NationStates Jolt Archive

To lose is to win, and he who wins must lose.
~The Riddle of Rassilon



Gunfire.

He was running, weaving through the trees, the thick foliage slicing at his sweat-stained uniform. The CR48 was clutched painfully to his chest, his grip digging the metal into the palms of his hands.

There was gunfire all around him, the stutter of machine guns, the deeper booming of high-powered rifles, the rattling of assault rifles all melding into a symphony of chaos. Always above him the thudding of rotors, the dull crump of explosives. And the heavy, rasping sound of his own breathing.

He couldn't work out where his platoon was, but the whole forest was crawling with soldiers anyway. He'd ran over some of the dead ones, slipping on blood and gore. He was alone though... Alone in the middle of--

***

The shrill beeping of the alarm jarred Ambassador Robertson awake. He blearily turned over and stared dazedly at the time: 6:02 AM.

He sighed and closed his eyes for a moment, letting his ming clear of the nightmare. It was the same old thing, of course--the first time in ten years though.

Ten years. He was getting old. He had also slept through two minutes of the alarm.

He struggled up and went through his morning routine numbly, remembering his meeting with General de Santuro and Governor Bryce the two days ago.

Lady Bryce was drumming her fingers on the desk, always a bad sign. The General sat next to her, leaning forward, staring into his eyes.

"It's vitally important that we paint them into a corner," he was saying, "The balance of power mustn't tip any way or the whole region may destabilise."

Lady Bryce looked worried. "We have to come out with our best foot. These sat scans aren't clear enough for a good picture of what's going on down there--either they're building missile silos or they could be building child care centers. We need to make them go on the defensive, and you're it."

Missile silos or child care. What's more likely?

Robertson shrugged on the jacket of his suit and fixed his tie. The window was open and he could see the sea spread out before the hotel, lapping against the golden sands. Baron Island was paradise.

There was a discreet tap at the door. He opened it and peered out; it was one of the security men. He nodded briefly, closed the door and picked up his briefcase. He took one last look around the room, then walked out.

***

The Grand House of Baron was an enormous chamber with a high, raised arched roof. Hidden light sources radiated a warm, golden and blue glow over the curved seating where the regional Ambassadors sat with their aides.

An assortment of press were scattered amongst the upper galleries, filming and photographing the session in case anything newsworthy happened. At the moment, the President of the House was sitting at his podium with a bored look on his face as one of the smaller nations finished giving a report on trade relations with Calipalmetto. It was a fairly average day and the President was looking forward to wrapping things up and heading out for an early lunch.

The Chimaean Ambassador walked into the chamber, bowed to the President and sat in the Chimaean section, whispering briefly with the Deputy Ambassador, who stood, bowed to the President and walked out. The President looked curiously towards them.

The Ambassador speaking finally finished and sat down. There was a sense of relief in the Chamber and the President supposed that everyone was looking to go out into the bright sunshine. He prepared to dismiss the House when the Chimaean Ambassador stoof unexpectedly.

"The Chair recognises the Commonwealth of Chimaea." The President announced, resignation in his voice.

"Mr. President, Ambassadors, I apologise for my late entrance and this unscheduled interruption into the session. This won't take long.

"The Commonwealth would like to lodge an official condemnation of the Holy Empire of Rathanan. We would like to draw your attention to the report now on your screens detailing human rights violations, produced by Baron Aid and recently released.

"There are records of religious discrimination and the murder of those of other religions. There are records of torture, summary execution of dissidents and ethnic clensing operations carried out by official military forces. A large percentage of the population work in conditions illegal under Resolution 422 for state-owned industries. The current government has held onto sole power, killing opposition elements.

"In Appendix 3, you will note the detailing of refugees' accounts of religious and ethnic persecution and further atrocities committed by the government.

"It is in light of this that the Commonwealth calls upon the Grand House to vote for sanctions against the Holy Empire of Rathanan alongside an embargo on the trade, especially the import, of military resources into Rathanan, enforced by the Security Council. This to be lifted when the Holy Empire comes into line with Baron standards on human and political rights.

"Thank you for your time."

The Holy Emperor Calidan of Rathanan read Chimaea's statement with disgust. He threw the paper aside and glared at his ambassador.

"So that hethen, Lady Bryce, thinks she can push the Holy Empire around, does she? We shall not stand for this...." The Emperor stood up and walked towards a window.

"Yes, milord, but Chimaea is a much larger nation than we are.... How do you propose that we force them into a stalemate?" His Ambassador asked nervously.

"Trust me, I've been asking favors from our fellow nations in the reigon... Chimaea and Rathanan have never sat well with each other." The Emperor remarked as he rubbed his chin. "I'm going to release some highly classified information.... Information that may work to our advantage." The Emperor stated, a grim smirk coming across his face.

"What would that be, Milord?" The Rathani Ambassador asked, his voice shaking slightly.

"I've been working fervishly to get Nuclear Weapons..... My work paid off as a counter part so graciously supplied them to us.. I want you to annouce our nuclear program... We'll see if Chimaea wants to "sanction" us after that." The Emperor said plainly.

"O-o-o-of course my liege, it shall be done." The Ambassador said, quite shocked at this revelation.

"Oh, I would also like you to respond to Chimaea's "human rights" concern." The Emperor added. "Remind her that after the death of my father, our nation divided and civil war broke out for dominance of the throne.... Obviously, I won..... In order to keep order and peace within Rathanan, I must do some rather harsh things." The Emperor stated peering out the window at the sun set. "Also remind the Chimaean hethen that our nation has always been centered on the Christian faith.... And we cannot have hethens running amok in our holy nation." Calidan stated. "Every nation that preaches religious tollerance is a cesspool of immorality." Concluded the Holy Emperor as he peered back at the Ambassador.

"I shall do all that you ask in God's holy name, my liege." The Ambassador said as he bowed before his Emperor.

two days later

The Ambassador of Rathanan stood up before the president and the ambassador's of all the other Baron nations.

"To address the concerns of Chimaea, our Holy Emperor has stated that the Chimaean government needs to remember certain aspects of our recent history." The Ambassador said with a thin sneer on his face. "If you remember, that after the death of Holy Emperor Calidan's father, there was a long and bloody civil war within the Holy Empire of Rathanan." The Ambassador continued. "After many years of strife, our most Holy Emperor defeated his enemies and took the mantle of Holy Emperor, reuniting our nation." Added the Ambassador. "However, there are still a lot of people who are loyal to other causes.... Causes which have since been labeled as treason.... Your human rights concerns have to do with how we deal with traitors." The Ambassador remarked. "Also, as far as your religous intollerance statement, our nation has always been centered on the truth of the Christian faith... All nations who preach religious tollerance are cesspools of corruption and immorality." The Ambassador added. "The Holy Emperor would also like to state that Rathanan now has a sizeable nuclear arsenal... And is not afraid of Chimaean aggression." The Ambassador said. "I yield the ballance of my time to the chair" The Ambassador concluded as he sat down.

Nuclear arsenal...

The words echoed around Ambassador Robertson's head as his Rathanan counterpart finished speaking. Nuclear arsenal. His thoughts rushed headlong through a maze of possibilities but one part of his mind could only remember the first Baron war. A whole nation wiped out in an instant. Another nation in ruins. Nuclear fire raining down from the sky.

Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.

He remembered the horror as the news reports came into the base hospital. He'd copped a bullet in the arm and one in the neck but he'd survived, barely. The invasion of Clock Hill had gone off with barely a hitch... Things were looking good. Regime change was in the air.

And then... One nation wiped clean, millions of people left as shadows burnt into the ground. Another nation struggling to survive. Ashes to Ashes, dust to dust...

He came out of his reverie as he realised that the whole Chamber was looking towards him. A lot of the Ambassadors has looks ranging from horror to concern. And they were all looking at him because he was Chimaea. The most powerful militarised nation in Baron, but without an acknowledged nuclear arsenal.

Reality came flooding back. He thumbed his touch screen, bringing the correct speech onto it. He'd prepared for every eventuality. This was, after all, what he was good at.

As he rose, his eyes unexpectedly met those of his Rathanan counterpart. The man was sitting staring at him, a sneer on his face... but there was a weary, dull terror in his eyes. For a moment, Robertson wondered whether he, too, saw the coming storm.

He pushed the thought out of his head and cleared his throat. The President of the House acknowledged him belatedly.

"Mr. President, fellow nations," he began soberly, "you have all heard what the Holy Empire had to say. There have been no denials, there have been no assurances of change. There has only been posturing and defiance in the face of the intra-regional community."

He paused for effect. He accutely felt the eyes of the region concentrated on him. What he said here would have remifications for everyone's foreign policy--ultimately effect the lives of billions.

"And today, we have heard undeniable admission on the existance of a heretherto undeclared nuclear arsenal. There have been no checks, balances, inspections. There have been no public records or notification of the Baron Security Council. This is a secret illegal arsenal of weapons of mass destruction--a danger to the lives of every citizen of every nation in Baron.

"It is with this in mind that the Commonwealth will take action to secure Baron against this threat. We will continue with an embargo and we invite any other Baron nations to participate--with or without Security Council approval. We cannot afford to wait longer to halt the supply of illegal weapons and military resources into the Holy Empire.

"Thank you for your time."

As he sat down, watching the stunned faces of the other diplomats, he wondered which side they would be on once Operation Broken Arrow got under way and the world realised the extent of Chimaea's plans.

One day later

The Rathani Ambassador sat nervously in the car that was taking him to the Imperial Palace. He muttered a prayer in latin and looked at his watch. As the palace loomed before him, the ambassador straightened his tie and took a deep breath.

The Holy Imperial Throne Room

The Holy Emperor sat a listened to the Ambassador's testimony and could sence the nervousness emitting from his ambassador. Holy Emperor Calidan was a young Emperor of about eighteen, but he had the uncanny ability to read people like books.

"And the Chimaean Gov-" The Ambassador was suddenly inturrupted by the Emperor

"Relax, Ambassador, I saw this coming.... You've done your job, so stop acting like I'm going to give you to the inquisition." Calidan said, his eyes narrowing. "I want you to go back to the House of Baron as soon as you can and deliver this message.."

The Ambassador scrambled to find a notebook and a pen. "I'm ready, my liege." He said in a more relaxed tone.

"We would like to clairify that our nuclear program is strictly for insurance's sake." The Emperor said. "The Commonwealth of Chimaea and the Holy Empire of Rathanan have never boded well with each other, and we probably never will." Calidan continued. "Therefore, in order to insure that Chimaea, or any other nation will not invade our sovergn grounds, we shall keep these nuclear arms for our protection." The Emperer added. "You have my full and utmost word that we shall use NO weapons of mass destruction for offensive reasons... To this I pledge the sacred honor of the Holy Empire of Rathanan." The Emperor concluded.

The Ambassador quickly scribbled the last few words down and looked up at the Emperor. "Is that all, my liege?" He asked.

"As far as the statement, yes, but if Chimaea does not accept this, I would like you to retire to your home in St. Androphine City for a while... I feel military tension will come." The Emperor stated grimly.

"My liege, do you really think it will add up to all out war?!" The ambassador asked nervously.

"Maybe yes, maybe no... All we can do now is pray to our lord God, and prepare our holy armies against the hethen nation of Chimaea." The Emperor said.

3 days later at the House of Baron

"The chair recognizes the Ambassador from the Holy Empire of Rathanan." The president said.

"Mr. President and Ambassadors of the nations of our great reigon, I come to you today to give our Emperor's humblest clairification." The Ambassador stated. "When I said we have a nuclear arsenal, I ment it was for insurance's sake ONLY." The Ambassador said. "As you all know, Chimaea and Rathanan have never really gotten along very well." The ambassador said. "There have been many times when all out war was imminent between us... Only by the sheer grace of God were they prevented." The Ambassdor added. "Our Holy Emperor has sworn on the sacred honor of our great nation, that the nuclear arsenal is for defensive purposes only." The Ambassador said. "The Holy Emperor expresses his deepest appologies for the confusion." The Ambassador concluded. "I yield the ballance of my time to the chair." The Ambassador said as he sat down.

Around the same time as the Ambassador's speach in the Holy Imperial Throne Room

Five generals and 2 admirals walked into the Throne room and bowed before the Emperor.

"You summoned us, my liege?" Asked one of them.

The Emperor stared at his top military officials. "I have summoned you to inform you that war may be imminent." The Emperor said grimly. "The hethen dogs of Chimaea have added tensions between us." The Emperor continued. "I want all of you to work together and make out a defensive strategy incase this turns into war...... I do not want any service rivalries to get in the way of this... Do you understand me?" The Holy Emperor said, rising from his seat. "You are my generals and know more about tactics than I do, thus you shall have almost complete leway.... However, i do require that you give trusted subordinates the keys to shoot off our nuclear arms incase we have no other choice." The Emperor said as he stared out a large window. "I want the ones with the keys to be placed in the launch stations at all times.... Anything else, as far as tactics go, I leave up to you." Said the Emperor, turning to face his ranking military officals. "Also, I have sent a message to the House of Baron through our ambassador making seem as though we were backing off a bit.... This will not be the case with our policies, however. I want our nuclear arms fueled and ready at all times. Said the Emperor, a scowl coming across his face. "I also want our silos to be extra camoflauged and I want no mention of our more secret back up supply." The emperor concluded. "Now go and do it, we have little time." The Emperor snapped.

"Yes, Holy Emperor." They all said as they bowed and quickly left for the main war room.

As his generals and admirals left him, Holy Emperor Calidan narrowed his eyes at the large statue of him in the middle of the Rathani Capitol (St. Alexander City).

"Well Bryce, the board is set and it's your move..." The Emperor murmured to himself. "But, as surely as God is just, you shall not get a checkmate in this game." The Emperor growled as he turned around and headed towards the Palace cathederal for his afternoon service.....

Live broadcast on 24 Hour NewsNet

"...and that's up next.

"Now we move live to the Grand House of Baron, where the Holy Empire's Ambassador has just finished his reply."

Footage of Rathanan Ambassador giving his speech; the main chamber is now full as all Baron nations attend to wittness events; there is a tangible sense of history in the making... and cold fear.

Footage cuts back to the Chamber in the present, where Ambassador Robertson has just stood.

"The Chair recognises the Commonwealth of Chimaea."

"Thank you, Mr. President. Fellow nations, this is truly a dark day in the history of Baron. Today we have heard the Ambassador of a despotic regime give assurances that these nuclear weapons, which threaten to destabilise the balance of power in the region, are for 'defensive' purposes only.

"The Commonwealth, however, will not accept nuclear weapons in Rathanan under any circumstances. However, the most important question has been overshadowed by this: the gross acts of human rights abuse perpetrated by the current regime. Right now, there are men, women and children dying in Rathanan because they simply worship another god. There are weapons being used against these people that have been imported, designs of military application that have been imported--and it is likely that these nuclear weapons have also been imported. We do not know where from... but we know that action must be taken.

"The Holy Empire has proven unwilling to adhere to the human rights standards as set out in resolutions made by this House. They have used threats to try to dissuade our humanitarian concerns. Therefore... the Commonwealth will go on with the planned trade embargo and consider further sanctions until such a time that the Holy Empire changes its inhumane policies.

"I thank you for your time."

***

The fire roared in the immense stone fireplace, casting a flickering ruddy glow over the room. At a safe and comfortable distance in front of it, the low couches and ornately carved armchairs stood in a semi-circle. Curled up in one of the couches, propped up on one elbow, a young woman leafed through a battered, leather-bound journal.

As she got to one particular page, she stopped and a sad, weary look clouded her beautiful features. On that page was a single photo, inexpertly stuck to the page by clear sticky-tape. She gazed at the photo for a while, the only sound in the room the crackling of the fire and the soft sound of her breathing.

A single tear glinted in the firelight, and trailed down the contour of her cheek. She started when she felt it on her chin, and with one hand brushed it away, snapping the journal shut with the other. She blinked a few times and reached down from the couch until her fingers met the fur of the large Great Dane who lay asleep on the warm rug. She briefly ruffled the fur and the dog made a small noise in his sleep. She wondered what he was dreaming.

There was a discreet knock at the door. She sighed and watched the door open and her butler walk in, face as respectful and impassive as always.

"General de Santuro to see you, my Lady."

"It's nearly midnight! Can't he wait?"

"Should I tell him to leave?"

The woman shook her head and brought her feet off the couch. "No, no, it's fine. I'll see him in my office."

"Yes, my Lady."

She watched him walk away, then looked down at the now-awake dog, who looked back at her.

"Never go into politics," she told him. "Seriously. It sucks."

The dog gave her a look and laid its head on its paws, and went back to sleep.

***

General de Santuro was standing to attention in the middle of the room as she walked into the office, climbed onto the large leather chair behind her desk, tucking her feet under her.

"What couldn't wait till morning, General?"

The General looked faintly surprised. "My apologies, Governor. I hadn't realised it was so late."

Lady Bryce--Governor of Chimaea, supreme Commander of the Chimaean Armed Forces and the single most powerful person in all 5 billion Chimaean citizens--stuck out her tongue at the General, who blinked. Lady Bryce sighed and gestured him to a chair. "How's Mrs. Santuro, and the kids?"

Looking mildly annoyed now, the General replied, "They're fine. My Lady, I've come to discuss the Rathanan situation."

Lady Bryce reached out to her desk and pulled a folder closer to the edge. "I read the briefing, yes. Well... it's worrying."

"Definitely. But I need to know, right now... if it comes to the worst and we risk the possibility of a nuclear exchange, would you be willing to authorise a full escallation?"

"What do you mean by a full-escallation?"

"Complete invasion."

The ticking of the clock gained prominence in the sudden silence.

"Invasion."

"We strike, we strike hard, we strike in full force. And most of all, we strike before the possibility of tactical nukes being used on our forces, or larger weapons used on Chimaea."

There was another long pause as Lady Bryce and General de Santuro stared at each other. Then Lady Bryce nodded, almost imperceptibly. "I'll do what I need to do to protect my troops and my citizens, General."

General de Santuro picked up a leather folder and passed it over to her. She opened it, glanced down the single page, then signed her name at the bottom. She looked up to see General de Santuro smiling. The dim light cast by the desk lamp flattened the planes of his face, throwing his features into sharp relief. He stood, picked up the folder and saluted her.

Lady Bryce didn't salute back. She held his gaze, her eyes cold and steely. "General..."

"Governor?"

"Make sure I don't have to protect them."

"I shall try my best, Governor."

As the man walked silently out of the room, Lady Bryce closed her eyes and prayed.

***

OOC: Next post will be the start of the military stuff.

Holy Emperor Calidan rubed his face with his hands as he watched the news. "This is most certainly a test from God." He murmered. "A test of my faith and of my resolve." He said as he yawned. "Sometimes I wonder how I keep this naton together, especaly after the civil war." He mumbled as he turned off his television.

"Holy Emperor?" The Emperor's butler asked as he entered the room. "Your ranking military officals are here to see you..." He said.

"Fine, fine, send them in Derrek." The Emperor said nonchallantly.

The Generals and Admirals walked into the room, all dressed in full class-A uniforms.

"I suppose you all have a good reason for being here, right?" The Emperor asked in a bored tone.

"Yes, my liege, we do." One of the generals said as he stepped foward. "We have compiled many strategies against Chimaea.." He added.

"Give it to me straight, General, what are our odds?" The Holy Emperor snapped.

"As far as worldly odds go? Not good my liege... But we have the power of God on our side." He answered.

"That is true, General, I applaud your faith... But do not, under any circumstances, let that dictate your strategy." The Emperor remarked. "You all have always been loyal to me, even since the civil war... I'm counting on you once again." The Emperor stated as he looked each one of them in the eye.

"Do not worry, Holy Emperor, we have already taken care of all your concerns.." Said an Air Force General. "All that they require is your signature." He added.

"Then by all means, let me see them." The Emperor said as he took a pen from one of the Generals. "I will also increase the length of compulsary military service tomorrow morning." The Emperor added as he signed the strategies off. "Godspeed gentlemen." The Emperor said turning away. As his ranking military officals left him, The Emperor reached for the phone and dialed a number.

"What is your command, Holy Emperor?" Said the voice on the other end.

"I want the inquisition to be ready for massive purges if war breaks out, once some of our people taste the Chimaean lifestyle, they may be hesitant to go back." The Emperor said.

"It shall be done, Holy Emperor." The voice said. "Is there anything else?"

"Yes, I want increased survailance on the Chimaean boarder and on Chimaea itself.... If an attack is pending, I want to know."

"Of course, Holy Emperor." Said the voice.

"That is all." Concluded the Emperor as he hung up.

"Not since my great grandfather has such great adversity fallen appon the Holy Emperor of Rathanan...." The Emperor said as he got ready for bed.

6 hours later

General Apisteel stood before his troops. "By command of our Holy Emperor, Lucius Calidan, the length of required military service shall be extended to 4 years due to hightened tensions with the Hethenwealth of Chimaea." The General said peering down at his troops. "All other services are complying as well, Godspeed, soldiers of the Holy Imperial Army." The General said saluting the soldiers.

2 hours later

Three inquisition officers burst into a tractor factory. They looked around at all the workers with their harsh, emotionless eyes and walked towards the office of the manager.

"What is this?!" The manager asked shocked. "I've always been loyal to our Holy Emperor and to Christ himself!!" The manager stated getting out of his seat.

"Relax, Mr. Allen, we are well aware of your devotion to God and Emperor.... We aren't here to arrest you." Stated the officer in charge of the group.

The manager sat back down with a look of relief.

"We've come today because the Holy Emperor needs your help." The head officer said.

"H-h-he does?!" The manager asked enthusiastically.

"Yes, from this moment on, all industry shall now be converted into making weapons of war." The officer said. "Your industry will remain private, but you will give the state your product without charge, and in turn, you will be comphensated after the war." He continued.

"Of course! Anything for our Holy Emperor... I shall inform our owner..." The manager said.

"Don't bother, he's already been informed." The officer said as he got up and left.

The Holy Imperial Throne Room

Holy Emperor Calidan was reviewing a geographic map of Chimaea when the head of the inquistion came into the throne room.

"Ah, Mathias, what do you need?" The Emperor asked as he put his map down.

"I'm here to inform you that all businesses are complying with our demands... They are begining mass construction of weapons of war." Mathias said as he bowed.

"Good. Any new intellegence from Chimaea?" The Emperor asked in a grim tone.

"Our spies report military movements, though this isn't conclusive, it certainly looks as though something is up." Mathias answered.

"Inform the heads of each service to begin Operation Holy Shield." The Emperor said as he rose from his throne. "I will not be pushed aside by a nation of hethens." The Emperor growled.

"It shall be done, Holy Emperor." Mathias answered as he bowed and walked away.

Chimaea Mobilises Troops

New Sydney Times

The tensions that have been growing between the Commonwealth of Chimaea and the Holy Empire of Rathanan have reached the stage of military action, albiet an unsanctioned trade and military embargo on the Holy Empire.

The surprising move, announced by Ambassador Robertson to the Grand House of Baron on Wednesday, further escallates the situation between the two nations. Already there has been criticism by international and domestic sources, warning of a second Baron nuclear exchange.

The Holy Empire recently announced the existance of a nuclear arsenal as a purported defence against any attempt by Chimaea to force the current regime out of power. Chimaea has no acknowledged nuclear weapons though possesses the capability to construct them.

Professor Haining of New Sydney University, a leading authority on Chimaean foreign policy, cites this event as a toughening of the Chimaean response to maintaining its military dominance over Baron. With the breakdown of the Clock Hill alliance during the first Baron War, Chimaea has been able to have strong influence over Baron affairs which is now threatened by the Holy Empire's offensive nuclear capability.

"This is a clear indication that, unusually for the current Administration, the government does not plan to negotiate or back down in the face of a nuclear threat. This policy harkens back to the days of the Lord Bryce Administration [Lady Bryce's father] and its heavily militarised and interventionist foreign policy. This could in fact signal the beginning of a Baron power struggle."

The Federal Opposition has stridently criticised the Bryce Administration's handling of the Rathanan situation, with Opposition Leader Winston de August's strongest criticism of the government in a recent Press meeting.

"This new policy of agression is disgraceful, dangerous and ignorant. Chimaea now risks a nuclear exchange within Baron which would spell disaster for Chimaea and any allied nation. How could the Governor so readily forget what happened during the Chimaean-Clock Hill War, which saw her own father at the helm? I hope that aggressive military strategy as a political tool isn't a hereditary trait!"

Aggressive or not, the Third Fleet has mobilised in force from its ports in Waelcyrge, Hope and Eastport (http://chimaea.crforums.net/chimaeamap.jpg) and is meeting a Carrier Group from the Second Fleet in international waters off Rathanan. It is not certain of the yet of the details of this mobilisation as the government has kept it tightly under wraps; however it appears this is going to be quite a show of force...

***

On board the CSS Alberto, nearing Rathanan territorial waters

The CSS Alberto, the Command and Control ship of the Carrier Group Norithan, hummed with activity as officers, technicians and other staff bustled around consoles and computers. In the center of the control room deep inside the ship, Rear Admiral Sanchez leaned back in his chair, sipping a chipped mug of coffee, and studied the latest sitrep on his touchscreen.

The mobilisation was going well. Elements of the Second Fleet had joined with the First Fleet and were taking up positions in international waters, physically blockading Rathanan, especially around the ports. In the two Carriers in Norithan, fighter aircraft and surveillance aircraft were constantly taking off and landing, keeping a watchful eye on the fleet and any possible Rathanan defensive actions.

Up above the atmosphere, the Chimaean sattelites broke off from the main Baron Grid and formed over the fleet and the Rathanan mainland, transferring information and scanning, attempting to dig through the electronic defences.

Rear Admiral Sanchez rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he gave orders to prepare for the embargo... and Operation Broken Arrow.

The Emperor downed his shot of wine and bowed before the alter of the Holy Imperial Cathederal. During this communion, however, the Emperor's mind was not fully set on God, but on the security of his nation. As he walked out of the sanctuary, his top military officals along with the head of the Inquisition were all waiting for him.

"What news?" The Emperor asked in a hushed tone.

"Chimaea's fleet has been mobilized right out side of our waters... This is certainly an act of war." The head of the Inquisition said.

"I agree with Mr. Haupsburg." Said an Admiral stepping foward. "Shall I mobilize our fleet to force a standoff?"

"No, if we face them directly it will be a wholesale slaughter of our ships..." The Emperor said. "We need to hide them somehow.... Draw them into a trap.... Is that possible?" The Emperor asked as they began to walk towards the Holy Imperial War Room.

"It's.... Possible I suppose.... But it would take a considerable about of discreet moving on the part of our fleet." The Admiral said hesitantly.

"Do what you can, that's all I ask Admiral.... The fate of our nation rests with all of you." The Emperor said as he looked each one of them in the eye. "For right now, I want you to also cut the reverance crap around me.... As with the civil war, I want things to be told to me straight." The Emperor remarked.

"Yes Ho- of course.." They all said hesitantly.

One General, the one who had always been the quietest among them, spoke up. "The Paladin divisions are ready and waiting, shall we begin a black-ops war?" He asked.

"No, I want history to remember this war as the war Chimaea alone started." The Emperor said. "That will rally other nations to our side.." He added. "I want our paladin divisions ready and waiting, during the defensive war, I may have them running offensive missions in Chimaea itself." The Emperor remarked. The Emperor's eyes shot towards the head of the Inquisition. "I want you to send officers to bring the Ambassador from his home in St. Androphine to the House of Baron.... Tell him to condemn the Commonwealth of Chimaea in whatever way possible." The Emperor said.

"I'll do it as soon as i get back to my desk." The head of the Inquisition said.

"I'd like to add one final remark." An admiral said. "We've loaded several nukes onto submarines and hid them rather well in the sea.... Even if they find our stock, they won't be able to destroy them all in time."

"The army has camoflauged the silos as much as we possible could... But we make no gaurntees that Chimaean missles won't be able to spot them" An army general said.

"Good. I want operation Holy Shield's positions covered by tomorrow morning." The Emperor said. "I also want Operation Divine Wrath ready and waiting.... If we go down, they'll go down too." The Emperor said. "You're all dismissed." As his generals left him, the Emperor looked out a window. "It's still your move, Bryce... Only I have the trump card." He said as he turned and walked towards the throne room.

1 day later at the House of Baron

"The Ambassador from the Holy Empire of Rathanan is recognized." The president said.

The Ambassador of Rathanan stood up, two Inquisition officers at either side of him. "Mr. President, fellow Ambassadors, I come before you today to condemn the actions of the Commonwealth of Chimaea." He began. "Chimaea is a warmongering nation who, even now, is assembling its fleet at the boarder of our waters." He continued. "Chimaea means to have a repeat of the first Baron war!" He said, a sneer coming onto his face as he looked at the Chimaean ambassador. "If that is what Lady Bryce is after, Holy Emperor Lucius Caladin will not be afraid to repeat it." The Ambassador said somewhat arrogantly. "Sanctions on OUR nation?! Chimaea deserves to be sanctioned for their warmongering, powerhungry tactics." The ambassador added. "Our aggression is purely retaliatory." He mentioned. "The moment their power is challanged even in the slightest, they must start war!" The Ambassador continued. "I urge my colleuges to join me in condemning this warmongering maneuver on the part of Chimaea." The Ambassador concluded. "I yield the rest of my time to the chair." As the Ambassador sat down, his two Inquisition offers stared at the Chimaean ambassador, as if daring him to try something... Thier emotionless eyes dying for the blood of those who would challange their Emperor.. As they looked away, one of them whispered into the Ambassador's ear.

