NationStates Jolt Archive

Return of National-Socialism at hand?

It was hot. The drought was taking over in the dusty northern lands of Guffingford, were German control still reigned supreme. The Dutch (Hoogs) government did not really trust the Germans, and it was likewise the other way. Though politics is not dominated anymore by the love-hate relationship between the Germans and Dutch, it is still difficult to govern the country when two of the mightiest entities in a single nation quarrel and dispute every move and every internal border. With the war cooling down, internal problems surface again – not to mention the many old wounds torn open again.

Like a knife slitting through flesh, dissatisfied and rather ‘cranky’ citizens take their anger to the streets of cities, pillage shops and provoke riots with the police. While this news, if given enough attention by other nations, invokes some negative responses, the other countries have turned weary of Guffingford’s internal amok. However, a few things remain important: Guffingford’s enormous ore deposits, the economy and the eventual (yes, eventual) return of National-Socialism one day. Though difficult to predict, many experts just anticipate its dramatic return. While the dictatorial Watermont administration is bad, its not as nearly as bad as a Führer coming back, reclaiming its ‘rightful’ place in the Presidential Palace in Hoogenbosch.

So…? People ask in foreign countries. What could possibly so bad with a Guffingford being National-Socialist yet again? Hasn’t that nation always been a racist tin pot dictatorship? Yes, say some, no says the majority. There are a few differences, like the most important: Watermont isn’t reluctant to create new ties between other nations who used to be hostile towards Guffingford. And other nations, who used to be quite friendly towards Guffingford, giving less (diplomatic) attention, or even turning hostile to them. And, this is a thing many nations do not like very much about Watermont, his new policy regarding neo-colonialism and expanding territories of Guffingford in far-away continents.

*****

‘DOWN WITH THAT SCUMBAG WATERMONT!’ One of the many demonstrators shrieked near the Presidential Palace. The man was German, being pushed to the limits of anger by the countless pro-nazi demagogues and others who ‘fan the flames’.

‘DOOD DA SWYN!’ [kill that pig] Another wave of pure hatred rolls through the crowd like the first beams of sunlight roll through a valley, and the leaders of the protest march inflame the women, children, seniors and men even more by shouting lies of all size and content through megaphones. People of all social standards, all steps of the social ladder were represented. People who – you’d never expect it – have good jobs, a family and socially secured scream the most twisted things. Unlike the usual protest marches led by Germans and the few Norse in the Bündesstate, many Dutch citizens were also present, united in hatred against a common foe: the pro-whoever-the-hell-they-are government.

‘GUFFINGSFORT ALLEIN VIR WITTE MENSCHE!’ [Guffingford only for white people] yelled a Dutch demonstrator, followed by many cheers of solidarity and praise. The President on television, later that day, had nothing but disdain for the ‘illegal’ and ‘unprovoked’ acts of violence against his fair and racially unbiased government. Well, according to many, the lack of bias was the problem. Guffingford can only succeed if the shackles of the multi-cultural society are abolished, and the rights of black citizens revoked. Turn back to a Confederate States system, and it’ll all work out. Oh yeah, and abolish that ridiculous gold standard as well, the opposing economists say. If Guffingford wants to enjoy capitalism, you don’t need that barbaric yellow relic of the past. Economic stability serves those who serve their economy well, they say. Kind of fits the whole Guffingfordian National-Socialist theory: help another, help yourself first.

So far social unrest has been part of Guffingford, but this time things seem to be heating up quite fast. And more shockingly, the National-Socialists now have a political agenda to pursue: neo-colonialism and consolidation of Guffingfordian points of influence around the globe.

To be continued…

What appeared to the government as a temporality setback in political support, began to expand to the furthest corners of Guffingford, were organised bands of workers began to dominate the streets, hoping for a better future under German rule. Of course, that would never happen, but if you have gained loads of support under the working men and women, you can position yourself in a much more powerful way. And that’s what happened, many people were fed up with the wage laws, the 70 hour workweeks and other quite unfriendly measures to keep the economy going.

