NationStates Jolt Archive

Taiwan. An artificially and bizzarely created nation off the coast of mainland China. One of the four Asian Tigers, a major exporter of electronic equipments, and had staunchly defended her independence for decades.

Now, as her rival communist Chinese government collapsed on the mainland, the shadow that has long since been engraved upon the minds of the Taiwanese people is abruptly cleared. Without this external threat, which has dominated politics, national strategies and news throughout nearly all living memory, the collapse of the Taiwanese Government was triggered.

As chaos and arnachy ravaged the island, the international community - occupied by its own affairs and no longer caring without the Chinese there to remind them - turned away, and left the Taiwanese to their own devices.

After years of devastating lawlessness, warlords sprang up around the nation. Ma ruled around Taipei, while Song controlled the Eastern Coast. Lien based himself upon Taiwan's outer islands, and Lee is supreme in Kaohsiung, near where Tainan, where Chen operates.

None of them has any intentions of claiming statehood - all are content with a delicate balance of power withing the Taiwanese nation. However, everyday the impoverished people look forward to the day when a united Taiwan will once again prosper.

Saturday, 26 February, 2005. A clear morning with a moderate sun and nice breezes to supplment...... that day seem to be drawing close.

Taichung, Fromer City Council

From the relatively unharmed building's many windows, one may look far and wide into the once great city of Taichung. Demolished buildings, overflooded sewages, and stray animals and humans everywhere one may look.

Eight people gathered around a table, scanning each other. The hardship of the last few years left its mark on them, amongst others the most obvious of which is age, and the old friends could hardly recognize each other.

"My God have you guys changed," Chen laughed and broke the silence. "Look at you..... Not quite as tall as before now!"

Huang grinned, and answered. "Not as handsome as the girls used to think yourself, either."

"That was in relative terms," Lee stated solemnly, and laughed.

Soon a warm atomsphere settled down in the room, as chats about old times and news alike burst out. They have each been in the same class throughout elementary school, largely in the same classes for junior high, and still remained in the same schools for senior high. Since then they had went their separate ways and never met again; that is, until now.

After the outbreak of anarchy, the eight of them quickly came to share the same concern: Taiwan's future. With solid bonds going way back, they then formed the Mizuho League, dedicated to the formation of a brighter future for Taiwan. Communicating with each other via the internet, they came to the conclusion that the best way is to establish a totally new state, and drew up every detail for the proposed entity. To implement their plans, they returned to their home county of Taichung, which is - amazingly enough - free of warlord control.

Chats died down gradually, and they soon turned their attention towards the business at hand.

"We are gathered here today to discuss a new state for Taiwan," Lee announced the start of the meeting. "A democratic republic based upon the ideals of freedom, equality and justice."

"As we've discussed over the internet...." Lai began slowly. "All the basics of the proposed Commonwealth of Taiwanese Islands has been sorted out. What is vital here is: how to realize our plans?"

"Seize the news network, and broadcast a declaration to the people," Chen suggested. "I'm sure we enjoy popular support."

"No thanks, I rather rely on something more substantial," Liao sighed. "Taichung's community is still there. Invite respected leaders of each suburb and secure their support first will be a more reliable approach."

Taichung, Front of Scientific Museum

The next day, more than 200 highschool principals, university professors and doctors around the city gathered. Each is hopeful and yet feaful, for all must seize at any chances of a brighter future, though one cannot aim too high after years of desparation.

"My fellow Taiwanese people.... For far too long has we fought between ourselves and torn our beautiful land...." Lee, ever the forceful leader, naturally assumed the task of delivering the speech. "The warlords we have now... wants nothing but personal fortunes and power.... None care for the furture of our nation...."

Cries of anger jumped from the assembled crowd.

"Taiwan has been ravaged for years...... The international community has all but abandoned us...... Governments have fallen across the continent...... All of these produce a most urgent need for an united, strong Taiwan...... Such a Taiwan would surely become a great world power......."

Questions and supporting comments are sporadically called out everywhere.

"And at this most critical time...... Taiwanese leaders care only about what brand of wine tastes better....... The Taiwanese people is idely awaiting annhiliation......." Lee begins to raise her voice at this stage. "We cannot stand by and let these ignorant fools decide our future~ We cannot allow Taiwan to be oppressed once more as we were in the last century~ We must take matters into our own hands and forge our destiny!"

