NationStates Jolt Archive

The State of Amestria,
The Continuance of Government Facility,
Office of President Boon,
Central Amestrian Mountains,
One Week Earlier

President Daniel F. Boon was having a high-level meeting with Amestria’s top Military Officers. He sat at his desk in the center of the room, before him was Senior General of the Armies Aaron Bradley (recently having flown back from Kurora), General of the Armies Louis Armstrong, and General of the Armies Hakuro. The reason for the meeting was Torontia; it seemed every meeting for the last three months had been about Torontia.

The President spoke. “Gentlemen, I have read the report that was sent to me. I find the change in direction that the Central Command has proposed to be rather sudden to say the least. Just the other week it was the opinion of the Central Command that Amestria must remain in Torontia…”

Senior Full General Bradley spoke. “Mr. President the value of Torontia has been reassessed. Besides the threats of a return to war, the Torontian Occupation has also tied down a significant number of our forces at a time when we have much more pressing problems closer to home.”

Full General Hakuro interjected. “There is also the cost of keeping over a million troops deployed on the other side of the world. It is creating logistical strain upon Amestria’s armed forces. In addition, we feel that although our actions currently have majority public support, a public backlash could quickly set in. There is a feeling that Torontia, with civil unrest in Kahanistan and civil war in ViZion, is just no longer worth the cost in blood and treasure. It would be best to avoid such a backlash and focus once again upon our own backyard.”

Senior Full General Bradley continued. “Furthermore, allegations that our forces in BC had a policy of systematic summery execution for captured insurgents has damaged Amestria’s international reputation and created significant domestic problems in the nation of Kahanistan. Of course, there is no evidence that any order was issued by the Amestrian Occupation Authority and our investigations have found no evidence that the 307 individuals in question were killed by Amestrian personnel… Torontia has no natural or industrial resources and its strategic position in the Pacific is no longer considered of high value. The Central Command feels that immediate withdrawal is the best option.”

Boon sighed. This is my legacy. All my other accomplishments shall be dwarfed in the history books by this excursion in North America. “Very well Senior Full General, you have my approval to begin the execution of the withdrawal plan.”



Western Torontia,
Raymond,
Capital of Western Torontia,
Office of President Burns

Samuel Burns President of the Torontian Provisional Government sat in the middle of the room, looking at the floor in a very depressed manner. Before him stood Amestrian General of the Armies Basque Gran and TPG Lieutenant General Brian Young. Standing directly behind Burns was his Vice President, Mitsune Konno.

“So you are abandoning me?”

Gran stared at the floor. “No Mr. President, we are leaving Torontia to avoid fighting a war we do not want and that would kill well over a billion people.”

“So you are abandoning me?”

“No, you still have the loyalty of the TPG Army and we will be leaving you our N2 bombs.”

Burns looked up. “Do I have the loyalty of the army?”

General Brian Young stepped forward. “Yes sir, you have the loyalty of the Joint Chiefs and of the Division Commanders. We will support you fully!”

Burns looked over at General Young. “Thank you General, thank you, thank you.”

“I am just doing my duty to you sir! You are our commander in Chief!”

Mitsune put an arm around Burns. “We are being given a chance to sink or swim on our own. The future of Torontia shall be settled here in Torontia. We will not bow down to those Saint Fedski Imperialists.”

Burns took Mitsunes hand. “Thank you for standing behind me.”

Burns readdressed Full General Gran. "Thank you for everything you have done."


Amestria Pulls out of Western Torontia

The harbors were full of transport ships while Western Torontia’s several dozen airports hummed loudly with the sound of incoming and departing transport planes. The whole operation took over a week. As the Amestrian Military Departed, TPG forces moved into their positions on the border and in BC. The Amestrian military purposefully leaves all its SAM and Anti-air weapons as well as its 30 N2 bombs in the hands of the TPG.

Secret: In BC, the Amestrian forces, under the guise of withdrawal, digs up the remaining 4707 undiscovered corpses (insurgents summarily executed), encase them in concrete, and then dump them into the ocean.

Secret: The Amestrian Occupation Authority takes the remaining 150 billion that Yallak wired it for reconstruction.

Nine days later, there was no longer an Amestrian Military presence in Western Torontia, but the TPG remained.


TPG Deployments

300,000 TPG soldiers stationed on the Olympic Peninsula.
300,000 TPG soldiers stationed in Southern Vancouver.
800,000 TPG soldiers stationed on the TPG/SF borders.
600,000 TPG soldiers stationed in BC.



Final Report by the Amestrian Military Intelligence Division Concerning Allegations of Murder by Amestrian Military Forces (Public Excerpt)

It has been determined that no policy of summery execution ever initiated by Amestrian Occupation Authority. There is no record of any order being issued by the Amestrian Occupation Authority establishing such a policy. All allegations of such a policy existing cannot be substantiated and were most likely created by foreign elements opposed to the Amestrian presence in Torontia…

Of the 307 corpses discovered, 127 were found to have been victims of the New Order, 80 were found to be the victims of insurgents or criminal gangs, 78 were found to be insurgents who were killed in battle and their corpses disposed of improperly, and 22 were found to be illegal kills by the TPG military or vigilante organizations. However, do to Amestria’s current withdrawal from Torontia the last 22 cannot be investigated further.

No further mass graves have been discovered.

Final Report,
Chief Investigator,
Lieutenant Colonel Zolf J. Kimblee


Secret Message from the Torontian Provisional Government to the Nation of Red Tide

The Amestrian Occupation Authority has informed our Government of the fact that they have purchased your support and services. As Amestria has withdrawn from Torontia, they wish for your services to be provided in defending our Government and Western Torontia from Foreign Aggression. Please dispatch troops as soon as possible.

-President Burns of the TPG

[Verbal IC]
-Alaska-
"Amestria's pulled out, We'll have to go and tell Brovan."

Okay, I made a big long post about how I sent 4 TannenIntel agents into Torontia to get info and Firefox crashed, so I have four guys like 10 miles up from the coast unless there's SAM/radar all over the coast and naval ships covering every inch of Torontian water.

4 guys' specs:

Special Agent Marcus Siegfried:
- M95 Sniper Rifle w/ 10x telescopic sight
- Beretta 92FS w/ silencer and laser sight
- 3 fragmentation grenades
- 1 flashbang
- 1 knife

Agent Samuel Slidero
- G36C Carbine
- Beretta 92FS w/ silencer and laser sight
- 2 packs of C4
- 1 flashbang
- 1 knife

Agent David Slash
- MK3A1 Jackhammer Shotgun
- Beretta 92FS w/ silencer and laser sight
- 4 AT mines
- 1 knife

Agent Benjamin Strunk
- MK3A1 Jackhammer Shotgun
- Beretta 92FS w/ silencer and laser sight
- 3 C4 packs
- 1 Claymore mine
- 1 knife

(OOC: Yeah, so I play too much BF2)

Final Report by the Amestrian Military Intelligence Division Concerning Allegations of Murder by Amestrian Military Forces (Public Excerpt)

It has been determined that no policy of summery execution ever initiated by Amestrian Occupation Authority...
International Ecclesiastical Edict

From: His Most Worthy High Ecclesiarchy of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

The government of Amestria’s staunch ally, Soviet Kahanistan, has already admitted (in public press releases made by both the Interior Ministry and Kahanistanian Ambassador to Amestria) to an official policy of executing captured prisoners without trial in Torontia. The Kahanistanian government has admitted that it was involved in such a policy and that warcrimes did indeed occur in Torontia. [Source] (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10220856#post10220856)

The High Ecclesiarchy therefore finds the latest report to be little more then a cynical exercise in deception, and damning proof of the illegitimacy of the so-called “Torontian Provisional Government” – in reality little more then an illegal Amestrian puppet regime.

[Signed]
High Lord Prospo Uolin
Grand Cardinal and Justice Minister of the High Ecclesiarchy of the Eternal Republic

Kahanistan Military Movements

The remaining 32,000 Kahanistan troops leave Torontia aboard Kahanistan and Yallakian transports.

A force of 15,000 military instructors and aid workers remain, under the command of Brigadier General Rachel C. Levitt. She is a controversial officer, but one of the few to oppose the killings in Torontia and not be sent to Kraven, as her abrasive personality and relationship with the General Staff would hamper her credibility if she were to go public. These troops will train the Torontian soldiers, assist Torontians made destitute by the war, and try to maintain a warm relationship with the SWC and other powers.

General Kalazanov is arrested and held in Najaster awaiting a court-martial for ordering killings in Torontia. He had destroyed most of the records in official custody, and little evidence remains against him. Defense Minister Marcellus Valens praises the arrest as proof that "Kahanistan will not stand for violations of the rules and customs of warfare and treatment of prisoners." However, he is cynical of the possibility the general will be convicted.

President Mohammed bin Yusuf al-Za'if, desperate to save what remains of his reputation, issues a formal pardon in writing to First Lieutenant Grant Foster, the whistleblower who exposed the Amestrians, for any crimes he may have committed in the attempt to reveal the truth about Torontia. He also signs an order promoting Lt. Foster to the rank of Captain, and awarding him a Distinguished Service Cross and Hero of the Republic medal. Not knowing where he is, the President sends copies of the pardon document to the Xirniumite and St. Fedskian Governments.

Mail sent to and from Kahanistan soldiers sent to Torontia is no longer censored. This frees up over 800 Kahanistan Intelligence officers who were performing the censorship.

"...Kukonois forces were today routed after an attempt to make a Landing at Trinarinogarningarigungo, we'll have more on that at a moment, earliar today the Suprainister issued a statement about the Withdrawal of foreign occupiers in Torontia, Jeane Holteff brought us this report earlier,"

An Image of an attractive young lady wielding a large microphone her hair writhing slightly in the gentle wind, behind her like a gleaming pillar of light stands the tower of Destiny, "Yes that's right James, the Suprainister did make a statement and we bring you it now,"

"I wish to make the government's approval of the withdrawal of the illegal occupiers of Torontia, and hope that the occupiers can come to an amicable agreement about compensating the country that they have ravaged, I also wish to make it clear that we expect a tribunal to be set up for Crimes against Humanity, the presence of mass graves and an obvious yet inept cover up has not gone unnoticed, I hope all leaders involved see sense and realise that it is in their best interests to make the truth known." Denteth would look high into the sky basking in the sun before going onto address questions.

"Well you heard it yourself, the government isn't playing around, and after all why should it mass graves for genocide are indeed a crime and this reporter hopes that the criminals involved can be brought to justice, back to you james in the studoi.

The Image goes back to James, "Hello there for those who have just noined us and here are today's Headlines, An Admiral Kukonois Folitlla has been routed in an attempt to land troops on one of the Homeislands, The Suprainister issues a damning declaration of the Torontian Occupation, and feel like helping out the community this year? the folks at Uni sure do, stay tuned in for our special report on Uni in the Community in 15 minutes, until then I'm James Henzen from the Novacom News Network Lunch time report."

A salute, a briefing, a notice.

"Sir, Amestria has fully pulled out, all indications say that a Saint Fedeskian attack is imminent. We have four Air Regiments of Tu-22RTs fully loaded to take off at a moments notice. Assuming they successfully reach their targets and get off their missiles, they can deal a severe blow to the Sain Fedeskian Fleet." The Defense Minister said to the Supreme Commander.

"In addition, the Lone Alliance has offered the use of three of their airbases in Alaska, I have ordered for advance maintnence personnel and CM-3 Cruise Missiles to be airlifted in immediatly."

The Supreme Commander nodded and said, "I am giving authorization, as soon as a Saint Fedeskian attack is initiated, I want those bombers put on their way. Also, I am authorizing airlifting in the 11th Corps to Torontia if requested by any members of the SWC. Finally, I want the 4th Battlegroup to be ready to sail at a moments notice."

The Defense Minister nodded, saluted, and left.

Listening to Mozart’s Symphony No 29 in A Major, Lord Admiral Moand, commander of the monstrous Xirniumite battlefleet off Torontia, read over the latest reports quietly in his spacious quarters. Though the wargames had been abruptly called off, the lessons learned from them still provided a wealth of information that would assist the General Staff in developing strategies for "tommorow’s war".

‘Sir, we have a new transmission from the High Ecclesiarchy,’ announced a breathless Lieutenant, urgently thrusting a now ruffled piece of paper into the Admiral’s hand and disturbing the tranquility of the classical music.

Admiral Moand returned his steaming coffee mug to the table, returning the salute and taking the orders from his subordinate. Quickly, the naval commander scanned the text, raising one eyebrow curiously.

‘Precisely what is the High Ecclesiarchy planning?' the Lord Admiral mused to himself, turning off the antique phonograph. 'This is unexpected indeed…’

Ignoring the Lieutenant, Admiral Moand methodically pulled out a set of charts, his index finger running absentmindedly along the coast of Torontia. ‘This is a dangerous new move, but no doubt they know exactly what they are doing, have plans within plans,’ he muttered under his breath.

‘Sir?’ asked the bemused Lieutenant, confused by the Lord Admiral’s sudden introversion.

‘Apparently, Lieutenant Adams, the Eternal Republic is to immediately begin deploying its forces to Eastern Torontia, to take over positions soon to be vacated by Saint Fedski,' replied the Lord Admiral, not taking his eyes of the charts as he now began to calculate distances.

‘Well.. how many of our troops, sir?’ asked the subordinate, not seeing the significance.

‘All of them.’

"I simply don't understand why the wargames were called off, oh well" General Kitas paused a moment tapping the code into a keypad for his office, with a hiss the door slid open and he sauntered inside throwing himself down into his chair, behind him came a Black Skull Enforcer,

"Oh but I do General, Ixion display Torontia map, Psychic Beacon Deployment Matrix," A circular dais like platform would rise up in the center of the room, from it would be projected a hologram, a dazzling map, a sinister purpose, on it was displayed Tornotia, and on it several dropsites for Psychic Beacons, the colour in General Kitas previously jovial face drained rpaidly, gone were him compraing performances of Hakuze's to Voloko's instead his mouth works silently, trying to force out angry words, slamming his hands down on his desk he regains use of his voice,

"Now I understand why I have been grossly oversupllied for a wargame, Haltzex explain yourself immediatley, we have known each other for over 20 years now and it is unlike you to keep secrets, and while your at it tell me what hand the Xirnimites have in this, It is a pity that that Xirnimite Admiral from Saint Fedski wasn't commanding that force, oh well, what's his name ah yes Moand, get him over here as soon as you can, I want to be informed what is going on," Swivelling round in his chair he turns and access his terminal, "You know Haltzex, I beleive the Hakuze if given more time could be superior, however it's considerably more expensive, though the Voloko's did perform very well as did the Vindicators and Kanza's I'd say there's going to be more than one tough choice ahead, but why now of all times?"

"Alain, this map is only conjecture at the moment, I sense their suprise as well however though surely you must have gathered what was afoot," He pauses approaching a painting on the wall, "This was in the office of Malo Kukonois during the Second World War, why do you have it here?" for a change his face was a mask of confusion, Alain Kitas was a powerful personality and he could guard some of his thoughts well, even from him. The Presence of a Portrait from the Traitor Admiral was confusing, though it was a nice Piece by Viginias, it depicted a great twirling Spire rising in a fiery city, with figures that could either be running towards the dir, or running away from it.

Later on a Transmission would be sent to Admiral Moand, requesting his presences aboard General Kitas' Flagship NMS Viginians.

"General Obliqus please." Admiral Ken Murphy was standing in the Security Council Hall talking on speaker phone. The conversation would be played on the speakers in the hall, giving the entire council a chance to hear it.

"General Obliqus speaking." Genera Obliqus replied. The reply echoed throughout the cavernous hall.

"Good morning General. We have some news for you. We are pulling you out of Torontia. Everybody and everything is coming out. The Holy Eternal Republic of Xirnium has agreed to take over our positions."

"What is going on there Ken?" Obliqus was quite concerned. It was quite odd for the entire Security Council to be on the phone during what should be a quiet order.

"Max, we are going to be holding war games with the rest of the Commonwealth of the coast of Kahanistan, with the Kahanistanian Navy and Air Force."

"Yallak and Xirnium both have large fleets in the area. I'm they should would be able to provide naval support for us when we needed it."

"Yes, they probably would, but our friends in Kahanistan are in a bit of a scuffle at the moment. The news reaching us is not the most reliable. Our Agents that we didn't have there went missing early on. We presume they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. The army and air force will be travelling with the navy in case they are needed to help protect Kahanistan. Once you, General Fedora and Vice-Admiral Bradley return, I will give you more details."

"Alright Admiral, I pass the word along. I think they will be exremely dissappointed though."

"Don't worry about that. When they find out what we have up our sleeves, they will be more than thrilled."

"I'll take your word on it. Consider us out of here. With the number of transports, cargo vessels and aircraft we have stationed here, I estimate it will take roughly five days to remove everybody. We will leave the Torontians some our F-16+s and all ten thousand Leopard 1 tanks. 307,000 soldiers, 87,200 tanks, 41,350 infantry fighting vehicles and 8280 pieces of artillery in 5 days is quite reasonable. Once the final soldier leaves, you can expect him to be back home in one week."

"Very good Max. The Conference will be underway when you arrive. See you then."

"See you Ken."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hundreds of aircraft ranging from heavy military cargo aircraft to hired civilian airliners are used for the recall of the forces.

All 307,000 soldiers are returned to their respective home nations within six days. All 87,200 tanks, (not including the ten thousand left behind) are also returned. Forty-two thousand infantry fighting vehicles, nearly ninety thousand light vehicles such as trucks, jeeps and busses and eight thousand pieces of artillery are brought back.

While the Commonwealth is pulling out, inbound aircraft and ships bring soldiers and vehicles from Xirnium.

The Navy and Air Force are also recalled and escort the final transports back home.

All that remains in Torontia is 250 Elite Guards. There are 100 in Western Torontia, 100 in Eastern and 50 in BC. They will fall under the command of the Xirnimites once they establish themselves.

DeMaio City, The Imperial Republic of HailandKill

Allen Johnson briskly strode to the entrance to the White House on the cold January day. Today, like many other days, he had a briefcase in hand and a cause in is heart. Today, unlike many other days, he was personally talking to the NSA, Thomas Crowley, to dispatch a naval force to international waters. Normally Allen Johnson would not discuss military matters with anyone unless it was president Revello; however Revello was away in The Golden Throne of The Macabees and Torontia had became a sitation he personally monitored meaning Johnson had to talk with Crowley. Crowley and Johnson were good friends from the first Killian war, and both men had no qualms with each other. Business and pleasure never mixed with these professionals and Crowley needed hard evidence to release four carrier groups to international waters rather than the word of his friend. Johnson walked into Crowley's office and the usual handshakes and greetings were exchanged. It was business time.

In Killian doctrine, when the president was out of the country two sub-executive officials, mainly the Secretary of State/International affairs and the NSA had to agree on releasing troops for it to be an official and legal release. This logic stemmed from the fact that the SoS/IA was the second in command of International Incidents and the NSA was the second in command of the armed forces. With both subordinates only together, they could potentially act as one president; at least until Revello returned.

The conference of both men started out with, and included briefs about current Torontia, alliances, the SWC, and potential breakouts, from other top advisors and intel agents. Both sub-executive men knew that the Killians were in a rough spot politically in this conflct and if anything broke out it would not be able leave HailandKill in good standing with everyone. The men had fierce, yet somehow friendly, conversations on the topic on the Torontia and everything that stemmed from it. After nearly six hours of conversation, it was done. Four Killian CVBG's would be deployed to international waters near Torontia, and those groups would be publically announced for everyone to see. Unknown the international community, four Maiden class submarines were also being directly sent into Torontian waters.

Edwardsburg, HailandKill

Edwardsburg is the major naval port of HailandKill, and the whole place was abuzz with action. The order had come down directly from the top of the NSA department to mobilize four carrier battle groups and four Maiden class submarines to international waters outside of Torontia. Admiral Eustice, who vailiantly served against the Jenrakians, and survived a larger Havenite fleets attack was the most decorated and experienced admiral of the entire Killian navy; coincidentally he was also chosen to lead these four carrrier groups. Eustice was currently surveying the loading of ammo and supplies. The large cranes at Edwardsburg had never been used in this round-the-clock fashion before and crane operators were making a killing in overtime pay. After much of the loading had been completed the major admirals and warship commanders reported to the briefing room. The briefing was quick, and yet it still lasted three hours. Included in the briefing was the plan of operation, operating instructions and other various needed things.

The next day all was said and done. The ships were prepared for battle and their crews eagerly awaited the ability to wage war. Know one knew who war was going to be waged against, but they hoped it nonetheless. Mooring lines were being casted off the docks and the ships began their journey into the blue, foamy, majestic sea.

The IMA force tasked with securing the now McKagan part of Torontia had been in transit for many days, at least the recon part of it, and now the 7th Tactical Infantry and their transport ships were moving towards the beaches in Torontia. Aboard several Stewart Class Amphibious Landing ships, a group of 30,000 IMA Soldiers rushed into Torontia aboard COV-08 APC's and and COV-TMSC's. The TMSC's, the IMA version of a hummer, were on their first deployment.

[Message to 7th Tactical Infantry Brigade Leaders]

The time to take Torontia is now. You are to advance first up and down the coastline to secure harbors and other LZ's. After this task is completed and you link up with the 19th Anti-Air Brigade Combat Team, and 27th Scout/Recon Brigade Combat team, and the other heavy tank divisisons, push inland and set up control at the various airstrips. The 27th COV Brigade Combat Team is to sweep along the Saint Fedski frontlines and take/maintain control of the former Amestria fortifications. After Torontia is under our control, the main force will fly in.


[Message to Saint Fedski]

We are establishing control of Western Torontia to maintain order there. Please desist any operations you have against this area. We do not feel that a military operation against each other would be beneficial, and hope you feel the same.

[State of Western Torontia]

Western Torontia is secured by various infantry divisions and heavy artillery positions all around the borders. Armor Divisions, consisting of 500 tanks each, move off the Stewart's and set up shop. Anti-Aircraft Combat Brigades set up hidden positions and prepare to stop any incursions.

The next couple of weeks were a massive military undertaking by the Armed Forces of the Eternal Republic, a veritable logistics and organisational nightmare. Seizing on a golden opportunity, Holy Xirnium rushed to quickly occupy all areas of former Saint Fedskian Torontia.

Despite that, through supreme effort and the skill of Holy Xirnium in organising large scale operations (something learnt during the Xirnium-Kraven War, especially during Operation Divine Retribution) the occupation of Torontia was completed in time for the Saint Fedski pullout.

The Xirniumite deployment to its occupation area consists of Army Group East Torontia, comprising:

6 Armoured Divisions
4 Mechanised Infantry Divisions
2 Parachute Infantry Divisions
8 Infantry Divisions

Amounting to a total number of approximately 400,000 soldiers.

Ecclesisatical Orders to Army Group East Torontia:
-Deploy rapid response forces from 2nd and 3rd Paratrooper divisions to secure vital locations in preparation for Xirniumite occupation of Eastern Torontia, consisting primarily of aerodromes, harbours, fixed fortifications, strategic bridges and train stations, and government centres (particularly the capital, Seattle).
-Deploy remainder of Army Group East Torontia to secure the former Saint Fedskian occupation zone against the possibility of incursion and to exert total control over the area.

International Ecclesiastical Edict
To: International Community
From: His Most Worthy High Ecclesiarchy of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

The High Ecclesiarchy has recently past legislation establishing a temporary unicameral body with legislative abilities in Xirniumite-occupied Torontia, and it is of course to be regarded as having theoretical omnicompetance (in a similar manner to the High Ecclesiarchy) within its own sphere of jurisdiction (that is, East Torontia). The “higher law” establishing the legal and institutional presence of the Occupational Ruling Council is the Torontian Occupational Government Act 2006. Thus, the existence of the legislature is a result of the exercise of the High Ecclesiarchy’s parliamentary sovereignty.

The first act of this new parliament has been to import all relevant Xirniumite case and statute law at the current date to the territories of East Torontia (therefore removing any of the remnant draconian laws of the New Order Era and Saint Fedski occupation, and establishing a fair and independent judicial system in Torontia), though it should be noted that laws passed by the Occupational Ruling Council repugnant to the laws of the High Ecclesiarchy are not to be considered valid (in so far as the conflict exists).

The act of occupying East Torontia by the armed forces of Holy Xirnium should be regarded as having extinguished any possible previous sovereignty of the Torontian Interim Government (if, indeed, any existed) and that organisation has now effectively been disbanded.

The High Ecclesiarchy hopes to dismantle the temporary Occupational Ruling Council within a year and to hand over direct control of Torontia to its citizens. To this end, several Constitutional Conventions are scheduled to be held in the coming months in order to assess the most desirable governmental system for the future of Torontia, followed by referenda to bring the popular government into existance.

[Signed]
High Lord Ameas Vernius
Grand Cardinal and Defence Minister of the High Ecclesiarchy

Lord Admiral Fridor Moand ( http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a25/Dennis134/Moand.jpg), wearing his long black greatcoat (with brilliant red inner lining) and large officer's cap, walked slowly along the front of perfectly lined-up troops, who stood smartly at attention. Weak sunlight glinted off the Admiral's golden epaulettes and uniform buttons, though the overcast sky threatened rain. The naval commander was making a snap inspection of one of the Torontian formations while discussing various ongoing problems regarding the Torontian operation with his adjutant.

‘These are troops are of reasonable quality, sir, many of them are professional soldiers from the New Order era,’ explained his Chief of Staff, Vice-Admiral Tarsonis, adjusting his monocle as he walked beside Moand. The Vice-Admiral was dressed similarly to his superior officer, though of course he wore different epaulettes and collar tabs.

‘Indeed, but there are too few of them to assist greatly in securing East Torontia from external threats,’ ruminated the venerable Admiral as he absentmindedly pulled on leather gloves, a ward against the cold. ‘I suppose that is a good thing, in a way, since their loyalty could be questionable if instead we had to deal with large formations left over from Tanakis’ regime.’

‘How do you suggest we rectify the problem, sir? The process of training soldiers is painfully slow. We need many more if we are to eventually reduce our own commitments here,’ said the Vice-Admiral.

Stopping in front of one of the soldiers, Admiral Moand pondered this problem. ‘The quickest way to raise new divisions would be to break up these veteran ones and use them to form the cadres of fresh divisions. In that way, the experienced troops can assist the recruits to rapidly gain competency,’ opined Admial Moand. ‘Also, since the divisions will be new, their loyalty will not be in question. For operational reasons the formations will be auxiliary divisions of the Xirniumite Military.’

‘There is another matter, Lord Admiral,’ explained Tarsonis.

‘What is it?’

‘The Novans have requested your presence on the NMS Viginians. Should I inform them that you are too busy commanding our troops as they exert control over East Torontia to take the time at the moment, and instead go myself?’ asked the Vice-Admiral.

‘No. Actually, we desperately need to discuss matters with all our allies in the Torontian theater. Invite the Novan and the Yallakian military commanders to Seattle for urgent strategic discussions on the future of Torontia,’ replied the Commander in Chief of the 2nd Crusader High Seas Fleet.

