thousands. These Edolian citizens are dying at the hands of New Haven special operations forces." He paused for effect and looked Newman directly in the eyes. "You do understand that this is an act of war, do you not?"

---

Albert von Tusk put down the telephone and sighed. It had been two hours since New Haven forces had left Yaz City, and it didn't appear that much would be done to provide relief to the victims. "God damn Islanders," he mumbled. The phone rang. Reaching over, he turned it on and brought it to his ear.
"What is it?"
"Preparations are nearly in place." The voice on the other end was cold and impassive. "We are ready." Von Tusk's weary face showed the faintest trace of a smile. It was fleeting -perhaps an illusion.
"Excellent, comrade. You have done good work today. Edölia needs more men like you."
"Yes, sir." The other man gave no indication that he had been particuarly impressed by the compliment.
"Make sure that Mencini knows when the operation is to take place."
"Yes, sir," came the reply again.
"Good." Von Tusk paused. "Remember, comrade: what we do, we do for Edölia."
"Yes, sir."

---

Alawan Turosi was tired. The hurried flight from Yaz City had drained most of his energy. Reports were coming in that rumors of his apparent death were circulating around Yasmarea.
"It is time to put those rumors to rest, Lord." Marshal Congrego Wendori stood at the Turosi's side. "The people need their Premier." Turosi nodded.
"What do you have for me?" The Marshal handed him a piece of paper.
"A short address is enough. Just let the people know that you are alive, and that Yaz will be avenged. Turosi nodded.

"People of Yasmarea." Turosi's face was appearing on every television screen in Yasmarea, as the new country's citizenry crowded around television sets. "Earlier today, our great land suffered a grave assault at the hands of the New Haven forces. Thousands of professional murders –they call them their ‘special forces’- stormed into the center of Yaz City. These barbarians, with complete disregard for international law and the safety of the Yasmarean people, ruthlessly attacked those charged with defending our new government. Although our brave warriors defended their posts valiantly and slaughtered many of the invaders, many fell in the effort. As the New Haveners left, they set explosives, destroying buildings and killing thousands of innocent civilians. Today, my friends, the center of our proud capital is in ruins and our once mighty skyscrapers serve as the tombs of countless of our dead. I know that all of our hearts go out to the families of the dead. This is not a time for meek sorrow, however. This is a time for action. This is a time to make the world know that Yasmarea will not tolerate invasion. We are a peaceful nation that wants to be left alone. But woe befalls those who disturb us. Today, I stand before you as the Premier of this new, great land, to make a promise –a promise that I shall do everything in my power to keep. New Haven shall pay for what they have done.” Tears glistened in Turosi’s eyes. “Good night and stay safe.”

The broadcast was over and Turosi wiped the tears out from his face. “How did it go?” he asked.
“Brilliantly, sir,” beamed Marshal Wendori. He smiled sardonically. “New Haven has strengthened your position in Yasmarea more than a million propaganda campaigns could have done.” Turosi nodded wearily.
“Where may I sleep?”
“Forgive me, my Lord,” replied the Marshal. “This is a military bunker, and I am afraid that we do not have anything so comfortable as you are used to. I hope that you can make due with what we have, however.” Turosi nodded again.
“I’m sure that whatever you have will be comfortable.” He paused. “How are the defenses here?’
“Excellent, sir,” the Marshal replied confidently. “New Haven undoubtedly knows that we’re here, but we’re well protected by the hills, and we’re far enough underground that they wont be able to touch us with anything short of a nuclear weapon. If they try to take us down, our tactical defense teams will have no difficulty holding off tens of thousands of Islander troops.” He smiled. “You can rest easy tonight, my Lord.” Turosi just nodded.

Marshal Wendori stood alone in the media room. Sitting down at the desk, he turned on the computer and began to write a letter.

Diplomatic Communiqué
From the Office of the Marshal of the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea
To the Office of the First Republican of the Free Republic of Ilek-Vaad
“My friend,

I write this on behalf of Premier Alawan Turosi, requesting your assistance in defending our new Republic against the aggressive and imperialistic barbarians of New Haven. We are a new nation and one-seventh the size of our enemies. I beseech you, as the great defender of democracy and freedom in Haven, to protect us in our time of need. I hope that you will heed our call.

For liberty and freedom,

Marshal Congrego Wendori
Deputy Premier of the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea”

Presidents Office

"Unacceptable," Newman said after the Edolian ambassador finished. "As for Yas City being your second largest city, its hard to say that when you don't command more than two men and a coffee table there. Hell, at least during the rebellion on Asherton, we had enough loyalist troops to blow up bridges and causeways!" Newman poured himself a drink as the New Haven star began to set on the horizon. "We're not leaving until Turosi is captured or our men are dead. If you wish to take it as an act of war against Edolia, which was not our intention, then so be it," Newman replied grimly.

Superheavy Transport Flight Alpha

"Yas City in ten minutes, look sharp people," Commander Ivanov said as their civilian-made aerospace transports climbed to 95,000 feet. "Prepare to open rear doors, remember to check your suits boys."

"Aye, sir," came from every cargo bay from all fifty planes. On radar, they would look like bombers (with fighter escorts thanks to radar manipulation beacons). Time passed as packages of food, bottled water, temporary shelters, "We're the good guys" propaganda, Albert the Albatross coloring books (with crayons), and instructions on how to surrender properly to New Haven forces (with explicit details of previous successful Islander conflicts).

Once near Yas City, the drop computers signalled that the time had come to drop their payloads. The rear doors opened up, and one by one the aid packages fell to the ground below, suspended on a parachute. A white strobe light flashed the international morse code message of truce as they dropped, hopefully signalling enemy fighters NOT to intervene.

The packages hit buildings, but maintained their strength as they descended onto the streets below, their parachutes emblazened with the yellow sickle and hammer (with the stars representing the USR). Aid has arrived.

The transports turned away sharply, engaging afterburners as they sped towards international waters. They had to get out of the area before Yasmarean or Allanean forces could rally fighters.

SpecOps Squad Alpha

"I don't like the look of your wound, Colonel," a medic said as he rewrapped it and injected antibotics and pain killers into Stanley. Stanley whinced momentarily before turned back to his majors and captains at LZ Asherton.

"According to intelligence from the USR Datalink, we believe Turosi to be in one of three bunkers, judging by depth and their connection to Yasmarea," Stanley said as he got to his feet, using his rifle as a crutch. "We can't go in shooting, we'll never get out alive. What we need is to locate a Yasmarean convoy going to the bunkers to resupply or increase their numbers, snipe the drivers, kill the men in the back, take their uniforms and weapons and clean them up, then drive to the bunkers and infiltrate. If we fuck up one detail, we're dead. Any questions?" No officer said a word. "Good, now go inform your men and get together three large teams from those with Edolian backgrounds or knowledge in Edolian languages and accents. Go."

Oustide the New Havenic Embassy to Tiburon, Delaz Street, Crystal City, Tiburon
Monday, March 14, NCE 200

Rick Phillipa, the ambassador from the EuroIslanders, was in major trouble. Delaz Street was completely blocked- he would be late to the meeting. The small crowd gathered there- well, if you consider 10,000 people "small"- had completely choked off access to the other side of the street. Not to say it wasn't a good cause, of course, but could they have moved it inside?

He glanced at the clock nervously. It read 9:48 AM.

Oh, shit.
---------------------------------------
10,000 people had gathered directly outside the New Havenic embassy to Tiburon. It was believed that even more in the city and in the country supported them. But there were only so many activists in Tiburon, no more. With headbands shipped directly from the Tiburonese state of Japan (at no cost) the mass protests had begun.

Student leader James Alday looked around the growing mass of people, people who stood against the militarists in the NHSR. He felt an emerging sense of pride and anger- this was their country! These were our people! Grabbing the megaphone, he yelled out to the white-shirted, white-headbanded morass carrying Tiburonese flags and various signs that read "No to New Haven massacres!" and "Down with the terrorist army of New Haven!"

The crowd was awe-inspiring. Everyone imaginable was there- CEOs and business executives, the standard young activists, mothers and fathers and 10-year-olds. People from all races, all incomes, all beliefs, all walks of life, all yelling the same message. The nation of Tiburon was in Delaz Street, and it was being heard.

The familiar chant that was heard throughout the day was repeated. They would not stop until they had won.

"We! Will not! Ne-go-ti-ate! Ti-bu-ron-ese lives! We! Will not! Ne-go-ti-ate! Ti-bu-ron-ese lives! We! Will not! Ne-go-ti-ate! Ti-bu-ron-ese lives!"
-----------------------------------
Official Message from the Executive Branch of the United Republics of Tiburon
To: President Newman, the New Haven Socialist Republic
From: President Starfighter, the United Republics of Tiburon
Subject: Terms and Conditions

President Newman,

The attack on Tiburonese civilians stationed in the disputed territory of Yasmarea that occurred yesterday morning is completely and totally unacceptable, as we have noted before. The attack on Tiburonese civilians is a de facto assault on the United Republics themselves, and we demand an immediate apology. While we remain an Edolian ally and a neutral party to the Edolian-Yasmarean conflict, we cannot, we shall not, and we will not let this base assault on reporters and aid workers, representatives of the Good Neighbor policy of Tiburon go unheeded.

The government of the United Republics of Tiburon, in accordance, demands:

a.) A full apology to the nation of Tiburon as well as the families of the deceased, injured, and assaulted in particular, and,

b.) A $45 billion payment to the families of those that perished or were injured during the attack.

We will give the New Haven Socialist Republic 72 hours to comply with our demands. If the demands are not met within that time, it will be accepted as an attack by the New Haven Socialist Republic on the United Republics of Tiburon, and we shall respond as necessary.

When the New Haven Socialist Republic claimed that ultranationalists had taken over the government of the NHSR during the Hogsweatian-Tiburonese War, and that the NHSR and Tiburon were still close allies, we were, and are, more than ready to believe it. But belief requires proof, and we have not found any evidence so far to rationalize such an alliance when Tiburonese citizens are slaughtered. If, of course, our demands for justice to the families of those killed are met, and we see that the NHSR is committed to Tiburon just as much as Tiburon is committed to the NHSR, the alliance will have been rationalized.

Please remember, though, that we will not negotiate Tiburonese lives.

Sincerely, and with high hopes of a positive solution that cements the Tiburonese/New Havenic alliance,

Nova Starfighter

President's Office

"Damnit," Newman said as he read from his Urgent Messages screen, turning away from the Edolian Ambassador for a few seconds to do so. He picked up the red phone on his desk and pressed the first button marked 'alert'. "Move to Condition Red. I repeat, move to Condition Red. All forces not engaged in combat in the Yasmarean Campaign are to immediately mobilize and suit up. This is not a drill! You have 72 hours to reach urgent mobilization status."

Official Response to Tiburon

The New Haven Socialist Republic deeply regrets the loss of civilian life in our ongoing operation in Yasmarea. We apologise to those who lost loved ones in the assault, however we will not pay reparations. We feel it is the fault of the Tiburonese Ministry responsible for warning citizens abroad of potential dangers for not warning Tiburonese citizens that the Yasmarean Independence may cause violence, and we ask that in the future the responsible ministry or department be more vigilant.

James Newman
President of the New Haven Socialist Republic

Von Frën was shocked. The nonchalance with which President Newman discussed a possible outbreak of war between Edölia and New Haven was utterly illogical. “It is not our intention, President, to retaliate militarily,” he said. “However, your attack on Yasmarea is uncalled for and utterly unjustified. If Edölia wanted your help, we would have told you, and you have no right to send soldiers in to lay waste to Yaz City and kill thousands of Edolians. I should tell you that if your intention is to collect the bounty on Turosi’s head, you will not get it.” He waited for that to settle in. “Withdraw from Yasmarea.”

---

“We’ve got reports of skirmishes with New Havener special forces through the country.” Marshal Wendori was briefing the Premier. “They appear to the be of the same caliber as the troops that stormed our offices, and heavily armed. Most of the battles have been to our disadvantage.”
“Have they moved into the cities?”
“No sir. They’re staying in the countryside, for the most part. If they try to do anything in Yaz or Keronda, they’ll find themselves grossly outmatched.”
“Good.” Turosi scowled. “I want our air force on constant patrols. Don’t let them get more supplies inside the country.” He thought for a moment. “And get the First Army out into the countryside. I want those fuckers dead.”

---

Specialist Armoni Erefu grimaced behind the dark helmet that shielded his face. The poppy fields that made up much of the Yasmarean countryside seemed to go on forever, and the New Haven forces were nowhere to be seen. The sound of orders cut into his helmet.
We have airborne confirmation of an eight-man team moving in on your position at one-twenty-two degrees from four hundred meters. Intercept and destroy. Erefu confirmed the order and began to issue directions. His ten-man team was one of the best in the Edolian armed forces, and was now one of Yasmarea’s finest. They had fought the New Haveners in Yaz City, leaving two of their number behind, but eliminating over two dozen New Haveners –the highest kills of any unit in a battle in which the Yasmareans faired rather poorly. Erefu scanned around him. A grove of trees lay in the direction of the New Haveners and it was likely that they would be striking from there. He ordered four of his men –designated snipers- to take covering positions while the rest of the troops advanced slowly towards the trees. There was no indication that the New Haveners knew that they were coming. Nevertheless, Erefu decided to play it safe. The troops advanced slowly, taking full advantage of the cover given by larger poppy plants.

"Very well, we will withdraw, but know this Comrade," Newman continued grimly. "It is apparent that Edolia neither has the capability nor the committment to bring this conflict to a close itself, otherwise it would not have issued such a bounty in the first place. We only acted upon the bounty, figuring our comrades required help. Yasmarea will be free once we leave, since Edolia cannot bear to fight their own countrymen, countrymen who have turned their back on their strong leaders. I emphasis strong, Comrade Ambassador, because only a strong, capable government knows when the time has come to put their own kin to the sword for the greater good. Alas, you shall reap what you sow: If you call upon outsiders to help you put this rebellion down, you only weaken the Union and further alienate your comrades. If you call for us again, even in future incidences, we will turn our backs and go about our business. Edolia needs not its comrades in arms to remain secure! Guards!" Two militia corporals entered the room from outside. "Take our Edolian [/i]friend[/i] back to his vehicle, he is leaving now." Newman looked the ambassador in the eyes as he lit up a cigar and leaned back in his chair. "Good day, Comrade. Have a good trip back to your embassy."

Special Forces

"Attention SpecOps, you are to report back to your LZs and await extraction," the radio blared. "We are withdrawing! Let the Edolians sort their own messes out! I repeat, report back to your LZs and await extraction! Authorization Alpha-Alpha-Sierra-Tango-Foxtrot-Charlie-Foxtrot."

Colonel Stanley took out his authenicator device, carefully dialed in the authorization and watched as the light turned green. He sighed as he turned to his officers.

"Cancel all operations and get everyone back," Stanley said. "Call in the gunships, run perimeter sweeps and keep our asses clear as we withdraw. Fuck Yasmarea, this whole place can descend into Hell for all I care."

"What about our money?" A Lieutenant called out.

"Fuck the money!" Stanley barked. "It was a chance in a billion anyway, and we got better things to do! Fuck the money and fuck this place, everyone back on the dropships!"

Troops began to crawl back to the LZs where the dropships waited as gunships dropped incinderary bombs into the nearby fields to keep any waiting Yasmareans back.

Yas City

"I don't believe this," Commander Parsons said as he listened in over his pocket radio. The SpecOps were going home, and there was no way to get home now. If they were captured, they'd certainly be tortured for information.

"What do we do now?" Kilgore asked as he handled the last six bricks of plastic explosive.

"We can't go home ever, Bill," Parsons replied. "Wire up the last of the explosives for detonation, we're gonna go out with a bang."

Ten minutes later, two manhole covers began to slide off two-hundred yards apart as two men in Islander Aerospace Uniforms stepped out with their hands in the air and their uniforms bulging as if there were armor plates under them. Underneath, a timebomb ticked down from a minute after they left their manhole covers, three bricks between the two of them.

"We surrender!" Both men yelled as Yasmarean patrols approached both men, who now had their arms high in the air. "We're not armed, we got shot down a while ago!" The timers now counted down from twenty... nineteen... eighteen...

<<OOC: You pulled out? Damnit... There goes my plotline. ;)

I'll respond later, although perhaps not until tomorrow. I'm bloody busy today.>>

11:42 AM, Monday, March 14, NCE 200
Presidential Complex, 80 Astral Road, Crystal City, Tiburon

Nova opened the file that said "PONHSR/Re: Terms and Conditions" and read it. Then... he read it again.

"God damn it!", he yelled, flinging the pencil he was holding across the room, which instantly shattered when it hit the wall. "What the [expletive deleted] is wrong with these people!?"

He hurriedly typed a message to Newman.

Official Message from the Executive Branch of the United Republics of Tiburon
To: President Newman, the New Haven Socialist Republic
From: President Starfighter, the United Republics of Tiburon
Subject: Re(2): Terms and Conditions

President Newman,

Your response is totally insane! Did it not once occur to you that they disobeyed the official warnings not to enter Edolia or Yasmarea? Did it not once enter your mind that they are doing their humanitarian job? Your response is typical of the despotic dictators whose evils our nation has been railing against since time immemorial. And we shall be damned by whatever gods or lack of gods we believe in just because an "ally"- one that wishes our immediate and total destruction.

You have 70 hours remaining to comply with our demands. Action shall be taken if they are not met.

We will not negotiate Tiburonese lives.

-President Starfighter
--------------------------------------------------
United Press International Breaking News- Protests in Crystal City

Reporting live from Crystal City, this is the United Press International. News now on the protests in Crystal City. So far, the crowd has grown to 1,200, and continues to increase. Delaz Street, as one of the major streets for the International Quarter, has now been completely blocked off between Geminass and Astral Roads. There do not appear to be any police or military attempts to limit the crowd, and as you can see now, there are many soldiers and policemen in the crowd, although on-duty firemen, police officers, and EMS workers have been forbidden to join the protests during the shifts. A few businesses and schools have declared an internal holiday as a result, and it is expected that the number will continue to rise. In related news, the Executive Branch of Tiburon postponed a planned meeting in Geneva, Switzerland between the Presidents of Tiburon and the New Haven Socialist Republic. No forces have been mobilized in Tiburon at this time, although there are reports that the New Haven Socialist Republic have mobilized all forces to meet the now 70-hour deadline placed by the Tiburonese government.

OOC: Hey, Edolia, whatever happened to those protests in Blatterschpitt City?

New Haven Embassy, Tiburon

"Man, that crowd keeps getting bigger," Ambassador Parker remarked from his office.

Suddenly, marines started running down the hall, one of them running into the room. "Sir, we have authorization to begin arming the embassy staff and give extra ammunition to the marines guarding the walls. Ten dropships are going to be coming in within the next ten hours after the Yasmarean Operation wraps up so we can get the Hell outta here."

"Hopefully we won't have to use any of the extra ammunition or we're not getting out of here."

The First Republican received Marshal Congrego Wendori's missive and replied.

To: Marshal Wendori
From: First Republican, Ilek-Vaad

Marshal Wendori, the Free Republic will only support and accept a democratic government as decided on by the people of Yasmarea. If our forces mo9ve into Yasmarea to clean up this mess we will not wait and see or hope that our good intentions will 'eventually' lead to democracy and freedom for Yasmarea. The forces of the Free Republic will only be deployed in preparation for a democratic transition for Yasmarea.

If you are prepared to do the right thing, then you have our support.

First Republican, Ilek-Vaad

The First Republican then leaned back in his chair and nodded to the Minister of Defence "William, have Commander Ring activate forces to secure and rebuild Yasmarea, draw up a Military Mandate to put before the Republican Council and have it ready for debate tomorrow. It looks like we'll have to clean this mess up before more people in Yasmarea are butchered."

The Minister of Defence nodded "Yes sir."

******

In Tollan Fire Control , the Duty Leftenant nodded as he received his orders, he opened the duty-roster and double clicked the icons for the Purifier Army, the Panther Army, the Scorpion Army, the Leveler Army and the Signifiers as Well as the First Foreign Guard Army. He also clicked the icons for the Cloud-Bursters Death's Head Tactical Bomber Squadrons.

Command General Ring clicked on his com to the 11th Red Jaguar Command "Command General Lucane, take command of the activated forces, prepare to move at my command.

*******

Meanwhile the Vaadian armada off of Yasmarea also came to life as the some ten thousand odd marines began to prepare to deploy, the Tollan Carriers began launching clouds of Orion Fighters , that began taking patrol patterns over the coast , watching and preparing to cover any move.

*******

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also quickly sent a message to the Edolian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

To: Matthew Von Pickett, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edolia
From: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

The situation in Yasmarea has become untenable. For the sake of the People of Yasmarea the Retaliatory Guard is being deployed to secure the safety of the people of Yasmarea and begin immediate recovery and support efforts . It will also be debated in the Council whether a Military Mandate will be given to the Supreme Republican Commander to resolve this issue.

As is usual in these circumstances, if the nations of Haven are incapable of seeing to the welfare of their own people, then the Free Republic will step in and resolve the matter, once and for all.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

New Haven Embassy, Tiburon
...

Ten dropships are going to be coming in within the next ten hours after the Yasmarean Operation wraps up so we can get the Hell outta here."

...
OOC: Remind me again how you're going to do this. I have issued a temporary aerospace no-fly zone for NHSR military vehicles (about 14 posts back) against your ships until the conflict ends.

...and has ordered a temporary no-fly zone for any and all military vehicle from the NHSR, Allanea, Yasmarea, and Edolia until the end of all combat operations. Some senators [continued on Page A3]

OOC: You shall soon see, Tiburon. I think it'd be less concerning that I send dropships, rather than what is to come.

IC: New Haven Embassy

"Everyone to the roof!" A marine called out. "Grab your papers and shit, we're moving!"

"Have the dropships arrived yet?" The Ambassador asked.

"No, Mr. Ambassador," the marine called. "We just got a radio call to expect friendly pickup, but not dropships though! Something much bigger and not of Islander design!" The ambassador wondered what the Marine meant as he grabbed his papers, quantum encryption communications terminal and his family pictures, shoving them into a large briefcase and making his way up to the roof.

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

Presidents Office, New Haven

"Mr. President, you need to calm down," Newman's doctor, whom had been with the family since before Newman went into military college, said as Newman sat at his desk. Newman was still angry that the Edolians had come into his office and told him what he could and could not do to ensure USR stability. "If you don't calm down, you're going to have a heart attack!"

Newman's aide came over the intercom. "Mr. President, we're getting word that Ilek-Vaad is deploying forces to Yasmarea to help establish stability. Want us to patch through the full information."

"No, I want you to get that Edolian son of a bitch back in here!" Newman shot back through the intercom. "I want him to tell ME why New Haven, a member of the Union, can't send troops but Ilek-freaking-Vaad can send troops! NOW, I don't care if hes taking a crap in the Edolian Embassy, get him here NOW."

In orbit above Forodren Cormandor, Captain Walter Westinghouse received his orders from Admiral Xiloscient, who was in Asherton City with the Inverse, helping with the cleanup of the nuclear attack on the city. Captain Westinghouse was to take the BC-002 PNS Luna to the surface. More specifically, the NHSR embassy in Crystal City, Tiburon.

"Attention, prepare for re-entry. I repeat, prepare for re-entry."

The ensign repeated himself on the ship's comm system once more.

"Captain, preparations complete."

"Thank you, ensign."

With a hiss and a locking thud, massive blast shields slid into place over the large windows on the bridge. To either side of the bridge, another pair of doors closed over the docking bays. A few more locks closed, reverberating an audio confirmation through the metal hull.

"Captain, all doors closed and locked."

"Ok, begin re-entry."

The crimson battlecruiser, located in formation at the bottom of the 01st Haven Warfleet, began to break formation, slowly descending towards the planet below. After a few minutes in the shallow dive, sensors on the hull began to register the hull's external temperature rising quickly. Outside, the readings could have been confirmed visually, as the hull began to glow slightly, though a bit more brightly along the keel. On the bridge, external sensors and communications went dead. The re-entry blackout had started. A minute later, the hull started to cool and the sensors were back on line, as the ship was slowed enough for the friction of the air to be irrelevant again. The ship cooled quickly in the upper atmosphere, and the blast doors were soon withdrawn. Already, Tiburon's coastline was clearly visible, as were the former Island States to the south. Still at many times the speed of sound, the coastline drew closer quickly, as did the sea thousands of meters beneath the ship. The crew noticed a slight, but clear, slow in the ship's descent as the Minovsky Craft system kicked in.

"Ensign, get me connected with Tiburon's air traffic control."

"Done."


"This is Captain Walter Westinghouse of the battlecruiser PNS Luna. Unless nobody in your nation is paying attention, you should already know that we're coming, and I'm guessing that you know our destination. I'd advise clearing the airspace in our flight path, because I'm in no mood for interference.

"Lieutenant, take us down to fifteen hundred meters."

"Aye aye, Sir."

The ship descended to the set altitude as it crossed over the coastline. In no time at all, the Luna was above Crystal City. Although Tiburon was an ally, the nation's government was acting irrationally, so fighters and suits were readied for launch. The ship's 120mm AA ball turrets were deployed into firing position, and the ship's rarely used RADAR was scanning the area for any possible threat. By now, the Luna had slowed to a relative crawl, cruising over the city at a mere 30 knots.

"Ensign, send a message to the NHSR embassy."

"The message, Sir?"

"Heads up."

"Sir?"

"Just send it. Lieutenant, take us down to 50m above the embassy."

The 514m long battlecruiser dropped as it came to the embassy, settling down at 50m above the building. As the ship passed over the building, maneuvering thrusters brought it to a halt. As the Luna hovered, the sun glinting off of it's crimson hull, a single craft was launched from it's port-side bay. After circling around, the Shark Class shuttle came back towards the Luna, landing gently on the roof of the embassy.

Before the dust kicked up by the Shark's landing thrusters had settled, a pair of hatches popped open, extending down and forming sets of stairs. Almost immediately, ten heavily armed and armored soldiers jumped down onto the roof, their smooth black and red exosuits reflecting the sun's light like the hood of a new sports car. On the left breast and each shoulder was the emblem of the Kingdom of Bryn Shander. The soldier who's exosuit was almost completely red stepped foreword towards the NHSR ambassador, although his face was hidden behind his helmet's gas-mask like exterior. When he spoke, it was clear that his voice was being routed through a speaker on the helmet.

"Ahoy, Comrades. I am Master Sergeant Sidney White. I hear that you need a pickup."

"Hail comrade, nice of you to show up," the ambassador said as he began waving to the marine guards and embassy staff. "Everyone on the shuttle, lets go! Now!"

OOC: NHSR- Fine, whatever. But I never asked for a war. All I wanted reparations for my dead relief workers.

OOC2: Bryn- just a minor thing. Tiburon Main, where Crystal City is located, is nowhere near Haven.

IC: 10:00 PM, Monday, March 14, NCE 200
840 Delaz Street, Crystal City, Tiburon Main, Tiburon: the New Havenic Embassy

A jeering crowd watched helplessly as Shanderian- Shanderian!- forces began evacuating the New Haven Socialist Embassy. It was an outrage. 258 humanitarians would go to the grave unjustified. And helped by Tiburon's fellow Concordat and Osaka Security ally. But neither the civilians nor the military did anything- for what could they do? Tiburon was not a warmongering nation. It was a peacemaker, and it could not violate its conscience and constitution.

OOC: Oh? Let me know where it is and I'll edit.

"It's no problem at all. I've been looking for an excuse to get onto the surface, even if it is just the top of a building for a few minutes. The shuttle is more or less empty, so there should be plenty of room for everyone and any stuff you need to bring. If not, we'll send a second shuttle when we return to the Luna."

White looked down to the street below as the New Haveners loaded onto the large shuttle. Around him, the other nine marines kept an eye on the crowd, with their rifles at ready. If anything went down, they would be quick to respond.

"I say, they certianly don't seem terribly happy to see us. Or you, for that matter."

OOC: "Already, Tiburon's coastline was clearly visible, as were the former Island States to the south." You're thinking of the Former Alliance State, not Tiburon Main.

OOC2: I reread that post... just to point out OOCly, demonstrations are nothing new in Tiburon, whether pro-government or anti-government, small or large. It's really only major news because it comes so recently after the NHSR bombing of Yaz City, and it's massive.

IC: Student leader Akash Malhotra looked on in horror. The Shanderians were landing for the New Havenites! And then... an idea, like the flash only seen in cartoons, appeared. Simple, yet brilliant. The Shanderian forces would not come to see angry protesters waving the Tiburonese flag... but rather cheering activists waving the Tiburonese and Shanderian ones.

He quickly called on 15 people to run over to the Shanderian embassy and borrow stockpiles upon stockpiles of Shanderian flags. An enlarged map of Shen-Zhou, with the title, "Thank You Bryn Shander!" was quickly but expertly drawn and hung up on the stage set up directly across the street from the embassy. The map, as well as a large-scale Shanderian flag, were carefully hung up- probably as the Shanderians saw the protesters while landing. But no matter.

The loudspeakers began to play loops of "Lilium" and the Tiburonese national anthem, and student leaders began handing out small Shanderian flags to the crowd of 20,000 to complement their Tiburonese ones.

OOC: I meant "Where is Tiburon Main". :\

Captian Westinghouse stood on the bridge, watching the crowd below on a monitor hanging from the ceiling. His face was torn between embarresment and shock. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that the only demonstrations in Bryn Shander tend to be violent and rebellious, and tend to be broken up with liberal use of lethal force.

"By Helm, this is one of the tackiest things I have ever seen. They're like little sheep down there, all part of a flock. Our rebels may be misguided, but at least they have enough heart to form their own opinions. Is this what democracy does to people? Does it give them just enough illusion that they control the government that they'll follow it like sheep?"

On the ground, White groaned. Patriotism wasn't terribly common, or encouraged for that matter, in Bryn Shander. People were taught from an early age that the government wasn't always to be trusted, and that forming your own ideas, even if they aren't correct, is better than believing everything you're told.

"And I thought it was bad when they weren't happy to see us."

From:United States of Allanea Dept. of State
To: President Starfighter, Tiburon
Subj:Official Response of the United States Government

We’re surprised and appaled at your decision to ‘close Yasmarean airspace’ to Allanean aircraft. The United States rescue personnel currently on scene and those we are preparing. The Republic of Yasmarea invited those people in. Given that Yasmarea is currently an independent republic, it is within their legitimate powers to invite whoever they want into their own sovereign territory. Is Tiburon planning to commit an act of aggression against the Republic?

* * * * * * * * *

Alexander Kirillovich Kazansky blinked nervously as he looked at the screen. On it, another demonstration showed – a thousands or so people, blocking Jefferson Avenue in Port-Allanea, waving rifles, flags, banners, urging immediate declaration of war against Edolia. This was not good, he thought. Indeed, at any moment, there was knowing what the mob might do. In Congress, several bills were tabled to alternatively declare war against Edolia, Tiburon, or Goobergunchia – he had no clue what Goobergunchia had to do with it, but analysts had it that Senator Winfrey [R-Nova Texas] was pursuing it to buy votes with his constitutents.

That was not even the most worrying – the bills had little chance of passing, and he would have vetoed them if they did. What worried him was the duels. Five major ones have occurred that day, resulting in the death of Zalman Furoris, chairman of the Axackali Community Union, and Representative Vladimir Gellman [D-New Alabama]. If this continued like this, he thought, it could seriously destabilize the politics of the country – way beyond the current crisis.

The Republican Council came to session leisurely around nine a.m. The Ministers gathered to discuss the only topic for the day. The First Republican gave a slight bang of the gavel as he took his seat.

"Right, ladies and gentlemen, I'm assuming we've all read reports on the deteriorating situation in Yasmarea , and Haven in general?"

There was a murmur of assent from the Ministers as they looked over the dossiers.

"It is the usual situation. Our Haven neighbors are completely unable to cope with a minor crisis, end up attacking each other and making things worse and turning what was a minor, and peaceful, rebellion in Yasmarea into a bloodbath and humanitarian nightmare.

The way I see it we have two choices. First, we can simply ignore the situation and allow Yasmarea to be swallowed up by the first large nation that comes along. Second, we can give Mandate to the Supreme Republican Commander to secure Yasmarean territory and allow the People of Yasmarea to exercise their basic human rights. " the First Republican shrugged.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke up "If we do take action, I think it is certain to say that we will certainly be condemned by our neighbors. Certainly the NHSR will have harsh words, they'll be doubly upset because of the superbly bungled special forces operation in Yaz City, we may a conflict on our hands to deal with there."

The Minister of Defence shrugged "I say we relax the entire situation into the custody of the Retaliatory Guard. Let the Supreme Republican Commander deal with it. It has obviously passed beyond a civil diplomatic sitaution and must be dealt with militarily. The absolute inability of other Havenic states to even deal with minor diplomatic issues precludes us from acting in anything but a military manner."

The Minister of the Interior nodded "That's for certain. Our Haven neighbors aren't even capable of acting within the confines of their own alliance structures, they routinely attack and bully states that are members of their own alliances, it's farcical. It would be funny if it wasn't for all the innocent Yasmareans being killed."

The Minister of National Security nodded with him " So, let them call us war mongers and condemn us for acting, our neighbors are incapable of rational thought or saving lives, so screw them. We'll do what is right and let them yell about it all they want."

The First Republican picked up the gavel "All in favour of Mandating the Retaliatory Guard to secure Yasmarean territory, restore order and safety to the People of Yasmarea and provision for a transitional Yasmarean government?"

The First Republican banged the gavel as the vote was unanimous "Motion carried, the Yasmarean Situation is hereby Relaxed into the care of the Retaliatory Guard and is no longer a matter for the Republican Council. "

The Council then adjourned as the Ministers returned to their various Ministries for the rest of the days work.

*******

Within minutes Supreme Republican Commander Adan Ring was contacted by the Ministry of Defence, delivering the Military Mandate. He nodded as he read the short statement. He stood and began giving orders to the Leftenants in Fire Control.

" Have Command General Lucane leave immediately and take control of the situation in Yasmarea. Deploy forward elements of the Purifiers , Panthers and Levelers to Yaz city to begin immediate recovery and containment operations. Deploy the Naval Guard Marine to secure the docks and assist in recovery.

Begin immedaite deployment of activated Guard Armies and place them under Command General Lucane's jurisdiction, have Admiral Coyohuitl begin transmitting Retaliatory Guard protocol and beging Naval Support and supply operations. Target all warships in and around Yasmarean waters , lock them with the RASTER arrays and prepare to neutralize them if any hostile action is taken.

My life for the Republic."

With that , Tollan Fire Control sprang to life.

*******

At sea, the Naval Guard armada came to life as the supersonic Marathon Transports began ferrying Naval Guard Marines by the Hundreds to shore along with equipment. The Orion Fighters provided a screen for the activities and switched from shore patrol to active engagement of any armed air craft .

Admiral Coyohuitl began transmitting Retlaitory Guard Protocol on all channels, this would be the only warning hostile forces would receive.

