NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC:
Some housekeeping;

1. This is closed; Rotovia, Farmina, Hamptonshire, The Aztec National League, Veskaland, and myself are the only ones involved.

2. Unless the poster states otherwise, everything in this thread is Secret IC

3. Everyone is held to have arrived already; no-one needs to RP an arrival or entrance.

4.Farmina, Hamptonshire, and The Aztec National League haven't told me who they've sent, so until we find out, I'll just call them by their nation name.

Secret IC:

Draelok Castle, Arn-Dettya, Macisikan

In a chamber deep within the castle, emissaries from six nations were gathered around a large, circular oak table. In the centre of the table a holoprojector had been installed. Around the edges of the chamber stood innumerable protocol officers, waiting with dossiers and intelligence reports, to distribute them as they were requested.

Representing Macisikan was the Deputy First Minister, Duke Anton de la Valdar; to his left was the Rotovian President Bacchus, then President Wren of Veskaland, the Aztec National League, the representative from Farmina, and the representative of the Grand Duchy of Hamptonshire.

The Deputy First Minister stood and nodded to each representative in turn, his face and voice grave.
"I would like to welcome you all to this most important conference, and to apologise for the absence of my First Minister; Her Highness would be here in person, but her doctors have advised her not to leave the capital as she is expecting her first child any day now."
Here he paused, remembering that deMa'iska would have come anyway, doctors be damned, but for the King-Emperor issuing an order for her to stay. Currently she was sitting in the Imperial Palace, fuming at being away from such an important conference, and most likely snapping at the doctors.
Taking a deep breath, he continued;
"I would also like to thank each and every one of you for coming; in this time of crisis we must work together. In that spirit, I would remind you all that there are only two items for discussion; do we need to use force to restore the rightful government of Rotovia? And if we do, how then shall we do it? The answer to the first, I think we all know is a foregone conclusion; Powers will not step down. He will have to be pushed.
"Does anyone disagree with this assessment?"
The Duke sat down.

Princess Anne, the Grand Duke's niece, a leading member of the Royal House of Represenatives and a past romantic interest of Bacchus*, kept quiet as Duke Anton de la Valdar spoke. She had her trademark notepad out as she kept a record of everything said and all of her ideas.

Once the Duke finished speaking she raised her hand just off the table. The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged her.

"There is no question that Powers is a threat to Rotovian democracy and security. As a geographic neighbor of Rotovia, the Grand Duchy is intimately concerned with the affairs of the Rotovian State. Accordingly, the Grand Duke is making available to President Bacchus the full power and resources of Hamptonshire in the effort to restore proper and legitimate government to Rotovia."

Cardinal Thomas Wurts was representing Farmina in the negotiations.

His robe was warm and his stomach empty.

"In such grave matters, I hate to complain of such small things, but I would like a small snack and a coffee to calm the belly," he began.

But before receiving a reply he continued, "I would warn other nations against direct military action in Rotovia. The High Priest is quite clear on this point. The Rotovian people must strike the first blow. I have asked Dr Hours to gain support for the shipping of weapons and elite Farminan saboteurs across the Hamptonshire border into Rotovia. Once Powers is broken, and only then should foreign militaries begin destroying the few remaining Conservative strongholds."

As he rose to his full height, President Bacchus smoothed his silk tie back underneath the breast of his jacket before speaking.

"I believe that if we are to do this, we must do it right. It is therefore imperitive that the longterm effects are considered. Rotovia is a nation formed of former waring provinces and city-states who are alligned by strong central power. In the Empire that was the Imperator, in the Republic it is the President.

We cannot be seen to weaken this power or we weaken Rotovia, whilst military plans are made a plan needs to be formulated to allow the Senate to meet. I am confident that they will pass a Vote of No Confidence which will legitimise our position"

Waiting for a response he potioned for an aide to approach with a weighty mannila folder.

“Political niceties,” said Cardinal Wurts, “Acceptable if possible, but I doubt it is. And if the senate did vote, Powers might rig it in his favor. If you want legitimacy, surely the people taking up arms is more than enough.”

"The Senate votes on matters of Constitution by a raise of hands, so it would be difficult to rig... however if you care to share your ideas, Your Eminence?.."