This time, wholehearted applauses exploded. Whatever their motives, the people wants a new nation, and those here in the meeting - influential figures in the anarchic community - endorsed it.

As the sun hid away behind the mountains, all of the participants in the meeting returned home with bright hopes for their future. Tommorrow, everything would change.

Taichung, Broadcasting Tower

As chaos spread across the land of Taiwan, radio reached a ironic height of prosperity, resulting from the fact that they are now the only widespread means of communication.

Today, the two dozens of workers in the broadcasting tower was just beginning to arrive when a black van pulled up at its front doors and eight fully armed figures leapt out, dashing into the building.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Huang announced while waving his MP5SD10 submachine gun. "Do not be disturbed, please; we have no intention of harming you."

Two militia rushed towards them from the other end of the lobby, and without hesitation Lee knelt down and shot them once each in the leg, causing wails of pain to fill the building.

Lin and Liu led the way, charging up the stairs. Next came Liao, who was tugging a worker here she knew, and Lai, who anxiously tried to read the building schemetics of the building. Wu and Lee ran side by side, covering their frinds ahead, and Chen and Huang flanked them, cautiously searching for signs of hostiles.

Before long they arrived at a broadcasting room. Liao and Lai went straight ahead to prepare the apparatus, while Chen and Huang guarded their way in. Lee and Liu checked each of the rooms nearby, rooting out any potential threats, and Wu and Lin went upstairs to adjust some cables.

By noon, everything is ready. Just as the vast majority of Taichung's inhabitants sat in front of the radio eating lunch, the eight intruders in the broadcasting centre began delivering their message - not only to the people of Taiwan, but to every single nation around the globe who cared to listen.

"People of Taiwan..... We are sorry to interrupt your regular programmes...... But the need is dire and we cannot wait any longer........

"For far too long Taiwan has been in a state of chaotic misery..... The former nation of Taiwan is, for all practical intents and purposes, dead..... To right this sickening situation..... We, the Mizuho League..... With the endorsement of 200 of our most respected teachers and doctors in Taichung..... for one, Mrs Wang of the Rui-Sui Elementary school..... and their approval......"

There was a slight pause, and everywhere fascinated people paused and listened hard.

"We hereby proclaim the Commonwealth of Taiwanese Islands..... founded upon the principles of Freedom, Equality and Justice..... a Republic of the People, by the People, and for the people..... Hence forth let Taiwan be shattered no more, for our new nation has been born!"

bump.... can anyone RP the warlords I described?

bump...... come'on.... anyone.....

[OOC: I can do so tomorrow...]

OOC: thanks!

ooc: All names are completely fictional, if they mean something rude in Chinese, I'm not to blame!
IC:
Prime Minister Jeng Chao-Feng was reclining in his office when the news reached him. Hmmm, a new Taiwan eh? Damnit, I was hoping to be able to restore peace there myself with my soldiers, well, time for plan B, making peace with them.
Two hours later Jeng was standing in front of the cameras, smiling as he said in a loud and clear voice. "I hope I can speak for the entire nation of Japan when I congratulate Taiwan wholeheartedly on their newfound freedom. We throw our complete support behind the Mizuho League, and hope they can bring to Taiwan new peace and prosperity. Congratulations to our brothers, and may relations between us always be good."
He wiped his forehead nervously as the camera was switched off and stepped off the podium, and went home to await the Taiwanese reaction to his speech.

the count of Vlaanderen, who is in fact leader of Belgium, does not accept the forming of this Taiwanese Reich.
We would do so if they withdrew their claim for ownership over NZ

Fibre-optic Communication
Subject:New Taiwan

To the leaders of the force or government calling itself the Mizuho League. We have recived the broadcast you made early this moring. We welcome this Commonwealth of Taiwanese Islands which is founded upon the principles of Freedom, Equality and Justice, and look forward to restoring trade with the Taiwanese islands and the surrounding area similarly affected by the fall of Communist China. We hope to esablish new ties, both cultural, and militaristic, close in the future.

NAF Communications Division
NAF Headquarters

[The Kaohsiung Territory]
The small, yet effective, army which the Kaohsiung warlords commanded had been deployed to the border with the new upstart government of a unified Taiwain and countless other territories, including many Chinese territories. The roads began to clog as a total of sixty thousand infantry, and about one hundred of those South Korean A1/K1 (is that how they're designated?) tanks, moved to their deployment centers around the border. The Kaohsiung feared an offensive as that may have prompted the other warlords to throw the Kaohsiung back into their territory, however, the Kaohsiung knew that if this new established government in Taiwan was not crushed then the warlords would fall. It saddened he Kaohsiung administration to know that his comrades in other parts of the island were so niave, and were so ready to lose all they had forged.