" Yasmarea and it's people and territories are hereby placed under Retaliatory Guard protection by Mandate of the Republican Council. Armed forces of any nation that interfere or attempt to attack Retaliatory Guard forces conducting operations in Yasmarea will be neutralized."

The message played and repeated every fifteen minutes.

OOC: Bryn- It's somewhere in the Atlantic.

IC: 10:10 PM, Monday, March 14, NCE 200
840 Delaz Street, Crystal City, Tiburon Main, Tiburon: the New Havenic Embassy

This is impossible. Their plan had failed- probably because they really didn't know that the Shanderians would react this way. Dejectedly, they began furling up the Shanderian flags and took down the signs about Shen-Zhou, and reposted those about negotiating Tiburonese lives. They didn't care whether their plan seemed obvious now- they had already lost with this particular force.

---------------------------------
Presidential Complex, 80 Astral Road, Crystal City, Tiburon Main, Tiburon

To: President Alexander Kazansky, Allanea
From: President Nova Starfighter, Tiburon
Subject: Re: Official Response of the United States Government

President Kazansky,

It seems that you have misunderstood the order: we are not closing Yasmarean airspace, we are closing Tiburonese airspace, only temporarily, and only to the four nations listed.

-President Starfighter
------------------------------------------------------------------
To: President James Newman, New Haven Socialist Republic
From: President Nova Starfighter, Tiburon
Subject: Re(2): Terms and Conditions

President Newman,

We do not wish war with our allies in the New Haven Socialist Republic. Recent actions have pushed our two nations closer to war, but we maintain the "peaceful improvement and alliance" motto we have been stressing since time immemorial. The United Republics of Tiburon wishes to work with the NHSR to smooth out the differences and revert to our natural state of friendship. Would you be willing to accelerate the proposed summit meeting in Bern, Switzerland, from two weeks from now to tomorrow or the day after?

Remaining an ally,
President Starfighter

Albert von Tusk fumed. Those goddamned Vaadians. He turned to Marzi von Wentrop, his plump, blonde aide. “They’re ruining everything, and the Imperial Council has just made a few basic protestations. I’ll be damned if I allow Vaadian soldiers to take one step onto Edolian territory.” He stood up in his chair and began to pace the room. Von Wentrop looked on, worry on her face. “Get in touch with the contacts. Tell them that the operation is being moved up. We’re doing it now.”
“Is that wise, sir?” she asked. “The Blätterschplitt fleet isn’t approaching Gërburg for another few days. Until that time…”
“Tell Mencini to be creative about it then!” interrupted von Tusk. “I don’t care what it takes. I want this finished. The situation has gone far enough.” The woman nodded in compliance.

---

Admiral Antonzi von Blätterschplitt looked out of his commander’s deck at the mighty war fleet spread out before him. This cousin of Erik von Blätterschplitt was one of the three highest-ranking naval officers in Edölia, and commander of the flagship of the fleet, the ESS Blätterschplitt. The sun was setting, and the pink glow reflecting off of the gleaming ships was beautiful. Von Blätterschplitt smiled to himself. Life was good. A knock came at his door –three sharp raps. “Enter.” As the door swung open, the Admiral turned to see who it was coming. A tall, well-dressed man in a naval outfit stood at attention in the door-frame. “May I help you?” asked von Blätterschplitt.
“Good evening, Comrade Admiral,” the man said formally. “On behalf of the Grand Admiral, Avaro Mencini, I hereby place you under arrest.” Von Blätterschplitt’s mouth dropped open, and an expression of complete shock crossed his face. A moment passed before he could find words to express the surprise that filled him.
“Grand Admiral Mencini?” he blurted out. “Is this a joke?”
“No sir,” the man said politely. “I must ask you to hurry, or I will have to use force.”
“This is ridiculous,” said von Blätterschplitt. He had gotten his nerve back and was prepared to see this idiotic joke crushed immediately. He strode over to his phone and picked up the receiver. “Get security up to my office immediately.” No reply came.
“Please come quietly, sir,” the man said. His voice was still polite, but it now held an edge of authority. Two large, armored marines moved up behind him. “Your second-in-command, Captain Ding Zhixing, will be taking your place as head of this taskforce.” Antonzi von Blätterschplitt could do nothing but stare.

---

“The time has come to strike!” raged Marshal Zhang Daming. “The Vaadians have no right to move on Yasmarea! It is ours, and it shall stay ours!”
“Calm yourself, Comrade Marshal,” placated Scottford von Harrick, Minister of State. “This is not the time to see Haven plunged into war.” He raised his hand towards the Marshal. “The forces of Edölia are not ready to take on Ilek-Vaad.”
“But we cannot just allow them to walk all over us,” cut in Matthew von Pickett. “The time has come for us to move on Yasmarea. We have waited for far too long.”
“Yes you have, Comrade Foreign Minister.” All heads turned as Albert von Tusk strode into the room. “You have waited far to long to do anything at all.”
“What is the meaning of this, General?” demanded von Harrick. “This is a closed meeting of the Imperial Cabinet.” Von Tusk nodded curtly.
“No longer.” He stepped aside as four, black-armored soldiers stepped into the room. “The Imperial Cabinet no longer exists.” There was a stunned silence. The guards shifted, their rifles held at their sides. Zhang Daming made the first move. His hand shot for the gun held at his side. There was a bang, as the Marshal hit the floor, blood pouring from his chest. Albert von Tusk lowered his pistol, slowly. “I suggest that no one else makes such a foolish error.” He nodded towards one of the guards. “Clear this chamber.”

---

The protests continued as millions of Edolians stood outside the Scarlet Palace. Slogans rang out through the air as angry shouts filled the streets. Although one of the most perfectly executed military coups had taken place just within, no one outside yet knew of it. They were about to find out. As one, the soldiers surrounding the Palace drew their rifles. As they snapped into combat positions, their guns dropped into their hands, raised at a firing position. Silence dropped like a curtain over the demonstrators. Only the sounds of protests in other parts of the city could be heard. The silence lasted a minute before a lone man strode out onto the great Imperial Balcony. Simultaneously, his face was projected on massive television screens around the city. Normally reserved for public announcements, they now were to broadcast a message that would change everything. Slowly but surely, the sounds of protests died down. Albert von Tusk began to speak –his voice deep and resonating.

“Comrades. Men and women of Edölia. People of Haven. I bring you good tidings. As of today, the Imperial Cabinet has been dissolved, and its power annulled. Through the power vested in me through the loyalty of the military commanders of the Scarlet Armed Forces of Edölia and the five battle fleets of the Scarlet Armada, I am assuming the position of interim ruler of the Scarlet Empire. It has been nearly two weeks since the death of Erik von Blätterschplitt, and who among us can say that there has been a peaceful transition of power? We have no Impëratrix, our democratically-elected Parliament is dissolved and our provinces are breaking off. The time has come for a change.” Albert von Tusk raised his voice, and his face took on a look of pure conviction. “That change has come. I have just gotten off the phone with Chancellor Rosaura von Grönbouler, and I am pleased to report that the Parliament of Edölia will resume sessions immediately and will take upon itself the full responsibilities of governance until such a time as a new Constitution can be drawn up. Until that time, I will retain full control over all the military and security forces of Edölia.” The silence was complete, as Edolians all over the Empire took in the General’s words.

“A new era is dawning in Haven,” he continued. “An era of peace, prosperity and democracy. This I promise you. But first, we must put our own house back in order. The time has come for us to remember our priorities. I will not place the lives of Edolians before our foreign policy. We shall not allow New Haven to get away with their attack on Yasmarea, and we shall make it clear to them that their actions were unacceptable. As I speak, Ilek-Vaad is mobilizing warships to attack Yasmarea. It is time for us to show them that they are not wanted. I have spoken to Alawan Turosi, and we have come to an agreement. Edolian aid workers are boarding planes for Yasmarea at this very instant. The Imperial Cabinet could not take decisive action. I have taken it for them. A temporary truce has been declared between the Socialist Empire of Edölia and the rebel forces in Yasmarea. They will return to our great nation soon enough, but other, more pressing matters must be attended to first. The time has come, my friends. The time is now.”

As the echoes of those last words rung out through the streets, silence held sway. Albert von Tusk turned his back and walked slowly back into the Scarlet Palace. He smiled to himself. It started softly at first, but built up momentum, as applause rippled through the streets of Blätterschplitt. The cry lifted into the air as thousands upon thousands expressed declared their allegiance.
Von Tusk! Von Tusk! Von Tusk!

---

“Good evening, Grand Admiral.” Albert von Tusk smiled at the swarthy face in the picture-telephone.
“Good evening, Grand Marshal,” replied Avaro Mencini. “All is ready.”
“Good.” Von Tusk lost the smile. “Are the battle fleets prepared?”
“Yes.” The monosyllabic reply was short and sharp. “We are ready.”
“Good,” von Tusk said again. He sighed. “I hope that it doesn’t come to war.”
“Me too, sir.”
“I am drafting an open letter immediately.”
“Yes sir.”
“I want to make sure that your men are ready as well. These may be their last night.”
“Yes sir,” replied Mencini. “It is a good day to die.”

---

Open Communiqué
From the Office of the Grand Marshal of Edölia
“To the governments and armed forces of Haven.

Today, Haven stands on the brink of war, as forces mobilize on all sides. As Tiburonese and Shanderans, New Haveners and Vaadians, Yasmareans and Edolians all prepare for war, only a small few think of peace. Peace has always been the business of Edölia, and it is this message that I now bring. I beg all the free peoples of Haven to stand back, and remember that we are all inhabitants of this region, and if we cannot live together in peace, we cannot live.

Edölia’s business is peace, and we are ready to preserve that peace by any means necessary. No human being is a pawn, and we will not see the people of Yasmarea be political pawns, used by corrupt and imperialistic governments to advance their political agendas. We will not stand for a Vaadian invasion of Yasmarea. We will not stand for a New Haven assault on the people of Yasmarea. We will not stand for the forces of Allanea aiding an illegal insurrection. Therefore, I shall issue the following warning: Three battle fleets of the Scarlet Armada currently lie off the coast of the District of Yasmarea. They will defend the people of Yasmarea against all aggressors, and are ready to fight to the death to preserve the liberty of the Yasmarean people. My predessesors in the Imperial Cabinet made a promise to the Vaadian government that a full plebiscite would be held in Yasmarea to determine its status. This promise has not expired, and if the Vaadians wish to see this plebiscite take place, I ask them to be patient. War is but one way of solving a problem. I hope that they will find a better path. Our two nations have much in common, and it would be a shame for the first war of the new Edolian Republic to be fought against such a people as they.

May peace reign,

Albert von Tusk
Grand Marshal and Acting Dictator of the Socialist Empire of Edölia”

<<OOC: Very very sorry I haven’t replied earlier, and that I’m missing pieces of information. I’ve been so very busy lately, and haven’t had time to reply. If I didn’t mention something, then nothing important happened in that area. I’m also going to have to ask you all to be a bit patient. I’m going to be out of town for the next few days (in Boston and then New York) so I wont be able to respond. Please don’t do anything really huge until I get back, although I urge you all to make your responses to what has obviously been a pretty large development.

Also, forgive me for not going into quite the detail that I should have, and also that certain bits of writing here aren’t as nice and polished as they could be. I’ve got a big test tomorrow, and I’m trying to write all this quickly so I can go to bed and be awake for it.>>

The Supreme Republican Commander was swift to respond:

Despite the actions of the new Dictator of the Scarlet Empire, the Military Mandate of the Retaliatory Guard still stands. Retaliatory Guard Forces are on their way to secure Yasmarea, repair damage done to Yaz city by invading USR forces and to insure that the will of the People of Yasmarea is free to make itself known and that the People will be able to exercise their inalienable right to self determination.

The Free Republic does not recognize the coup d'etat of Marshal Albert Von Tusk, this murderer and traitor has no weight or authority to speak on behalf of the people of Edolia. The Scarlet Empire has forfeited it's right to 'demand' that the Free Republic take no action in Yasmarea. The Scarlet Empire stood silently by while the People of Yasmarea were attacked and massess of civilians killed in the name of USR control. It is comical that Edolia's new dictator now suddenly, is concerned about the People of Yasmarea, where no concern existed before.

Yasmarea is under the protection of the Retaliatory Guard. Armed forces of any nation approaching Yasmarea will be neutralized and will find themselves at the receiving end of the full might of the Retaliatory Guard. The People of Yasmarea will decide their own future, freely.

Supreme Republican Commander, Adan Ring, 2nd Purifiers

*******

In Coventry an additional six Naval Guard Tactical Group massed to escort the Atlas Transports of the Retaliatory Guard Armies that were deploying.

In the skies, the sub-orbital Death's Head Bombers took holding positions over the Edolian fleets, prepared to neutralize any force that dared attack.

The nine Tactical Groups off the Coast of Yasmarea immediately went into full alert, as the Naval Gaurd Marines swarmed the beaches of Yasmarea and began immediately assisting the Yasmarea civil authorities with recovery and rescure operations from the carnage left by the NHSR's attacks.

Admiral Coyohuitl now sent a second message on all channels. " Naval Guard forces off of the coast of Yasmarea are now enforcing a five hundred mile military exclusion zone. This area is off limits to all non-Vaadian military ships and aircraft. Military vessels that breach this zone will be neutralized, without warning. Thank you."

******

Over Yaz city the forward elements of the Purifiers, Panthers and Levelers began arriving in their Marathon-M supersonic transports. The Transports began toughing down where they could, disgorging the Retaliatory Guard. the heavy Panther Guard, began immediately setting up perimeters and reconning the area. They were followed by the Engineers and Medics of the Purifiers, who immediately began taking control of search and rescue operations in the striken Yaz City.

The Purifiers began methodically cordoning off the areas of the heaviest damage , and then cutting off gas, water and electricity in these areas to minimize flooding and possible explosions from gas leaks. They then moved in to begin rescue operations, each Purifier equipped with thermal imagers to spot trapped civilians and a screw jack to prise open cave ins and shore up debris as they moved in to rescue victims. They were specially trained at urban assault and rescue and moved quickly to do what needed to be done.

Outside of the city, a group of Marathon-M Transports landed and offloaded the two thousand men of the 10th Red Jaguar Command, who began immediately assembling a command post. Command General Lucane strode down his Marathon's ramp as his men busied themselves in setting up command operations. He paused to view Yaz City through the Tactical Computer on his FN-HAR, watching the smoke rise steadily from it.

The Command General turned to his Staff Seargent " Where is this Governor Turosi? I think we'd best have a chat with him and see what his assessement of this whole ridiculous situation is.

Make sure I'm getting full reports from General Arden of the Purifiers, General Carter of the Panthers , Colonel Traban of the Naval Guard Marine and Admiral Coyohuitl every hour. It is essential that we maintain control.

When will our full forces and heavy equipment begin arriving?"

The Staff Seargent checked the schedule " Four days sir. The Atlases are loaded and moving out now, and they will probably be arriving just as the Edolian fleets do, or a little after."

Command General Lucane nodded " How many Tactical Groups do we have?"

"Nine sir. That is eighteen Revenge Battleships, eighteen Tollan Carriers with three thousand six hundred Orion fighters, one hundred and ninety eight Jaguar Arsenal-Cruisers, one hundred and eight Trident submarines and one hundred and eight Wolf-Hound submarines." He paused and checked over his list "There are an additional six Tactical Groups escorting the Atlas Transports. I'd say Commander Ring has given Admiral Coyohuitl the kitchen sink sir."

Lucane nodded "Quite. It will be most satisfying to watch the Edolian navies committing suicide en-masse against Admiral Coyohuitl. He's been in Yasmarean waters more than they have, I'm sure he has some nasty suprises in store for them."

The Seargent nodded "Yes sir. "

"Very good Seargent. Locate Turosi for me and keep me apprised of all developements on the ground ." Command General Lucane strode off , confident in the forces that were being massed.

Port-Allanea International Airport

The Freedom for Yasmarea Act – a declaration of war on Edolia – has failed in the Senate. The Justice for Tiburon Act died in congress. Goobergunchian Liberty Act never got out of Congress. But no law in the United States of Allanea could ever prevent civilians from going to the Republic of Yasmarea. And go they did – the South Axackal Constitutional Militia, fifty men in woodland camoflage, holding various weapons ranging from old Edolian War Scarlet Guard rifles, to the newest AAR-8’s, to Mosin Nagants. Beyond followed the Port-Allanea Volunteer Militia – those where so disorganised they didn’t have uniforms. One man carried a 19th century Kentucky rifle.

Still, it was not as big a group as the protest might have suggested. Going to war in an army or when an invader is threatening your life, liberty, and property, is easy. Going to war without a uniform behind you, in a foreign land, is double hard. This is why, while thousands protested and hundreds of thousands supported, all the people who were in PAX that day only filled up two 747s chartered from Allanean Airlines. Trailed by three television crews, they filed on into the planes – silent, lonely, unsupported.

Yasmarea, Yaz City

The rumours of the impending Vaadi invasion got the Team going, snapping on weapons, grenades, Bowie knives. Within half an hour, the armored rows stood to crisp attention in front of the City Hall, the man on the right angle of the human square holding a flag. In front of the rows, Colonel Rodrick stood. “Good day, Comrade Mayor. We are here to defend your city if you allow us. To.”

ANN, Allanea

The ascent to power of Albert von Tusk, also known as the Butcher of Axackal has many up in arms, some literally. Thousands of protesters have taken to border checkpoints on the Axackali border, some throwing rocks and refuse at the Edolian troops on the border.. In one case, a flashbang grenade was thrown. As yet, the Presidential Administration denies any intent of war, yet Representative Martin Hinckley [R-Hestonia] has been quoted saying: “If we need to, we’ll push through a veto proof bill and damn that fool!” In other news, ammunition and weapon parts sales have gone up in Hestonia and West Axackal.”

Radio Free Edolia

Our fellow Edolians!
Today is a bad day for all of us. For Edolians, who are now ruled not just by a dictator, but by an evil homicidal militarist as well. For Allaneans, who see a man who killed 150,000 Allanean civilians ascend to power in a neighboring country. Most of all, it’s a bad day for freedom. However, we must not let tyrants like von Tusk keep our spirits low.


Preacherman, don't tell me,
Heaven is under the earth.
I know you don't know
What life is really worth.
It's not all that glitters is gold;
'Alf the story has never been told:
So now you see the light, eh!
Stand up for your rights. Come on!

Get up, stand up: stand up for your rights!
Get up, stand up: don't give up the fight!
Get up, stand up: stand up for your rights!
Get up, stand up: don't give up the fight!

OOC: You'd have know idea how they reacted. :\

IC: As the shuttle landed back in the port-side bay, the ship began to move again, gaining altitude as fast as it moved foreward. On the bridge, Captain Westinghouse waited for the ambassador to arrive. He didn't have to wait long.

I am Captain Walter Westinghouse of the Bryn Shander space force. Welcome to the Luna. I'm sure that you're happy to be out of that mess. If you have any questions, Ensign Merryman will be happy to answer them."

He indicated a young woman in a black and red tunic, with white leggings.

"As you can see based on the speed at which the land below us is passing by, the journey shouldn't be long."

Over Tiburon Main they flew, making their way west towards the former Island States. Higher and higher they climbed, not leveling off until the sky was a very dark, almost black blue, and the horizon glowed with a cyan corona. At the speed they were going, it wouldn't take long to get to Haven.

While still a few thousand kilometers from Freeport, Captain Westinghouse got a message from the Inverse.


Captain Westinghouse, things are getting messy in Yasmarea. You are to divert to the Yasmaran coast, where you will rendezvous with the fleet. I shall arrive with the Inverse shortly after. I would advise sending the embassy staff to Freeport on a shuttle once you arrive on scene. Await further orders.

A short time later, the Luna arrived off the coast of Yasmarea. To the north, fireballs filled the sky as the 01st Haven Warfleet made it's re-entry. Not long after, Westinghouse recieved another message.


Your orders are to use the Luna to prevent invading Vaadian forces from nearing the coast. Warn them to withdraw, but do not fire until fired upon. If they do not retreat, stall them until I arrive.

"Ensign Merryman, please escort the New Haveners to the port-side launch bay. They are to take a Shark the rest of the way."

"Yes, Sir."

Once again, the shuttle launched. This time, it kept going. The Luna also kept going, manuvering into a position to prevent more Vaadians from invading. On the bridge, Westinghouse sent an open message to the Vaadians.


This is Captian Walter Westinghouse of the Bryn Shander Space Force. On behalf of Admiral Xiloscient and King Nightbane, I am asking you to withdraw. This does not have to end in further bloodshed, so again, I am asking you to turn around and leave. Do note that any attempt to fire upon this ship will be considered a declaration of war.

<<OOC: Hold on, Vaady. Normally, I don’t ignore things, and I try to work around weirdness, but I can’t really do that here. You can’t possibly have gotten thousands of troops into Yasmarea without going over the Scarlet Armada. I’m going to assume that those are a small advance landing force that you sneaked by covertly. If you’re launching a full invasion, you’re going to have to go through these battle fleets.

Another point that should be made is that we are already well within that “five hundred kilometer” range that you mentioned. We have been blockading Yasmarea, so we’re the defensive party here.

A further note: The Yaz City incident lasted about two hours total. Since the start, only about a day and change has passed.

If major OOC talking is taking place, I’ll start up a new thread. Also, if this escalates into a full-fledged war, I want to use the thread for a discussion of the rules of the RP.>>

“Sir!” Avaro Mencini turned his head to see an ensign –he thought his name was Kerosi- bearing down on him. “The Vaadian fleet is bearing down on us.” Mencini sighed. It was ironic, he thought, that the Vaadians had been yelling and screaming about Edolian dictatorship for years. Now, literally hours after the country’s first democratic revolution, they would attack.
“Send out an order to retreat. We can buy time for negotiations and let our allies move in.” He thought for a second. “Keep our submarines in a frontal shield, especially around the Doujins. Also, allow for air cover and bomber avoidance. We’ll keep them on their toes. If they get within twenty kilometers of us, waste them. They have their warning. They’re in our territory.”
“Yes sir.” The ensign nodded. He held up a hand and pressed the other to his ear, listening. “We have more news. Yasmarean advance guards have reported Vaadian troops landing on the beaches. They are being intercepted by Yasmarean troops now.” Mencini nodded. Then it was war.
“Ask the Yasmareans to turn their Titan guns over this way. The Vaadians are within range. If this escalates, they’ll find themselves in a very bad situation.” He looked up and pointed to the sky. “And we may have some friends from Heaven joining the party as well.”

As the orders went out to the battle fleets, the ships began to retreat, towards the Yasmrean coastline, maintaining battle order as they went. It would be dangerous if they got caught without anywhere to move, but they would also be in the right place for Halladi support. Flying over the fleet were some of the Scarlet Empire’s finest fighters. One hundred and seventy-four attack and defense fighter squadrons – over two thousand fighters- flew patrol over the fleet. While the majority were sea and air strike craft, the pure fighters were supplemented by sixteen multi-role electronic warfare fighter squadrons. Their role was critical to the Edolian fleet defense, and would jam enemy radar, providing a screen for missile defense. When the battle began, it would be fierce.

---

“We have Vaadian landing forces all around Yasmarea!” The reports were coming in from all over the country as Yasmarean defense forces made contact with Vaadian invaders.
“How many troops can we get to the shore?” demanded Turosi. Marshal Wendori shrugged.
“We have some eighty thousand located in seaside cities at the moment. They have begun an almost immediate engagement with the Vaadian forces. Another two hundred thousand can reach the shoreline within a day and we have about eight hundred fighters left over from the spat with New Haven. They can engage Orion fighters immediately. Without reinforcements, the Vaadians will have no chance to push us back too far.” Turosi nodded. The next question pained him somewhat, but it had to be asked.
“What about Edolian assistance?” Wendori nodded slowly. He understood what Turosi was feeling.
“Von Tusk has sent us a message, promising all available help. He’s still trying to keep this from escalating into a full-fledged Haven war, though. We can’t expect more than token support, at least until the real shooting begins.” Turosi bobbed his head in agreement.
“I want updates on the status of fighting on the coast as new information comes in.”
“Yes sir.”

---

Specialist Armoni Erefu’s unit was one of the first to arrive on the coast of Northern Yasmarea. So far, fighting was light, as Yasmarean troops were reluctant to engage head-on with crack Vaadian troops until more Yasmareans arrived. Trained to Edolian standards, the Yasmareans were certainly a match for the Purifiers, but no good general would get involved in a slugfest with another army with the kind of reserves that the Vaadians could bring to bear. It was better to wait for the heavy tanks to arrive before the real fighting began. “Where are our tanks?” Erefu screamed at his superiors. “I need armored support in sector seven immediately!” No sooner had he spoken than a small column of B-3 Imperiums crested the hill above him. Moving into firing positions, they let off a stream of Crescent rockets, which showered the Vaadian forces with anti-infantry shrapnel. The battle was beginning. As Hellions and Orions engaged each other in the skies, the best of Ilek-Vaad and Edölia were fighting each other on the ground. A helicopter flew overhead, as rockets soared out of its pods. Erefu ran forward, as bullets whizzed by him. The sand dunes of the Yasmarean shoreline offered little protection for either invaders or defenders, but the sloping of the hills was better than nothing. Erefu dived forward, finding cover behind a patch of dune grass. He raised his rifle to his shoulder and began to fire. An explosion above told him that the helicopter had been shot down. He put his head down as the dying helicopter showered him with pieces of hot metal. More explosions –these in front of him, brought some comfort to the Yasmarean soldier. Yasmarean rocket artillery had arrived at the scene and was adding its weight to the struggle.

Throughout the region of Haven, few people knew of the way. The thirtieth of July brought with it the first drops of blood in what could become a war that would shake Haven to its foundations.

---

“What the hell is wrong with these people?!” raged Albert von Tusk. “Are they deranged?!” The Grand Marshal’s newly formed war council was obviously not entirely sure what to do with their flamboyant leader. “They demand Edolian democracy, and as soon as a new leader comes to power who promises to give them what they want, they attack us.” He spat on the floor. “There goes my hope of Edolian-Vaadian solidarity.” Blank faces stared back at him from around the table. “Well then,” von Tusk said. “Fuck ‘em.” A small, balding man raised his hand. It was the newly appointed military governor of the Scarlet Isles, Ervin bin Isef.
“If I may ask, sir,” he began, “how do we do that? Our fleet in the Yasmarea area is a good deal smaller, and even with Titan gun support from the mainland, there’s little chance that we can hold out for too long.” Von Tusk smiled.
“We’re not alone. Yasmarea’s in Hallad’s backyard. We may not have the tightest relations right now, but there’s no question that they’ll want to see the Vaadians from getting their hands on Yasmarea.” He stood up in his chair and began to pace the room. “Call up the New Haveners. Things are a bit touchy right now in regards to Yasmarea, but they are members of the USR, and have offered to declare war. Get the Hattians, the Lethislavanians and the Jonderese. Activate the whole fucking USR.” He smiled again, wickedly. “Get Bryn Shander, get Scandavia. Get Tiburon and Hogsweat.” He looked around. “We may even have Allanea on our side in this one.” He slammed his fist against the table. “Let’s make it clear to Ilek Vaad that it would be wise of them to stay on our good side.” He looked directly at bin Isef. “Begin drafting the letters.”

Diplomatic Communiqué
From the Office of the Grand Marshal of the Socialist Empire of Edölia
To all Union of Socialist Republic Member States
The Imperium of Scandavian States
The Democratic Arcologies of Feline
The Rogue Nation of Pauldusttlah
The Sensible Commonwealth of the Freethinkers
The United Republics of Tiburon

“To our allies in Haven,

All of those that I have contacted today, are friends of Edölia. We have maintained our alliances for years, and through thick and thin, we have stood strong together. This shall not change. I promise, that as I make reforms within Edölia, our relations with foreign nations will remain as strong as ever. Today, I call upon our allies to help us in our hour of need.

Off the coast of Yasmarea, our brave sailors are prepared for war, against the aggressive nation of Ilek Vaad. We have promised them democracy for Yasmarea, and we ask them to be patient. A day goes by and they begin the invasion. This is not merely a threat against Edölia but against free and peaceful peoples of Haven. The time has come for us to show Ilek Vaad that this region is not their playground. I ask you to lend us your support. If the nations of Haven show that they are united against Vaadian aggression, hopefully, they shall back down and war shall be avoided. If not, blood will have to be shed. For Haven.

Peace, for a thousand years,

Albert von Tusk
Grand Marshal and Acting Dictator of the Socialist Empire of Edölia”

Diplomatic Communiqué
From the office of Foriegn Affairs: Pauldustllah

"You may rest ashured that the The Rogue nation of Pauldustllah will offer our support to you. we will provide all of the diplomatic pressure you require, and if your terrorites come under attack Pauldustllah will stand behind you with military support, we hope a diplomatic solution can be found to this matter."

My regards,
Marshall Omar Kohln


PNN brodcast

Anchorwoman: "Welcome ladies and gentlemen to tonights PPN bordcast, I am Narah Darkshore, Tonight is that time of the month again, and no...i'm not talkign about my period, Tonight is Imperial council showdown."
*camera pans over to the right showing 3 men and one woman siting at a table conversing with each other."
Anchorwoman: " that's right peopel you know the rules, one member form each of the four biggest partis in the council are here to debate a wide varity of issues."
*the camera cuts to each members face as the anchor continues to speak*
Anchorwoman: "alright council members, you know the drill, I ask the question you all give an answer, then the retort, and then we move on. unless i fele the topic needs another round. are we ready?"
Council man one: "ready"(mr. reddington of the capitalism now party)
Council man 2: "yep" (mr. blackwell of the Freedom party)
council man 3: "for sure" (mr. dunn of the Pauldustllah Party)
councilwoman 4; "good to go."(ms. wu of the Socilist party)

Anchorwoman: "good ok first question, What should Pauldustllahs responce to growing Vaadian agression over the situation in Yasmarea be? Mr Blackwell we will start with you."

Blackwell: Well Narah, First i must say, The rights of people has awlsy been a number one priority in Pauldustllah, that's why we have been fighting the colony, thats why we have sent troops over seas countless times over the years. that is also why the goverment has been working around the clock working with other natiosn to open up diloge and get a peaceful solution to the regions problems It has been and will always continue to be in the name of freedom, the citizens of Pauldustllah shoudl be ashamed of themselves for not pressuring the goverment to already begin diplomatic pressure on the Vaad. they're track record when it comes to diplomacy should be proof enough to the citizens that steps need to be taken to correct this situation. Pauldustllah cannot allow the region to continue to be on the brink of war. period."

Anchorwoman: "Thank you Mr blackwell. Mr reddington your up now."

Reddington: " last year Pauldustllah spent one trillion dusty's in order to ensure that Pauldustllannis we're able to travel through out the region safely. this year we are looking at spening 1.5 trillion, this numbber will continue to increase as companies are demanding that they recieve protection from the goverment to ensure that they get to there destination safely. this is redicolus we cannot allow some a foreign nation to drive us into the poor house jsut because the people in a third nation are not voting quick enough...it's a stupid foreing policy on there part. and Pauldustllah should put its support beind the nation that will ensure that we wont have to spend another 1.5 trillion next year.

Anchorwoman: "Thank you mr reddington,. Mr dunn, i'm sure you have somthign intresting to say aobut this issue'

Dunn: "Yes as a matter of fact i do. it seems to me that Pauldustllah once again is stickign it's nose where it dosent belong, if this situation can be handled peacfully that's great, however what happens if a war breaks out? we will be sending our men and women thousnades of miles away to die, and for what? so the red flag can continue to wave over and are that dosent benifit Pauldustllah in the slightest. it is wrong of us to take any action in this matter.

Anchorwoman: ok ms, Wu i would liek to hear what you have to say.

Wu: Edolia has been and always will be a close and strogn ally to the Empire, they are our breathren, they fight for the same things we do. we shoud take it upon ouselves to be there for our comrads as they have always been there for us. if they vaad gets things the way they want...a guards army will be on the ground in Yasmarea, then when elections are held, how do we know that the people of Yasmarea are truly represneted in this matter? we won't and that will only generate bad blood between nations. it is imparitive that Pauldustllah takes the approiate actions and supports Edolia. it is not right for a nation to force it's will on another.

OOC: i need to finsih this...but it's 0106 and i have to be up in 4 hours, so yeah...i'll finsih later.

The militiamen marched into Yaz city, row after row, after row. It was not a very flash parade, of course. No flashy uniforms, no armor, no hymns. All there was was several hundred civilians carrying assorted weapons, and a single man with a guitar. It was not a military occasion. It was just a single showing of simple human decency – individuals doing what had to be done, because their government refused to do it for them.

The chorus of voices mingled into an uneven, stumbling tune – which was better than a military choir, because it was true and honest.

Now that the war is nigh,
Now that we arm to die,
Chanting our battlecry,
Freedom or death!
Freedom or death!

The hundreds of combat boots, sneakers, and even slippers marched down the narrow streets of Yaz-city and towards the shore – where the people of Team Spearhead were already linknig with the Yasmarean troops to create defenses and trenches. They went on, trailed by hundreds of suspicious eyes through city windows, TV cameras standing on the roofs, and photographs on the sidewalks.

God made the right stronger than might,
Millions would trample us down in their pride.
Lay Thou their legions low, roll back the ruthless foe,
Let the proud spoiler know God's on our side.
Let the proud spoiler know God's on our side.

On and on they marched, a small force, like the clenched fist of a child agains the armored Goliath of the Vaadi forces. Already they were filling the defensive positions next to the Edolians and Spearhead troops. The impromptu commander of this force walked up to the Edolian officers.

He was a small grey-hared man, more like a schoolteacher than a soldier, his left hand ending in a short stump – the result of a One-Day War wound. “Good day. I am Nicholas Greyhound, Joint Commander of the West Axackal Constitutional Militia and the Port-Allanea volunteer militia. How may I help?”

* * * * *

In Port-Allanea, things were heating up. Crowds assembled in many places, blocking the streets. Only about 40% rooted for war, maybe even less – but it was those people, as usual, that would be out, making noise, breaking things, blocking traffic and distrupting trade.

Something had to be done, soon – and it would be done.

<<OOC: I don't have time to respond now, but I note that a few people have posted references to Yaz City being near the ocean. It's not, actually. It's closer to the center of the territory, mostly becuase the coasts are filled with fertile river deltas and no one wanted to waste the space to build a big city there.

Which leads me to believe I should talk on Yasmarean geography. Yasmarea is large desert, which happens to have a number of very fertile rivers running through it. I haven't named them, but I will soon. Most of its economy is based on opium production for export to the world, although it also produces the Scarlet Empire's olives. As you might guess, it's pretty flat.

Yaz City has a population of two hundred some million, and is located, as I said, more or less in the center of the country. Half the country's population lives in the massive skyscrapers that makes up Yaz City. There are two main port towns, which are difficult to call towns since they are just really long port districts. In the North, you have Erlandis and in the South, Karaz. They both take up quite a bit of port space, and I would assume that Ilek Vaad would have landed his troops away from them, since fighting in urban areas always results in very high casualties all around, which I don't think he wants to cause. I could be wrong, however.