‘What we need is a leader who can make Guffingford powerful again. Instead of lulling us, we need an active government who informs, activates and promotes. Like the old Führers did.’ No one really remembers the old names of the Führers, since their demise every reference of them has been erased from history, books, lectures, newspapers… History alteration. Not a very common thing in Guffingford, but the legacy of charismatic leaders isn’t a good thing when you need to govern a country yourself as absolute leader. Since the majority of Guffingford is not very into politics – and education for that matter – forging things is easy for anyone. Today’s National-Socialists in Guffingford were yesterday’s supporters of the Apartheid in Guffingford.

OOC: this thread’s open for IC comments, political debate, newspaper articles… Whatever you want to post. As long as its worth reading for others.

Dowland City
Houses of Parliament, Combined House Session

It was a cold, crisp day throughout the Grand Monarchy, and the wind was particularly biting as it swept through the capital, forcing many of the inhabitants to don thick coats when outside and turn up the central heating when they finally got inside a building. In the newly constructed Parliament Building, a tall and elegantly designed building that showed off the aristocratic style of design that was coming into fashion throughout the country, the assembled Members of Parliament wore thicker jackets than usual, but no other comment was made about the temperature. Far more important things were to be discussed this afternoon than such trivial matters.

As the last of the MPs filed into the Debating Chamber and the Parliamentary Guards took their place by the large steel doors, MP5 Submachineguns nestled in their arms, the King took his place at the front of the Chamber, resting his arms on the small podium provided. He wore no ceremonial gown or any badge of rank, instead opting for the steel grey coloured suit that he often wore for Parliament and government occassions; he considered those things anachronistic and poorly suited for the twenty-first century. Finally the noise stopped from the assembled MPs and Alexander moved the microphone closer to him and leant forward slightly, a grim expression on his face.

"I thank you all for coming at such short notice, but I think you will all agree that such matters demand our quickest attention, especially at this moment in time."

There came a murmur of agreement from the men and women in front of him and many nodded their heads in assent; many remembered the days of President Martin and Guffingford, and more than a few had suffered from the bombing of Dowland City by that same nation. The developments in Guffingford were even more alarming that the usual rhetoric that came from the leaders there, and it warranted immediate action. Alexander raised his hand to call for silence and when the muttering had dampened sufficently, he began speaking again.

"The development of a National Socialist regime in Guffingford is nothing short of alarming, moreso for this nation than many others. Given our previous engagements with Guffingford over the years, this new movement may well result in a far more agressive governing body than has ever been seen before, especially if the more radical elements that exist within the country come to the fore of the movement."

As Alexander finished speaking, one of the MPs jumped up. Yarris Novak was one of the younger MPs in Parliament and was one of the many Members to have joined after the end of the Civil War, representing the county of Neo Sussex. Dressed in a striking electric blue suit and dark blue tie, Novak cut a more radical figure than most of the other MPs and was known as a radical who had links to several militaristic groups in the country. Now he stood before Alexander and the assembled MPs and began speaking, his high-pitched voice echoing through the Chamber.

"Your Majesty, with the greatest respect to you, this National Socialist movement would be more than dangerous, it would be a catastrophe! We have suffered at the hands of Guffingford time and again, and yet we have always been the ones to take a drubbing and lose face. Those Guffingford jackals squawk and screech like the vermin they are; they were dangerous before, but with an unstable regime like a National Socialist one coming into power they might well decide to attack us again! Something must be done to them, and it must be done immediately before the vermin gain such a movement in their pit of a government!"