‘Yes, Lord Admiral.’

-Middle O nowhere Alberta-"So both sides have pulled out, excellent, now'll we'll be getting somewhere."

-Torontian Socialist Union-
We are pleased with the disbandment of the Torontian Interim Government by Xirnium and, as long as open war with the rest of Torontia never happens, applaud your efforts.

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Military Assistance Command, Torontia

To: High Lord Ameas Vernius, Defense Minister of Xirnium
Lord Admiral Fridor Moand, Commander, Xirnium naval forces in Torontia

I am pleased to announce that our old commander, who authorized the deaths of hundreds of Torontians, is to be tried as a war criminal, and the Amestrian government has been confronted with the reports by our Ambassador and Minister of the Interior. The reduced strength in Torontia is now under my command. I can assure you no war crimes will take place under my watch.

I am interested to know if you will allow my combat instructors to assist in the training of Torontian troops. We have experience in military matters, having been at war almost constantly ever since our nations were enemies. The departing Kahanistan soldiers left most of their equipment behind, we can hopefully use it to arm and train some of the soldiers on both sides of the Torontian border.

Signed,
Brig. Gen. Rachel Levitt,
Kahanistan Imperial Marines,
Commander, Military Assistance Command, Torontia

Encoded Imperial Transmission
To: Lord Admiral Fridor Moand, Xirniumite Battlefleet

It has taken time enough but we have finally acquired what was always rightfully ours to begin with. At this time we have withdrawn almost half a million of our soldiers but should you need those that still remain then just give the word and we will transfer them to Eastern Torontia.

At your request, my staff and I will be arriving in Seattle within the hour. We can discuss the many other matters that require attention then.

Supreme Commander Dagon, Yallakian Fleet

[McKagan Military Movements]

Overnight several wings of Ku-29 Advanced Air Superiority Fighters and several OTHER wings of the KLA-27 Advanced Multi-Role Fighter's move in and land at Western Torontia's airports. Within 48 hours, IMAF had located 5000 Combat Aircraft into Torontia, a massive undertaking. Soon it was realized that there wasn't enough space to secure these aircraft in a way that would make them invulnerable to a premptive strike, so a call quickly went out to Avalt Security, Incorporated.

Up and down the coastline, multiple Kurora Class Littoral Combat Ships (Corvettes) moved into the shallow waters, and sometimes all the way up to the coast. These vessels, able to operate in extremely shallow waters because of their waterjet engines, are tasked with securing the coastline against drug runners, foreign Special Operations Incursions, and possibly even weapons dealers. A total of 20 of these vessels are deployed here.

[Request to Avalt]

ASI is to contract massive deals out to various other construction companies it owns to move into Western Torontia and construct massive bunkers at the airports.

[Press Release]

"The McKagan Occupational Division (MOD) holding Western Torontia from chaos is pleased to announce several landmark decisions in our zone. The first thing we are doing is lifting ALL curfews and/or transportation restrictions. We encourage every Torontian to get out of their homes and go to work. Enjoy anything you can that is still there. Help is on the way in terms of the quality of life. Please be patient."

[Message to Xirnium]

To: Xirnium Command in Torontia
From: McKagan Occupational Division
Subject: Nation (re)Building

For far too long Torontia has been divided by imperialist pigs who are out to simply force their own way of government upon others. Because of this, we feel it is IMPERATIVE that we establish a single, nationalized Torontian government within the year. At this very moment we are gathering information on any group of people in Western Torontia who would form a political party.

We also suggest that a Torontian National Stock Exchange (TNSE) be formed. This department would present a UNITED front on the Torontian Economy. Where it is located matters not. However, we have a problem with the transportation between East and West Torontia being cut off. Do you think it is possible for us to OPEN this zone?

"I am looking forward to meeting this Admiral, his forces did some pretty intruiging manoveres in the war games, we shall have to see if we can exchange an analysis of performance, I wonder," General Kitas and his Black Skull Enforcer Aide, Haltzex Vantas surrounded by an escort of Gold Skull Enforcer's would stalk the corridors of Admiral Moand's Command Post, the Gold SKull Enforcers were somewhat at ease, this was allied territory now, but they were still furious over the atrocities, of course being Novan it was not in their nature to show their emotions openly in front of strangers, a fellow Novan would be able to tell in subtle ways.

"Indeed, also perhaps it would be interesting to see what he has to make of our request," Haltzex casually posed to his friend in the singsong cryptic Novan Language his voice quiet and pervading like the forest mists of Deltunga, he looks truly imposing, in a long black overcoat with blood red trim, he was in full battle dress, as was the Admiral it was considered good custom to put their best foot forward as it were as they strode into the room.

"General Alain Kitas, Novacom Army Group Phihental, and this is my Aide, Black Skull Enforcer Haltzex Vantas, it is a pity you could not come to my flagship, but of course it is understandable, Admiral Kenzal speaks most hihgly of you Admiral Moand, luring that dastard's (OOC: in Novan there is no such thing as a swear word only a negative expression of a thing so this isn't a typo on bastard) forces into an ambush, I saw earlier why he spoke highly of you, your forces did well in the wargames you commanded them well" Alain was a figure of Jovial friendship, quite a different figure from a ranting and raving hawk that he had came over to others, like most Novans he disliked Backblading and there was far too much of it in the world for his taste.

General Jack Sita, the commanding officer of the IMA deployment to Torontia, sat aboard a McKagan Avisron Class Destroyer off the coast of British Columbia. Inside his hidden command structure he had all the comforts of home. Satellite TV from McKagan, an MCID style bar, an Avalt Computer Entertainment Center with various games, and a communications system that could reach anywhere in the world.

Avisron Class Destroyers were among the most suvivable naval vessels ever employed. With multiple armor systems and DREAD based CIWS systems in every direction, missile spam almost always ended up defeated when used against these vessels. Not only the fact that the DREAD's physically disabled the missiles, but usually because one of the Navy's secret weapons, an EMP device that disables the missiles tracking/guidance system at a very long distance, were employed on each of these vessels.

"General, sir, Torontia is nearly secure." A Lieutenant who acted as Sita's aid told him as she walked into the General's massive dwelling. "The AA Combat Teams are deployed, our LCS's are patroling the borders, and the 19th TICT just locked down the northern border. We don't have to worry about those pesky TLA terrorists coming down here."

Sita looked up from his cup of... beverage. "Very well. Have the new infantry that we're flying in start patrols in central Western Torontia. Tell them not to raid homes or anything, but to just keep an eye out and watch over the bridges."

The Lieutenant continued to talk. "Those DART's will be very happy once help arrives. There's a story passing through our ranks that one of the platoons that offloaded upstream from one of the Kurora's has been tasked with holding a massive bridge for the last month and, because of the past curfews, no one has went across that bridge. So basically, some of the most powerful warriors in the world have been stuck watching a valley-bridge. We really MUST find them something else to do." She laughed.

"I'm working on it, trust me." Sita put down his drink. "We should probably start having the DART's secure the coastline. We'll work on that in a while, we still have alot of people shipping in right now."

Diplomatic Ecclesiastical Message

To: The Imperial Marines of the Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan
From: His Most Worthy High Ecclesiarchy of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Brigadier General Rechel Levitt

The High Ecclesiarchy is pleased to hear that the Kahanistanian government has taken steps to address the warcrimes which occurred in Torontia under its area of responsibility. If there is any information that can assist your justice departments with their investigation you need only ask of us and we shall gladly render assistance.

Unfortunately, however, the Xirniumite High Ecclesiarchy is less enthusiastic about your second offer. While you continue to arm and train Amestria’s dangerous puppet government, the last serious obstacle to a unified Torontia and long-term peace in the region, we must respectfully decline. The TPG has been designated an enemy of Holy Xirnium and an illegal entity that must be dismantled. Acceptance of your proposal might constitute tacit recognition of this abhorrent government, and that is something the High Ecclesiarchy cannot do.

[Signed]
High Lord Ameas Vernius
Grand Cardinal and Defence Minister of the High Ecclesiarchy

_________________________________________________________________________________

++Encrypted - Highest Level Gamma-12C++

To: Supreme Commander Dagon, Yallakian Warfleet
From: Lord Admiral Fridor Moand, His Most Worthy 2nd Crusader High Seas Fleet, Army Group Torontia

Greetings, noble ally

The High Ecclesiarchy has authorised me to request that the Infinite Empire provide as many troops for occupational duties in East Torontia as it feels appropriate.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Diplomatic Ecclesiastical Message

To: Occupational Division of the Democratic Imperium of McKagan
From: Xirniumite Ruling Occupational Council of East Torontia

The High Ecclesiarchy will be most impressed with your government’s commitment to a peaceful resolution to the Torontia problem, and the desire to form a unified, national, Torontian government.

We agree that a national stock exchange for Torontia would bring vast economic benefit to the nation. As you do not have a preference for its location we suggest Seattle, the former capital. The reasons for this are primarily symbolic. Firstly, it will signal the beginning of a return to Torontia’s previous united status, and secondly mark a clean break from the divisive and imperialistic policies of the Amestria-Saint Fedski era of Torontia’s history.

The Occupational Ruling Council further agrees to immediate opening of the artificial East-West frontier, which should never have been created in the first place, to allow free transit across it. We also suggest drastic bilateral demilitarisation of this zone.

[Signed]
Lord Gorton Halding
Cardinal of the High Ecclesiarchy and Member of the Occupational Ruling Council of East Torontia

The Wolf Brigade were suiting up, Each Trooper was preping their Protect gear, strapping their rifles into place, and generaly going over preflight checks, Extra ammunition was put into place, and Just about anything that would be needed for the Insertion was being loaded onto the Assault Vtol...

The Massive Super Carrier Vtol loomed over head, this was the main Carrier systems for Assault Craft landings, the plan was to Drop the Assault Craft High Above the Xirnium occupied Zones, , then the Assault Craft would fly in Hard and Fast Dropping the Wolf Brigade units off at one of the Strategic Postions, including the Area Command, While other units would seek out Enemy Munitions and fuel depots, and or Enemy AA Systems...

It was figured that Xirniums fleet would be still near by, and if nessesary they would be engaged via Submarine warfare... as such a small force of about 14 Torment Class Submarines were dispatched to await off the Coast of Torontia, and prepare for the Diversion...

It would take some time to get there and as such, the attack was timed with the Arrival of the Wolf Brigade....

For now though, The Corporation prepared...

To: Xirniumite Ruling Occupational Council of East Torontia
From: McKagan Occupation Divison, Torontia
Subject: End of the Control of Warlords

We agree to have the TNSE located in Seattle, for the exact reasons you stated and we will not seek to have any "reward" for making this decision as the former occupiers would have.

We also agree to the demilitarization of the border zone. As we speak we are moving engineering brigades to open our side of the border up. We are taking down most of the larger fortifications that were there only for a guard against a possible Saint Fedski sneak attack. However, to reduce our, as the Amestrians would have put it, "security" forces, would be near to impossible for one simple reason.

They weren't there to begin with. Once the area opens, we'll be moving a Brigade of Military Police into the area. They also function as IFV mounted cavalry, and will maintain nothing more than that the traffic laws are enforced; which we hope you will do the same for on your side until the Torontian police can be reorganized out of their military-esqe arrangement.

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Military Assistance Command, Torontia

To: High Lord Ameas Vernius. Defense Minister of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Unfortunately, General Kalazanov destroyed most, if not all, of the documents of his crimes before I took over. I must request copies of all files, photographs, and other evidence you may possess of the war crimes.

I must also have copies of such sent to Amestria, as news reports suggest that extremely violent anti-Amestrian demonstrations are taking place at home, with brutal acts on both sides. Should a powerful head roll in Amestria City, I and most of my allies in Kahanistan Intelligence believe that the demonstrations will stop shortly and anti-Amestrian sentiment at home and abroad will cool down.

As for your policy toward Western Torontia, should the Torontian people here be defenseless? We are doing much more than just arm people, our logistical personnel are constructing more advanced medical and educational facilities, and other civil infrastructure.

If your policy were implemented, the military of Eastern Torontia would be strong while that of Western Torontia would be weak, composed of hundreds of thousands of ill-armed, ill-trained conscripts, hardly a good way to have the country in once it is reunified. We do not place so much emphasis on the TPG military as Amestria did, however we believe that a military is essential. Our emphasis is more on the educational and medical systems.

Unlike the Amestrians, however, I and my forces have little, if any, influence with the TPG, the political arm of Western Torontia. Some analysts think that with Amestria's withdrawal, Kahanistan may take the side of the Xirniumite Occupational Ruling Council eventually, as we would no longer be torn between our allies. I myself am more skeptical we would go up against the SWC, after our losses to AMF and our current engagement with Doomingsland.

Signed,
Brigadier General Rachel Levitt,
Kahanistan Imperial Marines,
Commander, Military Assistance Command, Torontia

[Kurora, McKagan]

Kurora was, as usual, very damp. Fog hang low in the streets and at times heavy rain fell. It wasn't as if it mattered, no one was on the streets in most parts of the city, minus the nightlife sector and there most people were... preoccupied.

In the center of the city, in an area where the roads went at odd angles, the MCID Operations Center stood high. Rain lapped against its windows, and no lights were visable from the road. That was, however, just an illusion of how active the personnel in the compound actually were. Various control rooms filled with computers tracking everything from rabbits to satellites were manned to their capacity.

The MCID had, in recent weeks, moved several of its more... discreit, satellites into orbits over Torontia. Not that they were stopping there, or anything. Most of them looked like the satellites of various news organizations around the world. They were in their normal, non geosync orbits, but were spaced evenly enough to have one over Torontia at all times. Then the MCID had its overt units there, not that anyone would suspect they WEREN'T watching Torontia.

Regardless of the operations, David Wallace sat in the center of the building. In his office that funtioned as a living compartment he tracked various issues on Torontia. Recently, meaning in the last few days, a few people from the IMA or IMAF had stopped by to talk to him about the secrets Western Torontia might hold.

At this late hour Wallace continued to sip on his drink, actually it wasn't alcohol for once, but he didn't care. Suddenly, a knock at his door got him out of his daze. He walked to the door.

"Ah, Jack!" he yelled to the man in a suit on the outside of the door. "Come in, you finally got out of Saharistan?"

Jack Rodgers, the man on the other side of the door, walked into the dark office. Behind him, a few steps back, followed Colonel Favre, a man Wallace did not know. Wallace looked at him a bit odd, and then they shook hands.

Rodgers had taken a seat at a small table inside a room just inside the door, and was followed by the other two men.

"Yes, I got out of Saharistan. It turns out we found everything on the first few runs, but it never hurts to be sure when you could find something that could save your nations reputation." He laughed as he took the glass Wallace had sat in front of him. "This is Colonel Favre, out of Walker Airforce Base in McKagan City." Rodgers gave him a look.

Favre sat his identical glass of liquid down on the table and began to talk. "As you probably know, a few weeks ago some allegations of Amestrian murders of TPLA combatants broke into the media. Amestria never allowed a non-biased group into the nation to investigate. We're sure that the Amestrian's did it, but don't have the evidence to support our claims. Well, now that they're out of Torontia, we're going to go find the mass graves we suspect of being in the Torontian countryside. See, the Amestrians are pushing for peace right now, but they're trying to prove we supplied the TPLA. We're going to find the graves, protect them, and then present Amestria with the proof. We'll tell them that if they don't publically admit that they found proof McKagan didn't supply the TPLA, we're going public with the graves and allowing the international community into Torontia to see for themselves."

Wallace was shocked. It was genius, pure and simple.

Favre added a few seconds later. "Rodgers here has been assigned to a new unit in CODEX. It's officially a DART team, but BLUE is designed more for fact finding missions. They have links to SRN, and can help us destroy a nations reputation by finding links to things on the ground."

Rodgers now felt important, after being presented on such a podium.

Favre continued, finally getting to the reason he was in Wallaces' office at such an early hour. "We're afraid that Amestria still has spysats above Torontia. If they see us moving around the countryside, they might try to insert some of their Special Forces boys. If they get in and disrupt things and we don't stop them, it really undermines alot of what we're working for. That's why you've got two jobs now. One, you must get in touch with commanders on the ground and have them beef up security. You should also get several satellites devoted to watching for a Special Forces operation. Two, get together and joint CODEX/MCID team. Preferably 12 people, to act as a Covert Hunter/Killer Unit to find and shadow any Special Forces incusions into Torontia. Once your team is prepared, contact me and we'll deploy them."

Rodgers and Favre both thanked Wallace for his drinks, and left.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Torontian Coastline, BC]

A Kurora Class Corvette, the twenty-first one to be deployed to Torontia, sailed in from the main McKagan battlefleet. Onboard it, BLUE sat armed with their various weapons. Most of them had the new Hali-42 Rifle, modified with the IMA 6.78mm barrel; but several Mila-21's were around as well. Several of the 12 man team had large packs on, as well, obviously carrying various tools for their mission.

It was night, so the insertion wasn't very visable to anyone watching. As the LCS moved up the coastline, BLUE moved into the water to the rear, and began to make their move to shore.

Lord Admiral Fridor Moand finished his black coffee, returning the empty mug to the desk before turning around to face the Novans.

‘Ahh, welcome General,’ the aging Admiral greeted them with a handshake, a grim smile forming across his ancient, gaunt face. ‘It is quite an honour to meet you. My colleague and friend, Admiral Patritsia, speaks quite highly of you. I understand you met her in Saint Fedski?

As you are likely aware I have been placed in command of the military occupation here by the High Ecclesiarchy. This is my Chief of Staff, Fergus Tarsonis.’ The Vice-Admiral who stood beside Lord Admiral Moand inclined his head towards the men in the traditional Xirniumite gesture of greeting.

‘Let’s get right down to business then, gentlemen. If you will come with me…’ the Admiral asked, walking down the long hallway. His loud steps on the tiled floors echoed ominously through the building. Lord Admiral Moand had chosen to establish his command centre in the former seat of government of the TIG, a symbolic move. The message was clear: things have changed. No clearer message could be made of a clean break with the past.

‘Here we are,’ explained the Vice-Admiral, taking a seat on a high-backed ebony chair. The Lord Admiral instead went to a nearby bar to pour himself a strong brandy before sitting down. ‘We are still waiting on the Yallakians, they should be here presently.’

________________________________________________________________________

Diplomatic Ecclesiastical Message
To: The Imperial Marines of the Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan
From: His Most Worthy High Ecclesiarchy of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Brigadier General Rechel Levitt

The High Ecclesiarchy believes that perhaps you have missed the salient point for our displeasure at the fact that Kahanistan is training the West Torontian military. As you well understand, that Torontian military in West Torontia is under the command of the TPG, not the McKagan occupation forces and certainly not under the accountability of the Torontian people. Indeed, under the control of the TPG, the West Torontian military has been involved in heinous crimes against humanity. The TPG is the greatest and last obstacle to reunification remaining in Torontia, it is a dangerous institution that should thus not be allowed to gather any more power.

Kahanistan's improving of its armed forces from “ill-armed, ill-trained conscripts” to a much more powerful military does exactly that. The High Ecclesiarchy has absolutely no problem with Kahanistan providing for the security of West Torontia per se, what we do have a problem with is that you are strengthening a criminal, undemocratic and dangerous puppet regime intent only on preserving its own existence, not in making sacrifices towards a strong, stable and unified Torontia.

Kahanistan, in strengthening the puppet troops of the TPG, does not do a favour to Torontia, rather quite the opposite.

[Signed]
High Lord Ameas Vernius
Grand Cardinal and Defence Minister of the High Ecclesiarchy

-Secret Location-
Inside an underground building and Amid a large groups of wires Cameras and other such things the Leader of the TSU prepared for his return speech. "We're on in, 5,4,3,2,1."

=Message to the International Community=
We of the Torontia Socialist Union have returned, though we were forced from our homeland by a cowardly Terrorist attack we have returned stronger than before, I'd like to announce that I plan to run in the future possible Elections, we would also like to state that we cannot stand anymore attempts to install their own version of their Government, elections must be held soon, and a Torontian Government planned out by Torontians, this is the only way a non partial Government could exist.
I am Mark Brovan and I approve this message.

Kahanistan base, about 50 km east of South Vancouver

General Levitt fumed. This was her first time commanding a major reconstruction operation. She was now at a meeting, with several colonels, majors, and other mid-ranking officers. She was the only high-ranking officer at the meeting, and most likely the only high-ranking Kahanistan officer in Torontia.

"Great. Now we're being tarred with the same brush as the God-damned Amestrians. This will NOT be good for relations between Kahanistan and Xirnium."

An aide agreed. "For once, I actually agree with the General. We should talk to the Defense Minister about negotiating with the TPG... they allow us access to their mass grave sites, make a few concessions to the Xirniumites..."

The general raised her voice. "What if we take control of the Western Torontian military? Then they wouldn't be involved in any crimes against humanity..."

The aide cut her off. I knew she was crazy... "That would make us appear the imperialist even if we could pull it off. And I don't think we're in a good position to negotiate with the TPG, it's not like a few thousand combat instructors will make much of a difference."

General Levitt pulled her cell. "I'll talk to the Defense Minister about switching our support."

---

Two days later

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Ministry of Defense

From: Gen. Marcellus Q. Valens, Minister of Defense, Kahanistan
To: The High Ecclesiarchy of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Upon speaking with forces on the ground, I am convinced that the Xirniumite position is valid and have agreed to cease training and arming TPG forces. General Levitt and her command will arrive in Eastern Torontia to begin construction work on infrastructure that is still damaged and to take our aid to an entity that will actually help Torontia.

It does not do our alliance any good to back opposite sides in this conflict. We must join and take the same side. 40,000 Kahanistan military police will, however, be flown to Western Torontia to perform basic security duties. They should arrive within five days.

Also, what relations does Xirnium have with the SWC? From what little we in Kahanistan know of it, they are likely to attempt a takeover of Western Torontia, any intelligence on this matter will be useful. We would hate to get drawn into a war with them on faulty intelligence, with our current situation on our homefront we can't even get ships out, we have to fly cargo planes and refuelers. In a war with the SWC we would be hopelessly outmatched.

Signed,
Gen. Marcellus Q. Valens,
Minister of Defense

Signed,
Brig. Gen. Rachel Levitt,
Kahanistan Imperial Marines,
Commander, Military Assistance Command, Torontia

[McKagan Occupied Saharistan]

Sitting in the middle of a huge desert, Larson AFB was a bitch ot be assigned to. There was nothing to secure it from, nothing to damage it, nothing to damage, nothing to do. There was only a small group of IMAF Combat Pilots here, while a large reserve of planes, meaning that nothing ever happened. Then, the call came. The most excitment the base commander had had in the last 3 years, since Frozopia, but it was only simple. He was to load his 40 RT-2 UAV's onto a Macabee built transport plane and fly them to Torontia.

There these UAV's would be fitted with a special sensor that allowed them to do one thing specifically: determine if the soil had been moved recently. This would cut the time of the search for the Amestrian mass graves down to only a few months, allowing the DART team to quickly determine the next course of action in the search for proof of Amestrian warcrimes.

Rubbing his hairless chin for a second before his eyes light up with a pleasent glow, "Indeed I do, I still owe her a nice night out as well, I was whisked away before I could treat her to a meal, I'll have to make arrangements for another time I hope," his cheeks glowed slightly, he remembered the event very well, being slammed headlong into plate glass was not a pleasent experience, especially as he had needed several stitches, but the Admiral had seemed a nice enough person, as he supressed a slight pang in his heart, Buisness before pleasure, he echoes in his mind as he follows the pair down the hallway.

"Your Strafing and bait and switch not so long ago was impressive, anyone who can outwit one of Admiral Kukonois Detzen Circle is certainly adept at the art of war," his voice with an edge at the last phrase, the hated Admiral's inner circle as it were, his finest commanders General Drejas had been one of them, however membership was for life, and new members were only admitted when the circle was broken and it's previous members all dead, it was a never ending circle for it was always reforged, a pity Alain glowered to himself, that the beast was not so easily slain.

"Vaguely reminsecent of Neo-Classical Diri E I G Ignen Architecture, not quite my taste but pleasent nonetheless," he utters darkly, remebring all too well his last stay in such a place, at least in this place you didn't have to scrape blood of the walls, "Yes I am aware of that, and I have a small request to make would you allow me use of the large island in the harbour, (OOC: http://www.angelfire.com/creep/fff17/torontia/seattle.gif the mid sized one in the bottom right hand corner area) we have a fair few things that we beleive can be brought to the table, one of which is assissting Torontia back to a state where it can defend itself, one way of doing this would be to establish, or restablish a Torontian space program, I must admit however I don't know whether Torontia originally had one" he cocks his head to one side thinking about it and trying to recall whether any of the breifings he had had the displeasure of being thrust made mention of one, he shelves the thought quickly as his feet silnetly pad down the hall, not even in the great catacombs did a Novans footfalls make noise, it wasn't considered truly proper.

Upon entering the room and taking it in at a glance General Kitas sits near the Admiral and plucks out a laptop and begins to click idly away at it, on the screen is showed images of 4 Mobile Suits, "Don't Mind this Admiral I have a tough decision to make, each commander of a large formation has been delivered units of our latest Next Generation NAWCU Project, to evaluate and rate them in order of 1-4," He pauses clicking idly away intently staring at footage from the war games and looking at strings of statistics intently, "If possible I would like to assign some to your command to get a fresh opinion on them," idly reaching for a large tumbler and filling it with a white creamy Liquer that he had been carrying in a large flask with him.

"To your health Admiral," raising the tumbler to the air before taking a large swig and sighing gently as he sets the tumbler down on the table, "They say 1976 Vintage was a bad year because of the Twivenen Crisis, I'd say it was a good year for Liquer's, had to bring this myself finding Novan Ale outside the homelands is always a Voronzelian Task" Smiling Idly continuing to click away at the laptop while Haltzex contents himself with a glass of water as he mentally probes all around him, as usual such casuality while a hallmark of General Kitas, was alien from anyone else to him, he and General Kitas really did make a good team.

To: Xirnium
From: General Sita
Subject: Torontian Provisional Government

Greetings. To skip to shit, it's very clear to many of us in the McKagan Occupational Division of Torontia that you are very displeased with the TPG and its rule over Western Torontia. McKagan is boosting its troop numbers in Torontia to 150,000 throughout the next month, and will soon afterwards begin to take temporary control of the Western Torontian part of the nation. However, we would like you to know, it is 100% temporary, and we will only begin this action if Xirnium agrees that, within the next year, a united Torontian government impartial to east and west will be established in some way, shape, or form.

[Western Torontia]

Above Western Torontia, an IMAF Be-23 Transportation Wing of cargo planes fly undisturbed in the mid day sky. The massive planes, designed to haul practically anything, made the perfect tool to drop information packlets into the nation. Flying there, they made trips over the countryside, the major cities, and everywhere else people may be, they carried a simple peice of paper with a simple message.

