NationStates Jolt Archive

Somewhere on the Axackali-Allanean border…
April 16th, 20??
9:12 PM
Private Thomas von Turnsky peered through a pair of binoculars at the small convoy moving quickly through the mountain passes from Allanea. Hmmmm… I wonder what’s up. There isn’t any trade going on between Edölia and Allanea… Keeping his binoculars trained on the convoy, Thomas pulled a radio receiver from his pocket. “Come in… Command? This is Private von Turnsky on patrol OA263.12… I have confirmation of a truck convoy… six vehicles… moving quickly into the country from Allanea. Is there anything scheduled? … Yes sir… Thank you sir.” He put the radio into his pocket and turned his attention fully back to the target. This is going to get interesting…

Twenty two minutes later; seventeen kilometers North
“This is unit five-seven-two-nine. The target is confirmed at 29 degrees and 1.27 clicks ahead. Preparing to engage.” Four, large, sleek black helicopters cut through the night air, moving towards the Allanean convoy. As they approached, two massive loudspeakers extended from the side of the lead helicopter.
”Unidentified convoy! In the name of Erik von Blätterschplitt, Impërator of Edölia you are under arrest! Slow down and stop immediately! You are in violation of Edölian territory and must immediately stop!”

<<OOC: Don't anyone respond until Allanea and I give the OK... We've talked about this a bit beforehand and have a plan. Then I guess anyone who wants to can jump in.>>

This stupid tag on my shirt is getting on my nerves.

Interesting. Tag.

Just before the young gunner on the first Rolling Fortress gets the black helicopters in his sights, the driver rips him out of his seat. "STOP that foolishness! Do you want a new war or something?"

Second later, 12 people are arrested by the Edolians. All are carrying firearms of some sort, and "truck guns" are present in each truck. Also, the turret mount standard for the Rolling Fortress trucks sports twin heavy machineguns instead of the machinegun/automatic GL crossbreed on Allanean military RF's. Meth-amphetamines are found in the blood of 6 drivers and in the truck cabins, apparently the drivers were using the drugs to avoid falling asleep.

The trucks contain a large slew of various small arms, mainly handguns, shotguns, and rifles of various types (including select-fire weapons and .50 Cal rifles), but also include one heavy machinegun (custom made and engraved).

From the papers found in the truck, and by the models of the weapons found, it seems that the weapons and trucks are sent by Allanean Arms Corporation, although not all are made by them. Also, some of the cargo includes T-shirts with pro-gun slogans - hinting possible A-NRA involvement.

While the drivers refuse to testify until their lawyers come in from Allanea, some are found carrying A-NRA membership cards, in particular the leader of the convoy is an A-NRA life member.

request permission to become involved

request permission to become involved
<<OOC: This is an open RP but remember that for now, very little time has passed. Also, this wouldn't be too important internatinally right now so your government might not really be too aware... So I would suggest waiting a bit.>>

A Brief History of the Situation
Back nearly a year (RT) ago, when Edolia and Allanea were very newly on the international stage, there was a large Christian fundamentalist rebellion within Edolia which was heavily supported by the Allaneans. Edolia's ally, Pilot, party to punish those who were supporting anti-Edolian rebels and partly on imperialistic motives, launched an invasion of Allanea and conquered it without much difficulty. The Allanean government fled to Atlantic Island and set up a government-in-exile. After threats by the Atlantic Island government to reinvade Allanea some years [NS time now] later, Pilotan and Edolian forces prepared for a large-scale defense and began a very bloody war. When the capital of Atlantic Island was struck by a nuclear missile launched by the rogue Sean Empire, Pilot pulled his forces from Allanea and transferred all power to the Edolian government. Although Edolia, supported by ally Gerania, was able to drive the Atlantic Island army from Allanea and advance deep within Allanean territory, the intervention by Der Angst on the side of Allanea (an intervention which he now regrets) forced Edolia to sue for peace. In exchange for withdrawing from Allanea, Edolia gained the small province of Axackal... The Axackalis rebelled once and were put down. Now, generations later, they are mostly content under Edolian rule though they are far more capitalistic than other Edolians and there are many dissatisfied with Edolian rule, especially in rural areas. Axackalis, like any Allaneans, love guns, which are banned in Edolia...

Within the Axackali (Special Economic Zone) Military Police Headquarters:
Leftenant Michael Smith stared at the faces in the small, dark room. Being a native Axackali, he had been chosen to talk to the prisoners. He spoke like an Allanean and could easily have passed for one. But I’m not. He smiled to himself, straightened his tie and entered the room. “Listen up! First, by law, I’m obligated to read you your rights. You have the right to a barrister, you have the right to maintain your silence, you have the right…” He read off the list of rights detailed in the constitution of Edölia. “Now that I’ve got that done with, let’s get down to business. My name is Leftenant Mike Smith and I’ll be your interrogator. Don’t expect any special treatment from me. If you’re cooperative, I’ll be your friend. Otherwise… There are two ways that we can go about this. The first is us having a nice long chat together in this little room. The other is that you are all placed in separate rooms… and we drip water on your foreheads until you talk. I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but gun smuggling is a very serious offence and we’ll be holding you here for some time. That stay can be as nice or as nasty as you wan to make it. What say you?”