Ok... I'm late.>>

“Sir, I think we’re having a radar malfunction…” A sailor said.

The bridge of the Executor class guided missile corvette was bustling with inactivity. But, everyone on the bridge stopped to stair at the sailor. This was an area of water, which usually had no activity. The Halladi-Edolian boarder was a calm place to patrol.

“What?” The captain said.

“I said, I think we’re having a radar malfunction, comrade Captain.” He replied.

“Halladi ships don’t do that, comrade.” One of his fellow sailors whispered to him.

The Captain walked over the radar station. His eyes widened.

“That had better be a glitch.”

The radio immediately began buzzing to life. The other Executor they had been traveling with was contacting them. The radioman was busy answering their questions.

“Comrade, what do they want?” The Captain said, addressing the radioman.

“They’re asking if we’re seeing what they’re seeing. And, we are.”

“That fleet is real?” The Captain gasped.

No one said a word. They didn’t know if the fleet in front of them was friend or foe, but it was massive. It was as big as the better part of the Halladi Red Navy. The Captain wasn’t quite sure what to do. What could a missile corvette really do to something like that? He wasn’t even in the navy, either. Missile corvettes were only used in the Coast Guard.

“Tell our comrades to radio the mainland, report our findings. You,” he said, pointing to another radioman, “Send a message to that fleet.”

* * *

FROM: Captain Hayyan Kadar, Halladi Coast Guard
TO: Foreign Fleet

You are about to enter Halladi waters and are not scheduled to be entering our territory. Please identify yourselves immediately. Or, change your course. If you do not comply, we will be forced to bring in the Halladi Red Navy. You have ten minutes to comply.

"So, it finally begins. The Vaadian have finally lost their God forsaken minds and now they seek to attack a nation that we are bound to defend. Very well, we will oblidge them. Admiral Jorgenssen, have you issued the Return to Duty Post orders to our expeditionary fleets yet?" it was more of an order than a question, but the inquiry was still there.

"No, Your Highness, I was in the process of doing that when you called this emergency meeting," there was an undertone of disbelief in the reply, as if he couldn't quite believe the situation himself.

"Scrap those orders. Deploy every offensive asset we have, and I mean it. Every battle fleet and all of our missile subs. Make it obvious and make sure the Vaadians understand they're playing a losing game," the Royal Decree had more than a hint of steel to back it up.

"Aye aye, Highness," the burly Nordic man looked more than pleased to comply with the order.

"General Jackson and Commandant Kerensky, please put on alert all of your forces and place them on a wartime footing. General, even though the Senate hasn't officially issued a Declaration of War, you are free to take command of the Duchy Guards," Lien had never been a groundpounder and never showed much interest in the affairs of either service, so the order was issued with a monotone neutrality.

Finally, she came to the last of her senior officers, "Air Martial McLeod, please be so kind as to place your forces on full alert. Also, because this war has a chance of going nuclear, be sure to review your nuclear strike packages for Ilek-Vaad, I'm afraid if it comes down to it your bombers are all that are going to get through in a second strike and your fighters are the ones that are going to be forced to clear out the ABM sats."

"If that is all, my husband has a joint session of the Senate to call and I must address them," Empress Lien I Larsen stood and left, obviously leaving those present to their own devices.

OOC: Okay, this is retarded. First, Yasmarea has invited Vaadian forces no less than three times, why are Yasmareans attacking Vaadians?

Second, I'm only near future tech, so I'm going to have to ignore space ships and space fleets by default.

Third by Edolia's post previous to mine, the scarlet armadas were passing through the Island States, putting them some thousand miles away from Yasmarea. The Yasmarean fleet would be able to engage transports from Ilek-Vaad, but then would be targetted by the hundreds of Vaadian warships and thousands of Vaadian aircraft, if they want to try that, that's fine with me.

I don't know what you're ignoring my post, or your previous posts. I'm not posting anything else until I actually know what is going on.

[As far as I can tell, IV, you invited yourself after the course of events didn't go to your liking, which given your modus operendi isn't surprising. But, guess what, sending troops to another nation's territory without an invitation is usually called an invasion and is an act of war. And before you protest that the Yasmarean government invited you, I will remind you that it is a rebel government and assisting rebels in another country is also an act of war. As for the Yasmareans themselves, the last communique between you and them was basically you telling them that you could only support them when they promised to have democratic elections and there was never a reply.

As for who is supporting Edolia, all I have to say is this: tough. You sent armed troops without invitation, which I will remind you is basically an invasion of Edolia, and that makes him the attacked party. He can invite whoever the hell he wants to help him out. It would be like invading AMF, and then complaining when Arda's grav and space fleets counter-attacked when you should have known beforehand that everybody in Arda defends everybody else. Nearly the same thing applies here, Bryn has an existing MDA with Edolia, and he's abiding by it. Deal with it or retcon your involvement.]

Baltic Island Central Military Authority

"Scramble! Scramble! All pilots to your planes, this is not a drill! I repeat, this is not a drill!" A call that had never gone off since New Haven took over primary government control over Baltic Island.

Eighty brand new NHF-02A 'Sparrow' Fighter-Bombers and forty Twin-Tail ground-attack aerospace gunships took off within three minutes of the scramble call. Their pilots began reading their mission briefing from their onboard computers, reading that they were heading to Yasmarea to provide air superiority over a 'hostile' fleet of Vaadian origin.

====================================
Message to all Strategic Forces

AUTHORIZATION: ALPHA ALPHA BRAVO YANKEE WHISKEY ROMEO CHARLIE FOXTROT

STRATEGIC FORCES NOW AT CONDITION RED.

All forces are to immediately replace anti-orbital warheads with twenty-megaton 'citybuster' warheads and await further instruction. Conflict may go nuclear, full alert required. Review target packages on Ilek-Vaadian targets immediately and call in any discrepencies.

Second, I'm only near future tech, so I'm going to have to ignore space ships and space fleets by default.

ooc: ignoring the fact that you nearly tried to get into a shooting war with Menenlmacar, who is very much future tech, also, alot of Haven is becoming FT, so I suggest you join the trend, bud. :p

Oh and do you accept ortillery?

The transmission ..began. It would loop for 30 minutes.

-This is a streaming global plain text broadcast-

-Issued and authorised by the Council of the Concordat as of this Time Index-

As of 13:00 GMT hours today Yasmeran orbital space will be actively monitored against the actions of hostile military traffic.

A limited active legal combat zone within the recognised territory of Yasmarea is declared. Hostile forces within this territory will be engaged in one standard hour from this broadcasts time index, all civilian persons and assets are warned that the state of Yasmarea is about to undergo attack and to cancel any travel plans they have to it. Further orbital assets are to be warned that combat operations shall be underway.

Any forces engaging our assets outside of this zone will be termed and act of war against the Concordat and their state will be included in the strike zone.

Any military vessel attempting unauthorised landing or bombardment of Yasmarea will be terminated.

Any military asset which engages in active hostile operations against Yasmarea shall be deemed a target and terminated.

Any military asset which engages in active hostile operations against the Concordat shall be deemed a target and terminated.

A no fly zone will be created above Yasmarea for the duration of this state of hostilities. Any launched aerospace capable hostile units in the arena will be engaged and terminated.

All hostile forces in zone have six standard hours to stand down and prepare to be escorted out of the area. Any assets hostile to Yasmarea who attempt to violate Yasmeran territory will be terminated on site after this deadline.

W.M.D.’s will not be deployed unless we or assets under our protection are struck with them. Any WMD usage in theatre will result in the total engagement of hostile enemy in theatre assets and their destruction in detail. Any WMD use against Concordat assets outside of the combat zone shall result in a total commitment and a release of all WMD fail safes and the offending state will face complete exchange of arms.

Following this transmission their will be a data burst of actively hostile forces identified within Yasmarea that are about to be struck . Their personnel have one standard hour from the time index upon this transmission to evacuate any hard target upon this list, their will be no further warnings issued.

The laws of war will be followed and enforced if necessary. All legal rights will be followed to the letter. Yasmarea’s territorial integrity will be restored.

Attested to and signed by the signatories of the Concordat.

Attached data burst

OOC: As Midlonia said, you gave up all ability to bitch about FT the second you decided to deploy a fleet to try to scare off Menelmacar, who I might add, is rather well known for her gravships. So unless you plan on ignoring half the events in Haven, I suggest that you deal with it.

[Sorry to continue the OOC-ness, but I feel I have to address a couple of things.

Midlonia: There are 43 nations in Haven, I can count on two hands the number that are FT. However, I agree with the other thing you said in general.

Zepplin: Erm, good post, but it was a bit ambiguous. Whose side are you on?]

OOC: SS - ZMI is on the side of stopping this unwarrented agression upon Yasmera [Ilek-vaad's fleet] and all nations following him forthwith with similar actions in mind. This is in accordance with The Concordat's attempts at keeping the peace. The fact that one of our members [The Island States] is also involved makes this attempt at keeping the peace, and hope of not spreading this conflict further, paramount.
Therfore this is the standard rules set down by the Concordat when diplomacy isn't likely to work.

To: all nations involved in the present conflict.

From the ministry of foreign affairs, Pauldustllah

Nations of haven, The people of Pauldustllah implore you all to take a step back for a moment there is no need to begin a war which will cause the deaths of millions of innocents. Instead let us all sit down together and discuss this as the civilized people we are. Pauldustllah invite all nations taking part in this conflict to come to The City and talk, it is much better then slaughtering people i assure you please take us up on this offer. To ensure a peaceful solution to this problem.

Marshal Kholn

<<OOC:　Whoa... Can we not do this OOC stuff? No offense to those who are jumping to protect me, but I'm not sure if non-Haven nations should be involved, just because if this becomes a real shooting war, it would be gigantic, and huge war RPs don't generally work out very well. That and the issue of tech level can be decided on an OOC thread if this breaks out into war.

Vaad: Turosi never invited Vaadian forces. He asked for Vaadian support, which is quite a bit different. Furthermore, I didn't RP the larger fleet arriving, but I did RP them leaving the Island States and said that they were joining up with the other fleet that was already there. A lot of posts passed, so you can more or less assume that they would have arrived by that point. I didn't mention it again because I didn't think that they would be particularly important as I didn't expect this to break out into actual fighting. Regardless of whether or not you could break through the fleet, you have to RP trying before you can land troops in Yasmarea. I'm making a quick post now, and if this is still going to be a war, I'll have a new thread started up, along with an OOC one where we can come up with rules and decide exactly what has happened in regards to Vaadian landing forces, etc. And I am not ignoring anything. I don't like to get into OOC arguments about these things, so I tend to RP around people's misunderstandings, rather than stop and say "no, you can't do that!"

Anyway...>>

Albert von Tusk sighed. Very few leaders –even interim leaders- wanted their first few days in office to be marred by war, and the new Grand Marshal of Edölia was no exception. Ilek Vaad was large and powerful, and more importantly, a potential ally. Regardless, if push came to shove, von Tusk was ready and willing to see the Vaadians laid waste to, and would not shy away from a fight. Albert von Tusk was a military man, and knew how to fight a war. Today, however, war was not his business. It was peace that occupied his mind as he put pen to paper.

Diplomatic Communiqué
From the Office of the Grand Marshal of the Socialist Empire of Edölia
To the First Republican of the Free Republic of Ilek Vaad
“My dear neighbor,

Today, our two nations stand at a crossroads. Our fleets square off; ready to unleash death upon thousands of Edolian and Vaadian sailors. Skirmishes on the beaches of Yasmarea are even now claiming the lives of our brave soldiers. War seems imminent. But there is another way.

Three days ago, the former Foreign Minister of the Socialist Empire, Matthew von Pickett reiterated his promise to you that a plebiscite be held in Yasmarea. This promise still stands and today, Yasmarea is closer than ever to peacefully rejoin with the motherland. Only when Alawan Turosi steps down can the promised plebiscite be held. I have worked tirelessly to see that my fellow Edolians in Yasmarea are no longer ruled by a petty dictator. Unfortunately, I cannot do this while our nations are at war. If you continue along the path that you have chosen, not only will you doom thousands upon thousands of Havenites to their death, you will accomplish nothing. If war breaks out between our nations, Edölia shall have the backing of much of Haven. Ilek Vaad is strong –this cannot be denied- but it is not strong enough to fight the Union of Socialist Republics and the Osaka Security Treaty united.

Finally, I must urge you not to lose what could be a strong ally. I am sure that you are aware of my promise to bring political reforms to Edölia, and do not intend to break that promise. Already the Edolian Parliament meets in the Scarlet Hall and debates the issues of the day. Unfortunately, today you are the issue, and their plans for a new constitution are halted. I ask only that you be patient, maintain a dialogue and stay true to the ideals of peace, prosperity and freedom that Ilek Vaad stands for.

In peace,

Albert von Tusk
Grand Marshal and Acting Dictator of the Socialist Empire of Edölia”

To: Interim Chief of State Albert von Tusk, Edolia
From: President Nova Starfighter, Tiburon
Subject: A Response
Classification: Level 0 (Declassified)

Chief Von Tusk,

The people have spoken. After years of an imperial system, the people of Blatterschpitt City have been vindicated. Her people freed. We stand by you and your nation- the crowds in Blatterschpitt cheering for the new era of peace and democracy. Tiburon and Edolia, now and forever, one and inseperable.

We are extremely alarmed, as you are, at the recent actions taken by the Ilek-Vaadian government, and solemnly promise full support if necessary. However, if we may, there is a peaceful, simple solution to the problem that has arisen. Edolia and Ilek-Vaad are both signatories of the Peacekeeping Treaty of Askagalia City, which states that the Organization of Haven States Peacekeeping Force shall be called on to restore peace and stability if, among other things, any nation directly involved in the conflict (which, at this time, include Edolia, Ilek-Vaad, the NHSR, Allanea, and possibly Tiburon) asks for the matter to be judicially settled by the OHSPF. Why not call on this organization to perform its first trial by fire? We can stabilize the Yasmarea region and introduce the plebicite- all under a common treaty signed by Tiburon, Edolia, and Ilek-Vaad, among others.

Sincerely, your ally,
Nova Starfighter

New Birchester, Midlonian Colony, Haven. Fotress ship 0001 Dauntless

'...already been laid down by ZMI sir.'
'Let me see it.'
The boy handed the PDA to the Admiral, who took it in his slowly wrinkling hands.
'Right, I see, how long will it be to mobalize our ships?'
'Only 1/3 of the fleet is in any shape ready, and those are mainly the destroyers and the frigates, the Dauntless is obviously operational.'
'And the Dreadnaught?The Unquestionable?' he replied, clearing his throat in the process.
'Five, six days till she is full operational sir, the rest won't be back off of leave for another few days, if we cancelled it they'll be pissed.'
'So, we'll have to wait a week, minimum?' sighed Admiral Jenkins.
'Pretty much sir, we can set off now, but a bunch of frigates protecting us insn't gunna work to well, we could do with either the Unquestionable or at the very least the Redemption.'
'We'll need airsupport too, obviously.'

The Admiral wandered back and forth across the bridge, pondering, then the younger man drew breath a couple of times, checked his PDA, then jumped up slightly excitedly.
'Ah yes, while I remember sir, FS 002, the aircraft carrying varient is here. She's a beauty, can hold about 200 aircraft, and has two launchers and runways, she should be here in less than an hour with the sub pack Heaven, and the Battleship Golden Bow, oh and all supporting ships of course.'

'Of course, get them to some births, and resupply them, we can use the extra firepower just incase.' the Admiral continued his pace.
'Still gunna be a week Admiral.'
'Don't care, get it done, oh and get me a cup of tea.'
'Yes Admiral' the boy got up from his seat and moved over to the set lodged in an alcove in the wall.

OOC: just a couple of things. First to SS, I did discuss things with Edolia via PM's on the OHS board weeks ago, so butt out. I will also point out that Edolia does not use FT and requested that the NHSR use conventional weaponry.

To Edolia, check post# 35 Turosi EXPLICITLY asks for Vaadian forces and offers coastal land for a Vaadian base. Also in Post# 80 Wendori pleads for Vaadian protection, which precipitated Vaadian deployment. As I stated in the PM's Ilek-Vaad would not get involved unless directly requested to do so. Wendori directly requested to do so and then turned around and attacks Vaadian forces? That seems like a put on to me.

I also never assume that forces have arrived or not, I go by what is posted.If we're going to start assuming, then I assume I win ;)

I won't make anymore posts about actions in Yasmarea until, you've decided whether or not they requested Vaadian help and will or won't attack the Vaadians.

IC:

Sir Ilem Arden, Chief of Staff of the Office of the First Republican intercepted and replied to the message from Von Tusk.

To: Marshal Von Tusk, Edolia
From: Sir Ilem Arden, Chief of Staff, First Republican's Office

Dear Sir,

The issue of Yasmarea has been relaxed into the care of the Retaliatory Guard. With this Military Mandate in place the First Republican and Republican Council can take no action in regards to this situation. I have forwarded your message to Staff Seargent Eban Emael of the Second Purifiers Command, he will bring it before the Supreme Republican Commander and the Supreme Republican Commander will decide what steps need be taken next..

I would suggest that future communications regarding matters in Yasmarea and on hostilities with Edolia are directed to Staff Seargent Emael. This is no longer a matter for the First Republican or the Republican Council.

Respectfully,
Sir Ilem Arden


Meanwhile in Tollan Staff Seargent Emael read the message and passed it along to Commander Ring, who looked it over, he laughed.

"Buthcher Von Tusk wants to talk it out then Seargent?" He said as he grinned to his Seargent.

"It would appear so sir, either that or he's buying time." Seargent Emael shrugged.

"Talking buys us time as well." Commander Ring responded quite seriously "Keep deployments on schedule."

To: Marshal Albert Von Tusk
From: Supreme Republican Commander Adan Ring

Yasmarea will have a plebiscite and will have a democratically elected leadership. Your assurances mean nothing. I do not make a habit of having discussions on democracy and the rights of the People with Stalinist Dictators. Your actions are reprehensible to the core, no real soldier with an ounce of self respect would be involved with or lead a coup d'etat, how many of the 'Imperial Council' did you kill? How many protesters are you prepared to kill? How many Edolian soldiers, who have not betrayed their nation, are you willing to kill?

I suggest that this matter can be resolved very easily. Stand down your forces and the Retaliatory Guard will undo the damage done by USR forces, and make certain that the Yasmarean people decide their own fate. If you are so certain that the people of Yasmarea wish to be reunited with Edolia, then you have no reason to fight and nothing to fear.

I will not negotiate these points with anyone but duly democratically elected officials of Edolia. I have absolutely no fear of a military that could not even defeat Allanean mongrels. If you wish to meet and discuss these matters further, I would be most pleased to receive you in Tollan.

Supreme Republican Commander Adan Ring, 2nd Purifiers Division

The first wave of New Haven fighter-bombers and gunships began to approach the Vaadian fleet, retransmitting the Concordat's declaration.

"Take up patrols around the Vaadian Fleet, make your missiles plainly visible on your wings!" Commander Cromwell said as his Gunship, the Ares, broke and flew with four Sparrows, tilting itself so its full payload could be noticed by anyone on the Vaadian ships, the orange missiles clearly visible.

[Thing is, Edolia asked me to help him and he also asked Bryn Shander to help him. And whatever you talked to him over PM, I don't particularly care about because it was OOC and I doubt you can quote any post from Edolia in this thread that specifically states that you were invited to send troops to Yasmarea. Even if you can, nobody is likely to believe you IC and you've just been stabbed in the back by the rebels you were going to support.]


"Highness, the armada has reported that they've sailed past the Isles as of a couple hours ago. I expect they shall be within engagement range of the Vaadian fleet within eight days. Even if they sent their entire navy they'd be on the wrong end of two-to-one odds with what we're sending, never mind the Edolian fleet that's moving towards Yasmarea to meet them. I expect the self-aggrandizing idiots are going to be shown for what they really are, harmless kitten who talk big but don't have the size to back up all the hissing and swiping," as First Seal Lord it was Fleet Admiral Jorgenssen's job to deliver any reports concerning the Imperial Navy personally to the Empress, which he often did with a small editorial.

"Sven, I'm surprised at you, you usually have more respect for your opponents," the chastisement was half-hearted, she liked the Vaadians a good deal less than her navy's commander.

"I grow weary of their arrogance, your highness. Somebody needs to show them, and quickly, that they aren't half of what they think they are, lest they float off into the stars from their over-inflated heads. Come to think of it, though, that wouldn't be such a loss and the resulting asphixiation would be a suitably horrible death for the lot of them," dark humor and sarcasm were common when the conversation turned to their southern "neighbors". "Seriously, their ships don't match up to ours in any way, they undergun their ships, and while their crews might do every small task perfectly they're still automatons incapable of any real flexibility, which equal an almost automatic defeat in any naval battle."

"Very well, go head back to the War Room and command my navy to victory," a sudden thought occurred to her, "Sven? If any Marines or Sailors have to board Vaadian ships, make it known they aren't to take prisoners. We'll give them a taste of their own medicine, but don't let our soldiers be as brutal and barbarous about it."

The first wave of New Haven fighter-bombers and gunships began to approach the Vaadian fleet, retransmitting the Concordat's declaration.

"Take up patrols around the Vaadian Fleet, make your missiles plainly visible on your wings!" Commander Cromwell said as his Gunship, the Ares, broke and flew with four Sparrows, tilting itself so its full payload could be noticed by anyone on the Vaadian ships, the orange missiles clearly visible.

As per the warning issued every fifteen minutes by the Vaadian fleet, as soon as any forces came within the five hundred mile exclusion zone, they were attacked.

Aircraft were dealt with by the one hundred and ninety eight Jaguar-Arsenal Cruisers. They were euipped with Comet-M3 missle batteries, the batteries fired two missles for every target acquired and used satellite, image recognition and thermal guidance to track their targets.

Warships entering the exclusion zone would find themselves being hit immediately from torpedos, but not from any submarines that they could. The Naval Guard Wolfhound submarines had settled to ocean floor and didn't even register a hit on the sonar , their torpedo tubes aimed straight up, hit enemy ships at their weakest points, the point where the hull was joined together.

The attack of the Wolfhounds was augmented by the conventional attacks from the Trident subs, which use both anti-ship missles and torpedo to crush enemy opposition.

As if the first two lines of defence weren't enough anything that managed to limp past the submarine screen was immidiately targetted by the eighteen Revenge Battleships main guns. The 28" 'Ship Destroyer' batteries fire three three and a half ton, rocket assisted rounds a minute and each Revenge has two batteries, even near misses by the satellite guided rocket ordinance would swamp cruisers and rupture hulls. This attack would be augmented by the over three thousand Orion fighters, outfitted to engage ships and enemy aircraft. The Orions were outfitted with the same Comet-M3 batteries as the Arsenal Cruisers and their active radar cancellation, reactive camoflage skin and stealth profile made them invisible to radar as well as the naked eye, only the thunder of their engines give away that anything is even in the sky.

High Above the fleet and well over three thousand miles away , the fleet is watched by the Death's Head Sub-Orbital Bombers of the Cloud-Bursters Squadron. Cruising at ninety thousand feet the bombers are armed with a pair of bunker buster cruise missles and a pair of HE cruise missles. These will be fired in tandem at Battleships, or Doujin sized ships. With the exact satellite guidance the cruise missle strike in tandem, the Bunker Buster hitting first, to pierce the hull or armour of the target, the HE missle following and detonating in the same hole, the HE incinerating the contents of the hull and blowing the hole open wider for additional attacks. These strikes take place within milli-seconds of each other , and the cruise missles traveling nearly at mach six are next to impossible to down before their precision strike.

Higher still the RASTER Satellites guide the attacks. Able to penetrate cloud and water with their thermographic imaging, enemy 'stealth' subs and planes stand out easily . The RASTER Satellites also carefully monitor enemy satellites, ready to alert for ortillery bombardment, such satellites are quickly neutralized by Sword of Damocles OAV's before they even get a chance to fire.

Naval Guard forces are still holding their fire on Edolian ships, unless attacked. Naval Forces in the area are also quickly realizing that they will soon be trapped between the Tactical Groups already off the coast of Yasmarea and the Tactical Groups that will be arriving, putting them in a very, very, bad position.

NHSR ships and planes will be especially hard hit, Admiral Coyohuitl bears them a great personal animosity for their cowardly attacks on Yasmarean civilians and buildings.

From Tollan a single message is sent to the Imperium:

We are not aware of any cancellation in the Non-Aggression pact signed between the Imperium and the Free Republic. Be warned that any attack by Imperium forces, will be an act of war, and a stain on the Honour of the Imperium for failing to keep their word to the Free Republic. It will serve as an example to your allies, what value the Imperium places on lawful pacts.

A single message to the Concordat:
We do not recognize your authority in any manners concerning Haven. Actions taken by your member nations will be seen as an act of war and your alliance will be neutralized accordingly.

Midlonia should realize that Vaadian forces are stationed in the Klatch and that reprisal for any unfortunate Midlonian actions will be quickly brought home.

A reply is also sent to Pauldustllah

To:Marshal Kholn, Pauldustllah
From: Supreme Republican Commander, Adan Ring

We would be pleased to accept youyr invitation and send representatives to discuss the current situation. It is our position, as it always is, that if other Haven states discussed such matters that intervention by the Free Republic would be totally unnecessary.

I doubt very seriously that any other Haven nation has the integrity or the intelligence to accept your offer of mediation. I would personally be delighted to resolve this unpleasantness without bloodshed.

Respectfully,
Supreme Republican Commander, Adan Ring, 2nd Purifiers Division

OOC: I'm not saying anyone has gone within the 500 (no one has posted explicity that they have) but if they do, those actions abopve will be the first step taken against them.

Also , having looked over the forces arrayed here and those being sent, the Free Republic will have no problem in fending off these forces, especially if we throw in SS's half assed tactics into the mix. This type of fight is exactly what the Retaliatory Guard were designed to face, I can't tell you how gleeful it makes me to finally deploy all this stuff! :)

I'd also like to know where from in ass SS pulled his Armada? It looks like (according to the Hogsweat thread) that the bulk of SS's fleet is engaged against Hogsweat currently? I don't go for any of that 'alternate timelines' bullshit you like to pull SS, so you'd better make sure you're forces aren't defying physics and aren't in two places at once.

<<OOC: This is going to be the last OOC post that I'm going to make. I don't have time to make an IC response right now.

First, I assume that that description of the attack isn't actually taking place unless NHSR forces actual move into your sphere of influence. If I'm wrong, then this is going to be dangerous.

I want to make something very very clear to participating nations. OOC talk is to be kept civil. I didn't ask anyone to get involved. Marshal Albert von Tusk asked certain nations to get involved. There's a difference, and as of yet, no nation here really has any inherant "right" to be on the thread except for me. The corollary to this statement is that I don't want to see people being uncivil to each other OOC. This is mainly addressed to IV and SS, although some others have made rather inflammatory comments. I want anyone who can contribute to the story to be involved, which includes basically everyone who's posted so far.

On the issue of Yasmarea inviting Ilek-Vaad to defend them, their offer was pretty much rescended when IV started demanding democratic elections. Turosi wants protection, but he doesn't want someone screwing with his rulership. I didn't really want to have to spell that out, but apparently I have to.

I'll make an IC post tonight. Please remember that the amount of time that is passing right now should be measured in hours, not days or weeks.>>

OOC: You are correct, as stated above no attack takes place unless forces actually enter the exclusion zone.

I will be civil to anyone, with the exception of SS. I have no respect for him whatsoever and don't intend to show any.

Wendori's pleading for assistance came well after Vaadians insisting on democracy, as I said before IF the Yasmareans asked for help, the Vaadian will send it.

IF you are now saying that they didn't, then Vaadian forces wouldn't have deployed in the first place. It's always been up to the Yasmareans, and their last message to the Free Republic was to please send help.

[IV: No, I sent exactly one home fleet against Hogsweat, that's 241 ships out of the 1,691 that comprise the ships of my combat fleets. Anyway, I don't really care what you go for, unless Edolia says otherwise this isn't happening at the same time as the Hogsweat war. As it is, I'm about to retcon that war for the simple fact that Hogsweat has been inactive and I no longer have the time nor inclination to wait for people to get themselves into gear to RP.

Edolia: As you wish, although I'll note that I don't believed I've yet lapsed into incivility.]

-This is a streaming global plain text broadcast-

From: The Council of the Concordat
To: The leaders of Ilek Vaad

We have warned you of the actions we are going to take to insure Yasmeran territorial integrity. Whether your recognise us or our Haven based members sovereignties and interests as members of the Concordat or not is inconsequential to our actions or the actions of the military forces acting in our names.






The object was no bigger than a cigarette box, its tiny mass packed with a dense number of systems, it and 34 other identical devices made up one of eight long range networked recon satellite arrays deployed to overlook the conflict. Its lenses glinted as it picked up the incredible numbers of aircraft swirling around the Vaadian naval forces reacted to the NHSR incursion.


[ OOC
To: Ilek-Vaad ….smiley use just /shudder

Question are your subs equipped with vertical torpedo tubes? If not and if they are on the sea bed as you said and firing vertically upwards ..they will in fact be at 180 to the seabed. Now I don't know about you but I enjoy not walking on the walls.

As for being invisible by bottoming out..um just no modern active sonar and most passive would pick up an object the size of a sub on the sea bed ..especially if it was standing straight up. Bottoming out against the sea bed may have been useful in 1945 against say ..oh ASDIC or similar systems.. now it’s a fast way to suicide.

500 mile radius engagement limit? Good heavens that would include large chunks of land under forces hostile to you. You would have already come under attack by ground based anti shipping missiles if you had a limit put out that far. You would already be engaged in combat.

Now as for your orbital forces, those are supposedly near future I take it so we don't hurl our overly large star navies at you. Fully understandable in some ways given the nature of your nation. This would mean that we too can deploy our satellites, battle stations and so forth if we kept to the same technological level. In other ways its not understandable at all given your past interaction with FT nations and it takes us near thermonuclear engagement level.

If we start combat in space with ..oh space planes, battle stations and the odd interplanetary capable craft its going to get messy and hard to regulate tech wise and once again widen the area of conflict and bring escalation levels nearer that big nuclear megadeath button. That’s just a smoking glassed wasteland that glows in the dark that I would rather avoid.

As for the bombers carrying the long range missiles ..which I might add seem to be matching most circa 1970 SLBMs rather than heavy bomber launched cruise weapons in that large 3000 Km range ...that would be calling in to play forces which could render the entire zone of conflict a smoking radioactive ruin.

Any state in this conflict can deploy long range missile forces, and most have long range non nuclear forces. Its just ALL bad so ..don't go be firing them at the first BB you see. Unless you really want this conflict to go nuclear in which case your fleets size, and your militaries infantry numbers will mean nothing but how many more casualties in the field you will take ..until that is they start taking out targets on your landmass in which case ..were back at Mr. Megadeath again.

What are you trying to do here? What are your stated military goals? Yasmeran independence? Would you risk the nuclear annihilation of your armed forces for that? I ask that you do not widen the conflict zone by acting with long range arms such as bomber launched very long range missiles. I had hoped this conflict could be contained to a limited war and I drafted the concordats statement with the agreement of the others to say so. If you however respond to the first over flight of NHSR aircraft by engaging them with everything in your arsenal its just insanity. You have become a prisoner of your own military plan, with that 500 mile automatic engagement forcing you into full scale warfare. Your actions have opened aggression to a whole new level, blowing the concept of a limited conflict out of the water.

One final point I would wish to raise is that your forces would have no hope of attacking Midlonia while already engaged. There is the small matter of 230 miles of open sea and your lack as far as I know of naval units in the area.

You do have a large military with huge numbers of personnel. Midlonias while not near as large as your bloated military monstrosity would still easily defend itself from your attacks if you opened up an invasion given the excessive nature of its land based armoured weaponry which you would be engaging on home turf. ...not to mention that would be no longer our third party conflict but instead a conflict over our home territory. That level of escalation would be just insane and will lead to nowhere but Mr.Megadeath again.

You are almost asking us to deploy weapons which effect theatre level and you have already escalated the conflict. You have become an aggressor state and even as powerful as you are you stand no hope at all on a strategic level of victory against the very well equipped states opposing you. We could have at a nice limited very large naval and air engagement with some ground action, your post threatens to take this to an all out total engagement of forces. In the post modern tech level that you request ..that is national suicide.

Post Script
"the point where the hull was joined together."... what we make our ships out of lego now? The miltary vessels arrayed against you hopefully have better construction than a liberty ship. As far as I know thats the only modular construction vessel with a " point where the hull was joined together."
/OOC]

Bridge of the Dauntless

'You what?' yelled the Admiral.
'They've threatened the homeland with invasion, saying they shall "Bring the reprisals home", sir.'
'Right... what naval forces do they have in the Klatch itself?'
'Errr, none, the Federation allowed the guard to be comprised of Dyellians only, and no other naval forces were placed there that fly with the Vaadian flag.'

'Ok, so that rules out that, what about air?'
'It's possible they have some air capability, but it isn't very likely they'd be stupid enough to fly heavy cargo planes against out AA defenses, or our airforce.' the aide had clicked up a small holographic map, that showed cargo planes getting torn apart next to a coastline.
'Well, unless they want to swim the 250 or so miles of ocean between us and mainland Klatch, I think we can rule out any invasion of the homeland, historically nobody has touched our soil since the Uranium War, and even then, they were a small amount.'
The Admiral nodded. 'Order General Herringway to mobalize the Birchester armies too, we could do without this logistical base being threatened, order some of them to the border too, I fear the Federation itself may call us up over this, and possibly invade, all under Vaadian lies.'

The aide looked nervous and gulped.
'I'll get right to it sir.' he said, fear creeping into his voice.
'Don't worry lad, we always win, we've never lost once.'

OOC: To SS: 1,691 ships? Can anyone say Godmode? The US Navy has 449 ships, that's ALL ships, not just warships. My Navy has 750 Warships and I've been accused of Godmodeing that.

Either your ships are truly crappy, or your defense budget covers nothing else.

To Zeppelin Manufacturers:

First, as I stated previously, the Wolfhound Submarines torpedo tubes point straightup. It is a flat, round, stingray shaped sub that when settled on the bottom (like a stingray) has NO PROFILE.

Second, as I stated previously, my 'Orbital Forces' is composed of satellites and anti- satellite shuttle-like craft (a defence against Ortillery, I personally figure that if you can launch a satellite, you can put a gun on it :P)

Third, if you even dare compare any of my technologies as being 1970's equivalent again, I'll be upset. I'm not going to waste space here to explain modern ballistics, rocket engines and how to give a missle a three thousand+ mile range. There are several missles manufactured today by several nations that can strike anywhere on the globe and are much,much smaller than an ICBM.Heck even North Korea can manage a missle that can strike the US.

Fourth, what ARE YOUR military objectives? The Free Republic has made their objectives very clear from the beginning. YOU appear to nosing into a situation that you have no IC business in. You have no IC reason to send forces to Haven or to attack the Free Republic. So, don't ask me my motives, ask yourself why are you involved?

