NationStates Jolt Archive

An Open Letter Distributed Across Western Aerion

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TO ALL WORKERS AND TO THE CAPITALISTS WHO SUPPRESS THEM

The Aerionian People's Liberation Army, the Underground Revolutionary Party of Aerion, and the Sister Soldiers for the People's Socialist Revolution issue now an unified declaration of war against the bourgeoisie oppressors of Aerion. Our organizations have grown by the hundreds of thousands. Now our cause for the freedom of the Aerionian workers and freedom from the classes has inflamed the hearts of millions of Aerionians. So we now call upon all workers in Aerion, and across the world to join us in the fight.

In the coming months, the people of Aerion and the peoples of the Western Atlantic as well as the world will witness our fight. This is a war. A war against the corrupt oppressive bourgeoisie who commit crimes against our humanity. We are fighting for the freedom of the working class, the people who suffer under the megacorporations and the weak ignorant Crown Prince Regent Damoen Wasterin who refuses to protect his people. We are freedom fighters. They will call us terrorists, the governments of the Western Atlantic which are ruled by their own bourgeoisie as well will denounce us. Any soldiers in war not funded by the bourgeoisie of the capitalist nations are called terrorists. The fake wars created between capitalist nations only to make the bourgeoisie wealthy are only illusions, this is a REAL war! We are freedom fighters. It is a war against the bourgeoisie that we fight.

Workers of Aerion, you must now UNITE! Free yourselves, and your families from the shackles of capitalism. Join us now so that your children as well as grandchildren may live freely, and equally in an equal society. Do not believe the Monarchy will save you, or represents the people! The Royal Family is driven by their own interests. We all know the Monarchy will soon fall to the megacorporations, and then there will not even be a rule of law but full slavery to the bourgeoisie.

Capitalists! Make no mistake, we will have our socialist revolution! We will NOT stop until we have freedom for the people! In the coming days we will release a list of the bourgeoisie oppressors who have long slaved the people in their megacorporations. These bourgeoisie oppressors have committed crimes against the people, and we as the voice of the people sentence them to DEATH!

Signed,
The freedom fighters of the Aerionian People's Liberation Army
The free workers of the Underground Revolutionary Party of Aerion
The freedom fighters of the Sister Soldiers for the People's Socialist Liberation

Royal District, Astevane

In a glittering floating world far away from the plight of the workers in the factories in the western provinces of Aerion, away from the plight of the workers even in the capital of Astevane itself, drifted the government officials, socialites, and wealthy who occupied the Royal District. The Royal District in Astevane was the historical section of the capital, where every government since the nomadic peoples of Aerion settled down ruled from. The Royal Palace had been the seat of government in various forms back to the Curia it was built around that had housed the Senate when the Aerionians modeled their first true national government off of the Roman Republic. The Royal District was built in an a mixture Greeko-Roman, Baroque, and Arabian styles. The historical Royal District contrasted sharply with the hundreds if not thousands of skyscrapers that was the megacity of Astevane. For quiet some time, especially since the restoration of the Monarchy, the Royal District had been referred to by some observers as "Aerion's Forbidden City" referring to the capital of the ancient Chinese Emperors.

The access list denied entry to any but those who had business to be there or lived there, those who worked for the Royal Government, or those who worked for those who lived there. Before crossing the grand avenue bridge across the river Aste one would come to a post guarded by the city police where they would review them, and then once crossing the bridge to another gate the Royal Guard would check the list to see if they would be accepted or denied entry. Obviously the poor or unapproved did not even make it past the first guard post.

The Royal District was quiet large itself, extending over miles of land. The center near the Forum and the Royal Palace was where virtually the headquarters and offices of every main branch of the Royal Government were located as well as some offices of various megacorporations who simply wanted the luxury placement of being so close to the Royal Palace itself. It was a matter of status to own a building or even a room in this area. Real estate prices were the most expensive in Aerion, if not much of the world. Out further from the Forum were various residential neighborhoods, parks, gardens, bath houses, and luxury shopping areas. To live in the Royal District one would have to either had been granted by virtue of being in a high post in the Royal Government, or be a millionaire or somehow be very lucky.