However, he would not let go of what he crafted, and consequently, he ordered for the immediate mobilization of another one hundred thousand men, calling them to his makeshift capital and giving them American issued M-16s, as well as machine guns and Javaline anti-tank weapons. It was hoped that with this growing army the Taiwanese tide could be held back, or at best bloodied so that the other warlords would grow out of their own world and learn that their survival and stability depended on the defeat of the new government. For now, though, Kaohsiung would have to prepare for war, and a war it would be - a war never before seen in Taiwanese history.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/79/Taiwan_map_large.gif

The people of Taichung quickly fell behind the newly proclaimed government. Like the former Nationalist Party which had fled to Taiwan in the lat 1940's, the Mizuho League adopted a policy of Consolidation->Education->Democracy. That is, the new nation would remain a dictatorship before it succeeds in unifying Taiwan.

To achieve this, Lai, Lin and Wu had been dispatched to negotiate with the warlords Ma, Lien and Song to the north. The new Commonwealth knew quite clearly that she is no match for the old warlords that occupied this land. To avoid a bloody and premature death, peaceful integration was seen as the best option.

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

Back in Taichung, the new government is struggling to get organised. Water and power facilities in the region has not been maintained for years, and criminals roam free still in the absence of a police force. Nonetheless several basic policies are announced, setting the income tax rate at 10% and installing the former Taiwanese laws as a temporary measure. Many could feel life on its way back to its tracks.

"We need to find a way to brink economic prosperity back," back in the City Council, Lee told her friends, who are now members of the Provisional Commonwealth Congress. "That is the most vital element to stability."

"We could hope for international investments," Lin said. ""There are quite a few warm welcomes by our neighbours just then...."

At that moment a boy raced into the room. "Sorry to disturb," he gasped, panting heavily. "Emergency!"

"What, what happened?" Liao stiffened. Did the people changed their minds or....?

"No, the warlord in Kaohsiung is preparing to go to war with us!"

"You sure? How could you possibly know that?" Chen demanded. "Its not like we have spies or satellites or anything!"

"Just then," the boy defended himself. "A family from the south told us."

Everyone understood then. Since the proclaimation, trickles of refugees have been flowing into Taichung. Not surprising if someone from Kaohsiung would tell them about preparations for war there.

"Thank you," Lee dismissed the lad and turned back to the table. "Situation at hand...."

"We can gather some equipments from the military bases nearby," Chen suggested. "They should still be intact."

"Kaohsiung is the strongest of the warlords. To win we must gain the support of the others," Liao said. "I'll go to Tainan, and negotiate with Chen there."

Before long the provisional government of the Commonwealth embarked upon preparations for the upcoming conflict. Overnight, the Ching Chuan Kang Airforce Base, the fabled home to the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, and the Cheng Kung Ridge Military base, the famed boot camp of the former Taiwanese army, were brought under control.

Huang went out into the steets, calling for volunteers to enter the newly created Commonwealth Army. Thousands, men and women, young and old, answered the call, and many former military employees turned up.

On the grounds of the former Chaoyang University of Technology, Chen set up the new Commonwealth Military Academy. It intended to give crash 2 week courses to students on the basics of modern warfare.

Soon the Commonwealth has an Army of 30,000 strong, equpped primarily with M-16 rifles, with a total of 300 TOW missiles for heavier targets. Supporting these infantry is an array of assorted artillery, consisting of M109, M110, M114 and M101. 120 M60A3 and 150 M48H tanks rounded off the hardware needs, and 50 IDF fighters are ready to fly. All that is needed now is for the soliders to be trained in - or reminded of, in the case of the older men - the use of their weapons.

Meanwhile, Liao raced south amongst the now crippled High Speed Railway to Tainan, seeking to convert warlord Chen to their cause.

While the military preparations went on, Lee typed up responses to the foregin powers. Her primary concern is to secure friends and help, yet she dare not involve outsiders too deeply, for fear of allowing foreigners to dominate Taiwan after the current threat.

Striking a balance is hard, Lee noted to herself. Nonetheless she managed to release the announcements before the day ended.

