NationStates Jolt Archive

December 5th, 2003

Rodevo, Einland (AP News): Nationalist Rebels seized Rodevo City Hall this afternoon and have declared the city independent from the Republic of Einland. Rebel leaders say these actions were taken in response to the government preventing colonization of unclaimed territories along Einland's eastern border.

Meanwhile, Governor Polson has declared a state of emergency for the state of Hircontry, and President Sojen is attempting to obtain Parlimentary approval to send troops into Rodevo to put the rebellion down. However, Representatives are reluctant to authorize the military to enter the city, fearing civilian casualties resulting from the urban combat environment. For now, the Einish army remains paralyzed by bureaucratic inertia. However, several regiments have been ordered to take up positions outisde the city, and all roads leading in and out of Rodevo have been closed.

Rodevo is a medium sized city in Western Einland, home to about 230,000 people.

We will bring you more on this story as it continues to develop.

*Somewhere east of Rodevo...*

Lord Luca Caruzzo marched down the road at night, the collar of his trench coat flipped up against the light drizzle and bitter cold. He was flanked by several men, all of them Einish nationalists. A small SMG dangled on a strap from his shoulder, not far from his holstered nine millimeter. Still only in his late twenties, he presented a stout, athletic figure that hinted at previous military experience. Not something his uncle, the Duce, had liked one bit.

Nothing he can do about that now, though...

He smiled to himself as he continued onward toward the Republic of Rodevo.

------

*At the "facility" in Pauli, Montesille...*

Duce Salvator Caruzzo finished his fourth Hail Mary that day and took in a deep breath, because not long ago he had shouted things the Church most certainly would have frowned upon. The only relief he could bask in was that he was alone in his office: he hated it when people watched him pray.

The phone rang.

"Vasquez? Yes... I've made my decision. I know, I know..." He sighed. "But it's better than going to war. You know where to send the convoy. Just make sure the supplies get to those Einish rebels... and mother of God, please Vasquez, try again to convince Luca to come home?"

Herenhuis (Presidential Residence), Eindhaven.

"President Sojen? We have Duce Caruzzo on the line."
"Thank you, Laura." (Picks up red phone). Caruzzo, I'll get to the point. My intelligence sources tell me your nephew is in Rodevo stirring up the rebels. We consider this a domestic problem of Einland, which we will handle ourselves. You're interference in the matter is not appreciated. Now get Luca out of there now, because you do not want my forces to do it for you!" (Hangs up forcefully).

"How's Parliament coming on authorizing the taking of Rodevo?" Asked the President, aggrevated following his warning to the ruler of Montesille.

"I'm afraid the representatives are still deliberating, sir."

Naturally, this sends the Duce into one of his infamous rages.

"How dare they!" he shouted, his face turning red with anger as he stalked the hallway outside his office, followed closely by an adviser nervously explaining why declaring war would be a bad idea. "Grr... shut up already, Vinci! Get Vasquez on the line, now."

A few minutes later, he was on the phone with Vasquez, and whipped into another frenzy again. "He's doing WHAT?"

"He's refusing, sir! Your nephew says he won't come home until the fight's over and won."

"Where are you now?"

"Taking the supply transport back. Things are heating up, I can't afford to stay."

"Coward." Amid indignant protests on the other end of the line, the Duce hung up and slumped his face into his hands. "There has to be some way out of this..."

And then, he had an idea. "The Black Crosses."