[Message]

Greetings to the people of Torontia from the McKagan Humanitarian Division. You, by now, probably know that the McKagan Military has a small force of officers in this nation to aid in the rebuilding that your former rulers forgot about in the midst of fighting for land. While we are rebuilding the economy, roads, and bridges of this nation, we need to keep you safe. Under this last administrations many people found ways to use the weapons in this nation to cause mass destruction and death. We hate to restrict rights, but right now, we are forced to order that all civilians hand over any firearms to the McKagan Army patrols in your streets. They will be logged and stored, and one day returned, and this is only temporary for your protection.

[Message to TPG]

It is at this time, we must understand that Torontia is rebuilding. Looming with such great possibilities, we must not forget that Torontia was once a wartorn mass of land. Because of this, we are asking that the TPG hand over its law making powers to the McKagan Occupational Division, as well as its command over the TPG Military.

Futhermore, we are fearful that former TPLA members may have infiltrated the TPG Military and are supplying weapons to a future insurgency. We cannot allow this to happen, and are preparing to make a deal. We will provide three times the pay to the TPG Military Soldiers they are getting now, if the agree to turn ALL their weapons in to the IMA forces. They will be kept secure and in strategic positions to be given out should an invasion or crisis errupt, but this way we do not need to fear another insurgency. If you do this, there would be a massive... boost, to the Governments pay, as well.

--General Sita

The black helicopter slowly lowered itself towards the grounds of the old TIG government building. Supreme Commander Dagon rose from his seat, his back facing the pilots and leant out of the aircraft watching the large gap between himself and the ground creeping closer together, impatience building each moment that they still hung in the air.

Although he had not given Lord Admiral Fridor Moand a specific time when he would arrive, he had implied that it would be quite soon and so he now considered himself to be running late.

Beside Dagon, Captain Urian lifted himself from his seat and joined the Commander. As the helicopter dropped to less than a meters height from the ground the two men jumped down, landing solidly on the grass below. They quickly straightened themselves out and then headed into the ex-TIG building to find the Xirniumite Admiral.

As they disappeared inside the aircraft finally sat itself down, the sounds of its engine fading away.

“There you go Commander”, began the pilot turning his head to look around behind him. “We’ll wait for….Never mind”

[Message]

Greetings to the people of Torontia from the McKagan Humanitarian Division. You, by now, probably know that the McKagan Military has a small force of officers in this nation to aid in the rebuilding that your former rulers forgot about in the midst of fighting for land. While we are rebuilding the economy, roads, and bridges of this nation, we need to keep you safe. Under this last administrations many people found ways to use the weapons in this nation to cause mass destruction and death. We hate to restrict rights, but right now, we are forced to order that all civilians hand over any firearms to the McKagan Army patrols in your streets. They will be logged and stored, and one day returned, and this is only temporary for your protection.


The following is an interview conducted on Torontian Television with the TPG Minister of Justice

Interviewer: "Minister, why has Mckagan dropped all these fliers announcing a policy which is already in place?"

Minister of Justice: "I have been wrapping my brain around the same question and I have not the foggiest idea. The TPG already has a policy in place prohibiting the ownership of firearms and Mckagan could have simply announced their support of that policy on Torontian Television... (sigh) What we have currently is a failure to communicate. The Amestrian Occupation Authority had a direct phone line to the President and Supreme Commander Basque Gran would often meet with President Burns personally, so there was never any miscommunication...or lack of communication. Mckagan should learn from the AOA on how it communicated with the Provisional Government."

Interviewer: "There have been complaints from local governments on the expense of the cleanup..."

Minister of Justice: "Yes, Mckagan's unauthorized stunt created a great deal of litter and pollution. The TPG Ministry of the Environment intends to make Mckagan compensate local governments for the full cost of the clean up."


[Message to TPG]

It is at this time, we must understand that Torontia is rebuilding. Looming with such great possibilities, we must not forget that Torontia was once a wartorn mass of land. Because of this, we are asking that the TPG hand over its law making powers to the McKagan Occupational Division, as well as its command over the TPG Military.

Futhermore, we are fearful that former TPLA members may have infiltrated the TPG Military and are supplying weapons to a future insurgency. We cannot allow this to happen, and are preparing to make a deal. We will provide three times the pay to the TPG Military Soldiers they are getting now, if the agree to turn ALL their weapons in to the IMA forces. They will be kept secure and in strategic positions to be given out should an invasion or crisis errupt, but this way we do not need to fear another insurgency. If you do this, there would be a massive... boost, to the Governments pay, as well.

--General Sita

Response from the TPG to Mckagan's Offer

Request Denied, the TPG shall remain in control of all its functions. There are no TPLA traitors in the TPG military. The Amestrian Government has agreed to wire us the funds necessary to triple the pay of those in its employ. Thank you for your kind offer.

-President Burns of the TPG

-Torontian Socialist Union-
We were given Premission by the commander of the BC TPG army to allow our weapons, we will not turn them in to any other armies.

-Northern Torontia border-
The first of the returning Supply trucks have finally reached the border, they were awaiting the rest of the group to arrive and also waiting for the permit from the General that was with the main force.

[OOC: Jolt has been acting up for days for me, this is sort of a catch-up post. Hopefully I haven't missed anyone.]

Diplomatic Ecclesiastical Message

To: The Defense Ministry of the Supreme Soviet of the Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan
From: His Most Worthy High Ecclesiarchy of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Greetings, Minister Valens, from the Eternal Republic.

I am highly impressed at your decision to assist us so publicly in our efforts to work towards the future of a strong and independent Torontia. Principally, I am pleased that the Supreme Soviet has decided to distance itself from the Amestrian puppet government, a symbolic move which I feel will eventually put firmly into the past your nation’s brief darker period of history where it collaborated with the murderous regime. The Kahanistanian government’s decision to withdraw aid from the illegitimate TPG military will send a clear signal that Kahanistan does not support foreign-installed and unpopular regimes. As the TPG becomes further isolated (and with its Cold War rival, the TIG, already gone) Amestria’s puppet government will even more clearly represent a pathetic relic from a past age, with no further relevance in modern Torontia.

It will therefore be my great pleasure to report the decision of the Kahanistanian government to the High Ecclesiarchy, where you can rest assured that it will be met with much enthusiasm. Indeed, I commend you for your bravery in reaching this conclusion.

Regarding the situation with the Saharistan War Coalition, Holy Xirnium’s current relations are best described as cordial. We have found them to be most willing to work productively with us towards the common goal of forging a politically unified and economically powerful Torontia. For example, we have negotiated to open the border between East and West Torontia (lifting the silly Amestrian-Saint Fedskian Iron Curtain that had descended like some grotesque plague over the nation) and to the establishment of a national stock exchange. Further negotiations are expected.

It is therefore the case that no war with the Saharistan War Coalition is at this current point in time anticipated.

[Signed]
High Lady Dr Heather Gilda
Grand Cardinal and Foreign Minister of the Patriarchate of the High Ecclesiarchy

_______________________________________________________________________

Diplomatic Ecclesiastical Message
To: Mark Brovan of the Torontia Socialist Union
From: His Most Worthy High Ecclesiarchy of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

The High Ecclesiarchy plans to hold several Constitutional Conventions in the coming months in order to determine the most desirable governmental structure for a united Torontia. We intend to canvas the opinions of all sections of Torontian society, in order to ensure that the national Torontian Constitution that is eventually enacted via nation-wide referendum represents a pronouncement of popular sovereignty by the Torontian people, and a reflection of the right to self-determination that every Torontian inherently possesses.

As a major political party in post-Tanakis Torontia, the TSU is invited to attend.

[Signed]
High Lord Ameas Vernius
Grand Cardinal and Defence Minister of the High Ecclesiarchy

_______________________________________________________________________

Diplomatic Ecclesiastical Message
To: General Sita of the Occupational Division of the Democratic Imperium of McKagan
From: His Most Worthy High Ecclesiarchy of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

The High Ecclesiarchy notes your governments plans and supports McKagan in their desire to remove or supplant the power of Burns’ Amestrian puppet regime. We agree that it is in everyone’s interests (especially that of the Torontian people) that a united Torontian government be established as soon as possible, and a one year timetable for self-determination is a fine goal.

Already in mere weeks our joint efforts have accomplished far more for Torontia then over a year of woeful Amestrian-Saint Fedskian mismanagement. The High Ecclesiarchy has every intention of continuing this trend through to conclusion.

[Signed]
High Lord Ameas Vernius
Grand Cardinal and Defence Minister of the High Ecclesiarchy

_______________________________________________________________________

On the helipad of the former TIG parliament, now overall command centre for Army Group Torontia, Xirniumite soldiers in formation crisply presented arms for the high-ranking Yallakian guests (as they had done so for the Novans). The spinning rotors of the helicopter caused the hems of their long greatcoats to flap about in the wind, and the Naval officers that approached to meet the Yallakians were forced to hold on tightly to their caps lest they be blown away. Greeting Supreme Commander Dagon with the British-style salute of the Armed Forces of Holy Xirnium, a Lieutenant quickly led the Yallakian officers through the winding corridors of the headquarters to the darkened conference centre.

****

‘May the Immortal God-Emperor protect,’ replied the Lord Admiral, reciting the formal phrase as he politely returned a toast to the Novan commander. Admiral Fridor was intrigued by the images he saw, and was about to question General Kitas regarding the prototype Novan mobile suits displayed on the commander’s laptop when a saluting Lieutenant announced the presence of the Yallakian military delegation.

Rising from his seat, Admiral Fridor addressed the Yallakians. ‘Welcome, Supreme Commander, to East Torontia,’ the old man announced, extending his hand to Dagon. ‘No doubt you would have expected to have already stepped foot here long,’ the Admiral joked, a wry smile spreading across his face. Admiral Fridor found it quite ironic that the nation which had removed the New Order regime in the first place (not to mention the nation which had been unsuccessfully invaded by that very same regime) had not actually initially occupied it. No matter, the Lord Admiral thought grimly, that wrong will be righted, and with any luck it will make up for the many months of inept occupation provided by the imperialist usurpers.

After introducing his Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Tarsonis, and the Novan commanders, Admiral Moand intended to turn right to business.

To:His Most Worthy High Ecclesiarchy of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium
From: The Head of the Torontian Socialist Union, Mark Brovan

We fully accept your offer and we look foward to the future Constitutional Conventions, as a United Torontia has been part of our beliefs we share the same goal, we will be there for whatever meetings needed. We are open to other forms of government besides a pure Socialist so we won't be a stubborn problem. -Mark Brovan

OOC: Nice to have you back, and what can be expected when Jolt uses a pair of second hand tin cans connected by stri8ng for our servers?

Anyway I've changed my IC post up a bit, I was requested to remove my Psychic beacons so I've had to change the dialogue a bit.

In Western Torontia, a small area used by the initial tank columns into the nation sits undisturbed on the coastline. Now the IMA's infrastructure has been moved and further established, but the shells of various buildings still sit on the plain around the coastline.

Suddenly, a Stewart Class Amphibious Assault Ship appears on the horizon. Just a few hours later it had pulled up to the dock. Who was it transporting? About 10000 soldiers from the IMA's 19th COV Combat Team, and Colonel Kietz.

Colonel Kietz established himself during the Frozopian war by commanding the misdirection behind Coalition amphibious landings. A tactical genius, he had had past incidents whereas he had been warned about excessive artillery fire to take out only small targets. This time he wasn't commanding a massive artillery regiment, but a Patrol Brigade set to work alongside the TPG.

From: Colonel Kietz
To: TPG
Subject: Conference

I realize we have gotten off on a bad foot. I do not want this, McKagan does not want this. We are willing to work with the TPG, and in fact, want to. If you'd direct me as to where to come, I'll be there and we can talk about just what we're doing.

From: Colonel Kietz
To: TPG
Subject: Conference

I realize we have gotten off on a bad foot. I do not want this, McKagan does not want this. We are willing to work with the TPG, and in fact, want to. If you'd direct me as to where to come, I'll be there and we can talk about just what we're doing.


From: The Torontian Provisional Government,
Office of the Vice President
To: Colonel Kietz
Subject: Communication

The President and the Government also wish for relations with Mckagan to go smoothly as possible. The Presidential Offices are currently located in Raymond and President Burns and I are currently available for talks concerning policy and reunification. We would advise that a direct phone line be established between the Mckagan Command and the TPG’s Presidential Offices, to allow for better communication. We further advise that Mckagan refrain from dropping any more leaflets or pamphlets and instead contact the Ministry of Public Relations whenever it has a public announcement to make.

[signed]
Mitsune Konno, Vice President of the Torontian Provisional Government


(Included in the letter is a bill for three million USD from the TPG Ministry of the Environment, the cost of cleaning up the leaflets.)

Western Torontia,
Raymond,
Presidential Offices

The following is a press conference held on Torontian television by TPG President Samuel Burns and TPG Vice President Mitsune Konno.

President Burns stood behind a podium. He appeared tired, anxious and noticeably balding. Vice President Mitsune Konno on the other hand appeared relaxed and in good spirits.

President Burns: “The Torontian National Congress Party is committed to reunification and the creation of a new national government. Our party fully intends to play a constructive role in the upcoming series of constitutional conventions. The T.N.C.P. delegation will be advocating a National government structure modeled after the structure of the Provisional Government, which has been successfully implemented in Western Torontia. In the meantime, the Provisional Government shall concentrate on maintaining order, continued social restructuring, and preparations for transition.

Reporter: “Mr. President, will you be representing the T.N.C.P. personally at the convention?”

President Burns: “No, I am too busy dealing with affairs of governance… I am afraid if I were to attend I would be forced to split my time between Provisional and Party activity. The leadership of the Torontian National Congress delegation shall be in the capable hands of Vice President Konno.”

Reporter: “Mr. President, it has been announced that you will be personally meeting with certain Mckagan officials. What will you be discussing with them?”

President Burns: “We will be discussing various economic, political, and military matters, such as the possible dismantlement of the East-West fortifications by the Provisional Government and preparations for transition. We also intend to set up a system of communication so bizarre incidents like the dropping of leaflets announcing the implementation of policies already in place…does not happen again.”

Reporter: “Sir, the convention may be broadcast on live TV and radio. Will it be shown on Western Torontian television?”

President Burns: “That is a decision left up to the Ministry of Public relations, but I do not see why the convention would not be broadcast live here as well…”

Reporter: “Sir, will Xirnium's bad relations with the TPG overshadow the proceedings?”

President Burns: “I hope not. Even though Xirnium has insulted us, refused to recognize the legitimacy of the Provisional Governments institutions, and undermined the Provisional Governments reconstruction efforts in BC, the T.N.C.P. delegation shall focus entirely upon the writing of a new constitution… Xirniums criticism of our government as illegitimate is comical, as the TPG is made up and led entirely by Torontians. Xirnium on the other hand is a foreign occupier with dubious legal authority… Still, we hope to make progress at the convention… I am afraid I have no more time left, please submit all remaining questions in written form and an answer will be provided by my office.”

[Southern Part of Western Torontia]

The rain falls down, on the cold, hard ground. No, it’s not a song by The Rolling Stones, but rather the reality in one of the many small towns in the forgotten area of Torontia. After the Amestrian’s pulled out and the McKagan’s in, many of the small villages were used a lot more than in the past for various military operations. In the past they had been ignored since they weren’t right on the border between Saint Fedski and Amestria. Now they a central hub for DART’s coming out of the bases in Southern California and the IMA Soldiers who were keeping the border locked down.

In recent weeks a few of the locals had approached McKagan soldiers. The fact was, they were now being thrust into the International Spotlight. SRN reporters followed the IMA soldiers and the IMA Soldiers weren’t leaving.

The people in this area were mostly atheist, and had a long industrial background, that was, until the New Order came in and collapsed the Torontian economy. Now the big corporations who had operated in this area were all gone. What these people didn’t like, however, was the fact that foreign powers were trying to change the way Torontia was operating. It had been all fine before the New Order came in, and they wanted a Capitalist economy back. They liked big business. The only thing between them and wanting an exact copy of the “old” Torontia was one thing: God. They were atheist. The New Order supporters that still roamed the streets scouting out people who may challenge their power weren’t.
-
On the destroyer off the Coast of Torontia where General Kilta was commanding his reclusive objectives against various powers in Torontia, a tall, thin man of about 30 walked off a Redhawk Tactical Lift Helicopter. Flanked by several IMA Soldiers in Air Cavalry Gear, with Combat Rifles, the man was quickly escorted off the deck and into the superstructure.

The man? Josh Ward, President of the newly formed Torontian Liberal Party (TLP). With nearly half of Western Torontia supporting this front in some form or another, they were finally beginning to establish power. Ward knew of the meetings between the TNCP and IMA that were bound to be taking place, and didn’t want them to be influenced without hearing every Torontian’s opinion.

After a brief and uneventful meeting between General Kilta and Ward, Kilta had determined that the TLP was the perfect party for McKagan to either overtly or covertly back.

Soon, the TPG had been made aware of the TLP. Soon, several Public Service Announcements paid for by the IMA would run across every Torontian’s TV screen.

It was beginning.

Soon, the TPG had been made aware of the TLP. Soon, several Public Service Announcements paid for by the IMA would run across every Torontian’s TV screen.


The Ministry of Public Relations vetoes any running of campaign or political advertisements on Torontian television or radio at this time as there are currently no elections scheduled. The Ministry suggests that interested parties conduct advertisement by newspaper.

-Official Statement from the Ministry of Public Relations, TPG

(OOC: Remember, the TPG controls Western Torontia's broadcast media.)

"We will at this time keep to newspapers. But we'll remind you, we've got just as much right to advertise as anyone else. If you keep us locked down, we'll request another IMAF leaflet run."

-Official Message from Torontian Liberal Party

To counter the actions of the Torontian Liberal Party, the Torontia Socialist Union begans a secret campagin to promote their party as an alternative to the TPG, and begin a smear to discredit the TLP. Using speeches to the direct public to avoid breaking any laws, TSU support rises in the BC area.

=Example Speech=
People of Torontia, as you know elections will soon be upon us, and it is time for a change, A return to a capitalist government will just eventually lead to another Kaufman and Tanakis, a return to pure Communism will return to the Jack Nortan folly of our nation, The Anarchy and Totaltartian systems of the Occuipation were useless, now it's time for a new stability. We are the Torontia Socialist union, if we are allowed we plan turning this nation into a Utopia, where no corporation will control the government, where no insane leader will kill off people right and left, no this won't be just any Utopia this willl be everyone's, support us and we will rebuild this nation into a paradise.

-TLA Troop movements-
Alaskian forces stabilize.
TSU forces begin large movement back to Torontia,
Forces number around 50,000 TSU soldiers with around
5,000 Black Hand elite as support.

Secret IC

Having become aware of the TLP’s existence, the TPG leadership decides to keep a close watch on the new party. Members of the TPG’s Military Intelligence Division covertly begin the infiltration of the TLP and the identification of its membership. The operations consist of plainclothes M.I.D. officers attending meetings and discreetly taking down names and information in notebooks.

The M.I.D. also begins to monitor the phone calls of identified TLP members. All information collected (transcripts) are passed on to President Burns and the TNCP’s leadership.

(OOC: Some of the surveillance is to gain a political advantage, but mostly it is precautionary in case the TLP is a revolutionary group in disguise.)

Public IC

The TNCP leadership uses its contacts to find out which newspapers the TLP has purchased advertising space in and then offers those newspapers double or triple the price in exchange for running TNCP advertisements in place of the TLP advertisements.

TNCP operatives purchase newspapers containing TLP advertisements in bulk and secretly burn them.

(OOC: Note: the actual burning of the newspapers is secret. The TNCP is not officially suppressing the TLP’s attempts at advertising; they are however attempting the crush the TLP with its wallet by purchasing the newspapers in bulk to restrict their distribution… The TNCP has an impressive war chest. This is just routine politics.)

From: Mark Wood, Advertising Director of Torontia's Channel 83 GPP Television
To: Torontian Liberal Party

Channel 83 GPP has become aware of an insidious and concentrated effort to censor your political party by the corrupt Amestrian cabal which is the TPG. Since the dissolution of the TIG over here, Xirniumite Law has temporarily been installed in all territories of East Torontia (pending the eventual arrival of the national Torontian government).

Consequently, you would be quiet welcome to advertise your party with our television station. Most East Torontian TV broadcasters are also received by television sets throughout West Torontia, so you will thus be able to easily circumvent the Amestrian attempt at suppression of your party.

With Respect,
Mark Wood,
Director of Advertising Department for Channel 83

[OOC: This message would be representative of many sent by TV Channels in East Torontia competing to advertise for the Torontian Liberal Party.]

“Indeed. This is a long overdue arrival, Admiral”, replied Commander Dagon shaking Fridor’s hand. Not to mention an extremely expensive one too, he added to himself before moving across the room to greet the Novan delegates and take a seat so as not to interrupt the proceedings any further. Captain Urian followed closely behind him, staying somewhat in the diplomatic shadows – there would be little to nothing for him to say while the Commander was present.

“So Lord Admiral, what may I ask is the cause for our gathering today?” inquired Dagon, preferring to always get straight into business. That and he was quite sure that the Novans, and especially the Xirniumite’s would feel the same way.

Edit: Just to avoid any confusion because i couldn't get online over the last few days and make a post - all the remaining 1.2 million Yallakian soldiers and their equipment etc has moved over into Xirnium's East Torontia

Official Ecclesiastical Edict

To: General Sita of the McKagan Occupational Division of Torontia
From: His Most Worthy High Ecclesiarchy of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Greetings, General Sita.

Several television and radio broadcasting firms based in East Torontia have complained to Xirniumite occupational authorities over the fact that the Amestrian puppet government of the TPG is blocking all broadcasts made from East Torontia. The complaints have only now become known to me.

In my honest opinion, this does not bode well for the future of the Torontian reunification process, and our joint goal of the creation of a national Torontian government. I ask as a personal favour to the High Ecclesiarchy (and to me) that the TPG’s censorship of all broadcast media from East Torontia be put to an end.

The division of Torontia into Eastern and Western zones is artificial (a creation of the failed Amestria-Saint Fedksi occupations), and we need not exacerbate it. Help us tear down this Iron Curtain.

I await your reply with interest.

[Signed]
Her Eminence the High Lady Dr Heather Gilda (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a25/Dennis134/Gilda.jpg)
Grand Cardinal and Foreign Minister of the Patriarchate of the High Ecclesiarchy

"Indeed Welcome Commandor Dagon, I am General Alain Kitas and this is my Aide, Black Skull Enforcer Haltzex Vantas It's a pleasure to meet you" shaking hands with the yallakian, Haltzex would politely incline his head and continue his own work on his laptop talking to it in the strange Novan language, while the General tapped another key on his own and changed the image and began to pour over some new footage..

To: President Burns
From: Colonel Kietz
Subject: Media Control

I have been made aware that the Ministry of Information has denied several new political parties the chance to advertise the same as the Torontian National Congress Party. This alarmed me, as it is a sign of thought control sometimes included under what is actually a fascist dictatorship. In a free Democracy where everyone is entitled to their opinion it would be a crime to keep a party down like this.

I am asking you to please allow commercials from ALL parties to run, and not just those who share your beliefs. You claim to want a free Torontia but refuse to work towards that goal. It is with this that I request you let go of your control over Torontian media. This is a request for free press. I demand that you comply to a point where all ideas are freely broadcast. This isn't a request for you to change everything about the most dominant political party in Torontia, simply to allow fresh ideas to be broadcast.

[TLP]

The spying against the TLP isn't really as effective as the TNCP would have liked. Simply because it is a young party, it is very unorganized and thus hard to establish a hold on.

Josh Ward, becoming ever more paranoid, orders background checks on all potential people wishing to register with the party. It is quite natural he would want to do so, considering he knows first hand about the political backstabbing taking place inside Torontia. He harbors secret fears that not only the TNCP, but possibly even the New Order supporters, could infiltrate his party and bring it down from the inside.

[IMA]

Sitting aboard his Guided Missile Destroyer, General Sita is busy going over the new tactical readouts of Torontia. A political map shows on the screen.

"This is a map of where major political parties have their most support. If you notice, the TLP has a major presence in the south. Especially in Salem, they are gaining strength. However, we have a few problems..." The Lieutenant flipped the map off and switched it to another one, charting the control the TPG had began to exert over various media streams.

"The MCID is watching them. They've began a systematic takeover of all newspapers in the nation and already control the television. We've sent off a message to them requesting they lighten it up. We doubt they will, though."

General Sita thought for a moment.

"Get on the phone to Avalt Security International. Have them and SRN hook up and come down here. If they don't turn the media over to public control, we're going to replace their media all together. We have the assets to do it, afterall. The TLP is growing because people are becoming aware of the TPG's fascist activities, this new channel would replace them within a month, probably. And the good thing is, if the TPG tried to stop it, we could crack down on them."

The Lieutenant began to study what the General had just said, taking it as if he was planning something major. "Crack down on them? You mean we could possibly use force? What about the TPG Military?"


General Sita laughed. "The TPG Military is nothing without its numbers and we're working on that. Right now various companies are offering soldiers who are up for contract re-signings in the military high paying positions in cheap, unimportant industry. It boosts McKagan's numbers when we talk about how we've rebuilt the Torontian economy, and also reduces the numbers of people we could potentially be fighting. This way we're taking people away from them, but it's unofficial and we can still go after Burns about reducing the level to our target of 1 million."

The Lieutenant was somehow at a loss. SHE was supposed to be the one giving the briefings. Instead she was being briefed. "So, what are our soldiers doing right now?"

Sita began his next long winded documentary. "Our numbers are officially 150,000. We've moved in alot of Close Air Support units. A few thousand KLT-7 Aur Attack Helicopters have been moved to set up bases along the shorelines. Those would be good if we ever had to attack inside a city. Because we've got so many troops now, we've stepped our force-presence missions inside the major cities. Our troops are a nearly constant sight now, and I really think it's helped our image, as well."

To: Torontian Socialist Union
From: General Kietz, Imperial McKagan Army
Subject: Relations

As you are another of the armed factions in Torontia, I am forced to confer with you as to what your current objectives and goals are. I'd personally like to know why you have so many weapons. Also, as a simple question, how do you feel on the McKagan Occupational Division of Torontia?



Aboard the Guided Missile Destroyer, General Sita came to a conclusion. His current thinking was simple, although it reflected his paranoia. Even though he knew he was very much in control, he also knew he wasn't.

-

From: General Sita, McKagan Occupational Division - Torontia
To: Imperial McKagan Army Headquarters Department, Kurora City McKagan
Subject: Reinforcements

While the IMA forces in Torontia are more than capable of dealing with anyone who might pose a threat at the current time, the possibility an armed conflict would start was still very high. If one does start, it would pull resources out of the security arragements and start a possible breakdown of our control. Because of this, I request additional troop buildups here. These forces must be in the form of Light Security Brigades, as to not cause people to fear we are setting up for something. I request our forces be boosted to 300,000 strong, at that point we'll be able to move freely and exert control over many different peoples.

-

In Raymond, the IMA Military Detachment begin a series of exercises to boost their appearance in the area. Several new road projects are started, although they are mainly being done by ASI, and a full scale revitalization of the public transportation system is started.

Because General Sita (among other IMA Officials) is becoming paranoid of the TNCP, a few new units are put together. A total of 500 Soldiers are assigned to a new unit, Task Force Overwatch.