"I can see why the Emperor has such high confidence in you... I don't forsee ever having to deal with you.." The officer said. "Now let's go. We have found a house for you to stay in on this island... The Emperor doesn't want to risk you dying as you're our ambassador to the rest of the reigon." The officer said grabbing the ambassador's sholder a bit roughly. The Ambassador nodded, got up, and left with both of his gaurds.

Ambassador Robertson relaxed slightly as the unblinking, soulless gazes of the Rathanan Ambassador's aides moved from him. Aides... or guards? he pondered. And are they protecting him or...?

Whatever it was, not the sort of people he'd like to meet in a deserted alley at night. Never mind at night, he wouldn't like to meet them in the middle of a crowded city in broad daylight.

He got to his feet as the President gave Chimaea the floor, feeling the eyes of the world on him. To think, he mused, Some men just work in an office and complain about the photocopier. Lucky men.

"Mr. President, fellow nations. The Commonwealth have indeed mobilised our fleets in preparation of the embargo. As we speak, our financial investigators are tracing Rathanan transactions within Baron in an attempt to locate the source of this illicit arms trade. We are temporary freezing any Chimaean trade with the Holy Empire, governmental or private.

"As of midnight tonight, our embargo will be in place. There will be a quarantine zone in international waters around Rathanan; any and all shipping to Rathanan will be searched and checked before being allowed through the quanrantine zone. Added to that, a no-fly zone will be in place above this quanrantine zone--any unauthorised flights into Rathanan will be warned to change course before being forced down."

Robertson paused to allow this to sink in before glaring at his Rathanan counterpart in finely simulated indignation. "As of now, most peaceful trade with other nations will be allowed. Make no mistake, however--we shall consider further sanctions if necessary. We do not accept the condemnation that has been levelled at us; however we are not unreasonable. Any change of the Holy Empire's extremist policies will be reciprocated by a losening of the embargo. Any change in the Holy Empire's policy on their offensive nuclear capability, which we estimate to place in danger every Baron nation... will also be reciprocated."

Gunfire. Smoke. Screaming. The rifle clutched painfully to his chest.

"We do not want any hostilities, but we are prepared to meet any resistance with equal force. We will not stand by and risk the destabilisation of Baron."

Pain, red hot slicing pain opening up like the petals of a bloodied rose...

"We are open to negotiations at any time the Holy Empire wishes. Thank you for your time."

Falling, the ground rising up, blood staining the grass, the world is darkening. Is this the end? Is this the end?

***

Rathanan Quarantine Zone, East Quadrant

The sun dipped down the horizon like an open sore, bloodying the sky. The light shimmered in the haze of jet engines as SC-42 AirHawks blasted into the air from the deck of the CSS Carroll. The thunderous sound of the engines filled the world as a lone helicopter touched down on one of the four helipads of the Carrier.

Marine General Fiona Luttwich strode forwards, her short hair ruffling in the wind from the rotors as the two crewmen opened the helicopter's door. Rear Admiral Sanchez stepped out, saluting her then shaking her hand warmly. Both officers quickly got out of the way as the crewmen began refuelling the helicopter.

General Luttwich ushered the Rear Admiral into one of the elevators on the deck, which slowly sank into the bowels of the immense ship. As the noise from above died away, the Rear Admiral nodded and smiled at the General.

"It's good to see you again, Fiona."

"Good to see you too. Look at you! You look positively green for a sailor."

Sanchez mopped his brow with a handkerchief. "It's not the sailing, it's the flying that bothers me. Particularly how those cowboys ride their choppers."

Luttwich laughed amusedly. "Your men love showing off."

"Of course, the legendary Marines never even attempted to show off... I seem to remember last New Year--"

"Har har. You're a funny man. Don't quit the day job, eh?"

They grinned at each other as the elevator finally slid to a stop and the doors opened. The General led the way along the metal coridors and into her quarters, spartanly decorated in the way common with Marines. The two of them sat at a bolted-down table and Luttwich opened a small brown box and offered it to Sanchez, who raised an eyebrow. "Still smoking?"

"Cigars, Rear Admiral, are what life is all about. There's nothing quite like looking menacing while smoking a cigar."

Sanchez chuckled and picked one of the neat brown cylinders out of the box. Luttwich clipped the end of it and lit it with a silver lighter. Sanchez inhaled deeply, then coughed a little.

"This is deadly as usual. So how have you been?"

Luttwich shrugged, puffing on her own cigar. "So-so. We just came back from backing up the First Fleet in Syskeya... Situation there is going to hell in a handbasket. Lot of fighting, but the lads are doing well. Man, those Reich bastards are fucking crazy..."

"I've heard, yeah. I've read some of the sitreps... Are we winning?"

"Fucked if I know. Everyone there is out for blood... Syskeyians, Reich, even Knootians."

"Knootians? Really?"

"Apparently irregulars who've come to kick the Reich back into the sea. It's a mess, Clyde. We should never have gone in there."

"The Syskeyians are our allies--"

"I know, I know... But shit, it's looking like the Somme all over again."

Both officers were quiet for a moment. Then Sanchez tapped his cigar onto an ashtray and leaned forward, staring intently at Luttwich. "This is a waste of time, right here."

Luttwich looked surprised. "What is?"

"This whole Rathanan thing. I think Bryce just got a case of the willies because we don't have nukes too."

"Well they are guilty of human rights abuse--"

"Hah! You know as well as I do that this thing has blown over because of the nukes, and nothing else."

Luttwich sighed and looked away. "You reckon this is going to the shits?"

Sanchez hesitated, then shook his head. "I don't know... but I doubt it. Rathanan's been in turmoil for a long time... I don't think they have enough experience fighting against this sort of force."

Luttwich stared at him. "But you're worried."

Sanchez made a face. "Am I that transparent? Yes, I'm worried. Bloody worried. If they start using tactical nukes... provided they have tactical nukes... or even normal nukes, they're crazy enough..."

There was a brief silence. Then Luttwich grinned suddenly. "If the worst comes to the worst, at least we have the cigars to smoke at the end of the world."

Sanchez laughed, and stood up. "Let's go inspect the troops."

***

There was a detachment of 800 Marines on board the Carroll, though the bulk of the ground forces were in the troop transports. They stood stiffly to attention, presenting their CR-66s as the two officers walking between the ranks. Satisfied, both of them gave a short speech to the assembled Marines and reminded them of the gravity of the situation, of their duty to the Commonwealth and to eradicate oppression.

The Marines stood at attention, holding their weapons, faces carefully blank. The machine of war, ready to drop the hammer and let death fly.

***

Midnight arrived. The orders changed from stand by to operational. Submarines slid silently deep beneath the water, destroyers and frigates patrolled, the Carriers launched aircraft without pause. And in the troop transports and deep in the body of the big ships, thousands of Marines, Armour, Infantry, support and special forces waited...

***

OOC: Airstrikes coming up!

Holy Emperor Calidan slammed his fists on his desks as two Inquisiton officers gave him the news of what happened in the House of Baron.

"How dare he!" The Emperor yelled. "I will not stand for this insult." The Emperor remarked, calming down a little bit.

"What do you propose we do, Emperor? He is just an ambassador.... He means little in the long run" One officer asked.

"I think it's time we make an example, I will not be insulted like that... Send two of your best men undercover.... I think Mr. Robertson needs an accident." The Emperor said, his face red with anger.

"Yes, Holy Emperor. It shall be done." They said as they bowed and left.

1 hour later

Two high ranking officals from the spy division of the Inquisition along with the Grand Admiral of the Holy Imperial Navy came before the Emperor. They were all dressed in their class-A uniforms and all had grim looks on their face. The Grand Admiral stepped foward (among the few the Emperor told to stop using reverant greetings before him during the war).

"Lucius, our fleets are in position." The Grand Admiral said. "If they enter our waters, we should be in good enough of a strategic position to drive them out." He added. "The nuclear submarines with our nuclear missles are close to the boarder of our nuclear aid." The Admiral said. "The Navy is prepared." He finished.

"Good. That's one thing that's going right so far." The Emperor grumbled. "What do you two have to report?" The Emperor asked, his eyes darting towards the two inquisition officers.

"We think you'd like to see these photographs, Holy Emperor." The said taking out a manilla folder. "Fighters are on the decks of their aircraft carriers." They said grimly.

"Move our anti aircraft batteries into our cities and around close to our nuclear arsenal." The Emperor ordered.

"It's already been done, Holy Emperor. General Episteel was the first one we informed for this very reason." They added hesitantly.

"Good. Make sure it stays that way." The Emperor said. "I have Generals and Admirals for a reason, you know." He added.

"Yes, Holy Emperor." The two Inquisition officers said as they bowed and left.

"Godspeed, Lucius." The Admiral said, saluting the Emperor."

"Godspeed." the Emperor answered returning the salute.

4 hours later at the Island of Baron

Two Inquisition officers sat in their room eating dinner when their fax machine went off. One of them stopped eating his dinner and ripped the sheet away from the fax machine. Looking over it, his cold, hard eyes turned to sheer amazement.

"The Holy Emperor has decreed that the Chimaean ambassador needs to be in an accident... It's time an example was made." He read.

"Where do you propose we start looking for him?" The other asked, his mouth full of koos koos.

"We're Inquisition officers, Christof, not teenage slooths." The one with the sheet said sharply. "We'll find him easily... We just have to find the oppertune moment to end his worthless existance." He added.

"Then I suppose we should keep heavy survailance on Mr. Robertson and follow him on his daily commute." The other one, obviously named Christof, said.

"You're giving this idiot too much credit." The other one said, sitting back down and stabbing his lamb chop. "He's an ambassador, not a Chimaean agent." He added.

"I'll do a background check on him after dinner.... Prehaps we can learn something of our man marked for death.." Chrisitof finished.

"We'll wait till tomorrow." The other one said.

1 hour later

High Inquisitor Mathais Olivegrove stormed into the Holy Imperial Dining Hall, a look of pure rage on his face. In his hand was a sheet of paper, slightly crumpled from his rough way of handling it.

"What in the hell is this, Calidan?!" Mathias yelled. "You told me to give things to you straight, so now I am." He continued. "The ambassador is no good to us dead! We should do something, yes, but we want him alive!" Mathias added. "Think of how we could use him.... He might know of the full extent of Chimaea's intentions!" Mathias growled. "If war breaks out, we can use him for propoganda's sake and for a ransom!" Mathias concluded, his face burning red with anger.

Holy Emperor Calidan sat in his seat, silent but unshaken. "Mathias, you were the last person I'd expect to be this way." The Emperor said grimly. "You Inquisiton types always have trouble taking such orders.... And you are right." The Emperor added. "My anger just got the best of me." He said.

"Got the best of you?!" Mathias screamed. "With all due respect, Calidan, you're entering a stage of your life were you can't afford to let your emotions guide you." Mathias added, calming down a bit. "I've already corrected their orders...." He finished.

"Good, thank you Mathias.... Care to join me for the rest of dinner?" The Emperor asked somewhat plesantly.

"I suppose I have time..... We have other matters to discuss anyway..."

Back on Baron Island

Peter and his associate Christof were watching the news. Suddenly, the fax machine went off again. Growling, Peter got up and tore the sheet away from the fax machine. "Heh, isn't this typical of St. Alexander.... Orders have changed.... We're to capture the Ambassador, take him to the Rathani diplomatic airport, and take him to the Inquisiton headquarters..." He mumbled.

"Well that actually makes our job easier." Said Christof. "And I have just the idea to get him to come along with us." Christof added, a smirk coming across his face.

"Oh? And what is that?" Peter asked skeptically.

"Remember that Chimaean capitan we had to assassinate that one time?" Christof asked.

"Yes? What about him?" Peter asked.

"Well, Chimaean intellegence never got smart, and we still have those fake I.D.'s and badges...." Christof added. "We're already trained to mimic large amounts of accents." He concluded.

"Well, that's actually a good idea..... We strike tomorrow."

The next day at roughly 6:30 PM

The ambassador of Chimaea walked out of the house of Baron to find two strange looking men in sun glasses and summer wear waiting for him.

"Mr. Ambassador?" One asked with a Chimaean accent.

"Yes? What is it?" The ambassador asked, looking at the two men.

"Alan Rodgers." Said the man flipping out his I.D. and badge. "This is my associate, Eric Smith." He added. "We've been sent to pick you up and bring you back to the airport under our gaurd.... We're worried the Rathani Inquisiton may try something." He said.

"I guess I'll come, I don't know what's gotten into Governer Bryce though... I'm far more useful here.." The ambassador said.

They all got into the black luxury car the men were driving and sped off. After awhile, the Ambassador got the funny feeling that something was wrong. Right when he was about to speak up, he felt a silencer being jabbed into his side.

"Just sit still, Ambassador, and you may yet get through this alive." The man said, now with a thick Rathani accent. The one with the gun quickly used his other hand to wrap a blindfold around the ambassador's eyes. A few minutes later, the car suddenly stopped and the door by him opened.

"Out." The other man said harsly.

The ambassador did what he was told and got out of the car, the silenced gun still jabbed into his back. As he walked along, the ambassador could smell the unmistakeable smell of jet fuel and the loud roar of an airline engine ready to go. The next think he knew, he was forced into a seat and was tied to it.... All he could do now is pray.

Roughly two hours later he was pulled up harshly by his captors and handcuffed.

"Come on, we're here." One of them said.

The men took the ambassador into an elevator which took them down a long way.... When the elevator reached ground floor, the men dragged him off and through him into a cold, dank room... closed and locked the door...and left..... the Ambassador could only guess where he was now.

A few hours later

The door to his cell swung open and the unmistakeable sound of iron heeled boots walked in.

"On your feet." One of them barked.

The ambassador obayed and he was escorted into a room, obviously for interrogation. The gaurds tied him to his seat and left. The ambassador sat there for close to an hour when the door swung open and two unmistakeable Inquisiton officers walked in.... Behind them was the High Inquisitor himself.

"Mr. Robertson." Said the High Inquisitor looking over a file. "You have quite a record.... Veteran of the first Baron War..... Quite a feat." He said looking up at the Ambassador. "Do you know where you are?" He asked sharply.

"I believe somewhere in Rathanan." The ambassador responded, somewhat dazed.

"Good. You won't make me waste my time telling you then." Mathias said sitting down in front of the ambassador. "I have many skilled interrogators, Ambassador.... I feel that it's only right that you speak to me directly.... As you are a Chimaean beaurocrat.." Mathias said.

"What do you want from me?" The ambassador asked in a worried tone.

Mathias looked at the Ambassador for a minute and burst out laughing, but suddenly stopped. "First off, ambassador, I'm the one asking the questions here... But I'll humor you this time.... We believe you to hold information that is vital for our nation to have.... We also want you for insurances sake if your country invades." Mathias said. "We can go about our interrogations one of two ways.... You can either be cooperative... Or you can be uncoopertive.... But if you're uncooperative, this is going to be a whole lot more painful for you." Mathias said grimly. "My first question for you is simple.... Why are your ships parked outside our waters?" Mathias asked. "The question like a stupid one, but the Emperor doesn't take kindly to the little boy who cried wolf when there wasn't one." Mathias said.

The ambassador sat quietly thinking when all of a sudden one of the High Inquisitor's gaurds fists punched him in the face. "ANSWER THE HIGH INQUISITOR!" The guard yelled. The ambassador remained quiet and so the guards punched him again.

"I see you're going to be uncooperative today, Ambassador.... We'll try again tomorrow." Mathias said as he got up and left.

After the door closed behind the High Inquisitor, the two gaurds closed in on the ambassador and began to beat him mercilessly. Bruised, bleeding, and battered, he was throne back into his cell.....

OOC: Sorry for playing one of your characters for a bit.... I really wanted to add some more flavor by capturing the ambassador and I doubted you wanted to waste an entire post just doing what I did.... If you have a problem with it, i can erase it... No questions asked and I won't have any qualms about it either.

OOC: Good grief :p Isn't that an official act of war? Heh. Well... it can stay, though I'm gonna have to explain how you got passed Chimaean security and what happened to the poor guy's bodyguard x_x

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

The blast doors hissed open and General de Santuro strode into the room, flanked by two Army officers. All three men were carrying briefcases.

The room was already full. It was a large chamber deep underneath New Sydney Parliament House; all around the perimeter were consoles and computers with a multitude of technicians and uniformed officials working on them. Dominating the center of the room was a polished mahogany table, around which sat the Emergency Cabinet and their staff. Lady Bryce was pacing up and down like a caged animal, a stormy look on her features.

"...In the middle of the afternoon! In broad daylight!" she was exclaiming agitatedly. Two embarassed-looking Chimaean security men stood at one side, staring at the floor. "How the hell can I keep hold of my staff when you go and allow him to get kidnapped! For heaven's sake..."

General de Santuro gestured for the two men to leave, and placed his briefcase flat on the table. "What's done is done, Governor. We have to deal with this situation."

"Do you have any idea who has him?"

The General shrugged. "The Reich? S.I.N.? Most probably the Holy Empire."

Lady Bryce stopped pacing momentarily. "John?"

The Foreign Minister, John Cope, glanced up from a whispered conversation with an aide. "It is probable that agents of the Holy Empire would have kidnapped him. The current regime is unpredictably prone to sudden and rash actions. The positive side is, of course, if they did kidnap him then they would effectively lose any credibility with the Grand House."

General Garrison nodded. "The CCTV from the Grand House shows him getting into a car with two men, dressed similiar to Chimaean plainclothes security. The car's numberplates were fake. The two men made sure to keep their backs to the camera. At around 9 PM local time, a Rathanan diplomatic aircraft was allowed to pass through Quanratine zone."

Lady Bryce sighed. "How sure are you this is the Holy Empire's work?"

"It's certainly the most obvious culprit."

Lady Bryce turned to a man in a black suit, with a black tie and a thick, dark and non-reflective visor around his eyes, like futuristic sunglasses. "Mr... Walten."

"Governor?"

"Replace the security personnel at Baron Island with your Operators for the duration of this ermergency. Ready them for operations against any of the Rathanan diplomatic staff."

"It will be done." The man known as "Mr. Walten" nodded to another similiarly dressed man, who discreetly stepped away from the table and exitted the room.

Lady Bryce looked back at the Foreign Minister. "What does all this mean?"

Cope considered for a moment before speaking. "They're worried enough to kidnap one of our diplomats like that. It's an obvious escallation, and they'll try to use Robertson as a shield against us. He was partly briefed on our plans?"

"He had to be, yes."

"Damn. Well... They'll certainly interrogate him."

There was an uncomfortable pause around the table. General de Santuro broke it by growling, "Well this pushes us into action."

Lady Bryce looked around the table; one by one, the Ministers agreed. She nodded, almost to herself. "All right. Start the air strikes ASAP, try to take out as many of the nukes as possible within 12 hours."

One of General de Santuro's officers saluted and left. Lady Bryce continued, "All right, let's talk about rescue."

"Rescue may be impossible as of the moment, Governor," the General said wearily. "Our... sources inside the Holy Empire is attempting to find out where he is exactly; unless we know that any rescue attempt is doomed to failure. The indications point to the Ambassador being kept alive... which is hopeful. Any time we get confirmation of his location we have forces on standby."

Lady Bryce glanced down at an open file on the table. A young Robertson smiled up from a photo, wearing a Captain's uniform. The Marine Recon symbol was next to the photo. Hopefully, the man was still strong enough to handle the interrogation.

***

Robertson spat blood out of his mouth; one of his teeth was lose and bleeding. He'd cut his tongue painfully against his teeth, too. He lay on the floor and painfully went through the rest of his body; two of his fingers were dislocated and he had a lot of cuts and bruises, but nothing too horrible.

The cell was small and dank, stinking of sweat, urine and fear. There was a metal bucket in the corner and a thin, ripped mattress over a metal slap for a bed.

Robertson felt sick and cold. He stumbled over to the bucket and threw up; there was blood in the vomit, which worried him. Hopefully it was from his mouth and not internal bleeding.

Bloody hell. He'd been kidnapped right under the noses of the Chimaean security team! He went through the events in his mind, then quickly checked his suit. No watch, no wallet, nothing apart from his now battered and grimy clothing. He wondered what the time was, but there was no way of telling--the only light in the cell was from a bare, flicking bulb in a cage in the cieling.

He tried to remember his training. He sat cross-legged on the bed, closed his eyes and concentrated on his breathing, which was painful enough on its own. Slowly he calmed down enough to ignore the pain and began to think of his plight.

Right. Nothing but his body, his mind and his clothes. He was in a small cell, with a mattress and a bucket. The door was solid metal. No escape there; besides the place was crawling with guards. Escape should be put away until opportunity arose. He mentally opened a box in his mind and put escape there, shutting it.

They wanted knowledge. What did he know? He knew a basic overview of Operation Broken Arrow. Airstrikes followed by possible invasion. That was crucial information to be kept safe. He opened another box, mentally put the information inside and shut it; this time locking the box securely and hiding the key. This was the box they would try to access, the one that should die with him.

Keep it secret, keep it safe. What was that from, Lord of the Rings? He dismissed the memory and continued his analysis.

Aha. The mantra. Timothy Saul Robertson, Captain, Marine Recon. CMR53682.

The memories returned vividly. Fort Wildergate, the Marine training base in the East Coast. Endless lectures--psyops defence, interrogation, established encounter protocol. Massive amounts of training. Operations in Amerigo and Clock Hill.

Timothy Saul Robertson, Captain, Marine Recon. CMR53682.

They would want him as insurance against invasion...

Timothy Saul Robertson, Captain, Marine Recon. CMR53682.

But Chimaea would not listen. To win the game you had to sacrifice a pawn.

Timothy Saul Robertson, Captain, Marine Recon. CMR53682.

The invasion would be carried out. He would be executed or kept as personal insurance for someone important, perhaps... Most likely executed in the confusion.

Timothy Saul Robertson, Captain, Marine Recon. CMR53682.

He was going to die.

Timothy Saul Robertson, Captain, Marine Recon. CMR53682.

***

Rathanan Quanratine Zone

"This is Eagle Flight 1 ready for take-off."

"Eagle Flight 1, confirmed."

"This is Eagle Flight 2 ready for take-off."

"Eagle Flight 2, confirmed."

"This is Eagle Flight 3 ready for take-off."

"Eagle Flight 3, confirmed..."

Rear Admiral Sanchez listened as each Flight of planes readied and took off on cue, in perfect formation. The flairing of afterburners and jet engines filled the night and the chatter of the pilots filled the radio.

He leaned back in his chair, his face grim, his hands tense, watching the birds fly...

***

There were six Flights, 15 planes in each. Three Flights were SC-42s loaded with air-ground ordinance with minimal air-air defences; Two Flights were air-air and the other served as backup in multirole. Inside the cockpits, the pilots went through final checks as they levelled out in the air, gaining height. Maps and intelligence showed up in the monitors and HUDs as they simultaneously fired afterburners, streaking through the skies towards the Rathanan mainland.

"Eagle Flights you are approaching Rathanan territory."

"Copy that."

The jets screamed past the invisible line that separated Rathanan territory from international waters.

"Nearing the coast now."

The coastal defences were easily avoided as the planes reached a greater height but soon they were due to dip lower for the actual bombing runs. And on their radars, they could see Rathanan fighters leap into the air.

"Tangoes at 3 o'clock."

Five AirHawks turned away from the main body to meet the enemy planes. The Flights began to drop lower as they neared the first targets.

***

The next six Flights were taking off from the Carriers, heading to the mainland. More of the aircraft in these Flights were multirole as the Rathanan defences would now be aware of the attack.

Each Carrier had around 85-100 aircraft on board, though the majority weren't being used or were operational patrolling the no-fly zone.

***

The first air-ground missiles streaked awa from the First Flights, slamming into an airfield and suspected nuclear weapons silo. The salmon-pink explosions flowered in the night, thick vicious black smoke obscuring the targets as aviation fuel ignited.

The Rathanan air force were scrambling off the ground and attacking them already, though. Missiles streaked past the planes, hitting chaff and countermeasures until--

One of the multirole SC-42s blew apart in midair, the force of the explosion buffetting the other planes. As they flew past, the other Flights tried to find any tell-tale parachute canopy in the darkness but failed. The missile strike had been completely centered on the fuselage of the aircraft, ripping it apart.

The Flights pressed on, heading for the other targets.

***

The second Flights attacked the coast, targetting coastal batteries and suspected military bases. An unfortunate destroyer, moored for repairs was hit four times, sinking like a stone. The Flights were careful bombing the ports for fear of civilian casualties. Soon the second wave of Chimaean planes met enemy resistance and the dogfighting began in earnest around the heavy bombers as they headed inland. The sky filled with explosions and burning metal.

***

OOC: You can decide on the losses; I'm not sure how good your air force is. Calculate for readiness, experience, ground-air defences, opposing numbers and all that stuff.

OOC: I will do that. In turn, I'll let you decide the ultimate fate of Ambassador Robertson.... I had planned to let him live, but if you want him to die, just tell me.... The Inquisition can certainly provide it.... And technically it wasn't an offical act of war since it was a black-ops mission... If they had failed, Peter and Christof would have been disowned.... It's not like it was army officals doing it.... The Rathani Inquisiton is a mix of secret police and spying... Like the Russian KGB

5:30 PM on the day of the kidnapping

Peter and Christof were sitting in their black sedan watching the house of baron.

"It's time we cleared the way to get him." Peter said grimly. "We need to take care of security first." He continued as he and Christof got out of the car. As the approached the door, they were stopped by the House of Baron security. The two men had proper identification and credentials and were granted access. Christof and Peter went towards the main room of the House of Baron where they found their first target.

"Are you the Ambassador's body gaurd?" Christof asked in a heavy Chimaean accent.

"Yes, I am.... Why?" The body gaurd asked.

"We need to talk to you in private, it's about your mother." Christof continued.

"W-w-w-what happened to my mother?!" the gaurd asked.

"That's what we want to talk to you about." Christof said. "She's suffered a heartattack... She's not expect to make it.... We're here to inform you that you've been given offical leave to go see her." Christof said as he handed the poor gaurd a forged, but offical looking, document. "There's a taxi waiting outside for you.... We'll take over your duties here." Christof finished.

"Thank you!" The gaurd said as he ran outside to catch the taxi.

"Good, the main obstical is out of our way." Christof muttered. "Let's go wait for the ambassador outside." He continued as they left the building.

OOC: That a good explination? Or do you want more?


Soon before the attack on Rathanan

The loud tramping of iron heeled boots came to the door of the ambassador once again. The door flung open and 3 Inquisiton officers burst in and roughly pulled the Ambassador to his feet. They almost dragged him to the same interrogation room he was put in before. He was put in the same chair but wasn't tied to it. Soon after, the High Inquisitor came into the room.

"I think you and I got off on the wrong foot, Mr. Robertson." Said the High Inquisitor as he sat down and pulled out a cigarette. As he lit the cigarette, he offered one to the ambassador who refused by shaking his head no. "No? Would you like some coffee or tea then? Prehaps something to eat as well?" The High Inquisitor asked. When the Ambassador didn't respond, the High Inquisitor smirked slightly. "Always straight to business, eh?" The High Inquisitor mused. "In either case, what is your nation's plan?" He asked has his face turned deadly serious. Before the Ambassador could respond, a gaurd ran into the door and whispered something into the ear of the High Inquisitor, who turned an evil eye to the Ambassador. "Invasion eh?" The High Inquisitor said, he face cold as stone. "I knew it. Illegal war." The High Inquisitor added. "Your refusal to talk to us beforehand may have just ruled the fate of both our nations.... You idiot." The High Inquisitor got up and left quickly.... Soon after, the gaurds punched the ambassador in the face and spat on him before throwing him back into his cell.

In the sky battle above Rathanan

"Blue team, this is blue leader, we must hold our ground as much as possible." Said the head of the fighter squadren.

"Roger Blue Leader, we wait for your future commands." The Blue squadren all said in one way or another.

All of the Rathani military was well trained, and prepared for the attacked, but they had seen very little combat overall. As the battle waged overhead, the army began to launch its Ballista missles (anti aircraft missles) at the Chimaean jets. All out war presued.

3 hours later

The battle had been bloody and costly for both sides thus far. The ground was littered with wreckage of both Chimaean and Rathani planes and pilots. However, the sheer numbers that the Chimaean military had began to wear at the vastly outnumbered Rathani airforce. The leaders of all the squardrans eventually recieved the order from high command to retreat... Chimaea had one this battle, but the war was far from over. Soon after, the army began to retreat back as well. The way to the nuclear silos was open to the Chimaean airforce.