Fifth,My military is not massive and bloated. It is trim supple and streamlined, using the best technology available. My forces only number ONE TENTH of say the Scandavian States military. Every nation here has poorly trained, poorly equipped and poorly paid troops compared to Ilek-Vaad, and they will fight like it. I would compare it to yours, but I can't find any reference to your military in the Forums?

Sixth,and for everyone, Edolia asked to keep OOC posts to a minimum, yet I am continually being forced to respond to OOC criticism. News Flash-if you have an OOC question TG ME, don't clog up Edolia's thread.

I will not be responding to OOC comments again in this thread.

Questions about the Retalitory Guard? http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=347434

*ahem, yes that was me, as Ondarri, stupid thing logged me in as that for no reason...*

The Great master of the Convativ Sonsofobical Internacional Asociatión, Francisc de Navarr, and His subdits the leaders of the Naciones Sonsofobicas Region,send their deep and hones condolences for the death of Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt, and award him post mortem whit the Elektron ASCoNIAN Honour Medal

EL REY HA MUERTO; VIVA EL REY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Break! Break! Hit the deck! Drop sea charges!" The Sparrows immediately shot down towards the sea, almost skimming low enough to hit the waves. The Twin-Tail gunships followed, opening up their counter-measure ports and began dropping small water-sensitive explosive cylinders. They rolled off the back of the wings, sliding into the water and exploding.

The force of the explosions created a twenty-foot high series of columns behind the NHSR lines of withdraw. The fighters shot off at Mach 3, followed by the gunships at a steady Mach 2.5.

"At 120 clicks, prepare to break and get below radar coverage. Fire harpoons on my mark... approaching 60 clicks..."

OOC: Because this thread is getting cluttered. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8504843#post8504843)

Samantha Carr was 34 year old a brunette and apparently good looking according to her friends and her string of partners. An independent data stream service reporter presently living in Outzone city she had once been a renowned war reporter until an unfortunate incident had left her with fragments of RPG buried in her legs and lower body. The doctors had said it was a miracle she had survived much less hobbled. On the lists of the press personalities within ZMI now she was recognised in her profession as someone who got solid if boring home stories. Someone who’s star though still respected was now forever faded.
She was presently staring at a rather dull Z.M.A.F. Corporal reading the same press release flimsy she held in her hands in Fort Sarah James, one of the air basses on the cities perimeter. In many ways she was appalled, the call to attend this briefing had come at the unholy hour of 6:30. Whisked from her office by an INT-SEC car which had arrived as she was still struggling to put on her recording gear to this base and put into this stuffy little briefing room and given this ridiculous statement to publish.



Z.M.D.F. Data Services release

As of 18:00 today exercise “Green wave” will be underway. “Green Wave” will consist of a full test of Outzone cities defensive and offensive support capacity. It will involve several of the cities civilian airports and evaluating their ability to handle a deployment of the Z.M.A.F. Parashock forces. Also the Z.M.D.F. requests that all reserve force members stand by for later exercise events. The Z.M.N. has requested that we inform you that the “Saturated Market” Carrier group will be also undergoing exercises.



Samantha shook her head… how could they think they could hide it. She had seen the pictures taken from one of her more shady sources upon one of the civilian industrial platforms of the entire of the ZMNs battle fleet streaming from Megacity ones waters as well as the disturbing activity and reports she had from around the massive docks of the four citadel ships of Landcrawlers being loaded.

It would take them a week for the fleet to make it from the Baltic Sea to Baltic Island and what would be by then she winced to herself a combat zone. Already she had heard the unmistakable whine of Type 800 strategic bombers on her own apartments balcony, here on this airbase on her way to this briefing she had seen their unmistakable forms sitting in neat rows along the runways while the entire airbase seemed packed beyond overflowing with personnel. So many of them, so very many. The blatant lie of the military statement been ridiculous. Where were the Stratorunner transport planes the Parshocks would have used? Instead the runways were packed with combat aircraft with more streaming in constantly, causing the windows of the briefing room shaking with their wash as the officer went on to talk about ZMN combined exercises with the Midlonian navy. It was ridiculous, how could they expect them to report this obvious lie when every runway she could see even at the international airport was being filled with combat aircraft and the bulky shape of Stratorunner tankers. They must be flying in the entire of ZMAF in on tanker relays she thought dully horrified by the scale of it. Why bother waiting for the ZMN and its carriers when Outzone city was only a brief 3,000 kilometres from the target area, well within the strike distance of most aircraft. A vast line of tankers must be flying from here all the way to Europe to support this level of military insanity. A few of the reporters tried to ask questions as the officer shuffled out, Samantha knew better. The military were planning to enforce the concordats dead line. The inevitable results terrified her.

Outside deep under the runways within reinforced subterranean storage bays almost missile silo like in form the needle craft were prepared. They should not be needed. The conventional ZMAF forces should be capable enough without them. None the less their pilots and crews prepared them. Even as overhead the Type 800s were loaded with the bulky forms of Sea Slam missiles smaller and much more deadly devices were prepared for use aboard the harsh missile like forms of the air supremacy needle craft. Over 70 of them sat upon bulky launch boosters in hidden complexes like this all over the Outzone. Jet combat aircraft were though fast, not fast enough, Scram Jets unreliable at the best of times, the old concept of the rocket plane had lived again in the forms of the Needle craft.

Four hours later the Gestalt announcement came to back up the Concordat streaming text broadcast. Unless the Vaadian forces turned within the deadline ZMI would be at war and the bolt Samantha Carr had watched ZMAF create on Baltic Island would be hurled. The announcement would already be too late as the NHSR engaged the Vaadian fleet. Within an hour a steady stream of over 700 Type 800 heavy bombers escorted by a flight of 2,000 Type 55 Strike fighters and Type 44 Fighter bombers all enshrouded by swarms of air combat drones would begin to make its rumbling way at a steady mach 2 towards the target. The opening missile salvo would begin at 700 kilometres when the Sea Slam and Sky Slam cruise missiles deployed. The plan was for the huge mass of aircraft to never come within conventional engagement range of the fleet. The two heavy CC-10 sea skimming anti shipping missiles that each type 44 was carrying were simply a backup. Instead the huge mass of air power would hammer back and forth from Baltic Island to its target, trying to drag the Vaadian air craft outside the cover of their naval units while constantly pounding their ships with waves of cruise weapons and the deadly sea slam cruise torpedo delivery missiles. Their would be no navy for the Vaadians to hit back at, no specific airbases to hit without using ballistics and as the constant stream of Strato runner tankers could allow the aircraft to land and re-arm at any base from Baltic island to Midlonia .No single strike that would decapitate this force unlike the carrier reliant naval aircraft of Ilek Vaad.

Ilek-Vaad

The Vrakian ambassador in Ilek-Vaad noted with growing concern the increasing hostiliies between his host country and other Haven nations. As well, the actions of the Midlonians were also cause for concern.

Still, he was but a mouthpiece for his own government and, as such, did not set policy nor would he comment publicly on the increasing tensions. He did, however, send his reports back to headquarters and also made arrangements to meet with his respective Vaadian counterpart to discuss the issue.

Vrak

The information send from the ambassador was devoured by intelligence specialists. After all, all diplomats were trained to mask the true meaning of their messages in double or even triple speak. But even a blind man could not help but notice the current events. What remained a mystery was Vrak's reaction and to what extent the FKC would do to secure their territories within Haven. Territories that were legally purchased and did not seem to be generate any public ill-will from the Havenic states. Then again, the territories were somewhat vulnerable in comparison with the FKC proper.

Contigency plans were drawn up and force evaluations were conducted. As well, events at home seemed to be occupying the minds of the military leaders. The Vrakian involvement regarding Neo Tyr was carefully seeking a lower profile and the battle for Clairmont was also being monitored.

Mainland Midlonia, Federated Klatchian Coast

In Midlonia proper, mobalization against the Vaadian threat was being taken very seriously. (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Midlonia/Characters%20and%20Soldiers/Soldiernap.png)

New Birchester, Haven

The spotter looked through his binoculars (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Midlonia/Characters%20and%20Soldiers/holycrap.png). 'Try to hit that!' he yelled into his microphone.
With a roar the gun bucked back, the various peices sliding back onto eachother as a plume of flame and a loud explosion tore up the silence.

The shell screamed across the bay and hit a small, abandoned fishing boat, which splitered and was crushed under the weight of the shell before the explosion, which threw a plume of water high into the sky.
'Good, nice shot lads, shows we can hit shit as it comes.' he lowered the binoculars and headed towards the back and up a ladder, it was 11am, and time for a cuppa.

"Break! Break! Hit the deck! Drop sea charges!" The Sparrows immediately shot down towards the sea, almost skimming low enough to hit the waves. The Twin-Tail gunships followed, opening up their counter-measure ports and began dropping small water-sensitive explosive cylinders. They rolled off the back of the wings, sliding into the water and exploding.

The force of the explosions created a twenty-foot high series of columns behind the NHSR lines of withdraw. The fighters shot off at Mach 3, followed by the gunships at a steady Mach 2.5.

"At 120 clicks, prepare to break and get below radar coverage. Fire harpoons on my mark... approaching 60 clicks..."

OOC: DISCLAIMER- Nowhere has Island States posted that he has entered my five hundred mile exclusion zone. At this point I have to assume that he is attacking me and respond accordingly.

IC:

Admiral Coyohuitl was chuckling as reports came in from the Arsenal-Cruiser screen.

"Sir, the NHSR planes are attacking, they are launching Harpoon ASM's and surface charges."

As previously posted the Vaadians respond as soon as anyone enters the exclusion zone. At four hundred and ninety-nine miles out the NHSR planes are peppered with Comet-M3 missles the mach three speed missles are fired in salvos of three at each incoming plane, giving the pilots ample reason to now have bricks in their shorts, not to mention the thousands of Orion fighters that also swarm them, firing additional Comet-M3 missles.

Unlike ordinary jet fighters, the Orions make no attempt to dog-fight and break off pursuit as soon as the NHSR jets have once again left the exclusion zone. The Orion has no need to dogfight, the pilots simply accelerate until they are within Comet range (150-250 miles) and launch and veer off, hardly ever even seeing the enemy. The calm experienced Vaadian pilots professionally go about their task.

Meanwhile as the Harpoons start coming in the Jaguar Arsenal-Cruisers deploy their SPEAR Rolling Airframe Missle Batteries. Blinding sheets of RAM's take to the air, each ASM being targetted by a SPEAR and then having three RAM's fired at it ( Raytheons RAM CIWS system is accurate against missles at 80%- 3 SPEAR missles averaging 80% accuracy each means that roughly 1 in 240 ASM's will actually make it to their target.), the surface charges simply create wake, there is no way that any NHSR jet gets close enough under the murderous barrage to make them effective.

ASM's that manage to limp past the Jaguar Arsenal-Cruisers SPEAR batteries either hit their mark, or are targetted by the Revenge Battleships SPEAR batteries.

Admiral Cotohuitl watches the monitors in Fire Control , plumes of smoke dotting the sky where the engagements take place, every now and again a plume from a Harpoon impact rolls off of a Cruiser.

"Captain, damage report please." He asks calmly

The Captian nods and looks over the screen " Eight Jaguars reporting minor damage, none disabled, none sunk. Casualty reports are not yet available. The NHSR craft did not make it close enough to make an effective strike."

Admiral Coyohuitl nods "They won't be able to without ship support. Our defences can concentrate one hundred percent of our fire power on them with no surface targets." He chuckles "Surface Fleets must always wait for an air umbrella and aircraft musat always wait for surface support, throwing in one without the other just makes it easy on the defender."

The Admiral returned to his seat opening his com to Tollan "This is Revenge. NHSR forces have attacked , repeat NHSR forces have attacked."

*****

In Tollan , Supreme Republican Commander Ring also watched the 'battle' unfold and shook his head.

"Absolutely ridiculous. Our neighbors follow up senseless policy with senseless attack." he stated quite contemptuously. He then sent the following message.

To: President Newman, NHSR
From: Supreme Republican Commander Adan Ring

Mr. President. I felt it was my duty to inform you that as ten hundred hours this morning your forces attacked the Yasmarean Protection Fleet off of the coast of Yasmarea without provocation. We were stunned by your ferious attack and bombing of Yaz City and the horrendous civilian toll and we deployed our forces at the request of Yasmarean authorities to render aid and security.

I had hoped that after the Yaz City tragedy that the NHSR had come to it's senses and decided to act responsibly. I am at this going to assume that your attack this morning was a mistake. My forces will not engage your forces unless they attack them, or enter the exclusion zone. Keep in mind, if your forces continue to attack my men, I will give your forces no quarter.

I would hope that the leadership of the NHSR is prudent enough to halt these pointless actions before any serious damage is done.

Respectfully,
Supreme Republican Commander Adan Ring, 2nd Purifiers Division.

He shook his head as he clicked 'send' "Bloody fools."

“This is getting ridiculous,” sighed Albert von Tusk. The woman across the table from him nodded her head in agreement.
“The Vaadians do seem to be set on war,” the Chancellor responded. Rosaura von Grönbouler was under thirty, but her face sagged like a woman of much greater years. Since von Tusk had restored powers to the Parliament, she had been busy, running around the Scarlet Palace, dealing with bureaucratic issues. Parliament had met only briefly and had passed a short resolution, expressing gratitude to Albert von Tusk, calling for a resumption of normal life in Blätterschplitt City and pledging to write up a new Constitution. For the most part, Blätterschplitt had resumed normal operations. Most of the nearly six million protestors who had crowded the city’s streets had gone home, and only a few thousand disorganized diehards remained.
“Apparently they have a policy of putting full control of their military forces in the hands of their generals as war becomes imminent.” Albert von Tusk shook his head in amazement and dropped the letter before von Grönbouler. “Their government has no way of stopping this conflict, and it looks like we’re going to have to be dealing with their military commanders if we want to keep this from degenerating into all-out war.”
“What is the current situation?” asked the Chancellor.
“There are reports of limited skirmishes between Vaadian and Yasmarean forces on land, and some engagements between Vaadian and New Havener forces in the skies. They have not yet fired on us –a very wise move on their part.”
“Can we win?” Von Tusk looked somewhat hesitant.
“Yes and no,” he said at last. “We cannot win alone. Their fleet is larger, and they have the air power. However, our fleet by itself would leave their armada with very little left to go up against Yasmarea, and they would be picked apart by our allies. As it is, every moment that we wait, more of our friends come to help us, and our chances increase.” Von Grönbouler nodded thoughtfully. There was a moment of silence. The Chancellor broke it.
“I don’t suppose that you invited me here to talk military strategy. That’s your portfolio.” Von Tusk nodded gravely.
“You are right, Madame Chancellor” he said. “I have a request to make of you, however.” The Chancellor nodded in silent affirmation. The Grand Marshal continued. “If you read over the Vaadian response, written by a most unpleasant fellow by the name of Adan Ring, the Vaadian military will not negotiate with a leader not democratically elected by the people of Edölia.” The Chancellor nodded again. She knew where this was going. “Strangely enough,” continued von Tusk, “the letter goes on to invite me to Tollan in Pauldustllah to negotiate.” He laughed. “The Vaadians are a bit manic, I must say.” His face again took on a grave expression. “We both know how the Vaadians view democracy. It seems to be a kind of religion for them, which means that I wont be taken particularly seriously in any negotiations. However, among the two of us, one of us is the highest democratically elected official in the Socialist Empire.” The Chancellor nodded for a third time.
“And you want me to speak on our behalf.”
“I want you to speak on behalf of the people of Edölia.” He held up a hand. “I know that not everyone in Parliament fully trusts my intentions, and I do not blame you. However, unless something is done, the South Haven Sea will turn red with blood. I am a military man, but I take no pleasure in seeing death and destruction laid upon our brave soldiers.”
“I will see what I can do, Grand Marshal,” replied von Grönbouler. “I will write a response to Mr. Ring immediately, and accept his invitation to meet in Tollan.” She rose to go, and von Tusk stood up as well.”
“Thank you,” he said, simply. She nodded again and turned towards the door. She paused and turned around.
“I will also see what I can do about Parliament’s distrust. I may not be the most popular Chancellor ever, but I do have some influence amongst the MPs.”

---

Diplomatic Communiqué
From the Office of the Chancellor of the Socialist Empire of Edölia
To the Office of Adan Ring, Supreme Republican Commander of the Free Republic of Ilek Vaad
“To the Honorable Commander Ring,

I wish to respectfully respond to your latest note, inviting the Grand Marshal, Albert von Tusk to Tollan for negotiations. As the Chancellor of Edölia and the highest elected official in the Socialist Empire, I believe that I am most qualified to negotiate the stand-down of military forces in the South Haven Sea, and I have been given the full authority of Marshal von Tusk to speak on behalf of the Socialist Empire. As we speak, Edolian aid groups are moving into Yasmarea, where they are getting to work repairing the damage done by the overly enthusiastic New Haven forces. We welcome Vaadian aid assistance, but at the moment, military support is unnecessary as Yasmarean forces have the area fully secured. The addition of unwanted military support would be unwelcome and destabilizing.

I have booked a plane for Tollan and will be arriving there within a day when I hope to meet you. Until that time, I hope that Vaadian forces will wait before launching an invasion. We cannot negotiate while our forces are fighting.

In peace,

Rosaura von Grönbouler
Chancellor of the Socialist Republic of Edöli

On the net, inconspicuously, a small article appeared. A footnote, really.

AP News- Tiburon Builds up Forces

Toriares Island, Tiburon- This southern island in the Tiburonese Haven Strait Islands has been host in recent days to small-scale military buildup. It is unclear what the event is for, and the scale is nowhere near the defensive buildup that came before the Hogsweatian invasion of Tiburon. More to come as news develops.

OOC: Tollan is in Ilek-Vaad, I don't think I was clear, either Tollan or Pauldustllah, where ever Von Tusk was most comfortable. Edolian intelligence would know that not only is Tollan a city, but the location of the Tollan Massif, Headquarters of Retaliatory Guard and Red Jaguar Command.


IC:

Supreme Republican Commander Ring paused as he looked at the message.

"seargent, what are the odds of a Havenic State actually becoming reasonable all of the sudden?" He inquired thoughtfully.

Seargent Emael shrugged " Slim to none. I would once again guess that they are buying time. So far Marshal Von Tusk's request to mobilize the USR has gone............haltingly. They need full USR support to even dream of dislodging Admiral Coyohuitl."

Ring chuckled "As I've said before Seargent, I think we're sharing a brain. Proceed with deployment. I'll handle the Chancellor. I don't mind negotiating, but if it is a ploy to buy time, they will find that it will buy nothing, they had better be sincere."

Seargent Emael nodded "By your command sir."

Ring responded:

To:Chancellor of the Socialist Empire of Edölia
From: Supreme Republican Commander Adan Ring

Chancellor I would be pleased to meet with you in Tollan. I am certain, that if you are sincere, that war can be averted. However, my deployment orders stand, particularly the Purifier deployment. There are two reasons for this. First, if you prove to be insincere you will find that you are NOT buying Marshal Von Tusk and your slothful USR allies time to gather forces to attack my Retaliatory Guard. Second the Purifiers are secomd to none in urban combat and more importantly urban search and rescue. My forces will do their stated duty and aid the People of Yasmarea.

I await your arrival.

Respectfully,
Supreme Republican Commander Adan Ring, 2nd Purifiers Division

<<OOC: Opps… sorry about that. I thought I remember Pauldustllah mentioning Tollan as their city in another RP. It matters not…>>

The Chancellor was already on the plane heading for Ilek Vaad when Commander Ring’s reply was relayed to her. She read the message with some dismay and set about immediately writing a reply.

Diplomatic Communiqué
From the Office of the Chancellor of the Socialist Empire of Edölia
To the Office of the Republican Commander of the Retaliatory Guard
“Unfortunately, if Vaadian forces continue their deployment onto sovereign Edolian territory, the Scarlet Armada will have to respond and Yasmarean defense forces will defend their land at all costs. I will be arriving in Tollan within a day, and hope that our nations can come to an agreement soon. All I ask is that you hold off your assault for thirty six hours so that we can arrive at a peaceful solution.

I have been a participant in several military briefings, and am aware of the capabilities of your Purifier divisions. They are formidable indeed, but I warn you not to involve them in heavy urban combat. Yasmarean forces are Edolian, after all, and they are quite capable of defending an Edolian city. Regardless of whether or not your Purifiers would be able to clear out Yaz City, the casualties that would be inflicted on the civilians of Yasmarea would be so great as to make the New Haven attack look insignificant. You claim to be ready to fight to stabilize Yasmarea, but if you continue with your assault, you will only do the opposite.

I know that you will continue to be reasonable in this matter,

Rosaura von Grönbouler
Chancellor of the Socialist Empire of Edölia

<<OOC: Some background information that your intelligence would be aware of:

First, Edolia is very active in foreign policy and most high ranking Edolian politicians have risen through the diplomatic corps, or at least have the equivalent of a degree in international studies. Von Grönbouler is of the second category, and as such takes a very diplomatic stance towards dealing with other nations. The style is rather different that Albert von Tusk’s which tends to be very direct, and to the point (he’s a military man and Edolian military men are never politicians (by law they are barred from expressing any political beliefs).

Second, a note on Edolian cities and army training (to put von Grönbouler’s warning in context). Edolian cities are extremely densely populated. They are built on a grid, with two lane (no side parking space) streets, with 200x200 meter city blocks. Generally, each city block contains one skyscraper. No one owns cars, and people get around through underground subways and skyway trains, running on tracks above the street. Edolian (and Yasmarean) soldiers are of two kinds (aside from the real elite special forces): Alpha Soldiers are recruited before they enter primary school (a la Ender’s Game) and raised and trained to be soldiers up until their mid twenties. They make up the backbone of the Edolian military. Beta Soldiers are recruited later, and occupy a position somewhere between reservists and regular soldiers. Their training is somewhere near the level of the US Army. I would expect that they would have a lot of difficulty dealing with your Purifiers, although with Alpha Soldiers backing them up, they could hold their own, especially fighting on the defensive.

My point is basically that von Grönbouler is correct. One of the advantages (or downsides, depending on you look at it) of Edolian cities is that they cannot really be taken if there is a determined defense, unless the attacker is basically willing to completely trash the place, and most likely slaughter a ton (in this case read ‘millions’) of innocent civilians. That’s why NHSR’s attack, which affected a very small portion of the city, killed so many people.

Sorry about all the OOCness. I just thought I should provide some context for the message.>>

Admiral Coyohuitl watched as the NHSR attack pulled away and then was alerted by Tollan Fire Control.

"Bogey's are headed your way Admiral, they are heading North of your position."

Coyohuitl nodded as the plasma screen on his right blinked to life, showing satellite images of the ZMI strike force as it headed toward his fleet. He shook his head.

"Captain. Have Revenge Fire Control paint targets coming from Baltic Islands and instruct carrier crews to intercept. We'll have plenty of time before they get here.Get them refueled and ready."

The Captain nodded "Aye sir."

*****

Tollan Massif, Ilek-Vaad

The Raster Satellites had seen easily the massive ZMI force, it stuck out like a sore thumb. Commander Ring laughed as he watched the packed mass of bombers and fighters.

"Astounding, absolutely astounding.Launch Cloud Burster Squadrons 10-15 and arm them with Comet-M3 pods. Intercept and remove these cowards from the face of the earth."


*****

Back in Tollan sirens sounded as the 48 ft blast doors of the Massif rumbled open, disgorging the 10th-15th Cloud Bursters. The thirty five Death's Head Bombers launched and broke the sound barier in short order climbing to 125,000 feet at mach 6. Each one armed with 2 pods of 8 each Comet M-3 missles, which (because of their sub-orbital height) they would now be firing DOWN through the ZMI squadrons, no pilot wants his enemy above him.

The Carrier Groups would first exclusively target the fighters, their numerical superiority and superior tracking ability of the Comet-M3's would be brought to bear, all the while being monitored and controlled at Tollan Fire Control to make sure that the economy of fire power would be at maximum effectiveness. Radar cancellation and stealth would not affect the Comet missles, they didn't even have radar, they are guided by satellite, if satellite loses the target, then they switch to image recognition, if that fails, thermographic tracking. Each Orion fires Comet missles in pairs, meaning each ZMI aircraft would have 2 of these near unshakeable missles to contend with at a time. Chaff pods were useless as well, the satellites ignored them as do the Comets.

The Death's Heads Bombers meanwhile would lurk high above, and well away from the main battle, simply targeting bombers or fighters, whatever made it past the Coventry Air Guard and into position to strike Admiral Coyohuitl's fleet, they would be in the open and sitting ducks for the Death's Heads.

The Carrier Groups would allow the SPEAR RAM batteries to pick off the heaviest ordinance from the bombers and then engage them after the fighters had been neutralized.

******

Meanwhile Commander Ring responded to the Chancellor's message:

To:Chancellor of the Socialist Empire of Edölia
From: Supreme Republican Commander Adan Ring

The Retaliatory Guard deployment will move exactly as scheduled. I cannot give you our timetable for obvious security reasons, but obviously the deployment will not have reached Yasmarean shores by the time you have arrived.

Respectfully,
Supreme Republican Commander Adan Ring, 2nd Purifiers Division

He hoped the sense of a literally ticking time bomb would cause the Chancellor to be as sincere as possible. Commander Ring was well aware that it would be forty eight hours until the Retaliatory Guard Atlases were even in Yasmarean waters, but there was no reason the Edolians should be made a ware of that.

OOC:

Edolia: You gave me a good idea Edolia, a post for important Vaadians that people may deal with and their publicly known backgrounds: Important Vaadians (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8516733#post8516733)

http://www.serbia-info.com/g3/images/nytimes-logo.jpg

Tiburon Cancels Debt From NHSR; Seizes Cargo From Commercial Frieghter Worth Exact Amount Of Debt

Crystal City, Tiburon Main, Tiburon- Tiburonese leaders announced today that they were officially cancelling the debt owed by the New Haven Socialist Republic, stating that the debt had been paid off. 80 hours after the Curtislemann Resolution, the $35 billion issue is officially resolved, and Tiburon announced a "full normalization of relations" with its Concordat ally. In a related incident, a five-fighter task force seized a New Havenic commercial frieghter carrying, among other things, over $100 billion in money. According to the pilots of the ship, the force calmly boarded the ship, took exactly $35 billion, and calmly went on its way. This is believed to mark the end of tensions between Tiburon and the NHSR.

New Haven 1st Fleet HQ - ZMI Megacity III

"Sir, First Fleet has moved over Haven, we're ready to begin operations," a Lieutenant told Admiral Peterson.

"We're not going to attack, its not sporting to attack a Post-Modern nation with our level of technology," Peterson said. "Besides, we can blow some obsolete weapons on Vaadian satellites. Notify Stategic Command to launch COMs (Counter-Ortillery Missiles) with Seeker warheads at any time.

New Haven Counter-Ortillery Silo Complex Alpha-Charlie 01

"We're now authorized to identify and destroy Vaadian satellites over South Haven," A Major said to Air General Remington. "Satellite Seeker warheads have been loaded onto the missiles and are awaiting your command."

"Identify, target and destroy Vaadian satellites!"

Message to Ilek-Vaad

ATTENTION VAADIAN FORCES:

WE ARE LAUNCHING STRIKES AGAINST YOUR SATELLITE ASSETS. THESE A-SAT MISSILES ARE NOT ARMED WITH NUCLEAR WEAPONS AND WILL NOT BE TAKING TRAJECTORIES TO INTERSECT VAADIAN CITIES. REPEAT: THIS IS NOT A NUCLEAR STRIKE.

Northern Defense Line Command

"Launch aircraft to land at southern bases, they'll be needed there more than here," Air General Oppenheimer ordered. By his command, 420 "Sparrow" Fighters and 168 "Twin-Tail" gunships launched and made their way to the Southern Defense Line to begin operations against Ilek-Vaad.

Southern Defense Line Command

"All eastern bases will launch fighters to defend Baltic Island until the return of the Baltic Island Fighter Group," General of the Aerospace Force, John Reinhardt, ordered. "Western base fighters and gunships, along with eastern base gunships, will make a run against Ilek-Vaad with NHASM-06A "Orca" Hypersonic ASMs.

By HIS command, 240 Sparrows took off with ammo for their guns and anti-fighter missiles from the four easternmost bases for Baltic Island. 300 fighters and 216 Twin-Tail gunships (each armed with 2 Orca ASM missiles each) made their way to the Vaadian Fleet near Yasmarea.

Baltic Island Fighter Group

"Oh shit! Break..." He didn't have time, the Wing Commander was dead and his Sparrow fell into the sea. Thirty more fighters also fell into the ocean as the other fighters broke away and ditched the gunships as they fled upwards at Mach 6, flying through the fighter umbrella firing their anti-fighter missiles to keep the Vaadians busy as they covered their retreat. The gunships, on the otherhand, engaged their radio jamming, dropped flares and shot off at almost Mach 3 towards Hallad (where they could hide in the terrain).

Overall losses from operation so far:

32 Sparrow Fighters
46 Twin-Tail Gunships

Stats for NHASM-06A "Orca" Hypersonic ASM

Max Range: 100 miles
Max Speed: Mach 8
Warhead: 500 pound anti-ship HE warhead
Guidance System: Advanced RADAR/LIDAR guidance package

Edolian Broadcasting Corporation Channel One; 1900 Hours
August 2, 2019 Edolian Reckoning
“Good evening. I’m Lüret Sun and you’re watching Edölia Today. Parliament met today upon the urging of Chancellor Rosaura von Grönbouler to pass a resolution officially declaring Albert von Tusk interim dictator of the Socialist Empire until such a time as a new constitution can be drawn up and new elections can take place. Vanderbül von Hërtz, General Secretary of the National Communist Party chaired the Parliamentary session in the absence of Rosaura von Grönbouler, who is apparently away on diplomatic business. He hailed the resolution as a ‘victory for Edölia and democracy’ and called upon all Edolians to put their support behind von Tusk, whom he said would ‘lead Edölia to victory against all who threaten her peace and stability.’

The resolution was passed upon the backdrop of increased tensions with the Free Republic of Ilek Vaad, whose battle groups are currently moving towards the District of Yasmarea. Three Edolian War Fleets have mobilized in response to blockade the District and defend it against Vaadian assault. Albert von Tusk refused to comment on the increased tensions, saying only that he was doing everything possible to avert war and that a timetable agreement had already been worked out with Alawan Turosi for a handover of authority in the District to Edolian authority.

Tensions between the United Republics of Tiburon and the New Haven Socialist Republic nearly came to a head today as…”

---

“Your situation is untenable.” Albert von Tusk was sitting at his desk, leaning back in his chair. His face was impassive as he looked at the man in his computer screen. Alawan Turosi looked older than von Tusk remembered. The two of them had held positions on an advisory committee on Fluffywuffian threats to Yasmarea some years ago, and had gotten along well. It was ironic, thought Albert von Tusk, that fate had now placed them in this position. The Grand Marshal continued speaking. “The Vaadian leadership seems intent on war, and if Edolian forces are drawn into open combat with the Free Republic, Yasmarea will suffer.” He folded his hands onto his lap. “You could surrender to Vaadian forces, in which case they would force a plebiscite and you would be voted out of office. Yasmarea would return to the Socialist Empire.” The man in the screen said nothing, but frowned. “If war breaks out and we beat back Vaadian forces, you cannot possibly maintain your position. You only have one option.” Silence hung in the air. “Surrender to the Scarlet Empire and I will make sure that you are given amnesty. You can live out your life anywhere in Haven you want with a fortune provided to you by the people of Edölia.”
“And you expect me to accept exile?”
“It’s better than crucifixion.” Those last words hung in the air for a few moments. “There is also the matter of the Impëratrix,” said von Tusk, slowly. “If we let Ilek Vaad have their way with you, Yasmarea will return to the Scarlet Empire, but you will not be so lucky, especially if Flavia von Blätterschplitt is not found to be well.” Turosi ignored the threat.
“Do not be so sure that you would get your District back,” he said, contemptuously. “The Yasmarean people won’t appreciate being abandoned. You may find that a plebiscite won’t be entirely to your liking.” This time von Tusk ignored Turosi’s statement.
“Regardless, you wont be in power.” Turosi shrugged.
“You’re most likely right.”
“Well then, Turosi,” said von Tusk, “I believe that we understand each other. You have my number.” With a click of a button he terminated the connection. Checking his watch, von Tusk found that his next appointment would be arriving right about… A knock sounded against the door of the Grand Marshal’s office. “Enter,” he said casually. The Special Advisor on USR Affairs entered von Tusk’s office.
“Good evening, Comrade Marshal,” he said formally.
“Good evening, Comrade von Mostruf,” replied von Tusk. “You wanted to speak to me about the New Haven-Vaadian conflict.”
“Yes sir,” the other man said respectfully “Our allies are under assault. Their forces are involved in aiding us against the Vaadian invaders, and we do nothing. Our comrades are dying in the South Haven Sea and we have Harold Chang in the OHS making diplomatic statements, denying involvement.”
“And you would have us attack the Vaadian fleet?” asked von Tusk.
“I would have you honor our commitment to our allies.”
“My request was for them to provide diplomatic support and military show. I specifically told them not to fire unless fired upon first.” Von Tusk shrugged. “They got us into this mess in the first place. Let them reap the consequences.” Von Mostruf’s face seemed to be getting redder by the minute.
“We cannot abandon our allies.”
“We can,” replied von Tusk matter-of-factly. “And we are.” Seeing the shocked look on the Special Advisor’s face, the acting dictator chuckled. “I wouldn’t worry about them too much,” he said. “They’ll come out alright. The Vaadians don’t want a full-scale war, either. They’re bullies. Once you stand up to them, they’ll back down. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have certain other business to attend to. Thank you for your advice.” Albert von Tusk turned his attention to a stack of papers on his desk, and began to scribble notes in the margins. The other man, his face still red with anger, turned on his heels and walked out of the office.

---

Rosaura von Grönbouler’s plane arrived two hours late in Tollan. Its flight path had been diverted to skirt New Haven airspace. The Edolian Chancellor was sick and tired of flying and looked forward to a dinner on dry land. As the plane touched down on the runway, she prepared herself. She had to look presentable. After all, she was representing Edölia, and if ever there was a time to make a good impression, it was now. The plane came to a stop and the side door opened, letting down a line of stairs. Rosaura von Grönbouler stepped outside onto the first step and looked about her.

Baltic Island, Outzone City, Fort Serano command bunker complex, Z.M.A.F. Haven High Command


A female voice rang out over a hubbub of murmurs and the wine of electronics.

“Sir their missiles will be entering the networked envelope within 43 seconds.”

A male voice replies,

“Grant air borne laser fire release to all Type 800 squadrons and set the drones to situation two, as of now the ZMSF are at readiness level four”
the voice paused and took a breath before continuing ,
“and take strategic defence forces to level three, contact Fort Johnson, and have them commence preparations for launch of three SB Mk4s loaded with Starfall modules”
the speaker stopped to look at a list
“8, 12 and 34”.
The figure paused and continued a hint of something in its voice.
“Have the ZMDF send some of their smoke generators down their and fire them up the second the boosters are erected,”.