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

To: Sanctaphrax
From: Commonwealth Provisional Government

The Commonwealth is most grateful for your support. Taiwan and Japan has long enjoyed a traditional friendship, and we hope that this can be rivived as our nation establish herself.

Currently, however, Taiwan is still impoverished and not yet united. We are in dire need of international support, both for bringing stability and stimulating economic recovery.

While there is, consequently, not much we can do at the moment, as the situation settles the Commonwealth hopes to establish close economic, amongst others, ties with Sanctaphrax.

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

To: North American
From: Commonwealth Provisional Government

Taiwanese Islands thanks the warm welcome by North American. As you may have realized, however, Taiwan is not in the best of conditions. Years of unrest have made our once prosperous nation into a poverty stricken land, and even now warlords reluctant to give up power is preparing for war against us. Perhaps there is something North American may do to help us?

Outside Residence of Chen Kai-Sen, Tainan

Joy Liao's Audi pulled over 3 blocks away from her destination. She stared at the presidential palace of the warlord Chen, noting the tightness of security.

A clearing of 500 metre radius surrounded the fortress like building, which was obviously designed purely for security and without any concerns for architectural beauty or greatness. From where she stood Joy could count half a dozen machine guns and at least 30 assault rifles on just a single side, making the wide spaces ahead a deadly killing zone.

Up to three whole blocks away from the building is designated as a Security Zone, with no civilians allowed to enter. Six companies roamed the threats, with agents in black suits looking upon anyone - from soldiers to administration officials - with stern, suspecting eyes.

Joy sighed at the level of insecurity the warlord obviously felt. Feeling a sense of pity for the person residing - imprisoned, really - in that citadel, she marched straight up to the officer controlling traffic into the Security Zone in such a forceful manner that the startled young man paled thinking of her as a suicide bomber.

"Hey," she said after a relatively more timid fashion. "I'm a special convoy from the Commonwealth of Taiwanese Islands. I wish to speak with Mr Chen, on manners concerning a united Taiwan."

Seeing that the officer was still struggling to come to his senses, Joy added two more words. "Right now."

Office of Warlord Chen Kai-Sen, Tainan

The old man bashed his head lightly again and again, while Joy took a seat at the other end of the wall. Though not even 60 and enjoying a living standard far higher than the vast majority of his countrymen, gray hair with traces of white covered his head, and his face is deeply marked with weariness.

"Good Afternoon," he said to Joy Liao, polite yet hoarse. "How may I help you?"

"Err.... Morning," she replied, checking her watch to make sure that the time is 7:45 a.m. and feeling a return of that sense of pity she felt on the street. "As you are aware the Commonwealth of Taiwanese Islands has been set up in Taichung...."

"Ah, yes," Chen muttered. "Commonwealth... Commonwealth....."

"Sir...." Joy closed her eyes to prepare herself. "I remember that.... On a October night once, many years ago.... The Apple Daily had an editorial about you...."

She opened her eyes again and looked at the fragile old man at the other end of the desk. "Yes.... About you.... You made a speech, I recall...." Joy looked at the ceiling. "I recall.... that you said this: 'Let not our people quarrel amongst ourselves.... May all parties laid aside their differences and rejoice at the defeat of our enemy.... For triumphed has Taiwan over the mainland.... Do not abandon solkidarity and in doing so abandon victory, long and hard earned victory'; I remember those were your words."

Memory flooded back to the lifless body of Chen, who replayed the scene where he desparately tried to save Taiwan from anarchy all those years ago in his mind.

"I do believe you meant those words, Sir," Joy continued. "Now is the chance for Taiwan to return to her old self, to improve beyond anticipations, and to thrive in this world stage.

"The people has been given hope. With your help we will succeed. We can save Taiwan," Liao said in a tone almost seemed pleading. "Will you no longer right what is wrong? Have you gave up on Taiwan and our people?"

Trembling, Chen's hands reached for a Cuban cigar at the top drawer of his desk, right beside the huge Desert Eagle he loved. What should I do...... What should I do......

bump....

Macabees, can you RP the warlord resistance at a faster pace? Because I want to do some other stuff and don't really want to get bogged down on my intro........

On Top of Chen Kai-Sen's Residence, Tainan

A helicopter could be seen hovering in the sky, far away.

"Yo, bro, is that heli supposed to be there?" One of the guards, the skinny one, remarked to his partner.

"I think so. Who cares, anyway?" The gruffy soldier replied.