Air force losses: 95 planes
Army losses: 1 Ballista missle launcher vehicle and 5 soldiers

1 hour after the retreat

Holy Emperor Calidan put on his nicest clothes and walked to a podium where cameras from the Holy Imperial News Channel watched him.

"3....2....1.... We're on, Holy Emperor." Said the Camera man

"People of Rathanan, today is certainly a dark day for our nation. Exactly 4 hours ago, the Commonwealth of Chimaea has invaded our nation." The Emperor began slowly. "This attack was unsanctioned and unprovoked... Chimaea is a nation out for Rathani blood... But we shall not let them take us down easily." The Emperor added. "All men and women who have already served or who have yet to be of age to serve who wish to do one final service to their nation, may vollunteer for our Armed Services." The Emperor added. "Please keep in mind, my people, this NOT a war of government ideals... This is a war for our very survival!" The Emperor said. "If Chimaea takes over this nation, they shall begin the systematic descimation of those who resist.... Those who go along with it shall have to suffer under collectivization of land and slavery!" He added. "We are all people from the Holy Empire of Rathanan, we have God's blessings and we shall not fail!" The Emperor said. "For as surely as God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, we shall destroy the hethens of Chimaea!" The Emperor yelled as his public audience burst into patriotic applause.

After the Emperor finished his speech, he went to the throne room, sat down in his throne and burried his face in his hands. "How did it come to this?" The Emperor growled. A few minutes later, the High Inquisitor entered the room.

"We obviously no longer need the Ambassador..... Now we should put him to death and clean up the evidence." Mathias said.

"No, his part in this game is over for now.... Give him better quarters and medical attention.... I still don't want anyone to know of his existance here.... Keep him under constant gaurd and in an undisclosed location." The Emperor said. "They've destroyed the nukes by now.... Are the submarines ready?" The Emperor asked.

"According to the Grand Admiral they are.... Obviously the entire military is quite busy." Mathias said.

In the bottom floor of the Inquisiton headquarters

The ambassador lay bleeding in his cell when the gaurds pulled him up again. This time, however, they were quite gentle.

"Relax Ambassador." One said.

The ambassador could bairly see with his two black eyes, but he could make out a white doctor's labcoat. Soon, the ambassador found himself in a makeshift hospital with the doctor and his associates cleaning his wounds.

"After we finish with you here, dinner will no doubt be ready for you...." The doctor said, looking over his glasses at the Ambassador. "Suprised? The Holy Emperor is not without mercy, Ambassador...." The doctor said, smiling somewhat.

After the doctors were done with him, the gaurds escorted him to a sort of lounge where there was a plate of chicken and rice and a cup of red wine waiting for him.

"Eat." A gaurd said, gesturing for the ambassador to sit in a chair. "It's quite good, I had a plate earlier." He added.

The ambassador didn't need to be told twice, he began to gobble down his food as he hadn't eaten since he was brought there. Something that still unnerved him was the fact that there were gaurds with SMGs at the door both inside and out.

A member of the Inquisiton peered at him as he ate. "Typical. He eats our food as his war murders our people.... I wish the Emperor would terminate him.... The Chimaean race needs to be scowered from the face of the planet... they bring nothing but pain to other people." the young Inquisiton member growled.

A senior member slapped the young membered and muttered something about relaxing.

Meanwhile at the House of Baron

"UNTHINKABLE!" The Rathani Ambassador yelled at the top of his lungs. "These charges are unfounded and untrue!" He continued. "We would never take the Chimaean ambassador..... We have different concerns on our hands." The Ambassador added, calming down. "Chimaea has invaded our nation with full force." He said grimly. "This illegal war was NEVER sanctioned by the Baron security counsel and I urge you all to join us in condemning it...." The Ambassador continued. "But, if you are a friend to the people of Rathanan, you will join us against these evil warmongerers!" The ambassador yelled.

"This is an act of war," exclamed Secretary of State Sir. Conrad Snow, at the meeting of the Federal Ministry (cabinet). "Chimaea's aggression can only be explained as such! They dont give a damn about Rathanan's human rights record, all they care about is power. They crave it. Bordoria and Chimaea are the only nations in the region to posess such weapons. And since Rathanan now was able to climb to the top, they are afraid. Rathanan has been on decent terms with us, but on miserable terms with their pathetic Commonwealth. They are afraid that they will loose there spot as the leader of Baron, and we will ascend to the top." "They have reason to fear us," said the Chancellor of the Exchequer Sir. John Smith. "Our economy is rapidly growing, whilst theirs has been stagnent for close to a decade now. We have the second largest population, and a powerful army. They truly are afraid of us."

The Minister of National Defence Supreme Commander Sir. Maximillen du Saul soon added to the Chancellor's comment; "Ahem, yes, The RBAF is truly magnificent," refering to the Royal Bordorian Armed Forces, the countries unified military. "and we could most certanly put Chimaea in its place. We may not be as large as the CAF, but the RBAF rates as its equal. What we lack in numbers, we make up for in superior training, why, the Royal Seafourth Highlanders are by far the best trained soldiers on the planet, a pride to the Royal Marines, and a menace to the CAF. We have superior technology as well, a tactical strike is an option. We need Rathanan's oil imports, and we need their water imports. We need their trade to sustain our selves, we must protect our reasources (Rathanan) at all cost. However, this is entirely your decesion." Said the Minister to the Secretary General.

(In Bordorian politics, the Secretary General is the director of the nations foreign policy, while the Prime Minister supervises the domestic agenda, and the State President of the Executive supervises bugetary affairs, and has ceremonial duties. The chief of state, and 'symbol of the people' is the Monarch. The PM is the leader of the largest party/coalition {the Governing Party} in the National Assembly, while the Secretary General, is appointed by the Monarch, and represents the Governing Party in the Senate. The President is directly elected by the people. F.Y.I. lol)

Secretary General Prince Consort. Caesar Pereira-Thomas, 37, pondered. He looked to the Prime Minister, Sir. Christopher Denis, who quickly stated; "The ball's in your court now, all I can do is maby advise you on some matters, but still, it's your call." "Hmm, Rathanan will need assistance, war can be averted still. Get me the Ambassador to the Grand House of Baron, post haste!"

**********************************************************

It was night, Caesar retired to his bed chamber, in the Imperial Palace. His wife, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Monique, 3 years his senior, was sitting up on their bed, engrossed in her novel, The Art of War. "Difficult times, I take it." said the Empress, as Caesar was pouring himself some whiskey. "O, wouldent you know," said Caesar, after he had had his drink. "With the state of affairs, our world could come apart at any God given moment." He sat on their bed, by her feet, as she was reading, and running her hand through her long red hair. " I just dont know, what I can do, this war, all this misery... I just feel powerless, so powerless..." he heald her small hand and said: "What can I do, I need your advice, what can I do..." "I can advise you, I can console you, I can open Parliament, I can even declare war, but still, it is all in your your hands, not mine. You must do what you think is right." "Thank you," said Caeser as he kissed the Empress' hand. "I now know, what I must do."

***************At the National Assembly************************

"The Chair recognises the Right Honourable Secretary of State." Said the Speaker of parliament

"Thank you, Madame Speaker." Said the Secretary of State. "Honourable collegues We have receved word, that the Imperialists of Chimaea, has attacked one fo our allies. The cause, The Holy Empire of Rathanan was increasing its military capabilities, so that it could climb up to par with the strongest nations of our region, but the Chimaen war-hawks, saw this as a threath. Why you ask, because the Chimaens are afraid of losing their position at the top. They are already afraid of our growing economy, military might, and our emense political clout, and now that one of our allies has demended its recognition on the Global stage, they unleash their might, and ravage the whole country. This is the true face of Chimaea, Imperialists, Facists, capatalist swine! Today its Rathanan, tomorow, us, and then the region, nay, the Globe, the space colonies. It will never end. First the Americans, then the Morovians, now the Chimaens! We must take action POST HASTE!"

"HEAR HEAR!" Echoed the chambers of the National Assembly, from the shouts of all 777 MPs, all swayed by the words of the Secretary. They will have their war.

**********************************************************
*One hour later*

"Deploy the Fleet," said the Secretary General to Sea Marshal Lord Tom Falconer. "Aye sir." said the officer. The 5th Fleet was soon deployed from the Port of Dover for Rathanan waters. The fleet contained 4 aircraft carriers, each carrying 115 BoA-80 E Dragon Flies, 4 nuclear subs, 1 diesel-electric sub, 10 Frigates, 10 Crusers, 6 destroyers, 5 Battleships, 6 Gun boats, and 6 Assault ships, each containing 20 light aircraft, and 88 Royal Marines. "Hit East Port and Gladys Island with our new S-190 cruse missiles," said Caesar. "They wont be able to detect them, we'll take those rightous bastards by surprise

*1 hour later*
East Port and the Island were completely devestated by the attack, Chimaea was taken by surprise.

OOC: Gladys Island can be said to be completely destroyed, but Eastport is an entire city. Because of the constant threat of attack on Chimaea by Reich nations, the city itself would have been guarded by anti-missile systems relatively undamaged--added to the fact that you probably wouldn't want to missile a civilian center, so I suppose you could say the actual port in Eastport was hit hard.

And note that the Secretary General of Baron and the President of the House are two different roles.

Chimaea Under Attack: Day of Mourning

Chimaean Broadcasting Corporation


A pall of dense black smoke rises above the city of Eastport as the sound of sirens fill the air. Civilian and CAF emergency services fill the streets, heading towards the massive port that dominated industry in the city. Above our heads, a fleet of helicopters hover and patrol the city, some delivering aerial firefighting capabilities to the port.

Amidst the chaos and devastation, there is an eerie sense of calm. Citizens go about their business with a subdued air, faces grim and eyes uncertain. All but necessary travel within the city had been discouraged by the authorities, with police out in full force maintaining roadblocks and cordons, especially around the entrance to the ports.

For years, despite the hostile situations in Street Island and Syskeyia, Chimaeans have lived with a certain illusion of safety. No more. At 3 AM this morning, the port and Gladys Island was devastated by cruise missiles fired by Bordorian military forces.

**Scenes of panic as emergency services responded to the attack and civilians tried to escape the bombing. Seriously injured people being stretchered from the ruins of one of the port buildings, the giant form of a Destroyer mored for maintenance billowing oily black smoke in the background**

A state of emergency has been declared in all coastal cities and ports and CAF Reservists have been called up and deployed to help emergency services deal with potential attacks.

**Scenes of armed men wearing camouflage gear patrolling streets, on foot and from atop APCs**

For the first time in living memory, the First Fleet has been recalled from outside of Baron. Most of the Second and Third Fleets are already mobilised and readying to deal with any further escallations in the situation. The First Fleet, however, is normally stationed outside Baron and deployed around the world, maintaining a forward presense anywhere Chimaea is involved in militarily. The majority of the Fleet is heading from peacekeeping dutied in Syskeyia. The Fleet is one of the strongest in the world and has never been gathered together in the history of the Navy.

**Stock footage of portions of the First Fleet in action around the world**

The response to these attacks have been swift. An Emergency meeting of the full wartime Cabinet was called, along with representatives from the emergency services, and a statement was issued stating that the Commonwealth considers these attacks an act of war by Bordoria. A live broadcast by the Governor is scheduled for later today on all channels.

For now, Chimaeans remain glued to their TV screens, watching the events unfold...

***

The Deputy Ambassador was doing his best against the tirades of his Rathanan counterpart but was caught out by the intensity of feeling in the Grand House. As the Rathanan Ambassador launched another stinging attack, his earpiece came alive.

"Stand down, we're sending our staffer in."

Relief washed over him and he sat down, glancing anxiously around the chamber. A lot of angry looks were cast back at him.

One of the side doors to the Grand House of Baron was flung open and a tall, imposing figure strode confidantly to the Chimaean side of the Chamber. The gathered diplomats fell silent as they caught sight of the figure.

General Garrison stood still at his post, as the sound died down. He was someone who was internationally recognised; the first Secretary General of the Grand House (http://s3.invisionfree.com/Baron/index.php?showtopic=18); the longest serving Commander in Chief of the Chimaean Armed Forces spanning three Administrations and many wars and emergencies and arguably still the second most-powerful person in Chimaea. His iron-grey hair was white now, there were a few extra lines on his face but his eyes were cold and hard as steel and his bearing was eye-waterningly straight and imposing. He was a man used to command and a blunt straight-talker.

The Deputy Ambassador almost gaped at him before getting himself together and going back to scanning the reactions of the other diplomats.

The old General didn't say a word until the last murmur had died out, then glared around the room. "For centuries, Baron has survived the ravages of war and mostly escaped the madness of oppression and tyranny. We were burned by nuclear fire and the deaths of millions so that we can learn a lesson that's obvious to any free-thinking citizen of the world: there is no part in our affairs for weapons of mass destruction."

He pasued for a moment. "However, they exist. Chimaea has always prided itself on its WMD-free policy. Various nations within Baron possess these weapons and we as a region have done our best to limit them and limit the possibility of their use.

"No more, however. Now an instable regime created by a despotic tyrant have possession of a nuclear arsenal that could wipe out all life on Baron. And you sit here talking back and forth while Chimaea has done what all of you fear to do: we have wiped the majority of these weapons from the face of the Earth!

"How dare you criticise! Most of you are old enough to remember the First Baron War. How easily you have forgotten the legacy: two nations destroyed, one completely scorched away, one in ruins. The total number of bombs used to cause this is a small fraction of the amount of bombs we used to destroy Rathanan's arsenal.

"And for this... we were trecherously attacked. Our ports bombed, Gladys Island destroyed--whole communities killed by the hatred of facist regimes.

"Contrary to popular belief, there has been no invasion of Rathanan--only the surgical strikes necessary to destroy the nuclear arsenal. But now, war has been declared. A direct attack on Chimaea sends a clear message, and we shall send one back: we will not sit by while Chimaean are dying. We will not sit by while the region is taken by forces of oppression."

He turned the full force of his glare on the Rathanan Ambassador. "If you want war, sir, then you shall have it!"

He let the noise levels increase and the rhetoric flow around him, his eyes never leaving the other Ambassador's. As the noise quitened again, he said, in more reserved tones, "Chimaea calls upon all of you who value freedom, democracy and stability to stand with us. The line must be drawn here."

***

**Scrambler Code 42657345623.35fxd.43**
FROM: Carrier Group Fortan
TO: CAFHC

Require Greenlight on initial retaliation.

**Scrambler Code 42657345623.35fxd.43**
FROM: CAFHC
TO: Carrier Group Fortan

Greenlight, repeat Greenlight.

***

The missiles burst from the tubes in small, controlled bursts of flame and smoke. Each firing lit up the decks of the destroyers, frigates and carriers as they fired. Helicopters and aircraft patrolled the skies, watching for any incoming missiles or aircraft. Submarines slid under the waves, scanning for any underwater defences.

The remote bombardment on Bordoria continued for over an hour before the Carrier Group changed position, prowling for an opening.

***

OOC: Next post will be the invasion I guess... Too tired to write more atm.

The Rathani Ambassador gave the General a look and stood up.

"The ambassador from Rathanan is recognized." Said the president.

"All out war? Last time i checked, war was automatically declared when one nation bombs another nation.... Regardless of the reason.... Your move was a blatant act of war, and the Holy Emperor and the Holy Empire are not afraid of your warmongering nation!" The Ambassador said. "Your airstrikes killed our civilians and our soldiers.... For what? So your nation can keep it's grubby paws on the power trophy?" The Ambassador said. "I'd like to point something out to you... General." The ambassador challanged as an aid brought him some posters with photographs on it. "Here are photographs of dead civilians.... Civilians YOUR military murdered in your declaration of war against the Holy Empire of Rathanan....." The Ambassador snapped. "The Emperor shall protect the people of Rathanan by stopping the vile Chimaean race." The Ambassador growled. "We also plan to presue this war by every means nessisary." The Ambassador continued, unrelentingly. "I seem to recall you lecturing us on how we treat our people, yet you are the ones murdering them." The ambassador added. "We shall stand with our ally, Bodoria and will stop the scheming evil of Chimaea once and for all." The Ambassador said. "Your nation shall crumble like the house of the foolish man who built his house on the sand." He added. "As for the Holy Empire of Rathanan, it is either victory or death!" He continued, his face red with anger. "The people of Rathanan would sooner die than become slaves to the dogs of Chimaea.." the ambassador added. "Or would you even spare their lives? Your nation has already proved to be a nation who targets civilians." He continued. The Ambassador tapped his finger on the pictures of dead civilians in the aftermath of the bombing. "People of Baron, I invite you to be courageous, as our friends from Bodoria have been, and join us on our crusade against the evil commonwealth of Chimaea." He concluded with a slight, cruel smirk crossing his face as he looked at the General. "I yield the rest of my time to the chair." The Ambassador finished.

The Holy Imperial Palace at the same time as the invasion on Bordoria

The top General of the Paladin division strode into the Imperial Throne Room.

"Lucius." The usually quiet General said urgently. "Bordoria is under attack.... I request premission to send in our Paladin divisons into Chimaea to make them fight a three front war." The General requested.

"Premission granted, General.... But I don't want to hear you complain if we end up launching Operation Divine Wrath." The Emperor answered.

"Don't worry, I've anticipated it in my strategy.... All I need you to do is sign off on Operation Black Crusade." The General said.

"By all means then, Jathris, give it to me." The Emperor said taking out a pen. The General obeyed and the Emperor quickly signed it. "I feel it is time we use the Paladins to take out key officals.... Destroy them from the inside.... I'll get the Inquisiton to do some inside work as well." The Emperor said.

"Very well." The General said, saluting the Emperor. "May God watch over you, Lucius." He said as he began to walk out of the Throne Room.

In a Paladin submarine close to the shore of Chimaea

"Alright, do you all understand our mission?" The capitan of the paladin team asked.

"Yes sir." Responded his team.

"Then let's move out.... Remember, we must be discreet and perfect in our timing.... But we're not worried, we're Paladins." The capitan said trying to pep up his troops a bit.

Within moments, the Paladins were shot into the water and were swimming rapidly towards the Chimaean shore.... A few minutes later, they landed. The capitan put on his night vision and looked around.

"Alright, we're clear, let's go." The Capitan said.

The Holy Imperial Palace

The Emperor sat and rubbed his chin as he looked at his top admiral. "I want to give the Paladins some time before I launch Operation Divine Wrath." Said the Emperor. "I gave you lots of leway, but launching Nuclear Weapons is still my decision to make." Said the Emperor. "With Bordoria under attack, I want you to move our submarines somewhere else that you feel is safe." The Emperor added. "I also want our ships to be ready for offensive action." The Emperor finished. "How you do it, I leave up to you." The Emperor finished.

"Very well, Lucius, it shall be done." the Grand Admiral said, as he saluted the Emperor.

As the Admiral left, The Emperor's sister marched into the room. "Lucius! I demand to know what's going on here!" His sister yelled.

"Relax, it's not your concern..." The Emperor said, dismissively.

"Lucius, there are Generals and Admirals everywhere in the palace, The Inquisition is more active than I have ever seen, and you haven't even spoken to me, Louise, or Mother since this began!" His sister finished.

"Forgive me for being blunt, sister... But the survival of our nation is kind of resting with me... We'll talk again after this war." The Emperor said, motioning for his gaurds to remove his sister. "But right now, I have a nation to defeat." The Emperor remarked as he gaurds escorted his sister out of the room.

In the celler of the Headquarters of the Inquisition

The Ambassador looked up from the T.V. to see High Inquisitor Mathias Olivegrove looking at him harshly.

"See what your nation has wrought appon our people?" Mathias snapped. "Look at those dead civilians... They had NO part to play in this... Yet they were brutally murderered." The High Inquisitor added. "And now, one of your Generals mocks us by saying this wasn't an act of war.... If that wasn't an act of war, Ambassador, then what is?" The High Inquisitor asked, grabbing the cheeks of the Ambassador very hard.

"What do you want me to do then? I didn't kill any of them." The Ambassador remarked quietly.

"YOU may not have killed them directly... But you killed them by not giving us the information we requested... If you want to keep the current living conditions you have here, you will, on film, denounce your nation for their murder of civilians and the war in general." Mathias said. "If you do not, you shall never see the light of day again, Ambassador." He continued. "I'll give you one day to choose... Now it's time to test your loyalty to your nation.... But no one here will think less of you if you denounce your nation... That shows you have moral character." The High Inquisitor said. "Also, keep in mind, that one way or another, we shall win this war.... And if that means incinerating every last Chimaean, we shall.... MAke no mistake in our resolve." The High Inquisitor added. "Sleep on it." He finished as he left.

ooc: I'll let you make the choice, Chimaea.... I think that's the most rational approach.... And Bordoria, i just noticed that and I deleted the post... Pretend you got a message from the Emperor thanking you.... And our ambassador still denounced Chimaea harshly.

One day later near Gaurdiola, Chimaea

C Company of the 3rd Paladin Divison observed a navy base from a distance.

"We'll move in soon, I want group A to secure the perimeter while group B and I plant the charges." The Capitan said softly. "After we lay the charges, we'll move out as discretely as we came in... No one gets left behind, do you understand?" The Capitan said.

"Yes sir." The Paladins under him said.

"Good, let's move out then."

Before long, the tower gaurds were picked off discretely by the team sniper and all was going according to plan. Within the hour, group B had the charges planted in the specified locations and his team was on its way out... The Chimaean navy had never seen them coming.

"Good work, team." the Capitan said as they reunited with group A. "Now let's get out of here and blow this joint." He continued. When they were a safe distance away, The capitan stared at the demolition man. "Blow it." He said sternly.

"Yes sir." The Demoman said as he pressed the button. Instantly the base went up in a powerful explosion.

"Right, let's get out of here." The capitan ordered. "Go!" The Paladins had won their first victory in Chimaea, but no doubt the Chimaean military would be expecting them the next time.... The Paladin's next turned towards Hope, one could only guess as to what their actual target was next.

OOC: I'm cool with Chimaean stuff being blown up and so on, but I dunno how realistic you're being with these special forces... Naval installations--any military installations--would be heavily guarded. However, I was never one to split hairs... And talk to me before committing any assassinations :p Anyhow, here it is. Invasion.

***

Grand House of Baron

General Garrison frowned at the Rathanan Ambassador's words. "We regret that there have been civilian casualties, as claimed, but we took due care to make sure to limit our airstrikes to military targets, mostly nuclear silos and air capability. But if you wish to show carnage..."

The General's fingers danced over his touchscreen and smiled coldly. "The photos you see in your screens right now is a small collation of the damage that has been done to the main ports of Eastport. You can see clearly the burning civilian vessels as well as the military ones, the injured and dying being carried to safety on stretches, the dead in bodybags. The cruise missiles fired by Bordoria struck fuel dumps and an armoury; luckily the armoury wasn't ignited. However the fuel dumps were and they are, to my knowledge, still burning. The port itself is heavily damaged with major parts now completely unstable, both civilian and military.

"Our airstrikes were to ensure the safety of all citizens in Baron, to ensure their protection against these weapons falling into the hands of an unstable regime like the one in power in the Holy Empire. We have mostly succeeded in this aim, but our intelligence indicates nuclear weapons still exist within Rathanan--some are missing; there are indications some were always hidden. The airstrikes were part of the embargo and therefore not an act of war.

"At no point did we intentionally target civilians; neither are these accusations of slavery based on any reality. Our stance on slavery has seen us fight in two wars for human rights. And we shall be fighting another war, for the real people of Rathanan, those without any voice.

"You say you wish for either victory or death? That's fine by me. But by declaring war, by Bordoria's rash actions against us, the situation has escallated to a point of no return. I do not intend to stand here and beg; Chimaea welcomes those in Baron who would stand against oppression and tyranny to side with us. But with or without help, we are prepared to do what's necessary. I don't think any further debate needs to be said on that matter."

The General bowed to the President, picked up his notes and briefcase and walked out, followed by his staff.

***

Lady Bryce cleared her throat and smiled warmly at the cameras as she strode into the pressroom. Numerous bodyguards scanned the room, their eyes hidden by visors.

She stood at the podium, took a deep breath and prepared herself.

"Fellow Chimaeans, citizens of Baron.

"Today is a tragic day for the Commonwealth. Today, we were trecherously attacked by the United Kingdom of Bordoria, who bombed the main ports of the city of Eastport. The death toll is uncertain as yet, many are missing. The fires still blaze, but be sure of one thing: these fires of hatred will never scorch the proud Chimaean spirit, our dreams of freedom, democracy and the call of common humanity."

Scrambler Code: 45645365412.fdgsd3.454.rf
FROM: CAFHC
TO: Cmmdr. Third Fleet

Commence Operation Broken Arrow.

Scrambler Code: 45645365412.fdgsd3.454.rf
FROM: Cmmdr. Third Fleet
TO: CAFHC

Confirmed.


"As I speak our brave armed forces are moving, mobilising against a cunning and devious foe who would stop at nothing to hold onto their power--a power arrived at by the threat of nuclear oblivion, by the tyrannical oppression of our fellow human beings, by deciet and manipulation. We shall overcome this foe and the nations that stand with it."

The fighters lifted up majestically into the air, one by one, all in neat formation. All heading for the Rathanan mainland. Hundreds of planes filled the sky, blocking out the stars as their afterburners screamed defiantly. Already the first wave of planes were firing missiles into targets on the beaches and coast of Rathanan.

Simultaneously, the especially mounted artillery began their barrage as the Navy moved closer to Rathanan whilst still maintaining the integrity of the quarantine zone. The first shells hit the coast in a steady stream of explosions as the Navy deployed the Ring of Fire strategy, creating a wall of fire and explosions for protection.

The troop transports were already launching the amphibious landing craft (http://www.grahamowen.com/images8/B-Ampibious.jpg), with helicopter gunships hovering overhead for close-to-combat air support. Inside the landing crafts, Marines huddled against the cold air, clutching their CR66 (http://chimaea.crforums.net/guns/CR66v1-2.jpg) assault rifles close, their minds already stilled, ready for action.

"There are dark times ahead--times filled with turmoil, uncertainty and sorrow. I will not disillusion you by saying otherwise. Some of us will have to make the ultimate sacrifice on the pyre of freedom--because peace, freedom and human rights are made, achieved, not given. Because we do not take these values for granted, we must now be prepared to stand up and fight for them. For centuries Chimaea has held a torch against the encroaching darkness of despotism and hatred--now we must raise this torch once more and become a beacon for hope in this brave new world which we will create."

Above the Marines flew a steady stream of black helicopters with gunship support, heading straight inland in the wake of the waves of fighters high overhead. These were some of the special forces teams being sent in ahead to recon, gather intelligence and liase with native opposition elements or Chimaean agents. Elsewhere, other special forces were being deployed through land, air and sea.

As the hundreds of landing craft hit the beaches, the efficient Chimaean military, skills honed in theatres such as Colombia, Hrstrovokia and Syskeyia, went into action. The ramps opened and the armour roared into life: tanks, APCs, tracked artillery, trucks. Engineering squads were already covering the sand with a special, lightweight portable tarmac for the vehicals ease.

There was medium enemy resistance; the initial waves of missile strikes and artillery had quenched the majority of the defences near the landings. Marines quickly returned fire and radioed in coordinates for the ship artillery to concentrate on, moving the Wall of Fire quickly as they took placement by placement, section by section. The beach had been mined and the mine-sweepers efficiently detected and exploded as many as possible.

Still, there were casualties. One landing craft beached directly on a buried cluster mine, blowing apart the front of the craft and turning the armoured hull into burning wreckage. There were numerous casualties from the fighting and medivac teams were already active amongst the troops. An emergency field hospital was constructed, a perimeter made, defences mounted.

Meanwhile, overhead, C130 aircraft flew overhead, protected by more gunships. The C130s were loaded with paratroopers, armour and supplies, for both military and civilian purposes and were capable of pin-point heavy-fire. These headed inland, deploying forward troops into strategic towns and positions.

"I want every Chimaean watching or listening to this to know one thing: we shall not stand by and do nothing. We will avenge our fallen, we will stand for human rights and freedom from oppression. We will not be deterred. And we will prevail."

When the early blue-grey of dawn painted the landscape, the invading forces were pushing inland; hundreds of thousands of troops airdropped or landed, all heading towards the capital city and north Rathanan. Casualties mounted on both sides; rivers turned bloody, smoke filled the sky. Fire and death reigned supreme.

*News reel footage of troops arriving on Rathanan soil*

Bordorian Broadcasting Corporation

"At exactly 0800 hours this morning, Bordorian forces landed on Rathanan soil. The Forces comprise of 4 aircraft carriers, each carrying 115 BoA-80 E Dragon Flies, 4 nuclear subs, 1 diesel-electric sub, 10 Frigates, 10 Crusers, 6 destroyers, 5 Battleships, 6 Gun boats, and 6 Assault ships, each containing 20 light aircraft, 88 Royal Marines, land vehicles, and supplies. A grand total of 528 Royal Marines, all belonging to the Royal Seafourth Highlanders, have arrived, and are due to meet up with the Rathanan Army."