---

Edölian High Command:
The Impërator read the sheet of paper without comment. 12 Allaneans arrested on the border… Armed to the teeth. Dear God! The ruler of the Scarlet Empire turned to his aide. “What does this look like? The Allaneans trying to start a rebellion?” The other man shook his head.
“No sir… Although the smugglers themselves were armed with high-powered weapons, most of the stuff that they were smuggling in were hunting rifles, shotguns and the like… I would guess that they’re just trying to make some money off the Axackal’s gun-hungry farmers.”
“That makes it better… but not much. This is a pretty damn big international incident. I want Secretary von Pickett in here immediately to work on a draft of our stance. We’re going to tell the Allaneans that this is not tolerated.”
“Yes sir.”

---

Open Communiqué to the Allanean Government
“We have apprehended a convoy of five large trucks coming from Allanea. The convoy was heavily armed and carried a large arsenal of weaponry. This is a breech of international protocol that will not be tolerated by the Edölian government. We will not stand for this massive violation of Edölian security and are willing to take any action necessary to protect our citizens. We demand immediate cooperation from Allanean law enforcement officials into the investigation of this incident and the punishment of those responsible. The Allanean Arms Corporation as well as the Allanean National Rifle Assocation are believed to be behind this convoy and we want involvement by these groups investigated immediately.”

---

“What if the Allaneans wont cooperate, sir?”
“Then we deal with it ourselves…”

A-NRA President's office

Cordell Runner, the A-NRA president, grabs for the phone

"WHAT?! The jackbooted stormtrooper scum did what? GET ME THE PRESIDENT. NOW!"

Allanean Arms CEO's office

"Did they get everything? Including the automatic rifles and machinegun we sent? I think the legal team is going to spend a lot of money on this, being caught with automatic weapons is very serious out there, remember, Edolia is not a free country. Did they get the drug charges out yet?"

In the Allanean President's office

"Look, Cordell, I'm not going to start a second Allanean-Edolian War over this. Not yet . Let's try and resolve this peacefully."

Fox News, Allanea
The A-NRA is preparing an expert lawyer team to aid the drivers. Contributions are welcome.

In a related news broadcast, Alan Sweman, an artist an custom arms maker who did the engraving and customization on the heavy machinegun, asks the Edolian government that the weapon is not be destroyed. "Put it on display if you want to, but don't hack it up or ruin the barrel".

The weapon in its present state is rumoured to be worth about 100,000 Allanean Dollars. If it's de-activated, it will lost most of its value."

<<OOC: The drug charges would be extremely minimal. Most drugs are legal in Edolia and the use of those that aren't is an extremely minor offense... They would do much better to worry about the guns. An equivalent case would be someone who double-parks his car to go and rob a bank... I don't think he'll be too worried about the parking ticket.

Oh... and I don't want to RP the prisoners for you since I don't know how they would respond...>>

"We are still awaiting a response from the Allanean government regarding their cooperation in investigating this incident. We hope that they will do what is best for relations between the two countries and cooperate fully. In regards to the trial of these men, there is no date yet and they are currently being held in an undisclosed location for questioning. However, we will be quite happy to accept the legal team from Allanea. We must suggest however, that they work under an independent Edolian legal team -we can guarantee fairness. Edolia's laws are quite different from those of Allanea and an Allanean legal team would find themselves out of place. We have not yet decided what to do with the confiscated weaponry but they are expected to be scrapped after being examined as evidence. We would be willing to return the unique machine gun to Allanea in exchange for information regarding the purchaser of that weapon."
Matthew von Pickett
Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Presidents advisors are watching the situation develop.
-tag-

In an investigation chamber in Edolia

"OK, scum, what do you want to know?"

In an airport in Edolia

A man with a large suitcase, wearing a Versace suit, steps off the plane. He's Steven Half-Bridge, a famed lawyer and an employee of the A-NRA.

"OK, where's the Edolian team?"

Allanean Arms main office

"We have acted as the intermediary of the sale of the machinegun to a farmer of Axackalan descent who currently lives in Edolia and maintains a large collection of extremely expensive customized weapons. Is that information sufficient or do you need a name on him?"

Allanean President's Press Conference

"The Edolian Government has applied for help. I would like them to clarify what kind of help they want, and I'm certainly not willing to help them jail our own citizens for something which is not a crime under our laws".

Allanea Times

According to our sources in Allanean Arms, the company has acted in cooperation with other gun companies and the A-NRA to smuggle several convoys of arms into Axackal in the past year. On some cases, the A-NRA has actually helped pay the convoy out of desire to "help the Axackal farmers".

<<OOC: Allanea: I RP Axackal as being across the Haven Straights from Edolia. So the wealthy gun collector would have to be in Axackal. It would be impossible to maintain a large collection of guns anywhere else in the Empire, not to mention getting the money to buy it... Axackal is a special economic zone so you actually have rich people there.>>

In an investigation chamber in Edolia

"OK, scum, what do you want to know?"
"Simple. I want details. Who organized the convoy? Who are you working with in Axackal to distribute these guns? But let's first start with your names..."


In an airport in Edolia

A man with a large suitcase, wearing a Versace suit, steps off the plane. He's Steven Half-Bridge, a famed lawyer and an employee of the A-NRA.