This isolated world did not know the suffering of the working classes or the expanding shantytowns. Many of the problems of the poor were increasing due to the economic centralization the consolidated megacorporations had caused. For many there was no reason to even leave the Royal District, all the troubles of the world were outside. Truly the Royal District reflected the problem with Aerionian society, the upper class had been fully isolated from the lower classes. Almost every Aerionian provincial capital had a version of the "Royal District", or wealthier areas that were often physically separated from the industrial and lower class districts. If not that, in many of the megacities the wealthy simply lived in penthouses, and in upper floors.

So the Royal Government itself, governed by such people living so far away from practicality, did not see the increasing troubles in the dirty streets in the poorer areas of the cities.

Increasingly, the Royal District in the past few years had been called the "Versailles of Aerion" by observers. For some this was a positive reference of the grandness of it all, for others it was a dooming status.

"Communists! Communists. Communists?"

Third Minister of Foreign Affairs Arnuwanda Tahurwaili nodded absently while Ren Dirh, the First Minister, slowly comprehended what he'd just heard."

"It's so hard to take communists seriously these days. I mean, we haven't had a competent communist party in this country since the mid-seventies. Now, why did they choose Aerion?" the Allashan politician mused.

"I have no idea, honestly, and our man in Astevane hasn't had much to tell us other than the fact the government isn't saying much. It might just be an isolated incident, it could be an indicator of something more. It's really too soon to tell."

Dirh shook his head. "The waters recede before the tidal wave. What is it with our allies? Kelssek, Yelda, the Altani, now the Aerionians... it's worrisome. We can at least rely on the Kennyites, and that's not much to rely on at all..."

The Second Minister frowned. "They're the most stable country in the region, despite the antics of that drunken lecher they call a president. We're getting off topic, what about Aerion?"

"Send a message to our Astevane embassy, standard stuff. All inquiries to be made, assurances of Snefaldian friendship, and basic promises of support. Alright, now, what's this I hear about Smyczek..."

CEO Pasovar Derio of Omdial Communications rode in his 300,000 Adinas Star Coach. A driver, rather than the normal robotic controls, nominally sat in the front seat. He had two armed bodyguards.

Today he was holding a press conference in the press room of Omdial Communications Headquarters about another new model of data-device. He stepped out of his car, and made his way through his private elevator as any other day to the 20th floor press room with his aides, and two bodyguards. He approached the podium, and began to speak about the new device when suddenly...

BANG BANG BANG

A girl that appeared just as a reporter, with glasses, and simple black businesswoman's suit jumps from the crowd. "LIBERATION FOR THE PEOPLE!" she screams aloud. She shoots the CEO four times , aiming well for the heart. She then starts shooting into the crowd, before one of the bodyguards fires into her.

Aerionian News Network (ANN)

BREAKING: CEO Of General Aerionian Motors & Family Dead in Explosion

CEO Alfred Veyrt, CEO of General Aerionian Motors, his wife Mrs. Paleu Veyrt, and two daughters are dead after what is being called a bomb detonated at their private island estate in southeastern Aerion. Veyrt and his family were vacationing at one of their estates, his palatial island estate of Ne-nor in the Rashier Islands southeast of Aerion.

Evidence points toward a domestic servant who committed suicide two days earlier. The servant possessed a copy of the manifesto of the Aerionian People's Liberation Army.

GAM Corporate Security is cooperating with authorities in investigating further. It is not known if this were a planned attack by the APLA, or the plan of the individual.

Secretary of Foreign Relations for the Dictatorship of Bentietum, Mike Daniels, held a press conference yesterday morning to display the official standing of the small nation.

"... to ensure the promises of stability granted to all citizens, we must condemn the actions of these radicals. Defiance of the prophet Bennett's decree of upholding Law and Order above all things is blasphemous to Bentietum and as such our nation will not associate with terrorists that provoke anarchy in pursuit of personal, or collective, gains... We furthermore throw our support to the keepers of stability in Astevane, and King Wasterin X, in hopes that order, and safety of the people will be restored..."

Despite the official statements on behalf of the government, a divurgant body of the Nationalist Party for Stability of Bentietum (NPSB) known as the Committee for Marxist Vangaurds had this to say:

"We must keep our eyes constantly to the future. Stability in the name of the people can not ever be promised under a capitalist system. The entropic and diseasing affect of capitalism has been seen throughout history, so why do we now support it and condemn fighters of prolonged stability?... The Committee urges its fellow party members to consider the future stability of Aerion and its massive population when next they issue a statement directed to their stance on the Aerionian Conflict."