*scenes of joy. Rathanan civilians rushing out to greet the Royal Marines. Ticker tape parrade. Scenes of Bordorian Marines marching in regemental kilts and playing bagpipes.*

"The Royal Marines, deployed to the Rathanan Capital, under the command of Commander Sir. Abdul Niaz, are to reenforce it incase of a Chimaen attack. The 5th Fleet, under the command of Vice Admiral Lord. David Correli, will be sent to assist the Holy Imperial Rathanan Naval Service. Both Sir. Niaz and Lord. Correli are Senators as well. At times of war, Senators as well as other goverment officials, with the request of the government, are expected to personally lead military campaigns. Also there is word that the government will be sending 100 additional reconstruction troops to provide aid to areas struck by Chimaen Missiles, 10 liason officers to work directly with the Rathanan military and police service, providing them with logistical support, and upwards of 10,000 additional troops to defend Rathanan. More troop deployments are scheduled. In other news, the recent Chimaen bombing, was a dismal failure. The Office of National Defence reports that most of the cruse missles were stopped, either by the land and sea based missile defence systems, or by the anti missile satelites of the Imperial Space Navy. However, one missele did go through, and landed in the port city of New London. The missile damaged a ware house, and 14 minor injuries are reported. There were no fatalities."

**********************At the Senate*********************

"The Senate Throne recognises the Right Honourable Secretary General." Said The Lord Chancellor.

"Thank you my Lord," said Caesar. "Lords Temporial, Lords Spiritual, Lords of Law, and Honourable Senators in the Imperial House of Senators Assembled. Our Forces have reached the Holy Empire of Rathanan. The Rathanan Ambassador just sent word that the troops have receved quite the heros welcome, and that the Holy Emperor is due to meet with their commanding officer, Commander Sir. Abdul Niaz. You all know of Sir. Abdul, a Senator as well, will also represent Her Imperial Majesty's Government. He took it upon him self to personaly lead the troops. Her Imperial Majesty is also planning a visit to Rathanan, to meet with the Holy Emperor some time shortly. Also, by the grace of God, the Chimaen attack was a dismal failure. There were only 14 minor injuries, and all that was damaged was a warehouse, containing food supplies destened for Rathanan. The Chimaen government accuses our govern ment of Facist leanings, if this is true, then how come we are the most Liberal Democracy in the region. Infact they stand closer to the right than we do. We have embraced socialism, and created a wellfare state, while they have embraced capitalism, and are now slaves to the market. our Socialism promotes democracy, our secular state, and yes, even a moderate form of capitalism. All this, while there capitalism promotes oligarchy, rule by the wealthy few. Over here, sovreignty is vested in the citizens of this country, in Chimaea, it is vested in a Governor. A Governor who was installed by the military. It seems that the Chimaena have a lot of double standards. Chimaea is a nation of contridictions, and is doomed to failure. I now surrender the rest of my time to the Senate Throne."

*********************At Government Tower*********************

"Rathanan is in dier need of assistance," said the Minister of National Defence. "Caesar, we need to send them those additional reenforcements post haste." "Agreed." replied Caesar.

**********************************************************

A force of 3,000 solders, 100 reconstruction troops, and 10 logistical support liason officers were boarding on 10 T-8 Largos, the RBAF's supersonic stealth troop carrier. The planes take off, escorted by ten P-99 stealth jet fighters. They are destened for the Rathanan capital, and will arrive, under the cover of darkness, and under the watchful eye of the RBAF defence satelites, in 1 hour.

Mean while, a larger force of 55,000 Bordorian Army soldiers were boarding on to troop carriers, destened for the Rathanan ports. The 8th Fleet rests under the command of Admiral Sir. Thomas von Krupp. The fleet consists of 625 Assault ships, each carrying 88 troops, land vehicles, 20 light aircraft and supplies, 40 aircraft carriers each carrying 115 aircraft, 67 battle ships, 6 gun boats, 40 nuclear subs, 100 Frigates, 111 Crusers, and 100 destroyers and 11 corvettes. There are also 150 merchant ships, each carrying 4 tonnes of food and medicne, and 4 tonnes of other supilies to help out the Rathanans.

Also, a smaller force of 25,000 soldiers boarded on to 200 Assault ships, sailed off, to an undisclosed location. They were followed by 29 Aircraft carriers, and 10 nuclear submarines.

*1 hour later*
The 10 T-8s and 10 P-99s landed at Rathanan International Airport, in the Rathanin capital, and have started to unload supplies. The 100 reconstruction troops boarded on to Rathanan helicopters to assess the dammage done by the Chimaens. The 10 liason officers met with the Rathanan commander, and were assigned their duties.

*24 hours later*
The 8th fleet reached the Rathanan ports safely and started unloading troops and supplies.

OOC: Rathanan, what are the names of your capital city and your ports

OOC: I'm working on a map of my nation as we speak, I'll get that out for you asap. But the capitol is St. Alexander City, the biggest naval city is St. Cypher City and its close second is St. Mathew City. St. Peter Island is also a large naval staging point.. St. Paul City is the smallest naval port.... That's what you mainly need to concern yourself with.... Rathanan has military bases strewn throughout the nation as it is.... And to address your concerns, Chimaea, about my special ops, I had figured that a few bases would be close to emptied due to the mass deployment of naval troops... And I planned to do such things. And by Her Imperial Majesty, do you mean a queen? And i still need you to give me your ambassador's choice, Chimaea.

The Grand House of Baron, after the General left

The Ambassador of Rathanan stood up sharply after the General left.

"The Ambassador of Rathanan is recognized." The President said.

The attention of the Ambassador turned towards the Chimaean depute Ambassador. "You heard it, all of you." The Ambassador began. "I heard no remourse in the General's words." The Ambassador continued. "When our people die, no one in Chimaea cares.... Yet the moment our staunch ally kills their civilians, they go beserk." The Ambassador added. "I also think that it's blatantly obvious that civilian scientists would be working in our nuclear areas... The military was gaurding them, not makeing them." The Ambassador added. "Not only the scientists were killed, but many of their families were killed as well.... All so Chimaea can keep its power trophy." The Ambassador added viciously. "I would also like to point out that the Holy Empire of Rathanan has seen glorious years not seen since Holy Emperor Alexander (Now St. Alexander who was the founder of Rathanan) under Holy Emperor Calidan... How dare you call his administration unstable!" The Ambassador attacked. "Now you've called down the thunder, and both Bordoria and the Holy Empire will assure you that your power trophy will be torn from you." The Ambassador added. "ONe way or another, 'ambassador' I assure you that we'll win this war." The ambassador finished. "I yield the rest of my time to the chair." The Ambassador concluded.

The Holy Imperial Throne Room

Holy Emperor Calidan stared at the Bodorian Ambassador. "Your Imperial Majesty is most certainly welcome to visit Rathanan... Though I can't say it's a safe place now.... Even now soldiers from my nation and yours are fighting the Chimaean dogs valiantly.. I would certainly enjoy the oppertunity to meet your leaders and thank them in person." The Emperor said kindly.

"Thank you, Holy Emperor Calidan." The Ambassador said as he turned away and began to head out of the room.

Soon after the Ambassador left, the Grand Admiral of Rathanan marched into the room. "Lucius, I must ask that you give the order to initiate Operation Divine Wrath." The Admiral said urgently. "They're decending on us with everything they've got.... We can win this war with few Rathani and Bodorian casualties if we do... Chimaea wouldn't have much of a will to fight if half of New Sydney was blown to pieces." The Admiral added.

"I will present this offer to the Bodorian officals coming to visit soon... We're in an alliance system here, I don't want to make sudden moves without getting our allies informed." The Emperor added.

"Very well, thank you, Lucius." The Admiral said as he saluted and turned back the way he came.

On the front

Capitan Rectis looking through his binoculars as the incoming Chimaean airforce. Rectis was a ballista commander in charge of at least 10 batteries. Rectis's walkie talkie flickered to life.

"Capitan, this is Colonel Auctorus, open fire!" The voice on the other end said.

"10-4." The Capitan replied. "Rectis out." The Capitan turned towards his troops. "OPEN FIRE!" He yelled. Immediately, anti aircraft missles began to spew into the air in mass quantities.

As the anti air missles began to fire, the unmistakeable roar of HIF-77's came over the soldiers towards the Chimaean aircraft... The air force may have lost the first battle of the war, but wouldn't be so easily defeated again.

On a beach close to St. Cypher city

Machine guns began to open fire mercilessly on the landing Chimaean soldiers. Artillary began to berrage the beach endlessly. Rathanan had obviously been quite prepared for an impending invasion.

"Do not retreat unless specifically ordered!" Yelled the Colonel of the base. "Keep firing, we have plenty of ammo... We must drive them back!" Tje Colonel continued to yell over the roar of automatic gunfire and artillary shelling.

On the H.I.S. Andreas

Capitan Regis observed the fast approaching Chimaean fleet. He was dressed in his usual pea-coat, capitan's hat, and was smoking his usual corn-cobbed pipe.

"Sir!" A seaman exclaimed running out of the bridge. "The Grand Admiral has ordered all navy pilots to take off and has order all ships to begin shooting at the Chimaean ships.... He wants Operation Gangbusters." The seaman said as he saluted.

"Very well, Claudius, carry on." The Capitan said as he walked back into the bridge. The capitan slammed the scramble siren for the pilots. Within moments, navy planes were taking off and heading towards the Chimaean fleet. "Move us into our position for Operation Gangbusters...." The Capitan said to his pilot.

"Yes sir." the pilot answered.

OOC: fyi, Operation Gangbusters involves surrounding the Chimaean Navy, effectively cutting of retreat and being fired on from all sides.... It's how the Grand Admiral thought to counter the Chimaean navy..... Weather or not it works is yet to be known, obviously. ;)

OOC: Oh, by the way, I finished the map of Rathanan. Here you go. http://www.geocities.com/system_failure22/Rathanan.html

The Grand House of Baron

As the Rathanan plenipotentiary extraordinary ceded the floor, the ambassador for Barnett Gerbanya opened the Grand Duchy’s response to the war.

“The Ambassador for Barnett Gerbanya is recognised,” the President of the Chamber called out.

“Mr President,” he began, “whilst the Grand Duchy understands and applauds the Rathanan movements to continue secure independence for their people and to guarantee their national sovereignty against the aggression of Chimaea, who are by themselves engendering more regional tensions than the creation of the Rathanan nuclear arsenal, the cruise missile attacks by Bororia and suspected acts of aggression by Rathanan cannot be applauded. Nonetheless, the unjustified invasion of Rathanan must be condemned as unwarranted and unneeded and we demand immediate Chimaean withdrawal. Barnett Gerbanya calls upon all warring parties to end all hostile acts and to immediately begin negotiation for a cease-fire and lasting peace agreement. Until such acts can be seen to taken place, Barnett Gerbanya will not ally with any warring party; the Grand Duchy intends to last the duration of this conflict as a neutral party. However, as a defensive measure the Grand Duke has ordered all military forces to be moved to the highest alert of readiness, and is notifying the international community of our intent to move 6th Fleet into the region as observers and protectors of our interests.

I have also been instructed to inform all parties that the Grand Duke expects that no assets or vessels of the Grand Duchy are to be damaged or engaged in this conflict; any move to do so will be regarded as an act of war upon Barnett Gerbanya, and we will fight with any and all means at our disposal any enemies until the assured victory of the Grand Duchy comes. Thank you.”

The Ambassador quietly sat down; he had no doubts that before long the Grand Duchy would be drawn into the maelstrom of war. The only question was, who would bring them in?

Ministry of Defence, St. Jakaw, Barnett Gerbanya

The Chief of the General Staff looked up at the naval commander. “Is 6th Fleet enough to protect our interests there? The Grand Duke believes entrance our entrance to the war is inevitable – are we commiting a force that’s about to get destroyed?”

“I’ve no doubt, Viktar, that 6th Fleet will be able to defend itself. It won’t be able to change the course of the war, but three Grand Duke (http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/cvf/) CVs, 9 Marjya (http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/f100/) and another 9 Duchess Iryna (http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/dezeven/) destroyers, with a coupla subs (http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/astute/) hangin’ round are goin’ to be able to look after themselves. They’re goin’ to be hangin’ a good two hundred miles west of St Peter Island. They’ll be just fine. And 1st Fleet is tooling up for some action, too, if we need to go any further.”

“And if we need to land men, Jozef, what then? Do I need to get ready to mobilise any men for immediate foreign transport?” C-in-C Land asked.

“My marines will do just fine at the moment… they’re still at Horad, ready to move when necessary. I can get an Expeditionary Force sortied inside 12 hours, the whole Brigade gone in another 12, and the division inside 48 hours. After that, we’re goin’ to start pushing our amphib capability to the limit - we're too spread out at the moment, two thirds of our lift capability is elsewhere. Hold off on mobilising,” the Admiral advised.

“And I can have a coupla wings of B-23’s (http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/tu160/) in the air within two hours, hitting anywhere you want 6 hours after that, tops. Our fighters won’t have the legs to go that far, but the carriers oughta have the jets for escorts. I’d say we’re good to go, Viktar.”

The Chief of Staff studied his subordinates for a moment. “Very well, gentlemen, move our assets into place. And get the G-3s to start working up plans for any contingency, whether we need to hit Rathanan, Chimaea or both, or anyone else who could crop up. Get your people ready.”

OOC: Just thought I’d leave any options open really – I don’t mind much what you choose to do with this. And if you need a map, give me a shout, and I’ll see if I can sort one out.

Major Victor-Tau'i M'Beki was carrying out his inspection of his 2,000 Royal Marines the 'Band of Brothers'. "Allright," said the major. "We've trained long and hard for this. The Chimaens are holding Diggers Hill, and doing a damn fine job of it. Sergeant Felix will explain. Sergeant." "Aye sir." said Felix. The hill over looks Lake Christum. It is a strategic point in their deffence, we take the hill, the CAF will no longer be able to defend St. Androphine City, and St. Andrew City. It is defended just like Vimmy." Said the Sergeant, refering to the famous battle of the First World War, in which Canadians, and Bordorians fought side by side, when their country was still a Dominion of the British Empire.

(f.y.i. Bordoria gained independence from the UK in 1911, and became a self-governing Dominion under the British Crown. However, Bordoria had no military of its own, nor the resources, at the time, so Britian was entirely responsible for defence. In 1913, responsibility of defence was transfered to Canada, an other British Dominion, and all the British Regements stationed in Bordoria fell under Canadian Command. The regements, at the time, comprised of both Bordorians, and British Troops stationed in Bordoria. In 1931 all British Dominions [Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zeland], except Bordoria gained full independence from the UK. Bordoria remained a Domionion, but fell under Canadian control. In 1936, the Bordorian Government gained control of the Regements, and on August 25 1939, Bordoria attained full independence. On September 10, 1939, Canada entered WWII, Bordoria did so, 4 hours after the Canadian decleration of war.)

The troops geared up, fot the long fight ahead.

******************At Bordoria City****************************
Government was making plans for the visit to St Alexander City, the Capital of The Holy Rathanan Empire. The Empress of Bordoria, the Secretary General, the Prime Minister, the Secretary of Satte, and other Cabinet ministers were taking part in this historic trip. Monique would be the first Bordorian monarch to visit Rathanan.

*1 hour later*
All the delegates were boarding the modified T-8 Largo for the historic trip. The plane was modified to carry all the luxury and amenities fit for a king, or in this case, an Empress. The plane was being trailed by 5 P-99 supersonic stealth fighters, and being watched by the military satelites. The plane will arrive in Rathanan International Airport, in the Capital. The visit was kept secret, to all, but the Rathanan Emperor.

*1 hour later*
The entourage has arrived safely in St. Alexander City, and were welcomed, with open arms by the Rathanan Royal Family.

At the Grand House of Baron, right after the Barnett Gerbanya speech

The Ambassador from Rathanan stood up.

"The Ambassador from Rathanan is recognized." The President said.

"The Holy Empire would like to applaud Barnett Gerbanya's condemnation of the Chimaean war." The Ambassador began. "But I'd like to clairify something, we as Rathanan, never took steps towards aggression... Chimaea was purely the aggressor in this conflict." He added. "I would also like ot clairify that there will be NO PEACE until either every last Chimaean is out of our nation or every last Rathani citizen who is loyal to the Imperium is dead." He continued. "The Chimaean species is nothing more than a blight to Baron, with their aggressive ways." The Ambassador continued. "To prove this, I would like to show a video that was found by an accidently killed Chimaean camera man." The Ambassador said as an aid popped the tape into a VCR.

On the screen there shown Rathani soldiers with a white flag walking towards the camera. A few seconds later, people in what appeared to be Chimaean uniforms, shot all the surrendering soldiers. (btw, this video was staged by the Inquisition as propganda... So it didn't actually happen... But you guys don't know that! =D)

"Since Chimaea refuses to show mercy to our surrendering soldiers, we, therefore, shall grant no quarter to their soldiers.... We shall respond to this sub human behavior with wrath." The Ambassador said. "I yield the rest of my time to the chair." The Ambassador concluded as he sat down.

St. Alexander City

Holy Emperor Lucius Calidan, his two sisters Elaine and Louise, and his mother all came out to greet the Bodorian officals.

"On behalf of all the people of the Holy Empire of Rathanan, you are all graciously welcome here.... The Palace chefs are cooking dinner for all of us as we speak and we would be honored if you would join us." The Emperor continued, graciously shaking the hands of the Bodorian officals.

After dinner, Holy Emperor Calidan and the Bodorian officals went before the Holy Imperial News Camera.

"People of Rathanan, I come before you today to tell you that the situation with Chimaea has escelated." The Emperor said. "Today, a Chimaean general spoke at the Grand House of Baron almost defended the murder of our fellow Rathani civillians." The Emperor added. "Not only that, our soldiers were murdered as well... Sons and daughters... Fathers and Mothers whos only crime was defending their nation valiantly." The Emperor said. "I would like to make one thing painstakingly clear, the people of Chimaea are NOT beings of God." The Emperor said. "The head of the Church of Rathanan and I have come to an agreement that the Chimaean race are demons, and Lady Bryce is Satan himself under guise." The Emperor added. "The forces of Hell have come to snuff out a nation who follows God's grace and power by law." The Emperor added. "As the anointed Holy Emperor, I will NOT let that happen." The Emperor continued. "Even now, our forces... Your sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, mothers, and fathers, are fighting the demon seed of Chimaea." The Emperor continued. "If your city or town is captured, I urge you, my people, to resist with all your might... The 'freedoms' Chimaea will offer you will not only mislead you into a life of slavery in their service, but it will doom your soul to the fires of hell." The Emperor added. "But the situation is not so grim, as our staunch ally, Bodoria, has joined us in the fight against the Chimaean animals." The Emperor said. "Together, we shall anihalate the Chimaean threat once and for all." The Emperor concluded. "With that, good night and may God be with you all." The Emperor finished, smiling at the camera.

"A--a-nd cut!" The camera man yelled. "Thank you Holy Emperor, that was very well put." The news officals said.

At the beaches 15 miles away from St. Cypher City

The Rathani military had been causing a blood bath on the beaches for the oncoming Chimaean army, but it seemed that their numbers never stopped.

"Sir! They're planting charges on our barricades!" A private yelled out to a Capitan.

"Hold the line! Do not fall back unless ordered!" the Capitan yelled back.

The situation on the beaches had been raging for roughly 3 days now... Rathani soldiers were situated on high ground overlooking the beaches, thus giving them the ability to mow down the Chimaean army rather effecticely. But the sheer numbers of the Chimaean army began to ware at the battle weary Rathani army who was slowly but surely running out of ammo.

1 day later

The soldiers who were holding that beach, some were retreating, others were captured... The Chimaean army had captured other beaches and surrounded the defenders.... St. Cypher City was now in the hands of the Commonwealth of Chimaea.

CHIMAEAN ARMY CAPTURES ST. CYPHER CITY

"Chimaean soldiers marched on St. Cypher city today, greeted with rocks, spit, and urine from St. Cypher citizens." The news anchor said. "The citizens are defying the Chimaeans at every turn... From little things like spitting on their boots, to throwing rocks at their helmets." The Anchor added. "The Emperor applauded the defiance of the citizens of St. Cypher city today at a news conference." The Anchor said as the picture went to the Emperor speaking.

".....I would also like to applaud the valiant actions of the citizens of St. Cypher City, which was captured today, you shall be rewarded here on Earth as well as in Heaven." The Emperor said.

The Screen goes back to the anchor.

"Those found to be collaborating with the Chimaeans are being found dead." The Anchor finished. "In God's name, good night." The Anchor concluded.

St. Cypher City

"GO BACK HOME, CHIMAEAN DOG!" Yelled a Rathani man as he threw a rock at a Chimaean soldier's head. "YOU KILLED MY SON YOU BEASTS!" He yelled as he threw another.

Other voices rose up from the crowd, all cursing the Chimaean military in one way or another. Children ran out into the streets, kicked the shins of soldiers, and ran back. Soldiers in the poorer sections of the city tended to have buckets of urine thrown on them from ghetto rooms. The Chimaean soldiers were not recieving the greeting they expected by any means. Attacks became more and more militant day by day.... Soon there was an active insurgancy within St. Cypher City. Soldiers on gaurd were often found burned at the stake right outside of the city. Others heads were found stuck on pikes in the town square. In response, the Chimaean occupation force has imposed a curfew... But even that isn't helping much, as firefights are as common as rain in the city and molotov coctails tend to be thrown into Chimaean headquarters.

Somewhere in Chimaea, overlooking a military base

The paladin team that had been dispatched to Chimaea had been observing this Chimaean army base for quite a while.. It was much more gaurded than their first target, thus strategy was paramount.

"Look, the gaurds for the 8:00 to 11:00 PM gaurd shift have a tendancy to fall asleep on the job.... We can use that to our advantage." The capitan said quietly. "From there, there is a whole lot of vegitation in the base we can use for cover... We can sneak our way in and plant the charges... But we should probably expect a fire fight on the way out... Understand?" the Capitan said in a hushed tone to his team.

"Yes sir." His team responded.

"Good, we go as soon as they begin to fall asleep." The capitan said.

OOC: ok, could we not RP my nation, please? Thank you. A lone nuclear weapon fired from any Baron country would have been taken out mid-flight by the Baron Defence Grid... and I didn't actually mean for you to nuke me, which is why I haven't posted about troops getting into the capital city. Eeep! Well I haven't replied to it yet, telegram me and tell me where you're going with this.

And I haven't done the Navy thing yet. I'll get to it!

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

Cypher City, Rathanan

"Get down! Get the fuck down and stay down!"

Private Banks tasted dirt as he slammed his body down on the ground. Rathanan dirt, he decided, tasted just like any other motherfucking dirt in the world. Not that he wanted to taste it. Thanks.

Beside him, Private Helker swore, and had been swearing for two minutes--ever since they'd gotten out of the APC, in fact. That was how Helker handled combat. She liked to swear and the language that'd flow out of her month during combat was enough to make a sailor blush.

Up ahead, Sergeant Strewth was peering down his binoculars and muttering to the comms guy. His name wasn't actually Strewth, but the big Australian immigrant had a habit of spitting out "strewth!" in his own special way. He'd been called Strewth for so long that none of the squad knew his real name. Private Banks crawled through the muddy street next to him, followed by Helker. "What in God's name is going on, sir?"

"Don't blaspheme, fuckknuckle!"

Private Banks thought for a moment. "What the fuck is going on, sir?"

"Better. See that bombed-out building in front of us?"

"Yeah?"

"Two snipers."

"Ooooh. I hate snipers. Where's Lloyd?"

"Dead."

Banks paused. Their sniper was dead. The kid was no older than 22 and had come from some farm in Hope. What was it, pigs? Corn? Garden gnomes? Whatever it was, he'd hated it and joined the Marines and now he was lying dead in the cold mud in this cold, half destroyed city in the middle of nowhere.

"Well. Shit."

"Yeah."

"I feel like a bit of a burke, though, lying here like this."

"Why's that?"

"'Cause those crazy-ass bastards are standing around looking at us. I think one's sniggering."

The squad got up and took cover behind burnt vehicles. There were a number of civilians around, just standing there, watching like it was some sort of street-theatre. One held a Bible and Banks was sure that the man was performing an exorcism on them.

"Can you see anything?" Banks asked Helker. Helker shrugged as she sighted down her scope. "Fuckers." she muttered quietly, almost religiously.

The Sergeant's voice crackled over the squads comms. "Cover me!"

Banks and Helker, alongside the five other soldiers, opened fire with their CR66s, gouging holes out of the ruined buildings brick facade. The Sergeant broke cover, strode calmly into the middle of the road with a LAW, and opened fire on the building. Banks watched as the missile streaked towards the building, smash a window, vanish inside and--

The squad and half the street were blown backwards as the entire building blew apart. Banks slammed into the ground and tasted dirt again. He pondered for a moment in a stunned way why the recruitment officers never talked about eating dirt.

Reality kicked in and he was up, rifle at the ready in case any of the militants survived. They weren't regular army but citizens who'd decided to pick up guns and start shooting.

Sergeant Strewth looked at the building, opened his mouth, considered for a second and let out a slow and impressive "strewth!". Then he struggled to his feet as Banks and Helker joined him. "What the fuck do they put in these rockets?"

Banks shook his head. "That wasn't the rocket..."

"I know that, Einstein. By the looks of it we hit ammunition, or a bomb. Could be a lab of some sort."

Banks nodded. "Lloyd owed me ten bucks."

"What?"

"Lloyd owed me ten bucks. For burgers."

The other two stared at him. He shrugged. "Yeah, well, I guess it doesn't matter."

The squad began moving cautiously up the road. Suddenly, a woman with long, straggly hair and wearing a dirty, ripped dress appeared to their side. Banks reacted and brought his rifle up just as he the urine hit his kevlar-covered chest. He lowered the rifle and sighed as the woman began screaming incoherently at him.

"What the fuck's she saying, sir?"

"That's Latin, dumbass. She says you killed her husband and you're cursed to death by God."

Banks looked up at the sky, obscure by the smoke of a thousand fires. He listened to the distant sounds of gunfire and explosions, saw the rubble-strewn street, the bombed-out buildings, the burnt out shells of cars. He took a deep breath and smelled the acrid smell of urine, sweat, cordite and fear.

"Well he'll have to wait in line like everybody else."

***

The Grand House of Baron

The new Ambassador, Sir Irving Disraeli, was a quiet, dignified-looking man who had been Brigadier in the Army. It always surprised anyone who met him that such a quiet, unassuming man could command so many men in combat--until they looked into his eyes and saw the cold, steely sould staring back. He was educated more than most and held a professorship in International Relations before being posted as Ambassador, first to Colombia, then with the downfall of FARC, to Syskeyia, performing as wartime Ambassador. He had now been posted to the Grand House.

He sat and listened to the speeches given by the Ambassador of Barnett Gerbanya and Rathanan without turning a hair on his neatly-brushed head and without so much as a flicker in his expression. The cold grey eyes were trained on each speaker as they spoke, blinking at long intervals.

He watched the video of the war crime, scanning it dispasionately before standing.

"The Chair recognises the Commonwealth of Chimaea."

"Thank you, Mr. President." He trained his unblinking gaze on the Rathanan Ambassador. "There has been no record of any such killing, but we invite our Rathanan counterparts to supply information so that we may get to the truth of the matter. We assume you will give us a copy of that tape, too. It is highly unlikely that actual Chimaean Marines were responsible for this killing--we adhere to strict rules of engagement, and the actions of the people in that video do not conform to any CAF training I am aware of... It is also possible there is more out of shot that could cause the soldiers to open fire. The video is inconclusive until a full inquiry is conducted; as it is, it is highly suspect.

"During the present mission within Rathanan, CAF has documented two hundred and fifty thousand displaced persons, who we have provided temporary shelter and aid to. We thank Baron Aid for their help in this matter. We have taken many prisoners of war, who have been treated humanely and with due reference to the Geneva Conventions.

"Our actions in Rathanan is to destroy the weapons of mass destruction they possess. We are doing this as we speak. With reference to the Ambassador's recent comments on civilian casualties, we must first point out that any military contractors or personnel, or anyone, scientists or otherwise, working or living in any offensive nuclear facility are unfortunate casualties due to the Holy Empire's refusal to disarm their nuclear weapons. Any casualties are terrible, but we will not stop until the nuclear threat is removed.

"Chimaea would like to thank the nation of Barnett Gerbanya for their recognisal of Bordorian and Rathanan acts of aggression. We would also like to point out that the Commonwealth is not in Rathanan for the purposes of regime change but to neutralise a nuclear threat against all of Baron. I would like to remind the House that Rathanan most certainly did not signal their willingness to negotiate or seek peaceful means during the initial condemnation of their horrifically discriminating domestic policies, their terribly human rights abuses and their oppression of the Rathanan people. Instead they replied with a nuclear threat and even then we took the least action of an Embargo. It was not until agents of the Holy Empire kidnapped our Ambassador from this very island, this diplomatic sanctuary, that the Commonwealth realised direct force was needed. An act of aggression, and escallation of the situation which the Holy Empire still denies!