TF-O is tasked with putting survailance on the TNCP buildings and officials. The team is divided up into different "Guardian Falcon" squads that usually in COV-08 IFV's. These vehicles usually park in back alleyways and are covered with tarps for hours or even days at a time while their team works inside a building. These teams, usually equiped a majority with Sniper Rifles, would make the perfect vanguard of any organized attack against the TPG Government. Although it will probably never come, it gives certain Commanders a bit more confidence in their ability to control the situation. Various other parties suggest the same thing be done to the TSU, although it is rejected and determined to be a future possibility.

In other operations, the IMA finally establishes a Communications Brigade, although it operates beside ASI. A valuable asset to them considering the Political Situation in Torontia, soon the TLP and all other McKagan firms are placed on secured satellite communications systems.

-

To: President Burns
From: Colonel Kietz
Subject: TPG Military

Hello again, sir. We've recently came up with a possible plan regardling the TPG Military and its political weight with the international community. It's no secret that yourself and the Xirnium command in the area do not think highly of each others efforts. It may pay off for you politically if you were to cut the size of the TPG Military. This is not a request to give up your control, but a chance to extend it. Why look; the TPG Military has 2 million soldiers, correct? With something like 1.3 million of those being actual career soldiers. The headlines of you reducing the numbers by 700,000 strong would be huge. That's the primary objective of this email. However, i've been informed that the McKagan Government might look to fund and equip the TPG Military if you were to reduce its numbers lower to just 1 million. At this level, you gain assets and support that you've never dreamed of. Please, consider both proposals and get back to me on your stance.

To: Torontian Socialist Union
From: General Kietz, Imperial McKagan Army
Subject: Relations

As you are another of the armed factions in Torontia, I am forced to confer with you as to what your current objectives and goals are. I'd personally like to know why you have so many weapons. Also, as a simple question, how do you feel on the McKagan Occupational Division of Torontia?

------
Reply To: General Kietz, Imperial McKagan Army
From: Joesph Lagrange, Commander Torontian Socialist Union Millita.
Subject: RE: Relations
All of our forces are defensive, and as of currently much more than actually needed, the massive amount of weapons were orginally planned for use against former New Order forces that were leading the Insurgancy in the North, however by the time these purchases were cleared, it was over, and since it's not like you can refund a M48 Patton we had no choice but to carry all are surplus equipment with us, however we can assure you that currently they are all parked in storage and are in no readiness to fight. As are most of our soldiers. Currently we are planning on rebuilding the bombed out towns in the north, feel free to send inspectors if needed.

To:Joesph Lagrange, Commander Torontian Socialist Union Millita.
From: Colonel Kietz, Imperial McKagan Army
Subject: Re: Relations

Thank you for clarifying. It's just that alot of people in my chain of command were worried about a group in an already wartorn area having stockpiles of weapons. If you'd like, I could re'route a few ASI Contractors to your area to aid you in reconstructing those villages that were bombed out. Also, if you feel the heavy weapons you have are of no use, we would be happy to pay you top price for them to free up your storage and support resources.

In a heavily packed arena in Southern Torontia, Josh Ward walks to a podium. Around the crowd are groups of undercover MCID Agents, and a few Guardian Falcon teams are in the general area to provide operational security. This area is a contested area, where many people support the TNCP but are still open to new ideas, and aren't hardcore enough to keep them from switching sides multiple times.

"Hello, good people of Torontia. I'm here today to simply introduce myself to the country. To start out, i'd like to make one thing very, very clear. The TLP and the TNCP do not have to have a destiny of political rivalry. The TLP hasn't been formed to specifically challenge the TNCP's power. We are here to bring forth new ideas. Our primary message is simple. Torontia needs change in only a few areas of its society. The great evil of religion, taken to its extreme, perverted and eventually destroyed the democracy of Torontia. The Torontian Socialist Union denies this, however. They, seeking the chance, are using this chance to build a nation in their views. They wish to simply slip the seeds of communism in under the political RADAR, and we cannot stand for that. Torontia wasn't destroyed because of a failure in capitalism and free market, it was destroyed by self proclaimed gods. Each time Torontia has gone through a major change, conflict has broken out. Why change from capitalism to communism and risk another conflict? By changing to a more secular system of politics we ensure an operating system that will work for years to come. Communist governments are proven as unstable, which undermines the sheer effort of what we're trying to do here. A stable Torontia and communism cannot exist in the same period."

-North Torontia-
In a much better designed meeting room, Mark Brovan began the speech he made in preparing for his departure for the meeting.
It has come to our attention that this new Torontia Liberal Party has said that communism could not exist in Torontia, good thing it's not a commuist government that we plan. *Small Laughs*

Further more they solely blame religion, yes the old tired excuse named religion, on all of Torontia's past problems, well it wasn't 'god' that encouraged Tanakis to steal the money of the nation, it wasn't 'god' that had Kaufman execute those college students, God indeed, pure idiocy.

He paused for a second, before beginning in a more serious voice. However, by saying that we cannot exist in Torontia, is threatening to ourselves. A person who just wants to place the exact same government as before except with out the 'God' added is as great a threat as the new order, stay viligant, be safe, be aware and watchful. We mustn't let them silience us. I will be departing for a Constutional Meeting to be held in Seattle by Xirnium, my second in command will take over for day to day affairs.

As he walked off he was approached by a Black Hand member, "We will keep a watch out for intruders, we'll post border scouts tonight and from then on." The soldier whispered before walking back from whence he came.

[OOC: Sorry about the delay]

Seattle, East Torontia

‘Gentlemen,’ began Lord Admiral Moand, pleased to get right down to business, ‘the High Ecclesiarchy ordered me to request this meeting with your two nations so that we can coordinate our efforts in administering the territories of East Torontia. Unlike the disastrous Amestrian-Saint Fedskian occupation, we plan not to make the mistake of forging an imperial province, which is why we did not create a puppet government and also why we wish to jointly occupy the area with both the Infinite Empire and Novacom, to share the responsibility. Of course, that doesn’t mean that we cannot protect our own interests in Torontia, but it does mean we can do so without foolishly gaining the ire of the entire world in the process (as the Amestrians did).’

‘Our aims are threefold,’ added the Admiral’s chief of staff, Vice Admial Tarsonis. ‘Firstly, to work out how best to administer East Torontia efficiently. Secondly, to determine what our long term goals in East Torontia are to be. Finally, to decide what stance to assume regarding the various other parties involved in the Torontian problem, and to respond accordingly.’

To: President Burns
From: Colonel Kietz
Subject: Roadmap to Peace

A few things need addressing. I'd like to introduce you to one of the most basic organizational units in the IMA. The Light Security Brigade, a mounted unit, is used to move through urban areas while working with the populace in a variety of tasks. They are fully capable of operating as a police unit. My suggestion to you is giving us the (publically known) power to, in an emergency situation, police the public and move civilians from one area to another. It's simple, and practically a given, but I wanted to clear it with you first.

To: President Burns
From: Colonel Kietz
Subject: Open Borders

Personally, after looking over the situation, I don't see why we shouldn't open the borders with Eastern Torontia. The IMA forces would handle the area so the TPG Military wouldn't be tasked, and it would really help you out politically; which is what you need on the eve of possible new elections.

Encrypted Transmission to McKagan Forces in Torontia

TannenIntel SWC Encryption Level Four

--
We currently have four TannenIntel secret operatives in Torontia. They have collected the information we needed from the area and we need to pull them out without drawing undue attention. We will gladly pay if these operatives can get out of Torontia via a boat that will arrive at a McKagan-controlled port of your choice to return to Saharistan. They do not have anything identifying them as TannenIntel operatives as they are covert, but they should identify themselves to any McKagan officer ranked 1LT or above with the phrase "Terrible Secret of Space".

Frederick May
TannenIntel Global Commander
--

End TannenIntel SWC Encryption Level Four

[Secured Satellite]

To: Frederick May
From: Colonel Kietz
Subject: TannenIntel Mission in Torontia

McKagan has established many generic, man built ports across the coast of Western Torontia. Currently one of our largest ones is Port Echo. In the general area there are several valleys with high peaks and small dirt roads running through them. Sitting inside one of these valleys is an abandoned TPG Military Helicopter base. Have your agents go there, and the IMA will extract them to the docks very quickly without drawing the attention of anyone else in the area.

Numonica

The Corporation was ready to make its move, Before they had decided to move in Wolf Brigade special ops, but now that had Changed, the Corporation was mobilising Battalions of Capitol Police for a Major Full Scale invasion of Torontia,

Rows upon Rows of Capitol Police boarded various vessels Across the numonican Port, but at the same time, Rows and Rows of Lighter armoured Capitol Police Paratroopers boarded the large Transport Vtols the Corporation used for mass transits such as these...

The Corporation has had its eyes on Torontia for a long time now, choosing to wait until events within Torontia had died down, True Enough the Corporation would be fighting against many fronts, but with Information garnered from facing Automagfreeks sentinals, The Capitol Police were now a much more manoverable force able to strike quickly in the heart of the enemy...

Un-beknown to Torontia, a Dark storm was brewing on the Horizon and it was taking the shape of The Corporation...

One by one each of the Vtols taxied across the run way, picking up speed and taking off conventionaly, the long runway meaning they could save fuel taking off conventionaly rather than expending fuel leaving the ground verticaly, and with so many troops on board each air craft fuel would need to be saved...

as for the Fleet, the twin assault would strike quickly, and as such the 1st battlefleet was moblised to aid in the attack...

The Wintersun Battlefleet, the Pride of the Kraven Navy, rebuilt after the defeat at Xirnium and re-fitted with new classes of ships, it would be a force to reckon with...

Containing 2 Annihilator Class Super Dreadnaughts and 2 Gorgoroth Super Carriers, as well as various battleships, battlecruisers and multiple escort vessels, the fleet would smash apart opposition, allowing for a unapposed assault of Western Torontia.

still Several hours away from being ready to take to the sea, the Air attack would strike first, hitting communication lines and disrupting enemy movements and supplies, hopefully crippleing their defenses in preperation for the main attack...

Torontian Naval Assets

12 Kilta Class Dreadnaughts
30 Avisron Class Guided Gun Destroyers
10 Slither Class Guided Missile Destroyers
10 Revolver Class Heavy Cruisers
15 Illusion Class Frigates
25 Kurora Class Littoral Combat Ships/Corvettes
20 Sultan Class SSN's
9 Contraband Class SSA's

Bridge of the IYS Soulblighter

The sun rained down across the fleet as it floated off the coast of Torontia. Fleet Commander Minaith sat alone in his command chair, leaning against the console before him as he stared out over the other ships arrayed along the coastline, squinting not only against the bright reflections off the Imperial vessels but also from the vast sea itself. He had dismissed the other bridge officers from duty that morning, as he had done almost every other morning for the past two weeks. The fleet had been on station since the occupation of Torontia began during the Xirnium war many months ago and the action had long since ceased.
A muffled beeping noise broke the Commanders gaze and he slowly peeled himself off the command console. Looking down, a flashing light declared the source of the noise – an incoming communication. Minaith straightened himself out and then pushed a button on the console. An image of the Emperor flashed to life on the screen.

“Commander Minaith.”
“Lord Balor, it is a pleasure, how goes your convention?”
“So far, as expected: a complete political free-for-all – a war of subtlety.”
“That good. Anyway, what can I do for you?”
“Take Commander Ajir and head straight for Kahanistan. Destroy all MassPwnage vessels encountered. Once that is done, escort General Caracas’ transports as they make landfall.”
“At once, my Lord.”

From the ViZion thread: For reference it is 600 ships departing - leaving 800 still off the coast of Torontia

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a25/Dennis134/flag1.gif

Open Diplomatic Ecclesiastical Edict
To: Superanister Denteth Tolion of the Novacom Council of Ministers
From: The Most Worthy High Ecclesiarchy of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

The High Ecclesiarchy is disgusted and appalled at the manner in which your delegates chose to behave in the Xirniumite-hosted Torontian Constitutional Convention. Chief amongst our grievances is the fact that Novan delegates saw fit to attempt to arrest members of another foreign delegation, an inexcusable outrage.

The High Ecclesiarchy informs the Novan government that the Novan embassy staff in Holy Xirnium are considered personae non gratae and are no longer welcome in Holy Xirnium, and should vacate the country immediately. The same applies to all Novans in official Novan government service in any territory of the Eternal Republic (this should be considered as refering also to the Novan peacekeeping forces stationed in East Torontia).

The High Ecclesiarchy further informs the Novan government that it is severing all diplomatic and trade ties with your nation, effective immediately. Novacom is no longer to be considered a friend of Holy Xirnium by the High Ecclesiarchy.

[Signed]
Lady Eleanor Sabelina
Cardinal and Parliamentary Secretary to the Foreign Ministry of the High Ecclesiarchy

I know the thread is on pause but I figured no one would mind me doing this, its long overdue.

Standard Imperial Transmission
General Broadcast over Torontia

By order of the Imperial Naval Command, all Yallakian warships are to be withdrawn from the area of Torontia. This directive will begin immediately.

Note though, that we will remain watchful of any unwanted elements in the area until such time as those responsibilities fall to the new Torontian government.

[OOC: I know this thread is paused, but I can't think of where else to put this, so here it is]

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/Xirnium/arms1.jpg
Official Government Memorandum, Office of the Chief Ministry
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Ad Vitam Aeternam! – For All Time!
To: Mr Marcellus Valens
President
The Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan

From: Mr Ertham Nidor
Chief Minister
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium


Greetings, President Valens, from the Eternal Republic.

The High Ecclesiarchy of the Eternal Republic humbly requests that the Supreme Soviet thoroughly search through the archives of the Office of the President of Kahanistan in order to assist us with an ongoing investigation that is currently being held in Holy Xirnium.

We particularly require the public disclosure of any and all memoranda sent between the Office of the Kahanistanian President and the government of Amestria (or its puppet government in Torontia) during and immediately after December, 2005. Specific diplomatic messages that we wish to examined include any with reference to a policy of executing prisoners of war in Torontia.

The Xirniumite Secret Intelligence Service strongly believes that the highest levels of the Kahanistanian Executive, specifically former President Mohammed bin Yusuf al-Za'if, were well aware of the atrocities committed in Amestrian occupied Torontia, and we wish to obtain objective proof of this fact. I have no doubt that the august Supreme Soviet, anxious to distance itself from the abhorrent crimes of the Amestrian State, will be only too willing to cooperate with our investigation.

Your help in this matter will not be forgotten.


[Signed]

His Beatitude
The Rt Hon High Lord Ertham Nidor, MP
Chief Minister and Grand Cardinal
The High Ecclesiarchy of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

(OOC: Been meaning to get these minor issues out of the way.)

In Raymond, the IMA Military Detachment begin a series of exercises to boost their appearance in the area. Several new road projects are started, although they are mainly being done by ASI, and a full scale revitalization of the public transportation system is started.

As the IMA did not have TPG permission the IMA and ASI construction teams were served with a legal injunction by a TPG court to cease their activities and to turn them over to the TPG Ministry of Home Affairs.


Because General Sita (among other IMA Officials) is becoming paranoid of the TNCP, a few new units are put together. A total of 500 Soldiers are assigned to a new unit, Task Force Overwatch.

TF-O is tasked with putting survailance on the TNCP buildings and officials. The team is divided up into different "Guardian Falcon" squads that usually in COV-08 IFV's. These vehicles usually park in back alleyways and are covered with tarps for hours or even days at a time while their team works inside a building. These teams, usually equiped a majority with Sniper Rifles, would make the perfect vanguard of any organized attack against the TPG Government.

As the TPG had over two million soldiers plus the civil police, it was rather hard for the "Guardian Falcon" squads to deploy and take over buildings without being noticed (actually it was impossible). Soon at every site where the “Falcon” squads had set up there were knocks on the doors by TPG civil police, who informed the IMA soldiers that they had no legal authority to be in those buildings and politely asked them to leave as they were “breaking the law” by “squatting, loitering, and trespassing.” No charges would be filed.

The Falcon squads realized they would be utterly ineffective anyway as the TPG and TNCP’s main buildings were fortresses. Each was surrounded by a 15 to 20 foot high concrete wall with barbed wire. The doors and window shutters were made of stainless steel. Each office was under the protection of thousands of TPG military troops and security personnel. Artillery and SAM’s were stationed around each of the buildings. Anything sort of a massed armored assault would be ineffective.

(OOC: The soldiers might as well pack it up.)

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Office of the President

I, too, share the suspicions of the Xirniumite Government. However, I have been unable to find any Kahanistanian files regarding the war crimes in Torontia, and I strongly suspect that anything that President al-Za'if may have had on the matter had been destroyed before I took office.

I have already ordered an investigation, but so far it does not look promising. I hope to obtain further evidence to use in the Justice Ministry's cases against Kahanistanian war criminals, but so far none has surfaced.

Signed,
General Marcellus Q. Valens,
President of Kahanistan

The McKagan troops eventually, after just a short while, realize that their attempts won't be all that effective. They pull out of all the locations they simply start patroling through the streets in their various IFV's again. It isn't a major defeat in any case, as the IMA was preparing to cancel the mission in order to better launch another presense mission.

One thing the TPG would have more problems with would be controlling air movements. At that, General Sita didn't care if they objected to it. There was no way to STOP an aircraft from moving freely without shooting it down. If the TPG military shot an IMAF plane down it would be the end of the TNCP, TPG, and any other problems in western Torontia.

A new mission is launched, at that. With nearly 200 Attack Helicopters in the theatre, McKagan could put a combat air patrol over just about any position they wanted to. The patrols are centralized over cities, excluding British Columbia (although a few are ready to fly into that general zone.)

The helicopter of choice, the new KHaU-13 Vala is as much of a recon helicopter as a combat helicopter. They do much more than the Guardian Falcons could ever - and aren't on the ground to be "politely asked to leave" like the troops.

They avoid Raymond, the TNCP headquarters. To stay on the minds of the TNCP they regularly skirt along the city limits or major highways leading into the city.

To provide another layer of support, a group of 50 KLA-37 Harris SVTOL Tactical Air Superiority Fighter's are established to be over the nation loaded out for Ground Supression.

The main target of the intelligence missions are simply to locate enemy Anti-Aircraft systems. The Vala's and Harris units both contain software that transmits the locations of every RADAR signature they come across back to Fort Echo.

Within a few weeks nearly every RADAR installation in Torontia will be located and known to McKagan forces.

The Xirniumite Federation for Human Rights

"To no one will we sell, to no one will we deny or delay right or justice"
To: Mr Marcellus Valens
President
The Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan

From: Ms Anastasia Helgarth
Secretary-General
The Xirniumite Federation for Human Rights

Dear Mr President

The Xirniumite Federation for Human Rights (XFHR) is a nongovernmental, volunteer and non-profit organisation devoted to the ideal of inherent and inalienable human rights. With strong and long-held ties to other human rights watch organisations worldwide (including those based in the Democratic Soviet Republic), the XFHR seeks to promote compliance with the human rights provisions of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its antecedent and follow-up documents. The XFHR highlights various human rights concerns on the international political level and in the media, is involved in human rights monitoring and advocacy activities throughout the world, and is internationally recognised as an influential and renown disseminator of documentation based on scholarly research into human rights violations.

If it pleases the Supreme Soviet, the XFHR would like to assist the Kahanistanian warcrimes tribunal in determining the veracity of atrocity allegations involving the Kahanistanian Armed Forces’ peacekeeping mission in Torontia. With your permission, we wish to send a highly qualified team of archivists, historians and researchers to scour the records of the Office of the President of Kahanistan in order to uncover any evidence that may exist of a policy of systemic human rights abuses in the Torontian republic.

The High Ecclesiarchy has assured us that the Supreme Soviet is serious about uncovering the full truth about atrocities committed by the occupying powers of Torontia, and that it is as horrified by the outrageous nature of the claims as the XFHR is. We therefore trust that you will have no reservations concerning our requests.

[Signed]

Ms Anastasia Helgarth
Secretary-General
The Xirniumite Federation for Human Rights

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Office of the President
Office of the Supreme Soviet

The Government of Kahanistan grants permission to the XFHR to assist us in discovering evidence to prove involvement by Kahanistanian soldiers in unlawful killings in Torontia. However, as you were advised in the previous communique from our government, we have found nothing and believe it unlikely that the XFHR will find anything we missed.

Any XFHR personnel in the archives will be accompanied by Republic Guards. They will not obstruct in any way the activities of the XFHR, but merely protect the archives, prevent security leaks, and make copies of documents the XFHR may request.

Information regarding the Torontian war crimes by Kahanistanian soldiers has been declassified after the riots, but we simply have not found any evidence.

Signed,
General Marcellus Q. Valens,
President of Kahanistan

Signed,
Major Mara K. Fulton,
Kahanistan Republic Guard,
Head of Presidential Security

Signed,
Senator Maribel A. Crowley,
Chair, Armed Forces and Defense Committee

-North Torontia-
Upon seeing the recent mobilization of McKagan air assets the TSU began placing observation posts on elevated positions for throughout the countryside, parking supply trucks and setting up tents they would not be caught off guard should someone incite a Civil War.

-TSU Troop movements-
Defensive circle setup around Vanderhoof BC
All armed units moved away from Vancouver.
All TSU followers gathering at Vanderhoof.

Najaster, Kahanistan

Natalia Finarfin checked her watch again as she concluded skimming through another internal Kahanistanian government memo, removing her glasses so that she could rub her tired eyes. This telegram had been as unhelpful as the last, and Dr Finarfin reflected rather gloomily on the moderately large amount of documents before her which still remained to be sifted through.

The small group of Xirniumite researchers, all members of the XFHR, sat around a fairly large, polished wooden table as they scrounged through the archives of the Office of the Kahanistanian President, searching for any evidence which might provide proof of knowledge, by the Government of Kahanistan, of atrocities commited in Torontia. The table was cluttered with numerous papers and files and yet somehow appeared ordered – busy, yet entirely efficient. The Xirniumite scholars were all academics of the highest order - Natalia herself was a Doctor of Letters from Vitellia University and a well-known historian in the Eternal Republic. So far, however, they had failed to find anything of note.

‘Have a look at this, Dr Finarfin,’ asked Edward Winsdor, an international law expert who had been a part of the XFHR for almost eight years. ‘It’s a copy of a letter written by the President of Kahanistan, dated December 13,’ he explained.

‘That’s roughly during the time period we’re looking at,’ mused Dr Finarfin distractedly as she slid the document towards her, taking a short sip of water before quickly scanning its contents.

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Office of the President

Recently, I was advised that your military sent ours a communique advising us to kill all prisoners of war, ostensibly to prevent the spread of a biological weapon. After we took several dozen insurgents prisoner, an officer later found to be mentally unstable murdered the entire prison population and several Republic Guards watching them.

After the massacre, we received another notice from your government stating that it will take custody of further prisoners of war. This puts us in a quandary, as you have recently advised us to kill prisoners in violation of internationally accepted laws of warfare.

We strongly suspect that no sooner would we transfer a prisoner to your custody than they would be killed. If you are, as you said, doing this to prevent the spread of the flu, quarantining them in prison camps is as effective as quarantining them in their homes, as you do to civilians. Furthermore, if prisoners are killed, the insurgents will eventually learn that their comrades are being killed, if they do not already know. Mass killings rarely go unnoticed. A guerrilla knowing he or she will be killed if captured is far more likely to fight to the death rather than surrender. Furthermore, captured prisoners are often good sources of intelligence.

Signed,
Mohammed bin Yusuf al-Za'if,
President of Kahanistan

‘Kahanistanian records indicate that this memorandum was sent directly to President Boon,’ pointed out Mr Windsor as his colleague finished reading, ‘so this letter implicates the Amestrians also.’

The remainder of the Xirniumite academics at the table had already become interested in the latest find, and were eagerly taking turns to read the letter.

‘Why would the President have allowed such a document to have remained in the Kahanistanian archives? Surely such evidence could be used to bring charges against Mr bin Yusuf al-Zai’if?’ asked Natalia, narrowing her eyes skeptically.

‘Well, that letter clearly shows that the President was aware of what is undeniably a prima facie violation of Article VII of the Kahanistanian Constitution by the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Kahanistan. That he knew of this and yet did nothing could certainly be considered illegal,’ explained Edward.

‘Perhaps in Kahanistanian constitutionalism the protections bestowed by the Constitution upon Kahanistanians aren’t intended to apply also to foreign citizens?’ asked another Xirniumite, who had just finished reading the letter. ‘Maybe that would provide a way for Mr bin Yusuf al-Zai’if to escape trial?’

‘No,’ explained the lawyer, shaking his head. ‘At least, I don’t think so. The Preamble of the Kahanistanian Constitution clearly declares the text of the document to be aimed at protecting “he rights of "the world’s citizen’s,” so I don’t really see how that position could be successfully argued before a Court.’

‘Then why was this left here where it could be found?’ asked Dr Finarfin. Internally she also asked why this letter had not already been found by Kahanistanian authorities supposedly intent on discovering the truth behind atrocity allegations, however she didn’t bother voicing her doubts. The others were thinking precisely the same thing. Natalia cast a suspicious glance at the Republican Guard sentry which the Supreme Soviet had insisted accompany them at all times while inside the archive rooms.

‘We need to make copies of this document, inform the Kahanistanian Superior Military Tribunal of this finding and recommend an investigation into Mr bin Yusuf al-Zai’if, and speak to the former members of the Kahanistan high command in Torontia who informed him of what was happening.’

‘I’ve already set about arranging a meeting with Major General Abdul Aziz Kantari, a former general staff member of the Military Assistance Command,’ replied Mr Windsor. ‘I have a strong suspicion that he is the individual that first advised the Kahanistanian President about this.’

The attractive, dark-haired officer listened to the Xirniumites' conversation, hearing every word. "Allow me a look," said the officer, whose rank insignia and nametag identified her as Major Fulton, the head of Presidential Security. She bent over and took a peek. Dear Lord... so al-Ghazi was telling the truth. There were war crimes, and the President knew about them.

"It seems to me that President al-Za'if was opposed to these... crimes," said the Major. "He spoke out against the war crimes, but didn't want to go public. My guess is he was more interested in Amestrian reconstruction aid than about the Torontians." It dawned on her that the Xirniumites might get the wrong idea about her.

"That's the first I've seen of that document," she said. "He never told me anything. I'm just security, I'm not involved with policy." But that wasn't the only wrong idea the Xirniumites might get about the young woman. General al-Ghazi had claimed that the atrocities were committed so as not to "jeopardize the aid that flows in from Amestria and lines the pockets of the Supreme Soviet." Fulton did not want to be seen as subscribing to such wild conspiracy theories of Amestrian secret cabals ruling Kahanistan from the shadows.

Dr Finarfin frowned at the Kahanistanian Republic Guard, regarding her superciliously (and with more than just the slightest shade of mistrust). Reluctantly, Natalia lent the government memorandum to Major Fulton, waiting patiently while she read it.