The population of Bentietum remains cautious to the issue, waiting for more developments.

With his copy of the Snefaldia Times and a cup in his hand Alaksandu Tahura perched on a spindly chair, basking in the warmth of the cafe and trying to enjoy his lunch hour. Across from him, his coworker Kulmay sipped his beymalgp, a sort of bitter frothed cacao drink popular in Dayan. He looked over the headlines from Aerion and snorted.

"Look! Communists doing something radical. What a novel idea."

Kulmay gave a smile. The Snefaldian Communist Party had a reputation as do-nothings, content to spout outdated political screed without doing anything to back it up. He sipped his drink.

"You'd rather the Reds here firebombed the chairman of Komye?"

"That would be a start." Alaskandu laughed. Their jokes hid a kernel of disappointment; the Komye Corporation was the preeminent conglomerate in Snefaldia if such a thing could exist with labor and business laws. Society was still coming to terms with the rapid economic development that was kickstarted in the 90's by the Tuhran Bel; this largely agrarian state was still polarized into rural hamlets and sprawling metropoli. These two corporate workers were both born in the city, part of a recent generation that, unlike their own urban parents, never worked the land or engaged in what Aatem Nal had called "fulfilling work, required of all."

Kulmay took a drink, licking a stray froth off his lip. "What did the Chancellery say about it?"

"The usual. The Communists didn't say anything."

"Of course not. Hey, the hour's almost up, let's get back to the office."

The attacks of radical communists gave megacorporations some excuses to arm themselves or perhaps they were arming themselves any way. It was not as if the communists, as they appeared, had a chance. Widespread public surveillance systems, Across Aerion the megacorporations were arming their Corporate Security forces even more, in some cases violating Royal Government regulations on the arms they could carry. Amkarethz Holdings, the largest Aerionian megacorporation, was quickly producing arms in factories in their Corporate Autonomous Territory for Amkarethz Security Forces and Amkarethz Territorial Security. There were rumors they were strengthening the air branch of the security forces, even ordering full scale fighter jets and bombers.

Intelligence Report or What You Know
(OOC: This is not an IC report but rather what your nation would know according to the following: Level 1 is for nations that Aerion has interacted with, and that would have intelligence agents and even a network within Aerion. Level 2 is for nations that have briefly interacted with Aerion or would have reasons for some agents possibly. Level 3 is for nations that are able to pick up somewhat from other agencies or slight knowledge)

Level 1 Nations

The megacorporations, particularly Amkarethz Holdings and Takares Aerospace Corporation seem to be building up their Security Forces beyond what some mercenary forces may possess. These include fighter jets, bombers, tanks, artillery, and advanced weaponry. Amkarethz Security Forces is using their regular corporate transport planes to smuggle mercenaries from outside of the nation, advanced weaponry, and other arms into their Corporate Autonomous Territory. They are also mass producing their own. Because of lack of any financial accountability, millions are being spent on this buildup without the funds being immediately traceable. The megacorporations are using remote installations and the cover of their regular business. The equipment is being camoflauged and covered up in various ways. It would seem that Royal Government officials are waiting to act, or many are being bribed. What is happening cannot be slipping the eye There is a visible increase in security, but most of the arms buildup by the megacorporations is happening in secret. It is not even clear where orders and memos are coming from, but it appears from the top in the case of Amkarethz Holdings CEO Morthian Amkarethz himself may be involved. Rumored reasons whispered between mid and high-level executives within the megacorporations are the resulting chaos if the Royal Family were to be assassinated or if there is a sudden wave of communist fervour.

Level 2 Nations

Megacorporations in Aerion, particularly Amkarethz Holdings and Takares Aerospace Corporation are building up their security forces. It appears there is heavy weaponry, possibly even tanks and military aircraft being produced and also possibly smuggled into the country. Little is known of the buildup, and it is not at all clear who is responsible or where the memos are coming from.

Level 3 Nations

Megacorporations in Aerion are building up their security forces, and are managing to keep it well hidden. Some weaponry is being smuggled into the nation.