Novak's inflammatory words sparked a ripple of muttering and murmuring through the assembled MPs, with many agreeing with Novak's assessment of the Guffingford situation. Seeing the radical MP's speech gaining support, Alexander moved swiftly to crush the man and his ideas. Staring directly at Novak, Alexander began speaking, his tone cold and with an edge to it. "Very well Mr Novak, what would you have us do sir? Shall we deploy our military into Guffingford, moving through Imperial Army territory to invade Guffingford and enact a regime change? How many losses would you have us take, sir, before you would end the conflict? A conflict that would well end with missiles once again hitting Dowland City - and with a nuclear payload rather than conventional explosives as last time? How many should die to sate your bloodlust, Mr Novak?"

Novak paled as the verbal assault rained down on him and he began spluttering as Alexander stared him down. He began to respond but Alexander cut him off with a savage chop of his hand in the air. "Sit down, sir, and try and contain your lust for war before it gains you more than a verbal wound." Novak sat down, face red with embarresment and anger, but said nothing to interrupt as Alexander faced the other MPs and finished his speech.

"I have directed the RIA to position several KEYSTONE satellites over Guffingford and ordered that any HUMINT intelligence operatives in or near Guffingford to report immediately. I have also ordered the military to DEFCON 4 as of the end of this meeting, but there is very little else we can do but wait. Military actioon would be reckless and impulsive and gain us nothing but death. I believe that is all we can do, ladies and gentleman."

The MPs murmured their consent and began filing out as the meeting ended, Novak trailing behind the last few MPs. Alexander watched him as he filed out, a frown on his face. Novak would be trouble - he represented a small but influential minority within Parliament that would be trouble for the Guffingford situation if it ever escalated. He moved away from the podium and nodded absentmindedly as his guards fell in behind him; if Guffingford did gain a new and radicalised government it could mean trouble...

Took from Gazette du Luxembourg, 4 March 2006
Foreign News, Small Messages

Guffingfords return of National-Socialism?
HOOGENBOSCH, GUFFINGFORD - After days of unrest, a return of National-Socialism in Guffingford is feared. The chance of a "Führer" returning to Hoogenbosch is getting bigger with the day, MP Dominique Mercrié said after a debate about Military Spending. The Grand Duke hasn't officially commented on the case, like most Government Officials. They currently are too busy with the Guyanan war, and not with other Foreign Affairs, Politics Criticaster George Highman said during an informal TV-show at RTVL 3. Highman also said that Guffingford is a racially unbiased nation as of now, but that might change when a new government takes over.

Soldier lost in....

OFFICIAL RESPONSE
IMPERIVM DOOMANVM

Greetings,

We have long aided Guffingford in her noble quest to rid the world of decadence and evil, and we see this return of national socialism as yet another step on the path towards cleansing the Earth of those who would seek to oppose us. That said, we are hereby pledging our support in the form of weaponry and other important equipment to allow for your respective people to continue your noble crusade.

Official Statement of President John Holtz of Holy Paradise:
"Holy Paradise condemns any movement towards socialism and/or communism. We hope you see that what you are trying to do to improve your land may be its downfall."

A short post on the thoughts of President Christopher Watermont...

*****

The international media doesn’t really cover the whole damn thing Watermont thought. Well that’s a good thing, I don’t want them to start moaning about my policies. Those spoiled little pseudo-intellectual people who run the crooked game they call politics have no clue how things really work.

‘Mr President, Sir Dymmok for you. He has the latest reports on agriculture and harvests.’

‘Send him in Roger.’

‘Yes Mr President.’

Just my luck. When I’m busy pondering how to keep the media away that… Dymmok human comes in with his no-less-than-honest reports. I don’t care. Lies or truth, who cares. The citizens of Guffingford have enough food to feed their themselves and their ignorant families, I don’t want to waste time on that… I’ll listen to what he says and I’ll send him away.

Fifteen minutes later…

Okay, that was boring. But at least he didn’t start talking about all the projects he planned. Thank God. Where was I? Oh yes, keeping the international circus known as the “fair and balanced, objective” media at bay. How can I, in all honesty, brutally suppress these acts of violence when I have a whole damn world on my back, watching. Fools they are! All the work I’ve put in the economy is one of their goals to destroy.

