NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: As per the immediately concerned parties agreed this thread/story is wide open for people, within reason of course. So please, post government reactions either public or discussions behind closed doors. You can posture with your military all you'd like, but in terms of combat and fighting, this is a strictly closed RP. Other than that, please enjoy.

With the dawn arrival of the sun, the sky above the sands, jungles, and rivers of New Albion blazed red while the men and women below grew increasingly agitated from a fire whose sparks had been lit long ago before the current generation had even been born. Their children, however, now held the torches and one of the children now set about on a path to let his torch fall to the ground and set New Albion a light.

Dawesport, New Albion, Khailfah al Muslimeen

From atop a small, wood-covered hill south of the island’s capital stood a man in a linen suit of a pale caramel colour, his mess of hair slightly darker though his eyes managed even a few shades darker than that. Out in the distance above the blue horizon a small silver object shrank steadily as it rose ever higher into the dawn light. The aircraft had departed the city’s airport on schedule and would soon be arriving in New Delhi, meaning George Mason had one quick phone call to make. Pulling out a slender pair of dark sunglasses from his jacket pocket, Mason quickly placed them upon his face and turned around and opened the door to his small black sedan.

His Majesty’s Embassy, Istanbul, Khailfah al Muslimeen

Darkness reigned in Istanbul except where acetylene light and oil-lit candles fell upon city streets in the pre-dawn hours. One such candle burned steadily in the office of Sir David Hayward, Ambassador to the Khailfah. Early the previous day he had received a phone call from the Foreign Office instructing him to remain awake throughout the night, one of the oddest directives he had ever received in his tenet as ambassador. Not one to disappoint the Crown he sat dressed in a fresh three-piece suit with an old fashioned pocket watch in his hand, checking the hour once more. At last the shrill ringing of his office phone disturbed the night silence, the ringing ended as the ambassador picked up the receiver.

Yes?

Sorry to disturb you, sir, however the embassy has received an incoming call for you from the island of New Albion. Do you wish to accept?

Indeed, thank you.

Hayward listened to the small click that signaled the incoming call had been transferred before another man’s voice came through. Terribly sorry to disturb you at this hour, sir, but I must speak with you concerning an issue related to the United Kingdom of Oceania.

That’s quite alright, sir, may I ask who this is, however?

My apologies. I am George Mason, the unofficial governor of New Albion – unofficial only in the Khailfah’s decision not to recognise the wish of the people of New Albion. And that, Your Excellency, is the matter with which I wish to speak to you about. At this very moment a flight is en route to the Regional Governor of India onboard which an envoy of the people of New Albion flies. In his possession is a letter declaring it the wish of the people of New Albion to sever their political bonds with the Khailfah, a nation that has done little to nothing to support and protect the descendents of English settlers across this island. Not explicitly contained in the letter, however, is the proposal of this island and its inhabitants to recognise the sovereignty of King George of the United Kingdom of Oceania, whose government is hereby asked to assume governorship of New Albion as a royal crown colony.

HMS Vanguard, Somewhere in the Indian Ocean

Commodore?

Eaton looked up from his cup of tea to find the pleasant face of some young woman ensign. He took a quiet sip of his drink before nodding and acknowledging her presence. Yes, ensign?

We have received an urgent communication from Breningrad, the ensign replied, handing over a piece of paper in the process.

At that Eaton put down his china cup, the meeting of cup and saucer producing a distinctive sound. For days his small squadron had been sailing around the Indian Ocean on patrol, but without any direct orders from the Admiralty. The odd occurrence now seemed over, however, if this message contained new orders. Quickly reading over the document, Eaton’s puzzlement morphed into surprise.

Picking up the phone, Eaton took one last sip of his tea before hearing the voice of the Vanguard’s executive officer at the opposite end. Commander Davidson, have you a copy of the orders just delivered to me?

Indeed I do, Commodore.

Please instruct the Defiant to enact its role in this Operation Kaleidoscope.

Very well, sir, anything else?

No, Commander, that shall be all. Please ready Combat, I shall be up momentarily.