But soon they would be caring, for the helicopter flew towards them and attempted to land on the roof. The soldiers waved their guns and fired off random shots, but an aide from below promptly came up and tried to assure them.

"Don't worry," he said. "This is a spy returning from-"

Before he could finish, the door at the side of the helicopter opened, and the barrell of a M-82 Sniper Rifle pressed against the aide's bald head. Without a word the killer inside pulled the trigger and literally eliminated his head.

While the stunned guards looked on with gaping mouths, 6 soldiers jumped out of the still hovering helicopter and casually finished them off with 3 rounds of the MP5 Submachine Gun to each's chest. They then quickly entered the building through where the aide had came up only a minute ago.

Below, guards looked up and alarms were sounded.

Inside Chen Kai-Sen's Residence, Tainan

Liao looked uncertainly at Chen. She'd be bolting for her life if it weren't for the fact that the old men is just as pale - if not more - as she is when the alarm sounded, meaning that a third party is responsible.

"Sir, what is going on?" Joy asked, politely but anxiously.

Outside, two dozen of soldiers rushed on to the corridors. The intruders had cleared the top floor with amazing ease, and the elevator at the other end of the building is slowly arriving at this level. An array of Ak-47, M-16 and Uzi are trained on its doors, ready to shoot at anything that moved.

There is a 'ding' sound, signalling that the elevator has arrived. Then the door opened and.....

Nothing. Nothing at all.

Suddenly 5 grenades flew out from the elevator, evidently originating from the ceiling, and rolled into the ranks of Chen's guards. Within seconds the blast everyone down and killed or injured most. Three soldiers dressed in black jumped down into the elevator, and walked casually out.

Without a word they emtpied their weapons onto the pile of bodies in front of them, killing everyone still breathing. Their other 3 companions had already went downstairs through another route, and by use of quickly assembled traps wiped out the first wave of reinforcements.

This allowed them to go after their main target: Chen. Cautiously yet quickly, they moved along the corridor and lined up outside the warlord's office. Silently they began to place a breaching charge on the door.

Meanwhile, Chen, sensing danger, opened the drawer and took out his beloved Desert Eagle, while signalling for Joy to steer clear of the entrance. He aimed the pistol at the door, loaded the magazine, and was just about to test fire a round when suddenly......

The wooden door blasted open with a ferocious bang and stunning mixture of flash and smoke. Stratled, Chen dropped his Desert Eagle, which then skidded along the desk to where Joy sat. She immediately grabbed it, whirled around and stood up just in time to see the 3 soldiers in black rushed in, rifles at the ready for sending out a torrent of lead.

Without any hesitation Joy pulled the trigger thrice, releasing three .50 calibur bullets which hit all three of the intruders either squarely in the chest or face. At the same time, she felt a sizzling white pain cutting through her shoulders, and an impact which knocked her down against the table. Looking up, she saw that the enemy soldiers managed to get off a few shots, one of which barely missed Chen, leaving a bloody cut.

"Miss Liao...." Chen began hesitantly. "You're hit.... Your shoulder is bleeding...."

He straightened himself. "You saved my life. For this alone I shall commit myself to the cause of a democratic Commonwealth for Taiwan."

Palace of Warlord Ma, Taipei

"Sir...." An aide said timidly. "We just received word that Chen in Tainan had accepted Commonwealth rule."

A deep but clear voice replied. "And what will happen to him now?"

"He is apparently allowed to keep his personal possessions and NTD$15 million, the aide answered. "That is roughly two-thirds of what he had acquired during his rule. He had to leave his fortress, but in return he has been granted a piece of land in the suburbs of Tainan."

"So.... A good deal, it seems."

"Umm.... You may say so, sir," the aide said uneasily. "The Commonwealth has confirmed that he will not be excluded from any political process, too."

Lai had came over a few hours ago, and they had a length conversation. In it she promised him security and tried to use sentiments to convert him. Unable to say no, but yet hesistant and reluctant to trust and say yes, he had asked her to take a rest in the guest room first.

This new development revealed that the new Commonwealth is not eager to deprive warlords of their possesstions and, on the face of it anyway, intends to keep their words.

Ma pondered. A new Taiwan will be the same democracy as before..... meaning that he'll have the opportunity for greater power.... Power over all of Taiwan..... If he support the new government.

On the other hand, life as a stable dictator in Taipei is also appealing. But then..... If Chen joined with the Commonwealth.....