The aide begins to distribute the folders to those present.

"These are the locations of Liberal and Republican Senators hidden within Rotovia and abroad... needless to say I expect that no harm will come to them and this information will not leave this building?"

Without waiting for a reply he continues, assumptively. Before motioning for a final folder to be handed to Duke Valdar.

"This will be of perticular intrest to you, the locations and status of all Macisikani nationals in Rotovia and Her Subodrinates, as presented to my by R.I.O. I'm sorry, Your Eimence, I believe you were going to explain your ideas?"

Turning back towards the Farminan delegate he inclines his head slightly.

“Gentlemen I do believe that direct military action against the country formerly known as Rotovia.” Elayeth looked over to President Bracchus, “The Rotovia I know is ruled by a fair and honest man.”
Bracchus nodded curtly as Elayeth continued, “A section of my military, an SOE of sorts, will work closely with Farmia to work on ways to infiltrate Rotovia with ease and without incident.”

"Farmina is the best when it comes to slipping across borders. Leave it to us," said Wurts, "But to go into detail a very large map would be of use."

Silently, wordlessly, two cards were placed in front of the Cardinal by the Protocol Officers. One was a list of coffees. The other was a snack menu. On each was the note Please make your selection and signal the protocol officers. The Duke flicked his eyes around the chamber, and similar cards were placed in front of the others.

"Your Eminence," he said to the Farminian "with all due respect, politics is everything. Not only must the President have the people taking up arms as you put it, he must be seen to do so legitimately. Rotovia is too open a society not to at least go through the motions."

Here the Deputy First Minister paused, considering his next words, when another Protocol Officer came forward and whispered in the Duke's ear. The Duke nodded thoughtfully, then dismissed the officer.

"Thank you for this President Bacchus," he said, tapping the file in front of him. "I have just recieved a message from the First Minister." No, impending labour wasn't affecting that woman's political cunning in the slightest. "I've been told to tell you all that we had arranged for a few of our operatives in that nation to hide themselves in Powers-held territory, thus making it impossible for him to meet the ultimatum. But we do have disturbing news; none of the four that Powers is holding are among our operatives," here the Duke turned grim, remembering the storm brewing in the distant capital; tempers were flaring in the Parliament.
"We are inclined to agree with President Bacchus, Veskaland and Cardinal Wurts; the Rotovians must strike the first blow, but only after the Senate motion. Then comes our combined intervention."
He tapped his pen thoughtfully, before continuing.
"However we play this, our combined victory, your victory, President Bacchus, must be absolute. We cannot allow for martyrs to be created. We cannot allow for key supporters to flee. We cannot allow for this to happen again."

In the privacy of his head the Duke was thanking God that Macisikan was a solid, relatively homogenous entity, with an ancient monarchy heavily embedded into the nation's culture to unify even the most disparate parts of the Empire.

As the Duke spoke, Cardinal Wurts carefully examined the two cards.

Having made his selection he made a small gesture towards the protocol officer, indicating his choice of snack and coffee in absolute silence.

The Duke’s words came to an end and the Cardinal began to speak again, “If it is plausible to get a senate vote of no confidence, then so be it. However as soon as the vote ends, the revolt must begin immediately. Bombs must be placed while, no before the voting begins. Powers mustn’t be given anytime to react. Weapons must begin to flow across the border immediately.”

A protocol officer placed the Cardinal's selection in front of him without a sound.

Another one placed a small steaming cup on a saucer in front of the Duke, who lifted it, smelt the rising steam, then placed it back down with a clink.
"It has been suggested to me and my colleagues that Mr. Powers meet with an "accident"," he said, to no-one in particular. "I myself would prefer that he is put on trial, humiliated and completely destroyed, but that's just me."
Lifting the mug again, he looked at the Cardinal.
"With bombing, and please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I assume you mean planting bombs in public places, or sensitive locations. In either case, civilian casualties must be either minimised, preferably eliminated, or attributed to Powers. But somehow I think that President Bacchus would like the damage done to his people and country to be minimised."
The Duke sniffed the fumes again, then put his mug back down.
"In any case, your eminence, you are correct; Powers must not be given any chance to react or prepare."