"It seems to me that President al-Za'if was opposed to these... crimes," said the Major. "He spoke out against the war crimes, but didn't want to go public."
‘And how do you come to that conclusion?’ asked Mr Windsor, raising an eyebrow quizzically. ‘President al-Zai’if stood by and did nothing while members of the Kahanistanian Armed Forces dismantled and desecrated everything that your very Constitution stands for, that the nation of Kahanistan stands for. The Military Assistance Command of Torontia violated the internationally accepted Laws of War and the protections of the Geneva Conventions, and yet President al-Zai’f did not so much as lift a finger.’ Edward’s eyes flashed keenly as he spoke, though his voice remained perfectly measured and reasonable. Mr Windsor often felt quite passionately about the “inviolability of the Rule of Law”, as he described it, and what he saw as the inherent nobleness of defending human rights – indeed, it had been the very reason why he had left his job as an international lawyer (after an extremely successful, decades-long career) in order to assist the XFHR’s important work in the first place.

‘We will need to make several copies of that,’ explained Dr Finarfin incidentally, gesturing towards the document. The academic was already standing up from the table, and was in the process of returning her reading glasses to their expensive leather case. ‘Please arrange an immediate meeting with the president of the Superior Military Tribunal responsible for the Torontian warcrimes trials. In addition, arrange for the Minister of Justice and for President Valens to be there also.’

Natalia smiled confidently, to her it seemed a perfectly reasonable proposition that she could meet with these individuals at a moment’s notice. The Major is trying to distance herself from the President’s criminal conspiracy, she will certainly cooperate, thought Dr Finarfin smugly. As for the others... when they realise what we have, and the irreparable damage it could do to the Kahanistanian government, we will be guaranteed their support.

Fulton nodded grimly. "Politics..." Do the Amestrians have this kind of influence in our government? She shook her head, not wanting to accept the idea of that type of foreign influence. Sounds paranoid... but there is definitely Amestrian influence, I don't know how deep it goes...

At-Tahrir, Kahanistan

Corner of 53rd Street and 39th Avenue

103rd floor

Major General Abdul Aziz Kantari awoke at 6:30 AM. He dressed and performed his morning prayers, then went to his desk in his home. The General had been contacted by the XFHR regarding his role in Torontia, and now he was going to drop a bomb even bigger than the one Captain Foster had dropped.

Kantari opened his computer and began to reply to the XFHR. After he finished typing, he sent the message with attachments, printed off copies of the letter, and signed them. He kept copies for his personal records in his safe-deposit boxes, of which he had several. One could never underestimate Amestrian military intelligence.

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Kahanistan Republic Guard

I am replying to your earlier message, in which you desired to arrange a meeting with me. I have spoken with President Valens, who has agreed to declassify the two documents I am sending to you. These were in the Ministry of Defense archives, and Mr. al-Za'if did not know of them.

These expose General Gran as a liar, murderer, and Holocaust denier. He was apparently utterly indifferent to the losses of Torontian lives, and willing to kill them to cover up his horrific acts.

Signed,
Major General Abdul Aziz Kantari,
Kahanistan Republic Guard

Attachment 1: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10179421&postcount=70 - Letter to General Gran from then - Minister of Defense General Marcellus Q. Valens.

Attachment 2: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10179457&postcount=71 - General Gran's reply to the Minister of Defense.

Fulton nodded grimly. "Politics..."
‘No, my dear… not politics,’ replied Beatrice Esgalduin, one of Natalia’s academic colleagues (and a close friend) from Vitellia University. ‘Even in the field of political affairs there are certain fundamental legal and ethical guidelines that one must always adhere to, certain normative standards of conduct that one must abide by. Civilised individuals behave with a basic level of decency and integrity, they do not act as criminals or traitors. Major Fulton, this most certainly is not just mere “politics” - the ordinary backroom deals that one might expect from politicians. This is an absolute outrage.’

‘Former President al-Za'if,’ Ms Esgalduin continued quietly, ‘for failing to defend the Kahanistanian Constitution which he took an oath to protect and uphold, is an utter disgrace as a politician. By shirking his duty to “ensure that all are blessed with their inalienable rights,” as he swore (and was legally bound) to do, Mr al-Za'if has dishonoured his office and risked bringing the entire Kahanistanian government into disrepute. His illegal actions have made a mockery of the Rule of Law, and he must be held to account.’

‘We are going to need to search through the Ministry of Defence and Intelligence archives, I trust that wont be a problem?’ asked Dr Finarfin, nodding her head in agreement with Beatrice’s words. Natalia was a little troubled by the almost cavalier attitude that Major Fulton had adopted upon discovering the extent and nature of the Mr al-Za'if ‘s illegal activities. ‘Please arrange for that meeting I asked for with President Valens and the other relevant Ministers and judges as soon as possible - tonight would be ideal.’

A brief audio tone from Natalia’s handheld PDA Palm computer alerted the Xirniumite historian to an incoming email, interrupting the discussion. ‘Excuse me, this will only take a few moments,’ apologised Dr Finarfin, who removed the device from her jacket’s pocket and donned her glasses again so that she could scan its plasma monitor.

Taping the palm computer’s touch screen with a stylus, Natalia accessed her email account and rapidly read the message that Kantari had sent. Dr Finarfin quickly composed a reply, signed the letter, and sent it to the General.

‘Sorry, where were we?’ asked Natalia, turning back to the Kahanistanian lady.

_____________________________________________

The Xirniumite Federation for Human Rights

"To no one will we sell, to no one will we deny or delay right or justice"

To: Mr Abdul Aziz Kantari
Major General of the Republic Guard
The Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan

From: Dr Natalia Finarfin
The Xirniumite Federation for Human Rights

May I first thank you, General Kantari, for your timely response to my initial message. The two attached documents which you have sent to me are most appreciated and, indeed, most interesting. They will prove invaluable to our ongoing research and for determining the full extent of the international cover-up which is only now beginning to unravel. That then Defence Minister Valens was aware of the atrocities at the time that this document was dated was until now entirely unknown to me, and is most surprising. It will surely be a matter to be raised with the President when I meet with him.

I am still most interested in meeting with you personally to discuss the events surround in the human rights abuses which occurred during the Torontian occupation, and await a reply as to this request. Please send details as to a suitable time and venue at your earliest convenience.

[Signed]

Dr Natalia Finarfin, BA (Hons), MA (Hons), PhD, DLitt
The Xirniumite Federation for Human Rights

The Kahanistanian Major nodded. "We were talking about politics and the last President's disgracefully selling out the soul of the country for Amestrian aid," she said. "And about how he should be brought to trial." Her attitude might have given the appearance that she was indifferent to the Amestrians' crimes, but she was merely cynical about the political climate, and this had reinforced her cynicism.

The young woman lowered her voice. "My security clearance allows me access to almost all departments. Maybe I can help in your investigation?" She was sincere in her desire to see this blot on her country's reputation wiped out.

Meanwhile, in At-Tahrir, Kahanistan

General Kantari received a response to his letter much faster than he had anticipated. The bearded, stocky man kissed his wife and 13-year-old daughter goodbye. He had taken to this ever since he began opposing the Amestrian war crimes, fearing that each time he left home could be his last.

His wife drove their daughter to the Military Academy, where she was a student ending her first year. Kantari himself went later, as he had business to take care of in Najaster.

On the way, the General wrote back to the XFHR, using high-grade encryption.

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Kahanistan Republic Guard
Encryption Code Chi-7-Tau-9-Delta

I have several days of leave approaching, and I will likely be in Najaster for the next two days. There is a cheap five-star hotel at the corner of 43rd Street and 87th Avenue. I will be there.

Be as inconspicuous as possible. I will be staying in room 8314, disguised as a janitor. Amestrian Intelligence has a long reach.

Signed,
Maj. Gen. Abdul Aziz Kantari,
Kahanistan Republic Guard

"My security clearance allows me access to almost all departments. Maybe I can help in your investigation?"
‘Certainly,’ replied Beatrice, though she couldn’t help but feel suspicious about the motives of the Major. ‘You can help by allowing us unfettered access to those archives, but right now we would rather meet with the President and Justice Minister.’

****

As she finally arrived at the corner of 43rd and 87th Avenue, Dr Finarfin rechecked the address that she had neatly scribbled on a scrap of paper, verifying her location. The place certainly looked the part. After briefly checking for traffic, the Xirniumite historian quickly darted across the busy street (taking care not to stumble in her high heels) and entered the building through the hotel’s large glass doors.

The university academic (a fairly pretty lady aged in her late thirties, of medium height and with curly auburn hair) wore an expertly-tailored, haute coulture white suit, whose skirt’s hem came to just above the knee, a cotton blouse and a silk twill scarf. Like most Xirniumite women, Dr Finarfin also chose to wear stiletto shoes. Having read in General Kantari’s email that she should “be as inconspicuous as possible,” Natalia had decided to don dark sunglasses and a brimmed hat, despite the fact that she personally considered the Kahanistanian’s fears to be ridiculous. That Kantari was apparently disguised as a janitor struck Dr Finarfin as being obsessively paranoid, if not completely absurd. Even so, Natalia could not help but feel excited about meeting the Kahanistanian commander, and she allowed herself to fantasise that she was some kind of spy or secret agent.

The journey to 43rd and 87th had been terrible (Kahanistan's crowded and poorly-funded trains were quite a shock to someone who was used to the efficient, clean and highly-advanced public transport system of the Eternal Republic) and Natalia therefore decided that she should relax with a glass of red wine at the hotel’s bar before going up to see General Kantari. Having finished her drink (the Xirniumite had certainly had better), Dr Finarfin finally took an elevator to one of the dizzyingly lofty floors of the building, found room 8314 and rapped loudly on the door’s wooden surface.

A bearded Arab man in janitor's clothes answered the door and nodded. He was in his late forties, about 5'7", and a little jittery. Unknown to the Xirniumite woman, the general had body armor on under his clothing, and a 9mm M9 Beretta in a holster under his trousers. Almost all Kahanistanian officers involved in the trade of information were paranoid, it had saved many lives when their contacts turned out to be assassins.

Well above the ground on the 83rd floor, the man had obsessively scoured the room for bugs, in case the Amestrians had gotten ahold of his plans and bugged him. After ten hours of methodical searching, nothing was found.

The Kahanistanian general cautiously allowed the Xirniumite access to his quarters...

‘Good afternoon, General Kantari. My name is Natalia Finarfin, I’m from the Xirniumite Federation for Human Rights. We exchanged emails earlier. I trust that I find you well?’ asked the historian with a friendly smile, confidently holding out her right hand for Abdul Aziz to shake. Dr Finarfin wrinkled her nose a little at the Kahanistanian commander’s bizarre appearance (the only additional item that Kantari required to complete the illusion of being a janitor was a bucket and a mop), but refrained from making any comments.

‘I hoped that we might chat for a while about your time with the Torontian Military Assistance Command - particularly your role in regards to atrocities that Kahanistaian occupational troops were engaged in,’ explained Natalia, looking around the hotel room uncertainly for a likely place to sit.

Kantari pulled up two chairs next to a table. "Well... I received a copy of an Amestrian order to kill all prisoners. At the time, Kahanistan had captured several dozen individuals, and I had given orders that the prisoners were not to be harmed, that they were to be disinfected. I left the prison camp under the command of one Captain Joseph Danzig of the Imperial Marines. He turned out to be insane, when I returned to the camp I learned that all 76 prisoners and eight Republic Guards had been killed. He had gone berserk and killed the entire prison population."

Kantari pulled out an audiotape. "I interviewed (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10086885&postcount=265) a survivor of the Republic Guards before I was reassigned to Kraven." He handed the audiotape to Finarfin. "As for Danzig, I later learned he was killed by the Amestrians. I don't know how many Kahanistanian soldiers participated in other atrocities, I was assigned to Kraven within days."

"I had contacted President al-Za'if after the massacre, I hoped he would do the right thing and stop our involvement. I have very little knowledge of what went on there while I was in Kraven."

Dr Finarfin sat in the chair that Kantari had offered her, crossing her legs at the knee as she removed a notepad and pen from her jacket’s pocket. Although she was tape-recording the meeting, the Xirniumite academic preferred to jot down notes as she researched in order to organise her threads of thought and help her form relevant questions for enquiry.

I left the prison camp under the command of one Captain Joseph Danzig of the Imperial Marines. He turned out to be insane, when I returned to the camp I learned that all 76 prisoners and eight Republic Guards had been killed. He had gone berserk and killed the entire prison population."
‘That’s horrible,’ exclaimed Natalia, frowning as she listened to the General’s terrible story. For someone who was already alarmed at the veritably blasé manner in which the Kahanistanian Government had chosen to deal with the very serious allegation of atrocities committed by their Armed Forces, the revelation that the Imperial Marines contained homicidal psychopaths was hardly a reassuring one. ‘I can only assume that some manner of investigation was held into this… incident, or where you reassigned before anything happened?’ asked Dr Finarfin.

‘Could you tell me about the precise mechanism by which the criminal order to execute captured prisoners was relayed to the soldiers who carried out the liquidations? I understand that there are strict codes of conduct in the Kahanistanian military which are designed to prevent just such abuses from occurring (not to mention a vast slew of domestic and international laws), so how where these circumvented? Apart from Captain Danzig, which other officers organised the exterminations? Who gave the orders, and who carried them out?’

"I was reassigned before I could complete my investigation," said Kantari. "But I know that it went up to General Kalazanov, the head of the Military Assistance Command, Torontia, and possibly higher, the President was in on it, after I told him, anyway. I was in Kraven for most of the time that the killings were going on, this is mostly stuff I learned since I got out. Kalazanov gave copies of the order to Imperial Marine combat commanders and officers who ordered the executions. Republic Guards were generally viewed as too unreliable for it."

"About the same time as the Amestrians left Torontia, General Kalazanov was sent back to Kahanistan and put on trial. The trial's still going on while the Ministry of Justice tries to get evidence, but he destroyed most of the evidence. After he was removed, Brigadier General Rachel Levitt took over as commander. She's a little nuts, but she wouldn't tolerate that kind of conduct in her command. Most of my information about what happened when I was in Kraven came from her."

‘Can you give me a list of the names of the officers who Kalazanov personally ordered to comply with the Amestrian order?’ asked Dr Finarfin. ‘Witness testimony could help link the General directly to the warcrimes which occurred. All we need to do is establish a clear chain which runs from Kalazanov to the people who actually carried out the liquidations.’

Natalia narrowed her alluring violet eyes as she carefully regarded Abdul Aziz, selecting her following words very carefully. ‘What was your own response upon learning of the atrocities? Did you confront General Kalazanov with the illegality of what was happening? Did you countermand the performing of the criminal command within your area of jurisdiction? Did you lodge official objections with your superior officers?’

The Xirniumite academic was acutely aware that Kantari’s response to her questions would determine his own personal guilt or innocence in the Torontian tragedy.

"I lodged a complaint with the President, and confronted Kalazanov with the fact that this was a war crime. He said that it was necessary to save our relations with Amestria, that the Amestrians were going to rebuild Kahanistan after the Freekish invasion, and give us new weapons, technology, a whole new military machine. I was unable to procure much information, I said before, I was reassigned before I could obtain the necessary evidence. The orders were given to Imperial Marine commanders for the most part, as I said, the Republic Guards were not usually considered reliable for performing the atrocities. I knew because I was a general, and considered more reliable, but I also knew this was wrong and worked against it."

"I ordered those under my command that they were never to obey criminal orders, and in fact, at least one man formerly under my command, who was assigned to burying the bodies, became suspicious of the story that the bodies were those of those who had been shot trying to breach the quarantine. A Lieutenant Grant Foster, if I remember his name. I gave him a copy of the Amestrian order, and told him that he was never to obey that order, that it was criminal. The very next day, I was on a ship bound for Kraven. The Ministry of Justice probably has more evidence than I do, I know that General Levitt got the order from Kalazanov himself."

Kantari took a drink of water, his religion prohibiting him from drinking alcohol. "To understand what I'm going to tell you, you'll have to understand General Levitt. She is very controversial, she has next to no credibility in the higher echelons of the Central Command, outside of a few close allies. She knew that if she went public, she would be seen as unstable and she would be the next one on a ship bound for Kraven. She 'failed' to pass the order down to her troops, but she couldn't get any other information from other members of the general staff in Torontia."

"I was in Kraven, the other generals would have been suspicious of her if she went to try to get information, so she bided her time, and when Foster defected, and Kalazanov was arrested, she made a power grab, and stopped the executions, and by then there was a lot of anti-Amestrian sentiment in Kahanistan, and if Shaitan himself had said there were Amestrian war crimes, he would have been believed. Levitt was the only one among the General Staff in Torontia to admit that there were atrocities, and al-Za'if was trying to save his reputation for the elections, so he appointed her as commander."

No new revelation concerning Kahanistan could particularly surprise Natalia anymore, not even the disturbing fact that General Kantari had failed to inform any of his immediate military superiors as to the criminal policy of extermination which occurred in Torontia. Dr Finarfin had resigned herself to the depressing conclusion that the Kahanistanian government really was made up of individuals who were either grossly incompetent or deliberately trying to cover up the atrocities it had committed. On the whole, it was a fairly disheartening assessment.

‘Well… at least you told the President, I suppose that’s something,’ explained Natalia, unable to suppress a slight sigh of frustration. ‘I don’t suppose you thought of actually making copies of this complaint, or preserving some type of evidence that you ever lodged it, hmm?’ asked the Xirniumite lady, though she wasn’t overly confident of getting an answer in the affirmative. ‘I’d also like a list of the individuals whom you explicitly ordered not to follow the liquidation order, in order to confirm your story.’

Natalia was a little disappointed at the fact that Abdul Aziz only had water to offer her, but decided that it was, after all, marginally better than nothing. Dr Finarfin poured herself a glass and took the smallest of sips before continuing.

‘As for General Levitt, if she also received the order from Kalazanov, and she is willing to testify as to that fact, then we can begin to build an even more convincing case. If we could only get others to come forward as well, then a finding of General Kalazanov’s guilt at the military tribunal will be assured.’

Kantari frowned. "The only superior I had in Torontia was General Kalazanov, it's not like there were a lot of two and three star generals there. I am a general, after all. As for me preserving records of complaints, by Kahanistanian law, all complaints are a matter of public record, and I sincerely expected the President to publicly condemn Amestria. I was shocked when I was told to delay coming forward until the President talked to the Amestrians."

"As for the people I ordered not to commit war crimes, anyone who was my immediate subordinate would fall into that category. A copy of the official chain of command in the Military Assistance Command, Torontia, should be in the MAC-T's archives, or the Defense Ministry's archive. At my rank, there were several dozen people who reported directly to me."

---

In the archives

Fulton smiled. "I'll arrange for you to be given provisional clearances, and we can visit the Military Intelligence archives as soon as you are ready here. Really, I'm only here to make sure the records are where they were when you came in, that nothing got misplaced. Feel free to photocopy whatever you like. Of course, I'll want to look everything over first. Can't be too careful, these days." Her smile belied the fact that, while she was helping the investigation, she was still a security officer.

The woman nodded her head in the direction of a high-grade photocopier next to the wall. She had no objections to seeing the war crimes exposed, but if spies posing as XFHR workers sent copies of Kahanistanian domestic security files or proposed weapon designs to the Doomies on her watch, it would be the end of her career, and probably her freedom. While she trusted the Xirniumites, spies generally gained their enemies' trust... The major would supervise them, but allow them access to any and all files on war atrocities that survived.

Fulton smiled. "I'll arrange for you to be given provisional clearances, and we can visit the Military Intelligence archives as soon as you are ready here. Really, I'm only here to make sure the records are where they were when you came in, that nothing got misplaced. Feel free to photocopy whatever you like. Of course, I'll want to look everything over first. Can't be too careful, these days."
‘Are you, perhaps, a little hard of hearing, Major, or is it instead that you are intentionally trying your very best to act daft?’ asked Ms Esgalduin unkindly. ‘We have asked you, three times now, to see the Kahanistanian President - and yet you continue to stand here and avoid our request, talking to us about photocopiers of all things!’

‘Beatrice!’ hissed Dr Finarfin, decidedly unimpressed with her nasty attitude. This was not the time to allow one’s temper to run unchecked. ‘I’m sorry, Major Fulton. My colleague is, quite understandably, a little weary from having worked very hard for the greater part of the day - she certainly didn’t mean any unkindness.

But we certainly would appreciate it if you could arrange for the meeting that we have requested,’ added Natalia with a polite smile.

****
"As for the people I ordered not to commit war crimes, anyone who was my immediate subordinate would fall into that category. A copy of the official chain of command in the Military Assistance Command, Torontia, should be in the MAC-T's archives, or the Defense Ministry's archive. At my rank, there were several dozen people who reported directly to me."
‘Okay…’ began Dr Finarfin with a rather tired sigh, mulling thoughtfully over what the Kahanistanian general had said to her. ‘Well, to start with, I’ll need to get these names of yours from the archive – and then speak with some of the people on the list. I might even need to go to Torontia, though I sincerely hope not.

Anyway, thank you very much, General Kantari, you’ve been most helpful. I will be in touch.’

The Xirniumite stood up and shook hands friendlily with the commander (leaving her half finished glass of water on the table), before quietly showing herself out of the room.

Natalia was rather surprised at almost feeling a sense of relief after finally having walked back onto the busy streets of Kahanistan. Something about Kantari had really gotten under the historian's skin. Perhaps it was the General's (in Dr Finarfin's opinion) almost criminal incompetence, or his sheer clueless naivety, but the academic left the encounter with a distinctly negative impression of Kantari.

It’s precisely because of idiotic fools like Kantari that atrocities, such as those which took place in Torontia, are allowed to occur in the first place, though Dr Finarfin sullenly.

Natalia decided that, if she could find even the slightest reason to bring Abdul Aziz Kantari to trial, she would be only too willing to do so.

Fulton's jaw clenched slightly, but she nodded. Her cell rang at the same time. "Fulton. Yes... What? An attack on the Fourhearts ball? Is the President OK? I know it's my job, but he told me he didn't need any security. That's a relief. By the way, there are some Xirniumites who wanted to see him, when should he be back? 1930 hours? OK... OK." She hung up and jotted information into her notepad.

"He'll be back at 1930 hours, I'll take you to him then," said the officer. "Now let's get those documents copied, and then we can go to Military Intelligence archives. We have enough time to get your clearances processed and maybe see if Intel has anything from the Amestrians about their atrocities."

---

General Kantari nodded glumly as the Xirniumite shook his hand and left. Hopefully the Xirniumites can get to the bottom of this... get the Amestrians to come clean. The general checked out and drove home. He would see General Kalazanov punished for his crimes no matter what.

"He'll be back at 1930 hours, I'll take you to him then," said the officer. "Now let's get those documents copied, and then we can go to Military Intelligence archives. We have enough time to get your clearances processed and maybe see if Intel has anything from the Amestrians about their atrocities."
The Xirniumites were rather surprised that Major Fulton had not chosen to elaborate on what exactly had transpired at the Fourhearts ball, though from the brevity of her telephone conversation it was obviously apparent that asking her any questions would do little to satiate their curiosity. Edward Windsor made a mental note to purchase a newspaper (preferably one of the excellent Xirniumite broadsheets, if he could find one) at the very next opportunity.

‘Oh, it’s quite alright, Major, I’ll stay behind and copy the relevant documents,’ explained Beatrice quickly, feeling a little guilty about her earlier unfriendly remarks to the Kahanistanian - and wishing to make up for them by volunteering to do something that would be helpful for the rest of the group.

‘Are you sure you’d rather not come to Military Intelligence, Beatrice?’ asked Mr Windsor, removing his spectacles and returning them to their leather case as he gathered up his files, preparing to leave.

‘Yes, quite sure. In any case, it’ll also allow me to finish up scouring the rest of the Presidential archives, we’re almost done here anyway,’ replied Ms Esgalduin. Removing her pocket watch, the Xirniumite academic briefly checked the time. ‘I make it almost ten, so I’ll see you all tomorrow. Good luck,’ Beatrice added with an encouraging smile.

‘Very well... if you think that’s best. Let’s go and check the Military Intelligence archives, then,’ said Edward to Major Fulton, sighing tiredly. ‘I understand that the records of the Torontian Military Assistance Command are now located there? We’ll need to see them all.’

****

Dr Finarfin arrived at the Kahanistanian Ministry of Defence later in the day, still wearing her dark sunglasses and brimmed hat. Standing rather uncertainly in the building’s main lobby, Natalia showed her papers to the lady at reception - asking politely to be led to the archives.

The Xirniumite was not confident of finding anything of use here, but thoroughness, at least, had always been one of the defining traits of the XFHR.

Presidential Palace, 1015 hours

The officer nodded, looking over the documents that were being copied, just in case. "OK, come with me." She led the Xirniumites to the Defense Ministry archives.

The archives were in the Ministry of Defense building across the street, fifteen minutes' walk. Before the Major led the Xirniumites out of the Presidential Palace, two other guards joined them. One was a wiry black man, about 5'6", the same height as Major Fulton, but more muscular. The other was a pudgy Latina. She was shorter than the other two officers by about four inches.

Fulton introduced the two officers to Windsor and Esgalduin. "First Lieutenant Moses Caldwell, Presidential Security," she indicated the male officer, "and Second Lieutenant Elisa Sanchez, Military Intelligence." Nodding to her underlings, she introduced the Xirniumites. "Mr. Edward Windsor, and Ms. Beatrice Esgalduin, Xirniumite Federation for Human Rights."

The group walked towards the Defense Ministry headquarters. Across from the building, they would spot a row of newspapers, Kahanistanian, Amestrian, Xirniumite, and from dozens of other nations. Caldwell looked down at Kahanistan National News. It had a surprising front page heading. "Hey, Mara, check this out."

Fulton had come to expect this kind of familiarity from him. He had addressed her by her first name almost since he came on the force. "What?" she asked lazily. The other security officer showed her the article. It had a photograph of a book cover titled Sur l'Amestrians et leur Lügen.

Caldwell explained. "They're translating On the Amestrians and their Lies (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/On_the_Amestrians_and_their_Lies) into Amestrian."

"I don't understand," said Sanchez. "I thought it was banned over there."

"It is. You want to make sure people read a book, the first thing you do is ban it," said Fulton knowingly. "When I was in elementary school, they banned A Clockwork Orange from the schools, the district superintendent was a real fundamentalist, old-timer. Of course, all the cool kids had copies of it, anyway."

"I don't think that's the reason..." Sanchez replied. "Banning books for minors is one thing... but this is banned throughout Amestria."

"General al-Ghazi (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Abdullah_Hassan_al-Ghazi) must be trying to win a youthful, rebellious Amestrian audience," said Fulton. The other officers nodded. "Of course, I don't think he expected the Amestrians to simply allow him to turn their youth against them."

"Far from it," said Caldwell. "If it's illegal, it'll fetch a higher price, which means more Gold Hobbes in al-Ghazi's and Samizdat Corporation's pockets."

The officers continued to banter about their theories regarding General al-Ghazi for a good fifteen minutes. Fulton seemed convinced that it was an ingenious political ploy. Caldwell thought that it was a financial move, with politics a secondary concern. Sanchez was convinced that the man was just peddling hate for no good reason. Unless they were interrupted, they would talk about al-Ghazi and his book until the cows came home.