The hubbub behind the speakers increases as its generators got about their now much increased tasks.

Intercept Point One, somewhere of the coast of YoboLand.

The conflict was already crowded with the Orions missiles streaking towards the huge ZMAF formation and the comets growing ever nearer as they transited their arc to target. In the opposite direction a similar mass of missiles thou smaller in number were launched in response by the ZMAF aircraft. Flame and death would suddenly fill both formations as missiles found their marks.

The reason for this single mass of air craft was about to become appallingly clear as the harsh thunder of over 700 ABLs vaporising pillars of air filled the already roaring jet filled skies. These devices would each pulse 4 times a minute every minute from now on until they were clear of targets, their networked blasts designed to shatter the core of the missile attack before moveing onto any aircraft that strayed over the horizon. The Comet missiles would take this salvo the worst with their far longer transit time and longer exposure to line of sight. Aircraft designed for hyper sonic flight have no reason to be armed with projectile weapons. The missiles that straggled through this awe inspiring barrage would find themselves amongst a swarm of drones very little different from themselves in purpose though far slower in speed who were quite willing to sacrifice themselves. The Type 44’s would take the impact of the Orions missiles the worst with over 347 of them going down in sad black fiery masses. The Type 55 squadrons suffered far less with only 133 of them ending up on the sea bed, 34 of those pilots saved by its high survivability cockpit, this figure less impressive when its 2 crew were taken into account. 32 Type 800s would take hits with 4 of their crews bailing out successfully, another five of them would survive the ordeal still in some manner of airworthiness though no longer capable of going hyper sonic.

The “Saturated Market” Carrier group, 1200 kilometres from Baltic Island

The missiles rose in lazy lines from each of the 10 Market Crash class battleships. They were medium range A-SATs and they were for A-SATs small and fast each with four multiple independently targeting kinetic kill modules. By the end of the launches there would be over 123 of them trailing upwards. They were heading for the nearest identified Vaadian satellites in a powered non ballistic flight path with no chance of it being mistaken for an ICBM launch.

44 Kilometres away in lazy holding patterns the StratoRunner tankers waited, surrounded by a CAP of over 220 Type 55s and under the watchful protection of the Saturated Market groups networked air defences.


Low Earth orbit, somewhere above equatorial Haven.

Far above it all the devices spun up slowly, they were small, no larger than a trashcan, cold, and seemingly dead. They sent no telemetry back to anyone, they were unmarked, had low radar signatures and looked for all the world like a blackened lump of junk. They had been placed by with the jettisoning of trans lunar flight booster stages. In their core unlike their dead outside was an almost living volatile mix of chemicals. Responding to their orders the devices activated. Deep within them sluices would open, and pumps would start. Heat light and the odd flash of radiation would begin to be generated and pressure would build. As their external hull temperature rose due to the activity in their cores they would telescope downward, and finally a lens “cap” would swing open. Moments later retros would in graceful arcs of propellant silently move this object in response to orders received from the ground. 4 minutes and 8 seconds after the Deaths Heads launched their deadly loads 14 lances of coherent light would lash down for 3 seconds as the trash can satellites burned themselves and their targets to destruction, their chemically generated single use UV lasers doing the simple devices grisly tasks.

Dauntless, Redemption and Golden Bow, New Birchester bay, Haven

The Admiral turned to the two holoplates that hummed, two figurines stood to attention.
‘Captains, are the A-SAT’s ready and loaded?’
‘Yes Admiral’ they both chimed together.
‘Good, General Herringway!’ A third plate lit up and a general figurine now appeared
‘Can you get those ABM’s up and running?’ the Admiral asked.
‘They’re being fuelled now sir.’
‘Excellent, as soon as you can, target and knock out those Energy weapons platforms, we’ll blind them completely.’
‘Yes Admiral, we’re targeting now.’
‘Targeting.’
‘Targeting.’
‘Targets locked Admiral, ready to knock out all Sats and attempt to take down the Weapons platforms.’ Reported the aide.
‘Fire at will’ yelled the fleet admiral.
On the Deck of the three ships the VLS systems whooshed loudly as the thirty or so Anti-sat missiles screamed steadily into the air, behind them on the land more plumes of smoke and the roar of the missiles could be heard as another twenty missiles streaked up, their targets being the Weapons platforms.

‘All missiles are away sir.’
‘Good work lad, good work.’ The Admiral murmured as he patted the aide on the shoulder.

OOC: Plaese check the OOC thread, this will disappear and become an IC post as soon as issues in the OOC thread are resolved.

Also, Midlonia, the last post you made about the Dauntless was that it would not be ready for a week. Edolia has stated that these things are happening hour to hour.

The sound of metal bloots echoing off the glzanized metal ground sent those enthuisiastic chills down Krieg's spine. A gaunt smile grew on his limp face, illuminating the control room upon the LPN Alejandro de la Casa Negra's main frame. The only named ship in the whole Lethislavanian People's Navy, and a large one at that. Silver in colour, his hair was combed over in a nonchalant manner - That of a man who realised his time on Earth may be dwindling, but he would make use of every precious Iota.

As he rose to the top deck, his heart jumped in glee. The beautiful mistress, the charming ocean, was smiling at him, winking at him every time the sun hit just right. Gleaming, the mass of blue liquid comforted him as he looked around. Only then did he notice the other large masses of black and red which dotted the ocean. A bleak reminder of the vicious fighting that was to come.

"Well, I hope the army can get it's act together." Krieg said with a sigh. It would be a long, hard war. He could tell, as he smelt, this far out, the bitter smell of flesh and gunpowder.

Within the confines of a small room, another monstrosity was being planned. "Packets in at a rate of 400 TB/s, re-send neutralised programming pronto." A metallic voice echoed over the hall. Only 5 humans were present, as the new robotic army had began to phase out the position of soldiers. All the other men and women, technology experts, were gone for a holiday break. Clamoring in the distance, the black and red colour scheme of the robots frightened Mark.

"Jana, I don't feel comfortable with the new robots." He muttered softly, as though he did not want the fighting machines to understand him.

"Heh, don't worry about it, hun. I've got total control over them." She leaned over, and her black-lined lips brushed up against the side of Mark Gabriael's face. "Come on, let's get back to work." She slid over to a computer, and her fingers began to furiously dance across the keyboard, seemingly striking every symbol known to man. "I can handle these machines, don't worry about it.

Edolia: Tollan is rather large city situated on a plateau just at the foot of Mount Tlaloc. The city has not changed in seven thousand years. All of the homes, walls and palaces are made of stone, the city is dominated by the Ritual Complex right at the foot of the mountain, with it's huge Tolteca palaces and the giant double pyramid of Tetzcatlipoca. The only airfield is the Retaliatory Guard Command Airstrip, it is higher up the mountain than the city, and landing on the somewhat narrow and short runway is a bit harrowing for those who have never done it.

The Chancellor's plane, as all that land here, is immediately greeted by nearly two hundred fully armed and armoured Red Jaguar. They stand about two hundred feet from the plane , weapons ready and leer at the Chancellor, but very quickly they move aside as about fifty men, dressed all in white with black piping, black patent leather boots and silver helmets , gauntlets and tall white plumed Athenian style Helmets. They have their rifles shouldered and carry halbreds with gleaming silver heads. Their breast plates are emblazoned with a black maltese cross and the epithet 'For the Republic', they shoulder their way past the Jaguars, dispersing them.

The Chief of these men steps forward and removes his helmet and salutes the Chancellor " Chancellor von Grönbouler, I am Colonel Mitchell of the Purifier Honour Guard. Welcome to Tollan, don't mind the Jaguars they're a bit territorial."

The man has short dark hiar and charming green eyes, he smiles as he makes the comment about the Jaguars, a smile that puts people at ease. He very chivalrously offers the Chancellor his arm . "This way if you please Chancellor, we have a little bit of a walk ahead of us. Commander Ring did not think you would be comfortable meeting in the Massif so we'll take a walk to the Palace of Tetzcatlipoca below in the city proper."

He motioned to a walkway some two hundred yards off and what appeared to wide stairs carved into rock going down and curving around out of sight.

*****

Meanwhile in Tollan Fire Control, Commander Ring sat solidly in his chair, fuming at the NHSR's declaration of war, the Lethislivanian mobilization and the ZMI's pointless attack. He was not in a trusting mood. He turned to Seargent Emael.

"I will not meet with the Chancellor. The Edolian's have done nothing but give us false assurances and lie to me. Honour dictates that they make a show of sincerity before I face them."

Seargent Emael nodded and knew that as soon as Ring had uttered 'Honour' he was unswayable "Yes sir, I will meet with the Chancellor then."

Ring turned and shook his head "No, you are my right hand, I need you here."

Seargent Emael nodded " Then who sir? No one else has the authority?"

Ring looked thoughtful and then turned the other way "Seargent Assad." he barked.

Seargent Assad swiveled in her chair and stood, saluting "My life for the Republic!"

Ring nodded "You will meet with the Edolian Chancellor on my behalf, but you make no agreement without first consulting me."

Assad dipped her head "Sir." then she moved to head out of Fire Control, but Commander Ring cleared his throat "Assad, I haven't told you what my demands are, and what I will accept."

Assad turned and grinned "You will accept nothing but a fulfillment of the Military Mandate laid down by the Republican Council. Steps to secure this Mandate must be taken unilaterally by the Scarlet Empire to prove their good faith in bargaining and to remove the possiblity of the necessity of the Retaliatory Guard to impliment the Mandate by force."

Ring blinked "Very good then. Dismissed"

Assad smiled and saluted, heading out of the Massif to meet the Chancellor. After eight years under Uncle Istvan, Assad could very nearly read minds.

Rosaura von Grönbouler was the epitome of politeness as she allowed herself to be led out of the Retaliatory Guard air base and towards the large palace ahead. It was an impressive sight indeed. In the frighteningly modern Scarlet Empire, such old buildings would never be seen and von Grönbouler rather enjoyed the change of pace. She shook herself. Now was not the time to be gazing at art. It was time to avert war. As she began to walk down the winding stairs, a party of men appeared before her. She didn’t recognize any of them, but assumed that they would be the party with which she would be negotiating. It was strange, she thought, that Commander Ring wouldn’t be with them. She mentally shrugged to herself. If the Vaadians weren’t willing to see peace made, then there wasn’t much she would be able to do. Bowing to the men politely she gave a warm smile. “Good day, gentlemen,” she said. “I am the Chancellor Rosaura von Grönbouler. With whom am I meeting today?”

<<OOC: Could you guys put your fighting on another thread? It's a bit out of place here and crowding things.

Thanks.>>

OOC: I don't think there will be anymore fighting, ZMI refuses to stop using FT so far?

IC:

As the Chancellor reached the sumptous palace she was met by another Red Jaguar. A woman. He short black hair is in tight cornrow braids and though she has arabic features her skin is nearly corpse pale. As the Chancellor approaches the woman removes her clawed gauntlets and offers her hand to the Chancellor.

"Greetings Chancellor, I am Staff Seargent Mirai Assad of the First Red Jaguar Command. I will be meeting with you today. Your USR allies are lining up to declare war on the Free Republic so I am afraid to say that Supreme Republican Commander Ring will be indisposed. He was also concerned because your Ambassador to the OHS made statements of asurance that the NHSR would take no further military action. The Commander sees a declaration of war as further military action."

She then motions to the steps up and into the palace. The interior of the low, step pyramid is breathtaking. The floor is tiled with diamond shaped green jade tiles alternating with silver tiles. The walls are all carved and covered over every inch by Tolteca glyphs and mosaics that mainly show bloody battles and large scale human sacrifice.

The Chancellor is lead in a comfortable sitting room with elegantly embroidered furniture, delicate wooden furniture and stunning tapestries. The columns that support the room are 10' tall and solid, flawless white jade, carved in the form of Jaguar Warriors devouring human body parts.

Having been seated now Seargent Assad begins.

"First off Chancellor, please call me Mirai, my title is retardedly long. I can tell you right now that Commander Ring has no faith in Von Tusk's assurances. You are doubly lucky that Commander Ring suceeded Commander Vaikov in February. Commander Vaikov would have ordered a full attack weeks ago and would be in downtown Yaz City today gleefully stomping in the heads of Edolian loyalist children. Commander Ring is painfully honourable and has enourmous restraint, something your allies lack entirely.

Now I will tell exactly how you can end this entire situation in a matter of days. Simply take these steps in this order.

First, your navies return to port. When they do, the Commander will be more inclined to believe your assurances and then recall the Naval Guard. Second, allow the Purifiers to deploy, it would be ignorant to refuse their help and I am certain they would be willing to put aside their weaponry and simply aid in rescue and recovery, which will probably go on for weeks yet. Third Hold a plebiscite in two weeks, allowing the Purifiers in Yasmarea to act as observers to certify the results.

If this is agreed to and done I can assure you that Commander Ring will have no hesitation in requesting that the Republican Council lift the Mandate and declare it completed. After all our stated goal is to mke sure the Yasmareans are afforded their inalienable right to self determination."

She paused.

"Would you care for drink? Or something to eat?"

Despite her pale complection, sharpened red stained teeth and red stained lips. Staff Seargent Assad speaks in a calm low voice and seems much less objectionable than she at first appears.

It does seem though, that the choice of the palace with it's motifs of human sacrifice and warfare are calculated to impress upon the Chancellor, the lengths the Retaliatory Guard are willing to go in their quest for a democratic Yasmarea.

Rosaura von Grönbouler waited for the other woman to finish speaking. The Chancellor was a strong woman, but still found herself slightly unnerved by the grotesque surroundings. Nevertheless, she shook off her discomfort and took out a small piece of paper.

“I would love something to eat and drink, thank you,” she said. She smiled politely and then got down to business. “I was informed that the Vaadian ambassador to the OHS was going on about broken promises, and I took the liberty of finding the statement by Harold Chang in question.” She began to read from the paper. “’We have already taken steps to ensure that New Haven forces will cease all military operations in or around the District of Yasmarea, and President Newman has assured us that he will not launch a further attack.’” She looked up at the other woman. “I can understand your discomfort that New Haven forces are attacking your fleet, but we have never promised you that New Haven would not attack you if you encroached on their waters, mainly because we have no authority to do so. New Haven is a sovereign nation, and one whose military we have no control over. Ambassador Chang promised that New Haven forces would launch no further attack against Yasmarea. Yasmarea is now devoid of fighting, and the promise has not been broken.” She put the piece of paper away and turned back to the Vaadian.

“Misunderstandings over what the Ambassador Chang said aside,” she said, “ your terms are reasonable.” The Chancellor paused for a moment. “I will have to speak to Marshal von Tusk, but I believe that he will agree to pull back the Edolian fleets to ports in Yasmarea and Hallad. These, after all, are legitimate ports. Furthermore, we would be quite happy to see Purifiers helping in search and rescue, although I’m not sure that any more help is needed. There are over a hundred thousand Yasmarean soldiers in Yaz City engaging in search and rescue, along with over a thousand aid workers from the Edolian mainland, all working on about a square kilometer of city. If it would really make you happy to see a few thousand Purifiers in Yaz City helping out, I don’t see why it couldn’t be arranged, but I don’t think that they would be of much use.” She looked carefully at the other woman. “Of course, it depends on how many Purifiers we’re talking about here. We can’t play host to the entire Vaadian army, after all.”

Von Grönbouler continued to think. The plebiscite request would be the most difficult part of the deal. She spoke carefully. “I’m afraid that a plebiscite in two weeks is a bit difficult,” she said, “without the cooperation of Alawan Turosi. Albert von Tusk has been negotiating with him since he took office to bring about a peaceful transition of power back to Edolian authority. Obviously, the Scarlet Empire, like Ilek Vaad has the ability to use force to topple the Yasmarean government, but we are not interested in seeing the thousands upon thousands of dead Yasmarean civilians that such an operation would entail. The same goes for any Vaadian operation.” She shrugged. “I cannot offer you anything more than another promise that as soon as Alawan Turosi agrees to a plebiscite, that elections will be held as soon as humanely possible afterwards.” She smiled apologetically. “That’s the best I can do without asking von Tusk to launch an attack on Yasmarea.”

Seargent Assad makes a quick call, on her com to request dinner and drinks.

"I hope you aren't vegetarian? There are vey few dishes local to Tollan that don't involve meat or seafood."

Dhe then pauses and listens intently to the Chancellor.

"In regards to the NHSR, I am not aware that any Vaadian force has entered NHSR waters or territory? I am told, by Admiral Coyohuitl, that his forces did not pursue NHSR forces beyond the five hundred mile exclusion zone, putting them well out of NHSR waters. But that has no bearing on this situation, but it does reflect very badly on the USR. I am certain that you know that most citizens of the Republic view the USR as simply an extension of Edolian imperial ambition.

I would imagine that Commander Ring would like to see the Purifier army, eighty thousand men, on the ground in Yasmarea. Von Tusk must realize that such a force on the ground in support of Edolian reconstruction , would give Turosi additional impetus to resolve the situation amicably.

I would not think that Turosi would be an obstacle, especially if the Scarlet Empire and Free Republic resolve our differences and united with the intention of a free and fair plebiscite in Yasmarea. His legs would be cut off at the knees, metaphorically.

I suggest that we have dinner, then put aside these things until the morning. You will speak with Von Tusk and I will speak with Commander Ring with the results of our brief first meeting and then move ahead when we have their thoughts."

Seargent Assad grinned in a peculiar manner when mentiong Turosi's 'legs cut off at the knees' almost as if she was imagining it actually happening.

Shortly dinner did arrive.

Rosaura von Grönbouler nodded. “Meat is fine,” she said, but then looked around at the pictures on the wall and chuckled uneasily. “Although it would have to depend on exactly what sort of meat.” She smiled at Assad to show that she was kidding –or at least the Chancellor hoped that it was just a kid. She also nodded at the Vaadian’s suggestion to adjourn for the evening. “I believe that we have made some progress.” She laughed softly. “I find it amusing that your people see the USR as an extension of Edolian imperial ambitions. Most Edolians feel that it is an extension of Halladi imperialist ambitions.” She shook her head and chuckled again.”

Seargent Assad shrugged "I am sure we can supply any 'unusual' requests dor exotic meat. We have alligator imported from Dyelli Beybi?"

After dinner Seargent Assad called in the Purifier Honour Guard who escort the Chacellor to a very comfortable room in the place. Colonel Mitchell opens the door to the very well appointed room.

"There is phone right over there if you need anything. I'l have a pair of men posted down the hall just in case, feel free to ask them for anything that room service can't accomodate. If you would like a secure satellite phone to call Marshal Von Tusk, I can provide that as well. Have a pleasant evening."

He smiles and leave her to do whatever she's gong to do.

*****

Staff Seagent Assad meanwhile takes the ride back to Tolan Fire Control. Returning to her console, and turning to Commander Ring, as he awaits her report.

"Commander, they are prepared to send their Naval Assets back to port, allow the Purifiers to deploy and hold a plebiscite, just not in two weeks."

Commander ring frowned "What do they expect in return?"

Seargent Assad smiled "Removal of our assets from their waters, standing down of our armed forces and that the Purifiers leave their weaponry aboard their transports."

Commander Ring nodded and looked thoughtful.

Seargent Assad continued "Of course, we can't say anything for sure until the Chancellor discusses these things with Von Tusk."

Commander Ring nodded "Well, we'll see what Von Tusk has to say for agreeing to anything."

The Chancellor thanked her escort and shut and locked the door. Not too shabby, she though to herself approvingly. Plopping herself down on the bed, she pulled a cell phone out of her bag. If it had been a conversation that really had to be private, she would have gone back to the plane. As it was, she didn’t think it would hurt for any Vaadians listening in to hear her talk with the Grand Marshal. It might even make them feel more confident that she was in fact being honest with them. The phone number she called patched her in to a direct line with von Tusk’s office and a secretary immediately transferred her to the Grand Marshal himself. He was friendly, and listened intently as she recounted the conversation with the Vaadian representative. When she was finished, he laughed somewhat darkly.
“Why did they need to bring you to Ilek Vaad for if that was all they wanted?” he asked. “If they had just said so, we would have agreed immediately and all this bullshit could have been avoided.” The Chancellor grunted in agreement.
“The main issue now is that of Alawan Turosi,” she said.
“I’m still working on him,” replied the Grand Marshal grimly. “He’s not the easiest person to deal with, and seems to insist on holding on to whatever power he can.”
“Obviously, I’m not one to give you advice on how to deal with him,” said the Chancellor, “but in the interest of Vaadian-Edolian relations, it is important that we make it clear to him the consequences of his not allowing a plebiscite to be held.” The Grand Marshal was silent, most likely considering von Grönbouler’s statement.
“How sure are you that Yasmarea will vote to stay part of the Scarlet Empire?” he asked.
“Perhaps, sir,” replied the Chancellor, “that would be a conversation better suited to another time.” Von Tusk knew what she was trying to say and dropped the subject.
“Well,” he said, “you have done good work for the Scarlet Empire, and all of us back at home are deeply appreciative.”
“It is my duty, Marshal,” she replied politely. “We must now show the Vaadians that we are acting in good faith.”
“Of course,” said von Tusk. There was a moment of silence as neither person said anything.
“Thank you for your time, Comrade Grand Marshal,” said von Grönbouler finally. “I will bring your comments back to the Vaadian representative.”
“Thank you, Comrade Chancellor,” replied von Tusk.

Her conversation complete, Rosaura von Grönbouler lay back in her bed and closed her eyes. She would not wake until the morning.

---

Avaro Mencini read the dispatch carefully and shook his head. “I don’t know if this is going to be possible,” he said to his aide, Ensign Mandro Rembardi. He handed the other man the letter.
“Von Tusk wants us to dock the fleets in Yasmarea?” the ensign asked skeptically. “Will Turosi agree?”
“I suppose it doesn’t really matter.” Mencini shrugged. “These three fleets have the firepower to destroy the Yasmarean defenses, and if he fires on us, the Vaadians will most certainly get involved. They wont be nearly as restrained about ‘bringing democracy to Yasmarea.’” He rolled his eyes to show what he thought of Ilek Vaad.
“Shall I give the order?” asked Rembardi.
“Yes Ensign,” nodded Mencini. “Send a message to Yasmarea and inform them that we are coming. Make it quite clear that it is not a request, but a statement of fact.”
“Yes sir,” replied the ensign.
“Oh-” remembered Mencini, “make sure that you’re not too rude about it.”

---

The three battle fleets ceased their normal patrol and set full course for Yasmarea. The ports of the District would only be able to handle two of the fleets, and the Tetelburg and its support group made their way to Hallad. There was no question that Edölia’s USR allies would be willing to give them space. The Yasmarean defenders made no move to stop the massive fleets as they neared the shoreline, although air patrols along the coast were noticeably increased, and the men operating the District’s Titan guns were perhaps a bit more on-edge. All in all, the show of good faith went off without a hitch.

---

Marshal Congrego Wendori stared at his computer screen nervously. The message he had received had instructed him quite plainly to use the screen name Arch216 on EIM Instant Messenger and be online at precisely midnight. The name of the sender had not been given, but Wendori had typed in the supplied password and logged in to the account. It was a minute past midnight, and the only name on his “pal list” –RhinoRed25- was not online. The sound of an opening door snapped the Marshal’s head up. His office door was still locked, and he realized, stupidly, that the sound had come from his computer. His “pal” was online. Almost immediately, a box snapped up and a message appeared.
Good evening, Marshal Wendori. A second later, another line appeared. Are you alone? Wendori put his fingers to the keyboard and began to type.
Yes. Who are you? A reply came almost at once.
My name is Albert von Tusk. Perhaps you have heard of me? Wendori almost laughed at the sarcasm. Suddenly it all made sense. The Edolian authority wouldn’t use normal channels to get in contact with him if they wanted him to defect. Still…
What proof do I have that you are who you say you are?
None at all. Wendori waited for more, but nothing else came.
I assume you want me to defect.
Yes. Again, Wendori waited, and again it was in vain.
Why should I? he asked. This time, the reply came back longer.
Because you know that this cannot end well for you. You know that Alawan Turosi is holding onto power by a thread, and that unless a plebiscite is held, Yasmarea will be torn apart by war. You know that if you do not surrender, the best that you can expect from Ilek Vaad or the Edolian government is death. You also know that Edölia can be merciful, and will reward you if you convince Turosi to surrender. You are aware of the offers made to Alawan Turosi and I am sure that you can guess that we are perfectly willing to extend them to you as well. Wendori blinked at the matter-of-fact way in which the Edolian dictator phrased his offer. He paused, thinking over what von Tusk had said.
Thank you for contacting me, he wrote at last. Clicking the ‘Sign Off’ button, he deleted the installed program and quickly executed the procedures that would erase its presence from his hard drive. Marshal Congrego Wendori had a long, sleepless night before him.

Admiral Coyohuitl came into Fire Control as he was alerted to the Edolian's fleet movement.

"Where the deuce are they heading captain?"

The Captain pointed to another screen "They appear to be heading back to port, Tollan Fire Control has instructed us to le them pass, and when all Edolian warships are in port to head out of Yasmarean waters."

Coyohuitl sat and shrugged "My terrifying reputation has preceeded me. The Edolians are leaving the field." He grinned as he said it, it elicited chuckles from the Fire Control staff.

"Very well then. When they are docked, withdraw, but keep the fleet on high alert and our unbrella open,who knows who else wants to take a shot at us."

The Captain smiled "Strike at us? With your terrifying reputation sir? Aye,aye, sir."

There were some more chuckles.

*****

Tollan Fire Control had also noted the Edolian ships returning to port,Seargent Assad watches the Edolian ships, she hardly ever sleeps. She watches and e-mails Commander Ring about it. "Commander Ring will pleased." deapans Colonel Erdogan as he watches over her shoulder.

Assad nods "Meh. I suppose. You know it's just not the same around here with all these Purifiers. I wish Uncle Istvan was still here."

Erdogan sneers "I concur. I would very much like to see an unmistakeable display of force against all of these Havenic imperialist dogs. Commander Ring shows too much restraint."

With that, Erdogan stalked off, and Assad sighed and slouched in her seat.

<<OOC:　Sorry it's taking so long for me to reply. I've been incredibly busy lately. I'm swamped with schoolwork, and I'm also preparing for an upcoming model United Nations conference, which makes me doubly busy. I wont be able to reply until Sunday, at which point expect something nice. Sorry to keep you waiting.>>

OOC: No problem. RL comes first.

Rosaura von Grönbouler opened her eyes and yawned. She stretched out her arms and sighed with pleasure. She had been quite comfortable and had slept well. As someone quite used to travel, jetlag barely affected her, and this morning she was feeling fresh and awake. Getting out of bed, she headed to the shower.

An hour later, the Edolian Chancellor had showered, dressed and had her necessary cup of coffee. Her slim figure was well appointed with a simple but elegant red dress and her hair was tied up behind her head in a bun. Stepping outside of her room, she greeted the guards down the hall. “Good morning, friends,” she said. “If you would be so kind as to inform Mistress Assad that I am ready to resume talks, I would be greatly appreciative.”

---

Congrego Wendori sighed. The position he was in now was difficult. He watched Alawan Turosi out of the corner of his eye as the Yasmarean Premier strode calmly down the hall of the military bunker. Confident bastard thought Wendori resentfully. The Marshal of Yasmarea was a practical man. Like many who had risen through the ranks of the Yasmarean military establishment since the Edolian annexation over a generation ago, he had done what he had to do and had been loyal to his superiors. The Edolians had done great things for his country –he could not deny it- but he felt that further involvement with the Scarlet Empire at this point was superfluous. On the other hand, things weren’t going so well for the fledgling Yasmarean Republic, and Marshal Wendori had very little interest in finding himself hung up on an Edolian cross. If the Edolians didn’t depose Turosi, the Vaadians would. Either way, Yasmarea wouldn’t be independent for much longer. Congrego Wendori knew that action was necessary…

The Honour Guard saluted the Chancellor " Very good your excellency, right this way."

They led her to another sitting room in the palace, where Seargent Assad was apparently already awaiting the Chancellor. Seargent Assad looked exactly the same as the previous day , the Seargent stood and offered her hand to the Chacellor as she entered.

"I trust you had a comfortable night and slept well? I also hope that you had a chance to speak with Marshal Von Tusk? I did speak with the Supreme Republican Commander."

Seargent Assad then waited to see what the Chancellor had to say, it seemed as though Seargent Assad's reply would hinge on what the Chancellor said.

Rosaura von Grönbouler bowed to the other woman. As her bent back up, her face showed a broad smile. “I have indeed spoken to the Grand Marshal,” she said. “If you ask your intelligence services, they will tell you that our fleets are already withdrawing to Yasmarean and Halladi harbors and von Tusk has given me his assurances that unarmed Vaadian peacekeepers will be allowed into Yasmarea –at least by Edolian forces.” Her face returned to a passive expression and she shrugged. “He’s still working on Turosi. Our relations with him aren’t exactly simple.” She held up a hand, ready to stop the other woman from interrupting. “I understand the position this puts you in, but there isn’t much we can do. Our policy is to resolve this without bloodshed. I hope that your Supreme Republican Commander will understand the delicate situation that we are currently in.” She smiled again, this time apologetically.

Seargent Assad nods "Indeed. Admiral Coyohuitl has already reported that your ships are heading to poart , as soon as they are safely docked the Admiral will withdraw his ships, only the ships needed to escort the Purifiers Atlas transports will remain deployed."

Assad looked thoughtful " I still say that allowing our armed Retaliatory Guard to land, would put additional pressure on Turosi. I doubt he'd be likely to impede a peaceful plebiscite if our forces landed with YOUR permission. It would completely undermine his position and demonstrate how tenous his position in if he doesen't follow the will of the People."

Assad smiled "Anyhow, the current plan is fine and will proceed as discussed earlier, it will be about twenty four hours yet until the Purifiers are prepared to deploy. We can wait and see until then."

“It’s not a matter of whether or not they would be helpful,” replied von Grönbouler. “It’s a question of whether or not he’ll let them in.” She paused. “And if he does let them in unarmed, and push comes to shove, they’ll get massacred.” She studied the other woman’s face. “I don’t think either of us want to see thousands of dead Vaadians on Edolian soil. The main thing, I suppose,” she continued, “is to make sure that Turosi gives up his claims. Currently, the Grand Marshal is taking a carrot-and-stick approach, attempting to persuade Turosi with an offer of amnesty from Edolian justice, and threatening him with destruction.” She shrugged. “Whether or not that will work is debatable. If you Vaadians could put some more pressure on his government, that would be extremely appreciated.”

---

Across the South Haven Sea, Marshal Congrego Wendori was walking down a hallway towards a closed office door. The quarters that were the temporary office and living space of Premier Alawan Turosi were behind that closed door. How Wendori dealt with the next five minutes would shape the way the rest of his life turned out –and whether or not he had a rest of his life. He stopped in front of the door and knocked. The voice inside beckoned him in.
“Good evening Comrade Premier,” bowed the Marshal.
“Good evening, Marshal Wendori,” replied Turosi, coolly. “What brings you to my office today? Any news from the Edolian battle fleets?”
“No sir,” said Wendori. “I came on a different matter.”
“Ah, wait a moment on that,” said Turosi, ignoring the other man’s obvious desire to speak on another topic. “I was going to summon you anyway. How far from port are the Edolian fleets?” Wendori was off-guard. He wasn’t expecting this. He thought for a moment.
“About two hundred fifty kilometers, I believe, sir.”
“Good,” said Turosi thoughtfully. “I would like you to prepare the Titan guns for firing.” Wendori nodded obediently, and then realized what his superior had said.
“What!?” he asked, completely forgetting the rules of address. “Fire at the Edolians?!”
“Absolutely,” replied Turosi, his voice calm and casual. “We’ll blow three of their fleets out of the water.”
“You can’t be serious, sir,” said Wendori. He was still in shock. “They will destroy us.”
“Now if we surprise them,” said Turosi, his voice suddenly fierce. He stared into Wendori’s eyes. “We’ll hit them with everything we have!” -BANG- his fist smashed into the table. “We’ve got the Titan guns, anti-ship missiles and planes to launch a surprise attack capable of destroying most of the ships.”
“We aren’t going to be able to do it, sir,” protested Wendori. “There are a few thousand fighters based on those carriers, most of which are in the air at any given time. Even with our SAMs, they’ll still be able to take out most of our defenses, and we can’t possibly wipe out all their ships before they start returning fire.”
“Did I say we could?” asked Turosi. “We have the opportunity to drop nine dreadnaughts and a full three fleets.”
“They’ll bring in more, sir!” protested Wendori. He was growing more desperate. With Turosi’s mind apparently set on starting a war with the Scarlet Empire, he wasn’t sure that he would be able to dissuade the Premier, let alone convince him to step down.
“With three-fifths of the Scarlet Armada gone, the Edolians won’t dare bring in more,” shrugged Turosi. “And with this smashing military victory, we’ll gain diplomatic recognition from other nations. The Edolians will back down.” Wendori was beginning to believe that the Premier had lost it. He prepared to protest again, but Turosi cut him off. “Is the order clear?” he asked. Wendori nodded and saluted. He turned on his heels and stepped out the door. Closing it behind him he shut his eyes. If the Premier wouldn’t listen to logic, Wendori would have to take a different tact.

Seargent Assad smiled "If push comes to shove, I should think that pressure, in the form of an all out Retaliatory Guard assault, would be mounted.

We have not had Turosi or Marshal Wendori respond to any of our recent attempts to contact them as of it. I doubt the Supreme Republican Commander has any intentions of attempting to contact him. Turosi never did respond to our calls for a plebiscite or a democratic election. It appeared that he was fishing for unconditional support. He seemed to be under the impression that we would give it to him in exchange for a military base. He was informed that he was incorrect in that assumption.

We will settle for no less than a democratic Yasmarea."

[New Freeport Citadel, Planet New Haven]

President Newman sat with his Joint Chiefs of Staff after reviewing the evidence against them, armed guards of the New Freeport Militia (completely loyal to Newman) lining the walls with their guns shouldered but ready to fire.

"Under my authority as President of the Socialist Republic of New Haven, I hereby relinquish you men from your positions and effectively retire you from service as of today. You lose all claim to inherit the Presidency upon my incapacitation or death, and you will not have the ability to run for President under directive of the Party. You will also not voice your opinion of these matters, nor talk to the press of any of this about these matters. Under these conditions, we will not try you under the military code of justice for unnecessary cruelty and death of Union civilians. Is this understood?"

The men bowed their heads, showing their acceptance.

"Excellent. The Yasmarian Incident Review and Investigation Board agrees to this settlement and you men are free to go. You are honorably retired, and may retain your assets. Good day." Newman struck his gavel, and all of the men in the room filed out before another group of generals entered. "Please raise your right hands, gentlemen, and place your left hand on the bible before you and repeat after me:"

"I, as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of New Haven, will serve to protect the interests of the military and protect the citizens and constitutions of New Haven and her allies in the Union of Socialist Republics. If I neglect my duties or perform actions unbecoming of my post, I shall step down honorably and without reminder, so help me God."