Cardinal Wurts took a short sip of his coffee.
"Where to bomb indeed?" said Wurts, "We must be selective, but yet not to selective."
"On the question of what to do with Powers, I have a short proclamation from Justinian to read."
The Cardinal proceeded to stand.
“Through the wisdom invested in me by God, I, Justinian, declare Mr Powers to be possessed in the worst possible way, that is to say a willing ally of Satan. His actions speak for themselves, his abuses against the Rotovian people and Farmina’s glory condemn him. Thus there is only one possible course; Powers must face the Holy Punishment in the name of almighty God. So it is declared, so it will be!”
The Cardinal proceeded to sit.

The Cardinal threw a small nut at the delegate from the Aztec National League.

OOC: I have been extremely busy with final exams. Sorry about not being on for a while.

IC:

The ANL delegation had remained quiet during this conference. Dr. Robert Thompson, the Viceroy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, wrote in a notebook furiously, formulating plans. Meanwhile, his colleagues that were with him, an AIA Agent, Jorge Xicohtencatl, there both to represent the AIA and protect Dr. Thompson, and JWI (Jaguar Warrior Infantryman), Xihuitl Ixcatzin, representing the ANL military. As Dr. Thompson wrote on his pad, he was interrupted by a small hit on his head. A small nut landed on his paper and he looked up and then began to speak.

“Well, although assassinations are tricky and can be messy and are somewhat undesirable, it would be much more easy then our other option. Concerning Mr. Powers, we have two options. Should we be fortunate to capture him, we may prosecute him in a court of law and try him for crimes against humanity and any other charge that seems to apply within reasonable limits. However, should we opt for assassination; I say we use our intelligence agencies in a combined effort to “off” Mr. Powers. Right now, the Aztlan Intelegence Agency, the AIA, is implanting several spies into Rotovia.

Meanwhile, the issue of bombing is similar. We must be careful to make sure civilian casualties are non-existent or, at most, minimized. I say the targets should certain industries related to the government and military or government facilities themselves.”

Although a little annoyed by the nut attack, Dr. Thompson decided not to give pursuit to the issue.

"We've already actived several hundred thousand soldiers and Royal Marines. Once given the order within two hours one hundred thousand paratroopers will be landing on Rotovian soil. In less than four days two thousand vessels and three quarters of a million men and women will be making sure Powers will have a very rough time."

The AIA Agent, Jorge Xicohtencatl, then said, "Currently, the AIA is prepairing to give assistance to the resistance. Some of our agents are underway to Rotovia to meet with the resistance. Although it is usual ANL policy not to give our best, top of the line weapons to resistance groups, the AIA have chosen to give high quality weapons and armor to the resistance. AK-103s, .375 handguns, thicker armor. Only somewhat lower then what our JWIs and Red Gaurdsmen use currently. We are making sure the resistance will be able to defend itself well, reducing stress on our forces."

"Civilian casualties are inevitable, especially considering we are talking about open rebellion. Targets like major roads and rail will have to be hit, to minimise Powers ability to mobilise before the rebellion is well underway," said the Cardinal.
"With regards to what to do with Powers, I have already made it quite clear. He must endure the Holy Punishment; that is to say: he shall be burnt at the stake to remove his demon, he shall be hung from the neck so the birds may return to nature what he has taken, he shall beheaded and quartered to symbolise ruination, mockery and the end of power."

The Duke set his mug down sharply.
"With all due respect your eminence, the matter of Powers' fate lies in Rotovian hands. They are the people who he has wronged; it should be up to them to decide what happens to him and who gets him. I am not an expert on Rotovian matters but I have the feeling that if you do go ahead with... that... procedure you have just outlined, it will engineer a great deal of sympathy for the man, perhaps even to the extent of turning him into a martyr. That we cannot allow."
The Duke's face was unreadable, his eyes betraying nothing of what he was thinking.

"As we currently stand on the military front," he smoothly changed gear, "Hamptonshire is ready to deploy several hundred thousand ground troops into Rotovia. Farmina is willing to supply elite saboteurs and weapons to the forces loyal to Bacchus. Veskaland is willing to work with them at this point. The ANL is supplying weapons to the loyalists as well, and has hinted at direct military assistance. I understand that we can count on the Rotovian Air Force and Navy, but that the Army is currently divided. We are making our own preparations which I will outline in a moment."