"OK, where's the Edolian team?"
Two smartly-dressed men, their hair spiked and gelled step forward. The first addressed him in passable Allanean. "Good evening. My name is Hersh von Gersil. I'll be heading up the legal team here. I've got to tell you though... it doesn't look good. We're looking at life in prison without parole. I'll do my best to get your boy out, but... there's only so much that we can do here. I would guess that the only way that we'll be able to manage this is if our governments cut a deal. But Blatterschplitt isn't going to be be willing to give them up unless we have assurances that no more convoys will be coming into Axackal. Oh. I forgot to introduce you. This is my associate Zachni von Tolz. He doesn't speak any Allanean but he's one of the most brilliant lawyers in the Scarlet Empire. Anyway, let's get you to your hotel. Or, if you want, I can show you around Blatterschplitt. The Grey Citadel is pretty impressive, if I may say so."


Allanean Arms main office

"We have acted as the intermediary of the sale of the machinegun to a farmer of Axackalan descent who currently lives in Edolia and maintains a large collection of extremely expensive customized weapons. Is that information sufficient or do you need a name on him?"
"A name would be extremely helpful and would help set the tone for the rest of this investigation. Whether or not we want to, this situation isn't going away and we're going to be dealing with it for a while. So we can do this the hard way or the easy way."
Terrence von Nublis
Minister for International Justice


Allanean President's Press Conference

"The Edolian Government has applied for help. I would like them to clarify what kind of help they want, and I'm certainly not willing to help them jail our own citizens for something which is not a crime under our laws".
Terrence von Nublis, Minister for International Justice
Speaking before a group of reporters
"We don't care how the Allaneans conduct their business within their own country. But international law must be respected and the smuggling of illegal goods into another nation is not looked on kindly by observers. We require that the Allaneans control their citizens though so they don't give us trouble. If they don't, Edolia might have to do it themselves."

---

Somewhere in the Axackali countryside...
A military jeep speeds down the road. Large marijuana fields stretch off in all directions, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze. But seven soldiers in the jeep don't much care about that. As the farmhouse comes into sight, the soldiers are on high alert. "Alright boys! Routine! These are Edolian citizens and they are expected to be treated as such." The jeep contines on its path, slowing down as it nears the farmhouse. Four men jump out and walk towards the door. Briefly confused -private homes are unheard of in Edolia- one of them finally realizes to ring the doorbell. The door opens just a crack and an old man peers out.
"What do you want?"
"Good afternoon sir. I'm Sergeant Will von Kasp. We have a warrent to come in and talk to you a bit."
"What is this about?"
"New policy. We're making sure you don't have any illegal firearms."
"Alright." The man still looked suspicious. "I don't have anything like that here... You're welcome to come in and see for yourself."

All over Axackal, similar scenes are unfolding. Although the vast majority of those investigated are helpful, some arrests have been made and a number of Allanean-made firearms confiscated...

In an investigation chamber in Edolia

"OK, here goes...

"I am in charge of this convoy. This is an operation by the ANRA. Apparently, they wanted normal Axackalans to be able to get defensive and sporting arms. So they organized this with some gun companies. People order guns from the Internet and we ship them.

The ANRA send a bunch of guns to some pro-gun lobby group in Edolia who is still trying to change your silly laws. They're planning to get arrested with all those guns as a note of peaceful resistance. They call that Operation Gandhi. The last shipment is going to come over the Straights tomorrow.

The machinegun? Oh, it was going to Jeffrey Adam. He's a drug farmer, he's know for high-quality marijuana, travels all over Edolia, Axackal, Allanea, I think he's in Edolia right now."

In Blatterschplitt

The lawyer switches to excellent Edolian.

"I have two missions. One is to get the lawyers out. At any cost.
The other is more secretive. I would like to discuss it in... privacy.
By the way, Mr. Tolz, I have heard of you. Is my information correct that you won seral Edolian Supreme Court cases?"

Allanean President announcement

"How would the Edolians like us to act to prevent smuggling?
Usually, countries act to prevent things from being smuggled INTO the country. What do you do with things smuggled OUT?"

Upon reading the news and the Allanean Presidents ludicrous statement the First Republican send a secure message to the Edolian Imperator.

Erik von Blatterschplitt,Imperator of Edolia,
I see you are having issues,again, with the barbaric Allaneans. Just to let you know our Retaliatory Guard are still activated from the Rhyrric civil and can be made immediately available to aid in manner you may require. Allanea has been marked as an enemy of the republic and I require no vote from the Republican Council to use military force against them. If you require any aid with increased border security I could have have some of or Guard re-routed on their return from Phyrric and have them wherever you may require them in hours. Edolia has our full support.

First Republican,Ilek-Vaad



He relaxed in his chair as he sent the missive, hoping the Allaneans would do something stupid, the thoughts of eliminiating them made him smile. He paused and picked up his phone "Get me the Supreme Republican Commander.............."

Upon reading the news and the Allanean Presidents ludicrous statement the First Republican send a secure message to the Edolian Imperator.

Erik von Blatterschplitt,Imperator of Edolia,
I see you are having issues,again, with the barbaric Allaneans. Just to let you know our Retaliatory Guard are still activated from the Phyrric civil war and can be made immediately available to aid in any manner you may require. Allanea has been marked as an enemy of the republic and I require no vote from the Republican Council to use military force against them. If you require any aid with increased border security I could have have some of our Guard re-routed on their return from Phyrric and have them wherever you may require them in hours. Edolia has our full support.