Very good, sir.

Office of the Regional Governor of India
New Delhi, Khailfah al Muslimeen

Trent Conner rubbed his nose, an unusually common act in an unusually stuffy environment such as the one he found himself in at the moment. Nevertheless he knew it would likely be among the last acts he could undertake as a free man, for the sealed letter in his hand could very be his death warrant. But in the end, despite the nerves that continued to fray, he knew the duty must be done for the good of his brothers and sisters back home.

After having impressed upon the governor’s secretaries and aides about the true importance of the letter he had fiercely guarded, the twenty-something had finally been granted a five-minute audience with the governor. Conner still found that amusing, for they would likely be a very large and momentous five minutes in the life of the two men – regardless the outcome.

As the doors to the governor’s office swung open, and an aide beckoned him in Conner looked at his wrist watch. The local time was now 11:45 and as such the bureaucratic delays would matter little – for the contents of the secret letter would become common knowledge in but fifteen minutes.

Just Above the Indian Ocean, Off the Coast of New Albion

John Barton smiled, for outside the windows of the small Royal Navy helicopter he could see the distant mountains of New Albion. His ride now hugged the crests of the waves of the Indian Ocean, not a particularly safe way of going about his business – but he hoped an effective one, i.e. one that would allow his small team to enter Dawesport unmolested.

They had been dispatched from the Defiant as part of the first reconnaissance team that would liaise with New Albion officials and secure the immediate government compounds from any possible retaliatory actions by Khailfah troops, known to be operating in the southern half of the island. To that end, from what Barton could tell from the briefing, the RIS had done their job rather well: instigating bloody and violent protests in the south to draw KLM attention away from the secessionist north. Even if secession had required a small push from the Royal Intelligence Service.

As the small high-rises of Dawesport became visible Barton checked his weapon once more in the unlikely event it would be needed. He checked his watch, 11:55 local. Any minute now…

Office of the Prime Minister, the Citadel
Imperium, New Britain

Lord Salisbury slowly and methodically spun his silver spoon around in lazy circles, dissolving the sugar into his tea, from his private estate in Sarnia. Modern air-conditioning created a slight breeze in the spacious but cozy confines of the Prime Minister’s office while the wall-mounted television threw its flickering light upon the remainder of the room, abnormally quiet for a late afternoon. Salisbury knew, however, that most of his senior staff were huddled in his Chief of Staff’s office planning the United Kingdom’s coordinated response to what Sir David Hayward had informed him of but a few hours ago – that New Albion would soon be delivered into Oceania’s hands by its own people.

At long last the KBC switched its coverage of Conservative MPs hounding the Defence Realignment Act of 2006 to a singular individual in Dawesport, New Albion. Salisbury watched, leaning forward and resting his elbows upon the hard wood surface. Truthfully, Mason’s words mattered little for they contained enough appeals to democracy and liberalism and security and fairness and justice and pluralism to satisfy any believer in liberal democracy. The crux of the argument would be the response of the Khailfah and how muted or vehemently they decided to defend their empire against the growing Oceanic Empire.

In the middle of Mason’s live broadcast, Salisbury’s office phone rang and diverted the Prime Minister’s gaze. The caller identification informed him that the call emanated from the Admiralty in Breningrad. Picking up the phone, Salisbury muted his television, while the KBC ran important excerpts such as ‘freedom for the oppressed’ at the bottom. Good afternoon, Lord Atkinson, I take it you have some news for me?

Dawesport, New Albion, United Kingdom of Oceania

As Mason stepped humbly off the ad hoc stage, Barton pushed his way through the man’s cadre of advisors – helped not only by his sheer bulk but the presence of his fearsome-looking rifle. The Royal Marine officer walked calmly up to Mason in an almost surreal fashion, a battle-hardened warrior standing amid a crowd of journalists and politicians and people who many would call relics of a bygone era. But to Barton, that mattered not.

Colonel John Barton, His Majesty’s Royal Marines, sir, he said brusquely. He watched as the moderately built politician looked up into what he knew others perceived as cold blue eyes.