"Unwarranted, unneeded, unjustified? We have lost lives so that the children of Baron, your children, may sleep soundly at night without fear of nuclear fire raining on their heads. We have responded to unwarranted aggression on the part of the Holy Empire and its ally, Bordoria. When talk and an embargo was met with blind aggression, we had to take the next step.

"However, we are willing to commence negotiations. This does not mean we are withdrawing, however, until all our mission goals within Rathanan are accomplished--until Rathanan is incapable of mass nuclear attack. We are willing to make concessions if the Holy Empire is and we are willing to negotiate. We are not willing to risk every life in Baron.

"With regards to the Grand Duchy's movement of forces near the quarantine zone... While we will take every effort not to interfere with the Grand Duchy's forces or interests, we cannot make promises within an active military engagement. This means, practically speaking, that if the Grand Duchy's craft comes within the quarantine zone, standard operating procedures apply. But this is mere formality, as we're sure the Grant Duchy will maintain neutrality.

"Thank you for your time."

***

"They think I'm Satan."

General Garrison shrugged. "The Reich think I'm Satan's whore, if it helps any."

"No, no it doesn't."

"Oh. Well. Never mind then." he reached over and took her hand in one of his. His palm was rough against her smooth skin. "This is really getting to you, isn't it?"

Lady Bryce frowned. "The possibility of my citizens dying horribly in a nuclear holocaust does tend to get to me, yes."

The General shook his head. "Can't think like that. It's not how it works for us... You have to think of the fact that they have enough nukes to kill everyone in Baron."

"The good of the many as opposed to the good of the few?"

The General let go of her hand and looked away. "Yes. That's exactly it. I'm sorry." he glanced at her after a while. "Do you regret being Governor?"

Lady Bryce tapped the wrought-iron garden table they were sitting at restlessly with her fingertips. "No. I did what I had to do, and so did you."

"That's not what I meant."

"I know."

The General thought for a moment. "You could give it up after this. Resign. Find John, wherever he is, and--"

"Stop. Don't. Just... don't, all right? I can't give it up. This is who I am--I am the Governor of Chimaea." her lips quirked up at the corners, but there was no smile in her eyes. "Dad knew that."

There was an awkward silence. General Garrison sighed and closed his eyes, losing the moment to say something.

Lady Bryce stared into the endless blue sky and the darkness in her head.

***

The pattering of rain against the window woke Robertson up. He had put himself into a light meditative trance, which hadn't really helped much. Though his headache was gone. He got up from the simple bed, glanced at the guards, then walked to the window. It was barred; big heavy bolts of iron in a criss-cross pattern. He leaned his elbows on the sill and his forehead against the cold metal and looked at the constantly changing swirls made by the rain against the slightly slanted glass.

The ticking of the clock on the wall pervaded the silence. Even the guards seemed to be set in stone. Perhaps they were asleep on their feet.

tick, tock, tick, tock...

Never see the light of day again. What did that mean? Either death or something worse, perhaps. He tried to make out the world beyond the window, but there were opnly blurred lights in the rain. Somewhere, there were people in warm houses, under warm blankets. In fear of the Chimaean bombs.

He closed his eyes wearily and remembered his childhood. Growing up in the suburbs of Wildergate. The endless fields of wheat, golden under a bright sun. The small town with its antique clock-tower, town hall, small family businesses... The warm innocense of childhood. That was Chimaea, a million miles away and decades in the past. He hadn't been home for a very long time, not since he joined the Marines against his parents' wishes.

How had it all come to this?

Gunfire, screaming, blood in his mouth, he couldn't breathe--

Robertson exhaled softly. All his life serving the nation. Killing and stopping killing, war and peace. All leading up to this point. He remembered seeing the fear and sadness in Lady Bryce's eyes as she walked with him to his plane. That was odd, unusual. She'd been worried. He'd seen the same look in her eyes that he saw in his, every time he looked in the mirror; the looks that was responsible for the lives of billions. Sometimes the deaths of millions.

In the end he had nothing.

So... a choice. A decision. To live or to die. To live a traitor or to die a hero. Life. Death.

The cold metal of the bars was like fire against his skin. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the Reaper, sharpening the scythe, watching him. Waiting for him.

In the end, then, there was choice.

Really only one choice. He was, after all, what he was... and it was too late to change that now. Not that he wanted to.

He shut his eyes tightly, listening to the pattering of the rain on the window, and prepared to die.

OOC: i cut out the nuking part, now that I think about it, it was VERY unfair to you and I appologize.

The Grand House of Baron after the new Chimaean Ambassador's speech
The Ambassador from Rathanan stood up sharply.

"The Ambassador from Rathanan is recognized." The president said.

"You heard it, all of you, yet again the Commonwealth of Chimaea has made no move to apologize for the brutal actions of their soldiers." The Ambassador began. "We will not give any copies of the tape, as we will use this as direct proof against Chimaean soldiers for their warcrimes." The Ambassador added. "The Commonwealth of Chimaea is trying to cover up this situation." He accused. "Our nuclear weapons presented no fear of offensive attack, by your rash actions, however, you have gotten close to utter nuclear holocost!" The Ambassador said. "Also, about your endless accusitions that we took Ambassador Robertson, you have no proof." The Ambassador mentioned. "We were arming ourselves against your aggression, we wouldn't have time to capture an Ambassador, even if we wanted to." The Ambassador added. "Until you present some solid proof, we demand that these accusitions stop." The Ambassador ordered. "But that's what your good at, isn't it? Accusitions...." the Ambassador added. "You accuse us of human rights violations, you accuse us of having and offensive plan for our nuclear weapons, and above all, you insulted our leader by accusing him of being mentally unstable." The Ambassador attacked. "Well now it's time we bring up accusitions.... Accusitions that have proof." He added as he had the tape played again. "I would also like to mention the fact that we have photographs of Chimaean soldiers beating people in St. Cypher City.... Does your nation not stand for the freedom of speech?" The Ambassador continued. "These people are still loyal to the Holy Emperor, and they are being flogged for it..." the Ambassador sneered. "For these acts of tretchery, we shall treat Chimaean POWs and Chimaean citizens as they have treated our POWs and citizens.." The Ambassador growled. "The gloves are off, Ambassador." The Rathani Ambassador said as he glared at the Chimaean Ambassador. "I would also like to clairify that there will be no negotiations.... We shall not stop until every last Chimaean in Rathanan is dead, or the Rathani race in general is dead." The Ambassador added. "When our Emperor says 'victory or death' he means victory or death... Here are our terms, leave our nation now, or face utter destruction.... The choice is soley yours." The Ambassador concluded. "I yield the rest of my time to the chair." He concluded.

In the basement of the Inquisition headquarters

High Inquisitor Mathias Olivegrove walked into the room where the Ambassador was being held.

"Forgive me for waiting longer than I said, but your nation is exterminating my nation's people.... We're quite busy here." The High Inquisitor said. "In either case, you know what I'm here for." He added. There was a silence in the room for about one minute, and at that moment, the High Inquisitor knew what the Ambassador had chosen to do. "Very well, Ambassador... I see you are loyal to your evil nation's ways... Respectable, in a way." The High Inquisitor said nonchallantly. "Trust me, I prefered it to be like this anyway, we can cover this up like this.... TAKE HIM AWAY!" He yelled.

Within seconds, two strong Inquisition officers picked up the Ambassador roughly and dragged him off to another room that appeared to be a miniature chapel.

"Pray, so that you may know the grace of God before you die." A Chimaean officer said, forcing the Ambassador to his knees.

The Ambassador looked up at the cross, but remained silent.

"PRAY! Your body maybe destroyed, but at least your soul will live on in paradice!" The Officer barked as he struck the Ambassador on the head.

The Ambassador just knelt there, looking at the cross.... Prehaps in silent prayer.

"Fine, you were given your chance." The Officer said as he and his counterpart began to drag the Ambassador away. Within moments, the Ambassador found himself in a dark room... The room smelled of smoke and death. Waiting for him was a pole with wood all around it... The Inquisition was going to burn him. The Inquisition officers took care to tie him up to the pole tightly. "From dust you came, and to dust you shall return." The Inquisition officer said as he took a torch and began to light the wood. After the fire was lit, the two officers left the room, leaving the screaming noises of the burning Ambassador in the chamber. The fires would rage until Ambassador Robertson was no more.

St. Cypher City

A Priest from the Church of Rathanan stood up before a crowd. "The time has come, brothers and sisters, that we drive these Chimaean demons out of our holy nation!" The Priest began. "God has allowed this blight to be put on us to test our faith!" The Priest added. "We must not be afraid to do God's duty!" The Priest continued. "Do your part to drive the occupiers out! We mustn't stop until every last Chimaean demon is off our holy soil." The preist added. "Just as God cast Satan out of heaven before the creation of the world, we must cast the minions of the father of lies out of the Holy Empire of Rathanan!" The Priest finished.

The crowd roared in agreement... Those who listened, and many others, began to grab weapons of any type and charged the street. A massive riot had begun. Any and all Chimaean soldiers cought in the streets were mobbed and beaten to death. The entire city had devolved into an anti Chimaean blood lust.... There was no stopping the citizens. Rathani citizens who would not join the rioters were treated the same as Chimaeans... Every last Rathani citizen was armed and hunting for Chimaean blood. (basically like Mogidishu.)

The Holy Imperial Palace

"No, there will be no negotiations." The Emperor told the international news agent. "Chimaea started this war, and we will not let the honor of our nation be stained by trying to bargin for peace.... One way or another, victory will be ours." The Emperor added.

"By one way or another, victory will be yours, do you mean you will use nuclear weapons against Chimaea?" The reporter asked.

"Did I say that? No. I didn't, I recommend you actually listen for a change." The Emperor said, scowling. "Despite the fact that the Chimaean race is nothing more than demonic animals, we shall try to avoid using nuclear force..." The Emperor said, using political speaking for the first time in a long time.

"Chimaea has claimed that their attack on your silos was not an act of war, merely a part of the embargo.... How do you respond to this?" The reporter asked.

"Let me just clairify something for those idiots in Chimaea." The Emperor began. "When a nation attacks another nation's soverign ground, that is an act of war." The Emperor said. "They killed our soldiers and our people, for what? For their unholy crusade for absolute power, that's what." The Emperor added.

"But Emperor, it WAS an announced embargo..." The Reporter challanged slightly.

"Let me ask you something, if I sent Rathani soldiers to Chimaea and started blowing up their buildings and killing their soldiers and people, and I call it an embargo, would they not see it as an act of war?" The Emperor challanged back.

"How do you see this war coming to an end?" The Reporter asked.

"I can see it ending in many ways." The Emperor began. "First, with Chimaea's retreat from Rathanan." He said. "Second with the complete destruction or surrender of the Commonwealth of Chimaea." He added. "Third, with the complete destruction of the Rathani race. (There will be no surrender.)" He added. "Lastly, the fourth, we destroy each other." The Emperor mentioned. "The Holy Empire will not back down by any means whatsoever, to this i pledge the sacred honor of my nation." The Emperor concluded.

"Chimaea continues to accuse you of Ambassador Robertson's odd disappearence, what do you have to say about that?" The Reporter asked.

"Just as my Ambassador said earlier, these accusitions are unfounded and false." The Emperor began. "We do not, however, offer any condolences to Mr. Robertson's family or to him in general... As he was a ringleader for this war..." The Emperor concluded.

"Thank you for your time Emperor." The Reporter concluded.

"aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnddddddd CUT!" Yelled the Cameraman. "That's a wrap, thank you Holy Emperor Calidan."

************Regina Trench, Diggers Hill, Rathanan******************

The men and women of the 23rd Royal Rifles of Bordoria, and The Queens own Royal Lexon Marines Regement, stood ready. This would be a joint operation between the Bordorian Army, and the Royal Bordorian Marine Corps. From their trench, theycould see their objective, Diggers Hill. It was a massive ridge, just like Vimmy. With the liberation of the ridge, would come the liberation of St. Androphine City, and St. Andrew City. There were 2,000 Marines, and the 8,000 soldiers. All of them were ready. The planning for this attack took weeks, and now, all was ready. Luck would be the deciding factor.

"The Chimaen radar will pick up the bombers," said Major General Commandante Sir. Thomas McQuaig. "We'll need to use our Artellery first, to knock out their radar. Then during the bombing, we'll still send down shells, but these shells will carry mustard gas with them, we can crippel their reserves. Our troops." "Excellent strategy," said Senator Lieutenent General Sir. Felix Hannover. "After the Gassing, we can use the 'creeping barrage' tatic to protect our advancing troops from any pockets of resistance." The Creeping Barrage has artellery fired just infront of advancing troops, so any obsticals or enemy troops in the way fo the advancers can be wiped out.

******************At Kings Trench*************************

The Royal Artellery stood ready. "So, we'll bomb em and gas their sorry arses." Said Lance Corporal Louis French. "Thats right," said Captain Jean-Luc Felix. "We destroy their radar, the planes go in, and we gas em."

*1 hour later*
"Ready,... aim,... FIRE!!!" Said the artellery captain. The noise was deffening. The Explosions were heard all the way to the Rathanan Capital. The Chimaen forces were taken by surprise. Their radar knocked out, and heavy casualties taken. Then, bombers flew in, and destroyed all remaining structures. Finally, the Royal Artellery imposed the second attack. Within seconds, the gas filled shells landed on surviving Chimaen troops. The yellow cloud of death was seen everywhere. The sight was horrifying, men, gasping for air, clutching their throaths, as the gas ate away at their lungs, and burned their skin. Survivors were horribly maimed and disfigured by the gas.

Soon Bordorian troops started the advance. The 10,000 troops charged Surviving Chimaen troops starting shooting back. The machine gun bullets were wizzing in all directions. A Legionnaire was shot in the leg and started screeming for help. A Corporal, Master Corporal Sara Rai, grabbed out her medikit, and started to disinfect the wound. "Medic, Medic!" She yelled. "You still owe me the 18 Marks, I lent you for the vodka!" said the corporal. "It burns!!!!!! It Burns!!!!! MAKE IT STOP!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, MAKE IT STOP!!" Screemed the soldier. "Fuck all, I'm doing the best I can," said Sara. "Wheres that medic? Medic! Medic! Get your arse here, now!!!" The medic soon came, and treated the soldier, Sara would have stayed, but there was a war going on.

After three hours of fighting, the Allied forces took the ridge. Some troops pressed on to the two cities, but some remained, to guard the ridge. Soldiers looked around, at the dead Chimaen soldiers. Some of them horribly maimed by the gas. The soldiers could not believe they were responsible for this. Some vommited at the sight of the twisted corpses.

Bordoria had lost 160 Marines on that day, and more than 1,000 Bordorian Army soldiers were killed in the battle. Of a force of 18,000 Chimaens guarding the ridge, only 960 survived. Bordorian troops pressed on towads St. Androphine City, and St. Andrew City. There were no Chimaen soldiers. The Lord Mayor of St. Androphine City organised a big feast to celebrate their liberation, but no one could eat. After what they saw, they couldent even imagine themselves to be human. Would you?

For the first time in many months, Holy Emperor Calidan was eating dinner with the rest of his family. Conversation during this dinner, however, was almost dead, when all of a sudden one of Calidan's sister's spoke up.

"Lucius, I've been meaning to ask you..... How far do you think this will escellate?" She asked in a very concerned tone.

Emperor Calidan smirked a bit as he looked up from his dinner. "I believe the worst is coming to an end.... My theory is it will boil down to the nation who has the most will.. I pray it is Rathanan." He answered. "But it's lessening militairily, though politically it gets more vicious by the day..." He continued. "If I could show you half of the minutes from the Grand House of Baron in the arguements between their ambassador and our ambassador... You'd cringe." He added. "One thing is for sure though, our nations will never have anything to do with each other for a long time." He mentioned as he went back to eating.

His sister gave him a somewhat confused look and obviously decided to drop it as she went back to eating herself.

After dinner in the Holy Imperial Throne room

The High Inquisitor came before the Emperor once again. "Lucius, first off, we need more money to fund the resistance in St. Cypher and second off, the situation with him is all taken care of." The Inquisitor said.

"Very well, you shall have the money, and make sure there are no loose ends to clean up with regards to him." The Emperor concluded. "This whole thing is starting to wind down as far as military action goes, I don't want it to erupt again." He added.

"Don't worry, Lucius, we're the Inquisiton, it's part of our job to make things cleaner than this room." The High Inquisitor added as he smirked. "Good Night, Lucius." He said as he began to leave.

"Yes, yes, good night Mathias." The Emperor added as he got up and looked out his large window.

As he peered at the lit-up city of St. Alexander, he narrowed his eyes and looked at the large statue of himself in the center of the city, and then at the giant cross right outside of the city. "Oh Holy Father, how did it come to this?" The Emperor said in a half prayer. "My father dies early, I'm forced to win a civil war to take my position, and now.. I have to fight a war with the strongest nation in Baron...." He added. "God, I pray that you give me strength to continue, and I also pray that peace may come to this land again... For the sake of your people." He concluded as he headed towards his bedroom.... "Amen."

The Emperor was woken early the next morning by a very shaken General Albertstein.

"What couldn't wait a few more hours, General?" The Emperor asked as he yawned and rubbed his eyes.

"Emperor, the Bodorians have used what appears to be chemical weapons in their battles of St. Adrophine and St. Andrew.... This could be a problem." The General remarked still in a worried tone. "What if Chimaea thinks we're responsible? They'll overwhelm us completely!" The General added.

"Relax, General, I'll solve it." The Emperor said, getting out of bed. "Send a telegram to our Ambassador.... Tell him to say that we had nothing to do with this attack, but tell him also not to make any moves to denounce Bodoria.... The last thing we need is our only ally turning on us." The Emperor added. "At the same time, I'll talk to their leaders..." The Emperor continued putting some pants on. "Normally I wouldn't have any qualms about this, but this is OUR nation.... Thus I don't want my people getting cought in a chemical weapon attack." The Emperor added. "By the way, how is the plan going to retake St. Cypher and restore order there?" The Emperor asked as he put a shirt on.

"It's coming, Lucius, it's coming.... But we're quite crippled as it is... The insurgents seem to be doing quite a good job as it is... Even those who aren't out right insurgents are doing their part." The General said.

Island of Baron - Rathani Ambassador's apartment

The Ambassador turned over in his bed and growned as the doorbell rang.

"Feh, probably the Inquisition.... So much for cutting out of going to the floor today..." The Ambassador said as he looked up at the slow moving fan above him.

*knock* *knock* *bang* *bang* A series of rather loud and regular knocks came to the door.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming, I'm up." The Ambassador said trying to put his slacks on. When he opened the door, he found an Inquisition officer waiting for him, as expected.

"Telegram for you from St. Alexander." The officer said sharply. "The Emperor wants you to come up with a very good speech on what that's about before you come to the floor." He added. "I suggest you get started, it's quite urgent." He concluded as he turned around and walked steadily down the hall.

The Ambassador put his glasses on and looked over the telegram. As he read, his eyes grew disproportionally large.

"Well isn't this just great.... First I get woken up at 7:00 AM on a day I planned to stay home and now I find out this happened.... Worst of all I have to use deceptive speaking..... That takes luck to do well." The Ambassador growled as he went to his coffee pot and began to make a pot. "I better get started." He muttered.

6 hours later at the Grand House of Baron

The Rathani Ambassador stumbled into the main room of the Grand House of Baron. He had entered during another Baron nation's speech... What nation it was or what it was about was of little concequence to him right now. As soon as the other Ambassador finished, the Rathani Ambassador made his move.

"The Ambassador from Rathanan is recognized." The president said.

"Thank you Mr. President." The Ambassador began. "As I'm sure you all know, my nation and Bodoria are allies in a war against the Commonwealth of Chimaea right now." The Ambassador said. "As I'm sure you're all aware of now as well, is that chemical weapons were used against Chimaean soldiers." The Ambassador continued. "The Holy Emperor would like to make it absolutely certain that it was NOT the Rathani military or brass that carried out this attack..." The Ambassador added. "It isn't conclusive as to who was responsible for the attack as of yet, but I'm sure I speak for Bodoria and Rathanan when I say it was neither of us." The Ambassador continued as he looked over to the Bodorian ambassador with a slight hint hint nudge nudge wink. "We will not stand for use of such weapons, ESPECALLY on our own soil.... Even if the Chimaean race is now the mortal enemy of all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ." He mentioned. "The Emperor will be holding talks with the Bodorian leadership to try and get to the bottom of this." The Ambassador concluded. "I yield the rest of my time to the chair."

OOC: all righty, catch up time. Again, my apologies for not posting earlier... Very busy time for me.

Also, I'd like to point out the following: Chimaean forces use on-site radar and off-shore radar, as well as satellite coverage. Knocking out the on-site radar may hamper detection of immediate hostiles but a bombing run would have been picked up by both satellite and off-shore radar.

And look, stop calling my casualties, ok? Trust me to be honourable and do it myself. :)

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

Sir Irving glared at the Rathanan Ambassador and sat, as still as a headstone, until the man had finished. Then he got up and waited to be recognised by the President of the House. It had been noticed more and more that the Grand House's time was being monopolised by the two nations, much to the annoyance of other nations.

"Thank you, Mr. President," Sir Irving began, thumbing the touchscreen. "I invite all members to peruse the reports and video footage from the battle in question. Note the marked satellite images before, during and after the battle. Note the uniforms, designations and field intelligence reports. There can be no doubt about it--the soldiers on the ground and the bombers in the air belong to the United Kingdom of Bordoria."

There was a murmur as the gathered delegates flicked through the documents sent to their screens. Sir Irving waited for it to die down before resuming, his clipped, quiet tones cutting through the noise with ease. "The nation of Bordoria has used mustard gas, a chemical which blisters the skin, causes internal and external bleeding and strips away the mucus in the bronchial tubes. Soldiers exposed to a small amount of this substance are severely disabled, their breathing system collapsing. Our medical system can cope with the survivors and we thank but decline all offers of help from Baron Aid.

"CAF has not yet released all details of the incident for operational security; however, the evidence is clear cut. Not only has Bordoria attacked the Commonwealth and killed Chimaean civilians, they have nowviolated international and intraregional law by using chemical weapons.

"The Commonwealth also points to Rathanan's unwillingness to provide copies of their so-called evidence of Chimaean atrocities, thereby rendering their claims moot. What we have, fellow nations, is a web of deceit stretching from Rathanan, to Bordoria to here in this very Chamber. Bordoria has used chemical weapons on Rathanan soil against Chimaean forces. The crimes of this unholy alliance mount. The time for talk is over." he leaned forwards, looking around the room at each delegate. "We will protect our soldiers. Until we have completed this mission, we will not be thwarted."

***

"...We do not, however, offer any condolences to Mr. Robertson's family or to him in general... As he was a ringleader for this war..."

Lady Bryce stretched out a finger and stabbed the button on her desk. The wall screen, alive with the broadcast from Rathanan, turned opaque once more. She leaned back in her chair and scowled, glaring at General Garrison and Prime Minister Phillip Achefield.

"No negotiation, no surrender, no sense!" she snapped. "This is madness."

The General shrugged. "Meanwhile, the casualties mount up."

Lady Bryce frowned. "This is one stupid war after the other."

The Prime Minister sighed and leaned forward slightly, balancing a cup of tea on his knee. "There's been protests in most major cities. Chimaeans are weary of war... after the wholesale slaughter in Syskeyia."

There was a gloomy silence as the three of them stared at each other. Lady Bryce broke it by tapping her finger against the surface of the table. "Look, we can't get out before those nukes are destroyed. We've nearly finished that... so long as the majority of the nukes are gone, the Baron Grid can pick out any single-nuke attacks."

"How long till the mission is accomplished?"

"Two days more."

The Prime Minister glanced out of the window. "Well, God willing, we can avoid further escallation. This is not something the international community need to start intervening in."

Lady Bryce slammed her palm down on the table, making the men start in their seats. She glared at them with narrowed eyes. "Make sure that CAF knows that too. Otherwise we're going to have a major hot war on our hands..."

***

Private banks sighted along his CR66 and fired a three-round burst. The militiaman staggered from behind his flimsy cover, took two steps and fell lifelessly to the ground.

As he crouched back down from the window, he caught Helker's eye. She'd taken off her goggles and was wiping her eyes with a grubby sleeve, staring at him. He shifted over to her and sat with his back to the concrete wall.

"Smoke?" she offered.

Banks shook his head. "That shit will kill you."

They both laughed at the humourless joke as Helker lit up and took a deep drag of the cigarette. She sighed and relaxed a little. "Fuck that's good. Where's the Sarge?"

"Talking to the Captain out the back."

The squad had fought their way through the narrow streets of St. Cypher to meet with the rest of the platoon at the designated base building. It wasn't meant to be a base building, but they were carrying a lot of wounded and the militia and what was left of the military within St. Cypher was trying their best to hem them inside.

Helker bounced the back of her helmet against the wall gently. Banks studied her face, the curiously delicate features drawn and tired. She didn't really look like a soldier--she looked like someone's older sister. He frowned, realising he had no idea. "Hey, you got siblings?"

Helker looked blankly at him. "You don't know? We've been in combat for two and a half years and you don't know?"

"Never told me."

"Three. Two younger sisters, one older brother. Brother's an engineer with the Army."

"Oh. Ok."

There was an awkward pause as both soldiers tried to think of something to say. Banks checked his rifle over and inserted a fresh clip to cover his sudden disorientation. Helker was looking at him knowingly, and smiled grimly. "Yeah it's fucked, innit? I should probably be out getting pissed and getting laid."

Banks snorted. "This shit pays well. When we get back, we're gonna have combat pay. Enough for anything, really."

"Ale and whores, eh?"

Banks shook his head. "I'm serious. I'm saving up... when I get the hell out of this, I'm gonna start a business."

"Yeah? Selling what?"

"Computers."

Helker smirked. "Banksy, what the fuck do you know about computers? What's the difference between Windows and Linux?"

"Dunno. Windows are on walls, and Linux is a type of fish?" he saw her expression and shrugged. "I don't know shit about computers but I know about business. But... you know about computers."

Helker loaded a grenade round into her rifle and clicked it shut. "Are you offering me a job?" she asked, not looking at him.

"A partnership. Start small, local, then get big. I have a few plans back home... Never got the money for it though, which is why I'm here."

"You joined the Marines to start a business?"

"Fuck yeah, one of the highest paying military services in the world."

Helker looked over at him. In the burnt amber light of their hooded emergency lamp, her eyes were pools of shadow, a slight and surprisingly tender smile on her face. "Yeah well, we have to live through this first."

There was a loud explosion and the whole building shook. Gunfire started from all sides and soon the fire was returned from inside their building. Helker slipped back her goggles and stubbed out her cigarette, hefting her rifle and looking at Banks, who was on his feet, looking back.

"Let's go kick ass, first." she concluded.

Banks smiled. "Booyah..."

Near St. Cypher City: overlooking the Chimaean dismantling of the Rathani Nukes

Lieutenet Lockeser looked through his bonoculars and turned back around. Behind him was Company D of the 16th infintry division, all armed and ready for combat.

"Alright guys, listen up." The Lieutenet began. "Artillary divisions are going to begin shelling the Chimaean dogs down there.... After the shelling stops, we are to move in and take this position." He continued. "After that, we are to dig in and hold this position at all costs.... We shall be reinforced by 1400 tomorrow." He added. "All clear?"

"Yes sir." His company responded.

All of a sudden, the booming noises of artillery batteries going off began to sound. Within moments, the reigon that once housed nuclear arms was begin bombarded with artillery shells. The infintry watched as many Chimaean soldiers were blown to bits. The shelling seemed to last an eternity, but it only lasted about 20 minutes. After the last shell landed and blew up, the Lieutenet got up.

"Alright guys, let's move in." He ordered.

The rest of his company got up and followed. The surviving Chimaean troops, still dazed from the shelling, were taken by suprise. The Rathani military had retaken a large chunk of the nuclear silos back. Within hours, D Company was dug in and ready for a counter attack....

The Grand House of Baron - After Chimaea's speech

The Rathani Ambassador taped his touch screen lightly.

"The Ambassador from Rathanan is recognzied" The president said in a rather bored tone.

"Thank you Mr. President." The Ambassador began. "We think it is unfair to accuse the United Kingdom of Bodoria of anything without testimony and solid proof." The Ambassador stated. "Filmed imagry can be twisted and distorted..... We want solid proof, not speculation." The Ambassador added. "We would also like to add that we don't wish to surrender our tapes to you as they are being used as evidence in the war crime trials of your POWs." The Ambassador added. "Not to mention, we don't trust you, at all... You could edit the tapes if we gave you copies.... That, we cannot allow." The Ambassador mentioned. "I would also like to make the side note that Chimaea is the unholy one in this... Chimaea started this war, we're merely finishing it." The Ambassador continued. "We would also like to add, that we will accept no deal from Chimaea except unconditional surrender... The people of God are not ones to back down when challanged, as I'm sure your soldiers have seen in St. Cypher City." The Ambassador added. "I yield the rest of my time to the chair." He concluded as he sat down.