Well, at least I managed to secure a deal with Doomingsland without too much attention. Dodging the press’ part of the big game, but sometimes you need to make things a little more obvious to get attention. Most of the time, this rule doesn’t apply. And it certainly doesn’t apply here. Scandal and rumor, libel and phoney small talk, that’s the stuff I mean. Not this. Never. The problem is, if the National-Socialist revolution ever gains control over my office – over my dead body that is – then my ministers and all the other members of the cabinet and parliament will come out of this untouched. Hell yes, the “revolutionaries” know damn well that if they touch them the country will disintegrate. No one will allow that to happen… Unless I can… Never mind. It won’t happen.

More nations have commented. More unwanted attention. More blasphemy on our doorstep. Somehow I suspect they’ll all pay one day. But not here, not now. Holy Paradise says we’re turning socialist? Why, that John Holtz guy sure makes a great retard on paper. He’s even dumber than the National-Socialists in Guffingford. Wonder if he’s really that stupid, or just acts like one. Doomingsland supports us, I’d never expect anything less from them. They are the true definition of the word ally, it makes me proud to say that. Why bother to write replies to all the people saying that nothing’s happening? That’d be a flat out lie. Perhaps I may do just that.

It was a frenzied night all over Guffingford. From the Lampfire Hills around Hoogenbosch to the deserts surrounding Redmound, winds of change blew hard. Through the Parliament, the People’s Assembly and every other important building. In fact, every structure which has status, there was something amiss. Protest marches were turning into riots and other, very unpleasant if I might add, events which resulted in burning flags of hostile nations, chanting about Watermont’s policy that will ruin Guffingford and the songs of famous racists of Guffingford.

‘Friends, if we want to act, we must act now. Tonight is the night where big changes are going to happen.’

‘But who will be our leader, our Führer? Who, I ask you!’

‘I don’t know yet my friends, but if we take control of this nation in a coup, we can put someone forth in the consternation. We can accomplish it, we have the whole nation behind our backs. Financers from abroad support us, we have the will and the weapons.’

‘You are right.’ Everybody in the clandestine conference room returned to their duties, and began preparing for the coup. The members of the cabinet were at home, the President in his palace with all his security. The objectives are as follows: take control of Truth Media, the Parliament and the President. It will happen tonight.

*****

Angry mobs of citizens, workers and other people banded together and marched through the streets, led by the brown shirted National-Socialists, spurring the madness. Carrying the Guffingfordian flag, the Iron Coat and other banners the people marched. From all directions heavily armed militias and mercenaries joined the group.

‘Halt!’ It was police chief Andrew Gregor, the toughest of them all, who commanded the rabble to stop. He didn’t really care about human life, nor did he wish to put emphasis on excess violence. He’s just doing his job. ‘None of you have permission to protest. Return to your homes or factories. Now please.’ Very few left, nobody paid attention to them. The people stood firmly. ‘I’m going to ask you people one last time. Leave now.’ Nobody listened. ‘Nobody submits, then you have marked your graves. He whistled and from the rooftops snipers presented themselves, but right before the shooting, the people grabbed their arms, and started maiming.

It was a slaughterhouse. Blood, intestines, limbs, dismembered bodies, disfigured faces. Agony, pain and bloodlust. It was clearly too much for the police to handle, and Gregor admitted defeat before he was hanged and lynched. Some wanted to burn his corpse, but there was no time to mess around. Running like maniacs towards their target, the Presidential Palace was stormed, killing all servants and security members who got in their way. The palace itself wasn’t touched, not a painting torn to pieces, not a vase smashed to the ground. Their only concern was President Watermont.