First Republican,Ilek-Vaad



He relaxed in his chair as he sent the missive, hoping the Allaneans would do something stupid, the thoughts of eliminiating them made him smile. He paused and picked up his phone "Get me the Supreme Republican Commander.............."

http://allanea.tripod.com/map.bmp - map of Allanea, if you need one.

http://allanea.tripod.com/map.bmp - map of Allanea, if you need one.

Can't access the map...

Press Release: April 18th, 20??
Edolian Ministry of Information
Today at 0940 hours, Jeffrey Adams was arrested at the Jurnet Hotel in Blatterschplitt. In a simultaneous raid, his large farm in Axackal was stormed and a large collection of guns discovered in his basement. He is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing within the next few weeks and will most likely face life in prison on over twenty seven accounts of illegal possession of a dangerous item.

In a related event, twenty seven members of the Liberty Group, a branch of the Edolian Christian Capitalist Coalition party were arrested at 1020 hours. They were found in posession of over two hundred firearms, ranging from small pistols to heavy assault rifles. They are expected to be tried in connection with the Allanean gun smuggling detainees. These men were captured on the use of information given by the twelve Allaneans arrested on the Axackali border. They were supposedly planning a large scale demonstration combined with civil disobedience, codenamed 'Operation Gandhi'."


[[i]In Blatterschplitt
The lawyer switches to excellent Edolian.

"I have two missions. One is to get the lawyers out. At any cost.
The other is more secretive. I would like to discuss it in... privacy.
By the way, Mr. Tolz, I have heard of you. Is my information correct that you won seral Edolian Supreme Court cases?"

Zachni von Tolz nodded. "Yes. I recently won a case regarding a corruption scandel with one of the Imperator's cousins... An interesting situation, to be sure. There have been some other cases as well... You said that you wanted to talk in private. If you're worried about the government bugging you... I don't think you have to... But the park under the Jurnet Hotel should be secure. Funny thing actually... they arrested a man earlier today staying at the same hotel you're going to stay at. Apparently that famous machine gun in your convoy was bought by him. Anyway..." The two Edolian barristers led the Allanean towards a long strip of fast moving black rubber.
"Watch your step. We like our moving sidewalks fast... You get used to it after a couple of days here. Since cars are illegal, we need other ways of getting around quickly." The airport in Blatterschplitt, like everything else about the city, was gigantic and it was over five minutes walking down the already speeding sidewalk before the three men finally made it to the exit. Standing next to the large sliding doors, Hersh von Gersil motioned towards the Allanean.
"Welcome to Blatterschplitt. Look out for the wind" As the men stepped out of the building, the cold air hit them in the face like a ton of bricks. The wind was like a punch to the chest as well. On all sides, massive skyscrapers formed a narrow cavern, concentrating the wind into a single force.
"A hundred and twenty million of us live in Blatterschplitt and these skyscrapers go on for a few dozen kilometers in all directions. That's why the wind is so fierce. There's a reason we generally don't go outside. Anyway, the subway terminal we want is just across the street here."
Crossing the street, they made it to the terminal. The Edolians led their guest towards one of the main entrances and back on to another moving sidewalk. "We're going to get off about half a kilomter down this way. The route to the Jurnet Hotel is pretty direct."

Twenty minutes later, the three men were walking through the trees in a grove of trees. The sun shone down, casting long shadows amonst the pines and the weather was a comfortable 30 degress.
"90% of Edolians live in cities with populations over fifteen million. We take great pride in our ability to replicate nature in an artificial environment. This park is one of our greatest acheivements. Anyway, what was it that you wanted to talk about in secrecy?"

Allanean President announcement

"How would the Edolians like us to act to prevent smuggling?
Usually, countries act to prevent things from being smuggled INTO the country. What do you do with things smuggled OUT?"

"We strongly protest the statements made the President of Allanea and suggest that he is not being fully helpful is helping to disarm a very dangerous situation. We ask only that they respect Edolia's laws and keep their corporations from trampling over them. We do not allow socialist terrorists to stike at Allanean targets and we expect them to keep their undesireables in their own country as well."
Matthew von Pickett
Minister for Foreign Affairs

Presidential Speech

"Today, we enact the first export ban on a country which is not an enemy of Allanea - Edolia. Under this law, no firearms are to be exported into Edolia or it's territories. Arrests are expected to be mad within 24 hours."

In the park

"First and foremost, I want the boys out. I don't care if they're found guilty or innocent, the criminal records won't be recognised in Allanea.

Second, I've been asked to aid the people down here. I intend to take this case to your Supreme Court - and make some precedent. Do you think this would be possible?

Third, and important, there's an Allanean vessel still heading into Blattershpitt. They have no long-range comm, and are probably unaware of all this. Can we divert them without getting them and the recipients in prison?

[I]A-NRA HQ [I]

"Start plan B. Spin up the presses. We need to help the poor fellas from Liberty group".

Immediately, the A-NRA propaganda machine opens the floodgates, requesting millions of members and supporters to donate money to aid the Liberty Group.

Lord Goobergunch looked nervously at the latest reports. Although loosely allied with both Edolia and Allanea, the High Council's adoption of the Neutrality and Isolation Orders had blocked Goobergunchia from maintaining active relations with the nations in question.

[ooc: The Neutrality and Isolation Orders are my excuse for not RPing in months - however, I've been planning to revoke them as soon as the forums get a Jolt.]