Imperial Parliament
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES

Pantocratoria, Parliamentary Debates, vol. no. 246, Feast of St Hippolytus (30th January) 35 Andreus I Capet (2009), Yellow p. 2

The Hon. Lord Speaker: Official business, the Honourable the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Hon. Demetrius Raoul: Thank you, my Lord Speaker. My Lord Speaker, it is my responsibility to inform the house about developments in the situation in Aerion. As honourable members would be aware, several organisations classified as terrorist groups, calling themselves the Aerionian People's Liberation Army, the Underground Revolutionary Party of Aerion, and the Sister Soldiers for the People's Socialist Revolution have in recent times been at the centre of sometimes violent unrest in Aerion. It is my unfortunate duty to inform the house that the situation in Aerion is deteriorating rapidly.

Obviously I cannot go into detail about confidential reports I have received from our intelligence agencies. Nevertheless I can disclose to the house that various corporations based in Aerion are building enormous mercenary armies, in a move which can only further destabilise the region. The significant build up of arms and private armies does nothing to enhance the security of Aerion or of any of the businesses concerned, in fact, rather the opposite. Combined with an already volatile situation, these latest developments have necessitated urgent action on the part of the Imperial Government, which I now outline to the house, my Lord Speaker.

First, the Department of Foreign Affairs Tourist Advisory Information has been updated to instruct Pantocratorian citizens that Aerion should now be considered a dangerous tourist destination.

Second, His Majesty's Ambassador to Aerion has been instructed to take such action as is necessary to identify and locate all Imperial Citizens, and citizens of the Despotate of New Constantinople, presently in Aerion. The Pantocratorian Embassy in Aerion will advise citizens that they should depart Aerion as soon as possible. Further, the Embassy will monitor the movements of all Pantocratorians in Aerion so as to better facilitate any evacuation should it become necessary.

Third, the Imperial Cabinet is considering the classification of certain corporations based in Aerion as terrorist organisations, under the provisions of the Act. This decision will not be taken lightly and will depend highly on the quality of further intelligence received.

Fourth, I have contacted my corresponding ministers across the Western Atlantic to organise a meeting of the Atlantic Council to deal with the matter.

Honourable members can be assured that Pantocratoria will act in the interests of peace and stability in the Western Atlantic, and in the protection of our citizens. Thank you, my Lord Speaker.

Honourable Members: Hear! Hear!

It was not being reported in the corporate owned news media, but it seemed there were reports of scuffles and small fights breaking out in the province of Asleur. The large megacity provincial capital, Asleurian, was the largest shipping port city in Aerion next to the coastal cities in Orshile. Here in Asluerian was what some foreign and internal intelligence agencies knew was a hotbed of communist activity.


Dark Alley, Port District, Asleurian

It was a foggy night in Asleurian. The massive tower blocs of the megacity, some towering nearly over 200 floors rose in the distance out of the fog and into the sky. Asleurian was one of the uglier cities, most buildings built for utility. It was an industrial city completely, except for the Governor's Palace and surrounding district which as typically was the historic district. In this city though even that was colder than most.

Police helicopter drones patrolled the sky, sometimes swooping beneath the fog to patrol the streets closer.

Wages in Asleurian, and Asleur were lower than many even though it was a center of shipping and heavy industry. Partly because of the massive population and any immigrants from poorer nations often came into Asleur. Many wage slaves were still working away in their corporate jumpsuits in some factories, 24 hour shifts running in many.

This older section of town was dead quiet though, in one of the many warehouse area of the Industrial District near the Port District. Here were some of the most run down warehouses, from a bygone era, more the inhabitants of the homeless and illegal immigrants and criminals.

In an alley in this dark area woman stood wearing a newspaper boy hat, and a dark gray jumpsuit. The corporate logo was too faded to even see on the jumpsuit. Her red hair was pulled roughly under the cap. She smoked a cigarette. Prayer beads hung from her wrist, indicating somehow she might be a devout Buddhist.

A burly man in an business suit with a hooded jacket approached, the hood pulled over his head. He stepped down the alley, and approached the woman. He pressed a package roughly into her hands, gazing around suspiciously. They both paused as a police drone flew overhead, but moved on through the area.

He spoke low, and rough. "We are proceeding.......plans....as planned...you......corporations....arming.....are........sisters......prepared?" The woman whispered lowly, "Sister.......bombs.......electric.......hide.....".

The man nodded gruffly, and left a different direction than he came. The woman took the package, and stepped away as she opened the contents. Inside was a map and a some kind of data chip.

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Embassy of the Grand Kingdom of AerionOffice of the Ambassador
New Rome

To: The Honorable Demetrius Raoul, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pantocratoria

The Royal Government of the Grand Kingdom of Aerion is quiet perplexed by the actions of your government. We understand this must be a mistake.