---

Inside the Ministry of Defense, 1300 hours

The receptionist nodded and called a security officer to accompany Dr. Finarfin during her visit to the archives.

---

Najaster International Airport, 1900 hours

President Marcellus Valens landed at the airport. An armored vehicle drove him to the palace. He took half an hour to arrive in his office.

Military Intelligence Archives

The Xirniumites greeted the two new individuals politely, graciously shaking their hands before following them to the Ministry of Defence.

Edward Windsor ignored the conversation that the Kahanistanians were having, showing a distinct lack of interest about the fact that one of the many anti-Amestrian polemics which had been published recently was to be translated into yet another language. Of far greater importance, to Mr Windsor at least, was the news splashed across several of the Xirniumite newspapers that he could see in the stall, all of which mentioned the latest terrorist strike in the Fourhearts capital of Juliana. Paying over some money to the man at the newsstand, Edward bought The Xirniumite Daily Herald and quickly scanned the broadsheet’s front page article, discussing its implications quite animatedly with his colleague.

‘It’s quite fortunate that the Vicereine was completely unharmed,’ opined Beatrice, quite surprised by the events and taking the newspaper so that she could read the main article for herself.

‘Indeed,’ replied Edward. ‘Actually, I do believe that, quite amazingly, none of the foreign dignitaries were injured. The King of Fourhearts has apparently fallen ill, however. The newspapers are saying that it’s some kind of psychosomatic disorder, no doubt related to the stress of seeing his capital destroyed.’

‘Ahh.’

In the meantime, the Kahanistanian soldiers had continued to talk about al-Ghazi’s controversial book, quite oblivious to the conversation transpiring between Beatrice and Edmund.

‘It’s rather unfortunate that the Amestrian State chooses to censor the voices of people that they do not want to hear, who criticise their government’s excessive and overly powerful nature,’ explained Ms Esgalduin, interrupting the discussion. ‘I think that the sooner the world recognises their decidedly authoritarian nature, and shuns them for it, the better. On the Amestrians and their Lies was certainly no great work of research or literature by any stretch of the imagination, but it was opinion – and opinion should never be suppressed.’

‘Ms Esgalduin is a rather staunch critic of the détente policy which it seems the High Ecclesiarchy is beginning to pursue,’ elaborated Edward helpfully.


Department of Defence Archives

‘Okay...’ began Dr Finarfin, flashing the sweetest and most beguiling smile that she could muster to the Kahanistanian security guard. ‘Please take me directly to the section which holds the most sensitive documents first, I’ve not got too much time to spare and I’m in a bit of a hurry. Ohh, I’ve been given clearance to scour the archives directly from the President, so you needn't worry about that,’ Natalia added confidently, before the guard could voice any objections.

Inside the Ministry of Defense

The Kahanistanian soldier requested to see Dr. Finarfin's credentials. The Xirniumites had been granted secret-level clearances due to Major Fulton's intervention.

Outside the Military Intelligence HQ

The Major and her officers continued to talk about the merits of On the Amestrians and their Lies for a few more minutes, before she finally decided to attend to the business at hand. "We're here to reveal to the Xirniumites that our government took part in war crimes," she said. "We can talk in my office later, if that's all right."

She led them into the Military Intelligence complex. The group began to explore the archives...

The Kahanistanian soldier requested to see Dr. Finarfin's credentials. The Xirniumites had been granted secret-level clearances due to Major Fulton's intervention.
‘Yes, of course...’ replied Dr Finarfin, a slight edge of impatience in her voice, as she fumbled nervously for her credentials. ‘Here you are,’ announced Natalia as she handed the Kahanistanian her papers.

‘I do believe everything is in order,’ added the Xirniumite academic. Her identification documents had sufficed for the person at reception, so there was no foreseeable reason for why there might be a problem with them here. ‘Now… may we go?’

"These documents grant you a Secret-level clearance." Kahanistan used three levels of classification, Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret, in order of sensitivity. The Top Secret area was protected by a triple-layered thick steel door, four Republic Guards, and alarms wired up to the nearest military base.

"Stay here, I'll have to make sure it's OK." The Military Intelligence soldier called up his superior on the cell.

---

At the entrance, the group entered the Ministry of Defense complex. It housed the Military Intelligence archives as well as other files relating to the military. After a few hours, Lt. Sanchez's cell rang.

"Sanchez. Yes... Did you check her ID? I'm here, is she one of the XFHR representatives? Let her check the archives her clearance allows her, I'm here with two other Xirniumites, and two officers from Presidential Security. She's part of the same investigation we're conducting. Don't detain her any further, that's an order."

---

The sentry nodded. "OK, I'll let her go."

He put away his cell and nodded at Dr. Finarfin. "The lieutenant said it was OK, you were part of an investigation. Tell me, what information do you need? Oh, and she also said there are two other XFHR reps here. Hope you find what you're looking for."

He had been ordered not to detain her, but he still kept an eye on her. While he, like most of the soldiers and officers in the complex, wanted to see justice for the Torontians, if they were spies in disguise, he would be in a lot of trouble if CAD or AMF got a hold of sensitive military documents.

The State of Amestria,
Central City (Amestria City),
Amestrian Military Central Command,
Offices of the Amestrian Military Intelligence Division,
Office of MID Commander Full General Joliot Romand

All this silly controversy over a few secret executions.

Colonel General Alphonse Lannes slowly opened the door and quietly stepped into the Commanders office. The office was dim, only token amount of light being allowed through the blinds. Lannes often debated whether the Commander preferred the lack of illumination in his office for reasons of optical comfort or just to create atmosphere. The Commander was sitting at his desk.

“I hope I am not disturbing you Full General.”

“Come in; come in, your not disturbing anything important.”

Lannes approached the desk and saluted. “Commander!”

“At ease.”

Full General Joliot Romand was a hideously disfigured man, the left side of his face twisted upwards; massive scaring indicating that he had at one point in his life been severely burned. His real left eye had been replaced by a glass copy...a copy obviously larger and of a different color then his real (right) eye. The man’s face was completely hairless, most of it having been restructured, and what hair the General had on the top of his scalp had long gone silver. With his right hand he dipped cookies into his afternoon tea, while his left hand (the useless hand of a useless arm) hung at his side, ‘disguised’ by an overlong sleeve. In contrast to Romand’s brutalized appearance was his immaculately decorated uniform. The General always dressed in his full dress uniform, proudly displaying the dozens of medals he had earned over many years of service.

Behind him was an enormous oil portrait of late President Charles Liscel, which easily dwarfed the small obligatory picture of President Boon placed dismissively in the corner. To the side was a table containing two busts, one of Führer King Bradley, the other of President Liscel. On his desk was a rather interesting photograph. President Liscel was at the center, sitting down. To the Presidents left stood a much younger, and unrecognizably handsome, General Romand...the picture obviously having been taken before the bombing. To the Presidents right stood a 21 year old Kasumi Liscel, dressed in full military uniform, and a six year old Sara Liscel in an adorable little sun dress. The whole display was designed to leave visitors with no doubt as to where the Generals loyalties lay.

Lannes relaxed and presented Romand with manila folder. “Sir, here is the report you requested concerning the activities of the Xirniumite Human Rights Federation.

Ah yes, thought the General, that NGO currently being allowed to go through the Kahanistanian governments confidential Presidential and Military archives.

The General pulled the report from the folder and began to scan it. “I have said it before and I will say it again, the Kahanistanian military is led by idiots. Imagine, letting just about anyone go through their archives; they have no concept of State secrecy. If it had not been for the Kahanistanian governments chronic inability to keep its people in check this whole controversy over the BC suppression operation would never have arisen… That was our greatest mistake; letting outside powers into BC instead of keeping it completely closed off…we won’t make that mistake again.” Lannes nodded in agreement. Romand picked up a cookie and bit into it, reveling through the lipless slit that was his mouth two rows of solid gold teeth.

The General read through the report, which contained all the information he had requested. The XFHR was a well known worldwide human rights research and monitoring organization. In addition to being an activist organization designed to raise awareness or pressure governments to respond to abuses, it also conducted scholarly research. It had never been convincingly accused of having a political agenda beyond criticizing human rights abuses, and had even attacked the Xirniumite government on several occasions. It had been relatively easy to find information on the groups Kahanistanian activities due to the organizations commitment to openness and their courting of the press. There were several persons of interest, Edward Winsdor, a well known international law expert, and two notable academics, Natalia Finarfin and Beatrice Esgalduin. As was expected they had not found anything the General considered of importance.

“No cause to be concerned, the Kahanistanians have no significant or damaging documentation that proves the allegations against us. Those fools in the Kahanistanian government will only end up hurting themselves...”

Romand paused. “Tell me, we have President Valen’s signature from when he was Defense Minister, do we not?”

“Yes Full General and our forgers have studied it to the point that they are able to create fake copies identical to the original even under computer analysis.”

“That will serve our purposes quite well…”

Oblivious to the evil conspiracy being plotted against the President, the Kahanistanian officers went to a computer terminal, leaving the sentry to monitor the Xirniumites.

"Well," said Lt. Sanchez, "we should go ahead and try to see what we can get on the Amestrians."

Major Fulton pulled a floppy disk out of her pocket. It was labeled Back Orifice 2000. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_Orifice_2000) She also had a list of names of Amestrian soldiers, officers, and MP's. These people, the Major reasoned, would have information about the atrocities, and some would possibly be stupid enough to leave it on their computers, trusting the isolation of the Amestrian military and intelligence networks to protect them.

Lt. Caldwell looked at the disk in his commander's hand. "Oh, I see. You're going to upload gay porn onto Gran's computer and hope he gets caught with it, aren't you?"

"No, Back Orifice isn't gay porn. It's a way of entering computer networks through the back door," replied Fulton coldly.

Sanchez took the disk. "Major, I don't think the Amestrians are running an operating system nearly as bug-ridden and insecure as Microsoft Windows. Back Orifice won't work."

Fulton nodded. "What do you have?" she asked. She knew that the computer expert would have something good, she had after all requested someone with computer expertise in case it came down to this.

"Behold, my hacking skills." Being an intelligence officer, Sanchez knew that the Amestrians would probably be able to trace an intruder they detected. "I'll hack my own computer from here, and it will look like my laptop was used to make the attempt. Then, I'll piggy-back it off of a Kahanistanian weather satellite, and try to access an Amestrian communications satellite."

Fulton looked skeptical. "Won't they suspect you?"

"No," said Sanchez, "because they won't think in a million years an intelligence officer would use her own computer, they'll assume it was a zombie computer. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zombie_computer)"

Fulton and Caldwell nodded. Sanchez spoke.

"Major, I'll need to disguise my IP address, to make it look like the weather satellite is part of the Amestrian military network. What should we access first?"

"Biological weapons," the commander replied. "Amestrian policy on enemies using biological weapons, and files relating to biological engagements." This was the alleged motive of the Amestrian war crimes. Fulton read off an IP address, and Sanchez entered it. The Kahanistanian weather satellite would now hopefully appear to be an Amestrian computer, attempting to access a military communications satellite.

"Major, I'll need to disguise my IP address, to make it look like the weather satellite is part of the Amestrian military network. What should we access first?"

"Biological weapons," the commander replied. "Amestrian policy on enemies using biological weapons, and files relating to biological engagements." This was the alleged motive of the Amestrian war crimes. Fulton read off an IP address, and Sanchez entered it. The Kahanistanian weather satellite would now hopefully appear to be an Amestrian computer, attempting to access a military communications satellite.

Two words flashed across Sanchez's screen.

Access...Denied

The Amestrian Military satellite apparently did not recognize the Kahanistanian weather satellite as a compatible computer.

"Crud," said Fulton. "Let me try." She sat down. "Maybe the weather satellite's hardware is incompatible with Amestrian satellites..."

Fulton was no computer expert, not on the level that Sanchez was. This was not to say that the security officer had no skills, however. She was, in fact, fairly experienced, but her education was in communication, not computing.

She decided that satellites were not the key. She decided to use a proxy server to hide her IP address. Military Intelligence had a list of IP addresses it suspected to be critical Amestrian IP's, now it was just a matter of wardialing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wardialing) passwords to whatever usernames she'd found. Her equipment might have been cruder than the intel officer's, but she felt it would be effective enough.

The major nodded to Sanchez. "As soon as I'm in, I want those printers up and running, and I want an instant satellite uplink. I want to get as much of this stuff out as I can before the Amestrians cut me off."

Sanchez turned on the printer, and connected the computer to two Kahanistanian communications satellites. This woman seems pretty confident that she can even access the network.

The major nodded to Sanchez. "As soon as I'm in, I want those printers up and running, and I want an instant satellite uplink. I want to get as much of this stuff out as I can before the Amestrians cut me off."

Sanchez turned on the printer, and connected the computer to two Kahanistanian communications satellites. This woman seems pretty confident that she can even access the network.

Unable to Establish Connection

There was an explanation. Apparently, the network she was trying to access did not exist as far as her computer was concerned.

"Dammit." The major frowned. "The computer doesn't recognize the network."

"Looks like you couldn't get in either, Little Miss Cocky," said Lt. Sanchez.

Fulton nodded grimly. "I'm not letting them get away that easily... The Parliamentary Intelligence Committee should have something..."

The two officers looked at each other. The Amestrian network wouldn't recognize the Kahanistanian satellite as a working computer. The Kahanistanian Intelligence computer thought the Amestrian military network didn't exist.

They put their heads together, from a distance it looked like ordinary girl talk. It was more serious than that, though. Finally, the officers had an idea.

"We'll rig this thing up so it broadcasts an Amestrian government IP to the network. The Parliamentary Intelligence Committee's network will think this is an Amestrian government computer, and allow us access. Then, we bypass the firewall, it'll take a few tries, but it'll get through eventually. Else..." Sanchez started, not knowing how to finish.

Fulton got to work. There's no "else." I'm going to submit a list of names to the Ministry of Justice for indictment. They can't be allowed to kill people with impunity. She was angry, but still calm. There was an important task at hand that needed her attention.

"There must be justice," she said softly.

-Lone Alliance Council-
????:What's an update on the Torontia issue.
????:More investigation on the Amestrian War Crimes.
????:Still? People need to get over it already.
????:Xirium is determined to try and 'get' Amestria.
????:They're hyprocrites, they seem to have forgotten their own Governments past crimes. If this foolishness keeps up, we might have to intervene again.
????: Yes Sir.

"We'll rig this thing up so it broadcasts an Amestrian government IP to the network. The Parliamentary Intelligence Committee's network will think this is an Amestrian government computer, and allow us access. Then, we bypass the firewall, it'll take a few tries, but it'll get through eventually.

Unable to Establish Connection

Her computer was unable to find the Parliamentary Intelligence Committee's network.

After the tenth try, Lt. Sanchez gave up, frustrated. Major Fulton worked on it for a few minutes, too, but her computer skills were significantly inferior to Sanchez's.

Finally, she gave up, too. "We won't be able to get through. Lieutenant Caldwell, go down and check on the Xirniumites. Maybe one of them can do it. And tell them that they can access the Top Secret files if each of them is accompanied by at least three guards." She nodded to Lt. Sanchez.

"Thank you, we wouldn't have even known where to begin without you."

"But, we couldn't do anything," said Sanchez.

"If you hadn't been here, I would have spent hours on Back Orifice, e-mailing Trojan Horses to various Amestrian officials... Trojans they probably wouldn't have even been able to open, and I'd never have known they couldn't. At least now we know some of their defenses."

"I guess so..." She seemed unconvinced.

---

Meanwhile, Lt. Caldwell joined the Xirniumites, who, unless they knew the facility better than the security did, had found nothing of importance.

"The Major said to see if any of you guys know anything about computer security," said the officer. "She and the other lady weren't able to get into the Amestrian networks. Oh, and she said to tell you that I can let you into the area where the Top Secret files are stored, but under heavier guard."

---

Outside the MoD complex

A throng of news reporters from several nations had congregated outside while the team was searching for evidence. Major Fulton had stepped out to get some fresh air and clear her head after her efforts to learn of Amestrian war crimes.

A man in his mid-30's with short brown hair and a mustache approached her with a microphone. He was about 5'11" and 180 pounds. Behind him, there were several people with video cameras. "Rick Holmes, Kahanistan National News. Major Fulton, what did you and your colleagues discover relating to Amestrian war crimes?"

"Nothing," said the woman dejectedly. She had clearly hoped to find something incriminating on them.

The reporter continued to question her. "Does this convince you of the Amestrian claim that there were no war crimes in Torontia?"

"No," she replied. "It does nothing to explain what happened to the persons captured during the TPLA biological weapons attack. Are we to believe that every single one of them died of the flu, despite the efforts of Amestrian medical personnel? And how do they explain the actions of Grant Foster in defecting with information of war crimes?"

"Major, why do you concentrate so much on Amestrian war crimes? Doomingsland, MassPwnage, and Automagfreek commit far worse crimes, what is the basis of your vendetta against Amestria?"

Fulton frowned. Vendetta? "I have no vendetta against Amestria," she said. "Everyone knows those countries commit war crimes, they are criminal regimes and no one expects any better of them. But the Amestrian leadership has a good reputation in the international community, they have a reputation as a liberal democracy. Liberal nations do not commit war crimes, and in the event that officers do commit them, they are punished as what is happening in Kahanistan with the trial of General Kalazanov."

"You say you have no vendetta against Amestria, and you didn't answer my question, why Amestria?" asked Holmes.

"Because Amestria committed war crimes, and covered them up. We have enough NGO's calling for Dreadfire's head, or Li's, or Helldawg's, but who will call out General Gran or Colonel Kimblee? Where is the call for them to be brought to justice?"

"Major, those nations have killed millions of people, in AMF's case, billions. The Amestrians are only accused of killing five to ten thousand."

"The point is that a nation is allowed to commit war crimes and nobody but us and the XFHR seems to care," said the officer coldly, growing more impatient by the minute, but still containing herself well.

The reporter shook the officer's hand, and nodded to the cameras. "Rick Holmes, Kahanistan National News."

(OOC: If you want to RP a news rep, feel free to have them ask whatever questions they like. Kahanistanian officers generally have little or no objection to speaking to the press.)

A middle aged man stepped forward, clearly Amestrian. He held a pen and notepad in his hands.

“Major Fulton, I am Albert Claretie of the Le Figaro.”

There was a great deal of hostility in his voice.

“How do you respond to critics who claim that Kahanistan by obsessing over the alleged Torontian killings is attempting to draw attention away from its own problems, such as a stagnating economy, a crumbling infrastructure, an incompetent military leadership that has led Kahanistan to defeat after defeat, and an increasingly violent society…? How do you respond to those who claim that Kahanistan is a failing society, unable or unwilling to solve its own problems and devoted to an increasingly militant and unsuccessful jingoism? I ask you Major, has Kahanistan in anyway benefited from this idealistic attitude of humanitarian interventionism? How can hundreds of millions die here and yet you cry over a few alleged atrocities that occurred far overseas in a war zone, as if they have real significance in proportion to the death toll caused by the utter failure of your nations social model?"

"Your country killed thousands of Amestrian citizens…not soldiers in war Major, tourists, guests… torn apart by mobs in front of television cameras, women raped… And at present not one person has been prosecuted for taking part in the violence nor has any compensation been paid to the families of those who died! The Kahanistanian government in fact has given into the violence, pardoning two terrorists who murdered their fellow soldiers in Torontia. The Amestrian State on the other hand has protected Kahanistanian citizens from violence and quickly compensating those it has failed. What do you say to those Major Fulton who claim that your country does not want to face up to its own barbarism and that this fanaticism concerning human rights is just a means to prevent collective self examination?

Fulton sighed. I come out for some fresh air, and I'm being hounded by the media. She hated being badgered by the media, and she hated having her country insulted by the more extreme elements in the media, especially when she was representing her country. She especially did not feel like dealing with this hostile Amestrian, but she was being filmed in front of billions of people.

She would answer his questions. She smiled politely at the Amestrian, though she did not like the idea of being the one defending her nation's policies to him. She was a military officer, not a politician.

“How do you respond to critics who claim that Kahanistan, by obsessing over the alleged Torontian killings, is attempting to draw attention away from its own problems, such as a stagnating economy, a crumbling infrastructure, an incompetent military leadership that has led Kahanistan to defeat after defeat, and an increasingly violent society…?"

"We are working on these problems, we have no desire to bury our heads in the sand over them. In fact, a President who promised less intervention, and improvements to the military's armaments, ways of warfare, and a more diplomatic method of intervention was elected specifically to solve these problems. We merely want justice for the Torontian POW's."

"How do you respond to those who claim that Kahanistan is a failing society, unable or unwilling to solve its own problems and devoted to an increasingly militant and unsuccessful jingoism? I ask you Major, has Kahanistan in anyway benefitted from this idealistic attitude of humanitarian interventionism? How can hundreds of millions die here and yet you cry over a few alleged atrocities that occurred far overseas in a war zone, as if they have real significance in proportion to the death toll caused by the utter failure of your nation's social model?"

"If you're referring to our law enforcement, they've lobbied for and received substantially more funding than they had under al-Za'if's administration. If you're talking about our socialist structure, it's flawed, but it's not responsible for a lot of deaths. As for our humanitarian interventionism, we don't seek to benefit. I may as well ask how Amestria benefitted when they gave us several hundred billion Gold Hobbes in humanitarian aid."

"Our nation's social model has nothing to do with our losses to AMF, but I see your point. If we do not make a stand and say that war crimes will not be tolerated, our troops will continue to commit them, and we will become a global pariah. The reputation of our nation, of our military, has been marred by these crimes."

"Your country killed thousands of Amestrian citizens… not soldiers in war, Major, tourists, guests… torn apart by mobs in front of television cameras, women raped… And at present, not one person has been prosecuted for taking part in the violence, nor has any compensation been paid to the families of those who died!"

"Our law and order systems then were pathetically underfunded, ill-trained, and poorly motivated. We are still working to get our police organized, gather information, and identify offenders, let alone prosecute them, and the man who incited the rioters against the Amestrians has fled. We don't have the foggiest idea where he is."

"The Kahanistanian government, in fact, has given into the violence, pardoning two terrorists who murdered their fellow soldiers in Torontia. The Amestrian State, on the other hand, has protected Kahanistanian citizens from violence and quickly compensated those it has failed."

"Captain Foster and Lieutenant Holland are not terrorists. They did only what they were required under international law to do, do everything in their power to prevent war crimes from taking place. I only hope I'd have the courage to do the same thing, if I were in their position. They were pardoned because the government was forced to admit that it had committed war crimes, and killing the messenger wouldn't change that."

"What do you say to those, Major Fulton, who claim that your country does not want to face up to its own barbarism and that this fanaticism concerning human rights is just a means to prevent collective self-examination?"

"We have been involved in the struggle for human rights long before Torontia, since the invasion of Xirnium. This has been a part of our national ideology for decades, it's nothing new. We believe that the rules of war should be obeyed, and those who break those laws should be punished."

"If we do not make a stand and say that war crimes will not be tolerated, our troops will continue to commit them, and we will become a global pariah. The reputation of our nation, or our military, has been marred by these crimes. Our law and order systems then were pathetically under funded, ill-trained, and poorly motivated. We are still working to get our police organized, gather information, and identify offenders, let alone prosecute them…"

"Your State has done nothing to compensate the victims of the riots, to compensate the families of those who died, or bring those who were involved in the violence to justice. Your government excuses people from murder charges under mob pressure and your courts are circuses where one can get off by flashing a little cleavage... I would say those facts mar your nation’s reputation Major...as does the fact that your fellow citizens choose to protest the alleged atrocities by killing and raping thousands of people... I have not seen one Kahanistanian official express legitimate regret for what occurred, it has all been excused as beyond their control or the fault of a broken constabulary. In one day members of your nations citizenry killed more Amestrians then died in the BC suppression campaign. Perhaps your government, instead of focusing on a few alleged war crimes, should throw its resources and manpower behind bringing to justice those people who participated in the pogrom."

"…and the man who incited the rioters against the Amestrians has fled. We don't have the foggiest idea where he is."

"Only because your government refused to arrest him... Speaking of Al-Ghazi do you agree with his allegations of cannibalism by AOA forces and his white washing of the New Order...such as his claims that during the Tanakis regime Torontia was a wonderful place, a happy place that had flowery meadows, and rainbow skies, and rivers made of chocolate where the children danced and laughed and played with gumdrop smiles?”

"Captain Foster and Lieutenant Holland are not terrorists.

"They killed peacekeepers in BC."

"They did only what they were required under international law to do, do everything in their power to prevent war crimes from taking place. I only hope I'd have the courage to do the same thing, if I were in their position. They were pardoned because the government was forced to admit that it had committed war crimes, and killing the messenger wouldn't change that."

"I will remind you Major only 307 bodies have surfaced in Torontia...out of an almost year long conflict that killed over 45,000 out of a regional population of 20 million...and of course Amestria's occupation had been preceded by an outbreak of anarchy, two decades of dictatorship, and a civil war. As you yourself stated earlier no evidence of such crimes having been ordered or sanctioned by the AOA has been found in either Kahanistan or Amestria...perhaps your nation’s military leadership committed crimes in Torontia Major but there is no evidence of criminal conduct by the AOA."

"We have been involved in the struggle for human rights long before Torontia, since the invasion of Xirnium."

"An invasion which accomplished nothing, killed many innocent people, and was defeated."

The Amestrian had wiped the pretty smile from the Kahanistanian officer's face.

"Your State has done nothing to compensate the victims of the riots, to compensate the families of those who died, or bring those who were involved in the violence to justice."

"We barely have enough funds to keep us out of the Third World after the wars we've been in, even after slashing defense spending by nearly half since the CAD war. Compensation is one of numerous issues on the Supreme Soviet's agenda, but many of them don't hold themselves responsible for the acts of a... large, angry mob, and issues vital to our own survival are on the table, like how to deal with the Kraven threat."

A class-action lawsuit had been filed against General al-Ghazi by several thousand citizens who had been injured, suffered property damage, or lost family to the riots, but al-Ghazi wasn't rich, as his publisher took much of the profits from sales of On the Amestrians and their Lies, and he had been unable to cash the checks from them for what he did make.

"Your government excuses people from murder charges under mob pressure and your courts are circuses where one can get off by flashing a little cleavage..."

"I wouldn't know..." she said. She was quite slim, at 5'6" and 110 pounds, and rather flat chested.

"I would say those facts mar your nation’s reputation Major...as does the fact that your fellow citizens choose to protest the alleged atrocities by killing and raping thousands of people... I have not seen one Kahanistanian official express legitimate regret for what occurred, it has all been excused as beyond their control or the fault of a broken constabulary."

Fulton did not know what to say. She would have expressed regret, but she had a feeling that the Amestrian wanted someone a little more senior than the young woman in front of him. She might have even liked to express sympathy for the victims, but she would have looked insincere, like a media whore. She sighed and racked her brain for a response, but could not think of one.

"In one day members of your nations citizenry killed more Amestrians then died in the BC suppression campaign. Perhaps your government, instead of focusing on a few alleged war crimes, should throw its resources and manpower behind bringing to justice those people who participated in the pogrom."