Surely the combined power of Taichung and Tainan would overwhelm Kaohsiung, with international support on their side and the benefit of no action from the other warlords. Afterall, Ma himself doesn't want war either.

"So, joining them is a better long term plan huh...."

"Sir? Excuse me?"

Chuckling a little to himself, Ma waved his hand. "No, its nothing. Just prepare for an annoucement by me. Oh, ant tell Miss Lai that I agree."

Fifteen minutes later, Ma spoke in front of a camera in his palace's broadcasting room. The message would soon be relayed to every household in his territories, and the other forces - including the warlords and the Commonwealth in Taichung.

"My fellow Taiwanese people.... The time has come when we shall rise again to preeminence in the region.... And we shall do it through unity....

"I hereby declare that we throw our full support behind the new Commonwealth Government.... Everyone under my commands are hereby ordered to surrender themselves to the new Goverment in Taichung.....

"And we call upon all other Taiwanese forces to place themselves under the new Commonwealth..... Remember, united we stand!"

With applauses exploding throughout the city, Ma felt reassured that this is the right choice.

Near Kaohsiung Faction Troop Formations, Taiwan

20,000 Taichung troops and 30,000 Tainan soliders lined up in 5 columns, facing the Kaohisung army not too far away. A tense atmosphere spread throughout the battlefield, as soldiers prepared their weapons and watch for orders from their superiors to attack.

The Commonwealth side is inferior in terms of quality. There is no real organisation for the troops, and many don't know how to use their weapons properly at all. Much of the equipment is also way beyond operational limits, without any gaurantees that they would even work at all.

On the other hand, deep behind the Commonwealth lines, 70,000 troops from Taipei is racing south for the battlefields. Though similarly poorly trained and ill equipped, this meant that the Commonwealth vastly outnumbers its enemy. With numerical superiority, Commonwealth troops are confident that they would triumph over Kaohsiung's warlord.

Above all, the men and women fighting behind the Commonwealth flag believe in their cause; that their side is the righteous and virtuous side, and that victory is between their fingertips.

Morale is sky high.

bump....

Seat of Provisional Commonwealth Government, Taichung

Everyone is busily going about trying to win the battle. If they triumph over Kaohsiung's forces, the Commonwealth will be stablized and all of Taiwan embracing its rule. Otherwise, the newly formed nation faced total destruction....

Just then, a helicopter showed up across the horizon, and touched down on a patch of clearing near the building. Everyone rushed outside to take at look at what's going on. Joy, remembering her earlier encounter in Tainan, tensed up.

But much to her and everyone else's relief, Lin stepped out of first, and helped the warlord Lien out. Together they walked towards the building, and after a quick round of introductions entered.

Lien has came here for negotiations. The weakest of all warlords, he feared being too late when hearing of the submission of both Taipei and Tainan to Taichung, and made the same decision as Ma did just hours ago.

At that time Lin arrived in Kinmen, and Lien seized the opportunity to come to Taichung in person to show his support. With Lin gladly led the way, Lien found himself welcomed into the new Commonwealth, and added a further 5,000 troops to the anticipated skirmish with Kaohsiung.

The Outer Islands are now integrated into the Commonwealth too.

bump

Warlord Song's Residence, Hualien City

As warlords over Taiwan submitted to the Commonwealth Government, the authorities in Taichung reached the conclusion that a swift removal fo the remaining neutral force - Song in East Taiwan - is optimal to the nation's needs.

That night, 12 helicopters silently flew south from Taipei. They kept to the countryside, where even if they were spotted, no one would bother reporting anyway. They landed a little distance from the city. 300 well equipped soliders hopped off, and entered the Hualien through the quiet streets.

Only Song's palace is still dotted with bright lights at this time of the night, eliminating the task force's need for precise guidance. Its defenses are far less sophisicated then that of either Chen, Ma or Liens; it focused much more on beauty than safety, and no Kill Zones existed around the palace. What is present, however, is numerous soliders literally camping out there on the streets..... Perfect targets.

Silently, the units deployed themselves on 3 sides of the building......

At exactly 2:30 p.m., the Commonwealth troops opened fired from allyes, rooftops, and windows. Bullets rained down upon the unsuspecting defenders, killing more than 200 within seconds. Hysterical screams of pain, fear and anger exploded, for a moment even suppressing the fiery gunshots.

Mists of blood formed in the air, and the slightest winds left red marks on one's clothings. Everything seemed as if its viewd from infra-red googles. Before a minute is up, all 700 of Song's body guards in the narrow spaces had been slaughtered, many still in their sleep.