Good afternoon, Colonel Barton, I am Governor Mason of New Albion – His Majesty’s newest colony in the Indian Ocean.

Indeed you are, sir. In fact, in honour of this historic occasion I have been tasked to not only secure you and your government but to present you with this. Barton let his rifle loose, hanging around his neck across his chest while he dug into a spare satchel case digging around until he pulled out a clear plastic bag. The two men walked quickly to the front of the colonial-era building that had once served as Britain’s local centre of administration. Once outside Barton dropped to his knee, taking only a perfunctory note of his small squad, the vanguard of the troops now en route.

Mason stood next to Barton, watching as he slowly revealed his second task. It took mere moments, but soon as the sun slowly began to move west from its zenith the flag of the Khailfah had been replaced by the blue, white, and red of the flag of the United Kingdom of Oceania. Barton just smiled as he let loose the rope from the pole, Now that, is a beautiful sight.

Hull Fortress, Hull Island, Duchy of Alcona, United Duchies

Bill Blakely swallowed hard when he stopped infront of the door before him. He picked up his idenity card and slid it into the neck high slot of grey metal next to the door. His blue eyes locked onto the black dome that contained the camera for a moment. Bill flinched slightly as a red flash filled his left eye.

Alright remember don't blink or the thing will just have to scan again Bill stated to himself. Learning not to blink during a retnal scan was one of the harder tasks of his new job.

The electronic buzz signaled that Mr. Blakely could now open the door. He stepped forward, forgetting that his security card was still in the slot. He felt the blue lasso go tight against his neck as it pulled the card from the slot. Bill stopped and straitened out his tie and card before stepping through the heavy door.

A warrent officer in a Marine Undress Uniform looked up from a security desk and nodded across the room to the woman seated at a practical wood desk across from him. Obviously the database had noted Bill had never been to this part of the fortress before. Bill stepped forward and presented the small metal case to the woman. Her grey eyes looked over the pair of reading glasses on her nose for a moment as she looked at the youngster. "The door is open, go right in," she stated as she pointed to the far door.

"Ah yes ma'm," Blakely turned and walked to the door. He swallowed as he pulled the door open and then stepped through the small passage to the door beyond. A moment later he was standing in a place few ever ventured, Mister Black's Office.

Actually it could have been a professor's office with its rows of bookshelves along the walls. Part of Blakely wondered what the various leather bound volumes contained. The varied intelligence history of the United Duchies, a pre-eminent collection of texts on the craft of intelligence gathering, or something more prosaic like say Agatha Christy novels or something.

There was a loud cough and Bill realized he had been standing motionless on the persian rug for a bit too long. The occupent of the office was not used to being kept waiting. Bill turned and walked up to the desk at one end of the room. He handed the case over to the middle aged man sitting behind the desk. The glare Mister Black bestowed made the runner turn and vanish back out the door.

Black turned his attention back to the screen. "Alright just got the info Lord Marshall..." He opened the case and placed the diskette inside into his computer. "Well it would seem that the UKA has decided to claim New Albion, hmmm"
The computer replied, "Quite...and the Privy Council is getting a bit worried about the UKA and its expansionist intentions. The United Duchies would prefer not to have to deal with some sudden colonial movement by the UKA against say Calarca or Klatchian Galaga."

"Hmm, quite they do seem to be moving in that direction. However wasn't or isn't Albion part of the Khailfah?"

"Quite, and we and the Khailfah are not exactly prone to be each other's benifactors. However, if we can assist the Khailfah in retaining New Albion or making New Albion very expensive to digest by the UKA then..."

Mr. Black followed the Naval Marshal's idea on this to the utmost. "Perhaps the UKA may not be as inclined to attempt to dine on any more far flung colonies, including ours."

"Quite, with the mess in Dyelli Beybi at the moment we don't have the Naval Resources to do anything. But then an action plan from your baliwick might get the passage of the Privy Council."

"Quite your lordship....I'll have some of my best boys and girls work up a plan to present asap. Best to your and yours..."