"Foreign Minister Clayton," he asked, "how would any conflict between these nations impact Goobergunchia? I need evidence that there would be an impact before I can take action, under the Second Isolation Order."

"Very badly I suspect," responded the Foreign Minister. "Goobergunchia's geographic position near both Allanea and Edolia mean that we will almost definitely be adversely impacted by any military action taken by either."

"Okay," said President Goobergunch. "I'm appointing James Carenthas as a Special Envoy to the nations in question. I trust his judgement."

Executive Order 3-2380971

Pursuant to HCO-215-5(b), the Foreign Ministry hereby finds that the situation regarding arms smuggling into the Socialist Empire of Edolia from nationals of the Free Republic of Allanea presents an issue to Goobergunchian national security, and hereby designates James Carenthas as a Special Envoy to the nations involved for the purpose of mediation of any disputes..

Pursuant to the Charters of Ministries and the Councils, the Foreign Ministry furthermore requests that the High Council confirm the aforementioned Mr. Carenthas as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipoteniary.

[ooc: This gives him full powers to act on behalf of the Goobergunchian government.]

SIGNED
Colin Clayton, Foreign Minister
Martin Goobergunch, President

The Emperor can't help but wonder if perhaps Allanea has been indirectly responsible for smuggling arms into Scandavian States as well. We share a common border with one of Edolia's smaller holdings and even though gun control is non-existant except for automatic weapons not issued by the military, smuggling is still a serious crime.

Asiya Saleh,
Dutchess Alexadria,
Director of Diplomatic Services


Imperator,

We are disconcerted, to say the least, about the current situation with Allanea. As you know, Scandavian States shares a common border with one of your holdings and it is the concern of the Emperor that Allanea is, probably indirectly, responsible for smuggling weapons into our territory through your holding. Of course, we have no proof of this or we would have taken action already, but the concern remains just the same. We ask that you allow us to send elements of a Kraft Opklaring (Force Recon) regiment into your holding to see if any weapons smugglers are operating near our mutual border. If we find any evidence as such, we will of course notify your national police and let them handle the situation.

Sincerely,
Asiya Saleh,
Dutchess Alexandria,
Director of Diplomatic Services

OOC: So do I take it correctly that cannons of various size ARE legal?

IC:

Allanean Government official response

As far as we know, the ANRA's operation included Edolia only... but lots of Scandavians order books on how to convert semi-auto guns into machineguns from our online bookshops! :wink:

BUMP

Somehow I doubt that people would buy weapon conversion books online, from your shops or ours. We have compulsory military training and issue automatic rifles to anyone leaving active service in case they should ever be called to service again. Besides which, it isn't exactly hard to get automatic weapons so long as a person is over eighteen, not been dishonorably discharged, shows medical records verifying his or her mental health, and registers themselves and the weapon. A tedius process perhaps, but not all that rigorous.

Asiya Saleh,
Dutchess Alexandria,
Director of Diplomatic Services

In that case, we suppose people are truly buying them for reference only.

We suggest the following guides:

http://www.paladin-press.com/detail.aspx?ID=54
http://www.paladin-press.com/detail.aspx?ID=272
http://www.paladin-press.com/detail.aspx?ID=416

Now, what if someone in Scandavian States is planning their own Operation Gandhi:?: In Allanea, our laws are less restrictive, but we like yours as well.

P.S. Enclosed you will find an Allanean Arms Piranha Handgun and a copy of "Home Workshop guns for defense and resistanse".

Peter Green
Minister of Foreign Affairs

<<OOC: A few points. First, technically trade is banned between Edolia and Allanea (after the Yurka Slave War) so an Allanean boat wouldn't be going in. It would probably be an Edolian boat based in Axackal that could be working for the ANRA. Also, Blatterschplitt is in the middle of the country. Perhaps it could be coming into Gerburg (the largest port -nearly as large as Blatterschplitt)?>>

Presidential Speech
"Today, we enact the first export ban on a country which is not an enemy of Allanea - Edolia. Under this law, no firearms are to be exported into Edolia or it's territories. Arrests are expected to be mad within 24 hours."

"Sir! Look at this!" Teleman von Gurning was excited as he rushed into the Imperator's office. "They're going to ban arms shipments into Edolia!" Looking up from his crop yields report, the Imperator cracked a smile for the first time in over a week.
"Great! Wondeful news! As a sign of good faith, I want the prisoners released immediately and sent back to Allanea. They're nothing more than symbols anyway."
"Yes sir. However, I believe that we should wait just a bit longer before we do anything. Once we release them, the Allaneans can do nothing and we wont be able to get them back."
"Good point. I'll take that into consideration. Thank you." Von Gurning bowed crisply, turned and strode out of the office.

---

Open Letter to the Allanean President
I wish to thank you personally for your actions and believe that this will go a ways towards reparing the relations that were so badly damaged during the Yurka Slave War. After these actions, we have placed all the prisoners in a more comfortable, temporary facility and we expect that they will be released soon. There are, of course, other issues that our governments must work out... But I expect that with this step, we can resolve them quickly."
[signed]
Erik von Blatterschplitt


In the park

"First and foremost, I want the boys out. I don't care if they're found guilty or innocent, the criminal records won't be recognised in Allanea.