We have received reports that your citizens have been issued a travel advisory for the Grand Kingdom, that your embassy in Astevane is notifying Pantocratorian citizens to leave the Grand Kingdom, and that you are calling a meeting of the Atlantic Council.

These actions are highly inappropriate, and perplexing. We have maintained long-standing good relations with Pantocratoria, and we intend to continue such good relations. We must ask if this is some new foreign policy on the part of the Imperial Government.

Exellius Lunvaer
Royal Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator

The Takares Business Jet was in descent toward the massive megacity of Raplonis, the capital of the Corporate Autonomous Territory possessed by Amkarethz Holdings. It was the only territory of its kind in the Grand Kingdom, the Crown Prince Regent Damoen Wasterin had granted it to CEO Morthian Amkarethz's massive corporate empire under what some said was considerable pressure.

Onboard the jet owned by the Royal Family in an comfortable cushioned couch Princess Ameria Wasterin (http://nswiki.net/index.php?title=Ameria_Wasterin) sat, being briefed by her Assistant Private Secretary Ms. Pahnu Mahter. Nearby in another chair sat her lady-in-waiting quietly. The Princess suddenly snapped, “We are about to land, have the crew prepare my luggage, quickly.” She stated it in an unnecessary bossy fashion. The lady-in-waiting suppressed a sigh, and left the small room to the next. The Princess was very moody.

Panuel spoke in instruction but with subservience. “You will be meeting with Mr. Amkarethz at 7:00 in his office. Then you are scheduled to have dinner with the chairman and members of the board of General Aerionian Production Company, as you know the largest subsidiary of Amakrethz Holdings. Mr. Amkarethz offered accomodations but Royal Guard intel advised against it. I have prepared a penthouse in a private residential building near Amkarethz Holdings World Headquarters as you requested.”

Princess Ameria nodded, rubbing her head. She really did not care for the details, her mind was on whom she was meeting. Princess Ameria and Morthian Amkarethz probably had more in common than differences. They were both cold, cunning, and calculating. She had met him before, and she liked him. They also both shared some social connection through some of Aerion's elite private secret societies. That was only known by her chief Private Secretary, and one of her more trusted ladies-in-waiting who sometimes accompanied her. Not this idiot she thought. The functionaries kept things going, but those at the top truly pulled the strings.

She took a sip of the wine being kept chilled for her. Panuel, the Assistant Private Secretary, gazed at her data device as it beeped. “The pilot informed me it appears we are about to land.”

After landing at the private airport outside of Raplonis owned by Amkarethz Holdings, and kept for executive travel and VIP visitors the Princess was greeted by a red carpet, and some executives. She greeted them briefly, before being ushered to a helicopter.

The helicopter took off, and flew into the bustling megacity. Massive skyscrapers stretching up to two hundred floors and sometimes more rose along with elevated roadways and various train lines criss-crossing in every direction. It was evening, and the sun was setting in the distance over the glittering lights of the city. Gigantic plumes of smoke rose into the air. One of the differences between the Royal Capital of Astevane, and this city. The corporations did not adhere so strictly to pollution controls in this territory. Below the many workers of Amkarethz Holdings and subsidiaries worked away.

PANTOCRATORIAN IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT

Department of Foreign Affairs
Office of the Hon. Demetrios Raoul MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs
To:
His Excellency Monsieur Exellius Lunvaer
Royal Ambassador to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator
Embassy of the Grand Kingdom of Aerion, New Rome

Your Excellency,

I received your missive on the matter of my Department issuing a travel advisory, and of my calling a meeting of the Atlantic Council on behalf of the Imperial Government, and note all you write.

The issuing of an official dangerous destination advisory to Pantocratorian tourists was in fact no mistake on the part of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Imperial Government, and my Department specifically, takes its responsibility towards Pantocratorians travelling overseas very seriously.