"Likewise..."

Mr. Black cut the connection and leaned back in his leather chair, his mind lost in thought for a few moments. So how do we make New Albion the least happiest place on earth?

At Office of the Regional Governor of India, New Delhi, India, Khailfah al Muslimeen

Governor Barakat Qasim Husayn read the letter, the color from his face drain away, as he read the letter. He look up at the man who given him the letter and said in fluent English… He looked coldly into the man eyes

“You are here by under arrest for supporting a rebellion against Imperium. GUARDS!” He yell out , and then four Governor Guards enter the room and they garb a hold of him and the Governor spoke again

“Hand him over to the Regional AMI Headquarters…they will want to question him… GET HIM OUT OF MY SIGHT!” Order the Governor

And just the Guards drag out the Rebel man and went off to hand him over to the AMI for questioning…


The Governor was still in a state of shock…he tried to reread letter, then Aid rush in his office

“Governor, sir…turn on the T.V….there is something you must see!” said the Aid

“What is it…Khan?’ ask the Governor

Then the Aid turn on the T.V. and Governor saw George Mason giving, New Albion Declaration of Independent Address

The Governor turned completely white and said to his staff “ The son of bitches will pay for this…get me on the line with the Sultan right away!”


News was spreading all over the Khailfah and her Dominions, on secession of New Albion; many knew that the Imperial Government had a very hard-line stance on the secession and rebellions. and just this rebellion will be crush ruthlessly by the Imperial Arm Forces. All eyes were looking on the rebellious northern half of the Island, the people of the Khailfah and the Dominions were watching the latest KNN or AMNN news reports on the revolt of New Albion..


At the Sultan Palace, Istanbul, Khailfah al Muslimeen

Emergency joint meeting of the Cabinet and Arm Forces head was in session.

“The son of bitches will paid dearly for this…gentlemen… The situation in New Albion…will be taken care of soon… bloody Oceanians who are behind this….mess….I am ordering a Red Alert for all of the arm forces, including the Dominion and Protectorate…the rebels will pay for their lives. For rebelling against the Imperium.
” said Sultan Suleiman Al Bashir II (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/9cf28c18.jpg)

“My Sultan, are we doing a full mobilization of all the arms forces, including the Reserves and Home Guards?” ask Defense Minister-Vizier Süleyman al Uthmān bin Aziz (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/Omar_Sharif.jpg)

“Yes, Defense Minister…total and compete mobilization of all branches of the arm forces….we must crush this rebellion at all cost…and show to the world that we won’t stand by and allowing regions of our empire to leave….We will maintain the anti secession policy at all cost.” Said the Sultan

“Sultan, I strongly recommend we need more forces to support our garrison in the region…The Indian Front Command has following corps and units that can be deployed within a short amount of time, the units are the 29th Paratroop Corp. and 30th Paratroop Corp. we can also send for addition support by sending the 30th Marine Corp. But we must first deploy these units in the Southern half of Island where our forces are already garrison and have the air ports still open to us.” Said Head of Arm Forces - Field Marshal of the Al Muslimeen Khailfah Army (head of the arm forces) Huseyin Kivrikoglu (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/kivrikog.jpg)

“Very well, make it so…deploy those units as possible!” reply the Sultan

“Also, Sultan…it will take 24 hours for the Paratroop Corps to be fully deployed to the Island and 36 to 48 hours for the Marines to be fully deployed to the Island, by air and sea.” Stated the Head of Arm Forces

“It has been noted, Field Marshal. Now, Subhead of Navy- Flag Rank Fleet Admiral Saiful Muhsin Stylianos….you are here by order to send all three major naval groups to impose a blockade on rouge island of New Albion, also…order the Indian and Pacific Fleet Commands to deploy all their assets in the open seas and awaited orders, tell them just to patrol our shipping lanes and waters..” order the Sultan

“It shall be done my Sultan…all naval assets will be deployed, at once.” Reply Flag Rank Fleet Admiral Stylianos