Broken limbs hang from place to place, and human organs spiled across the ground. The whole street was covered in blood, and the scene looked like a colour photo from the Holocaust.

Reinforcemnts were forced into the doors of the palace, sealed by the heavy fire. While their companions suppressed the enemy, the explosive experts amongst the Commonwealth troops began preparing for their specialty. Unpacking the C4 from their backpacks, they attached detonators and threw them onto the palace's roof or even right through the window.

Again in a syncrhonized manner, they pressed their remote controls and 50 blocks of plastic explosives went off with a defeaning bang so loud that no one could hear anything for a few seconds. Then, the building collapsed and shockwaves rushed out, knocking everyone off their feet, and the sounds whirled back into their ears.

By the time they got their acts together again, the mission was accomplished.

Eastern Warlord Song has been eliminated.

Gee.... Why isn't anyone saying anything here......

Ok, I guess I'll have to finish the battle and wrap the RP up by myself.....

Troop Formations, Chiayi County

The commander on the field, Huang, walks around his command post in anxiety. Just then, a young seargeat rushed in.

"Sir, Hualien is ours!"

Huang snapped up. "Good! Now we're talking," striding out, he barked out commands. "Send the first column and the 2nd Tainan division to circle the enemy! All other troops, forward!"

The designations are extremely confusing, for the Taichung forces are largely organized into rough, strategic sized units only, while each warlord organized their military differently.

Nonetheless, upon his commad, the Commonwealth forces moved out somewhat more orderly than one could reasonably expect. Two groups 5,000 troops tried to encircle the Kaohsiung forces, while the 40,000 main force charged forward, accompanied by tanks travelling in inconsistent speeds and supported by artillery fires that doesn't appear to be aiming.

The more well trained Kaohsiung forces took aim and easily knocked down waves upon waves of incoming soldiers. But as the artillery fired more and more, the Commonwealth troops gradually got the hang of it, and began bombarding the warlord forces brutally.

Before long, the infantry reached their lines and a chaotic battle ensued. After an hour of intense combat, with artillery fire from either side either hitting their own people or firing at positions too far away to be of immediate help, the better motivated Commonwealth troops finally managed to break through enemy lines, despite suffering terrible casualties.

With his front forces shattered, the Kaohsiung commander frantically smashed more reinforcements at the approaching soldiers. These troops got into position and began spraying bullets into the huge pile of people gathered not too far away, disregarding whether the target is friendly or hostile.

Commonwealth forces were not driven back, although fallen soldiers created mounds beside their enemies - who are mostly killed by their own fires - and the blood virtually formed an entire lake. However, they could not aim as accurately and far as the better trained Kaohsiung troops, and could do little break through the deadly fire net that has been imposed. At this rate the neatly a third of Commonwealth soldiers had fallen, with a further third wounded.

The Kaohsiung troops lost little over 7,000.

But at this moment, the 10,000 sent to encircle the warlord faction arrived. Launching an offensive on two extra fronts, the struck deep into enemy. At this point order amongst Kaohsiung's troops began to break down. They had anticipated an attack yet forgot all about it during the attempt to hold the front lines.

This allowed the Commonwealth to distract them sufficiently to break the second lines. With now half of their forces overran, the organization of the Kaohsiung forces disintegrated, and just then the 5,000 troops arrived under Lien. They went straight into battle, and reinforced the now almost completely chopped Taichung and Tainan forces.

Sudden, new and refreshed replacements turned the table a bit more to the Commonwealth's favour. The chaotic state of the Kaohsiung troops prevented it from organising a stand, and quickly the casualties dropped.

Five hours into the combat. Commonwealth forces are near destruction. Barely holding their lines, more than 40,000 of Commonwealth forces had been take, and the Kaohsiung had an effective force of 45,000 still.

The decisive moment arrived. Had Kaohsiung managed to break Commonwealth lines, which in truth was nearly collapsing and survived only because of a lack of coherent assaults on the part of the warlord forces, then the battle would have been over.

Yet the Commonwealth held, and across the horizon thousands of troops could all of a sudden be noted. The 70,000 soldiers from Taipei had arrived, and now rushed in waves into the heart of the battle. These troops easily crushed the combat weary soldiers they faced, and before 30 minutes were up overran their enemy.