He paused, and took a sip of the noxious substance in the mug in front of him.
"While civilian casualties are a factor in any conflict, we must always remember that this is a battle for hearts and minds; President Bacchus must not appear to be seizing power by means of a foreign army which butchers his own people. He must appear as the rightful ruler who has called upon his friends to support him in his time of need to expunge a ruthless dictator who does butcher his people from his country. We have a PR war to win as well as a military one. Speaking of which..."

de la Valdar sighed as a folder was handed to him. This was a less pleasant part.
"As you are all aware, Macisikan is located on the other side of the world from Rotovia. Any significant direct military help from us, an Imperial Army for example, would take at least a month to arrive. Currently we are sheltering President Bacchus' government, as well as providing a helping hand in financial matters. His Imperial Majesty's Government is prepared to commit our "Blue Sky" Division to the operation; they are an elite group of paratroopers, trained in hit-and-fade attacks and surgical strikes, but any military help from us, except for similar such rapid-deployment teams, will be late in coming. It will get there, don't get me wrong, but it will take a while."

Unspoken and unknown to the others (except for Bacchus, who had been told the morning before back in Arn-Maciska), soldiers were already being mobilised for a possible campaign. Drawn mainly from the temperate areas of the Dominion of Nak-Saldar, it was estimated that at least a month would elapse before they arrived in Rotovia, simply becuase of the distances involved. It was, however, the intention of the Imperials that the situation would be resolved by the time they arrived.
If not, then Imperial training camps were harsher than most battle-feilds, and the men were well-equipped.

"The ANL is in a similar predicament, as we too are on the other side of the world as Rotovia." Said Dr. Thompson. "However, I am sure my colleague Commander Xihuitl Ixcatzin, Jaguar Warrior Infantrymen will be able to better fill us in on our military."

Xihuitl than said, "Yes, currently, the ANL military being prepared to engage in military action. Average estimates seem to suggest that the ANL military can deploy up to 300,000 troops in one initial wave in about 5 hours, however, it will take at least a week to get them over to Rotovian territory. Sequential waves will be conducted the weeks following."

Xihuitl continued on, "Considering what the Duke just said about PR, I believe our main targets should be primarily key military bases and government facilities. Industries, infrastructure such as power and roads should also be targeted, but should not be our primary target. That way, urban combat will be at an minimum and the sabatoures can soften the targets up before we have to step in."

Dr. Thompson chimed in, "If we do take out industries and other facilities, undoubtedly, we'll be expected to clean it up. While I am sure the ANL would help out with reconstruction, should help be needed, will your nations also help?"

The Princess felt it again necessary to speak up, "Hamptonshire has nearly its entire armed forces ready to committ to any action we agree to here. Key targets can be immediately hit by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. Strategic locations can be taken within three hours by Airborne and Air Assault divisions. Urban Commando Units are ready to deploy into Rotovian cities at the drop of the hat.

When taken in combination with the forces being provided by all of you, this is a pill Mr. Powers will certainly have trouble swallowing."

She continued, "As far as possible reconstruction goes, the Grand Duchy has always been a very generous nation. Should our northern neighbors need our assistance we will come to their aide."

“Surely if the Rotovian people take up arms, surely they may use them as they please,” injected the Cardinal, “They surely have even more authority than the President to decide what is expendable in the name of the rebellion.”

“We also have the ability to deploy troops now, but we stand by our original condition. A rebellion must be well under way. Any foreign forces must be seen to not only aiding the President Bacchus as friends, like the good Duke said, but aiding an overwhelming and undeniable rebellion. That is to say the rebellion must defeat Powers in its own right, before any foreign intervention.”

“Any mass rebellion will become apparent to Powers quickly. He will mobilize to crush it. My guess is he will try to deploy tanks supporting infantry. Infantry can be dealt with easily. Tanks are another matter. We can smuggle in anti-tank rockets, but in truth we need the ability to deploy them seriously damaged, that is bombing major roads.”
“Commander Xihuitl’s comment of bombing power plants and the suchlike, goes further than necessary; such damage would make no sense, in what we wish to be a very quick campaign.”