"Thank you gentlemen," Newman said. "General Hatcher, you are now Vice President and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Thompson, you are Chief of Land Forces. Admiral Fletcher, you are now Chief of Aerospace Forces. Colonel Stanley, you are now Chief of Covert and Special Operations and you are hereby promoted to the rank of General. General Winchester is now Chief of Strategic and Defense Forces. Thank you gentlemen for coming here, we have a lot to discuss."

"Precisely," Stanley said as he set his crutches aside and sat down, whincing from the pain in his leg from the Yasmarean bullets. "We need to go back to Yasmarea."

"Are you crazy?" Fletcher yelled out. "The guys who just walked out of here just got fired for going into that rathole! You want to go back in there and risk your career?"

"Intelligence indicates that the heiress to the Imperial Title of Edolia is in Yasmarea," Stanley said as he passed a file along. "We got this off a USR datalink. While we don't know where she is exactly, we can be sure she is somewhere the Yasmareans can keep a good eye on her."

"Why weren't we notified of this by our allies?" Newman asked.

"If you haven't been paying attention, Comrade President," Thompson said as he sat forward. "Edolia is under dictatorial rule. Sure, they're becoming more democratic, but this threatens the status quo of Haven. Already, Edolia has already noted indirectly that it will not take the treaty of Gerburg seriously to keep non-Havenic warships out. An Imperial Edolia would not of done that."

"So you're suggesting we go in, get the heiress out, change the Edolian government dramatically by restoring the rightful heir, and then let Imperial Edolia deal with the Yasmarean Problem?" Newman asked as he sat back, lighting up a cigar. He puffed the smoke back out quickly as he started speaking again. "Do you have a title for this operation, General Stanley?"

"Operation Crown Jewel."

"Sounds like a plan, General Stanley, get to it. Everyone is dismissed..." Newman said, watching as the new Joint Chiefs of Staff began to leave. "Except for General Stanley. Please remain with me for a moment, Comrade General." Everyone, including the guards, left the room as Newman broke out a bottle of scotch.

"I'm on duty, Comrade President," Stanley said as he saw the scotch being pulled out.

"Bullshit, drink up," Newman said as he poured two small glasses. "I make the rules around here, and I still owe you for saving my ass from the ultranationalists."

"Promoting me to General and giving me a seat on the Joint Chiefs is good enough," Stanley replied.

"Then with this, you'll owe me a favor," Newman said as Stanley gave him a confused look. "Keep this operation clean, Pete. New Haven doesn't need any more blood on its hands from this, unless its the blood of those Yasmarean militia bastards."

"Yes, sir!" Stanley replied.

"Another thing, Pete. Your team will have to fly to Hallad on a State-run flight. We're going to talk to the Halladis and get something worked out. Once you get the heiress, you get your ass back to the border where we'll have a dropship waiting for you. Make sure the heiress is alive to make it back to Edolia, or we're in deep shit, unless the Yasmareans killed her. If they've already killed her, then your mission will become photography and crime scene documentation. Make sure you take some pictures of the body or where she was assassinated and collect blood samples. We could use the leverage."

"Understood, Comrade President," Stanley said as he finished his scotch. "Is that all?" Newman motioned for him to go. "Oh, and Comrade President. We're even now."

OOC:

Edolia, its not over yet ;).

Von Grönbouler sighed. “The point, Sergeant Assad, of this meeting is to stop war from breaking out between our two countries. If you don’t have any patience with our work to return our province to a free system of government, we can’t possibly trust you to hold to your side of the bargain. As you know quite well, an attack on Yasmarea without our permission would be a declaration of war on the Scarlet Empire. You would destroy von Tusk’s democratic reforms, the Yasmareans would certainly vote to rejoin the mainland, and instead of having a peaceful, democratic Edölia, you would have a large, militant and dictatorial one itching for a fight.” She looked at the other woman meaningfully. “I can’t guarantee that von Tusk would stick to conventional arms to rebuff your invasion force.” Von Grönbouler suddenly smiled. “Well, it looks like we understand our mutual positions on Turosi. I assure you that he will be dealt with, by the diplomatic corps or the Death’s Head assassins, I can’t say.” She shrugged. “Either way, it’s not your place to get involved.”

---

Flavia von Blätterschplitt yawned. She had been pacing her cell for the last few hours. She found it to be decent exercise. There wasn’t too much to do for most of the day. She got excellent meals, and was treated quite well, but they weren’t about to give her an opportunity to escape. She was given plenty of books to read, and those were enjoyable enough, but she had quickly grown tired of reading for hours on end. She needed some legislative debate to liven her spirits. The Yasmarean guards outside were quiet, and were obviously under orders not to speak to her unless it was unavoidable.

The prison building where the princess was being held was part of the same general complex where Alawan Turosi was being held. About fifty kilometers to the West of Yaz City, it was heavily fortified, and used the same entrance –cut into the hillside- as did the main bunker. Anyone who tried to rescue her would have to get past Yasmarean air defenses. Since the District’s largest radar facility was only four kilometers to the North of the bunker, that would not be the easiest job.

<<OOC: That’s not to say that there wouldn’t be ways of doing this… I like your original way of trying to get into the bunker. Telegram me if you have questions.

Another issue is that you're going to have to act fast if you really want to do something here. Things are wrapping up in Yasmarea, if you can't tell.>>

OOC:

Aye.

Writing up TGs, I'll be in rather quickly (seeing as this is going to be an INCREDIBLY small operation compared to Operation Bee Hive, as well as less bloody).

Alawan Turosi stared at the computer screen in front of him. He smiled. The Edolian fleets had no idea what was going to happen to them. An almost girlish giggle escaped his mouth as he thought of the armor piercing shells smashing into the side of the Doujin dreadnaughts. The countdown was ticking down for the simultaneous commencement of the Titan gun and cruise missile attack. There were ten seconds to go. Nine. Eight. Se… Turosi frowned as the timer stopped at eight. He picked up the phone next to him and pressed the button to get to the military command. “What’s going on here?” he demanded. Silence answered him. The line was dead. With a crash, he slammed the phone down back on the hook and jumped out of his seat. Snarling, he stalked towards the office door and opened it. The would-be dictator’s growls of rage turned into a shriek of terror and surprise as he found himself staring into the barrel of a pistol. The man behind the gun was Marshal Congrego Wendori, who gently pushed Turosi into the room. “What is the meaning of this?” Turosi demanded, weakly.
“Please sit down, sir,” Wendori commanded quietly but firmly.
“Traitor!” yelled Turosi, flailing his arms wildly. “Guards! Help me!” Wendori raised his hand and smacked the other man across the face.
“Sit down,” he said again. This time there was a hint of threat in his voice. “Let’s not make this more difficult than it needs to be.” Turosi waited for a few moments, expecting to see armored guards bursting into the room at any second. They did not come and Turosi suddenly realized. He dejectedly turned the chair in front of his desk around and sat down.
“I expect that von Tusk has bought you, hasn’t he?” Wendori shook his head.
“Not yet.” Silence hung in the air for a few moments before the Marshal continued. “He hasn’t bought me yet, but he will be buying both of us.” Turosi said nothing. Wendori nodded towards the phone. “You can make your call now. It’s operational.” Turosi picked up the receiver and listened to the tone. “I expect that you’ll want to officially call off the attack, no?” Turosi nodded weakly and dialed the number to the military command.
“Sir?” the voice on the other end asked. “Shall I call off the attack?” The expectant sound in the speaker’s voice confirmed what Turosi had previously feared: the betrayal went beyond Wendori.
“Aye,” sighed Turosi. “Call it off.” He hung up the phone.
“So, Comrade Premier,” said Wendori, “shall we get down to business?”

Seargent Assad smiled "Only in Edolia could seizure of the state by a self appointed military dictator be considered 'democratic reform'.

I believe you are missing the point I am trying to make. If Vaadian and Edolian forces move to enter Yasmarea in an armed, joint fashion, Turosi will lack the ability to play us off of each other. It is fairly evident that he calls us when he thinks he is threatened and does not respond to us when he thinks he is secure, but if YOUR government assents into letting us land, then he will have his legs cut out from underneath him.

I would also remind the Chancellor that Edolia seems to have scant little interest in Yasmarea unless they are threatened with losing it. I do not recall any Edolian Naval Assets fighting against the Empire of Fluffywuffy at the Battle of Yasmarea? If we wanted Yasmarea, it would already be ours. Your 'empire' lacks the power or possibly the will to even protect it's own colonies. Accepting our help, would to most intelligent persons, seem prudent."

Assad pauses and smiles nicely "As for it not being our place to help, I'm afraid we will have to agree to disagree. I will also ignore your implied threat that Marshal Von Tusk will resort to nuclear or biological weapons against us. It would hardly help his reputation as a butcher. Even discussing such things is pointless and in very bad form. Our forces will be ready to land in the morning. If they meet resistance, it will be an armed landing, if they meet no resistance then only the Purifiers will land, unarmed."

*****

Meanwhile aboard the Battleship 'Sir William Issem' Command General Lucane of the 4th Red Jaguar command went over the final plans for his landing at Yasmarea. Like most Vaadians his distrust of the comminist Edolians was great, and he was planning for a full amphibious assault. He also took the time to send a message to the oftly incommunicative Turosi.

To: Governor Alawan Turosi
From: Command General Lucane

As requested by yourself and Marshal Wendori forces of the Retaliatory Guard will be arriving in the next few hours. We have brought with us the Purifiers and the Levelers. The Purifiers are tarined at urban combat, and more importantly urban search and rescue. The Levelers have heavy equipment that may be used clear debris and quickly bring down condemned buildings.

The Scarlet Empire has agreed that our Purifiers should land and immediately begin aiding in recovery operations, I think that you would agree as well. I am also prepared to send ashore additional units at the request of the People of Yasmarea as is necessary.

My Life for the Republic,
Command General Lucane, 4th Red Jaguar Command

Off-shore of Yasmarea

Four foot waves made the approach to Yasmarea difficult. A flight into Hallad proved too difficult, so a dropship had to be flown in under the radar and the men and boats dropped off in top-stowed floating containers. The twelve men (two officers, four anti-tank infantrymen, six riflemen and two specialists) sat low in the boat, their weapons drawn, expecting a fight.

In the overcast, the boats looked like shapeless figures in a sea of waves. If anyone was looking, they probably wouldn't see them until it was too late. The rubber boats rolled ashore, and as soon as they arrived, the special operations soldiers slashed the boats and hid them and the motors in a few bushes near the beach before changing into civilian clothes.

The plan (cooked together hurriedly by General Stanley) called for two squads to boat into Yasmarea, hide their boats, and find a safehouse in a nearby fishing village. Two vans would be ready to take them to within fifteen miles of Objective "Baltic", where they would disembark and proceed on foot five more miles to a service road leading to the bunker. The Specialists were trained in disabling radio communications systems, and they carried scaled-down versions of the old IST-02E1 "Snowstorm"'s radio/microwave jamming units.

As soon as a convoy approaches (hopefully between two and four heavy trucks), the radio jamming gear goes on and the two trained snipers (of the six riflemen) would shoot the driver dead using silenced rifles. At that point, the AT teams fire rods filled with fireworks (called 'firework javelins') into the back of the trucks, confusing the Yasmareans inside while they are shot (if the vehicle is a soft-cover and takes damage, say the vehicles came from Yas City and pass it off as Islander fire). If the back of the vehicles are filled with ammunition, the firecrackers shouldn't penetrate the boxes. Fuel would be another matter. After the trucks and bodies are secure, the dead Yasmareans have their clothes replaced with the SpecOps' civilian clothing and the Yasmarean's weapons are seized.

Once they arrive at the base, the officers are to pass off being Yasmarean Intelligence Officials wishing to interrogate the heiress. Once they gain access to the cell, the guards outside are quietly eliminated and replaced with two special operations riflemen if the need arises. At this point, the heiress will be removed for 'further questioning' and will ask to use a nearby bathroom enroute to the 'interrogation room'. Once in the bathroom, a spare uniform procured on the base will be used to disguise the heiress as a female soldier. Once they leave the bathroom, a signal will be broadcast to every member of the team, activating a low-intensity shock in the soldier's left boot (the shocker implanted in an Edolian-issue pair of socks) alerting the teams to evacuate.

Once on the surface, the team will exfiltrate using the trucks they came in and will state that the heiress provided nothing important to their operation regarding the local insurgency and will proceed back to the fishing village. Just outside the fishing village, the trucks will be ditched and the safehouse will again provide vans. The vans will proceed off close to the Halladi border where a dropship awaits pickup. Ten minutes prior to pickup, 'Twin-Tail' gunships begin attempting to draw the attention of the Yasmarean forces far enough away for the dropship to escape under approaching fighter escort. The dropship will go to Baltic Island where it will land and the heiress will be flown to Freeport and put in a safehouse there. If the need arises, the heiress will be taken to New Freeport and housed in the Citadel Building in the visitor rooms under the identity of the daughter of Baltic Major's daughter.


All of this rang through the mind of Colonel Parker, Stanley's former right-hand man in SpecOps. He removed the last of his black uniform, revealing the damp clothes of a Yasmarean fisherman. He slid his rifle apart into three pieces, and hid his gear (except his pistol) in a backpack marked with the official logo of a local fisherman's union. Being a 'union member' would allow him to slip into the crowd and make his way to the safehouse, a place run by four people from New Haven Intelligence (NHI). It was actually a bar, and they made frequency trips to local distilleries for alcohol (usually checking up on local military activity that wasn't logged on the Union Datalink).

The twelve men seperated, knowing full well they would find each other again in the basement of the "Fisherman's Pub".

Yasmarean Fishing Village

Colonel Parker was the last man to arrive, showing up in the bar wearing a thick coat with the insignia of the local fisherman's union on it. The bar was completely devoid (all the actual fishermen out to sea until later on that night). He walked up to the bar, looked the bartender square in the eye and said, "Do you have any Red Star Vodka?" The bartender leaned across the counter.

"We don't serve that up here, but we have a place for your kind in the basement," the bartender said. He motioned for Parker to walk to a door next to the bar, which opened into a stairwell. Parker waited for the bartender to walk down first, then followed right behind him, closing the door as he went.

"Forgive me, Comrade Colonel, we don't normally get Islanders in here, especially military folks," the bartender said. "I am Operations Officer "F", and the other three intel folks are "A, B, and E." Otherwise, or in mixed company, its sir or ma'am until we tell you otherwise." The stairway opened up into the basement, where the other special operations soldiers were sitting and enjoying a beer (which was allowed on a mission, as long as it was one or two and just in case they needed a cover).

"Comrades, forgive me for being late," Parker said as he got behind the basement bar to grab a beer. "I had to go to the corner store for the latest prices on fish for our cover. Right now, the price of trout is about 120 SUMUs a pound, and we're either standby fisherman to take over for other men who get sick or killed, or we're supposed to call back fish market prices. Remember your cover for this area, and hopefully we'll get through this ok."

"Our intelligence states that patrols on our approach will be light, and they won't stop our keg trucks unless they have reason to believe special forces troops have landed in the area. Our two keg trucks have dummy keg freezers in the back, which you men will sit in for the duration of our trip. Since the units are generally large, we've used newer technology to create a large spot for people to be seated in, enough for six people and their equipment to ride comfortably. The door is through the bottom of the space, and looks like another part of the underbody. When we give the go signal, you guys are to slide out the bottom and onto the road. We'll give you the signal by adjusting our driver seat electronically, and we will only do it while moving slowly. We'll try to raise you on the truck's radio on specops frequency "J", but if we run into a patrol on the way, we're probably not going to use the radio to avoid getting picked up. Once you guys are on the road, roll into a nearby ditch we've located with bushes covering it. It will provide sufficent defilade for you to move towards the ambush spot. Judging by the amount of troops and material going to it on the underground routes and overland, its the primary base..."

"How do you know about the underground? Do you have a man on the inside?" Parker asked.

"No, we use seismographs," F replied. "This area is not geologically active, so strong enough earthquakes to trigger our sensors are run through the USR Geological Survey so we can see if anything else triggered it."

"How can you access that kind of information here? Surely someone would eventually find a dataport..."

E rolled a keg over to a large keg refilling machine. He connected the filler into the keg, the side slid open, and a touchscreen computer monitor appeared, revealing a wireless USR information datalink. "We can only get information, not send it, so its less likely we're going to get found out."

"We must work quickly and get you men into the trucks," F said. "A and B are already up there and will drive you to the dropoff point. Your fake Yasmarean military papers and orders are already in the trucks, as well as the backgrounds on the Yasmareans you will be impersonating. As far as our information goes, none of the men we have you guys impersonating will know anyone on the base personally. Anyone you think is on to you should be immediately eliminated using whatever silenced weaponry you may have. If they find you in there, more than likely you will be shot. We've lost C and D in there when the Yasmarean conflict broke out, and they were trained spies."

"Yeah, but we're trained infiltrators," Colonel Parker said. "Alright boys and girls, lets saddle up..."

The men got into the back of the trucks quickly through the floor hatch, climbing into a room with a single lightbulb and a red/green light (similar to a dropship, but the red light meant a hostile drop and a green light meant a safe drop). Two kegs were loaded into the back freezer of each truck. Parker noticed this and began to speak up.

"Hey guys, I got an idea. Do you have an extra truck?" Parker asked.

"What for?" B asked.

"If we load two kegs into the back of that truck, drive it on the access road near the base where the convoys come through, we can use it to draw the Yasmareans to it if we make it look like we've broken down. I'll make up a lame excuse to get away from the truck before we use satchel charges to blow it up, killing the guys working on it and using the explosion to mask our gunfire so we can wipe them out quickly. If we're lucky, they'll fall for the bait we're going to provide... remember to load up the finest of your beers. Once we come back, you're either want to get your story straight about why your truck was out that way, or get out of dodge when we show back up."

The now three trucks left the garage, heading for the access road. The USR datalink showed on satellite a convoy moving in soon, but they would have plenty of time for their ambush. The two troop trucks dropped off their soldiers, while Parker's truck drove down the service road some ways before the radiator lines snapped and the transmission shredded (after some liberal use of small strands of C4).

With the soldiers in position, Parker stood by the truck and lit up a cigarette, wearing the employee jacket of the bar. He could see the other two trucks go over the hill, the fronts of them illuminated by the coming military convoy as day turned to night. The engine belched forth clouds of steam as it sputtered and died, giving the signal to the specialists to cut radio communications from the incoming convoy. All they had to do now was wait.

The New Haveners did not have long to wait. Their intelligence had been good and a Yasmarean supply convoy was soon spotted making its way down the road. Generally speaking, Yasmarea was not a country where ambushes were easy. It was relatively flat and, especially in the dense poppy fields prevalent in this part of the country, did not have any tall-growing vegetation. The New Havener operations troops lying in wait would be hard pressed to find cover, but their skill in operations allowed them to take some refuge among some of the crops growing along the road. Captain Sergno Landorni, sitting in the lead truck of the Yasmarean column turned to the driver next to him. He pointed at the stopped truck and the man standing outside it, waving. “Pull over and I’ll go see what they want.” The driver obeyed and soon the convoy was stopped. The captain stepped out of the vehicle and walked towards the New Havener. “Good afternoon, comrade,” he said. “What can I do for you?” The other man gestured to his truck and hurriedly explained the problem. Captain Lendorni shook his head regretfully. “I’m sorry comrade. There’s nothing I can do for you. We’re on national business and I’m afraid that we really can’t get bogged down fixing trucks. I would suggest calling a breakdown service.” He nodded politely and turned to walk back towards the truck.

<<OOC: You can RP my people more or less how you want to (within reason) in this interaction. Don’t get too far ahead in the story. I’ll send you a telegram with some further information. This operation may not get there in time (or… who knows?) so forgive me if I ruin all your plans. I was ready to wrap this stuff up before. On the other hand, I do have an idea for you…>>

---

In Ilek Vaad, Rosaura von Grönbouler was getting somewhat irritated at the Vaadian representative. The Chancellor had been trying to be reasonable, but it seemed that the other woman could do nothing but insult her country. Although not a professional diplomat, von Grönbouler was trained in the art of negotiation and kept her face a mask of friendly professionalism. “As I told you, you will have no resistance in landing from Edolian forces. However, I do not speak for Alawan Turosi who unfortunately has hijacked the Yasmarean military machine.” She smiled. “I wish to remind you of what I told you before: We are solving the problem and Marshal von Tusk has assured me that the issue will be resolved soon without bloodshed. I hope that you can be patient. Would you rather wait a week and avoid war or resolve the situation early with millions dead at your hands?”

---

Again, as happened normally when the Vaadians sent messages to Turosi at bad times, the Premier did not respond. Was this a lack of courtesy or perhaps an indication that not all was well in the Yasmarean government?

---

“One trillion!” demanded Alawan Turosi fiercely. He stared into the computer screen before him, glaring at the other man, whose eyes stared right back at him. “I want one trillion SUMUs to be distributed amongst top-ranking Yasmarean officials and a guarantee of peaceful exile.”
“You try my patience, little tin-pot dictator,” growled von Tusk. “I wouldn’t test my patience on this matter.” His face showed a firm determination to have his way and the Grand Marshal’s eyes were filled with danger –like those of a wolf ready to attack. “You have amnesty for you and all your officials, exile and half a trillion SUMUs. That’s more than enough.”
“One trillion or face the wrath of Yasmarea,” Turosi spat back. Von Tusk said nothing, and turned his back on the computer. Turosi glared at the other man’s shiny, bald head. “You are making a mistake, von Tusk.” There was no reply and the two men held their position in silence for several moments. In anger, the Yasmarean slammed his hand down on the keyboard and ended the conversation. “Idiot Edolian son-of-a-whore!” he yelled. “What does he think he’s doing, making demands of me!?” Wendori, who had been sitting off to the side, looked at Turosi sharply.
“That was not wise, Comrade Premier,” he said slowly. “I believe that it may be in your best interests to contact von Tusk again. Turosi glared daggers at the Marshal.
“You dare to threaten me?” he said. Wendori suddenly broke into laugher.
“You are nothing!” he said. “Absolutely nothing! If von Tusk wanted to, he could have this bunker destroyed and all of us in it. The only reason he doesn’t is for fear of hurting von Blätterschplitt.” He smiled somewhat grimly. “And he is not the only man with the power to kill you,” he said. Turosi continued to glare.

"Please comrade!" Parker said in his best Yasmarean accent. "If you help me repair this truck, one of the kegs is yours!"

"I don't know, we really should be going," Lendorni called back as he kept walking to the truck.

"Both kegs, then!" Parker called out. "Please, I need this truck fixed or my boss is going to kill me!" Lendorni stopped for a moment, turned back to look at Parker, and then called to the trucks.

"Specialists, get over here!" Three men popped out of the back of the lead truck. "Get this man's truck going again. Lieutenant, see about setting up patrols, and get the kegs in the truck! Make it quick, gentlemen!" Parker nodded slightly as the specialists walked over to his truck.

"Comrade Specialist, excuse me, but I lost my dog," Parker said to one of the repairmen specialists as they were walking over to the truck. "Hes been the mascot of the bar since the last war with Allanea, we couldn't bear to lose him."

"Alright comrade, but make this quick," The Specialist replied as Parker directed him over to some nearby crops. A special ops soldier began to give a perfect immitation barking noise as they drew closer. "Here dog! Come on, boy, come over here boy!" As soon as they entered the crops, a silenced pistol fired, knocking the specialist down without a sound before his body was dragged into the crops.

The shaking drew the attention of the two lieutenants organizing patrols. "Who goes there! Halt!" Automatic gunfire started up as an RPG screamed from the woods, hitting the middle truck, blowing it to pieces and killing all of the soldiers inside. The men organizing for patrols lay dead, the two lieutenants having been blown to pieces just moments before.

Captain Lendorni crawled slowly toward the nearby crops, clutching his pistol as Parker came up swiftly, stepping on Lendorni's pistol hand before kicking the stricken leader in the face with his boot. "That was for trying to take our booze. I'm going to be honored to wear your uniform, comrade. With that, Parker raised his silenced pistol and shot Lendorni in the back of the head, making sure not to ruin the uniform.

The men gathered the dead Yasmarean's uniforms and weapons, dressing the dead Yasmareans up in their former fisherman clothing. If anyone asked any questions, they had been ambushed by imperial sympathizers and were only wounded. To make the story more believable, the men began to take their knives to open up cuts on their skin, allowing their blood to mingle with that of their fallen enemies. They made sure each man was dead with a shot to the head with their old weapons before boarding the supply trucks, making their way to the bunker as fast as they could.

"Shit, find the code book! The CODE BOOK!" Parker called to an Islander Lieutenant as they began driving down the road. "Specialists, turn off the damn radio jamming gear and stow that shit! Call it, Mac."

"Settlement, this is Covered Wagon Six! Settlement, this is Covered Wagon Six! We just came under fire from insurgents, we have some wounded and we're coming in fast, over!"

"Roger that, Covered Wagon Six, we'll open the gates for you when you arrive," the man on the other side of the radio called out. "What's your ETA?"

"Our ETA is five minutes! Open the gate on my mark!" Parker got on his private radio to the truck behind him. "Guys, pick up the speed, make it look like we're coming out of hostile fire. Make sure you guys make those wounds believable, over."

"Roger that, Covered Wagon, we'll open on your mark." Time passed quickly as the terrain sank into darkness, the truck's lights coming on to illuminate the road ahead of them.

"Coporal Higginson, do you have that spare uniform on you, over?"

"Roger that, Colonel," Cpl. Tammy Higginson, the same height and build of the Imperial heiress, said. She was the only one already wearing a Yasmarean uniform when they arrived in Yasmarea, taking care not to be seen by anyone. She now wore two uniforms (one of a dead female soldier back at the ambush site), and would hand over one to the heiress inside the bunker.

Searchlights illuminated the trucks as they came in, the rear truck letting off a burst of machine-gun fire behind it for effect. "Mark! Open the gate!" The trucks swarmed into the compound quickly, their brakes screeching when they reached the bunker entrance.

Colonel Parker was the first to disembark, jumping clear from the passenger side before the truck had stopped. He walked up to the front door as men began to carry heavy boxes of ammunition and supplies up behind him. He removed his papers, showing him to be Captain Lendorni, newly assigned to logistics from Yas City.

The men at the gate looked at his papers momentarily, barely able to make out the picture on his papers, looking back and forth several times, finding very little difference. "You're looking good, sir. Bring that ammunition in, we'll take care of your wounded."

"My men are very tough," Parker said as he put his papers back in his stolen uniform. "They'll tend to their own injuries. We did it when we were fighting the Islanders hand-to-hand before they damn near dropped the whole buildings down on us. Just goes to show you how scared of us they were!" Laughing could be heard from all of the nearby soldiers.

"Please proceed, comrade Captain." Parker properly saluted before making his way past the front gate and into the bunker, his men following behind him. As they walked into the bunker, the men began thinking over their next move. As soon as they dropped off the ammunition, they would set a charge in the arsenal furthest from the Empress, but enough to cause all personnel to try to either evacuate everyone or put out the fires. They would only get one shot at this...

In Ilek Vaad, Rosaura von Grönbouler was getting somewhat irritated at the Vaadian representative. The Chancellor had been trying to be reasonable, but it seemed that the other woman could do nothing but insult her country. Although not a professional diplomat, von Grönbouler was trained in the art of negotiation and kept her face a mask of friendly professionalism. “As I told you, you will have no resistance in landing from Edolian forces. However, I do not speak for Alawan Turosi who unfortunately has hijacked the Yasmarean military machine.” She smiled. “I wish to remind you of what I told you before: We are solving the problem and Marshal von Tusk has assured me that the issue will be resolved soon without bloodshed. I hope that you can be patient. Would you rather wait a week and avoid war or resolve the situation early with millions dead at your hands?”



Seargent Assad smiled.

"Personally, I prefer to resolve the situation as quickly as possible with as many dead as possible. Human life, mine, yours, Turosi's, mean nothing compared to the persistance of the Republic and carrying out the wishes of the People.

Fortunately for you, the current Supreme Republican Commander is less sanguine that the last and certainly than the bulk of the Red Jaguar. I will talk with the Supreme Republican Commander again and see what his wishes are in regard for Von Tusk needing more time."

*****

Having received no reply, Command General Lucane still prepared to land, but he ordered his Atalases to veer away from the docks and port facilities, toward uninhabiated desert coast line.

The Atlases would, as they did in Phyrric, beach themselves, and disgorge their contents well away from the 'enemies' defences and supplies. Lucane was a patient man, and if it took him ten years to encircle and crush his enemy, he would see no problem with that.

As the fleets approached the shoreline, the umbrella of Orion Fighters increased and extended .

For the Islanders to get a charge in the major arsenal would be a feat in and of itself. Although the bunker’s security was rather relaxed considering the turbulent political climate, these were still Edolian security protocols. Normally the special operations forces wouldn’t even be able to dream about getting into the base. Since a trip to the arsenal required prior notification of the guards by a higher authority, it wouldn’t be easy for the troops to make it. It would be possible to break in, but would be very risky and would most likely require some more planning. With three rows of blast-doors, each with a line of guards, whoever made it in would almost surely be trapped inside. Although Islander intelligence wasn’t sure, the advantage of having an explosion in the arsenal wasn’t entirely clear-cut. The bunkers were large and Edolians don’t normally shy away from long moving sidewalks, spreading out their military structures. Furthermore, the blast structures would minimize any damage done, even by a full explosion. There wouldn’t be an evacuation following the explosion, merely a large distraction. The Islanders might be able to use that to their advantage, however.

Regardless, events were unfolding within the bunker complex that would seriously complicate whatever plans were being made by the Islander operatives.

---

“Let’s try this again,” Wendori said, shining a pair of brass knuckles casually. Turosi scowled at the other man but typed in the request for transfer code. The impassive face of Grand Marshal Albert von Tusk appeared on the screen before him.
“You’re back?”
“I’ll take your offer,” said Turosi shortly.
“Really?” asked von Tusk. One of his eyebrows raised quizzically.
“I want the money transferred to a secure bank account immediately. Then I’ll step down.”
“The account already exists,” said von Tusk pleasantly. “I just need to give you the number.”
“Yes?” asked Turosi.
“ I don’t trust you, comrade,” said von Tusk plainly. “I’ll give the number to your marshal.”

---

“That’s very noble of you,” von Grönbouler said dryly. She was beginning to seriously dislike this barbarian, and found her contact somewhat discomforting. This is why I’m not in the diplomatic corps, she thought to herself. Suddenly, the phone in the Chancellor’s pocket began to ring. Set only to sound when contacted by a number connected to a high-ranking government official, this was obviously important. “Excuse me for a moment,” she said, holding up a finger to the Vaadian. A few moments of silence followed as the Chancellor listened to the voice on the other hand. Her eyes widened somewhat and a smile appeared on her face. “Thank you,” she said and hung up the phone. She turned to the other woman. “I don’t suppose that we can get EBC [Edolian Broadcasting Channel] One by satellite here, can we?”

---

Edolian Broadcasting Channel One; 1821 Hours
August 6, 2019 [Edolian Reckoning]
“We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to bring you a special report on the ongoing situation in Yasmarea. We have a live feed coming in from the District. The self-proclaimed Premier, Alawan Turosi, is apparently about to speak. We take you to that feed now.”

Alawan Turosi’s face was calm and impassive but anyone with any kind of empathetic abilities could see that he was not happy. The would-be dictator seemed to be forcing himself to begin speaking.

“People of Edölia, people of Yasmarea, people of Haven. I come before you today for a simple reason. The shadow of war hangs over South Haven and the people of Yasmarea and threatened by aggressive and imperialistic powers. I have always done what is best for my people. Today the Socialist Empire of Edölia is on its way to a stable and liberal democratic system. No longer shall it be the corrupt monarchy that it was upon the death of Erik von Blätterschplitt. It is time for the peoples of the greater Empire to be united. I therefore officially offer my resignation as Premier of the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea and extend my offer to Blätterschplitt City for reunification with the mainland. Only under the umbrella of the Scarlet Forces can Yasmareans protect themselves from those nations within Haven that would see us added to their spheres of influence.

Thank you. May peace reign.”

Turosi stared at the camera for another few moments before the feed ended and the screen returned to Lüret Sun whose pretty, Asiatic face was still locked in concentration. Slowly, she looked back at the camera/

“A short speech, but one which will have great implications for the future of Haven.”

The short chain of Islanders carrying ammunition to the armory approached the guards working the gate. Minutes earlier, they had opened the crate up and laid a brick of C4 with an encoded radio detonator inside the lead crate.

"We have a delivery of ammunition from Yas City, fifteen belts of machine gun ammunition and seventy-five clips of assault rifle ammunition," the lead corporal said in his best Yasmarean accent as he handed the Yasmarean guard the inventory. "We got a few more crates in our truck, which we will bring down soon, and we had to use some of this stuff to fight off an insurgency ambush just down the road. Can you watch over this stuff while we go get the rest?"

The delivery was a scheduled ammunition drop, and their paperwork was in order (if not a bit bloody, but that could be explained by the large cut on the corporal's right hand).

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

Colonel Parker and his two aides made their way down to the brig area of the bunker, having memorized the map of a standard Edolian bunker back when he was a Captain, having just landed in the Yasmarean countryside a short time ago. They now wore Intelligence pins and had changed their nametags to those of known Edolian turncoat intelligence officers that had been working for Turosi during the Yasmarean takeover.

They approached the first cell block, approaching a guard and showing him their papers. "Major von Manheim, Army Intelligence," Parker said as he displayed his well-made false papers. "These are my aides, Lieutenants Goldstein and Turing. We're here to ask the heiress to give us a recorded statement telling the insurgents to stand down, as it is our belief that if she tells them to give up, they will surrender quickly." Parker showed the man a folded-up copy of his orders, apparently signed by the Commander of Intelligence Operations in Yasmarea. Just in case, Parker knew where his combat knife was, and his two aides would be ready to grab him and hold him still while the fatal wound was made.

Official Message from the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon

As this historic event comes to pass, and the Yasmarean Independence/Rebellion Movement ends, we thank Premier Turosi for wisely choosing not to extend this already meaningless war, and for reunifying the people of Edolia. As Yasmarea and Edolia begin to recover from the events that have occurred since the beginning, we shall stand by our ally and support them in the rebuilding process.
---------------------------------------
To: VonTusk%dictator@imperial.gov.edo
From: Starfighter%president@executive.gov
Re: The End of the Yasmarean War

Head of State von Tusk,

The U.S.F. of Tiburon wishes to offer any assistance necessary to help Edolia rebuild. We also wish to restate what we have told every Imperator since the beginning of the Edolia/Tiburon alliance: the people ask for democracy. Is there a timetable?

The guard standing at the door looked quizzically at the Islander soldiers. “You didn’t get the message?” he asked. “The Impëratrix is being released within a quarter-hour. Yasmarea’s returning to Edölia.” The guard looked rather smug about the whole thing. Suddenly the bunker shook as an explosion echoed through the chambers. The guard with whom Parker had been speaking pulled out his radio. “What’s going on!?” he yelled. “I need a report!”