“Gentlemen…we know that the Neo-British are behind this mess…and we’ll make them paid for it…soon or later…but we must make our stand here and now…we shall not back down nor we will allow the Oceanians to rise their bloody flag on our land…they shall be pay for it. Foreign Minister Farhri Koruturk is the international press release ready?” ask the Sultan

“Yes, Sultan…the document is ready to be release, also should we send a notice to our ambassador in Oceania?” asked Foreign Minister Farhri Koruturk (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/8b4e95d0.jpg)

“Good release the document, and also as for our ambassador in Oceania..tell her to be on stand by for further notices.” Said the Sultan

“It has been done, my Sultan.” Reply the Foreign Minister

“Now, Gentlemen, this meeting is here by over and I must go to the Joint Session of Parliament, the House of Viziers and Imperial Senate….the Grand Vizier , the Prime Minister and the High Chancellor are already represent in the meeting..its time for me to join the close door meeting….lets hope in 20 hours the rebels come to their senses.” Said the Sultan and just the meeting was dismiss




All major arm forces assets thought the Imperium were put on the highest alert and we’re told to be on stand by for further orders. The KLM air forces began constant air patrol over KLM air space to prevent any unwelcome visitors to come in and also the KLM navy step up patrols of KLM waters.



Bombay Naval Base, Home base of the 3rd Fleet Carrier Battle group

Fleet Admiral Amjad Ali Khan read the latest orders from Imperial High Seas Fleet Command; he was order to lead his carrier group plus 10th Indian Ocean Flagship Group, base out of Madras, and the 17th Battlegroup Fleet, Base out of Colombo. His orders was to take the taskforce to New Albion and impose a blockade to cut off the rebels from outside aid and to support the Imperial Army in their war against the rebels, just helping them crush the rebellion.

It was going to take 24 hours for all three fleets to get ready and leave the ports and another 36 hours to meet up and another 10 hours to began forming the blockade of New Albion.

The Fleet Admiral look out from his office window. The massive naval base was in gearing up and beginning to make the ships ready to leave port..soon he’ll be out at sea on his flagship and leading the fleet to began the blockade.

Throughout the Major naval bases of the Arabia Sea, Red Sea Persian Gulf ,Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, the other major naval groups began to move out of their naval bases and given orders to patrols the seas and awaited further notice. Yet the Naval groups station in KLM Southeast Asia(rl Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia) were given special orders to be place on the highest alert and order to engage any enemy naval units that might cross into KLM waters in the sea.

Also a massive number of KLM Subs, made up of SSNs, SSGNs and SSBN were being redeployed from their deep sea patrols to new locations..

Southern half of New Albion, India, Khailfah al Muslimeen

The Island Garrison Command meeting

“Well…fuckin shit….god damn bloody Nationalist Brits…I’ll make short work of them soon enough…” remarked Flag Rank Commander Ghassan Sami, the overall commander of the KLM Garrison of New Albion, which was made up of 104th Reserved Division ,100th Home Guard Division and 114th Home Guard Division

“Sir, High Command is sending more troops to support us…but it will take about 24 to 36 hours for the forces to arrive.” Reported a Lieutentant

“Oh great….alright…High Command has issues orders that we will not march into the North yet….our new orders are to secue the Southern half of this god forstaken Island, so that our forces has a good stable base of operations against the rebels, you have your orders Gentlemen…carried them out!” Order the Flag Rank Commander and just the meeting was over




At KLM Embassy in Imperium, Oceania

Ambassador Elizabeth Diamandis was busy in her office, reading the latest messages from Imperial Government, she was very uneasy with event in New Albion.. Right at this moment, Entire Imperial Government was in a close meeting and discussing ways of handling the situation and suppressing the rebellions.. But what unnerve she the most…was the simple fact, the Foreign Ministry only send a message stating …Stand by for further orders….that was all…what could be next…that was going to keep her up all night…just waiting for the orders for further actions if necessary



Officially Press Release

The Khalifah al Muslimeen Imperial Government will not stand for rebellions and secession of any of her territories. We will not allow New Albion, to break off from the Imperium. This is an Internal affair, of the Khailfah, we will not tolerate any outside forces supporting the rebellion. We here by give the rebels of New Albion ,48 hours to lay down their arms and surrender to the nearest KLM arm forces unit. They will be given lenient treatment if they surrender now, if they don’t surrender within the 48-hour period. We will take them out by any means necessary , as we see fit.