‘My god’ was all he could say, as he heard the loud footsteps on the tile floor. He knew, he was aware of his destiny. And he embraced it. Never was he going to allow a few coalminers, thieves and drunkards to take him alive. Whatever God decides what to do with me, whatever his judgement may be, I have done my job. I have not finished it, and I regret it. ‘Ladies, gentlemen,’ Watermont spoke to his closest associates, his personal servants, his butler Moorehouse and several key advisors. ‘Tonight we are abandoning this office permanently. I do not think we can escape, and I don’t think we are granted mercy. I fear every man in this palace who used to work for me has been slaughtered. My ministers will remain alive, for that always happens when a government in Guffingford is toppled. I bid all of you a safe passage across the Styx.’

The doors were still strong, but the pounding increased. For the first time the cold, black steel of the axes and picks was visible through the wood. ‘Gentlemen and ladies, I have enough pills for all of you here. Within a few minutes you will have set yourself free from the torture that will follow your capture. It’s not painful, please.’ One by one the men and women around the President – and his family as well – began to take the pills. His butler, faithful as ever, handed them small cups of water, before he took his pill and swallowed it with a splash of water. Around the President there were eleven dead bodies a few moments later.

President Watermont did not want to take the pill. From a drawer he kept locked, he took out a pistol. There was something engraved on the barrel: “Paul Kruger, 1910”. It was loaded, cocked it and waited. In an instant, the doors were breached and the mob stood face to face with the President across the room. On one side the revolution was secured, on the other it was lost. One last smile to his arch enemies, and President Watermont pulled the trigger.

Guffingford has returned to its old ways.

OOC: Little fluid time here…

IC:
OPEN COMMUNIQUE TO ALL GOVERNMENTS

Hail the new Führer of Guffingford!

Friends, enemies, allies and indifferent nations globally, rejoice! A few days ago my comrades and my political allies within and outside Guffingford have accomplished the seemingly impossible: we have eliminated the Watermont threat and restored the moral just and socially pure National-Socialist regime in all of Guffingford. As always, we cannot run a country without ministers, so my first decree is to allow our ministers to hold their position, and to continue their hard labour for us, white and native Guffingfordians. However, I would like to announce a new Head-of-State, the honourable Johann Fretch. Mr. Fretch has been a loyal follower and true addition to the National-Socialist ideology of Guffingford, and in my opinion promotion is in place. Furthermore, economic reforms shall also take place starting now, marking a new capitalist era for Guffingford. Social laws will be implemented to optimize the workforce of Guffingford, and to reduce bureaucracy. For now, I have too much work to do. I cannot remain here any longer, though I feel it is my humble duty to inform the world – and of course, the Guffingfordian citizen, whom I’ve served all these grand deeds – since many tasks are at hand.

Führer Adolpho Rodriquez
The Republic of Guffingford & Colonies

Parliment Joint Session Chambers, Granton, Findan

The Parliment of Findan was in a panic. National-Socialists had stagted a coup in Guffingford. Th ambassador and other diplomatic staff were trapped inside the embassy in Hoogenbosch.

Emperor Samuel II spoke to the MP's, "My Lords, as you all knowin the wee hours of the morning a coup was statged in the Guffingfordian capital of Hoogenbosch. A fascist goverment has taken hold and has killed President Watermont. So far we know nothing else except that the new leader is a so called Adolpho Rodriguez, the IIA is currently getting infomation in as soon as possible. I also have some more bad news. The ambassador and his staff and their familes are barricaded inside the embassy. Our miltary attache, Briagdier James Golstein was murdered alngside his family as they attepmted to make thier way to the emabassy. I will contact the leade of Velkya and Xeraph and see if ISAF and GAPTS can help in the dire situation. The Ministry of Intellegnce along withh the Inperial intellegnce Agency are keeping informed a s soon as any infomation can be confirmed. I shall let you know as soon as I hear anything. Any questions?"

John Somego, the Duke of Somego said, "Your Grace, are we going to rescue our embassy staff?"

"Yes, John, we will just as soon an MININT can tell us what the troop strengh is on the ground in Hoogenbosch."