"Our law enforcement does, but hundreds of thousands, if not millions, were involved. Our human rights organizations, and the Defense Ministry, however, would like to see those crimes brought to justice."

"Only because your government refused to arrest him... Speaking of Al-Ghazi do you agree with his allegations of cannibalism by AOA forces and his white washing of the New Order...such as his claims that during the Tanakis regime Torontia was a wonderful place, a happy place that had flowery meadows, and rainbow skies, and rivers made of chocolate where the children danced and laughed and played with gumdrop smiles?”

Fulton had read On the Amestrians and their Lies, but only because she was pursuing a master's degree in political science and it was required reading. (She had a far-right leaning professor.) She was feeling vaguely insulted that Claretie would try to put her in with al-Ghazi, and a note of irritation showed in her voice, despite her attempt to suppress it.

"No, I don't believe that cannibalism was common among AOA forces, and I watched the news broadcasts of Margaret Delray condemning the Tanakis regime's repression of homosexuals, communists, et cetera. Tanakis is a human rights violator, a fundamentalist religious fanatic, and guilty of crimes against humanity."

"I will remind you, Major, only 307 bodies have surfaced in Torontia...out of an almost year long conflict that killed over 45,000 out of a regional population of 20 million...and of course Amestria's occupation had been preceded by an outbreak of anarchy, two decades of dictatorship, and a civil war. As you yourself stated earlier, no evidence of such crimes having been ordered or sanctioned by the AOA has been found in either Kahanistan or Amestria...perhaps your nation’s military leadership committed crimes in Torontia, Major, but there is no evidence of criminal conduct by the AOA."

"Unlike Kahanistan, Amestria does not allow human rights monitors into its archives. We are still combing through records in the Defense Ministry," she nodded to the building behind her, "but they were probably destroyed by President al-Za'if." She was not going to admit on national television that she had tried to hack the Amestrian military archives.

"Unlike Kahanistan, Amestria does not allow human rights monitors into its archives.

"The Amestrian State has however allowed human rights monitors to go through the files of the AOA..."

Claretie jotted down a series of notes. He then continued with his questioning.

We are still combing through records in the Defense Ministry," she nodded to the building behind her, "but they were probably destroyed by President al-Za'if." She was not going to admit on national television that she had tried to hack the Amestrian military archives.

"Concerning the Kahanistanian government’s archives, who is in charge of its management and which officials have authority over its contents?"

Why ask me this on national television? Who do they think I am, a receptionist? "For the Presidential archives, the secretary to the President manages the archives. I am personally responsible for the security of their contents," the major replied. "For the Defense Ministry's archives, the Deputy Defense Minister manages the archives, and appoints a security director to make regulations to protect the contents."

"Allowing human rights monitors to leaf through the AOA's records is fine, but what if the orders came from Central? Has anyone been allowed to look at the records in Central?" She thought she had the Amestrians, despite them being able to stump her earlier on the question of response to the riots.

The reporter ignored the Major's question and continued with his own inquiry.

"For the Presidential archives, the secretary to the President manages the archives. I am personally responsible for the security of their contents," the major replied. "For the Defense Ministry's archives, the Deputy Defense Minister manages the archives, and appoints a security director to make regulations to protect the contents."

"Until a short time ago was not the Deputy Defense Minister General al-Ghazi and was al-Ghazi not subordinate to General Valens, the then Defense Minister…?"

"General al-Ghazi was removed from his post as Deputy Defense Minister and replaced by General Nora Kasagawa at roughly the same time General Valens became Defense Minister. Between the disappearance in battle of the previous Defense Minister, Abdul-Rahman bin Muhammad, during the AMF invasion, and the appointment of the new Defense Minister, General al-Ghazi was the acting Minister of Defense, though he was officially only the Deputy Defense Minister."

The major felt that she should choose her words carefully, she did not want to be seen as supportive of al-Ghazi, or trying to exonerate him.

"We had not yet appointed a new Minister of Defense, we were still reeling from the chaos surrounding the Freekish invasion and then the battles with Kraven and the conflict with Psyker Bearzerkers. In fact, when most of the Kahanistanian government fled the Freeks, al-Ghazi was the de facto leader of Kahanistan. To answer your question, yes, al-Ghazi was in charge of the Defense Ministry during most of the Torontian conflict."

"We had not yet appointed a new Minister of Defense, we were still reeling from the chaos surrounding the Freekish invasion and then the battles with Kraven and the conflict with Psyker Bearzerkers. In fact, when most of the Kahanistanian government fled the Freeks, al-Ghazi was the de facto leader of Kahanistan. To answer your question, yes, al-Ghazi was in charge of the Defense Ministry during most of the Torontian conflict."

"During which time he had free rein over the Kahanistanian military archives, correct?"

"One could put it that way," said Fulton. "What are you getting at?" General al-Ghazi had never faithfully executed his duties, his hard-headed, aggressive posturing had led Kahanistan into war with Automagfreek (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Invasion_of_Kahanistan_(Kraven_War)), and he had threatened to gas Psyker Bearzerkers civilians, which had resulted in his removal from his post as Deputy Defense Minister.

"One could put it that way," said Fulton. "What are you getting at?"

"What I am getting at is that he could have added or taken documents to and from the military archives on a whim... Was al-Ghazi also in charge of the Presidential archives as well during the government’s displacement and later reestablishment, when lines of organization were in flux?"

"He was in charge of the Presidential archives during the government's absence, when Kahanistanian involvement in Torontia was still very small-scale, but I fail to see where this is going... what are you saying you believe he removed from the archives?"

"He was in charge of the Presidential archives during the government's absence, when Kahanistanian involvement in Torontia was still very small-scale, but I fail to see where this is going... what are you saying you believe he removed from the archives?"

"Is it possible that al-Ghazi, while serving as Defense Minister, could have altered the military and presidential archives to serve his own agenda?"

"I suppose it's possible, but it wouldn't explain the records bearing General Valens' signature, written after al-Ghazi's removal from the post of Deputy Defense Minister," said Major Fulton. "Unless you're suggesting to me that he's psychic, and knew he would be removed from his post at the dates on the letters, I fail to see the point."

"Besides, if he had altered the records, why would he not have added something to support his outlandish claims of cannibalism and indiscriminate barbarity among AOA forces? He must have known that those claims wouldn't wash among most people without something to back them up."

"Correct me if I am wrong but you stated earlier that 'nothing' had been found? The 'records' bearing General Valens' signature really say nothing substantive... Meanwhile by your own admission it is likely that the archives have been tampered with...could not this whole controversy be manufactured?"

Fulton thought a bit. "I doubt that General al-Ghazi or his allies would be able to convince the Xirniumites that there were war crimes if there weren't," she replied. "On top of that, thousands of TPLA guerrillas missing and believed to be captured are unaccounted for. Did they just disappear from the face of the earth? I find it a lot more credible to believe that they were secretly executed, and I think their families would like closure, to know what actually happened to them."

"On top of that, thousands of TPLA guerrillas missing and believed to be captured are unaccounted for. Did they just disappear from the face of the earth? I find it a lot more credible to believe that they were secretly executed, and I think their families would like closure, to know what actually happened to them."

"Correct me if I am wrong but the Kahanistanian forces in BC only dealt with a few hundred TPLA prisoners and did not participate in any of the counter insurgency offensives... How have you arrived at there being thousands of missing TPLA prisoners? Where are you getting your information? The Kahanistan military detachment in Torontia would have had no means of determining how many TPLA insurgents were killed or taken prisoner by AOA peacekeepers, how many were killed or taken prisoner by the TPG military, how many were killed or captured by the BC police, how many were killed or captured by the Empire of Yallak, and how many were killed or captured by the TSU militia."

"Well, we know that thousands have disappeared. We know that the AOA sent the Kahanistanians a document (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10084702&postcount=261) ordering the executions of captured insurgents."

She reached into her uniform jacket and pulled out a copy of the document, which had long been declassified, and handed it to the Amestrian.

"An order to kill all captured insurgents. And if that isn't enough," she pulled out another document (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10085185&postcount=263), which had proliferated throughout Kahanistanian media even more rapidly because the Amestrians had made no effort to suppress it.

"An order to hand the prisoners over to Amestria. I'd say it's pretty much an open and shut case, it shows that the Amestrians had most of the prisoners and are responsible for most of the prisoner killings."

"Well, we know that thousands have disappeared.

"How do you know how many disappeared and how do you know when? A great deal of census data was lost after the Red Tide attack on Seattle and there was a period of anarchy following the fall of the New Order...all before the AOA and TPG established a presence in BC."

We know that the AOA sent the Kahanistanians a "document (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10084702&postcount=261) ordering the executions of captured insurgents."

She reached into her uniform jacket and pulled out a copy of the document, which had long been declassified, and handed it to the Amestrian.

"An order to kill all captured insurgents."

"Everyone is familiar with this document Major...and is familiar that it bares no signature, no official seal, and there are no records of it ever being issued by the AOA. It could have been created by anyone using a home pc and printer. All organs of the Amestrian State claim this order to be a fake, much like the video released last year showing Amestrian troops killing civilians in East Torontia...a video which showed Amestrian troops were they were not and was obviously filmed in a studio as the location it was said to take place in did not geographically match any place in Torontia. Do you have any proof that this order is real?"

"An order to hand the prisoners over to Amestria. I'd say it's pretty much an open and shut case, it shows that the Amestrians had most of the prisoners and are responsible for most of the prisoner killings."

"It shows nothing of the sort, it just states that the AOA took possession of all prisoners captured by Yallak and Kahanistan, no more then a few hundred people at most, after one of your soldiers went homicidal... And all prisoners in Amestria's custody were handed over to the Torontian Provisional Government for interrogation, trial, and if found guilty, execution."

"How do you know how many disappeared, and how do you know when? A great deal of census data was lost after the Red Tide attack on Seattle, and there was a period of anarchy following the fall of the New Order...all before the AOA and TPG established a presence in BC."

"People's families and friends are not going to keep quiet when their loved ones go missing, our human rights organizations estimate, conservatively, that over 1,000 TPLA guerrillas have disappeared and are unaccounted for. The actual number is believed to be far higher."

"Everyone is familiar with this document, Major... and is familiar that it bears no signature, no official seal, and there are no records of it ever being issued by the AOA."

Fulton was beginning to lose her patience with the Amestrian. "That's because the AOA destroyed them or classified them State secrets. Why would they not with such an incriminating document?"

"It could have been created by anyone using a home PC and printer. All organs of the Amestrian State claim this order to be a fake, much like the video released last year showing Amestrian troops killing civilians in East Torontia...a video which showed Amestrian troops were they were not and was obviously filmed in a studio as the location it was said to take place in did not geographically match any place in Torontia."

"And I suppose you believe that Grant Foster and his comrades were so phenomenally stupid that they risked their lives, careers, and freedoms for an utterly incompetent hoax. As for that video, I don't think it ever even made it into Torontia." She agreed it was fake, and did not press that point.

"Do you have any proof that this order is real?"

"No," Fulton said, anger creeping into her voice, "because the proof was all destroyed or classified. But it explains what happened to the captured TPLA guerrillas a hell of a lot better than the flat denials we've been getting."

"It shows nothing of the sort, it just states that the AOA took possession of all prisoners captured by Yallak and Kahanistan, no more then a few hundred people at most, after one of your soldiers went homicidal... And all prisoners in Amestria's custody were handed over to the Torontian Provisional Government for interrogation, trial, and if found guilty, execution."

"It shows everything. Kahanistan adopts the AOA policy of executing prisoners, and the AOA realize they've just created a weak link and try to backpedal, destroying documents and the like. Besides, I don't think anyone captured in December 2005 was ever seen alive again, do you?"

"And I supposed you believe that Grant Foster and his comrades were so phenomenally stupid that they risked their lives, careers, and freedoms for an utterly incompetent hoax.

"They could have simply made everything up."

"No," Fulton said, anger creeping into her voice, "because the proof was all destroyed or classified.

"Do you have any proof that the Amestrian State has destroyed evidence?"

"People's families and friends are not going to keep quiet when their loved ones go missing, our human rights organizations estimate, conservatively, that over 1,000 TPLA guerrillas have disappeared and are unaccounted for. The actual number is believed to be far higher..."

"But it explains what happened to the captured TPLA guerrillas a hell of a lot better than the flat denials we've been getting."

"The AOA claimed that it never captured or handled insurgents in the numbers you have referred to... It stated that those numbers were, quote, 'phantoms' and presented its own statistics, accounting for every prisoner that was captured by AOA forces. Some in the Amestrian Ministry of Defense have offered several explanations for numerical discrepancies... The TSU militia did not keep records of those it killed, there were communications problems, bodies of slain insurgents may have been disposed of before being properly recorded...particularly after the bio attack, insurgents could have died from their own bio weapon and been recorded as civilian casualties, insurgents could have been mistaken for civilians attempting to break quarantine and shot...recorded as quarantine breakers, the bombing campaign may have killed insurgents in rural and mountain areas were their bodies could not be immediately recovered, and insurgents, being wanted criminals, would have attempted to hide their identities after the TPLA's collapse...or flee the country. Thus many missing people could in fact be hiding...the TPG has in fact made several hundred arrests in the last few months. Then there is the possibility that the TPLA's numbers may have been over estimated..."

"All credible explanations for the numerical discrepancies that you claim are evidence of atrocities. BC was after all a war zone."

"It shows everything. Kahanistan adopts the AOA policy of executing prisoners, and the AOA realize they've just created a weak link and try to backpedal, destroying documents and the like. Besides, I don't think anyone captured in December 2005 was ever seen alive again, do you?"

"If a person was convicted of treason or insurgency by a TPG military court they were hung, their bodies burned, and their ashes sent to their families... All but a handful of insurgents escaped execution by providing meaningful intelligence to AOA and TPG forces."

"They could have simply made everything up."

Fulton scoffed at the idea. "That would be an even stupider move. If there were no atrocities, who in their right mind would risk imprisonment or death to claim there were?"

"Do you have any proof that the Amestrian State has destroyed evidence?"

"What do you think?" Fulton snapped. "It was destroyed."

"The AOA claimed that it never captured or handled insurgents in the numbers you have referred to... It stated that those numbers were, quote, 'phantoms' and presented its own statistics, accounting for every prisoner that was captured by AOA forces. Some in the Amestrian Ministry of Defense have offered several explanations for numerical discrepancies... The TSU militia did not keep records of those it killed, there were communications problems, bodies of slain insurgents may have been disposed of before being properly recorded...particularly after the bio attack, insurgents could have died from their own bio weapon and been recorded as civilian casualties, insurgents could have been mistaken for civilians attempting to break quarantine and shot...recorded as quarantine breakers, the bombing campaign may have killed insurgents in rural and mountain areas where their bodies could not be immediately recovered, and insurgents, being wanted criminals, would have attempted to hide their identities after the TPLA's collapse...or flee the country. Thus many missing people could in fact be hiding...the TPG has in fact made several hundred arrests in the last few months. Then there is the possibility that the TPLA's numbers may have been over estimated..."

"All credible explanations for the numerical discrepancies that you claim are evidence of atrocities. BC was after all a war zone."

"Those are credible, if you ignore the mass grave (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10163532#post10163532) that Foster reported. I'm perfectly aware of Colonel Kimblee's claim that they were victims of rogue TPG and TPLA soldiers, but the Amestrian military was conducting an 'investigation' to determine if the Amestrian military had committed war crimes. I can't help but believe that they might not be entirely unbiased." As in, the criminals are running the police.

"If a person was convicted of treason or insurgency by a TPG military court they were hung, their bodies burned, and their ashes sent to their families... All but a handful of insurgents escaped execution by providing meaningful intelligence to AOA and TPG forces."

"Or they never made it to court, and their charred corpses were simply buried in hidden locations." She was accusing now.

Fulton scoffed at the idea. "That would be an even stupider move. If there were no atrocities, who in their right mind would risk imprisonment or death to claim there were?"

"Stupider?! Major, is it not true that the Kahanistanian government has not investigated the reasons behind Fosters brief defection?"

"What do you think?" Fulton snapped. "It was destroyed."

"Proof Ms Fulton, proof...? Anyone can throw around accusations."

"Those are credible, if you ignore the mass grave (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10163532#post10163532) that Foster reported. I'm perfectly aware of Colonel Kimblee's claim that they were victims of rogue TPG and TPLA soldiers, but the Amestrian military was conducting an 'investigation' to determine if the Amestrian military had committed war crimes. I can't help but believe that they might not be entirely unbiased."

"I happen to have the report in question..."

The reporter then read out the relevant sections of Lieutenant Colonel Kimblee's Final Report.

Final Report by the Amestrian Military Intelligence Division Concerning Allegations of Murder by Amestrian Military Forces

It has been determined that no policy of summery execution ever initiated by Amestrian Occupation Authority. There is no record of any order being issued by the Amestrian Occupation Authority establishing such a policy. All allegations of such a policy existing cannot be substantiated and were most likely created by foreign elements opposed to the Amestrian presence in Torontia…

Of the 307 corpses discovered, 127 were found to have been victims of the New Order, 80 were found to be the victims of insurgents or criminal gangs, 78 were found to be insurgents who were killed in battle and their corpses disposed of improperly, and 22 were found to be illegal kills by the TPG military or vigilante organizations...

No further mass graves have been discovered.

Final Report,
Chief Investigator,
Lieutenant Colonel Zolf J. Kimblee

"Kimblee also claims that Foster aided two Xirniumite agents in kidnapping and torturing him, and has produced an audio tape to back up those allegations."

"Do you have any substantiated information that contradicts the Lieutenant Colonel's report? Several of the occupations harshest critics were from the beginning Foreign Governments opposed to Amestria's presence...such as Heather Gilda, the Xirniumite Foreign Minister, who sought to dislodge Amestria from Torontia, and President Kil, whose government had openly attempted the annexation of Torontia, only to be prevented by international condemnation and the opposition of Amestrian military forces...or hostile Foreign Media... Such as Lou Bryant, the Mckagan anchor who claimed, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that the insurgents did not use a bio weapon and people were simply dieing from the flu..."

"Or they never made it to court, and their charred corpses were simply buried in hidden locations." She was accusing now.

"Evidence Major...do you have any evidence?"

Official Press Release Statement– Xirniumite Secret Intelligence Service
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Ad Vitam Aeternam! – For All Time!
From: Mr Mordont Norath
Director-General
Xirniumite Secret Intelligence Service

The Secret Intelligence Service of the Eternal Republic strongly denies any and all allegations, made by either Lieutenant Colonel Zolf J Kimblee or the Amestrian government, which suggest the covert presence of Xirniumite intelligence operatives in the area of British Columbia, Torontia, during the period of time for which it is claimed that Kimblee was detained and assaulted by the agents of a foreign government.

Such claims are entirely erroneous and with no basis whatsoever in fact. The Xirniumite Secret Intelligence Service requests that they be retracted immediately.

[Signed: “D”]

Mr Mordont Norath
Director-General
Xirniumite Secret Intelligence Service

_________________________________________________

Nigel Thomas, Departmental Secretary of the Xirniumite Foreign Ministry, reclined comfortably in his chair – studying a rather interesting news article that he had just noticed in an Amestrian newspaper, Le Figaro. Nigel was the consummate diplomat, having worked diligently within the Foreign Ministry’s bureaucracy for over forty years and fluently speaking no less than four different languages (including both Amestrian and French). Briefly checking his watch, Mr Thomas noticed that the time would currently be around six o’clock in the afternoon in Amestria, and decided to see if something couldn’t be done about this, rather annoying, latest development.

‘Mr Spencer, please see if you can get Minister de Villepin on the line,’ announced Nigel, speaking to his Principle Private Secretary.

‘Now, sir?’ asked the civil servant, raising a quizzical eyebrow.

‘Yes, please,’ replied Mr Thomas. ‘Make sure to inform the Amestrians that the matter is rather urgent, and that we would greatly appreciate their timeliness.’

"Stupider?! Major, is it not true that the Kahanistanian government has not investigated the reasons behind Foster's brief defection?"
"There was no need, once the mass graves came to light and leaked documents appeared in the hands of someone who is not determined to deny war crimes. The evidence spoke for itself, and the President saw fit to reward him with a promotion and decorations." She deeply resented the implication that the Kahanistanian Government was incompetent.
"Proof, Ms. Fulton, proof...? Anyone can throw around accusations."
"The proof is probably in Central, in the Defense or Records Ministry archives, under heavy guard, if it still exists at all. I'm sure the XFHR and Kahanistan human rights organizations would be very interested in this proof, too."
"Kimblee also claims that Foster aided two Xirniumite agents in kidnapping and torturing him, and has produced an audio tape to back up those allegations."
"I'd like to see that audio tape," said Fulton. "I'd need proof before I believed that he or the Xirniumites were engaged in torture."
"Do you have any substantiated information that contradicts the Lieutenant Colonel's report? Several of the occupations harshest critics were from the beginning Foreign Governments opposed to Amestria's presence...such as Heather Gilda, the Xirniumite Foreign Minister, who sought to dislodge Amestria from Torontia, and President Kil, whose government had openly attempted the annexation of Torontia, only to be prevented by international condemnation and the opposition of Amestrian military forces...or hostile Foreign Media... Such as Lou Bryant, the Mckagan anchor who claimed, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that the insurgents did not use a bio weapon and people were simply dying from the flu..."
"Opposed to Amestrian presence for a reason, like their policies on dealing with insurgent POW's as criminals according to domestic law rather than under the generally accepted rules of warfare, you have admitted that some POW's were handed over to TPG military courts, where they were executed, making the AOA complicit in the executions. And, of course, shooting POW's because some of them might have been infected."
"Evidence, Major...do you have any evidence?"
"The only evidence we have is the charred corpses Foster located. They were good enough to merit a promotion to Captain, I'd say that's pretty good evidence."

Public Statement by the Amestrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The State of Amestria will not retract its claim that agents of the Xirniumite Secret Intelligence Services, then known as the Inquisition, had a covert presence in British Columbia, Torontia, and participated in acts of terrorism directed against peacekeeping personnel.

[signed]
Dominique de Villepin, the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs


_________________________________________________

‘Mr Spencer, please see if you can get Minister de Villepin on the line,’ announced Nigel, speaking to his Principle Private Secretary.

‘Now, sir?’ asked the civil servant, raising a quizzical eyebrow.

‘Yes, please,’ replied Mr Thomas. ‘Make sure to inform the Amestrians that the matter is rather urgent, and that we would greatly appreciate their timeliness.’

Luckily the Amestrian State only had the private phone lines cut under the sanctions. Even though neither government recognized the other as legitimate cutting the official lines of communication made little sense.

Mr. Spencer was told that, while he would be allowed to contact the Honorable Amestrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the call would be unofficial and off the record due to the political situation and was not to be construed as endorsement or recognition of the Xirniumite Republic by the Amestrian State.


_________________________________________________

"There was no need, once the mass graves came to light and leaked documents appeared in the hands of someone who is not determined to deny war crimes. The evidence spoke for itself, and the President saw fit to reward him with a promotion and decorations." She deeply resented the implication that the Kahanistanian Government was incompetent.

"The only evidence we have is the charred corpses Foster located. They were good enough to merit a promotion to Captain, I'd say that's pretty good evidence."

“Major, answer the question, was an investigation launched by the Kahanistanian government concerning the reasons behind Fosters defection and murder of fellow soldiers? Yes or no Major? Furthermore, was not Foster pardoned and promoted by the President during the riots?”

"Opposed to Amestrian presence for a reason, like their policies on dealing with insurgent POW's as criminals according to domestic law rather than under the generally accepted rules of warfare, you have admitted that some POW's were handed over to TPG military courts, where they were executed, making the AOA complicit in the executions."

“So you believe that the combatants of the Torontian Peoples Liberation Army were not criminals, that they were legitimate?”

“Major, answer the question, was an investigation launched by the Kahanistanian government concerning the reasons behind Foster's defection and murder of fellow soldiers? Yes or no, Major? Furthermore, was not Foster pardoned and promoted by the President during the riots?”

Fulton shook her head. "As I said, there was no need for an investigation." The Amestrian was slowly but surely defeating her. She may have been educated in communication, but her line of work did not offer her much debating experience. Also, the facts, or more appropriately, the lack of them, were working against her.

"Foster was indeed pardoned and promoted shortly after the riots, yes," she said. "And decorated, he received the Hero of the Republic and the Distinguished Service Cross, I believe."

“So you believe that the combatants of the Torontian People's Liberation Army were not criminals, that they were legitimate?”

The Major thought for a second. She was not a supporter of the New Order, like al-Ghazi apparently had been. She did, however, believe that insurgents were to be treated as prisoners of war, not as criminals.

"They were as legitimate as Torontian soldiers, or the millions of Kahanistan civilians who armed themselves during the AMF and Pwnage invasions. You and I may personally feel that Torontia needed to be occupied to end the chaos, but the people do have a right to resist foreign occupation."

She hoped the reference to the resistance to AMF soldiers would hit a nerve with the Amestrian, that he would not deny the right to resist such barbaric invaders.

Fulton shook her head. "As I said, there was no need for an investigation."

"Foster was indeed pardoned and promoted shortly after the riots, yes," she said. "And decorated, he received the Hero of the Republic and the Distinguished Service Cross, I believe."

"There was no investigation into Fosters motives and actions. He was promoted and decorated immediately after the riots... Does it not appear that the Kahanistanian government was coerced by criminal violence and social unrest...? As for what Foster may have gained from deceit, you yourself just said he was promoted, decorated, and excused from criminal prosecution..."

"They were as legitimate as Torontian soldiers, or the millions of Kahanistan civilians who armed themselves during the AMF and Pwnage invasions. You and I may personally feel that Torontia needed to be occupied to end the chaos, but the people do have a right to resist foreign occupation."

"They were not in the service of a legitimate state agency and were disobeying the laws of the Torontian Provisional Government...the legal government of Western Torontia, recognized as legitimate by Kahanistan. According to the Amestrian Military the TPLA were 'unlawful combatants,' in other words criminals to be punished under Torontian domestic law, little different from gangsters...or the rioters who tore up your country...why should not the perpetrators of the Najaster riots be considered lawful combatants, they were little different from the TPLA?"

‘The Amestrian Minister for Foreign Affairs is now available on the line,’ explained Montgomery Spencer as he entered the Departmental Secretary’s office, having just spoken momentarily with another member of Mr Thomas’ staff.

‘Splendid,’ announced Nigel, indicating with a brief nod that Mr Spencer should sit down in the expensive, dark leather chair opposite his opulent, antique rosewood desk. Draining his wineglass, Mr Thomas sighed before picking up the telephone's receiver. ‘Minister de Villepin… good evening and thank you for finding the time to speak with me on such short notice. I trust I find you well?’

"There was no investigation into Foster's motives and actions. He was promoted and decorated immediately after the riots... Does it not appear that the Kahanistanian government was coerced by criminal violence and social unrest...? As for what Foster may have gained from deceit, you yourself just said he was promoted, decorated, and excused from criminal prosecution..."