OOC: Points of Reference

Order of Battles
Blockade Taskforce

3rd Fleet Carrier Battle group (In the Indian Ocean, Base in Bombay)
Salah al-Din class Battleship( Fleet Admiral Flagship, the Star of India)
2 Uthman-class Battlecruiser
2 Abu Sufyan class cruisers
2 Royal Edmund-class CV
Region-class CBG
2 Province-class CG
5 County-class DDG (AD)
5 City-class DDG (GP)
10 Furtive-class FFH
4 Forthar-class SSGN
5 Flansburgh-class AOR

10th Indian Ocean Flagship Group (In the Indian Ocean, Base in Madras)
Ocean-class BBGN
2 Abu Sufyan class cruiser
2 Uthman-class Battlecruiser
Duchy-class CAG
2 Province-class CG
2 County-class DDG (AD)
2 City-class DDG (GP
4 Furtive-class FFH
2 Forthar-class SSN
Smith-class AOE

17th Battlegroup Fleet (Base in Colombo)
1 Bismarck II Class
2-Union-class trimaran CVBN
4 Kreml class Aircraft Carrier Cruiser
2 Abu Sufyan class cruiser
2 Uthman-class Battlecruiser
4 Kirov Missile Cruisers
12 Sovermenny Class Destroyers
14 Neustrashimy Class Frigates
2 Typhoon-II SSBN
2 Delta-V SSGN
10 Forthar-class SSN
1- Blue Cross Class Hospital Ship (T-AH)
8 Pepperbox class Logistical Support Vessel [LSV]

Land forces
ex of Paratroop corp.
6,000 arm with AK-105, AT-15 Khrizantema and RPGs-7
100 9P148(Anti Tank Amour)
200 BMD-3 Airborne Infantry Fighting Vehicle
100 MI-28A/N HAVOC ATTACK HELICOPTER
100 Ka-52 HOKUM B / Alligator Attack Helicopter
20 C-141 Starlifter(Air Transport)

Example of a Reserved Division
10,000 men arm with XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle and RPGs
100 Jaguar 2 Tank destroyer [with TOW]
100-2S6M Tunguska Anti-Aircraft Artillery
20 The PzH 2000 155mm self propelled howitzer
80 Type 98 main battle tank
100 BMP-4(Troop transport)
20 G5: 155mm towed gun Howitzer

Ex of Home Guard Divisions( Base throughout the regions of the Empire and Dominions)
10,000 men arm with AK-105 and RPGs
200 HMMWV( transport)
100 BMP-4(Troop transport)
20 G5: 155mm towed gun Howitzer

ex of the Marine Corp
30,000 men arm with XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle and RPGs
240 Jaguar 2 Tank destroyer [with TOW]
200-2S6M Tunguska Anti-Aircraft Artillery
100 The PzH 2000 155mm self propelled howitzer
100 Type 98 main battle tank
120 BMP-4(Troop transport)
20 TOS-1 Buratino 220mm Multiple Rocket Launcher
80 G5: 155mm towed gun Howitzer
60 MI-28A/N HAVOC ATTACK HELICOPTER
100 Ka-52 HOKUM B / Alligator Attack Helicopter

Air Force

Naval Air Wings

200-SU-37
400 MIG-35 FULCRUMS
400 F-35 joint Strike Fighter

10 KC-10A Extender (tanker)
20-P-7A LRAACA (Maritime patrol)

10 E-3C Sentry

{New Christendom, The Republic}

'My God,' thought Highest Minister Riyabuo Kalia watching the Declaration of Independance speech made by a George Mason for the island of New Albion, 'All this started because some teenager made a picture about Muhammad.'