A large calmor beagn to arise.

OOC:Guff, whats the troop status. How many are loyal to Watermont adn are in the caital. How amny in the rest of the country. The same goes for navy, air force etc. If there is a copule of rival subs nearby I might rp a Findanian sub on a rountine patrol.

Parliament House, Dowland City

The sun had just begun to settle below the horizon when the double-doors that led into the inner chambers of Alexander's office were flung open and an aide ushered through. The man practically ran upto the monarch's desk and placed a thin manilla file on the varnished mahogany surface. Alexander motioned to the aide to sit and take a tumbler from the desk and drink, to calm him down, then picked up the slim file. The usual warnings and bureaucratic nonsense filled the thick front page of the folder, but the Situation Title caught his eye. Guffingford was emblazoned on the top of the folder, which made Alexander slughtly more concerned, especially since he had ordered any news from the country's most loathed enemy to be a top priority and rushed straight to him.

He flipped open the folder and pulled out the thin message flimsy contained within it. He held the paper upto the fading light and read the message it contained. He reread it several time to be sure that he understood it all, then placed it back in the folder. He closed the folder and handed it back to the aide, impatiently waving him away. The man saluted and moved out of the room, doors banging slightly as he exited. Alexander pursed his lips and poured himself a tumbler of water, pulling out a small bottle of Scotch to flavour it with. He raised it to his lips and sipped; the firey blend rushed down his throat and made him go red for a moment, before the pain subsided. He coughed slightly and slammed the tumbler down.

The creation of the National-Socialist regime was troubling in the extremity, but there was little that could be done at the moment. Parliamewnt would be called into an emergency session, of course, and the usual firebrands cooled down, but that was all. With the Volunteer Brigades becoming an ever-increasing political pain with their petitioning to go into Czardas, and the actual Czardas situation coming to a head, there were more pressing things that had to be dealt with. The Guffingford problem would have to be laid aside, at least for the moment.

OOC: First of all, you could've posted your OOC message with your post. Next, you don't have an embassy in Guffingford. Only four nations do, and you're not one of them. Just FYI: Iuthia, Macabees, Stevid and someone else I forgot. But trust me, it isn't you. I'm not really into wars anymore, just story telling and developing Guffingford - or destroying it thru RP. Whichever suits me best.

Though the outcome of this RP isn't set in stone, I appreciate it if my new regime remains for a little while. Although I said a while ago I was godawfully tired of nazism and the basic stuff (since everyone was a nazi or a fascist back then) I turned over to a semi-apartheid regime. Now, I grew weary of that too eventually. I've made the change back because the role (I RP, mind) of a nazi suits me on NationStates. I kind of prefer the title "Führer" above anything else...

Oh yeah Findan, next time pull your post through a spellchecker. I don't mind a typo, but it seems you were typing it and trying to catch a train at the same time. Please TG me all your OOC stuff, I don't like a RP to be clogged with chatter. Thanks! And Skinny, thanks for da reply.

Say "NO" to OOC!

Chamber of Deputies, Imperial Palace, Granton, Findan

The Emperor folded his hands and sighed, “So Henry, you’re telling me we have absolutely no idea about the fascist troop strength in Guffingford?”

“I’m sorry Your Grace, there’s nothing we can do. The immediate situation is often hard to tell after coups. It might weeks or even months before we know anything concrete. We’ll have extra subs and satellites pass by to try to pick up anything,” said Viscount Henry Montgomery, the Director of the Imperial Intelligence Agency.

“That’s very good, Director. Admiral Kensington?”

“Yes your Grace?”

“Give Henry what he needs”

“Aye, Your Grace”

Baron Sir Charles Hassahoff, the Foreign Minister, said “Right now I’d personally recommend sending a statement condemning the coup and then demanding that elections take place and if that fails then place economic and diplomatic sanctions of Guffingford. Also keep in contact with Aust, Falastur, Velkya, and Xeraph.”