Seven hours after the first shots, the Commonwealth emerged victorious in the Chiayi County. Kaohsiung's forces were totally vanquished, and despite the loss of nearly half of all the Commonwealth's readily avaliable troops, the nation is now perfectly stable,

8 hours later, the warlord in Kaohsiung declared his submission to the government. His forces immediately gave up on any form of resistance, and the peolple cheered wildly for the oepning of a new age in Taiwan.

All of Taiwan has been united.

Taichung, Provisional Capital of Commonwealth

The Commonwealth has been established. Taiwan is now united behind a hopeful government and ready to return to the world stage. As a first step, the Commonwealth now finalizes her political structure.

On the 20th of March, 7 days after Kaohsiung's defeat marked the end to civil unrest, and 3 days after popular elections voted 225 representatives to model the basis of the new nation, the Mizuho Constitution was adopted with virtually no change and unanimous approval.

The new Constitution represented a drastic departure from traditional Taiwanese political models. At the top of the government is the Commonwealth Senate, with only 15 members, which decides upon all issues concerning the nation, from diplomacy to wars and conflict.

Under the Senate, there is the Diet, the Government and the Supreme Court. The Diet is bicarmel, with a House of Commonwealth and a House of Representatives, and is responsible purely for making laws - that is, it does not oversee the running the of the government, as most of its counterparts does.

The Administration is responsible for carrying out the orders and strategies of the Senate. Unlike other Executive branches, the Government merely acts as instructed and plays almost no role in forging national strategies. The head of the branch, the Commonwealth Executive, oversees the running the maintainence of a working government, centred primarily upon mangaging human resources.

The Supreme Court serves a more traditional role. The Court has unlimited judicial authority within the Commonwealth, and a total of nine Justices is appointed for life. Nominations are made by the National Assembly, the Senate, the Administration and the Diet, but can be confirmed only by the National Assembly. In addition to interpretating the Consitution and being the court of last resort, the Court has the power to judge any officer of the Commonwealth on its on, except that Senators can only be impeached by the National Assembly, and the latter's members can only be condemned by a supermajority of the rest.

The Congress exists in parallel to the three branches of the Commonwealth Insitutions. It acts as the chief overseeing insitution in the Commonwealth, and consists of the National Assembly, which is responsible for major powers such as Constitutional amendments, budget approval and impeachments; and the Examinations Assembly, responsible for controlling civil servants, rooting out corruption and launching official investigations.

As the Commonwealth's various institutions formed, the people across Taiwan began celebrations for the birth of their new nation.

To: Taiwanese Islands
From: The People's Republic of Warta Endor

Although our political ideology is very different, we think it might be usefull if our nations strengthen ties. A good neighbour is better than a far friend, isn't it? We might even become allies in order to "control" Asia and the pacific. We kindly await your aswer.

President Duncann

To: President Duncann, People's Republic of Warta Endor
From: Taiwanese Islands Foreign Ministory
Subject: Friendly Relations

We absolutely agree. In these turbulent times new born nations such as ourselves must band together to face whatever the world throw at us. We are glad that Warta Endor sees beyond our petty differences, and be assured that we too see the big picture.

Nevertheless, as you must well know too, nations competing cannot hope to remain on good terms forever. History has repeatedly shown that whenever two great powers meet relations inevitably breaks down untill conflict ensues. Such would be tragic for our nations.

To this end, we propose that Warta Endor and Taiwan pursue different paths. While Taiwan expand eastwards into the Pacfic, Warta Endor may focus her attention on the great lands of the west - Indochina, India, Middle East. We believe it is in our best interest if we assist each other in our efforts, but limit our control and influence within our own spheres.

To: Taiwanese Islands
From: The People's Republic of Warta Endor

We agree with your "sphere of influence" proposal. In fact, we are about to invade Myanmar, Bangladesh and India. It will occupy a very large part of our force, at least untill we have established a frim base in the countries. After that we can help you in any expansion you seek.

President Duncann

At the moment, Taiwan is in the process of setting up her military forces. Although we launched a campaign against Pacific nations, the lack of substantial capabilities for resistance in the area - except perhaps Australia and New Zealand - meant that we expect casual diplomatic solutions and a few easy military victories.

On the other hand, our nation faces several potentially hostile forces, and believe having an experienced military is vital for protecting our national interests. As such, we request that Warta Endor allow a section of the Commonwealth military to participate in your Eastern Expansion. We will of course transfer control over territories our forces conquered to your government, once civil governments are ready to be established.