'Thats how it works most of the time,' replied her Foreign Minister Alfred Rednight, 'Will we be getting involved militarily?'

Riyabuo paused, she wanted the Muslimeen on the Republic's side. Though at the same time the Republic had a war it was close to getting involved in, in its own region as the Northern Alliance broke the Havenic Forces lines and were beginning to attack Safehaven itself. The Republic couldn't possibly afford to get into a war, and one that will probably be more naval than ground. And the considering the Grand Navy was in horrid shape--she would have to leave the Muslimeen deal with this on their own.

'No, we have domestic and regional problems to deal with first. Dang, if only this had happened earlier, or later,' stated Riyabuo.

'Are we just going to leave them at the mercy of the Oceanians? There are few religious states in the world, Madame Minister, I would hate for a rift to develope between the most advanced and powerful Moslem country, and its counterpart in the Christian realm,' stated Rednight looking back over at the television.

Riyabuo sighed and allowed her head to sink into her hands as she rubbed her eye lids and contemplated what the Republic could do. The economy was doing great, its growth rating steady at six precent for the last two years, the precent of people in poverty had decreased from thirty-precent, down to a mere seventeen. Inn Industrial was finally warming up to the Republic, where before it refused to give discounts to a republican government. The population itself was beginning to heal, the cases of Extermination Syndrome were decreases and the faith of the people in the God Almighty had peeked. The Republic itself was still fragile, with Riyabuo doing all she and her handpicked government could do to keep the Republic together. A war against the Oceanians when the Macabees, the Republic's foremost enemy next to Kraven, was trying to consume the region seemed rather inefficent. Would, could, she sacrifice all of that to go to war with the Muslimeen--for what? An island whose residents probably would rebel against the Oceanians when something didn't go their way. No--she couldn't help the Muslimeen militarily--though what little political clout the Republic had could be used.

'Moral support maybe?' questioned Riyabuo, breaking the almost minute-long silence.

Rednight shrugged, 'Its possible. I'm sure the Muslimeen would be shocked, and it could open the doors to a possible future alliance. The one you've been talking about.'

Riyabuo nodded, but still had a distressed look in her eyes, 'This is going to be a very long term.'

Rednight smiled, 'Lets hope so. I don't want to get executed in a coup you know.'

Riyabuo only glared at him, as Rednight put up his hands and smiled. 'How is the situtation in the southeastern regions? Any improvement?'

Rednight lowered his head and shook it, 'No mame, the intolerance in that region is as thick as armor plating. Everyone in the region, well except the common people, support it. In fact, I wouldn't expect the southeastern regions to pay their taxes this quarter, or this year if you support the Muslimeen.'

Riyabuo growled, 'Intolerant fools. They will be the downfall of the Republic if they keep that up. Any chance we could send the military into the area? We've tried all other solutions, and they still won't give it up.'

Rednight, again, shook his head, 'No mame. That could lead to the soldiers in that area rising up against the Republic. Not all the nation is in support of the ideals of republicanism, many still view York as the legimate ruler.'

The tension in the southeast region increased, more suicidal bombings and now sporadic violence. Riyabuo had tried to send in forces from the Eastern Defense District, but they were blocked by other militias in the area, and then by the few military bases in the southeastern region. Not wanting another civil war, Riyabuo called off the militarization of the southeastern region. It had shown a weak Republic, but it had adverted a much worse fait.

'Very well, make a statement in support of the Muslimeen. Denounce the declaration and inform New Albion that the Republic will never their desires for autonomy, or their change in loyalities. Send a seperate message to the United Kingdom, inform them that their meddling in the affairs of the Muslimeen does not sit well with the Republic. We shall have none of their landmongering,' stated Riyabuo.

Rednight nodded and then walked out of the office to prepare the statement.