Second, I've been asked to aid the people down here. I intend to take this case to your Supreme Court - and make some precedent. Do you think this would be possible?

Third, and important, there's an Allanean vessel still heading into Blattershpitt. They have no long-range comm, and are probably unaware of all this. Can we divert them without getting them and the recipients in prison?
The two barristers had been looking more and more worried as the Allanean continued to speak. When he was done, there was a short period of silence. Finally, Hersh von Gersil spoke.
"Perhaps you are operating under some misconceptions regarding the roles of myself and my colleague. We are firmly commited to the task ahead of us: getting your boys out. We are not, however, interested in setting a precedent, helping other smugglers or anything else of that nature." Von Tolz nodded.
"Right. To be honest, I don't like guns. They scare the hell out of me. I think they're loud, nasty and dangerous. I'm a card-carrying member of the Edolian Imperial Party and behind the Imperator all the way. But that's not the point. We are Edolian barristers and our job is to defend our clients to the very best of our ability, whether or not that means arguing a position we don't necessarily support..." Beep... beep... beep. "Excuse me. That's my cell phone." The Edolian pulled out a small, telephone and put it to his ear. "Hello?... What?!... That's great! If it works out, this is excellent... Thank you very much. Good bye." He turned to the Allanean. "This is excellent news. Your government is cracking down on arms shipments into Edolia and it looks like the prisoners are going to be released."
"As for your ship..." Hersh von Gersil looked a bit concerned. "You've put is in an awkward position. I'm afraid that there isn't really anything that we can do for you. We aren't going to violate any Edolian laws here. Sorry."

---

[i]A-NRA HQ [I]

"Start plan B. Spin up the presses. We need to help the poor fellas from Liberty group".

Immediately, the A-NRA propaganda machine opens the floodgates, requesting millions of members and supporters to donate money to aid the Liberty Group.

<<OOC: Edolia doesn't allow donations since all lawyers are assigned by the judge.>>

Press Release: April 19th, 20??
Edolian Ministry of Information
The number of Edolians under arrest in relation to the Allanean gun smuggling case has risen to over 254, including fourty nine members of the Liberty Group, a pro-gun organization. Although the Imperator has stated that the Allanean prisoners will most likely be released within the next few days, he has stated that all Edolians will be tried to the full extent of the law. The majority of those under arrest are Axackali farmers who had purchased guns over the internet from Allanean gun companies.

A large demonstration of over 100,000 was staged in Deriksburg, the capital of Axackal today. Protesters waved signs and yelled slogans protesting arrests made by the Edolian military. Many wore Allanean National Rifle Association t-shirts and some burned Edolian flags and effigies of Erik von Blatterschplitt. Police were on high alert but except for a few isolated incidents, the protests were peaceful.


Executive Order 3-238097

Pursuant to HCO-215-5(b), the Foreign Ministry hereby finds that the situation regarding arms smuggling into the Socialist Empire of Edolia from nationals of the Free Republic of Allanea presents an issue to Goobergunchian national security, and hereby designates James Carenthas as a Special Envoy to the nations involved for the purpose of mediation of any disputes..

Pursuant to the Charters of Ministries and the Councils, the Foreign Ministry furthermore requests that the High Council confirm the aforementioned Mr. Carenthas as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipoteniary.

SIGNED
Colin Clayton, Foreign Minister
Martin Goobergunch, President
"We welcome the Goobergunchians to help us work out our difficulties and hope that they can be of assistance in this time of international difficulty."
Matthew von Pickett
Minister for Foreign Affairs


Imperator,

We are disconcerted, to say the least, about the current situation with Allanea. As you know, Scandavian States shares a common border with one of your holdings and it is the concern of the Emperor that Allanea is, probably indirectly, responsible for smuggling weapons into our territory through your holding. Of course, we have no proof of this or we would have taken action already, but the concern remains just the same. We ask that you allow us to send elements of a Kraft Opklaring (Force Recon) regiment into your holding to see if any weapons smugglers are operating near our mutual border. If we find any evidence as such, we will of course notify your national police and let them handle the situation.
Sincerely,

Asiya Saleh,
Dutchess Alexandria,
Director of Diplomatic Services
<<OOC: Yes: That little piece of Edolian territory next to you is Axackal.>>
"We welcome Scandavian assistance in patrolling our borders and investigating the possibility of gun smugglers using Edolian territory to bring guns into the Scandavian States. Our forces have been ordered to cooperate with them fully."
Terrence von Nublis
Minister for International Justice

<<OOC: Gerburg? Well. I don't really mind. >>

<B> Fox News </B>

In the first time since the War of Independence, armed soldiers protect the Edolian border. Hundreds of armed vehicles and dozens of helicopters are going to be deployed within 24 hours. Ten [eople were already arrested under the new law.

Rumour also has it that the ANRA is planning to attack the new law in court based on the Allanean Covenant. It is also rumoured that the ANRA has decided to replace shipments of arms by shipment of manufacturing instructions.

---

Statement of the Allanean President

So far, so good. Now, what are the release conditions?
And what other issues do you with to work out?

Sincerely Yours,
Boris Karpa
Allanean President-for-Life


In the park

The lawyer takes out a cellphone. "Oh, that's good. Who's defending the local boys? Tell him to fight the end. I'm not sure they'll let me help".

He puts it down. "Good. There is a way to stop the ship. My uncle owns a fighter plane in the area. We could get one into the ships short-range radio range and radio them to comeback.