Holy Imperial Palace - one day later

The Holy Emperor looked at the minutes from the Grand House of Baron and looked up at the aid who brought them to him.

"Inform the Ambassador that he cannot take any days off until I say he can." The Emperor ordered the young aid. "I cannot afford for him to miss some dirt." The Emperor continued. "Lately, his arguement's aren't even convincing me! And they're supporting me!" The Emperor added.

"Y-y-y-y-yes H-h-h-holy E-m-m-m-mperor." The aid said bowing.

"Good, now get out." The Emperor snapped.

The aid bowed again, appologizing in a worried mumble and then strode off. As soon as the aid was gone, the Ambassador picked up the phone and dialed a number.

"What is it, Lucius?" The voice on the other end.

"Mathias, I want our spy watch to be extra watchful until i say otherwise... Be wary, I don't want Chimaean spies getting through your net." The Emperor ordered.

"Very well, Lucius, but I've already been doing that.... We can take care of ourselves down here, you just worry about keeping the nation together." The voice on the other end said.

"You're right, but I just need to make sure things are happening around here... I am, afterall, the one who hired all of you... I'd hate to have to fire you." The Emperor added. "Goodbye." The Emperor concluded as he hung up.

As soon as he hung up, the door to the throne room opened and the main generals and admirals from the Holy Rathani Military walked in.

"You called us, Lucius?" A marine General asked.

"Yes, first off, I want a report from the Army.... Are we holding our positions?" The Emperor asked sternly.

"Yes, we have recieved no word of any divisions falling back without orders from above." The Army General said stepping foward. "We do, however, need extra rations and ammo if our luck is to hold." The General added.

"It's done." The Emperor said scribbling down a decree quickly. "The second thing I want is to tell you all that this war might heighten now, instead of die down." The Emperor said in a hushed tone. "I have faxed minutes from the Chimaean Ambassador's speech to your offices.... Very disturbing... I believe you should not kid around about this." The Emperor said.

"Very well Emperor, we shall go back to our offices and prepare immediately." They all said in some form or another as they left.

St. Cypher, Rathanan

There were seven soldiers in the squad now, not including the Sergeant. Two of them were special forces.

As Banks and Helker walked into the room where they'd gathered, Captain Strumington was finishing off a conversation on the radio. Banks took the opportunity to look over the special forces soldiers. They had stubble on their faces and were both wearing high-tech visors around their eyes and dark grey, roughly-textured helmets. Both were carrying the old CR48 assault rifles, heavily modded. Both had two side-arms strapped to their thighs and wore light armour and camouflage with no insignia. As Banks stared at them, both of them turned their heads to stare back. He shivered involuntarily and checked his weapon over.

Most soldiers had a reaction to combat, whether it be grim determination, shock or even, in the more unsettling cases, joy. It was disturbing to see no reaction at all.

The Captain got off the phone and turned to the assembled squad. "Right guys. We were disassembling some of their missile silos but they took out our platoon with shelling--a surprise attack to the West. We're not risking any more platoons. So it's your job to go lase those fuckers for our smartbombs."

Sergeant Strewth took up the briefing. "The spec ops boys will be doing the actual lasing; we're securing their position. We need a good vantage point with as much security as possible, but that whole place is crawling with their military. Expect heavy resistance."

Captain Strumington spread out a map on the floor as everyone crowded around, pointing out the locations and giving intelligence estimates about enemy forces. As he finished, he looked around at their faces.

"Y'all come back alive, hear?"

There was a chrosu of assent and the Captain saluted, and left the room. The squad went through their usual weapons checks while the two special forces soldiers just leaned against the wall and looked on. As they finished, one of the special forces soldiers took out a lethal-looking knife from his boot and made a very careful nick along his rifle's stock. Banks noticed that there were a lot of nicks on it.

As they silently left the building under a barrage of distraction and covering fire from the forces inside, Banks wondered if joining the Marines was the spectacular idea it had seemed at the time.

::::

The nuclear silos were sunk into the earth and heavily camouflaged, though the battle had destroyed much of the camouflage. The dark sky above them was lit with the occassional flash of anti-aircraft fire and the light of explosions. The constant cacophony of war hadn't given up for the night.

Helker said some choice words as she peered through the nightvision binoculars, then crawled back to the squad. "There's a blood company of those asshats out there. I saw about 40 men, no offensive armour I could see but there were humvees and medium transports. Few machineguns, probably RPGs of some kind."

Strewth nodded and glanced warily at the special forces guys as they listened. One of them shook his head. "This is two far, we have to go further in." his voice was businesslike, emotionless. "There's heavy bomb-damage to the East. We can lase the targets from that terrain, but getting there is difficult. There's running battles all over this place."

Strewth considered and nodded. "We'll have to take it, it's nearly dawn. Banks, you've got point. Quick and quiet, everybody--Let's move."

Banks picked up his gun from beside him and rose carefully from the ruined wall where they'd taken shelter. A few streets away the war was raging, and they'd have to skirt around it. The streets here were narrow, with buildings on both sides, some of them still burning from missile strikes.

As he carefully picked his way through the streets, he and the rest of the squad was wittness to strange and surreal sights. Silhuoetted against a burning building, a feral cat was lying on a dead man's chest, chewing peacefully on a finger. Strolling calmly through the streets, an old man carrying a large, empty sack walked past them, not even noticing the guns trained on him. A screaming woman was kneeling, hugging the broken head of a statue in a small square whilst three metres from her, gunfire stitched across a wall.

There were grimmer sights, too. A dead Chimaean soldier, welts and cuts on his naked body, being tied Jesus-like to a cross by silent, ragged children. The squad briefly exchanged fire with a lone woman who ran screaming right at them, firing a submachine gun wildly from her hip. As bullets from eight guns struck her, she pirouetted in a macabre dance of death before hitting the broken ground. There was a eerie, strange feeling to the entire city which put the soldiers on edge.

Finally, they reached the bombed-out position, slightly above and to the East of the silos. The ground was scorched, with huge craters opened up by the bombs. The air was hot and there were fires burning everywhere, as well as the twisted, warped metal wrecks of buildings, and vehicles.

The squad fanned out as they approached a suitable position. They took cover around the two special forces soldiers, who lay near the lip of a crater, took out the stubby black laser-sight equipment and patiently found their targets, beaming the results to the mobile relay stations set up around the city.

::::

Four SC-42 Airhawks took off from two carriers in the ocean off Rathanan, headed inland, coordinates programmed into their computer systems, the pilots cutting radio traffic as they passed the coast.

::::

Helker had taken cover with Banks, guarding the position's flank. They scanned the barren, burning wasteland around them, rifles held at the ready.

After a moment, Helker whispered, "So you serious about the partnership?"

Banks frowned in surprise and whispered back, his eyes never leaving the perimeter. "Yeah. Fuck yeah. It'd be good."

"We'll get on each other's nerves."

"Well yes. But we can sort it out. I dunno... anything's better than this." he grinned, though Helker couldn't see it as she scanned the area around them. "Imagine, nine to five workdays. Sleeping in. Closing on Sundays. Reading the paper, watching the weather channel."

Helker said nothing for a while, then sighed so softly Banks almost didn't hear it. "Sounds nice..."

Then Banks was squeezing the trigger before his mind even connected what he'd seen to a physical reaction. Pattern-recognition training had kicked in; Helker's response was just a fraction of a second after his. Their arcs of fire combined and both watched as shouts and yells erupted from the surprised Rathanan patrol.

Their position had been compromised, though--the gunfire would have alerted the soldiers in the silos below them. Sure enough, they heard shouts and the stuttering of gunfire as the Rathanan soldiers scrambled to respond.

Banks and Helker flinched slightly as their machine-gunner opened up on the scene below them, followed by CR66's on full-auto as the rest of the squad opened up. Soon the battle raged as the security of their raised position was tested by superior numbers. The two special forces soldiers joined in the firing while the laser sighting devices went on sending data to the planes...

OOC: I'll finish this tomorrow, don't touch the story yet :p

"The Chair now recognises the Honourable High Comissioner (ambassador) from the Most Serene United Kingdom of Bordoria." Said the President of the Grand House of Baron.

"Thank you Mr. President," Said High Comissioner Sir. Klaus von Kurtz. "Honourable cologues, there has been an accusation, that my nation has called a chemical weapon attack on Chimaen Troops. Let me be clear, although the U.K.B. possesses Weapons of Mass Destruction, our code of conduct prevents us from attacking first with these WMDs, they can only be used for retaliatory strikes (they dont know that the Bordorian Government only classifies Nuclear Weapons and Biological weapons as WMDs. Chemical weapons have their own catagory. OOC: and Bio Weapons are banned by the constitution). These accusations are baseless. The so-called "chemical attack" could have resulted from the stockpile of Chimaen chemical weapons, placed on the frontline, to be used against the Royal Marines. However, the Allied bombardment would have caused the weapons to release their deadly agents, on their own forces." The High Comissioner then proceded to access a file on his terminal. "If you would please turn your attention to your terminals. These photos, taken by our reconissance satelites, are of Chimaen troops transporting canisters, about 1 metre tall, to the frontline. Canisters like these were used by the Germans during the First World War, for the purpose of chemical warefare," (The photos are doctored). Sir. von Kurts continued, "This is proof that the Chimaens were planing to call a chemical weapons strike on Allied forces. Their attack backfired, so they point the finger at Her Imperial Majestey's Government. Since the attack failed, the RBAF can not, legally, call for a retaliatory Chemical Attack. We have taken 960 Chimaens as Prisoner, and they are receving excellent medical care, and are treated in accordance with the rules of the Geneva Convention. Her Imperial Majesty's government would like to negotiate a prisoner exchange with the Chimaen Government. We will exchange the 960 Chimaens for 1,000 Rathani PoWs, and 1,000 captured Rathini Civilians, since no Bordorians have been taken prisoner yet. I now yeald the rest of my time to the Chair."

The Grand House of Baron, after Bodoria's speech

A man dressed in a black suit came in and tapped the Rathani Ambassador on the sholder. After exchanging whispers, the Ambassador got up, and went outside for a bit. Waiting for him was Lieutenut Christof Rochtenson of the Inquisition.

"New orders from St. Alexander, you will say that we are launching an investigation of our own, which will give us time to do something." Christof said. "Understand?"

"Yes, I do." The Ambassador said.

"Good. Peter and I have to go back to St. Alexander and tie up some loose ends... We are appointing two privates to take our place for your protection temporarily." Christof said. "Good day, Ambassador."

Back inside

The Rathani Ambassador took his seat again and idely pressed his touch screen.

"The Ambassador from Rathanan is recognized." The President said.

"Thank you Mr. President." The Ambassador began. "We believe that this revelation casts a whole new light on the investigation, and our nation will launch an investigation of our own.... Refusal on the part of Chimaea to cooperate will be noted and used as evidence against them in a warcrime's trial." The Ambassador added. "If we come to the same conclusion as our ally, we will push for a warcrimes commission against Chimaea to be created." He Ambassador continued. "Thank you, and I yield the rest of my time to the chair." He concluded.

The enemy fire was intensifying as the opposing forces got a correct fix on their location. Someone shouted "RPG!" and Banks ducked as the rocket flew overhead, exploding against the side of a ruined building, throwing rubble into the air. Helker said something that would have made a rapper blush.

There was a choked yell from behind them and a shout of "Medic!". Banks cursed and glanced back, seeing one of the squaddies sprawled on the rough ground, screaming in pain. Their medic crouched beside him and started to try and stabilise him. After a few minutes he yelled at the Sergeant, "We need to evac him out of here ASAP, sir!"

Strewth glanced back from his position, fired a few grenade rounds and pulled back a little. "All right. We'll pull back to those buildings over there and--"

"You're not going anywhere, Sergeant."

Banks glanced back again. One of the special forces men had crouched, turning to face the Sergeant. "We can't leave this position until we have confirmation that the targets have been destroyed."

The Sergeant scowled. "Strewth! We have a critical! There's a whole bloody company out there, I'm not risking my men any further! The planes have the fix, there's no reason to--"

They all ducked as another RPG hit somewhere close by. Banks fired the remaining rounds in his clip at the distant Rathanan soldiers and reloaded.

The special forces man shook his head. "There's no way we can pull back, at least without leaving the critical! We need all the firepower we have."

The other special forces soldier suddenly yelled out, "The airstrikes are a few klicks away!"

Sergeant Strewth swore, then nodded. "All right. We'll--"

Then it happened. Banks was loading another grenade round into his weapon when there was a crack nearby and Helker was suddenly slumped forward, clutching her throat. For what seemed an eternity Banks stared numbly at her before reality kicked in and he shouted, "Medic!"

The Medic swore and hurried over from the critical. He examined Helker for a moment, then looked up at Banks and shook his head, before turning to go back. Banks grabbed his arm. "What the fuck are you doing, she's severely wounded--"

"Banks she's dead! She's fucking dead!" He slapped his free hand roughly against Bank's helmet. "Keep your fire up goddamit!"

Banks numbly returned to his position and started shooting grenade rounds into the enemy positions. He couldn't feel a thing, like a giant flower of nothingness blooming inside him. He went through the motions of battle but could seem to connect to reality. As he squeezed the trigger, sending death flying through his gun, he looked around dazedly.

There were fires alight around them as rockets and even some shells landed nearby. A burning metal wreck marked where the enemy had tried to rush them with an APC--it must have been struck by two or three LAWS at once. There was a figure burning, half in and half out of the APC's top.

He watched, dreamlike, as Strewth shouted orders, his face twisted in a grimace, lit by fire. He watched tracer fire stitch through the rubble. He watched as one of the special forces men heaved a grenade through the air and duck at the ensuing explosion. The other special forces soldier had risked scrambled radio traffic and was shouting into a comms unit. He saw him glance up at the sky behind them and shout something else but all noise seemed to be muted, heard from far away.

Sergeant Strewth was crouching, shouting at them. What was he saying? The others were getting into a crouch, the Medic and a squaddie carefully putting the critically injured soldier onto a stretcher. He stared dumbly at them until Sergeant Strewth sharply slapped his helmet with the barrel of his rifle.

Reality flowed in like a burst dam. Sergeant Strewth gripped his arm and pointed at Helker's body. "Carry her, goddamit! We don't leave anyone behind! Move it, Banks!"

Banks slung his rifle onto his back and picked Helker up. Her body swung lifelessly over his other shoulder in a fireman's lift. He crouched down like the others and Sergeant Strewth and the two special forces men finished putting charges around their position before laying down covering fire. Banks and the stretcher party got to their feet, their boots crunching on the rubble, and started to run back the way they'd come, towards the ruined buildings. With his free hand, he pulled his 9mm pistol from his thigh holster and held it close against him.

When they reached cover, Banks turned and watched as Sergeant Strewth and the two special forces soldiers ran across no-man's-land towards them. He watched as one of the special forces men twisted and fell, his helmet falling from his head as the bullet drilled through his neck in a spray of blood. Then Sergeant Strewth and the remaining special forces soldier took cover beside them. Strewth was shouting something at him, but his mind refused to process it. The special forces soldier fiddled with a squat, black device strapped to his wrist, then crouched and waited as their original position was taken by Rathanan soldiers. The special forces soldier stabbed at a control on his device and Banks watched as the fireball consumed the Rathanan soldiers, vanishing almost as soon as it started.

Then there was a roar overhead and he looked up. Two Chimaean jets flew in low, firing missiles at the silos below them. They flew on and arced back as two more jets screamed down from the skies, letting lose their deadly payload. The first missiles had impacted and Banks watched as the immense wall of fire blew out as the silos ignited.

The squad didn't stay to watch more. The return journey was as nightmarish as the first. With every step, Banks felt Helker's blood stain his shoulder, sinking into the armoured vest and his collar. He hardly saw the war-torn city as it burned in the night sky.

They were eventually picked up by a small APC convoy. The soldiers in the convoy were, oddly enough, from 114th Airborne. As he got into one of the APCs, an Airborne soldier tried to take Helker away from him. He scowled and made a primal growling noise and the soldier backed off, startled. He lay Helker down beside him carefully, then sat beside her, his eyes blank.

***

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Helker,

It is with great regret that I inform you of the death of your daughter, Sarah Joesephine Helker, who was killed in action in St. Cypher City, Rathanan. Private Helker was involved in vital action against Rathanan forces operating to seize illegal nuclear weapons before their destruction.

Private Helker was a valued professional soldier and a dedicated Marine...

The Emperor growled. "WHAT did you say happened again, general?! " The Emperor bellowed throwing the report of what happened down on the table before him.

"T-t-t-hey took th-th-the silos back, sir." The General responded very nervously.

"And what, prey tell, are you doing about this, GENERAL?!" The Emperor snapped. "This is war! I need decicive victories, not defeats! And I tell you now, this is a pretty big one!" The Emperor said as he sneered. "You do something about this or I'll find someone who can.... You stood by me during the revolution, but don't think I won't make you give up your command if you begin to fail your nation." The Emperor threatened as he clicked his speaker phone on. "Sandra, call the Paladin offices up and get their generals in here asap." The Emperor ordered.

"Yes, Holy Emperor, I shall do it at once." The secretary answered.

30 minutes later in the Holy Imperial Throne Room

"You summoned me, Lucius?" The head General of the Paladins asked as he came into the room.

"Yes, I want your paladins to lay the ground work for an offensive in St. Cypher City.... I want my Great Uncle's city back." The Emperor ordered. "Your divisions will lay the ground work, then we shall send in Army and Marine divisions to actually retake the town.... Expect heavy resistance." The Emperor added. "The Inquisition officers that we have there who are fueling the insurgancy there have given me plenty of photographs and information which I believe will come to your advantage." The Emperor said passing the General a manilla folder.

"Very well, I shall begin as soon as I possibly can." The General said, saluting the Emperor.

5 hours later on a Helicopter en route to St. Cypher City

Sargent Riverson sat in the black op's chopper that was carring him and his team. At either side of his chopper, he could see other ones, both caring other squads from the elite Paladin division. Riverson was chosen for the Paladins while he was in basic training for the Marines... Basic, it seems, is where the Paladins like to nab the most people.

"Sargent, we are almost to the L.C. so i recommend you and your team get ready." The pilot said.

"Right, get ready crew, this is going to be a messy mission.... Watch your buddy's back, but most of all, watch your own." The Sargent said. "Velsin, you've got point, understand?" The Sargent added.

"Yes sir." His crew responded.

"Alright, we're here, go go go." The pilot said as the helecopter lowered close to the ground.

Within seconds, all of the Paladin squads were on the ground and were overlooking the remains of St. Cypher City.... The Rathani counter offensive had begun.

The day dawned across Baron. In St. Cypher city, a burnt, weeping sore of a sun was vomitted out of the horizon, casting a strange orange-and-red glow over the bombed out city. The Chimaean forces took the opportunity to extend their patrols to pick up more unevacuated civilians and clear as much rubble and corpses off the streets. Briefly they allowed the Red Cross access to the city, liasing them with the Chimaean aid groups. There were minor firefights across the city but no major engagements. The nuclear silos had been rendered unoperational and the news had gone a way to cheering the battered forces. Thick smoke and helicopter gunships hovered above the city like an unearthly plague.

***

The sun rose above New Sydney, glinting off the tall skyscrapers and bathing the carefully preserved parks in a blue-grey light. The early-morning commuters packed the public transport services and a few cars purred through the neat streets, passing the automated street-cleaners which hummed along the sides of the roads.

Lady Bryce opened one eye, then the other. Her office was darkn, lit only by a single lamp near her desk. She took her head off the desk, unsticking a piece of paper from her cheek, and blinked blearily around her before stumbling to the ensuite bathroom and slamming the door shut.

The shower eased the aches in her body from the uncomfortable position and she closed her eyes, letting the water cascade down her body, thinking of the thousand-and-one things she had to deal with today. Direct her diplomats on the Rathanan situation (or leave that to the Ministry?), read the intelligence reports, oversee the rebuilding forces in Syskeyia and the pullout of the Chimaean military there... Something about a riot in Chimaean Colombia...

When she got back, the windows were letting in the dawn light, the lamp had been shut off and a breakfast tray was sitting on a side-table. She sighed and started picking at the food, feeling like death warmed up. There was an attached bedroom to the office, which begged the question why she never got to use it and frequently fell asleep on the desk.

One of her aides came in with a security folder, greeted her and left it on her desk. After she'd finished eating, she went over and opened it. It was the daily brief on the Rathanan situation. Plenty of nuclear weapons dealt with, but a fair amount of casualties. A request from Bordoria for a prisoner exchange, the usual charges of war crimes from both sides... Sighing wearily, she reached for the phone for the first call of the day.

***

The sun also cast a painfully bright light, reflected from the ocean surrounding the islands, over the buildings of the Grand House of Baron. The first session of the day commenced with some minor disputes over trade, a resolution for a freeze on the hunting of certain types of rare marine creatures until a committee was set up to deal with the situation and various reports from the various Baron organisations.

Then the President recognised Chimaea and Sir Irving stood, looking implacable as usual.

"Thank you, Mr. President... May I first congratulate the House on the passing of Resolution 4456B, as these forms of wildlife are near extinction and all efforts must be made to preserve them.

"Onto a graver matter, though. In response to the... strange accusations made by Bordoria against the Commonwealth. Firstly, we have no chemical weapons within Rathanan or indeed anywhere else--in fact the closest thing to chemical weapons we have is napalm, which is at the moment being considered for inclusion in our banned weapons lists. To say that we have 'stockpiles' of chemical weapons on the front line is not even strategically sound. These images that have been given as proof have been analysed by our imaging experts and proven to be doctored--we request that any other nations interested conduct their own analysis.

"Replying to the words of the Rathanan Ambassador on the veracity of the evidence the Commonwealth presented, you will note that it is not only video evidence but reports from the frontlines, satellite scans and images, scientific data, medical data and so forth. The Red Cross has released a report in conjunction with Baron Aid supporting the evidence presented. I shall address Rathanan's other concerns in a moment...

"The Bordorian request for a prisoner exchange cannot be considered until the cessation of hostilities. We are not prepared to return any enemy combatants into circulation. That said, we respect the adherence to the Geneva Conventions and we certainly maintain the same conventions in regards to the treatment of PoWs captured by Chimaean forces. Also, the evacuated citizens of major population centres that are under fire are being humanely treated in refugee camps near the Rathanan coast; the Red Cross and Baron Aid have full access to these camps and I believe will release a report to be tabled before the House within the week. All evcuated non-combatants are safe and secure, with access to shelter, food and health care.

"Which brings me to my main point. It is unusual that a war crimes commission or most investigatory bodies be set up during the progress of hostilities; however in this case Chimaea is willing to make an exception. We propose that a commission be set up under the auspices of the Baron Security Council, chaired by a neutral nation, to investigate all accusations of war crimes and the analysation of all evidence presented. This will solve the issues of contention that has plagued the House and allow us to move on.

"Thank you for your time."

St. Cypher City

The Paladin teams dispatched to St. Cypher city had begun their mission, wasting little time. From killing Chimaean patrols that got in the way, to blowing up Chimaean armor. Though casualties were high on the part of the Paladin teams, their mission had been a success for its small part....

40 miles outside St. Cypher

The third, sixth, and eighth armies of the Rathani Holy Imperial Army were assembled and waiting for the word. General Auctavious, a one star from St. Androphine, was sitting at his desk in a tent when one of his aids came before him with a decyphered document. The General looked it over:

To the Holy Follower:

The cigarettes are buds and the land needs tilling.... Get the donkey and plow.

The note read. The General immediately picked up his phone.

"Yes General?" The voice on the other end asked.

"Begin Operation Holy Father." The General ordered. "Authentication code is HG-899-856." He continued.

"Processing, please wait sir." The voice said. "Code is varified, beginning Operation Holy Father." Immediately, a siren sounded through out the camp..... The soldiers immediately picked up their weapons and jumped into transport trucks.... Tanks were immediately manned and ready.... The Rathani Military was determined and was ready.... This time, there would be no mistakes.

Grand House of Baron after Chimaea's speech

The Rathani Ambassador looked at his Chimaean counter part for a minute, wondering how to respond. After a few minutes, the Rathani Ambassador made a motion to speak.

"The Ambassador from Rathanan is recognized." The Chair said.

"Thank you, Mr. President." The Ambassador began. "While I do not have the authority to fully decide on your idea, I will fax it to the Holy Emperor to decide on." The Ambassador added. "But I wish to speak on a broader issue." The Ambassador said as an aid put up posters of the charred remains of St. Cypher City. "It's one thing, Ambassador, for your nation to come in, start a war over something so trivial as us arming ourselves... But it's another thing to trash our cities.... Places where Rathani civillians lay their heads...." The Rathani Ambassador added. "We do not think it is fair for us to draw our own funds to pay for these damages, when your nation alone caused the problems..... We hereby DEMAND that Chimaea pay the Holy Empire reparations for damages to the cities and to reimberse families who sons and daughters lost their lives in this act of Chimaean aggression." The Ambassador added. "Refusal to do so will result in serious concequences on your nation...." The Ambassador added. "Thank you and I yield the ballance of my time to the chair." He concluded, sitting back in his chair, obviously tired from this whole excursion.

The Holy Imperial Cathedral

The Holy Emperor and his staff sat and listened to the Choir of the Cathedral.... The song was a powerful Latin hymn, a rather popular one in the Holy Empire. When the song ended, the priest stood up and gave his blessings. It had been awhile since the Emperor could sit and worship in the Palace Cathedral.... Infact, it had been awhile since the Emperor could do anything else but make war...... But the war was far from over, and far from leaving the Emperor's mind... Even if the gun fights stopped, he had to prepare for a serious political war... A Cold War.... Something that would test how long his mettle could last.

As the mass concluded, the Emperor went immediately back to the throneroom... He peered out of one the giant windows in the ornate room and the beautiful St. Alexander City. Lucius couldn't help but smile somewhat as the sun touched the skyscrapers that were all closed for mass.... The sound of Church Bells filled the air... And just outside the city, the giant cross who St. Alexander himself (the founder of Rathanan) had erected.... The shadow of the cross beaming down on St. Alexander City as it was ment to. Lucius sighed slightly and went over to the throne.... The same throne the Holy Emperors before him sat in triumphantly and powerfully. The wisdom of those anointed before him filled the chair.... Lucius was only about to be eighteen, but from the moment he sat in that throne, he felt 50... His youth and childish ignornace sapped from him in an instant....

It's amazing The Emperor thought to himself. Just how quickly your life can change... It seems only yesterday I was being confirmed in the chruch.... and now I'm Holy Emperor of my entire nation... The Emperor continued to think.

The Emperor's thoughts were inturrupted when his head Army General came into the throne room. "Operation Holy Father is go, Lucius, St. Cypher City will be ours again." The General reported.

"I'll be happy when it's all said and done, General... But until then, we can only pray." The Emperor added, peering out one of the gaint windows again. "In New Sydney, Lady Bryce is making decisions against us..... It is not the nature of our great nation to back down." The Emperor said. "I want Rathanan to be Rathanan again..... Do you understand? We cannot afford failure." The Emperor added.

"Yes, Lucius, I am doing all that I can.... May God be with us..... But above all, may God watch over the soldiers doing their duty this day." The General said in a half prayer.

"Yes.... To think, I'd be out there in camoflague, kevlar, and wielding a P-90 if I had not been born to the Holy Imperial Family." The Emperor said. "You're excused, General.... Thank you for the report." The Emperor said, narrowing his eyes at the tallest skyscraper in St. Alexander.

"Yes, Lucius." The General said as he turned and left.

*St. Cypher City, Rathanan*

Troops from the Army's 5th Battalion, Royal Bordorian Regement, and from the 6th Battalion, Princess Catrina's Bordorian Light Infintry were dispatched, to assist Rathani troops in retaking their city from the Chimean invaders.

The soldiers fought a long and hard battle. The smoldering wrecks of tanks and APCs were seen everywhere. A Bordorian company passed by a destroyed Rathini APC, the charred corps of the gunner, was seen hanging out of the hatch.

Soldiers darting to-and-fro across the battle field, fighting off one attack from another. The city started to resembel Stalingrad. Trenches, bombed out buildings, fox-holes, and all.

The Bordorian solders clutched their AK-47s tight. They were wating for the Rathini reenforcements, as part of "Operation Holy Father," and they would need them. There would be a long and bloody battle ahead...

On Imperial Highway #4 en route to St. Cypher City

The Third, Sixth, and Eighth armies of the Rathani Holy Imperial Army were racing towards St. Cypher City, wasting little time. APCs filled to the max with infintry and tanks all filled the abandoned highway. Private Wahlkins was fresh out of basic when this whole thing happened. He was a member of 75th infintry division in the Eighth army and had seen no combat in this war as of yet. As he looked at the abandoned highway from the APC he was loaded on, he couldn't help but feel a large amount of rage.

"Damn, I'm going to enjoy this." He said, clentching his P-90 tightly. "Those Chimaeans need to get a firm ass kicking today." He added.

"Yeah, all well and good private, until you're the one laying dead in the mud during the battle." A 1st Sargent from another company said.