---

Edolian Broadcasting Channel One; 1900 Hours
August 6, 2019 [Edolian Reckoning]
“Good evening. I’m Lüret Sun. We’re going to continue our ongoing coverage of the resolving situation in Yasmarea. Just forty minutes ago, Alawan Turosi, self-proclaimed Premier of Yasmarea announced his resignation and extended an offer of reunification to Grand Marshal von Tusk. This comes at a time of growing tensions between the Scarlet Empire and the Free Republic of Ilek Vaad, which has a large battle fleet off the coast of Yasmarea. It is still unclear exactly how this new situation will affect Edolian-Vaadian relations. For a more direct view on the new Yasmarea, we’re switching over to a direct feed to the Scarlet Palace where Albert von Tusk is about to make a speech.”

Albert von Tusk’s face and torso appeared in the camera. Dressed in full military regalia, his dignified black and scarlet uniform was adorned with medals and marks of rank. His face was clean-shaven, as was his head and an expression of confidence graced the acting dictator’s face.

“Good evening. I come before you, the people of Edölia today to bring a promise of peace. Forty minutes ago I, as did you, received a message from the honorable Alawan Turosi, offering the peaceful reunification of the Scarlet Empire. This is a great day for Edölia united. No longer does the threat of war loom over South Haven. No longer do our people have to fear that Edolians will soon be killing Edolians. No longer must we hope that Edölia will stay united. We now know that Edölia is one, indivisible. To ensure this, the First and Second Armies of Blätterschplitt are en route to Yasmarea to provide additional security for the District’s people.

These past weeks have been trying. Since the death of the great Erik von Blätterschplitt, our nation has been thrust into civil war. In Tetelburg radical Christ-cultists are waging a war of destruction on innocent civilians. In Blätterschplitt City, civil war nearly broke out between overeager demonstrators and security forces. This is not an Edölia that we wish to live in. This is not an Edölia that we must live in. Over the past week, since my assumption of power, the protests have melted and the cultist rebels are on the retreat. Alawan Turosi, who has been holding our beloved Flavia von Blätterschplitt hostage, has agreed to release her and she will soon be back among us.

Unfortunately, I am not a politician. I do not pretend to know about international commerce, or how to renovate urban transportation systems. I am a military man, and stay as far away from such things as possible. Tonight I shall make the first –and I hope only- political act of my life. I shall issue an executive decree to the Parliament of the Socialist Empire of Edölia. Starting now, I shall give them two weeks to write up and ratify a new Constitution of the Socialist Empire. This document must provide for a fair and just system of government that will not be subject to the flaws of our current one. We must not live in a country where chaos breaks out upon the death of every leader. Following the ratification of the Constitution, I decree that no less than two months later shall full elections be held, including a referendum on the Constituion and a plebiscite in Yasmarea.

Today is a fine day, comrades. Let us bask in the glory of a new Edölia, reborn and mightier than ever before!”

Albert von Tusk bowed low, his head almost touching the desk in front of him as the feed switched back to Lüret Sun.

“Significant words coming from Albert von Tusk. For more on what exactly this means, we turn to our senior political correspondent Antoszi Maorini. Maorini?”

Maorini, a thin, dark man –of obvious Yasmarean origin- sat in a chair off of Sun’s desk. His right leg was crossed over his left and his fingers were outstretched and together on his chest, giving him a dignified look.
“This is indeed one of the most significant acts that von Tusk has made over the past week he has held power in this country. Although the reinstatement of Parliament as the primary governing body of the Scarlet Empire was an important step, I don’t think that anything compares to this –assuming that it’s genuine.”
“And do you think that this is a genuine move on his part?” Lüret Sun asked.
“Well,” began Maorini, “we don’t know much about von Tusk as an individual. Obviously everyone knows what he did in the Axackal and most people have heard the accusations leveled at him by Allanean activists, but we really don’t know anything about the man himself. As he said, he’s not a politician. He’s a soldier.” Maorini paused and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “That being said, I think it’s likely he’s telling the truth here. If he were really planning on making this a long term regime, I don’t think we’d be having this conversation on live television now.”
“Thank you very much. It’s always a pleasure to talk to you.”

Lüret Sun smiled and turned back to the main camera. She resumed speaking.

“Stick with us for a discussion of how this new situation will affect the von Blätterschplitt family. Over the past few weeks, more moderates have come out in support of an end to Imperial rule, and some have suggested that Flavia von Blätterschplitt not be allowed to assume the Scarlet Throne. With her imminent return to the mainland, we’ll be seeing exactly the results of these new sentiments. In a number of speeches, including this latest one, von Tusk has hinted at plans for a full democracy and end to von Blätterschplitt governance. For more on what this new Edölia would look like, we turn now to former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Imperial Cabinet, Matthew von Pickett. Von Pickett?”

With his back turned to the Islanders, the Islanders made their move. Parker reached around the Yasmarean's head and twisted hard, waiting to hear the crunch of the man's spine through the rumbling of explosions overhead. Parker found a spot to prop up the man's body to give the illusion he was still gathered around the intercom, and as he finished the man gave his last breathe.

The Islanders quickly made their way down the corridor, checking every window and passing guards as they went. They had gotten the needed pass to open the cell, and now just needed to find the heiress.

The finally reached the heiress's cell, where they approached the two guards standing outside. "Excuse me gentlemen, intelligence matters," Parker said as he withdrew his silenced pistol (his two aides included) and shot at the guard's heads at nearly point-blank range.

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

Above, Islander Special Forces (the ones that weren't consumed in the sudden and unexpected explosion) began moving back to the trucks, some of them bleeding quite profusely.

"What the fuck happened?" Sgt. Iverson called out, clasping his hand to his head (a two-inch gash had just been created by a piece of metal thrown out by the explosion).

"Henderson blew the damn charges early!" Private Thompson called back over the roar of exploding ammunition. "Thank God we were going back to the trucks! We lost Henderson and three others!"

"Shit!" Iverson called back, trying to stay in character. "Back to the trucks! We gotta move that shit before it blows!"

Colonel Parker and his men made it through the main detention bloc without a problem. Lightly guarded, the guards were depending on the defensibility of the bunker itself to provide sufficient protection for these prisoners. Unfortunately for the New Haveners, a prisoner as important as Flavia von Blätterschplitt would not be kept with regular POWs. The high-level detention bloc was located under still another layer of security, which would most likely have to be passed through by force. That wouldn’t be easy, since guards on the other side of the doorway would be watching events unfolding on the near side.

Sirens began to ring as the bunker complex roared to full activity. The explosion in the main armory had activated a lockdown procedure. No one would be leaving or getting into the bunkers without a manual override by Congrego Wendori one another top military brass. As the four layers of blast doors and the heavy elevator that connected the complex to the outside locked up, guards posted along the entrances prepared for combat. The unloading bay where the New Havener trucks were parked itself wasn’t under heavy guard –only about half a dozen soldiers based on balconies- but getting it through the checkpoints and up the elevator would be next to impossible. Things did not look good for Colonel Parker’s men.

---

“The base seems to be under attack, sir,” Captain Andiro Mendosi addressed Congrego Wendori.
“Thank you, comrade,” the Marshal spat back. “I can tell.”
“Yes sir.”
“Keep the lockdown in full force. Let’s make sure these fuckers can’t get out. How many soldiers do we have here in all?”
“About fifteen hundred, sir.”
“Good. I want every single one activated. Whoever has snuck in here is either after Turosi’s life or Flavia von Blätterschplitt. I want forty guards dispatched to bolster her security. Keep Turosi under similar protection. Station only guards you know by face.”
“Yes sir!” saluted Mendosi.
“And alert the Edolian authorities of this issue. They’re going to be resuming control over this base soon. Let’s make sure that they know the situation.”

<<OOC: Rather sorry to be hard on your forces, but you did send a band of soldiers into the center of Edölia’s military presence in South Haven without anyone on the inside and with only last-minute preparation.>>

The Presidential Complex, 80 Astral Avenue, Crystal City, Tiburon Main, Tiburon
August 6, New Common Era 201, 7:15 PM

Various TV cameras jockeyed for position as Nova Starfighter made his way across the Lawn to the podium. The explanations of various field reporters on the event competed with the sound of shutter-clicks as the president walked on, but once he reached the podium, the words died down and the clicks diminished in frequency. The president, now in his sixth year in office and his second and final term, looked much more confident in his manner than he did when he started. Although, at the age of 21, he was still the youngest president, he had the confidence of the people of Tiburon and the international community, and he showed it.

"Fellow Tiburonese citizens, good evening. I come to you tonight in a celebratory mood, and understandably- some of the chaos of the past few weeks has ended, and we have begun preparing for the other set of chaos.

A few weeks ago, the region of Haven was plunged into war as the events in Yasmarea had unfolded. 55 minutes ago, as you may have seen already, Alawan Turosi has helped end that miserable nightmare. The people of Edolia are once again united.

The events of the past few weeks have been historical- and infamous- ones in the history of the world. Two hundred and fifty-eight Tiburonese died in an accidental attack- one that the perpetrators have apologized for, and one that we have forgiven them for. And now, further good news comes from the Earth. Albert von Tusk, merely 15 minutes ago, has finally ended the oppression and dictatorship felt by the Edolian people, and has freed the nation. For working to achieve the common goals of Edolia, Tiburon, and sentientkind, we thank you. Thank you tonight, from myself to you, von Tusk, for your determination for Edolian democracy, and thank you tonight, from myself to all those watching. We have set in place another beam in our bridge to universal freedom."

"Shit, full lockdown!" Parker called out. "We're in for it now, lock and load! Lets get her and get out!" They dropped their silenced pistols, grabbing their Edolian-made weapons and several grenades as Parker grabbed his radio. "Make your way to the train station that leads out of here, we might be able to hop a train and get out of here."

"Sir, we might be able to make it out," one of his aides said as she produced a block of C4 and two detonators. "Find me something heavy to put on half of this brick, we may be able to tunnel down below to the next level."

"How can you be sure the floor isn't blast-protected?" Parker asked.

"I can't guarantee it, sir, but we don't have a choice." Parker looked around, finding several unhinged prison cell doors that were going to be used to repair certain cells.

"Open up these cell blocks, get as many POWs out of here as possible," Parker ordered. "If they refuse to join us, shoot them. If they join us, they get a gun. Hurry!" The other aide shot off, opening the first of several doors with the passkey from the first dead guard. She raised her weapon at the POW, who stood there confused with his hands raised.

"Help us get out of here or you die..."

Parker braced the doors against a steel beam over them, helping compress the C4 down against the floor as he backed into a cell without a door. "Fire in the hole!" The explosion shot into the floor, the makeshift linear charge attempting to burrow into the floor below...

Seargent Assad nodded to the Chancellor. "If it is on satellite, we can get it."

She led the Chancellor to a small media room and switched on the plasma screen to EBS 1.

Edolian Broadcasting Channel One; 1821 Hours
August 6, 2019 [Edolian Reckoning]
“We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to bring you a special report on the ongoing situation in Yasmarea. We have a live feed coming in from the District. The self-proclaimed Premier, Alawan Turosi, is apparently about to speak. We take you to that feed now.”

Alawan Turosi’s face was calm and impassive but anyone with any kind of empathetic abilities could see that he was not happy. The would-be dictator seemed to be forcing himself to begin speaking.

“People of Edölia, people of Yasmarea, people of Haven. I come before you today for a simple reason. The shadow of war hangs over South Haven and the people of Yasmarea and threatened by aggressive and imperialistic powers. I have always done what is best for my people. Today the Socialist Empire of Edölia is on its way to a stable and liberal democratic system. No longer shall it be the corrupt monarchy that it was upon the death of Erik von Blätterschplitt. It is time for the peoples of the greater Empire to be united. I therefore officially offer my resignation as Premier of the Socialist Republic of Yasmarea and extend my offer to Blätterschplitt City for reunification with the mainland. Only under the umbrella of the Scarlet Forces can Yasmareans protect themselves from those nations within Haven that would see us added to their spheres of influence.

Thank you. May peace reign.”

Turosi stared at the camera for another few moments before the feed ended and the screen returned to Lüret Sun whose pretty, Asiatic face was still locked in concentration. Slowly, she looked back at the camera/

“A short speech, but one which will have great implications for the future of Haven.”

Staff Seargent Assad nodded "I will inform the Supreme Republican Commander. It looks as though only the Purifiers will be landing, and unarmed, if Turosi is sincere."

Colonel Redrick looked at the television broadcast of Turosi's surrender sadly. "Get up, men", he whispered. "It's over now. The Yasmareans have given up."
Silence has fallen in the makeshift headquarters. There was a painful moment in the room as one of the younger soldiers looked at Colonel Redrick and asked: "Colonel... Colonel, does it mean Joshua and Randolf... died for nothing?"

The Colonel checked the operator with a stern look. "Nobody dies for nothing, soldier. Especially if they die for freedom. Let's get ready. We'll show them what I mean." And the preparations began.

The next morning, the streets of Yaz-city awoke to see Allaneans, soldiers and militiamen, marching through their streets in formation, their flags folded in sign of retreat, carrying on their shoulders the coffins of their comrades, each covered by an Allanean flag - those were the only flags to be visible in the procession. They walked through the city, a sad reminder of what might have been. Then they walked towards the airfield, and out of Yasmarea's history.

As the Allanean troops were leaving Yasmarea, so were Edolian troops entering. The first batch of Edolian military commanders had already arrived as Yaz City International Airport, having set out before the reunification was even announced. They were preparing to take full control of the Yasmarean military establishment. A small contingent of crack Edolian troops from the First Army of Blätterschplitt had also arrived. These men had stormed Christian churches in Tetelburg and had stood with Albert von Tusk in his military coup. Now they would be participating in the historic reunification of Edölia’s most Southern District. As the black-armored men marched down the People’s Avenue, cheering throngs of Yasmareans lined the streets. It looked as if things were looking up.

At the same time, Vaadian Purifiers were also making landings throughout Yasmarea.

---

Amunsno Wefrini saluted sharply to the Vaadian commander. This detachment of Purifiers had landed outside of Yaz City. “Good day,” he said cheerfully in good English. “I’m going to be your liaison on the ground. I have instructions that you’re welcome to camp out wherever you want, but not to disturb any of our farmland. There’s an old quarry about four kilometers to our North that would be suitable, I believe. Your troops are welcome to enter Yaz City, but we ask that you refrain from interfering with the people’s day-to-day business. Also, we are currently restricting tourism to the center of the city where the New Haven attack took place. Your troops don’t have diplomatic immunity, so I would suggest that they not get into any trouble.” He smiled amiably. “If there’s anything I can do for you, don’t hesitate to ask. Here’s my number.”

---

As was expected, the floors of the prison were blast-proofed. The center of Edolian military operations in South Haven, the builders of the complex had spared no expense to make it secure. Even if the special forces had managed to blow through the floor, they wouldn’t have gotten anyway. Below them were food storage warehouses –nothing particularly useful in their escape.

This detention block held mostly prisoners who had been arrested as pro-Edolian rebels, so many of the men that were broken out of the cells already had some combat experience. For the most part, being faced with death and the hands of the Islander forces or death fighting their oppressors, they chose to side with the Islanders. Within a few minutes, several dozen partisans were ready to fight. The first platoon of Yasmarean soldiers appeared at the end of the block as the partisans were being armed. Caught off-guard by the intensity of the resistance, they retreated, taking their dead and wounded with them. They would have to wait for reinforcements before trying to break in again.

Amunsno Wefrini saluted sharply to the Vaadian commander. This detachment of Purifiers had landed outside of Yaz City. “Good day,” he said cheerfully in good English. “I’m going to be your liaison on the ground. I have instructions that you’re welcome to camp out wherever you want, but not to disturb any of our farmland. There’s an old quarry about four kilometers to our North that would be suitable, I believe. Your troops are welcome to enter Yaz City, but we ask that you refrain from interfering with the people’s day-to-day business. Also, we are currently restricting tourism to the center of the city where the New Haven attack took place. Your troops don’t have diplomatic immunity, so I would suggest that they not get into any trouble.” He smiled amiably. “If there’s anything I can do for you, don’t hesitate to ask. Here’s my number.”

The Purifiers had landed and begun to disembark , they were led by the confident young Colonel Arden. He had ordered his men to de activate their camoflage and set their uniforms and long coats to dress white, with black trim.

Colonel Arden responded to Amunsno Wefrini's salute with the Defiant Salute of the Retaliatory Guard. He nodded to Mr. Wefrini "Thank you. If you can show my men where the quarry is they will gladly encamp there. I am also keen to enter the city center, we are here to aid in rescue, recovery or clearing up any damage caused by yout USR allies. More hands lighten the burden."

Meanwhile Staff Seargent Wilkens contacted Fire Control " We've landed alright, everything seems quiet. We have been met by a Yasmarean liason."

*****

Out at sea Admiral Coyohuitl nodded to his Captain "Alert all Tactical Groups to stand by to return to port, line them up to head home."

The Vaadian fleet was very soon underway.

Colonel Arden responded to Amunsno Wefrini's salute with the Defiant Salute of the Retaliatory Guard. He nodded to Mr. Wefrini "Thank you. If you can show my men where the quarry is they will gladly encamp there. I am also keen to enter the city center, we are here to aid in rescue, recovery or clearing up any damage caused by yout USR allies. More hands lighten the burden."

Wefrini chuckled. “I’m sure the folks down in the city center would appreciate your offer of help, but I’m not sure if there’s really much that needs to be done. The search and rescue has already been completed and we’ve moved to a demolition stage. Our USR allies” –he said the word with a noticeable trace of disdain- “were quite thorough. They didn’t leave many merely wounded. On the other hand, they left us with quite a few buildings to clean up. We’ve got a few thousand of our troops, plus aid workers from the mainland and construction teams from around the country working on the operation. You’re welcome to go down to the center and ask them if they need anything, but I’m guessing their answer will be no.”

POW holding area

"Sir, we have a chance at getting out of here alive, but if we don't act quickly, we're history," Parker's first aide said to him as she reviewed the schematics of the base. "We use the air vents to crawl out to a point that should be lightly guarded. If we rendevous there, we should be able to escape with little problem."

"What about the Flavia?" Parker asked.

"Sir, our cover is blown, our plan has fallen apart," the second aide chimed in. "If we're to get out of here, we have to do it now." Parker picked up his radio and motioned for the Pro-Edolian POWs to enter a cell with a air vent in it.

"Anyone still alive that can hear this, get into an airvent and rendevous at junction 22-W," Parker radioed along a secured frequency. "I am aborting the mission! Over."

"We read you loud and clear, Colonel," Sgt. Iverson called back. "We're going to the designated coordinates, out." Parker changed the magazine in his clip and quietly asked the second aide for her smoke grenades.

"Sir, what are you doing?" the first aide asked.

"I need the rest of your C4," Parker ordered. "I'm going to try and reach the heiress myself, you guys try to get out of here. I'll create a big enough distraction, hopefully, to draw them further down here. With any luck, I'll meet you guys at the rendevous location."

"Good luck, Colonel," The second aide replied as she got the grate off the cell's ceiling. "You will get the Islander Medal of Honor for this." With that, the pro-Edolian partisans and the special forces troops entered the air duct, pulling the grating back on and fastening it shut with a thin metal twist-tie.

They quietly said their goodbyes as Parker made his way deeper into the base, the rest of his team making their way close to the surface. They placed radio signal amplifiers through the air ducting, hoping that they would get a signal from him shortly saying he had the heiress. If they did not hear from him in fifteen minutes, they would make their way out of the base and to nearby friendly territory for pickup.

Parker crawled through the air ducts as quietly as he could, gripping his silenced pistol tightly as he placed the half brick of C4 in his vest while placing a radio-controlled detonator in it. He brought up the floor plans on his wrist computer, noting he was now somewhere in the high-security detention zone. He pulled the pins on a smoke grenade and flashbang, held his breath, knocked the grate open and threw both in. With a sudden flash, a quick bang, and a rapid deployment of smoke, Parker jumped down into the chaos below...

Colonel Arden nodded " A fair number of my men are engineers, structural and electrical. We also have the Levelers Army out in Atlases " He gesturs out towards sea " their specialty is demolition. Their Manticore Tanks with their infrared structural targetting systems can safely implode condemned and dangerous buildings in minutes with no need to send men in to set charges.

We are also here to monitor elections, that will be coming. I'd prefer to keep my men busy until then. I can't imagine any soldier or construction worker that wouldn't turn down help."

*****

In Tollan Seargent Assad had briefly spoken to the Supreme Republican Commander by phone and returned to the Chancellor.

"The Purifiers are landing, and our warships and unneeded transports are withdrawing. The only question that needs to be addressed is when elections or a plebiscite will be held in Yasmarea."

The Yasmarean smiled. "Well, I'm afraid I can't tell you much about elections. That's a question that you'd have to ask the higher-ups about. I don't think that they'll happen quite as soon as you'd like -I hear that they're going to be integrating the plebiscite with special elections held all over the country, which will take a while- but I'm sure we can find things for your men to do while we wait."

---

The fighting in the detention block was still fierce. A dozen partisans had already fallen to the increasingly constant stream of Yasmarean fire, and retreating into the thin air ducts wasn’t going to be easy. Some of the partisans jostled the New Havener troops, trying to get in first. Some people would have to stand and die, holding off the Yasmareans. No one wanted to be among that group.

--

Parker found himself inside a long, thin hallway running between cells. It was most likely used as a transport area. While there weren’t any guards on either end, Parker would have to be very careful not to find himself caught in the narrow hallway when Yasmarean soldiers came to investigate the noise. While there certainly weren’t as many troops inside this area as there were outside, with the end of the resistance in the main detention block, it was doubtful that he would have more than a few minutes before the entire area was swarming with soldiers.

It was unclear which way to go as Parker’s map wasn’t complete. He could take the right or the left.

<<OOC: I know which way he should go to get to Flavia, but he doesn’t. I’ll give the result once you post. It’s possible that I’ll just have him get into trouble either way, but I hope you’ll trust me on this one.>>

Parker reached into his pocket after seeing his map fade out in this area, since it was not a part of the basic construction plans of an Edolian bunker. He pulled out an old coin he had from the days when the Former Island States was a Republic (and when he was just a green-as-Hell 2nd Lieutenant). He flipped the coin into the air with his thumb from atop his fist, letting it fall back into his left hand before slapping the coin onto his right wrist. Heads was to go right, Tails was to go left.

Parker lifted up his hand and saw the image of former (and permanently imprisoned) President Rivera, his cold metal stare looking to the left. Parker quickly put the coin back into his pocket and shot off to the right, walking softly along the right side of the hallway to reduce the amount of noise he threw up.

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

The Special Forces troops' got a sick feeling in their stomach as they heard the gunfire get closer and closer to the vent. All of the team members got in safely as the Edolians tried to get in behind them. "Quickly comrades, lets go!" They called back as they tried to get as many POWs into the vents as possible with what little they could.

Parker's coin had served him well and he soon found himself face-to-face with two Yasmarean guards. They were undoubtedly surprised to see him, and raised their weapons immediately towards the intruder. Parker had the advantage of surprise though, and two shots from his owen weapon dropped the men cold. A moment of silence passed as the woman inside the room looked out of the tiny plexiglass window embedded in the steel door. Parker recognized her as the kidnapped Edolian princess.

He also recognized the sounds coming behind him as jackbooted-feet, running in his direction.

Parker grabbed a frag grenade as fast as he could, pulled the pin when he thought the Yasmareans were four seconds from rounding the corner, and counted quickly but silently...

"one... two..." He threw the grenade to bounce off the opposite wall of the T-intersection, bouncing into the path he had just taken, where he could hear the Yasmareans coming from. He slid the access card into the slot, unlocking the heavy steel door which he got behind, getting his weapon ready as he could hear the explosion from behind the door.

<<OOC: Oh… I mean to apologize for RPing your guy last post. I figured you wouldn’t mind since he wasn’t doing anything bad, and I just want to speed this up a wee bit.>>

Flavia von Blätterschplitt looked at the man quizzically. “This isn’t the best thought-out rescue, is it?” she asked sarcastically.

An explosion outside told Parker that his grenade had gone off. Edolian fashion was not normally to go incautiously, so it was unlikely that the grenade had killed more than a few soldiers. This went through Parker’s mind as the watched through the window. The small hallway outside the door stood empty, but other soldiers crouched low against the back of the wall, using the corner for cover. “Come out with your hands above your heads!” one of them yelled. “Surrender and the Socialist Empire shall treat you well.”

---

In the meantime, the New Haveners moving through the airshaft were having some difficulty. Bullets fired up into the ceiling had already killed some of the men. It was unlikely that they would be chased through the shafts, but it was similarly unlikely that they would be able to get up to the rendezvous spot –one of the main air terminals- without having extra resistance there.

Bunker Operations

"Ok, I'm coming out!" Parker yelled. "Hold on." He motioned to Flavia to get close. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to take you hostage. Its the only way we're getting out of here alive. My name is Colonel Parker of New Haven Special Forces, and we believe the new Edolian government is going to have you killed so the democratic government can take total power. If you follow my instructions, we may just get out of here alive. There is an air vent around the corner, we're going to get into it. Once we're in, I'm going to pass you up a pistol and we're going to have to move fast. I'm not saying we're going to make it, but we have a better chance than if we stay here. Lets go." Flavia nodded as he put his arm snuggly around her neck, took the motion sensor detonator and put it into the C4 half-brick next to the radio detonator, and walked into the hallway.

Parker saw a lot of soldiers around him, all pointing their guns at him. "I want you fuckers to back the fuck off or I'll blow us all to Hell!" He tried to make Flavia as comfortable as possible while putting on the show, keeping the Yasmareans going back. "I'm going to get into the air vent ahead, and I'm going to arm the motion sensor detonator. If you fucks have any clue what that means, you'll stay still or you'll all die. Got that?" The soldiers nodded as they kept moving back. They reached the vent, the Yasmarean soldiers all lined up in front of him, their weapons pointed all over the place. Parker kicked the vent cover off the wall, ducking in as he placed the half-C4 brick on the ground next to the vent. "If you fuckers shoot after she goes into the vent, all of us die. My handheld detonator will go off when it hits the ground," Parker lied. Flavia got into the vent slowly, as if she were being forced to flee.

"Heiress, you're going back!"

"Shut the fuck up! Shut up or we all die!" Parker yelled as he began ducking into the vent. As soon as he made it in, the blinking blue light on the C4 charge lit up. "If you move, it'll go up. If you use your radio, I'll hear you and blow you up. Have a good day." Parker disappeared quickly with Flavia in front of him, handing her a pistol over her shoulder as they crawled along. They covered the fifty yards necessary before Parker lifted the detonator.

Back in the hall, the officer in charge of the guards activated his helmet radio without moving and got a hold of the central security authority of the bunker. "He got her out, hes heading out through the vents! Send us a bomb squad, we got a live brick about to..." A Yasmarean sneezed, and the motion sensor caught it, blowing off the C4 and throwing the Yasmareans back against the wall, killing or incapacitating them.

The explosion sent a burst of hot air down the vent, and Parker ditched his handheld detonator down an adjacent vent shaft. "We got to get to the central vertical vent and climb out. Hopefully my men have gotten out by now."


Parker's team was in the vertical vent, trying to shimmy up the shaft while trying not to make much noise. Only four Edolians remained, and they were trying their best to keep up. Outside, they could hear yelling and shooting...

The operatives back at the bar had heard that the Special Forces had become trapped. Loading all of the explosives they had hidden in their trucks and in the bar, they had come back at full speed, blowing past checkpoints and racing forward towards the bunker. They knew they had no chance to escape with the special forces, now all they could do was get them and Flavia out. They had become mortally wounded in the checkpoint blowthroughs, and the bunker had come into sight. Machine gun fire tracked them as they made their way through a barbed wire fence, onto the grounds, and struck the forward entrance, blowing their trucks skyhigh and setting various parts of the bunker's surrounding area on fire. A guardtower caught fire and fell to the ground, taking the crew of a machine gun down with it. The second truck exploded a bit sooner, spreading fire over a much larger area. The burning fuel and explosives almost landed in the vertical shaft, but God must've been on the New Havener's side that night as they used the sound of burning fuel and exploding ordinance to shield their fast shimmy up the shaft.

<<OOC: NHSR and I have mutual permission to RP each other's characters.>>

The explosions rocked the heavy outer doors of the bunker complex. The gatehouse of the fortress was in ruins, but the bunker –designed to withstand a nuclear explosion- was unharmed. The complex swarmed with soldiers as an anthill that had been disturbed. As regular personnel were placed under lockdown in their offices and quarters, armored soldiers patrolled the hallways. On the outside, soldiers from the nearby aboveground military base were loading into trucks and helicopters. The sound of choppers filled the air as gunships patrolled the area, waiting for any sign of men leaving the ventilation ducts.

Captain Vonosi Menteko listened carefully to the reports going through the radio in his helmet. He and his detachment had made their way inside the air ventilation system and were now hot on the trail of Parker and Flavia. They had been instructed not to worry about the group of escaped prisoners and Havener special forces. They would be dealt with once they reached the surface. Their main task now was to track down and locate the Edolian princess and the man who had captured her. It would be a difficult task, since the shafts were barely large enough for a man to crawl through. It was impossible for anyone to pass anyone else, so a dead body would force everyone to go back. Menteko signed. What was the value of a few soldiers’ lives compared to making sure that Flavia von Blätterschplitt was safe? His radio was giving him a constant feed on where in the network Parker and his captive were believed to be. It seemed that the two groups would be right on top of each other soon. A flurry of movement ahead caught Menteko’s attention. It was the Edolian princess climbing up the branching air duct into another duct a level above. In a second, she was out of sight. The figure behind her who was moving rapidly forward was undoubtedly her kidnapper. Menteko fired his rifle. The sounds of bullets reverberated throughout the ducts. Answering fire greeting his shooting and Menteko felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. “Shit! I’m hit!” he yelled. He dropped his rifle and put his hand to his shoulder to stop the bleeding. “Goddamn it, they’re getting away!” he yelled.
“Another team will intercept them above” came the voice of his commanding officer. ”Have your men follow him. Get to a medical station immediately.” Menteko sighed. It looked like he was out of this fight.

Flavia von Blätterschplitt’s heart was pounding. A lot of thoughts were racing through the princess’ mind. The man she was with claimed to be from New Haven, and said that the new Edolian government wanted to kill her. New Edolian government? she thought to herself. Had the von Blätterschplitt family collapsed in her absence? He said that it was a democratic movement. Surely the people of Edölia could not have lost so much faith in the Family after only a few weeks. She resolved to ask the man all these questions once they were safe. Flavia and Parker crawled out of the tunnels into a small room. Air ventilation shafts went off in all directions, and a large hold in the ceiling went off into darkness. Parker pointed up.
“That’s the way we’re going, your Highness.” Flavia nodded. “You go first,” he said. “I’ll try to prop you up.” Parker picked up the princess, holding her up into the tube. She grabbed hold of a bar –most likely used by repairmen for the same purpose- and pulled herself up with the help of the New Havener. “Shimmy up and I’ll join you,” he said. Flavia wasn’t young –she had recently turned fifty years old- but she was in good shape. Bracing her back against one side of the tube and her legs against the other, she slowly made her way up. A few moments passed and Parker joined her. After the first meter or so, there were no more bars, and it was slow going. Flavia had to stop and rest several times, and more than once Parker had to hold her up to keep her from falling. It seemed like hours that the two of them spent in the tube, making their slow, painful way to the top. The bunker complex was deep underground and this tube had to be equally long. Eventually Flavia could feel sunlight against her face and looking up, she saw, just twenty meters above her, the sun’s rays poking through a grating in the side of the tube. “I’ll give you a metal cutter once we get up there and you’ll break us out,” Parker panted. Sweat dribbled down Flavia’s face. She was exhausted. The special forces man below who had been supporting her weight for much of the climb must have been ready to die. It was another eternity before they reached the top and Flavia had the cutters in her hand. Parker held her weight as she cut away the grating and slithered into the sunlight. She lay down in the warm sand, closing her eyes and trying to catch her breath. Her entire body ached. Presently, Parker joined her and they lay side-by-side on the Earth. It was peaceful and for a moment Flavia forgot where she was.
“Thank you,” she said to her benefactor. There was no response. She opened her eyes and found herself facing a troop of Yasmarean soldiers, their jeep just ten meters away. Parker’s hand was on his own gun, which pointed directly at her head. It seemed that they were in a stand-off; the New Havener soldier lying in the sand and the half dozen battle-armored Yasmareans standing patiently off to the side.

"I want to go to the border," Parker said as he flicked the safety off his gun. "Don't think I'm not serious about this."

The Yasmarean soldiers said nothing, but kept their guns facing directly at the Islander. The soldier in front nodded to one next to him, who stepped back to the jeep. Activating his helmet-com, he made a call to central command. Within minutes, Congrego Wendori was on the line.
“Sir,” the soldier said, “we’ve got a problem here.” He proceeded to quickly sum up the situation. There was a moment of silence. Wendori was thinking.
“Give him your jeep,” he said at last.
“Sir?” the soldier replied quizzically. “He’s got Flavia von Blätterschplitt, sir.”
“No doubt he wants to keep her alive,” said the ex-Marshal. “Give him your jeep,” he repeated. His tone suggested that he had no intention of explaining what he had in mind to the low-ranking soldier.”

Flavia von Blätterschplitt was sweating. The heat was only one cause of her perspiration: anxiety was the other. She was not used to be involved in stand-offs with guns pointed at her head, and she was somewhat worried that the New Havener would blow her head off. He seemed like a decent fellow, but she knew that people from the Island States were serious about their honor. They didn’t make bluffs lightly.
“Take the jeep.” Flavia focused her attention on the soldier who had spoken.
“What?” Parker asked.
“Take the jeep. Don’t hurt the princess and you can have the jeep,” he repeated. Without a word, Parker slowly got to his feet, making sure to keep his gun pointed at Flavia’s head. He motioned for her to come up as well. Slowly, they walked towards the vehicle. The Yasmareans parted, allowing them to have their way. Flavia got in the driver’s seat, warily watching the men around her. Parker sat next to her, keeping his gun steady.
“Go Southwest,” he said.

The van shot off along the desert road, making its way towards Hallad. In the distance, the towering skyscrapers of Yaz City could be made out, the air shimmering in the heat. Several helicopters flew overhead, keeping the jeep within their sights, and other vehicles kept pace along the side. The Halladi authorities were also kept aware of the situation. Whatever happened, Flavia von Blätterschplitt would not be out of sight of the Scarlet Empire.

"My utmost apologies, Flavia," Parker said as he left the clip fall onto the floor out of sight of the Yasmarean patrols, making sure to extract the bullet from the chamber. "I had to keep it up or they'd of shot me and taken you off to disappear. We're going to board a transport to Freeport, and depending on the political climate in Edolia, we'll either transport you back there under heavy New Haven guard or we'll take you to New Freeport, where you'll be a guest of New Haven." A short silence followed before Parker finally said it. "If it is in your opinion that taking you effectively hostage was improper, you can take the pistol I gave you earlier and shoot me once we get to Freeport. Otherwise, I'd like to have it back." Parker watched as the Halladi border loomed ahead, the transport probably nearby. "Drive right through the border, don't stop . . ."