Even as he speaks, he puts his phone into speed dial. "Uncle Jeff? I need you to do me a favour."

Somewhere in Allanea, an Anne Coulter jet starts heating up its engines....

"As per Supreme Court lawsuit, I suppose there's little I can do to help if it's Edolians and not Allaneans filing, right?"

Statement of the Allanean President

So far, so good. Now, what are the release conditions?
And what other issues do you with to work out?

Sincerely Yours,
Boris Karpa
Allanean President-for-Life
"There are no release conditions except that you continue on with your pledged course of action. We cannot make hasty moves and release these prisoners on the spot. However, all final preparations are currently being made and, with the permission of your government, we would like to fly them in to Allanea on the 22nd of April, in two days time."
Terrence von Nublis
Minister for International Justice


In the park

The lawyer takes out a cellphone. "Oh, that's good. Who's defending the local boys? Tell him to fight the end. I'm not sure they'll let me help".

He puts it down. "Good. There is a way to stop the ship. My uncle owns a fighter plane in the area. We could get one into the ships short-range radio range and radio them to comeback.

Even as he speaks, he puts his phone into speed dial. "Uncle Jeff? I need you to do me a favour."

Somewhere in Allanea, an Anne Coulter jet starts heating up its engines....
Hersh von Gersil again looked worried. "I suppose..." He turned to his companion, who shrugged.
"It's out of our jurisdiction. I suggest we get out of here." Von Gersil nodded.
"Well then, sir. I suppose you'll have to communicate with your government. Whether you'll be going back to Allanea immediately or hanging around here for another few days... The hotel is just upstairs -you can find it without too much difficulty." The two Edolians bowed.


"As per Supreme Court lawsuit, I suppose there's little I can do to help if it's Edolians and not Allaneans filing, right?"
<<OOC: Probably not... I can't think of anything off-hand. Edolians hate special interests meddling in their affairs and especially hate foreign special interests... so there are a lot of laws based around keeping foreigners from having any influence what-so-ever.>>

Far above the Haven Straights, a brightly-colored fighter jet soars.

"Blue Lady, this is Red Maiden, over."

"Red Maiden, I hear you, over. "

"Turn back to Allanea, it's an emergency, over."

"WTF, over."

"The Edolians dropped the hammer on your pals, over."

Half-Bridge's uncle smiles as he watches the ship turn around... until he notices two green glowing spots on his radar screen.

"This is the Edolian Coast Guard. Please identify yourself".

In the city

"Well, then I will leave with the prisoners. You can have my number."

The cellphone rings again. The lawyer picks up, listens for awhile and goes pale.

"Oh f___ck"

In Allanea

The A-NRA is putting together an expert legal team to aid those arrested under the import ban. The prospects are yet unknown.

Far above the Haven Straights, a brightly-colored fighter jet soars.
"Blue Lady, this is Red Maiden, over."
"Red Maiden, I hear you, over. "
"Turn back to Allanea, it's an emergency, over."
"WTF, over."
"The Edolians dropped the hammer on your pals, over."
Half-Bridge's uncle smiles as he watches the ship turn around... until he notices two green glowing spots on his radar screen.
A cold, mechanical voice sounded in his radio.
"This is the Edolian Naval Coastal Defense Corps. Unidentified Ann Coulter, identify yourself immediately or be shot down. You are in violation of Haven airspace."

The two YT/A-2 Hellions streaked towards the Allanean fighter, their scramjets propelling them at blinding speeds that would have killed a fighter pilot -if the fighter pilots weren't snug inside a warm bunker in the middle of Mt. Blatterschplitt...

<<OOC: Probably wont be around all that much today...>>

"I am John HalfBridge, proceeding for peaceful purposes. Would you like me to land?"

He shuddered, thinking of the world of trouble the weapons mounted on the Coulter would get him into.

"You shall immediately land at the 53rd People's Airbase at the coordinates...'"

53rd People's Airbase
The Edolians stare in surprise as the brightly coloured aircraft making a landing.

"Yo, pal," one of them says "...this is a... Coulter?"

Upon examination, the plane is armed with a single 20mm autocannon, while a handgun and a folding stock hunting shotgun are found in the cockpit of the plane.

John Halfbridge insists that the inside of the plane is "Allanean Territory" and given as he did not intend to land in Edolia, he is innocent of arms charges.

"Good evening, Mr. Halfbridge..." A tall, slim man strode towards the plane, his head completely bald. "My name is Commander Nefrel von Torn. That is quite the plane you have there. You need not worry about arms smuggling charges... We can't very well prosecute you for forcing you to bring weapons into our territory, now can we? Nevertheless, we can demand to know what the hell you were doing over the Haven Straights. You communicated with an Axackali freighter which changed direction right after speaking with you. What did you say to it?"

"I was told by my nephew, the lawyer, that those guys were going to smuggle some weapons into Edolia. I told them that because of them damn new laws - you will excuse me, sir, I disagree with the whole idea - they will not have Allanean legal help if Edolians bust them, and I told them they better come back and give the guns to the guy that sent them to avoid any trouble. I assume, seeing they turned back, that this was what they did."