“Ok, Charles, prepare the statement for, mine, David, yours, and Reginald’s signatures.”

“Aye, your Grace.”


The Imperial Land of Findan hereby condemns the recent coup in Guffingford, and wishes to assert full support for the true leadership of the Republic of Guffingford and wishes to demand that the fascist government steps down immediately or face economic sanctions.

Emperor Samuel II

Prime Minister Sir David Thaxton

Baron Sir Charles Hassahoff, Foreign Minister

Lord Sir Reginald Cooper, Defense Minister

Several of the Empire's nobles burst into the Emperor's outer office, voices raised in argument with the guards, who wouldn't respond simply because their AI programming permitted them to do nothing other than prevent the unannounced access to the Emperor. And even if they somehow got past the Sentinals, they wouldn't get past the Brujah.

Alaric Tan'it, Emperor of Xeraph, was gazing out of one of the palace windows, contemplating the glorious weather and the resultant spring fashions of the ladies when he heard the commotion outside his private office. He had doffed his usual full-battle dress, and was clad simply in a comfortable pair of jeans and an ancient Grateful Dead t-shirt. His long hair hung loose, falling down to his waist. His Glock 9mm was just out of reach on his desk, as were his katanas.

He strode to the door, opened it, and was immediately greeted with a cacophony of voices, all shouting at him. Baron Stronzo was waving a sheaf of papers, and yelling the loudest. The Sentinels were doing an admirable job of keeping them from advancing another inch. Alaric spoke a soft word to no one in particular, and the dreaded Brujah, who had appeared seemingly out of nowhere, melted back to whence they came.....wherever that was.

He held up his hand, and the mob fell silent, all breathing heavily. " OK, whats all the noise about, gentlemen?"

Stronzo spoke up first. "Alaric, it seems that Guffingford has experienced a National-Socialist coup. The president is dead, and a certain Adolpho Rodriguez has assumed the title of Fuhrer. And a guy named Fretch has been named Head of State."

Alaric rubbed his temples. 'Guffingford.....always Guffingford,' he thought. " Do we have any info on these new leaders?", he asked.

"Not yet, but we're on it", Stronzo replied.

"OK, so what we have is an internal situation in a sovreign nation, am I right? I assume nobody's been attacked or threatened...yet...and there is no actual reason for Xeraph to be concerned at this point. So why don't we all calm down and assess the situation rationally?"

Count Axelia blurted, " M'lord, this is Guffingford, not some run-of-the-mill two-bit dictatorship! You know their history as well as anybody. The blatant disregard for human life, their arrogance, and their penchant for manipulation and connivance in the affairs of other nations. We can't just sit back and do nothing!"

The Emperor sighed. " And what would you have us do, m'lord Axelia? Start a war over a change of government? While it's no secret that Xeraph and Guffingford have little use for one another, I'm not going to start a fracas over nothing."

Stronzo waved the papers in his hand. " Sire, hundreds, perhaps thousands, have already died as a result of the coup. If we don't nip this in the bud, you know as well as we all do that sooner or later we're going to face another of Guffingford's aggressions."

'If this...if that', he thought. 'If my aunt had balls she'd be my uncle.' " Gentlemen, I can't base the Empire's stance on 'ifs'. Unless this Rodriguez does something that warrants Imperial attention, all we're going to do is issue the usual statement deploring the unfortunate loss of life during the coup, and wait to see what developes. Got it? Now, get out of here, all of you!"

Alaric was actually concerned, albeit mildly. Anything to do with Guffingford usually concerned him. Well, we'll see what happens. His mind was already returning to the red-head he saw sunning herself on the palace lawn.......

From The Ministry of International Affairs

All Hatarian Citizens are to stay away from Nazi Guffingford, all Hatarian Citizens in Nazi Guffingford are to LEAVE AT ONCE.

By Order of Empress Serena of The Imperial Republic of Hataria