"Oh come on, Sarge, these damn athiests deserve it! Try and live a little." Private Wahlkins remarked.

"Yeah, live a little, that's a great thing to say in the army.... Look private, don't speak unless you have something constructive to say.... 'Cause right now, you're just pissin me off.... I fought on the damn beaches outside St. Cypher.... I have a personal score to settle here.... So shut up and stay seated, we'll be there soon enough." The Sargent snapped.

Private Wahlkins noded and looked up at the sky. It was a clear day with fair weather... The weather seemed to help Wahlkins keep his mind off the smoldering Rathani and Chimaean tanks at the side of the road.

2 hours later: St. Cypher City

"MOVE! GET YOUR ASSES OUT HERE AND MOVE! DO NOT RETREAT UNLESS ORDERED YOU IDIOTS!" The first sargent who had been in the same truck as Wahlkins yelled.

The Rathani Army had just arrived at St. Cypher, meeting up with the Bodorian army. The full fledged counter-attack had begun....

St. Cypher City

Recon intelligence started to pile up as the Rathanan and Bordorian forces mobilised en masse. Special forces and Marine Recon send back intelligence updates every minute which was compiled by hundreds of analysts, along with satellite information. AWACS aircraft flew high overhead, scanning and passing on communication channels with the command and control ships out at sea.

The troops in the city fortified their positions and dug in hard. The outer-limits of the city was lightly guarded to draw the Rathanan forces into heavy urban combat; street-to-street, building-to-building. Tanks were positioned and the beach was fortified, landing craft readied. Hospital ships and helictoper carriers were moved closer to the action.

Field commanders met with superior officers and the plans were drawn and redrawn to include fresh intelligence. APCs and armoured trucks were deployed heavily within the city. Out at sea, carriers readied planes for quick deployment and air-evacuation.

In other parts of Rathanan, Chimaean special forces teams started to withdraw, having dealt with their missions. In the cities of St. Mark, St. Paul and St. John, Chimaean forces started withdrawal tactics. Whilst the enemy forces prepared for the largest battle of the war to recapture St. Cypher, the other Chimaean forces would use the opportunity to stage a part-by-part withdrawal to nearby coastal strongpoints.

The executive orders from CAFHC had come through: this would not become a major, international war. The mission goals were mainly accomplished--the 40, 000 Marines and Airborne in St. Cypher hold the city for as long as possible, allowing the full withdrawal of the Chimaean Armed Forces' Rathanan Deployment.

In the refugee camps, preparations were made for the Red Cross and Baron Aid to take over their running with the aim of repatriating the displaced civilians to their homes. Chimaean stocks of food and other aid was turned over to Barin Aid and the Chimaean military prepared to pull out.

The end was in sight.

***
Grand House of Baron

Sir Irving stood and paused for a moment in deep thought before shaking his head. "The Commonwealth will not pay compensation for any damage caused by the Holy Empire's unwillingness to stand down their nuclear arsenal, which have threatened so many Baron lives. The thinly veiled threat against Chimaea is as empty as the Holy Emperor's rhetoric.

"However, we are willing to make a considerable increase in funding for Baron Aid, which will assist in the rebuilding of civilian infrastructure and will no doubt assist in the human tragedy that is war."

The Grand House of Baron

The Ambassador from Rathanan stood up.

"The Ambassador from Rathanan is recognized." The president said.

"Thank you Mr. President." The Ambassador began. "Let me put it this way, "Ambassador," you will pay reparations or you will forfit any chance of a cease fire.... If we came out and blew New Sydney to hell, wouldn't you expect repayment after the fact?" The Ambassador snapped. "Of course you would, because your nation is a nation of hypocracy." The Ambassador added venomously. "The choice is yours, Ambassador, we have Bodoria on our side.... We outnumber you..... Pay us and our ally, or we'll take our payment by force." The Ambassador added. "The Holy Emperor would not hesitate to continue this war if it ment the well being of his people and our national tresurery." The Ambassador continued, smirking micheviously. "You remarked about the "human tragedy that is war," you haven't seen anything yet, Ambassador." He mentioned. "But if that's what you wish, the Holy Imperial Military will not have any qualms about showing you the art of total war.... An art that our nation has been proficiant in since our creation." The Ambassador threatened. "I yield the balance of my time to the chair." He snapped.

Jarico Air Force Base, apx. 70 miles away from St. Cypher City

Blue leader, this is Red Leader, begin Operation Holy Father

Roger Red Leader, Blue flight begining Operation Holy Father

Red and Blue leaders, this is Gold leader, Gold flight is ready for lift off.

Roger Gold leader

This is Green Leader, Green flight is armed and ready

Roger Green Leader

Within moments, the full fury of the 56th fighter squadren of the Holy Imperial Air Force was in the sky, all heading to St. Cypher City.

St. Cypher City

"COMMENCE FIRING!" Yelled the artillery commander.

As soon as the order was given, the unmistakeable booming of artillary batteries began to resound all over the place. Within moments, explosions began to happen all around the Chimaean positions....

"Cease fire!" Yelled the artillery commander, roughly 30 minutes later.

After the commander ceased fire, whisitles began to sound and the infintry and armor began to charge towards the city..... Their numbers were astounding... All the Rathani Infintry were armed to the teeth with their standard issue P-90s and Barettas with plenty of ammo. The only question on the Rathani side is why such force wasn't used before... Within moments, the army came in contact with the Chimaean invaders..... Mass numbers of soldiers began to die on both sides...... This would be the battle that decides it all.... The Rathani solders were given the order: Show no mercy, and they were ready to carry it out unquestioningly.

10 minutes later

While the ground battle was taking place, the Holy Imperial Air Force arrived to clean up the Chimaean air support..... The insuing battle was vicious and personal... The setting sun from the ocean was blood red..... Prehaps it was a sign.... But all in the city were too busy to even notice... Civilians trying to stay alive, and soldiers trying to kill...

Grand House of Baron

Sir Irving let the words wash over him. As far as he could make out, Rathanan and Bordoria would not risk an outright war against Chimaea--certainly not on Chimaean soil. He had been briefed by Lady Bryce on his previous visit to New Sydney; the military buildup had already begun. The peacetime active military of around eighteen million personnel was being swelled to 21 million by the next two weeks--the first step to the emergency protocols already being activated. That number could be increased up to 35 million without drawing on the pool of 914 million people who'd gone through the compulsory basic military training. He doubted it would even be increased to 35 million.

The Governor was more concerned about the possibility of a multitutde of proxy wars cropping up around Baron and possibly Chimaea's international interests. Extra military forces had already been dispatched to Chimaean Colombia, though it was far away enough not to be seriously worrying. Sir Irving doubted that any possible war would spill out of Baron.

Well, he hoped so, anyway.

As the Ambassador sat down, he briefly stood and told the House, "The Commonwealth does not change our position on the matter of compensation in any way. If the Holy Emperor decides to continue this conflict, it will be to Rathanan's loss. We will not bow to threats. As for your... 'art' of war, I think you mean the 'art' of human rights violations and breaking of international laws. I warn both Rathanan and Bordoria--so far we have been restrained and not escallated this conflict, but we are more than capable of doing so."

He briefly considered boasting about the Commonwealth armed forces but stopped. There was no point, they'd learn the hard way--or perhaps just look in the history books.

***

Banks watched the trail of a cruise missile curve lazily through the smoke and impact with the side of a building in the distance. He couldn't be sure whether it was a Chimaean missile or a Rathanan missile and he wondered blankly who'd fired it. Was it a young Rathanan conscript? Did they have conscription and was it as easy to get out of as in Chimaea? Did his mother shed a tear the day he left to fight the war? Was she dead?

He closed his eyes and saw in vivid detail as Helker fell forward, gasping with a horrible bubbling sound. They'd fought alongside for two years and he hadn't known about her family.

Those terribly blank eyes staring up from under the helmet...

Banks opened his eyes. Someone was shouting. The sound was oddly muted and he couldn't understand what was being said. There were explosions on the other side of the street; one by one a mushroom of fire ballooned out from the buildings. Rubble rained down. He felt some hitting him but couldn't feel it.

He was going to die.

No, he wanted to die. But that wasn't how it worked, was it? He wouldn't die now. He'd live, day by day, remembering that shocked face, those blank eyes, the warmth of her blood on his back as he carried her. He couldn't die now, because that wasn't the way the world worked.

The platoon was rising to their feet from the cover of the ruined building. Banks rose with them, following as they ran across the street. Bullets hissed and snapped at his feet. His CR-66 was aimed but he didn't fire. He couldn't die, so what was the point of fighting?

The buildings were burning on this side. There were Rathanan soldiers lying dead, burnt on the rubble. There were living ones firing at them. Banks saw one rise out of the rubble, clutching a knife, and the world seemed to slow even more. He saw the way the firelight glinted on the blade of the knife, the half-crazed expression of fear and loathing etched on the man's features, the stubble on his face. The dirt, blood and ash on his uniform.

Banks blankly pointed the gun at him and fired. The bullets tore into him, the entry wounds flowering open in his neck and chest, blood spraying out before and behind him.

The man was falling, dead. There was no more life in the body, just a lump of dead meat. Banks stared down at the former living being he had just killed. He'd never seen death that way. So close, so personal, so dead. No more life. No longer living. He had taken life away.

It was a game, he realised. It was like a video game. He was a character, a bunch of pixels on a screen, being led through corridors and dungeons, shooting and killing. The more he killed the more he was worth and the less human he became.

Dead eyes staring blankly

Sergeant Strewth was shouting at him, but he couldn't understand it. The Sergeant turned and was running through the rubble. Banks followed. There were enemy soldiers now, he saw everyone throwing themselves behind cover and he fell face-down in the rubble. Raise rifle, look through scope, take aim, fire. Watch the body flop down, out of luck and out of life. Take aim, fire. Take aim, fire. Take aim, fire.

Mouth slightly open, face shocked

Banks reloaded when the bullets stopped coming. He felt like he was watching the action through his own eyes. Detached, calm, professional. Take aim, fire. Take life, die.

The platoon was getting up again. Some of them didn't. Banks was running again, rifle clutched to his chest, his breathing strange and hoarse in his ears. Run, hide, shoot, run, hide, shoot.

All a giant game.

Helker was dead.

Just a game.

Her warm blood on his back.

Just war.

The Grand House of Baron

The Ambassador of Rathanan, undeterred, stood up after Sir Irving's speech. "I would like to show something to you." The Ambassador said as a young aid put up a visual aid of poll numbers in Chimaea. "As you can see, your people don't view this war favorably...... You can't very well keep your stance if the Bryce administration is voted out of office.." He taunted. "Now, I want to show you something else." He added as the aid put up a new visual aid. "Here are the poll results in the Holy Empire of Rathanan..... 80% of the population, asked by a neutral, international news service, wanted to see more Chimaean blood spilled.... So continuing the war would only strengthen our Emperor's resolve." The Ambassador said. "In the end, weather you have a one man government or a republic, the people decide such things." The Ambassador mentioned. "I would also like to point out that in the past, when countries commited out right and unwarrented action against other nations.... Reparations were paid..." The Ambassador added. "One only needs look at Germany after World War 1 so many years ago.... I'm sure they all thought their cause was just.... But the allies saw it differently..." He said. "But also, I would like to apologize for not being more specific as to what we want... I have sent your office a DETAILED list of our ACTUAL requests if any sort of peace treaty is to be signed... We have reviewed these ourselves and the Holy Emperor has signed them off... Any nation who prides itself on its "human rights record" will find our demands blameless." The Ambassador said. "And as for your mention of 'human rights concerns' I find that to be rather hypocritical as you and your predecessor have both stated that our trumped up record is irrelevant to this war." The Ambassador added. "Thank you and I yield the rest of my time to the chair." He concluded.

The exact demands/offers of the Holy Empire of Rathanan if peace is to be obtained

1) The Commonwealth of Chimaea shall pay for all damages IT CAUSED (as in, nothing caused by the Holy Imperial Military) to any and all cities..

2) The actual price shall be thought of by 2 groups of contractors from two neutral nations

3) We want an offical appology for your actions, in what way, we leave up to you.

4) We offically demand that any and all non authorized Chimaean officals leave the Holy Empire once and for all.... We shall follow suit after you have followed through.

5) You will stop any and all flights from Chimaean airports from landing in the Holy Empire, and we shall follow suit

6) We want it to be very clear to your state department that Chimaean passports are no longer valid in the Holy Empire... Any nonauthorized Chimaean citizen attempting to enter the country will be arrested and executed as a spy... How you deal with such things for people from our nation is, obviously, up to you.

7) After the war, if you so wish, we shall search for Ambassador Roberson within our boarders...

8) Also after the war we shall begin a massive prisoner exchage- our POWs for your POWs..... Failure to do so will result in the mass unrestricted interrogations/executions of your POWs

9) You shall release all Rathani civilians in your propoganda camps or Chimaean POWs will be shot as retribution

10) Any and all trade between our nations is now effectively cut off - all Chimaean goods attempting to enter the country shall be confinscated and burned.

11) Let it also be made quite clear that ANY Chimaean vessel (civilian or military) that enters Rathani waters will be destroyed without question.

We demand an effective cut off of any international relations with the Commonwealth of Chimaea aside from reparations and other things outlined in this list. We believe we've made it quite clear, but we'll say this again, Chimaeans are not welcome in the Holy Empire of Rathanan, this shall be enforced under pain of death. Please foward this list to the Bryce administration in New Sydney... It will be discussed further if there are peace accords.

At the battle of St. Cypher

"Move foward comrades! We're gaining ground!" A capitan yelled at the top of his lungs. "Kill them all! Take no prisioners! And do not surrender!" The Capitan added.

The conscripts began to charge foward.... Tanks began to open fire on Chimaean soldiers.... The brutal training that all soldiers in the Rathani military did well to harden them all.... No hint of remorse crossed the faces of the soldiers as they trampled the corpses of the Chimaean soldiers.. The sight of dead Rathani soldiers only made them fight harder.... If ever there were patriots, these soldiers took the cake... But every inch of ground was paid for in blood.... Thousands of Rathani soldiers were already dead, reenforcements were almost a daily thing.... But they wanted to make one thing clear to chimaea: The only way for them was back.

Thank you for your correspondance with the government of the Commonwealth of Chimaea.

In response to your demands, the Foreign Ministry has issued this reply:

1) The Commonwealth of Chimaea shall pay for all damages IT CAUSED (as in, nothing caused by the Holy Imperial Military) to any and all cities..

The Commonwealth of Chimaea will not pay any compensation for engaging in an action against the nuclear threat which Rathanan was using against Baron. We are prepared to increase funding for Baron Aid to allow them to act, but there will be no compensation.

2) The actual price shall be thought of by 2 groups of contractors from two neutral nations

See sbove...

3) We want an offical appology for your actions, in what way, we leave up to you.

The Commonwealth does not consider there to be any reason to issue an apology whilst acting in the region's best interests.

4) We offically demand that any and all non authorized Chimaean officals leave the Holy Empire once and for all.... We shall follow suit with the Inquisition after you have followed through.

OOC: er, wouldn't this have happened at the start of the war?

The Commonwealth will withdraw all military personnel in a time we see fit.

5) You will stop any and all flights from Chimaean airports from landing in the Holy Empire, and we shall follow suit

This has already been implemented--there have been no flights from Rathanan to Chimaea or from Chimaea to Rathanan since the commencement of hostilities, and little before that. Rathanan has long had a travel advisory issued by the Foreign Ministry.

6) We want it to be very clear that Chimaean passports are no longer valid in the Holy Empire... Any Chimaean citizen attempting to enter the country will be arrested and executed as a spy... How you deal with such things for people from our nation is, obviously, up to you.

With due security vetting and processing, all Rathanan refugees are welcome in Chimaea. This is in accordance with established foreign policy.

The travel advisory remains on Rathanan, and it is highly doubtful any Chimaean citizens will attempt to travel there.

7) After the war, if you so wish, we shall search for Ambassador Roberson within our boarders...

It is interesting, after Rathanan's strenuous denials, that the Holy Empire is willing to search for Ambassador Robertson within their territory. However, we welcome any effort to trace the Ambassador's whereabouts.

8) Also after the war we shall begin a massive prisoner exchage- our POWs for your POWs..... Failure to do so will result in the mass unrestricted interrogations/executions of your POWs

Despite the threatened infractions against the Geneva Conventions, Chimaea will agree to a prisoner exchange--however, we have unconfirmed reports that there has been small-scale systematic killings of Chimaean prisoners by Rathanan authorities. If this is true, we shall consider exceptions for prisoner exchanges, though they shall still be treated in adherence to the Geneva Conventions.

The details of POW exchanges will be established later.

9) You shall release all Rathani civilians in your propoganda camps or Chimaean POWs will be shot as retribution

Chimaea has no intention of not releasing Rathani civilians from refugee camps in safe havens across Chimaean-occupied Rathanan. There are processes to hand control of these camps to Baron Aid, the Red Cross and other third-party organisations until Rathanan authorities can take over.

10) Any and all trade between our nations is now effectively cut off - all Chimaean goods attempting to enter the country shall be confinscated and burned.

Agreed, and likewise.

11) Let it also be made quite clear that ANY Chimaean vessel (civilian or military) that enters Rathani waters will be destroyed without question.

Agreed, and likewise.

We demand an effective cut off of any international relations with the Commonwealth of Chimaea aside from reparations and other things outlined in this list. We believe we've made it quite clear, but we'll say this again, Chimaeans are not welcome in the Holy Empire of Rathanan, this shall be enforced under pain of death. Please foward this list to the Bryce administration in New Sydney... It will be discussed further if there are peace accords.

An effective severing of relations has already occured and is to be expected in this situation. Whilst we do not have the death penalty within Chimaea, infractions against Chimaean policy will also be met by the fullest retributions under Chimaean law.

~Chimaean Foreign Ministry

***

Sir Irving couldn't help smiling when the Ambassador displayed the polls. It was an old move and a good one, he had to admit. He rose, waited for the President of the House to recognise him and started talked in his usual measured tones.

"Fellow nations, my Rathanan counterpart can come up with as many polls as he likes--he is partly right, in Chimaea it is all the Chimaeans who decide on government policy. The Bryce Administration is perfectly willing to put our policies to the test at the next election and Chimaea will decide. We are not, however, going to let our citizens down by not pursuing our goals and beliefs to the best of our abilities.

"This conflict began with our condemnation of the Holy Empire's gross human rights abuse. I have to wonder how many of the families of those victims, how many of the opposition that remains took part in that poll? I wonder if it's truly representative of the majority, or perhaps only certain elements of the Rathanan population were consulted? These questions will probably never be answered but I do not think we can put too much credibility in these polls. Especially as Rathanan's dictatorship is run by massacring the opposition.

"Chimaea's answer to your requests--forgive me, demands--have been sent to your office for delivery to the Emperor. To reiterate our position: there will not be any compensation paid by the Commonwealth. We have lost lives defending the principles of national and intra-regional safety from weapons of mass destruction and that is sacrifice enough. We have nothing to apologise for."

***

The battle raging in St. Cypher signalled the beginning of the pullout for the Chimaean forces in Rathanan. As the major powers that be concentrated on the events in St. Cypher, Chimaean Marines, special forces and Airborne started to extract to beaches and the relative safety of the Naval Fleet.

***

Slowly, stage by stage, the Chimaean forces in St. Cypher started to pull back. Block by block the combined Rathanan and Bordorian forces gained ground, though the Marines and Airborne soldiers put up a heavy resistance. They made the opposing forces fight hard and fight heavily for every street and every building.

It was a common sight for numerous running battles to rage at once within a single block; for hundreds of soldiers to fight within a single street. Tanks blasted each other through ruined buildings and rubble-strewn streets, cruise missiles streaked across the sky, artillery bombarded enemy positions constantly. Smoke, fire and death were the order of the day.

In the air above the battle, the Chimaean and Rathanan fighter jets screamed through the smoke, attacking with everything they have. Wreckage and shrapnel, glowing white-hot from explosions ripping apart the bodies of aircraft, rained down onto the city below. The Chimaean Navy had launched a massive air attack with hundreds of planes; however, even though they were outnumbered, the Rathanan fighters fought and manoeuvered ferociously. Radars and sensors proved useless as they were filled with enemy aircraft; the pilots' on both sides had their skills, reactions and intuition tested to the extreme as technology gave way to simple sight-and-kill warfare.

And as the battle raged on, the coast near St. Cypher filled with amphibious craft, soldiers and heavy defences, waiting to extract those that made it back alive.

The Grand House of Baron

After the Chimaean ambassador's speech, the Rathani ambassador stood up slowly and waited for the president to recognize him.

"The Ambassador from Rathanan is recognized." The President said.

"Thank you Mr. President." The Ambassador began. "First off, we have heard no reports of prisoner abuse... Even if there are instances of it, it is not sanctioned by the Holy Emperor or the head of the Inquisition." The Ambassador said. "Since you don't see fit to pay us reparations, we don't really see fit to investigate these claims..." The Ambassador challanged. "I would like to address the Chimaean ambassadors attacks on our poll numbers." The Ambassador said. "First, the numbers we crunched were from YOUR news services." The Ambassador said. "Second, our numbers are very accurate as far as families of our fallen soldiers.... A large majority of families have a child or children in the armed services as our service is compulsory and it's very hard to get out of, unlike in your nation." The Ambassador said. "As far as the list, we never asked for a mark up or answers as of yet.... Those were more or less a list of what we're going to want if we are to have peace accords.... I hope that you fowarded it to New Sydney as we requested as the Emperor will want to speak to Bryce directly." The Ambassador said. "Thank you and I yield the rest of my time to the chair." He concluded.

The Battle of St. Cypher City

Corporal Rethkar stood gaurd over the Chimaean soldiers captured thus far. They were all on their knees and they all looked exhausted and frightened. Rethkar lit a cigarette when two Inquisition officers approached him.

"Good job, Corporal, you're not needed here anymore.... Go rejoin the front lines... We'll take it from here." one of the officers said.

"Alright, I'll do that." Rethkar said holstering his pistol and picking up his P-90.

After Rethkar walked off and no one outside the inquisition was there... The officers took out their pistols and began to shoot the prisoners one by one.. After they were all shot, the Inquisition officers douced the corpses in caracine and lit them on fire.

At the front

The Rathani and Bodorian soldiers were gaining ground more and more rapidly as the Chimaean soldiers retreated.... Occasionally taking prisoners, which mostly met a grizzly end at the hands of the Inquisiton officers.... Though there were exceptions. The Chimaeans were pushed back far now, the Rathani and Bodorian soldiers could see the port of St. Cypher very clearly now... Some laughed and jeered at the retreating Chimaeans as they got onto their landing craft... The more experienced soldiers, however, remained grim and continued to open fire on the Chimaean soldiers.

The Holy Imperial Palace

The Holy Emperor looked over the Chimaean answers to the Rathani demands as well as the minutes from Chimaea's latest speech. He grumbled somewhat and threw the papers aside.

"And they say I'm as rigid as the Berlin Wall.... And what's this I hear of POW abuse?!" The Emperor said to himself. "If it's not one thing, it's another lately....." The Emperor said as he walked over to his phone and dialed a number.

"Yes, Lucius?" The unmistakeable voice of High Inquisitor Mathias Olivegrove answered on the other end of the line.

"Yes, something has cought my eye that gives me some concern, Mathias.... I'd like to meet with you, now." The Emperor demanded.

"Very well, I'll be right over." The High Inquisitor answered as he hung up the phone.

Roughly 20 minutes later, High Inquisitor Mathias Olivegrove arrived at the Holy Imperial Throne room dressed in his full class-A uniform.

"What did you need, Lucius?" The High Inquisitor asked as he removed his hat.

Lucius waved the minutes from the Grand House of Baron in the air. "What's this I'm reading about 'prisoner abuse?'" The Ambassador asked suspiciously. "It seems your underlings aren't being very discreet when they're being overzealous." The Emperor said. "To be honest, I don't care how they're treating the Chimaean dogs.... If I could get away with everything, I'd want to see it live." The Ambassador said facing the High INquisitor. "But two things, Mathias, 5th commandment and the Geneva Conventions!" The Emperor snapped. "Whoever is doing it will be allowed to live and keep their job, but I want it to stop, now." The Emperor said.

"Well, obviously, we can't trust a single word the Chimaean dogs say.... These could be trumped up charges, Lucius." The High Inquisitor said. "But I'll look into it and post notices nonetheless...." He added.

"Thank you, that's all I ask." The Emperor concluded. "You're dismissed."

"Yes, yes of course Lucius..." The High Inquisitor said as he turned and left.

((Keep in mind, this whole notice is written in latin.))

To all Inquisiton Officers:

There have been reports of prisoner abuse by our officers.... This must stop. Those commiting the acts will be allowed to keep their jobs and their lives unless they continue to do so. This is the will of our Holy Emperor, but above all, the will of God. Chimaeans are animals, yes, but we shall treat them in accordance to the Geneva conventions.... We shall be owners who do not kick the flea filled mutts, you might say...

Yours in Christ,

High Inquisitor Mathias Olivegrove

Grand House of Baron

Sir Irving gave one of his aides a genuinely puzzled look before standing up and waiting for the President of the House to recognise him, giving the Rathani Ambassador a wary look.

"Sanctioned or not, Mr. Ambassador, your nation's inability or unwillingness to control those under your command is a problem which can only be solved by you.

"Secondly, I have not denied the polls on the subject of Chimaea were from our news agencies; all I point out is that these polls are often not completely accurate and the only poll that matters, the Federal election, is one where we are fully prepared to test our policies on. We do what we believe is right and we won't back down to these empty threats.

"I still maintain the numbers on the polls reflecting on your nation could not be accurate, as access to your nation by third parties conducting polls has been nigh on impossible during a war; that results which come from a dictatorship cannot always be relied upon. You will forgive the regional community for being doubtful.

"As for the matter of this list... Following protocol I forwarded the list to the Foreign Ministry, who released our reply. It is a reply that follows Chimaean policy, the policy of the Government and the policy of the Governor. If the Emperor wishes some sort of meeting with the Governor, I shall forward this request to the Governor's Office.

"Thank you for your time."

***

St. Cypher

As the Marines and Airborne fell back to the beach on the signal and began boarding the ambhibious landers, the destroyers, frigates and cruisers offshore began to unload their guns on the beach. Once more the Ring of Fire blossomed across the coast, largely preventing enemy forces from storming the beach. Where enemy forces got through, the emplaced machine guns and heavier machine canons on the landing craft took over.

The darkening sky was lit in reds and oranges from distant explosions and the airwar raging overhead. Occassionally one of the tanks waiting to board the larger landing craft fired into the distance behind the tens of thousands of soldiers.

The extraction was done as professionally as could be by the tired soldiers; systematically, each craft was loaded and headed off, another taking its place. The guns on the ships continued blasting without pause so that there was a constant wall of fire behind them, hiding the ruined city from view.

Banks said his goodbyes to Helker, breaking away from the ranks of soldiers to sit on the sand next to her coffin, amidst hundreds of other coffins ready for evacuation. The coffin a simple metal one, keeping the inside chilled for the coroner. There was a Chimaean flag imprinted onto the metal and a incongruous plastic label attached identifying the remains.

The wet sand was slowly soaking through the rough, thick material of his grubby combat fatigues. He hoped the sand was wet with water and not blood, though he was too exhausted to check. His battered CR-66 lay over his knees as he leaned his head against the coffin.

He had no idea what to say, really. He'd decided already that he wouldn't be going to the funeral. There was no point and it'd be too strange. He pondered for a moment before deciding to just talk. So he did. He talked about everything; the battle, their surroundings, what he was going to do next (he had no idea). After a while he realised that Sergeant Strewth was ordering him back on his comms unit. He stood up, laid a hand on the coffin for a moment, then sighed and shrugged his suddenly heavy rifle onto his shoulder. He paused for a moment, looking around the beach.

They were amongst the last to extract. The ever-dancing light from the Wall of Fire cast the scene oddly against the gloom of the night. The metal of the landing craft, weapons and vehicles reflected with the flames. Fire in the darkness to keep out the shadows.

He muttered a final goodbye to Helker, then trudged back to the landing craft. He didn't look back.

***

New Sydney

Lady Bryce stared out of the glass wall, looking at but not seeing the cityscape of New Sydney below her. She was in a penthouse apartment which General Garrison owned, at the top of one of the taller sky-srapers in New Sydney. She wondered idly what it had cost. Probably several million.

She had escaped here after her latest meeting with CAF commanders and various aides. The pull-out was going well. Casualties were kept at a minimum, the full technological might of the Chimaean Armed Forces was seeing to that. The air-battle was being won, slowly, but at great cost. The mission goals had been accomplished: the majority of Rathani nukes were destroyed; at least they weren't capable of a mass nuclear strike. More than that, though--she had shown Baron nations that she was willing to act when she thought it necessary. An important political statement had been made--at the cost of around four thousand lives.