This is certainly sufficient reason for a lot of people to risk their lives for a hoax, but... "Would he have known in advance that he would live to see these gains, and not be killed by the AOA or allied forces, or captured and rot in a cell for the rest of his life? This sounds like a pretty big risk to take, he'd have had better luck playing the lottery. Also, he was able to get another soldier to join him, he'd have had a hard time selling her on the kind of long-shot fraud you're envisioning."

"They were not in the service of a legitimate state agency, and were disobeying the laws of the Torontian Provisional Government... the legal government of Western Torontia, recognized as legitimate by Kahanistan. According to the Amestrian Military the TPLA were 'unlawful combatants,' in other words, criminals to be punished under Torontian domestic law, little different from gangsters... or the rioters who tore up your country... Why should not the perpetrators of the Najaster riots be considered lawful combatants, they were little different from the TPLA?"

"The Najaster rioters were motivated by a hateful desire to murder Amestrian civilians and destroy Amestrian property. They had no ideology, no leadership, no legitimacy. The TPLA, on the other hand, existed to repel foreign military forces from the land they lived on, and did not set out specifically to kill Amestrians." Now he's making me out as a supporter of the New Order.

Fulton shook her head uneasily. Not only was she losing ground to the Amestrian, but he was going to destroy her reputation if she didn't say something.

"I'd like to make it perfectly clear that I'm not a supporter of the New Order or Vader Tanakis. But nobody would consider a Torontian soldier fighting for Tanakis to be an 'unlawful combatant', and for the same reason, Torontian guerrillas fighting for Tanakis were not unlawful combatants. They were enemy soldiers, fighting against us in battle."

The State of Amestria,
Northwestern Amestria,
The Estate of the Honorable Duke de Villepin (Vignerot),
The Ducal Bed Chamber

Dominique de Villepin, the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs and Duke of Vignerot, was in a sour mood. His first real day of relaxation, off the campaign trail and far away from Central, disturbed by some meddlesome out of the blue phone call. He had wanted to spend the early evening with Mélodie, but now the romantic mood had been spoiled. The phone call could well result in over an hour of work anyway. I paid for her plane ticket, set out the candles…

Mélodie, for her part, had gotten dressed and was fetching the Minister some tea to help him relax. De Villepin stared at the phone in his hand as he waited for the Foreign Ministry to connect them. He had switched on the phones recording device in preparation.

I wonder what the urgent matter is… the Minister thought testily. The call could have something to do with the recent exchange of accusations between the Ministry and XSIS... It had better not be that, this had better concern stability in Torontia or a foreign threat…something that warrants being called urgent.

‘The Amestrian Minister for Foreign Affairs is now available on the line,’ explained Montgomery Spencer as he entered the Departmental Secretary’s office, having just spoken momentarily with another member of Mr Thomas’ staff.

‘Splendid,’ announced Nigel, indicating with a brief nod that Mr Spencer should sit down in the expensive, dark leather chair opposite his opulent, antique rosewood desk. Draining his wineglass, Mr Thomas sighed before picking up the telephone's receiver. ‘Minister de Villepin… good evening and thank you for finding the time to speak with me on such short notice. I trust I find you well?’

“It is my pleasure Mr. Secretary,” de Villepin responded politely in English. “If by well you mean in good health, then yes, I am well.”

The Minister decided to get straight to the point.

“May I ask the issue this phone call concerns, the matter that requires such urgent immediacy…?”

‘Of course,’ replied the Departmental Secretary, opening a leather folder and skimming through the information presented on the first page.

‘It has come to my attention, Minister, that your Government has made some... rather troubling, claims concerning the clandestine activities of the Eternal Republic’s Intelligence Agencies. Now, I trust there is no need to go into the various specifics of these allegations, - no doubt they are quite well known to you. Suffice it to say that they involve the, now defunct, Xirniumite Inquisition and events which occurred in and around Torontian British Columbia.

‘Let me stress, in the strongest possible terms, Minister, that there is no factual basis of any nature to these claims. They are both inaccurate and, frankly, extremely hurtful. To be honest, I was very much surprised, and more than a little disappointed, to learn that the Amestrian government had decided to publicly air such (potentially catastrophically damaging) sensationalist, tabloid allegations - particularly when it seemed that Amestrian-Xirniumite diplomatic relations may have been on the verge of warming. Of course, I’m sure that you, Minister de Villepin, had nothing to do with it.

‘The Xirniumite government would be greatly appreciative if the State of Amestria withdrew these very unkind and outlandish statements, before any further, possibly irreperable, harm can be done to the political relationship between our two nations.’

‘It has come to my attention, Minister, that your Government has made some... rather troubling claims concerning the clandestine activities of the Eternal Republic’s Intelligence Agencies. Now, I trust there is no need to go into the various specifics of these allegations, -no doubt they are quite well known to you. Suffice it to say that they involve the, now defunct, Xirniumite Inquisition and events which occurred in and around Torontian British Columbia.

Typical Xirniumite rudeness!

"So that is why you are calling...Mr. Secretary that is hardly urgent...the statements in question were issued months ago. Today Mr. Secretary is my day off."

The tone of de Villepin’s voice became somewhat irritated. “It is good diplomatic etiquette to schedule a call first unless time is of the essence. There was no need to be so direct in dealing with this matter…”

Mélodie reentered the bedroom with the tea.

“Excuse me for a moment…”

Mr. Thomas was able to hear what they were saying.

“Voici votre thé,” she said.

“Merci,” the Minister replied as he set the cup and saucer on the table. “Ceci pourrait prendre du temps; peut-être devriez prendre votre appareil-photo et capture quelques images du jardin à la lumière du de vieillissement soleil.”

Mélodie smiled. “Idée exceptionnelle, les arbres et les sculpteurs de roche feraient une très mystérieuse scène... et il y avait ce mur a couvert par le lierre bien adapté à noir et blanc...mais a il assez de lumière pour noir et le blanc...voyons…”*

She exited the bed chamber to get her camera. De Villepin returned to the conversation with the Departmental Secretary.

“There is a saying in English…’Time flies.’ In 13th century Amestria there was a popular saying, ‘Temps mouches de aussi rapidement que ein pfeil.**’ Think of the short span in which we live our lives. I want you, then, to try to reflect upon what you have just done to me, in having the Foreign Ministry call me while I am at home…”

‘Let me stress, in the strongest possible terms, Minister, that there is no factual basis of any nature to these claims. They are both inaccurate and, frankly, hurtful.'

"No factual basis? Not according to our Military Intelligence Division. We have personnel who saw Xirniumite Inquisitorial agents operating illegally in Torontia. Is the Amestrian Government supposed to disregard the testimony of its own agencies because you Mr. Secretary say 'no we didn’t?’”

To be honest, I was very much surprised to learn that the Amestrian government had decided to publicly air such (potentially catastrophically damaging) sensationalist, tabloid allegations - particularly when it seemed that Amestrian-Xirniumite diplomatic relations may have been on the verge of warming. Of course, I’m sure that you, Minister de Villepin, had nothing to do with it.

‘The Xirniumite government would be greatly appreciative if the State of Amestria withdrew these very unkind and outlandish statements, before any further, possibly irreparable, harm can be done to the political relationship between our two nations.’

"The State of Amestria is not going to withdraw any of its statements regarding the actions of your intelligence services in BC as those statements are accurate as to what happened. We know the Inquisition had agents in BC, we know those agents assisted certain criminals in escaping justice, and we know those agents killed Kahanistanian peacekeepers. Your government got its hand caught in the cookie jar…”

De Villepin paused, the irritation left his voice. “Mr. Secretary, try to see things from my perspective. The State of Amestria has endured a torrent of abuse over allegations that the AOA had a policy of summarily executing captured insurgents in BC. The only evidence supporting those claims, a video and a document, have under examination been proven false…yet still these ridicules claims persist, much to the determent of Amestria’s interests and reputation. Our State has to defend itself, and the fact that the Kahanistanian criminals responsible for starting all these allegations were aided in escaping BC by Xirniumite Inquisitors, agents of a state very much opposed to Amestria’s presence in West Torontia, discredits them.”

De Villepin paused again. “I would further point out that there is as much evidence of killings being ordered by the AOA as there is evidence that the XSIS had a presence in BC… That is, it is all testimony from individuals who for one reason or another could be considered unreliable. This whole collective mess is a barrier to the normalization of relations… This reminds me of an allegory, two young boys, presently engaged in a feud, find downed hornets nest and proceed to poke it with sticks, hoping that more hornets will sting the other. If the Xirniumite Foreign Ministry were to issue a statement concerning how there is no evidence that the AOA ordered the extrajudicial execution of captured insurgents then the Cabinet would agree to retract all statements regarding a covert Inquisitorial presence in Torontia. Let us put the issues surrounding the BC suppression campaign firmly in the past, no more poking the hornets nest.”

(*OOC: Here is your tea.

Thank you.

This could take time; perhaps you should take your camera and go capture some pictures of the garden in the light of the ageing sun.

Exceptional idea, the trees and rock sculptors would make a very mysterious scene… and there was this wall covered by the ivy well adapted to black and white... but has it enough light for black and the white… Let us see…)

(**OOC: Time flies as quickly as an arrow.)

“There is a saying in English… ‘Time flies.’ In 13th century Amestria there was a popular saying, ‘Temps mouches de aussi rapidement que ein pfeil.**’ Think of the short span in which we live our lives. I want you, then, to try to reflect upon what you have just done to me, in having the Foreign Ministry call me while I am at home…”
The Departmental Secretary sighed to himself, removing the cork from a nearby bottle and refilling his wineglass. Mr Thomas gestured to his Principle Private Secretary, wordlessly asking if Montgomery would like a drink.

‘I do apologise most sincerely for that, Minister,’ replied Nigel. ‘I realise that you have company at the moment and that you aren’t at work, so I won’t keep you any longer than I must.

You’ll appreciate, however, that the only reason why I’ve decided to speak with you at such short notice is because of my utmost concern for ensuring that the current state of Xirniumite-Amestrian relations does not deteriorate any further. The recent reaffirmation, by your department, of these rather hurtful allegations runs a very serious risk of resulting in quite serious negative diplomatic fallout – which is something that I would like to avoid if at all possible.

It would be a terrible shame if this was to result in consequences detrimental to Amestria’s interests, including, for example, in Torontia.’

"No factual basis? Not according to our Military Intelligence Division. We have personnel who saw Xirniumite Inquisitorial agents operating illegally in Torontia. Is the Amestrian Government supposed to disregard the testimony of its own agencies because you Mr. Secretary say 'no we didn’t?’”
‘If I were you, Minister de Villepin, I should wonder how it was that your intelligence personnel came to positively identify these individuals as agents of the Xirniumite Inquisition. What evidence do they have, other than their claim? As you might imagine, the existence of such evidence would also profoundly interest the government of the Eternal Republic, given that we deny such a charge’ explained Mr Thomas.

‘Assuming that you do have proof, it would, of course, be folly to merely take us at our word. If you don’t, however, then I think it would be most wise for the State of Amestria to retract its unsubstantiated claims.’

"The State of Amestria is not going to withdraw any of its statements regarding the actions of your intelligence services in BC as those statements are accurate as to what happened. We know the Inquisition had agents in BC, we know those agents assisted certain criminals in escaping justice, and we know those agents killed Kahanistanian peacekeepers. Your government got its hand caught in the cookie jar…”
‘Minister de Villepin…’ began the Departmental Secretary with an eminently reasonable tone, ‘repeating wild claims at this point is hardly conductive to cordial discussion. Certainly your intelligence agencies believe that to be the case, or at least they claim so. Our government, however, most strenuously denies such allegations. Unless you have some kind of proof, however, we would appreciate it if you did not publicly make statements to that effect. As you can, no doubt, understand, it would not be beneficial to Xirniumite-Amestrian relations.’

“Mr. Secretary, try to see things from my perspective. The State of Amestria has endured a torrent of abuse over allegations that the AOA had a policy of summarily executing captured insurgents in BC. The only evidence supporting those claims, a video and a document, have under examination been proven false…yet still these ridicules claims persist, much to the determent of Amestria’s interests and reputation.
‘With respect, Minister, but this has nothing to do with the Eternal Republic,’ interjected Nigel politely. ‘If your government is having problems fending off accusations of misconduct in Torontia then that is your own concern, not ours. The Xirniumite government is not involved in this debate, and has no desire to be.’

“If the Xirniumite Foreign Ministry were to issue a statement concerning how there is no evidence that the AOA ordered the extrajudicial execution of captured insurgents then the Cabinet would agree to retract all statements regarding a covert Inquisitorial presence in Torontia. Let us put the issues surrounding the BC suppression campaign firmly in the past, no more poking the hornets nest.”
‘Xirnium is not poking a hornets’ nest,’ replied the Departmental Secretary flatly. He did not find the Amestrian’s analogy particularly insightful, nor even relevant.

‘I am afraid that the Foreign Ministry will not be able to do what you ask, Minister de Villepin, it would be madness for the Nidor Government to fundamentally reverse its position on the topic of Torontian atrocities without any reason. Additionally, there is no desire to revisit this issue, and the Foreign Ministry will not willingly dredge up the past.

Let me point out that forcing the XPDP to return to this topic will prove most unproductive for Amestrian interests, and require the Foreign Ministry to reaffirm its previous position. I strongly suggest your government quietly drop the matter. Bare in mind that there are other interests at stake here that are much more important than any events in Kahanistan, such as relations with the Eternal Republic and what that means for Torontia today.’

That is, it is all testimony from individuals who for one reason or another could be considered unreliable.
‘I was not suggesting that the individuals from whom you have received testimony are unreliable witnesses,’ clarified the Departmental Secretary quickly, ‘though it if that is your opinion then I wonder why your government has felt the need to issue such inflammatory remarks. I merely contend that such testimony could not possibly provide anything even nearly constituting proof of what you claim.’

'What evidence do they have, other than their claim? As you might imagine, the existence of such evidence would also profoundly interest the government of the Eternal Republic, given that we deny such a charge’ explained Mr Thomas.

‘Assuming that you do have proof, it would, of course, be folly to merely take us at our word. If you don’t, however, then I think it would be most wise for the State of Amestria to retract its unsubstantiated claims.’

‘Our government, however, most strenuously denies such allegations. Unless you have some kind of proof, however, we would appreciate it if you did not publicly make statements to that effect. As you can, no doubt, understand, it would not be beneficial to Xirniumite-Amestrian relations.’

“We have substantial proof,” de Villepin lied, “we just have not released it as it would needlessly escalate things and unlike the Kahanistanians we are not about to compromise carefully gathered information as well as the internal workings of our intelligence services over a diplomatic spat.”

‘With respect, Minister, but this has nothing to do with the Eternal Republic,’ interjected Nigel politely. ‘If your government is having problems fending off accusations of misconduct in Torontia then that is your own concern, not ours. The Xirniumite government is not involved in this debate, and has no desire to be.’

‘Xirnium is not poking a hornets’ nest,’ replied the Departmental Secretary flatly. He did not find the Amestrian’s analogy particularly insightful, nor even relevant.

De Villepin found the Departmental Secretaries feeble claim that the matter at hand had ‘nothing to do with the Eternal Republic’ most disingenuous. “Mr. Secretary, your government bares a certain amount of responsibility for the spreading of the lies in question concerning the BC suppression campaign. The Xirniumite government is very much involved in the debate by its past statements, even if at present it remains silent. Xirniums statements have been seized upon by Amestria’s enemies and used as a weapon to harm our interests. If Xirnium were truly interested in the normalization and future cooperation it would do what is within its power deprive our enemies of that weapon.”

De Villepin took a sip of his evening tea, black, mixed with cream and sweetened with kluntjes. “The fact that your intelligence agents had an illegal presence in BC and were involved with those Kahanistanians who later announced, falsly, that Amestria had a policy of systematically executing captured TPLA prisoners, discredits your past statements…statements, as I said before, used by Amestria’s enemies to harm its interests. It is a matter of defending Amestria’s reputation and honor.”

‘I am afraid that the Foreign Ministry will not be able to do what you ask, Minister de Villepin, it would be madness for the Nidor Government to fundamentally reverse its position on the topic of Torontian atrocities without any reason. Additionally, there is no desire to revisit this issue, and the Foreign Ministry will not willingly dredge up the past.

“Lack of evidence and the need to improve relations are not good enough reasons? Mr. Secretary there are many more pressing concerns were cooperation between our two States is necessary, such as the stabilization and protection of Torontia, fascism in Kahanistan, the containment of both Allanea and Kraven, protection of European culture, economic management, est. Sometimes one has to dredge up and give it a proper burial in order to move forward towards a prosperous future.”

‘Let me point out that forcing the XPDP to return to this topic will prove most unproductive for Amestrian interests, and require the Foreign Ministry to reaffirm its previous position. I strongly suggest your government quietly drop the matter. Bare in mind that there are other interests at stake here that are much more important than any events in Kahanistan, such as relations with the Eternal Republic and what that means for Torontia today.’

De Villepin took another sip of his tea. “I would like to remind you Mr. Secretary that the controversies surrounding Torontia have proven to be a significant stumbling block in relations, a massive barrier despite the many interests held by our two countries. It was the dispute over Torontia that caused the deep freeze, which caused both governments to withdraw recognition of the other, which led to the unfortunate exile of Xirniumite nationals and the imposition of sanctions. If both are nations are to move forward then Torontia will have to be satisfactorily put to rest.”

‘I was not suggesting that the individuals from whom you have received testimony are unreliable witnesses,’ clarified the Departmental Secretary quickly, ‘though it if that is your opinion then I wonder why your government has felt the need to issue such inflammatory remarks. I merely contend that such testimony could not possibly provide anything even nearly constituting proof of what you claim.’

“And I was not suggesting that the individuals in question were unreliable Mr. Secretary, in fact they are quite the opposite, exceedingly reliable. I was merely stating our government could come to publicly view their testimony as unreliable for private political reasons provided they are given incentive to. Mr. Secretary, I say to you with all sincerity that the AOA did not have a policy of summarily executing captured TPLA insurgents, although whether you believe me or not is irrelevant. There is an old Amestrian saying ‘amis doivent être malhonnêtes pour un un autre,*’ which translated into English roughly means ‘friends must be dishonest persons for one another.’”

(*OOC: friends must be dishonest persons for one another)

“We have substantial proof, we just have not released it as it would needlessly escalate things and unlike the Kahanistanians we are not about to compromise carefully gathered information as well as the internal workings of our intelligence services over a diplomatic spat.”
‘A “diplomatic spat”, Minister de Villepin, is precisely what I am seeking to avoid, although I must admit that you are not making my task particularly easy,’ explained the head of the Foreign Ministry’s Senior Executive in a rather weary voice.

Wineglass in hand, Mr Thomas stood up from his seat and walked over to the large windows of his office, where ubiquitous rain streamed down the glass panes. Due to the lateness of the hour and the overcast, stormy Xirniumite skies, the innumerable lights of the capital city had already come on – the Grand Basilica of Galatillion (a towering French Gothic style contruction built in the 12th Century) and Old Naerath Bridge (an impressive Romanesque structure constructed in 1087), both clearly visible from Nigel’s vantage point at one of the loftier levels of the Foreign Ministry, looking particularly beautiful.

Mr Thomas could not rule out the possibility that the Amestrian Foreign Minister might have evidence proving the Eternal Republic’s clandestine involvement in Torontian British Columbia, though reason suggested that this was unlikely. Careful examination of the briefings of the two agents involved had not revealed the existence of anything which might positively identify who they were working for. Additionally, the Secret Intelligence Service was adamant that there had not been any security breaches which might reveal the presence of Xirnium’s hand in the matter.

That said, one can never be completely sure… thought the bureaucrat grimly.

‘Since you are not willing to release any evidence supporting your contention, Minister de Villepin, might I suggest that, in the future, your government refrain from making any additional unsubstantiated claims? If anything is likely to escalate things, Minister, that is. Additionally, I am concerned that it does not augur well for the credibility of the Amestrian State to publicly air such rumours when one does not possess the will to defend them.’

“Mr. Secretary, your government bares a certain amount of responsibility for the spreading of the lies in question concerning the BC suppression campaign. The Xirniumite government is very much involved in the debate by its past statements, even if at present it remains silent. Xirniums statements have been seized upon by Amestria’s enemies and used as a weapon to harm our interests. If Xirnium were truly interested in the normalization and future cooperation it would do what is within its power deprive our enemies of that weapon. The fact that your intelligence agents had an illegal presence in BC and were involved with those Kahanistanians who later announced, falsly, that Amestria had a policy of systematically executing captured TPLA prisoners, discredits your past statements…statements, as I said before, used by Amestria’s enemies to harm its interests. It is a matter of defending Amestria’s reputation and honor.”
‘Minister, that debate was had some months ago, and both claims and counter-claims were made then. I am not about to readdress that issue with you now,’ explained Mr Thomas politely but firmly, absentmindedly rotating the wineglass in his hand whilst gazing introspectively upon his adored city. ‘I will ask you once more to please refrain from using such one-sided and inflammatory language in describing the situation, it isn’t particularly helpful.

Now… as to your request, you will appreciate that such a thing is a most sensitive issue. Although the Xirniumite government might desire a normalisation of relations, the fact is that the current state of diplomatic relations is a less than cordial one. There is the matter of non-recognition of the sovereign government of the Eternal Republic, the expulsion of Xirniumite citizens from Amestria and the appropriation of their property, the promise of retribution against any Amestrian citizens who have remained in Xirnium upon return to the State of Amestria… all present significant real obstacles to any such proposal. The best I can do is broach the topic with the Foreign Minister, I cannot promise you anything.’

It was the dispute over Torontia that caused the deep freeze, which caused both governments to withdraw recognition of the other, which led to the unfortunate exile of Xirniumite nationals and the imposition of sanctions.
Nigel deeply resented the implication that anyone but the Amestrian State was to blame for the “unforuntate” exile of Xirniumite citizens who had been living in Amestria. That policy was anti-Xirniumism, pure and simple, thought Mr Thomas, revenge against innocent third parties. The Xirniumite held his anger in check, however, and remained silent.

‘Minister de Villepin, sometimes one must face the practicalities of realpolitik,’ began Nigel reasonably. ‘In all likelihood, the Eternal Republic will probably never retract its statements regarding atrocities in Torontia, regardless of whatever I might say to the Foreign Minister.

That need not pose a hurdle a hurdle for your Ministry to improve relations with Xirnium, but if it does then it is because of the will of the Amestrian government and them alone. I need not remind you that Amestria’s current political predicament as a result of having made a fellow European nation a hostile neighbour is less than satisfactory. Amestria is diplomatically isolated and bereft of friends. Whether this continues to remain the case is entirely up to you. I will warn you that the Eternal Republic will not wait forever, though.’

-Vanderhoof North Torontia-
The Airfield was finally complete and soon would be ready to ship the food and other supplies that were greatly needed. Now to let the current Forces know and get the transports in.

Message From: Torontia Socialist Union
To: McKagan Occuipational Forces

We have recently completed our airfield, with this complete you can now send a group to visit our headquarters, you are welcome to come.
-Second in Command,

"The Major said to see if any of you guys know anything about computer security," said the officer. "She and the other lady weren't able to get into the Amestrian networks. Oh, and she said to tell you that I can let you into the area where the Top Secret files are stored, but under heavier guard."
‘Allow me, Lieutenant Caldwell, to clarify the various salient points of your inquiry for you,’ began Beatrice Esgalduin leisurely, a cruel smile slowly spreading across her lips.

‘You are basically telling us that Major Fulton wants to know, presumably in all seriousness, if we, mere scholars in the academic fields of the humanities and social sciences, have the necessary expertise to gain unauthorised access to a secure, government, computer network from a remote terminal in a different country, so as to retrieve files of the most highly classified (and therefore most strongly protected) nature. Have I summarised your commanding officer’s request correctly?’ asked Ms Esgalduin, her tone now openly mocking.

‘No Lieutenant, none of us knows anything about computer security, though we do know enough to be able to tell you that, even if we did, it would not avail you. Perhaps if we were exceptionally well versed in the nuances of computer security and we could also call on the combined resources of the Eternal Republic’s cyber warfare and intelligence divisions, then maybe we could assist - but as it stands? No.’

Caldwell shook his head. "She is serious. Come on, I'll take you to the Top Secret part of the archives. I'll tell her that we couldn't get in the Amestrian network."

The Top Secret part was heavily guarded, but the security had granted the Xirniumites clearance to enter under guard.

Might be a good idea to ask the Xirniumites if they could spare a hacker or two... That might have gotten them further than one security officer and one intelligence officer.

Kahanistanian Military Movements

The last of the 1,000 or so Kahanistanian soldiers withdraw from Torontian territory, concluding their nine-month involvement.

Brigadier General Rachel Levitt, the nominal commander of the forces, is officially placed on administrative leave, in order to make her available to testify against Kahanistanian war criminals. She is willing and eager to do so and does not need to be subpoenaed.

---

Najaster, Capital of Kahanistan

Hall of the Supreme Soviet

A transcript of the meeting between the Kahanistanian Major and the Amestrian reporter is delivered to the Supreme Soviet. The transcript is backed up by the security cameras outside the Ministry of Defense building. In it, the Amestrians admit to handing over prisoners to the TPG to be executed. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10953982&postcount=126)

However, they do not admit to war crimes of their own. Senator Mohammed bin Abdul Haram introduces a resolution condemning the TPG and the State of Amestria for war crimes. However, the resolution, if it passes, will not specifically withdraw recognition of the TPG as the legitimate government of Western Torontia.

[Encrypted Message]

To: The Xirniumite Finance Minister, the Rt Hon Dr Karolyna Andûne-Nörui, MP

Chairperson of the Joint Standing Subcommittee on Infrastructure Development, Foreign Investment and the Macroeconomic Management for Torontia

From: Xeccon Industrial Corporation

Greetings.

This corporation has been looking to invest into the Torontian market for a while now. It was just very hard to convince the shareholders that a nation without a constitution was stable enough for a wise investment. Now that the constitution has been finished, an agreement has been reached. Our shareholders are confident that Torontia is a bright and emerging marketplace that could benefit from XIC involvement.

Being McKagan's second largest automobile manufacturer means that we have a certain degree of responsibility. In McKagan (and its provinces) we have become the most fuel efficient producer of automobiles. We helped several of McKagan's provinces, who were all once like Torontia, gain energy independence and economic growth.

We operate in the currency of McKagan - the Makfia. The Makfia's strong standing has always helped us be very strong in other marketplaces. Being the honest company that we are, we can afford to pay even the lowest industrial worker a very competitive salary (plus benefits) while maintaining a wide profit margain.

The majority of the profit we make is invested back into the region we made that profit in. We have helped build roads and bridges in Saharistan; reinforced the ethanol based infrastructure of Rovonia; and create public transportation systems in various nations in order to relieve traffic congestion.

Our investment in Torontia, should you allow it, would follow all corporate laws you have in place. We're willing to work with you to make Torontia a better place for everyone.

Should you wish to proceed with these negotiations, you should know that we have a plan to invest in 12 production facilities, which will provide tens of thousands of jobs in Torontia. At the retail level, roughly 150 distribution facilities will need to be built.

The decision is yours in the end.

[END]