On the basis of the latest reports from Aerion, it appears that the security situation in Aerion is deteriorating. After the terrorist attacks on Armonvale in The Resurgent Dream in 2005, the Department of Foreign Affairs implemented a new Travel Advisory Scheme (TAS2005). TAS2005 was implemented according to ministerial determination in accordance to the powers and responsibilities trusted to me by the Secure Tourism Abroad Act of 2004. According to TAS2005, a tourist destination, whether it be a state or province within a nation, a nation, or an entire region, so defined according to the pertinent legislation, is regarded as dangerous in a number of circumstances. In the case of the recent advisory regarding Aerion, the applicable sections of TAS2005 are:

"XXII. A tourist destination shall be regarded as dangerous for the purposes of the Act if:
...
ccxxiv. A known terrorist organisation, private militia, paramilitary group, illegal political group, or other proscribed society (so defined according to the Proscribed Societies Act), called 'the Issuing Group', issues statements promising imminent violent acts against the legitimate government authority of the tourist destination, and/or against the Pantocratorian Empire, and/or against Imperial Citizens, and/or against citizens of the Despotate of New Constantinople, AND any of the following conditions apply:
...
ccxxiv-AH. A build up of the arms or materiel, or increase in recruitment, of a terrorist organisation, private militia, paramilitary group, illegal political group, or other proscribed society (so defined according to the Proscribed Societies Act), even if that terrorist organisation, private militia, paramilitary group, illegal political group, or other proscribed society is not 'the Issuing Group'"

In this case, the Pantocratorian Embassy to Aerion advised the Imperial Government that various private militia and paramilitary groups appeared to be increasing their capability in light of the recent declarations by the Aerionian People's Liberation Army, the Underground Revolutionary Party of Aerion, and the Sister Soldiers for the People's Socialist Revolution. The APLA declaration is regarded as a threat of terrorist violence against Aerion, and the governments and peoples of the Western Atlantic.

I have called a meeting of the Atlantic Council for two reasons:

1) The Atlantic Council has not met since the ratification of the Treaty of Lleiythen, and there is a need to elect a Secretary-General and begin the operations envisioned by the Treaty.
2) The Atlantic Council can discuss ways in which all of the governments of the Western Atlantic can assist the Royal Government of Aerion to deal with APLA and other terrorist groups which threaten to destabilise Aerion and the region.

It was not the intention of the Imperial Government to cause offence to our Aerionian allies in any way, sense or form. Rather, it is our intention to do everything in our power to help Aerion restore peace and stability to the region.

Yours Sincerely,

Demetrios Raoul
The Honourable Demetrios Raoul, Member of Parliament
Minister for Foreign Affairs

It was shocking to all involved. 500 workers had walked out of a small heavy industrial factory in the city of Lasyert in the western Aerionian province of Orshile, and gathered outside where others awaited with signs to distribute among them. It was the first strike that anyone remembered for a long length of time. The (relatively) small factory was owned by General Aerionian Productions Corporation Heavy Industries, (GAPC Heavy Industries). GAPC was in turn owned by the renowned Amakrethz Holdings.

Corporate Security at the factory was not happy. In smaller factories they sometimes interacted more with the workers though strict corporate policy forbade it. They roughly pushed a few men back who got too close, however.

The factory manager, known for being hard at such a small factory, perhaps that was why he was transferred from his position at a larger factory, stepped out between the men. He looked across the workers, "You lousy pieces of crap. I can fire you just like that." He snapped his fingers, "Then what will your wives do. GAPC will put them out on the street, because we own most of your apartments to. What kind of statement do you think you are making...." Before he could finish speaking, one of the men picked up a large piece of paving stone and threw it at the factory manager. Intentionally or unintentionally, the stone hit the manager's face and bashed it in busting his eyes and nose and split his skull open as blood gushed out. The manager fell to the ground jerking in hard jerks as blood spurted out onto the concrete.

There was a shocked silence. There were only 8 Corporate Security officers on the scene. No one was sure why what happened next, but one of them opened fire with the rapid fire setting on his gun turning it into a machine gun. He poured bullets into the workers at the front, and they fell rapidly. As if unison four of the other Corporate Security officers opened fire as well, mowing down the front lines of the men rapidly. As the factory workers had been standing close together, they fell quickly. Some were killed, some fell to the ground bleeding. The men at the back went running quickly, and the other guards who were not shooting were yelling "STOP. STOP SHOOTING. STOP SHOOTING." There were yells of panic and screams. Already siren could be heard in the distance.