The Edolian commander grinned; his perfect teeth gleamed in the sunlight. "Thank you for your helpfulness. Cutters from the Scarlet Navy will be along shortly to board the vessal. You, on the other hand, will be going home. We'll want to keep you here for a day or two until things have settled down... But then you and your extraordinary fighter will be heading back home."

[I]Out in the sea[/I[
By the time the Edolian cutters see the vessel, it's within 2 km of Allanean water.

Allanean President's Query

Awaiting release of prisoners...

[I]Out in the sea[/I[
By the time the Edolian cutters see the vessel, it's within 2 km of Allanean water.

Allanean President's Query

Awaiting release of prisoners...

Commander Nefrel von Torn cocked his head to his side, obviously listening to something only he could hear. He nodded and put his hand into his pocket. Bringing out a small black piece of metel, he put it to his lips. "Yes sir. It shall be so." He turned to the Allanean. "It doesn't look like you're going anywhere after all, Mr. Halfbridge. Edolia has withdrawn its embassy from Allanea. We no longer recognize your government's right to exist. And that means that we no longer have any obligation to let you go home. You'll be staying in Edolia for quite some time. I hope you find it comfortable."

---

Meanwhile at the Jurnet Hotel....
Three members of the Edolian Red Palace Guard walk throgh the hallways, their long, grey overcoats swaying menacingly. "Room 2016. His room is bugged. There's no question that he's here."
"Right." The three men stood at the door.

KNOCK KNOCK

---

Memo to Prince Hubertus von Blatterschplitt; Commander of the Armies of Axackal:
"An additional 180,000 soldiers are being immediately deployed to Axackal to secure the border between Edolia and Allanea. Due to new hostilities, all roads between the two nations are to be closed and mountain passes guarded. This troop re-deployment will be accompanied by a large number of equipment and money is being allocated for the construction of permanent defenses, especially Titan guns."

..::SLNN News Report::..

A lightning raid conducted on several farms near the Axackal border turned up several hundred kilos of marijuana and at least twenty-five unregistered automatic weapons. In a statement made by Asiya Saleh, the Edolian government, "Can't be blamed for the criminal acts of men taking advantage of the loose Haven borders." It is suspected that the weapons are from the recently discovered Allanean-Axackal smuggling ring. The government's only response so far has been to send the 97th Kraft Opklaring regiment to patrol the Scandavian-Axackali border to prevent further smuggling. It is rumored that diplomatic reprisals similar to the recent Edolian move are being seriously discussed.

In further news...

"We apologize to our allies in the Scandavian States. Up until now we had been unaware of Allanean smuggling into and through Axackal and so had no cause to deal with the problem. However, due to the increased security along the Axackali-Allanean borders, we expect that they will be unable to continue their operations.

We also wish to protest the detention of Edolian embassy staff in Allanea. They, unlike the smugglers captured in Axackal, have commited no crimes. We are currently debating what actions to take but we expect that until a decision is reached, the captives taken by the rogue Allanean regime will be treated humanely.

Furthermore, the demands made by the Allaneans for the compensation of arrested smugglers are ridiculous and unacceptable. Our government refuses to compensate those who break Edolian laws, nor will we apologize to warmongering imperialists. We would be willing to a full exchange of prisoners, however. All Allaneans within Edolia would be allowed to leave in exchange for all Edolians within Allanea. We believe that this is more than reasonable on our part."
Matthew von Pickett
Minister for Foreign Affairs

"In response to the massive Allanean military build-up, we are working on a large Axackali defensive project, the details which will be announced shortly but will almost certainly involve the construction of some four hundred additional heavy Titan guns throughout Axackal. These would give us the capability to begin heaving bombardment of anywhere within Allanea in a matter of minutes after hostilities are declared.

All Edolian military units within Axackal are on high alert."
Thomas von Leifrid
Minister of War

The Minister of Defence sat with the First Republican at breakfast , they were reading over reports about the Allanean and Edolian situation. The First Republican broke the silence.

"Stll nothing from Blatterschplitt? Lousy dictator. Anyhow have Uncle Istvan retain whatever forces he deems necessary to crush Allanea active and have him send in whatever Naval Guard Elements he feels would be good to watch Allanea."

The Minister nodded "He's already doing that. The Retaliatory Guard have fully returned from Phyrric and he has commanded Command General Ring to begin planning an invasion of Allanea, our spy satellites are tracking everything Allanea does, we have 24 hour overflights of Allanea by our Sword of Damocles OAV's (Orbital Assault Vehicle). I think von Blatterschplitt is a rather good dictator, just a commie" she smiled

The First Republican chuckled "Oh, pardon me, I didn't realize you had a crush on him, I'll send him flowers for you.......are RED roses okay?"

They both had a good laugh at that one.

*****

The Battlegroups Tetzcatlipoca and Ehecatl moved into position in international waters just off of southern Allanea. Supreme Naval Commander Itxaad scanned the horizon withn his telescope, an antique brass one, he muttered as he scanned for any ships.

"Captain order our ships to seize any "pirate' vessel that strays out of Allanean water, have it searched for contraband , if they have anything we'll hold them according to the International Waters Act. Stay out of Allanean waters mind you, let's just let those bastards know we're here."

The Captain nodded "Aye sir."

News leaked slowly to Tahar Joblis, and fell upon the populace with all the energy of a soaked kelpfiber blanket.

OOC: More later.

We have already announced release of the Edolian prisoners in the other threads, awaiting release of Allanean prisoners.