The Cardinal threw a nut at a randomly selected person to check they were still alive.

"If we are going for a short, clean operation, then you are correct, attacking power facilities and other infrastructure would be pointless and excessive." Commander Xihuitl responded. He continued, "Hamptonshire is in the best position for an attack, not only because they are already mobilized, but also because of their shared border with Rotovia. However, should the ANL commit..." He was cut off.

"I can tell you now; the ANL will be committing troops if this assembly wants us to. I have already talked to Premier Quetzalcoatl, he has told me he'll commit as many troops as needed if the conference wants us to assist." Dr. Robert Thompson interjected.

"Indeed," continued the Commander, "If, or when we decide to strike, we must have a well planned attack and be pre-positioned. When I and my fellow JWIs are on the ground during this operation, I don't want to be trapped in a disorganized frenzy."


Dr. Thompson noticed the Cardinal throwing an nut at someone, and was glad he wasn't the one going to be bombarded this time.

"It is rebbellion from within that will bring true victory," declared the Cardinal, "A decisive blow, creating a powerless dictator."

The Cardinal pressed in his ear piece and listened patiently to the news.

Upon hearing as much as he could through static and code, he stood up and said, "Lords of many lands, I must withdraw immediately and return to Bahbland. If the could be a helicopter for me waiting by the time I get outside it would be appreciated."

He paused for this to be arranged.
"I have said all I have to say anyway. Farmina is currently on high alert after new threats of war. We shall still supply surplus small arms; beyond that we can't promise anything. Should anything be needed, don't contact me, but Farmina directly; however it will not be likely we shall fufill your request. 1,000,000 assault rifles and 50,000 personel anti-tank rockets have been sent to Hamptonshire to smuggled into Rotovia. Along with this is a large quantity of plastic exposives and a few grenades. I wish you the best of luck."

Upon this the Cardinal left.

Up until the President had sat quietly and listened to the various voices of the nations he had sat accross the table from many times, but never as one in need of help... something he prayed would never re-occur.

An aide leant in towards him and whispered a short sentence to which he noded.

"Ladies and gentlemen... we have our rebellion"

A large television set was wheeled into the room and switched on.

Reporter: "Behind me are scenes of chaos as the Citizens of Ro'Dyle, the headquarters of the Powers Government, have raided and set fire to the Town Hall and appear to be turning on the local Conservative Party Headquarters..."

The reporters voice is drowned out by the sound of the massive crowd

"Enteri nosta ferik! Enteri nostic feriou!"

Reporter: "For our foreign veiwers he crowd is chanting in the Bacchic dialect of Ro'tajda the words 'death to the false President, eternity to the great President' indeed... Enteri nostic feriou impet"


NOTE: Impet, as exmplained breilfy in an earlier RP is used to make a sentence urgent

OOC: Just like that, hmm makes all this plotting a waste of time.

OOC: Just like that, hmm makes all this plotting a waste of time.
OOC: Nope, so far we have a riot in a city. That is all. It takes a little persuation to make a riot a full-blown rebellion

Cardinal Wurts heard of the huge riot moments before take off.
"Pilot, sorry I can't leave now. Important revelations," he said pointing to his ear piece.
As far as Wurts could tell, investment here might pay off in Farmina.

"So what now, Mister President?"

An aide entered and whispered into the Duke's ear. He nodded and dismissed the aide.
"It is your country Mr. President, but I advise that we make use of this, and begin immediate surgical strikes."
Another protocol officer entered the room and whispered in the Duke's ear.
"I see. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, I will have to leave you for a moment to formally assume the role of Acting First Minister as Her Highness has just gone into the theatre. Not right now, but shortly."

[tag: for later post]

“I suggest you hold that thought, and not repeat it my dear Duke,” said Wurts, half storming back into the room.
“Well, I think Farmina will still be there in the morning,” he added partially explaining his return.
“Our weapons shipment must be close now. For all I know it may have arrived in southern Hamptonshire by now. Even if it hasn’t these weapons must be given to the Rotovian people without delay. That is the one and only priority.”

"We are ready to act as soon as the word is given..." Princess Anne was abruptly cut off by her own cellphone. "Excuse me, I have to take this."