Flavia nodded. She wasn’t sure what she thought of this New Havener, or whether or not he could be trusted. If she had known about the New Haven attack on Yaz City, she most likely would have killed him right then and there. As it was, she had been kept in the dark on the recent happenings of Haven so as far as she knew, everything Parker had said was true. The thought of exile away from Edölia chilled her to the bone. She continued to drive and as the border appeared closer, she sped up.

Seeing as Hallad and Edölia were both members of the Union of Socialist Republics, there was no border checkpoint. An inconspicuous sign on the side of the road was all that alerted a traveler that they were passing into what was technically another country. There were no Halladi authorities waiting on the other side of the border, but the Yasmarean gunships and jeeps which had been following them for the entire journey continued –the close alliance between Hallad and Edölia kept them unfettered by regular border regulations. Flavia looked around, puzzled and turned to Parker.
“Why aren’t the Halladi stopping the Yasmareans from crossing the border?” she asked.

"I don't know, better call in for backup," Parker said as he lifted his ZMI-made communicator. "Honeybee Six to Hive, Honeybee Six to Hive! Come in Hive, please tell me transport is close!"

"We've had a change of plans, Honeybee Six," the small communicator buzzed. "We're sending a Bryn Shandian ship to pick you up, it should be enough to scare any unwanted attention off your tail. They'll home in on your communicator, so leave it on. Hive out!"

"This is going to get rough," Parker said to Flavia. "If our ride isn't here soon, we may have to try and get to the nearest Halladi airport. God forbid we do that..."

They didn't have long to wait. Within a few minutes, the hull of the battlecruiser PNS Luna was visible on the horison. The two onlookers could see that it was flanked by four much smaller craft: The frigates Charizard, Beedrill, Fearow, and Golduck. A minute later, the numbers on the hulls could be easilly read. The massive ships began to decelerate and descend, and the battlecruiser launched a dozen fighters and half as many mobile suits. Three Zaku II and two Doms, as well as a Gouf moved out to secure the area as the fighters circled around above. About this time, Parker's radio again squawked with activity.

"Honeybee Six, this is Yellowjacket One, we've heard that you've got a load of royal jelly and could use a ride. We'll be landing, so stay back and shield your eyes. This could kick up quite a bit of sand."

As the man on the radio said, the Luna was landing. It's lower turrets retracted a bit, until the barrels were flush against the hull, and sections of the hull extended out like landing struts. In the sand, however, that didn't mean much, and the ship sank a few meters into the sand as it landed. By the time everything was settled, a ramp had been lowered from the end of the starboard flight deck. Again, the radio squawked.

"Honeybee Six, come aboard. Just drive up the ramp, and there will be a team to escort you to the bridge."

In the air, the frigates continued to hold their positions, watching for any sign of trouble.

OoC: Umm, did you just land a ship in Hallad? If so, we could have... complications. Plus it'll give me something to post about.

Halladi Desert

"Head for the starboard side of the ship and get up the ramp as fast as you can," Parker called out as he searched for the starboard ramp with his binoculars. "That there is the Luna, I've heard of her in after-combat reports still on record with our aerospace navy. She's a Hell of a ship, but the Bryn Shandians don't stop at that... you should really see the Inverse."

The vehicle drove on through the desert, taking the winding roads to the landing site nearby. "Yellowjacket 1, this is Honeybee 6! As soon as we're on the flight deck, retract the ramp!"

"Understood, Honeybee 6." The vehicle hit the ramp at 60km/h, jumping into the air a bit when it reached the flight deck. The van screeched to a halt and its occupants got out.

"Retract the ramp!" Parker called out from the van. He could hear the internal mechanisms spring to life, bringing the ramp up from the sand below. "Yellowjacket one, we're aboard."

OoC: Umm, did you just land a ship in Hallad? If so, we could have... complications. Plus it'll give me something to post about.
OOC: I do believe that I did. What are you going to do about it? >D



IC: Before the ramp was even up, the Luna was rising. As soon as the jeep made it to the flight deck, Parker and Flavia were met by a dozen troops in the same black and red exosuits that the NHSR embassy staff encountered when they were also picked up by the ship.

"Colonel, Empress, the captain is waiting on the bridge. If you'll follow us, we'll have someone park your jeep."

As the man in the armor finished speaking, he lead the two into the hanger as a Zaku jumped onto the flight deck, with it's thrusters helping of course. They walked past a number of fighters being prepared for flight. Along the walls, mobile suits stood in mantainance frames, also being prepared for combat. Before long, they reached the door into the ship, and made their way up a few decks to the bridge. When they arrived, Captain Westinghouse was standing at the large window, gazing at the desert below. Parker and Flavia could see that they were now a few thousand feet above the sand, and the coast was clearly visable.

"Colonel Parker, Empress von Blätterschplitt, welcome to the Luna."

As he turned around, it was clear that Captain Westinghouse was no young man. His face showed decades of service, and his hair and moustache were white with many years.

"We will be heading directly to Freeport, and then to the Edolian capital. If anyone wants to kidnap or you again, they'll have to get through me and my men first. If you wish, I've had quarters prepared for both of you. Or you could stay here. It won't be a long flight."

Radar stations around Hallad were going wild. Five unidentified flying objects had entered Halladi airspace. There was no warning about them entereing Hallad, so it could be assumed that they are hostile. However, no special steps were taken to communicate with the "hostiles."

Standard preceedure was being followed. Four regiments of Su-36 Imperator were being launched in order to patrol Hallad. Another regiment of Su-36's teamed up with two MiG-28 Flounder squadrons and were to intercept the "hostiles."

Al-Ryydra Air Base, Northern Hallad

The Alpha Hawk Regiment of Su-36 Imperator's had just took off the Al-Ryydra Air Base. They were in perfect formation, and trevelling at top speed, mach 2.35. It was only a moment later when MiG-28 Flouders reached them. Over their radios the decided to move in Delta-II formation, which would make it look as though they had more planes than they truely did -- but not to radar.

They reached the area where the three UFOs were last spotted, before they went to low for radar. As they planes got closer they gave one warning on an open radio channel.

Attention Unidentified Aircraft,

Indentify yourselves immediatly. We are your welcoming party from Hallad. Refuse to comply with us and we will attack and destroy you. Do not attempt to run or we will persue and destroy you. I repeat, identify yourselves immediatly.

"Thank you, Captain," Parker said to Captain Westinghouse. "A very fine ship you have here."

--------------------------------------
TRANSMISSION TO HALLADI FORCES

"Halladi fighters, this is New Haven Aerospace Command, those vessels are under the protection of the New Haven Socialist Republic! They are assisting us in covert operations in Yasmarea and are NOT to be fired upon for any reason short of them attacking you. I repeat, those are friendlies!"

"Captain, incoming Halladi aircraft. It seems that fleet command didn't inform them that we were coming."

"I see. Patch them through."


Attention Unidentified Aircraft,

Indentify yourselves immediatly. We are your welcoming party from Hallad. Refuse to comply with us and we will attack and destroy you. Do not attempt to run or we will persue and destroy you. I repeat, identify yourselves immediatly.



This is the battlecruiser PNS Luna of the Bryn Shander space force. How nice of you to come. We don't usually get visitors.

However, I assure you that you could not destroy this ship or her escorts if you had all the aircraft in Haven backing you up, so don't even try.

In the mean time, it's almost time for lunch. If you'd like, feel free to land onboard and join us. I believe that today the mess hall is serving roast beef.

Message from the Ministry of Foreign Relations

We are sending a bouquet of gold flowers, may he rest in peace. The Camewottian Emperor Jens shall attend the meeting himself.

~ Princess Layla, in name of the Democratic Empire of Camewot!

Freeport, former Island States

The Pedestrian Hyperspace Gate in Freeport (at the Freeport International Spaceport) opened up, its window a flawless blue sheet. Through the sheet stepped the Praetorian Militia Guard, the President's Guard in their ceremonial armor and uniforms (the armor red with a yellow hammer and sickle on the front, the uniform a jet black standard military uniform). They wore black metal/kevlar "Imperial-Italic" helmets with the man's insignia pronounced in shining silver on the front (the crest-holder having been worked out of the design). They were armed with solid black-faced scutums (Roman shields) and Falcata-style swords. They also carried a 10mm pistol on their belt holster and their commanding officers (Captain Eric Carter and Lieutenant Joshua Taylor) had a 10mm NHR-01A1 assault rifle shouldered.

They marched out in columns, with a large distance between them, of six men per column. They turned inward towards each other and saluted as President Newman came out of the window. He wore the same uniform as the Praetorian Militia Guard, except he had no shield or helmet. He still wore the pistol and sword (the Falcata only having recently been adopted by the New Haven Armed Forces) worn by his guards. The hyperspace gate closed as the emitters closed in on themselves.

The PMG followed the President in their same columns out to the runway, where a Maurader Mk.II was waiting to take off. It would be bringing Colonel Parker in from the Bryn Shandian ship before Newman accompanied Flavia to Edolia. It would be the first time the Praetorian Militia Guard ever accompanied the President outside of the country, but these were extraordinary times.

The PMG had been told not only to protect Newman on this trip, but to protect the Heiress to the Imperial Throne of Edolia. While their history in battle was brutal and bloody, they were the most loyal troops in New Haven (regretting not been in Freeport when Newman had been essentially taken prisoner some time ago).

The men boarded the dropship as it prepared to set off for the Luna.

Well, they look authentic... Nadar Saddat thought to himself.

"Master Pilot? What should we do?" Said a voice crackling over the radio.

"Do not engage, comrade Pilots." He said, adressing the regiment.

Saddat sent a transmission to the airbase.

Halladi Air-Defense Command:

The hostiles claim to be friendlies from Bryn Shander. Please advise correct course of action.

The planes began circling the ships. It would take minutes for a responce from the HADC. It took nearly seven minutes before they recieved orders.

Saddat sent another transmission to the ships.

Carry on comrades.

The planes headed back to base and a letter objecting to ships entering Halladi airspace without warning was sent to the government of Bryn Shander.

<<OOC: Before there is any confusion, I’m not going to accept any future tech military action in the future. I allowed this because we could do more or less the same thing with helicopters, and it’s a nice plot-advancing tool. If more than political pressure is exerted by New Haven and Bryn Shander, I will not accept the Luna bombarding Blätterschplitt City..>>

“I want a report, now!” bellowed Albert von Tusk. Brief snippets of intelligence had been streaming in for the past few hours on the apparent abduction of Flavia von Blätterschplitt. The Grand Marshal was very displeased. “I want to know who has done this within the hour!” he screamed. Arfansi Meronit, the Acting Intelligence Minister cringed under the onslaught of fury.
“Sir,” he said, “I’ve got your report.”
“What is it then?” von Tusk snarled back. Meronit cleared his throat.
“The Yasmarean detachments following the jeep have reported that they have escaped with the aide of a Shanderian ship, which picked them up across the Halladi border. The ship is now making it’s way towards the New Haven Socialist Republic.” Von Tusk swore.
“They call themselves our allies, but they are nothing but swine!” he spat. “I want a call made to the New Haven government. I demand an explanation.”
“Yes sir,” Meronit said. “There is the issue,” he said. “Wendori reports that he recently brought into his custody several compatriots of the kidnapper who were attempting to leave the bunker complex via a horizontal air shaft. They were accompanied by several escaped pro-Edolian partisans. These men are obviously special forces of some sort, considering the way that they fought in the bunker, but they claim to be Yasmarean rebels.” Von Tusk nodded thoughtfully.
“Tell Wendori to take them down to the bunker’s… special rooms for interrogation. Let’s pump them for everything they have”
“Yes sir,” Meronit said again.

---

Diplomatic Communiqué
To the New Haven Socialist Republic Office of the President
Foreign Ministry of the Kingdom of Bryn Shander
“We have recently intercepted intelligence suggesting that a joint Shanderian-New Haven taskforce has kidnapped the princess Flavia von Blätterschplitt, held in Yasmarea. She was in the process of being returned to Edölia and any ‘help’ on the part of our allies’ governments is unasked for and unneeded. On behalf of the people of Edölia, I formally demand an immediate and unconditional return of her Highness, Flavia von Blätterschplitt to Edölia. If she is not returned, we shall consider this an act of war and respond accordingly.

I await your response eagerly.”
Albert von Tusk
Grand Marshal and Acting Dictator of the Socialist Empire of Edölia

---

Flavia von Blätterschplitt bowed to the Shanderian captain. “I owe you all my gratitude,” she said. “I hope that once we are back in Edölia, I can repay you properly.” Her friendly expression changed to one of anxiety. “I’m afraid that before we do anything, you must explain to me the situation in Edölia.” She gestured to Parker. “Mr. Parker has informed me that there has been some sort of coup and that the Edolian government is interested in seeing me dead. Unfortunately I don’t know any more than that. I hope that you can explain to me what is going on while we travel to Freeport.”

OOC:

I wouldn't worry Edolia, I have no plans of using any level of tech against you. This will be political pressure at its finest, and the slap to the face comes with the return message.

---------------------------------------
BEYOND THIS POINT IS IC
---------------------------------------

"Luna, this is New Haven One coming in for a landing," the dropship radioed ahead. "We have the President and his guards onboard and we are going to pick up Colonel Parker."

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

Diplomatic Communiqué
To Albert von Tusk, Steward to the Imperial Throne of Edölia

You may discuss such matters with the President when he arrives in Edölia with Flavia von Blätterschplitt. Our President will brief the "Steward of the Imperial Throne of Edölia" upon his arrival of the situation in Yasmarea. Please be ready to accept the President and the Praetorian Militia Guard assigned to defend him, as your country is not stable enough for the President to come on his own.

Minister Thomas Livingston
Minister of Intra-Haven Relations
-----------------------------------------

Dealing were being made in dark corners of Hallad. The Islander Ambassador handed the Halladi Government's Representative a diplomatic pouch containing important documents.

"These are the plans to build fusion reactors, one design provides you with thrust, the other without thrust," The Islander Ambassador said. "In exchange, we let your government into the 'know' on the operation in the desert in exchange for three things: you keep this to the topmost levels of your government, your government doesn't tell this information to anyone and keeps this under wraps unless our government reveals it, and that Bryn Shandian ship never entered your airspace. It becomes: What spaceship? Ok?"

"Captain, the Halladi fighters are breaking off. They're going home."

"That's a shame. It would have been nice to have them for lunch."

---

Diplomatic Communiqué

To Albert von Tusk

Feel free to take the issue up with the king when he arrives.

--Count Cassius Xiloscient
Ambassador to Haven

---

"Well, as I'm quite sure that you know, after your father passed away, your plane was re-routed, and you were kidnapped and held in a prison in a bunker. Shortly after that incident, the Imperial Cabinet assumed power. This caused a bit of unrest, and martial law was declared."

"At the same time, Turosi signed a Yasmarean declaration of independance. This caused even more unrest in Edolia, and General von Tusk used that fact as an excuse to stage a coup. I believe that all connected to your family have been arrested."

"Now, not too long ago, Turosi seems to have given up and rejoined with Edolia, but von Tusk is doing everything in his illigitimate power to stamp out anything that threatens his dictatorship. Namely, your family. Most of us believe that, had you remained in Edolian hands, you would have been executed."

"Perhaps Colonel Parker can explain anything I may have left out."

---

"New Haven One, this is the battlecruiser PNS Luna. You have clearance to land on runway one on the starboard flight deck. You will be escorted to the bridge upon arrival."

As if on que, a pair of guide lasers extended from the indicated runway.

<<OOC: I never said this officially, but technically, only von Blätterschplitts involved in the military have been arrested. They’ve been held publicly in good condition. Those members of the family not involved in military affairs (including Flavia’s two brothers) have been more or less untouched, although the intelligence has been keeping a very close eye on them.

I understand that you don’t intend to make this a military conflict. I just wanted to make sure that we’re on the same page and that using the Luna as anything other than fancy transportation will get the situation ignored (I don't mean that in a belligerant, "OMG I w1ll ign0r3z uz!!!!!11" way, but in a "these are the rules of the RP that were set out before" sort of way).

To be fair, the reason that I'm bringing this up is because I could imagine a firefight happening between Praetorians and Rabid Gerbils in Blätterschplitt City and I want to make sure that everyone knows what they're getting into.>>

Flavia looked worried and a perplexed look came upon her face. “General Albert von Tusk?” she asked incredulously. “How can that be? I know this man.” She paused and shook her head slowly. “I thought I did, at least,” she said. “He and my father were friends.” Suddenly, as if the situation had just hit her, the princess’ eyes filled with fear. “You said that my family has been arrested. Do you know if they are safe? Are they alive?”

---

Albert von Tusk read through the replies from New Haven and Bryn Shander and tossed the slips of paper on the desk. These damned foreigners! he thought. They complain and complain about the family von Blätterschplitt’s dictatorial rule for so long, but now they work to keep them in power! Regardless, it seemed that the President of New Haven would be coming to Blätterschplitt City along with the princess. Von Tusk knew Flavia von Blätterschplitt. He nodded to himself. He would make the princess see reason.

"They're being held publically and are safe," Newman said as he entered the bridge, holding a long oak box, one of two he had put on the dropship. "We're not sure what Von Tusk's intentions are, but we assume that once he has the entire family, he'll get rid of the Blätterschplitt claim to rule permanently, most likely by force." He walked forward to Flavia, opening the box and kneeling down in Islander "Tradition of Respect", mostly given to foreign Heads of State and Government as a sign of respect. He opened the box, revealing a sword, a red scabbard with the family crest of the Blätterschplitts. The blade was a Falcata made of the strongest and most durable steel forged in New Haven, handcrafted by skilled descendants of Islander Swordmakers that have existed since before the Midlonian Occupation.

"Heiress, I hereby present this sword on behalf of the Socialist Republic of New Haven," Newman announced. "It was produced by my family's swordmaker, his blades known throughout the Socialist Republic for their quality and strength. My country hopes you accept this gift as a sign of continued relations between New Haven and the Blätterschplitt family as rulers of Edolia."

Flavia von Blätterschplitt was touched as she took the sword reverently from President Newman. It was a fine blade –better than anything she had seen in Edölia. “On behalf of the people of Edölia,” she said, “I graciously accept your gift.” She bowed low in kind and rose, ending with a traditional Edolian salute –an open palm against her chest. “I hope that when we return to Blätterschplitt and all this is worked out, I shall be able to give you a gift as fine as the one you have given me.”

---

“The Luna is approaching our airspace, Lord Marshal,” Ablös von Kron, aide to the Grand Marshal said. “Our air traffic controllers believe that they will arrive soon.” He paused. “It’s a big ship. Where should they land?” Von Tusk thought for a moment.
“It looks like they’re coming whether we want them to or not,” he said. “Blätterschplitt City doesn’t have any landing spaces large enough for a ship like that, but I find it highly doubtful that they wouldn’t have some sort of helicopters or dropships aboard that could land at First International Airport. Inform that that is the way they shall land and that I shall be waiting for them on the tarmac when they arrive at the Distinguished Visitors Port One.”
“Yes sir,” von Kron said, bowing. “It shall be done.” He left the room.

Westinghouse bowed as Newman entered.

"President Newman, how nice of you to join us on the Luna. While she isn't as nice as the Inverse, she's a fine ship that will protect us from anything anyone in Haven can throw at us. I take it that our shuttle containing your embassy staff made it to the Island States without trouble?"

An ensign walked up to the captain and handed him a note from the communications officer.

"Well, it seems that our own leader will be joining us as well."

As if it were staged, a black shuttle with the royal crest painted on it's tail and wings shot past the bridge as it came in to land on the starboard flight deck.

"I believe that would be him."

Shortly after, the king himself entered, still wearing the pilot suit that he'd been wearing when he landed. Again, Westinghouse bowed. This time, all those on the bridge that weren't busy with keeping the ship flying did the same.

"President Newman, Princess Flavia, it's good to see that you're both safe. Am I to understand that you've been treated well during your stay onboard the ship?"

"The embassy staff made it safely, thanks to the Luna and her crew," Newman replied. He nodded his head in respect when Nightbane entered the bridge. "The crew of the Luna should be commended for its excellent service," Newman replied to Nightbane's question. "Truly, a crew worth many praises."

“The stay has been wonderful,” Flavia said, bowing to the newly-arrived Shanderan king. It was odd, she thought, that these two nations would be expending so much energy to see her returned to power. Flavia shrugged to herself. Perhaps she shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

---

Warship Luna, this is Blätterschplitt City flight control, came the transmission. You have no clearance to land the entirety of your ship, but Distinguished Visitors Port One at First International Airport is open for landing. The Grand Marshal Albert von Tusk will be there to greet you and your entourage.

---

The welcoming party had spared no expense. It wasn’t every day that two heads of state would be arriving in Blätterschplitt along with the daughter of the late Impërator. Albert von Tusk was dressed in his military finest –black leather and scarlet velvet- and glittering medals covered the front of his uniform. Behind him, a long column of soldiers stretched out along the promenade. Four hundred black-armored soldiers, all standing with their rifles at their shoulders, their backs straight. They were like a row of statues, each identical to one another. The flags of Edölia, New Haven, the USR and Bryn Shander waved in the breeze and a band stood off behind the troops, ready to play the Internationale and the anthems of Byrn Shander and New Haven. Albert von Tusk nodded to himself. The welcome would be appropriate.

The ensign again walked up to Westinghouse with a note.

"No clearance to land the ship? I'd like to see them stop me..."

He looked at Flavia and remembered that the illegal dictator was soon to be out of a job, and if Edolia was anything like Bryn Shander and the NHSR, he'd be out of a life as well.

"On second thought, the three of you can take one of the Sharks to the airport. We'll keep an eye out from above. If anything happens, we've got fighters, suits, and marines to take care of things."

Nightbane brushed a wrinkle out of his suit.

"I'd better get changed into something more appropriate."

As he finished speaking, the king exited the bridge and returned to his shuttle. A few minutes later, he returned, wearing something more appropriate for diplomacy. He wore a black tunic with red highlights, with matching pants. On his belt was a long, black bastard sword with runes and arcane symbols etched into it's surface. On his opposite hip was a revolver made of the same metal. It had similar markings. On his head was a black leather concho hat with a purple feather sticking from the mithril studded band. From his neck hung a single necklace. It was a battered wooden disk, painted to be black with a purple border. It hung from a leather cord and had obviously seen better days, as had his hat. His hands and feet were covered in black leather, the boots and gloves still in pristine condition. Finally, he wore a black cloak with a purple liner.

"As I do not trust the slimy bastard that has lain siege to your throne, I would prefer that you travel with an escort of twenty of this ship's marines. I plan on doing the same, just incase. Furthermore, I'd like you to accept this."

He reached into a pouch on his belt and produced a necklace. From it's golden links dangled a pendant of a design remarkable similar to the pendant that hung from his own neck, though this one was made of onyx and amethyst, rather than paint and wood.

"It will protect you. I've made sure of it."

He presented the necklace to the princess, taking care to ensure that it was not dropped.

"Captain, we're nearing Blätterschplitt City."

Westinghouse turned to the heads of state.

"Well, you've heard the man. The marines are already onboard the shuttle. All they need is for you to join them."

Flava took the necklace and gave the king a friendly smile. “It is pretty, but I’m not sure what good it would do me,” she said. “Magic has a tendency to… not work in Edölia. Something about the hyper rationality of the culture, I believe. However,” she continued, “I don’t think that Albert von Tusk would hurt me.” She nodded, businesslike. “Alright. Let’s go meet General von Tusk.”

---

As the shuttle came down for a landing, Albert von Tusk prepared himself. He would be dealing with two heads of state, as well as the Princess von Blätterschplitt. The two of them had been on friendly terms ever since von Tusk had been granted the privilege of friendship with the Impërator following his heroism in the war with Allanea. Regardless, the future of Edölia was out of his hands now. Parliament –not he- was drawing up the new Constitution. As the doors of the shuttle opened, the Edolian national anthem –the Carmina Burana- played. Although it would be nice to play the anthems of the heads of state visiting Edölia, it was far more important to welcome the daughter of the Impërator home. Albert von Blätterschplitt waited and wondered who would exit the shuttle first.

---

The same question entered into the mind of Flavia von Blätterschplitt as the doors opened. She turned to Nightbane and Newman and gave them a look, her eyes suggesting the question. The choice of whom was to leave the shuttle first would convey an important message. “Shall I?” she asked.

Newman motioned for Flavia to go ahead of him, he himself already planning to have the Praetorian Militia Guard go out before him in two columns and salute him before marching with him to meet Von Tusk.

<<OOC: Terribly sorry that I have responded, guys. This entire week has been filled with tests. I’m in high school, but I’m also taking a bunch of classes at university and AP tests and finals happen to be at the same time this year. In other words, I’ve done nothing but sit on my bed and study this week. I’m going to finish this up this weekend and from now on, I’ll be responding very quickly to each post.>>

Flavia von Blätterschplitt smiled and nodded to the Islander. As she walked through the doors, she saw Albert von Tusk waiting to greet her. The acting dictator stood in the center of a long promenade, lined with black-armored soldiers. He stood still and dignified, alone before the shuttle. Upon seeing Flavia von Blätterschplitt exiting the shuttle, he knelt down on one knee and bowed his head. “Welcome home, Princess,” he said. Flavia von Blätterschplitt put her foot onto the solid ground of the airport and strode carefully towards Albert von Tusk.
“What have you done to my country?” she asked, coolly. Von Tusk raised his head slowly and returned to his feet. He was about the same height as the princess –some one hundred and eighty centimeters- and the he looked her directly in the eyes for a moment, as if studying her. Her expression remained blank. Finally, he smiled.
“You’ll find it just as you left it,” he said. “It’s missing a few buildings down south, though,” he said. His face suddenly turned hard. “And thanks to your friend over there” –he nodded at President Newman- “we’re missing a few dozen thousand Edolian citizens in Yasmarea.” Flavia looked at von Tusk for a moment. This time, it was her turn to study the dictator. “Why don’t you tell her, Newman,” he said. He filled the name with disdain. “Tell her what you did in Yaz City.” Flavia turned to look at the Islander.

"Attempting to stop a seperatist movement in Yasmarea," Newman said as the Praetorian Guards stood around him on his flanks, staring blankly into space. "The new Edolian government lacked the strength or will to take action to preserve itself, and in interests of preserving regional security and to avoid a disruptive power vacuum, we took action. Our troops took heavy fire in the attempt and we were forced to withdraw. They were ordered by former Chiefs of Staff, whom are no longer in command, to demolish the top floors of any building they could not take to capture the Yasmarean Seperatist Leadership. Those generals are lucky they have not felt the blade of my sword." Newman moved his left hand over the handle of his sword as he mentioned it. "We must take note that had the steward here notified us of your capture rather than try to obscure it, we probably would have attempted a rescue rather than an attack of the magnitude we had performed. We are sorry for the loss of Yasmarean Seperatist lives that need not be taken, but had no action been taken at all, we would not be standing here."

Albert von Tusk spat contemptuously at the New Havenite’s reply. “You had no right to interfere in sovereign Edolian affairs,” he said coldly. “If we had any interest in involving you, we would have asked. As it is, you were unwelcome, and you have tarnished the reputation of New Haven and the USR. Your actions nearly brought us to war with the Free Republic…” he paused, his voice, which had been growing louder and louder suddenly took on a more menacing tone; his words enunciated clearly. “You killed Edolian soldiers, trained to follow orders, and what’s more, you killed tens of thousands of civilians. You don’t just collapse buildings and strafe downtown city streets without killing innocents. You should feel lucky that you and your country have not since felt the wrath of the armies of Edölia.” He turned to Flavia von Blätterschplitt. “I believe that we can give Mr. Newman our thanks and send him on his way. I hope that your kidnapping by the New Havenites wasn’t too hard of an ordeal?”
“Kidnapping..?” Flavia asked, confused.
“They didn’t tell you?” von Tusk asked, his voice loaded with sarcasm. “How surprising. Turosi had already surrendered by the time the Yasmarean bunker was attacked. Dozens of Edolian soldiers died defending you from our so-called ‘allies’.” He looked again at Newman. “With allies such as these, who needs enemies?”

"Honestly, Comrade," Newman nearly hissed back in a self-controlled anger. "A non-Imperial Edolia, especially under your control, doesn't have the balls nor the stomach to handle a province breaking away, let alone the full force of New Haven. We could have deployed our full forces to stop this breakaway province from being a problem, but we chose selective force. Do you honestly think, comrade, that the Yasmarean Seperatists would have given up so easily if they had not been given a taste of what was to come?"

"Do not lecture me on internal affairs, comrade," Newman continued. "We both know the USR provides for the common defense of the Republic, and while it does not specifically define domestic threats, it was a threat to the security and integrity of the southern USR nations in Haven to allow provinces of allies to break away. Your internal issues end when they potentially threaten the very fabric of stability within Haven, especially when it is practically in our backyard."

"I have no plans to leave, comrade, until I have properly paid my respects to the late Imperiator," Newman began to finish. "I will present him with a present that could only now be delivered when his great nation lies in tatters, controlled by a steward. I weep for Edolia, a once proud and glorious nation, which is controlled by a man who is so unsure of himself, he has jailed the people he believes to be the greatest threat to his power. Don't have me think that Flavia would have been given a hero's welcome upon her return, she probably would have went from one jail cell to another, or worse. I know how the game is played, comrade, you can ask former President Rivera himself how he himself was removed from power."

"As soon as I pay my respects, I will leave this place. I guarantee you, comrade, that if Flavia is harmed or held in captivity again and you are still in power, you will live to regret the day we met in person. Praetorian Militia, forward... march!" With that, Newman and his guards began to parade off towards Blätterschplitt City, using their sheathed swords to hit against their shields as they walked, amplifying the noise of their marching. Newman still held the stained wooden box containing a copy of the sword he had given Flavia, inscribed this time with a simple message enscribed on both sides of the blade in Latin (free translation):

"Rest of Peace, Imperiator. May Edolia see better days than the ones they see now."

Albert von Tusk waited patiently as the Islander ranted and watched impassively as he walked past, followed by his Praetorian guardsmen. “I’m afraid that we haven’t had the funeral yet,” he said, over his shoulder. “As you may or may not know, Edolian tradition dictates that you don’t hold the funeral ceremonies until the coronation of the successor. The Impërator’s body is currently in stasis. You’re welcome to go see it, if you wish. On the other hand, I’m sure that Parliament will soon be deciding on the future government of Edölia. I doubt that they will declare that there not be a coronation altogether. After all,” he continued, “the Imperial Party is still the most popular.”
“Not have a coronation..?” Flavia said slowly. Her voice took on a note of threat. “What do you mean, general?”
“I mean that we have much to discuss, Your Highness,” von Tusk said softly. He turned back to the Islander. It’s your decision. You’re our guest, after all.”

"I will pray, present the offering and be on my way," Newman replied as he looked to Flavia. "Good day, your highness."

“Thank you, Mr. President,” Flavia called after the Islander. Her voice was loud, but held some uncertainty. The princess had been through quite a bit in the last few days and she was now faced with a very complicated situation at home. The Grand Marshal turned to Flavia.
“Why don’t we go to my office?” he asked. “We have a lot to talk about.”

---

A short car ride later and the pair were back in the Scarlet Palace. Albert von Tusk had taken the office of Foreign Minister Matthew von Pickett as his own. It was large and spacious –probably the second best in the palace after that of the Impërator. Von Tusk offered Flavia a seat. She wearily plopped herself down on a large leather couch off to the side. Von Tusk took the swiveling office chair in front of his desk. “I think that it’s important that we’re both on the same page here, Your Highness,” he said after they had settled down. “You’ve only been gone two weeks, but Edölia’s experienced a lot of changes.”
“Enough to make the country abandon the Family?” Flavia asked pointedly.
“To be honest,” Albert von Tusk said, “almost.” There was a moment of silence. “Since you’ve been gone, a rebellion in the South larger than anything we’ve seen since the Christian Insurrection has flared up. About one hundred thousand people are dead down there –mostly civilians and rebels. The scenes of buildings crumbling in Tetelburg have… challenged people’s ingrained ideas.” Flavia nodded carefully and von Tusk continued. “Shortly after your kidnapping, Blätterschplitt City was shut down by the largest demonstrations we’ve ever seen in Edölia. There were some ten million there, and tens of millions more in cities around the country. The Scarlet Empire nearly erupted into civil war, Your Highness,” he said. “Only after I seized power from the ineffectual Imperial Cabinet did some semblance of order return to our streets.”
“But at what price?” Flavia asked. “At the price of Edolian freedom?”
“No!” von Tusk said, empathetically. “Turn on the news and you’ll see Lüret Sun talking as normal. Look outside the palace. There are still some demonstrators there calling for my resignation. Edolian freedoms are intact.”
“And my family?”
“Your family is safe.” Von Tusk said. “I would never hurt a von Blätterschplitt.”
“Where are they?” she demanded.
“Your brothers are both where they normally are,” he said. “They are doing their job, although I’m afraid that we’ve had to keep a close watch over them. Your children are likewise safe. Only General Armond has been detained because of his connections with the military, and he is safe –more comfortable than we are right now. Your military cousins are in similar detention.”
“When will they be released?” Flavia demanded. “I want to see them.”
“You can see them whenever you like,” von Tusk said. “As to when they will be released, I imagine within a few days. Parliament is drawing up a new Constitution.”
“Parliament will reestablish the Family as the rulers of Edölia,” Flavia said confidently. “You should have just kept the old one.”
“Perhaps, perhaps not,” von Tusk said. “Like I said, minds have been changed. Many people aren’t sure that a system such as we have now can possibly be stable. 35% of Parliament is made up of anti-Imperials now,” he said. “If elections were held tomorrow, I think that number would rise to 50% or even more.”
“You are so sure.”
“I am.”
“But Parliament…”
“Parliament is still loyal to you,” von Tusk said. “That is why we need to talk to them.”
“Why should I talk to them and help you overthrow my family?” Flavia asked.
“Because it will happen no matter what we do,” Von Tusk said. “If you agree to step down, the half of the country that follows you will accept it. You’ll be able to do whatever you want and probably get elected to the highest office in Edölia.” Von Tusk paused. “On the other hand, if you stay the course, half of the country will be angry. We’ll see demonstrations like we saw a week ago spring up in every city in Edölia. The rebellions will persist and the anti-Imperial movement will continue to grow until eventually someone or other will overthrow you.”
“Is that a threat?” Flavia asked.
“No. It is a warning.” There were a few moments of silence. “Do you understand what I’m telling you?” von Tusk asked.
“My reign is over,” Flavia said.
“Yes.” There was silence again. “Rosaura von Grönbouler is currently on a plane flying back from Ilek Vaad,” von Tusk said. “I think that we should meet with her when she arrives.” Flavia nodded.