The Lasyert Metropolitan Police Command Center in Police Central Operations HQ was abuzz with activity. There were reports of numerous shots fired, a rare occurrence on the streets. The officers at their posts were pulling up live satellite imagery of the area, zoomed in though it was difficult to see among the tall buildings. Police drones were being deployed to view what was going on, and the ones nearest saw men running away. Street-level camera images were pulled up on the large screens. The Acting Assistant Commissioner Pasiyvm Dastern was gazing over the screens, frowning. "I better notify the Commissioner." He spoke into his wireless headset, and the headset used his data-device to dial to the Commissioner's Office.

The Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis Jansern Mateac was a serious, but rather corrupt man. His corruption was in that he simply wanted safety for his family, was stuck in the web if corruption, and prety much had to do what the Lord Mayor asked. He took the direct orders of the Lord Mayor Apsose Stern, a close friend of the Royal Governor of the province. He then forged false reports back to the Department of Public Security of the Royal Ministry of the Interior. In order to have plenty of men complicit in this act he generally ended up hiring corrupt men. Apsose Stern was in league with the megacorporations who he let practically run Laysert as an industrial city. Lord Mayor Apsose Stern was an extremely wealthy man himself, having investments in GAPC, and was a close friend of the Royal Governors. He in fact spent more time at the practical "court" of the Royal Governor at the Governor's Palace in the provincial capital than he did at City Central (City Hall).

With all of this on his shoulders, the call came in to Jansern's office. He was sitting at his large wooden desk in his office on the 60th floor of Police Central Operations HQ when his secretary came through, "Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Dastern in the the Command Center on the phone." Jansern frowned, it must be serious. His day was generally pre-scheduled, and he had already done in his morning meeting with his staff and report back with Assistant Commissioner Dastern.

Dastern spoke to Commissioner Jansern, "Sir, we have an issue. There was a strike riot at GAPCHI Factory 4 on the west side. We think there are several dead, and wounded." The Commissioner looked surprised, "WHAT! A strike riot? Are you sure?" Dastern replied in the affirmative. Commissioner Jansern slammed his hand on his desk, "JUST WHAT I NEED. The Lord Mayor will have my head. We do NOT need this in our city. Deploy the riot unit. Inform them to use all force necessary to take care of the rioters, and insure they will know not to ever riot again. Beat them down and arrest them all. We cannot let word of this get out."

[OOC: I've sent a TG, let me know if you've got any concerns.]

-SECRET-

BRIEFING - Situation in Aerion

For detailed background, please refer to previous report dated January 22, 2009.

UPDATE ON CURRENT SITUATION
It is becoming increasingly clear that weapons being acquired by private corporations and their security forces substantially exceed our previous assessments. In particular, there are reports that heavy equipment, even possibly tanks, as well as mercenaries are being brought in. However, the accuracy of these reports is based on hearsay and is open to doubt. Numbers and other such details are unavailable and accurate assessments of such are not possible at this time. We can be certain, however, that the private organsations will likely be quite heavily armed.

It should be noted that the Pantocratorian Minister of Foreign Affairs is on the record as saying that "various corporations based in Aerion are building enormous mercenary armies" and that this government has declared Aerion "dangerous", issuing travel advisories warning against travel to Aerion. It can be assumed that Pantocratoria has much more reliable and extensive sources of information regarding the situation in Aerion and thus, this public statement would substantiate reports of large numbers of mercenaries being employed by the private organisations. Their government's actions should thus also be evaluated carefully.

RECCOMENDATIONS FOR ACTION
At this time there is absolutely no indication for the involvement of Kelssek in this situation. None of our interests are directly affected by this situation and there would not anything to gain from involvement, and in fact there would be more to lose in terms of international reputation.

Domestically, it is reasonable to assume public sentiment will be on the side of the revolutionary groups due to their stated leftist ideology as well as the fact that they are fighting against an elitist system and a monarchy. However, public awareness of and engagement in the conflict is not high. It would therefore be prudent for our government to remain neutral and take no direct action in regards to this situation at this time.

- Approved by Chief, National Intelligence Agency
February 19, 2009

-SECRET-

The Sister Soldiers for the People's Socialist Liberation were one of the more enigmatic organizations. It was assumed in some intelligent dossiers that they were in fact Buddhist nuns who had somehow become revolutionaries yet any records of them were lost with the rise of the second monarchy after more chaotic periods. Some have ventured to say that their community or communities were destroyed during the religious purges of earlier oppressive regimes and so they became soldiers. Whatever the case, what was known were that they were small, their rank and file were well trained, and like cats they seemed to be difficult to trace.