She stood up and made her way out of the room. She returned several minutes later. The Princess was notably pale, her eyes empty.

"I've just been named Vicereine," she said very coldly "and Lord Rosecrans has been named Commander-General."

She paused and with an almost mechanical voice said "The Grand Duke has been rushed to hospital...but we are still ready to help our Rotovian friends."


[OOC: Read this (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=394083)]

The Cardinal looked at the Princess with little pity before looking at the rest of the delegates, "Are there any other crisis’s we need to know about."

The Duke's face had stiffened at the Cardinal's words, and he'd gone stock-still. Not a flicker of emotion stirred in his eyes, even at the princess's announcement.

"Envoy and emissary you may be my lord cardinal, but you would do well to remember where you are," a new voice, cold as ice, edged in steel, cut across the chamber like a hot knife through butter.
As one, the Macisikani knelt or bowed as a young man walked into the room, though the word sauntered would be more appropriate; he was clad in a black, tailored uniform, a marked contrast to his ivory-coloured skin.
"You may be under the protection of diplomatic immunity, but here, in this room, in this land, you will never again tell my officials what to do or say or think." The Cardinal was held in a frosty stare for a moment longer before the youth walked across to the Duke, and held out his right hand; a signet ring glittered on the middle finger.
The Duke pressed his lips to the ring, and the youth bade him rise.
"My Lord de la Valdar, I have need of you to assume control of my government while my First Minister is presently indisposed. Will you serve?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I will serve."
The young man, and now the others could see that a golden circle rested in his hair, held out a large thick book.
"Do you swear to uphold and execute the office of Acting First Minister until such a time as the First Minister is able to reassume her duties?"
"I do so swear."
"Then I hereby declare you Acting First Minister until the First Minister returns, and it is done at this time, and in this place, before these witnesses." The youth handed the book to one of the protocol officers.
"Mr. President, give my regards to your family," a nod to the Rotovian, "your highness," the youth bowed to the Princess, and said to her "Terrible news from your homeland. I do hope your Grand Duke recovers."
He turned to the others in the room, and nodded to them, with a rather frosty glance at the cardinal.
"My lords," and with that, the young man was gone, seeming to suck the air out of the chamber as he left..
The whole affair was explained by the Protocol Officer at the door with five words;
"God save the King-Emperor."

The Duke smoothed the front of his clothes. He wasn't a young man, and had served in the Imperial Military; in short time and experience had toughened him considerably. There wasn't much that would so much as make him flinch anymore.
But his sovereign was one of the few people who genuinely frightened him. The First Minister was another.

He shook himself.

"I apologise for the interruption, but His Imperial Majesty does like the business of government to continue... even when there are no politicians around to do so.
"But back to the matter at hand. Like I said; it is President Bacchus' country, it is his decision what course of action we should pursue. Mr. President, what exactly do you wish for the nations represented here to do?"

"Hamptonshire stands ready to assist the people and true government of Rotovia at any time. Should the blood of our young men and women in uniform be necessary to help resecure the blessings of liberty and freedom to the Rotovians, so be it.

The price for that which we hold dearest is often steep."

The Vicereine took her seat and resumed her note taking.

"I apologise, but considering the circumstances niceties are most inappropriate,” said the Cardinal.
“You forget that I am disobeying a direct order for the sake of Rotovia, while the enemy moves ever closer to Farmina.”
“Our nation is outnumbered more than four to one; and we have already sacrificed weapons for the struggle; which is more than any other nation has; except Rotovia itself. So excuse me if I care little for threats or foreign leader's deaths.”

With a degree of stately granduer the President rose and spoke.

"It is my duty to return to people, if it be within your means I pray you come and aid me in my struggles. If it be not, then my prayers are with you also.

My dearest Anne, please convey my prayers of hope to the people of Hamptonshire, for the Grand Duke is a great man I respect with all my heart. I speak for all Rotovia when I extend our prayers.

I must however leave you, for if not united then we are divided. I will live or die in the name of Rotovia, that is all I ask and all I need. May the light of the ancients be with you all and may the blessings of God keep you and protect you"

With that he turned and left.

OOC: See here for result: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8141825#post8141825