The CD that was playing softly on the stereo changed track. It was capable of blasting out enough sound to burst eardrums but Lady Bryce preferred just enough volume to softly fill the room. She sipped a deep red wine from the wineglass, staring at the dim reflection of her face in the glass wall.

Take these nights bereft of comfort;
Take these thoughts that leave me restless,
Give me everything you are;
Show me worlds unknown to me...

The millions of lights below glittered up. Street lights, lights in apartments, lights in buildings, lights on cars. How many of those lights in New Sydney -- in the whole of Chimaea -- would be extinguished because of this war? A mass sacrifice on the altar of regional peace and regional balance, carefully tipped in their favour. That peace and balance was crucial to maintaining the international balance in a world full of turmoil.

So many possibilities, so many plots... so many funerals. Her old Marine unit had been deployed in Rathanan. The thought brought back the memories of the forests of Street Island, the explosions, the bullets hissing through foliage. Lady Bryce closed her eyes and the images came back. The fear, the terror, the death. John's lips burning into her's, his rough, gentle hands leaving trails of passion down her skin, the warmth of his body.

The wine glass fell from her fingers and shattered on the polished wooden floor, the red stain spreading like blood.

And how can I resist,
When every part of you,
Feels like home to me?
When the vision of your countenance,
Is enough to leave me breathless...

Lady Bryce crouched down and began picking up the larger shards of glass and placing them on the small coffee table beside her. Her hands were shaking so bad she cut herself and the blood mingled with the wine. Cursing, she stood and pressed her palm on the wound.

Was he out there? Undercover in Rathanan? With the Marines in St. Cypher? Was he in a cold metal coffin coming home, or dead in the rubble of a ruined city? Was he hiding, running or with the other forces pulling out? Was he, like Ambassador Robertson, one of the missing?

Take these fears that lie within,
Cast them out and bring ascension;
You are the soul that I have lost
And all of this you've shown to me...

She was dimly aware she had fallen onto an armchair, still clutching the wound on one hand with the other. Blood seeped out of her grip and dripped onto her dress, staining the white silk a deep ruby. There were tears on her face but she made no sound as she stared up at the city below her.

Bring this solitude to an end,
I will carry you to paradise,
We can have all we desire;
All of this was shown to me...

She stared through the glass, trying to find a comfort in the scene below. And all she saw were her own eyes, reflected dimly, staring back at her.

The Grand House of Baron

"The Ambassador from Rathanan is recognized." The president said tiredly... It was getting late now...

"To appease the hypocrites of Chimaea, The Head of the Inquisition had this given to all officers in the Inquisition." The Ambassador said thumbing his touch screen which caused it to appear on screen. "I've traslated it from Latin to English for the benefit of all of my collegues still here as Rathanan is the only nation in Baron that still uses Latin as its primary language." The Ambassador said. "We've posted it, but there will be NO investigations and there will be NO trials of our officers.... The officers of the Inquisition would not dare defy a direct order from the High Inquisitior, and above all, the Holy Emperor." The Ambassador said. "That's all I'll say on that matter." The Ambassador added. "And about that meeting, if your 'protocals' don't see fit to do as we kindly asked, then the Holy Emperor has better things to do than to meet with your leaders.... As it stands, I will meet with your leaders.... If we meet at all." The Ambassador snapped. "Right now, the Emperor is making the critical decision weather or not to presue this war by all means nessisary or to try and end it... I suppose you'll find out what he decides in due time." The Ambassador said. "For the poll taken on our people, you will note that the scource...." The Ambassador thumbed his touch screen causing the poll to come on screen.. "Is from another Baron nation.... The Holy Emperor is laxed with nations that aren't the enemy of the Rathani people...." The Ambassador said. "I will call your office with more information, if there are to be peace talks..." The Ambassador added. "Thank you and I yield the balance of my time to the chair." The Ambassador concluded as he sat down.

St. Cypher City, Rathanan

Corporal Rethkar got off the H.I.I.T (Holy Imperial Individual Transport... Basically the Rathani version of a jeep or a hummer) and thanked the driver. He had just a little while longer before he got back to the front. Rethkar kept his head down very low, as the sky battle was taking place above him. As he neared the front, he saw the Chimaean ships opening up on the beaches. At first he was somewhat frightened, but then he remembered what he was told by an Inquisition officer at basic training.

"Never turn your back on the Empire, honorable soldiers, for turning your back on the Empire means turning your back on God." He officer had said.

Rethkar, remember that and all his training, rejoined the fire fight.

10 miles away from St. Cypher

The H.I.S. Alexander, the H.I.S. Androphine, the H.I.S. Cypher, the H.I.S. M Calidan, the H.I.S D Calidan, and the newly crissened H.I.S. L Calidan all recieved radio orders from St. Alexander.

The pidgeons are fleeting, take out the gun and shoot. The order said.

Almost Immediately, all the Air Craft Carriers were heading towards the coast.... The Navy wasn't going to let the Chimaeans go that easily... The ships breezed along swiftly, running at full speed....

1 1/2 hours later

All the ships from the Holy Imperial Navy had arrived. With them, fighters lifted off to reenforce the Air Force in the sky battle, and the ships began to open fire on the Chimaean Navy. While they fired, the Rathani Navy was taking aggressive steps to surround the Chimaean vessels.

The Holy Imperial Palace

The Holy Emperor sat in the dark Holy Imperial Cathedral and played the organ. It was one of the rarer moments in his life when he has some peace and quiet.... All of his generals and admirals were busy maneuvering Operation Holy Father, the Inquisition was busy cleaning up the POW shooting incidents, and his all of his family was asleep. Lucius was quite the skilled organist and pianist.... He was tought by the former organ player for the Cathederal... A kindly old man by the name of Flavius Maridius. Flavius had sence passed away after 50 years of service to the Church of Rathanan... Lucius made special care to have the huge pipe organ dedicated to him after his burial. Lucius played an old Beethoven song.... One of his favorites.... The Moonlight Sonata sounded twice as dark and enigmatic on the huge pipe organ in the Cathederal. If the Calidan family hadn't come to power, Lucius would have definately been a musician after serving in the military... As he played the door opened and Lucius, startled, slamed his fingers down on the keys, making an ugly noise. The one who entered was the Head of the Inquisition.

"Do you need something, Mathias?" The Emperor asked softly.

"I was more or less just listening, but now that I have your attention, I want your premission for two things." The High Inquisitor said.

"Go on..." The Emperor said.

"First, I want to set up counter propoganda camps for the civilians abducted by the Chimaeans and placed in their propoganda camps... Free from Baron Aid and other third party involvement." The High Inquisitor said. "Secondly, I want premission to triple the police forces in St. Cypher during the reconstruction.... We wish to see that the arms we at the Inquisition supplied to the insurgents get turned back in and we want to make sure that order is restored to the city." The High Inquisitor added as he took out a board with a paper waiting to be signed by the Emperor.

"By all means, Mathias. But I don't want any new laws to be made and I want you to be careful in doing this.... Our people have suffered enough and they don't need Inquisition officers breathing down their necks every second of the day." The Emperor said signing the sheet of paper. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go to bed." The Emperor concluded.

"Of course, Holy Emperor... That's all I needed." The High Inquisitor said as he followed behind the Emperor... Leaving the dark Cathederal for the night...

...as Rathanan is the only known nation that still used Latin as its primary language."
OOC: Syskeyia still uses Latin as a primary language, as to some other countries (look at the NSwiki entry for Latin)>

OOC: Thanks for the clarification, i figured there might be more out there.... That's why i put the "known" on it.... Rathanan doesn't really deal much with other nations.... If they do, it's generally on terms of trade, war, or threats of war..... So while the Inquisition probably has a file on most nations out there, it's hardly paid attention to, ESPECALLY by a beaurocrat who works for a continent where we ARE the only Latin speaking nation.... But for accuracy's sake, I'll reword it.

OOC: I of course find out about this thread too late to make a difference >_<. Anyway, we would have helped but it is a closed roleplay and all. Uhm. yeah. Possibly, if the situation had so required, we would have occupied all of Colombia to free up Chimaean troops at the very least. I don't suppose I can have retroactively taken part.. bah.

OOC: Don't worry about that, this was ever only meant to be a small-scale conflict within Baron--the start of something much bigger, if we can get enough interest. Funnily enough I was planning to involve Colombia and yourself, but I haven't got around to talking to you on IRC yet.

And more posts following Monday, promise.

Possibly, if the situation had so required, we would have occupied all of Colombia to free up Chimaean troops at the very least. I don't suppose I can have retroactively taken part.. bah.

OOC: Noooo! Chimaean Columbia cannot fall into the hands of the white drug lords!

OOC: Okay guys, could you please take it to telegrams and stop posting on the thread?

OOC: I have been quite busy, and will post soon. I have just sent in my application to join the Canadian Forces, and I also have to look at Universities, as it is my last year of school, so, yeah, will be busy.

OOC: Finally posting! In the next two or three posts I'm gonna try wrapping things up. If you're lucky I'll try to create a 3D image of the beaches of St. Cypher... but don't hold your breath lol. This is the end of this war... but not the conflict to come. The other thing... I forgot the Naval battles entirely. I don't much like Naval battles, so I'll sort of gloss over it and call the casualties ok (increase the number of Navy dead to 254)? :p Lazy, I know.

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

New Sydney, Chimaea--Governor's Address to the Nation

"In five... four... three... two... one--on air!"

Lady Bryce composed her features to something resembling solemn gravity, and looked directly into the camera. When she spoke, her voice was calm and measured.

"My fellow citizens, it is with sorrow and solemn pride that I announce the end of Operation Broken Arrow. Our mission goals in the Holy Empire of Rathanan are accomplished--their nuclear arsenal does not have mass-strike capability any longer. The looming nuclear threat to the Commonwealth and to Baron is no more. We have shown the world that we will not pull our punches when the delicate balance of nuclear power is tipped dangerously.

"This great accomplishment has not come easy. The brave and selfless men and women of our Armed Forces, and their families, have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live without the fear of nuclear holocaust. Their names will live on in history, their noble sacrifice shall never be in vain.

"Our hearts go out to the people of Rathanan who live under the heel of a despotic tyrant, the people who've been touched by this war. We won't forget you. We will do our best to make sure that one day, the Holy Empire will prosper as a peaceful democracy.

"As we speak, the Chimaean Armed Forces are heading home, victorious. All of them, dead, alive or injured--I give you my personal word that they will all be cared for, as well as their families. I sent them to do what needed to be done and I will look after them.

Thank you for your time, and goodnight."

***

Grand House of Baron

Sir Irving stood and waited for the President of the House to recognise Chimaea, which he did with resignation in his voice.

He nodded cooly to the Rathani Ambassador. "We weren't aware at first that your Emperor wanted to meet the Governor. I've passed this information to her Office and I'm sure something can be arranged to acquiesce to his request. If you still want this meeting to go ahead, I suggest utilising Baron Island for this purpose, as it's a neutral setting. However, please keep in mind that the policy set out in the Foreign Ministry's reply is also the Governor's policy... we are willing to negotiate certain points though.

"As for your threats of continued conflict... Our hope is for peace but we do not fear conflict. Thank you for your time."

The session ended and the diplomats got to their feet and started to file out, talking amongst themselves. As the Rathani Ambassador walked out the Chamber, Sir Irving was waiting for him. The two men eyed each other warily for a moment, then Sir Irving walked closer to his counterpart, smiling grimly.

"It's a nice evening," he said, apropos of nothing. "I would be honoured if you would dine with me tonight."

He studied the look of suspicion on the other man's face and inclined his head slightly at the Rathani bodyguards standing a few feet away. "Without them, and I shall also be alone. At Le Dynastie, I'm sure you know where it is."

He stared at the Rathanan Ambassador for a moment, then nodded and strode away.

OOC: don't kidnap my Ambassador again :p the Cold War begins, and this is part of the intrigue. Le Dynastie would be one of the larger restaurants on Baron Island, catering for visitors, diplomats and their retinues.

***

Rathanan Quarantine Zone, East Quadrant

For the second time during the conflict, they met. They had been in intense communication, of course, from a distance, but security didn't allow them to meet in person until after major conflict ceases.

The helicopter touched down in darkness on the deck of the CSS Legionary, one of the command and control ships. This time, it was Rear Admiral Sanchez who was waiting as Marine General Fiona Luttwich stepped from the helicopter and saluted the officer. They headed below decks to the Rear Admiral's quarters and sat facing each other across the small metal table.

Luttwich opened a box of cigars and without a word both commanders took one, clipped the end and lit it. They smoked in silence, staring at each other, the atmosphere thick with unsaid words.

Sanchez broke the silence. "Well, that was fucked," he said shortly.

Luttwich nodded. "3, 663 Marines, 376 Airborne, 5 special forces operatives."

Sanchez winced but didn't break his eye-contact with her. "254 Naval personnel and pilots. Two destroyers sunk and three damaged, four cruisers heavily damaged, one of the carriers is limping home for repairs under guard ahead of the Fleet, three frigates almost crippled, one is going to be destroyed as we leave. The other two will probably make it."

There was another brief silence. Then Luttwich sighed wearily. "So is this a victory or a defeat?"

Sanchez shrugged. "A bit of both for everyone concerned. We suspect over 6000 Rathanan casualties, not sure of the civilians. About 2000 or so Bordorian casualties."

The cigar was crushed as Luttwich made a fist over it on the table. Sanchez looked down for a moment, then tentatively put his hand over her fist. She relaxed her fist slowly and the cigar fell to the table, released from her grip. Still not looking at her, Sanchez put his other hand under her's. Her palm was warm in his grasp.

There was a moment of something which neither of them could identify. Sanchez looked into the Marine General's eyes for a moment, before Luttwich dropped her own gaze and shook her head. "Clyde--"

He let her go. "I know. I know. It's ok, Fiona, don't worry."

Luttwich nodded sadly and they both watched the embers from the crushed cigar dying out on the cold metal table.

St. Cypher City

Rathani and Bordorian soldiers laughed and jeered as they rose the Rathani flag over St. Cypher once again. Beer bottles were opening all over the place and the Rathani and Bordorian national anthems were playing over loudspeakers. Throughout the city, Chimaean flags were burned and trampled to the delight of the victorious Rathani and Bodorian armed forces. Within a few hours, however, the Inquisition arrived to take control of the situation. Orders were given to the Rathani army to transport civilians to designated areas.... It was a cause for celebration in the great port city of Rathanan.

The Holy Imperial Palace - news conference room

"Three, two, one, and action Holy Emperor!" Announced the camera man

"My brothers and sisters in Christ our Lord, I come before you this day to announce that on this day, October 24th, 2005, the Rathani Imperial Military and the Royal Bordorian Military emerged victorious over the evil invaders from Chimaea." The Emperor began powerfully. "The devils of Chimaea have been shown that our great nation shall not be trampled upon easily, and that every inch of ground will be held stubberonly." The Emperor added. "My heart goes out this day to all the families whos sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, fathers, and mothers gave the ultimate measure of sacrifice for their nation." The Emperor said mournfully. "But weep not for long, for they are now with our savior in Heaven.... Where there is no war or sadness." The Emperor said in an encouraging voice. "In honor of our fallen and veterans alike, I hereby name this day a national holiday from now till our Lord comes to take us home." He added. "Despite the urge to continue to war against the evil Chimaean oppressors, I feel it is God's will that this war end... Therefore, I shall meet with the Chimaean leaders to negotiate this fragile peace." The Emperor stated. "Thank you, Rathanan, and may God watch over you all." He concluded.

The Island of Baron

The Rathani Ambassador gave a light glare at the Chimaean Ambassador.

"I shouldn't even talk to you, Chimaean dog, much less have dinner with you.... If you think the end of the firefights has suddenly made us associates again, you've got another thing coming.... This has only just begun." The Ambassador said. "But I'll consider your invitation, I may or may not come." The Ambassador added.

After the Chimaean ambassador walked off, one of the Ambassador's Inquisition bodygaurds approached him. "Go have dinner with him, see what he wants." The officer said in Latin. "We'll keep undercover survailance, if he tries anything funny, it will be the last thing he ever does." The officer added. "We'll also bug you, so we know if we need to move in due to what's being said." The officer mentioned.

"Very well, I better go back to my apartment and put on my tuxedo." The Ambassador said as they got into their black 2005 Imperium (Rathani luxury car).

One hour later at Le Dynastie

The Ambassador sat in the back of his car a few minutes away from the resturant, Inquisition officers dressed in civilian clothes all around him, except for the driver who was in his Class-A.

"Remember, don't be conspicious.... Put this on your crotch... Trust me, we don't want to look." An Inquisition officer said.

"Okay." The Ambassador said as he unzipped his fly and strapped the bug to his crotch. "Okay, I'm done." The Ambassador said, zipping up his fly.

"Just have a normal dinner, you know how it goes... We've done this before." The officer said as the officers climbed out of the vehicle and went to their designated spots.

"Holy Shadow, this is Gold Sniper, I'm in position and am waiting for the order." a voice said in the officer's ear piece.

"Good, remember, don't fire unless I tell you to... If I give the order, blow his brains out and get out of there." The officer ordered.

"Yes sir." The Sniper said. "Gold sniper out."

"The car is arriving at the resturant." An officer said through the ear piece.

"Alright, act natural... I'm going to my table now... Keep chatter down." The commanding officer said in Latin as the waiter at the resturant showed him his table... Very close to where the two Ambassdors were to sit.

The Rathani Ambassador walked into the resturant and looked for Sir Irving. The Ambassador saw him and went over to him.

"So you decided to come? I'm glad." Irving said.

"Just get to the point, Ambassador." The Rathani Ambassador snapped. "You're wasting my time otherwise, I could be having dinner with my wife and child." He added.

...............((This will pick up with you, I have know idea what Irving wants, so you can play the Rathani Ambassador as well.))

At refugee camps throughout Rathanan

The army and a few inquisition officers arrived at the many different camps in Rathanan. They forceably evicted all the third party people at the camps, the Chimaean officals in the third party groups such as Baron Aid were arrested and carted away. The soldiers began to load the civilians into APCs and drive off.... But they weren't bound for St. Cypher City as of yet.... They were being taken inland to new camps set up by the Inquisition.

The Holy Imperial Palace - Throne Room

The Holy Emperor scoffed at Lady Bryce's comments to her people. "Do your best to make sure that Rathanan will be peace loving democracy?" The Emperor said laughing. "What are they going to do? March in here and make me give up the throne?" The Emperor added. "I'd love to see how long they'd last trying to get here...." He continued. "A peace loving democracy..... Just like your nation, right?" The Emperor continued to laugh as he examined pictures of the remains of St. Cypher City.

"Of all the gaul." The High Inquisitior said entering the throne room. "I frankly hope that someone blows Chimaea to hell where it belongs... But I wouldn't say that on international television." The High Inquisitor said taking out a champagn bottle and popping it open.

"Yes, this is also coming from a leader who took power through a coup de'tat, that's REAL democratic." The Holy Emperor said.

"Yes, well, hypocracy runs rampid in that nation." The High Inquisitor said, pouring two glasses of champagn and handing one to the Emperor. "To victory." He said holding the glass up.

"Yes, to victory." Said the Emperor clinking his glass against the High Inquisitor's glass.

Baron Island, Le Dynastie

The rhetoric, Sir Irving decided, Comes thick and fast in these parts.

If he wasn't mistaken, though, the Rathani Ambassador hadn't come alone and they probably had guns trained on them as they sat at the table. Knowing how these things worked, the man was probably bugged to the eyeballs, too. That, however, was part of the game.

Sir Irving gave the other man a sympathetic smile, undeterred by the hostility. "Diplomacy and duty leaves little time for family and friends, I'm afraid..." he put a slight emphasis on 'friends', just in case. A waiter came over to them and Sir Irving ordered two glasses of iced tea.

As the man left, Sir Irving leaned towards the Rathani Ambassador conspiratorially. "I've talked, unofficially, to the Governor's Office. They were quite positive about meeting the Emperor and will wish to arrange a time and place in the near future." As he spoke, Sir Irving took out his chequebook, and started writing in it, presumably for the iced teas. "Quite, quite unofficiallyI don't think either side wants to pursue a war right now. All rhetoric aside. And I'm sure that if someone were, hypothetically speaking, recording this conversation... we'd still deny everything said. Such is politics."

He spun the chequebook around to face the other man, and said with a sigh, "These prices are such a rip-off, don't you think?"

Unseen by anyone else, written on the cheque were the words: I am authorised to offer you and your family sanctuary; however that is not why I'm here. I wish to discuss with you in real privacy certain matters effecting the course of our nations in the near future. Say "your pen's leaked".

There was a moment's hesitation and the Rathani Ambassador, curious despite himself, said, "Your pen's leaked."

Sir Irving turned the chequebook back, made a face, tore off the cheque and tore it up, crumpling the remains into an inner picket of his jacket. He then wrote another cheque which he left propped on the salt-shaker on the table, at an angle so that only the Ambassador could read it: There is a new order in the world and in Baron. Everyone who works the international scene knows this. The situations which will arise are more dangerous than ever. If you want to discuss these issues, unofficially, then contact me--alone.

After he was sure the cheque had been read, he plucked it up with a scowl, muttered "got the prices wrong, damn" and tore it up, putting the remains in an inner pocket once more.

The rest of the conversation and the brief meal was conducted in safe discussions on technical aspects of the diplomacy to come.

[OOC: this can go all sorts of ways, I'm sure you've read the Cold War thrillers lol. Is your Ambassador--what's his name, btw?--a fundamental patriot, a realistic man, someone who underneath it all doesn't believe in what he's doing, a straight-and-narrow political diplomat... have fun with it.]

***

Troops Return Home
New Sydney Times

Early this morning, the first troop transports docked into Eastport Harbour, carrying the first of the 450, 000-strong force of Marines, Airborne and regular infantry that took part in Operation Broken Arrow.

They were met by large crowds of families and well-wishers, most holding up signs of welcome and the names of loved ones. There was a feeling of relief and euphoria that the war was final over and the troops were coming home.

Not everyone was pleased, though. Whilst there were no disturbances at Eastport Harbour, a large rally was organised against the Bryce Administration in New Sydney, protesting what the organisers termed an 'unjust war of imperialism'. Opposition to Operation Broken Arrow has always been constant and strong, with the NLP Opposition Party stridently criticising the Bryce Administration's handling of the crisis throughout the conflict.

The sombre, grim side of war also showed its face as a hospital ship docked a small distance away from the troop transports and the flag-wrapped metal coffins of the casualties in conflict was taken by military convoy to the nearby Naval Base for coroners to begin the work of processing and reporting. A small army of military and civilian coroners have been enlisted for this task so that the bodies could be returned to the families for burial, often with military honours.

***

OOC: there probably wouldn't be Chimaean officials in Baron Aid in Rathanan, because of the hostilities. But meh, that's fine by me...

((The Rathani Ambassador, Constantine Haupsburg, is quite loyal to the Imperium, especally after sticking with the Emperor during the revolution... Though he is very educated and sensible, he would never take an offer like that from Chimaea, especally because the child he mentioned is a 19 year old whos leg got blown off at St. Cypher.... So his family has a personal score to settle now... I'll mention it in my post here.))

The Apartment of Constantine Haupsburg - Rathani Ambassador to the Grand House of Baron

The Ambassador walked into the door and undid his bow tie. He remembered what the Chimaean Ambassador had offered him, how he tried to trick him into treason... It wasn't even close to being in Constantine's best interest.... He had a great job, a good name, a wealthy lifestyle, and little if no fear of the authorities.... He wasn't about to give it all up and become a nobody in Chimaea all for the sake of being able to vote for his leader... Besides that, Constantine is known for being rabidly conservative, along with the rest of his people.... He'd probably go insane in such a nation as Chimaea...

All these thoughts ran through his head when the phone rang.

"Hello?" Constantine greeted. "Oh, hello honey, you sound upset.." Constantine listened for a few minutes and his face turned grim. "Is he going to live?" He asked, his voice starting to choke up a bit. "Well we can thank God every night for the rest of our lives for that... Yes, I'll try and come home... He's been through a lot, he doesn't need to travel here." He said softly into the phone. "Goodbye." He concluded. Ambassador hung up the phone and stood there for about five seconds with a look of sheer shock on his face. Trembling, he picked up his phone again and called his boss.

"Hello?" The voice on the other end said.

"S-s-sir.... I'm r-r-requesting of-ff-f for a week or two..." The Ambassador studdered.

"Why do you need those days off? It's hard to find a substitute ambassador these days... I'm going to have to pull Marcus from Bodoria again..." His boss said.

"My son... He's, coming home from St. Cypher City.... He lost his leg in the battle..... I want to be with him and my wife for a week.... Please!" The Ambassador pleaded.

"WHAT?! Flavious lost his leg?!! I'm sorry, Mr. Haupsburg, that's quite a loss.... You may have your week off.... Take a few extra days if you need them, but make sure you call me." The Boss said sympethetically.

"Thank you sir..." The ambassador said.

The Ambassador sat down slowly.... He remembered how the Holy Emperor gave his son the chance to be exempt from conscription, but he chose to serve..... Now he'll never walk again without a fake leg..... His quivering shock soon turned into rage as he threw his TV remote at the wall. Any and all chance of him leaving for Chimaea was dead.... He cursed the Commonwealth numerous times as he called for his plane to take him back to his home in St. Androphine City... Constantine was loyal to the Holy Empire before, but his rage reaffirmed his patriotic stance.... From then on, there would be no barriers in the Grand House of Baron.... He was going to go after Chimaea with everything he had, and he was going to get the Inquisition to help... The war had at last landed on his own doorstep...


Inquisition controled internment camp- 60 miles south of St. Cypher City

The APCs that were carrying the civilians arrived at the new camp. Waiting for them was an Inquisition officer with a megaphone.

"Citizens of St. Cypher City, we understand that you have been through a lot and wish to go home.... We are getting construction crews into the city to rebuild your homes as we speak... Therefore we ask for your patience, these tents will be temporary shelter until we can errect barracks for you to sleep in." The officer said over the megaphone. "We are also working on finding teachers to set up a provisional school for the children, again, we ask for your patience in this matter..... But remember, it is the hethans of Chimaea that put this plight upon you and your families....." The Inquisition officer added.

Soldiers began to help the civilians get out of the APCs.... In the center of the camp, there was a tent with a projecter screen and rows of seats and a stern looking Inquisition chaplin was standing under it... The people were herded into the tents that would be their homes for the time being.

The Holy Imperial Palace - Throne room

The Holy Emperor listened to the contracter's presentation on the costs of rebuilding St. Cypher City.

"And the rough estimate of total repairs is close to a billion Sesterces, Holy Emperor...." The contracter said.

The Emperor sighed. "Annoyingly enough, this is the lowest offer we've gotten yet.... We have two more companies to contact which are rumored to be more expensive, so expect a call in a week and a half." He said.

"Yes, Holy Emperor, thank you for your time." The contracter said as he bowed and had his aids take his charts and graphs away.

2 hours later The Holy Imperial Palace- War room

Two generals and two admirals walked into the war room, briefcases in hand.

"What's the status on Operation Tape?" The Holy Emperor asked in his usual business like tone.

"Operation Tape is a go, the blue prints that Bordoria gave us are perfect.... Large amounts of nuclear arms are being built as we speak.... Soon we'll have an arsenal that dwarfed our last arsenal..." One general said opening his briefcase and taking out a manilla folder full of pictures.

"I agree, their war was to no avail, we shall be armed and capiable of completely destroying Chimaea within a month or two.... They wouldn't dare try this stunt again." An Admiral said.

"Good, let's just hope there won't BE a next time.... Because next time, Operation Divine Wrath is a full go... There will be nothing left of Chimaea for the janitors to clean up." The Emperor said as he offered all the men cigars and lit one of his own.

"Yes, Holy Emperor," The other general said as he lit his cigar. "but I believe we should be more discrete about this operation this time..... We shouldn't let them know we have anywhere near the capibilities that we do untill they call down the fire." He added.

"Good point." The Emperor said. "How many functioning nuclear submarines do we have that don't have nuclear arms on them already?" The Emperor asked one of the admirals

The Admiral opened his briefcase and looked through a file. "Roughly 5 or 6 that don't have arms on them.... We won't be able to hide them on the subs, really." He added. "But we'll work together to come up with ideas on that subject." The admiral said as he looked at his counterparts from the army. "If........that's okay with you two...." The Admiral added.

"No objections here, let's get started." The higher ranking general said.

"I hope to see you four at the victory parade next week." The Emperor said shaking all their hands.

"Wouldn't miss it." They all said in one way or another.

All of the military officals and the Emperor got up and went their separate ways...

One hour later - The Holy Imperial Family's Chambers

Holy Emperor Lucius Calidan opened up his Bible and read a passage in Revelation:

And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. Revelation 6:3-8

The Holy Emperor examined this passage, closed the Bible, and went to his room where he fell fast asleep.

((I thought that passage was very relevent to what we're doing here.... You can always find relevent stuff in the Bible... One of the many reasons why I believe every word it says.. :p Oh, and by the way, if you thought the regular ambassador was a bit whacko, wait till you meet his substitute.... >) ))