{Republican Embassy, Oceanian Imperium}

Ambassador Jin-Ho Young straightened his three piece black suit. He then went about the task of carefully combing his unusual kaiser-styled facial hair, which made him look out of place in the modern-style fashion. He was getting fixed up for nothing, as usual, the Republic rarley had communications with Oceania and had only limited contact in the past, this embassy was the result of that limited contact. Various ambassador's had come and gone from this embassy, it was technically a serious position as Oceania, formerly Azazia, was considered a great power in the modern world. Though in reality, due to the lack of communication, it was more a training post than anything that held responsibilities. As he finished combing his jet black hair back and again straightening his suit, he heard something that was very unusal in the embassy--the phone ringing. Not entirely shocking, though New Christendom only called about once every three months to make sure the diplomatic staff were still alive, and hadn't been executed for one reason or another. He had just received the last call about a week ago.

'Probably a mix-up,' he told himself he looked at himself in the mirror, even though he was only in his early thirties he was still moving up in the diplomatic ladder, he had hoped his next post would be one of Jagada's most esteemed friends, Kahanistan, while he was sure Kahanistan didn't see Jagada has a critical ally--the Republic never forgets a State which helps them. He turned around when a knock, followed by the squeaking sounds of the wooden door opening caught his attention.

'Excuse me, Mr. Ambassador,' said the blonde female.

'Yes?' questioned Jin-Ho.

'Foreign Minister Alfred Rednight is on the phone requesting to speak with you. He says its urgent, sir,' replied the female aide.

'Yes, thank you,' stated Jin-Ho, his voice obviously trembling. Rednight was, after all, the Foreign Minister. If he personally was calling then that meant something urgent was indeed occuring the world. As he walked to the phone his heart sank as he wondered if Rednight was going to tell him to pass onto His Majesty's Government an offical Declaration of War by the Republic. As he took the phone off the desk, he said a small prayer in his head.

'Yes, Minister Rednight?'

'Ambassador Young, I have a task for you that is of urgent importance to the Republic,' said Rednight firmly, 'You are to personally deliever the following message to the Oceanian Government. Do you understand?'

As the fax machine came to life suddenly, as if one que, Ambassador Young was passed by his aide what he would have to inform the Oceanian Government of, and in a sense he felt a sigh of relief--a mere condemnation, not a declaration.

'Yes sir, Minister Rednight. It shall be done,' stated Young. Rednight thanked him and quickly hung up the phone. Young then turned to his aide.

'Contact the Oceanian Government. Inform them that we have a message and request an auidance with an apporiate offical from them,' stated Young.

{OOC: Azazia, I hope the embassy thing was OK. I couldn't think of any other legimate way to contact you. Since I don't think you watch Jagite News Channels. If you want, I can change it.}

OOC: TG, Azazia.

Imperial Palace, Vancouver Island, Malkyer
Well, this has certainly gone to hell a damn sight faster than it had too. The Emperor's eyes skimmed over a report of the recent mobilization of KLM forces, forces that would deal in no uncertain terms with secessionist rebels on New Albion, some insignificant dot of land in the Indian Ocean. The mobilization put the Imperial Commonwealth in an confusing predicament. The Commonwealth was very close, culturally speaking, to those inhabitants of New Albion that sought independence. In addition, the Imperial Commonwealth was predictably similar in terms of policy, culture, and ideals to the United Kingdom of Azazia, the nation that was undoubtedly supporting the rebels of New Albion on some level or another.

The Khailfah al Musilmeen, though, was both an ally and a friend to the Imperial Commonwealth. Both nations were sworn allies, and thousands of soldiers from each country had died for the other. The Emperor himself, through his mother, was descended from the KLM's House Petrovic. Blood made for greater ties than accent or pigmentation, and here was no exception. The Imperial Commonwealth would support its allies in Istanbul, as it had for years, and as it would continue to do for many years to come.

*****

Malkyer Broadcast Corporation-Speech By Foreign Minister Roland Dawson
"As much of the nation has no doubt been made aware by the international media, the island of New Albion has seceded from the Khailfah al Musilmeen. As we face our own bloody insurrection in Africa, the Imperial Commonwealth can do nothing in good conscience except stand in firm solidarity with our comrades and allies in the Khailfah. However, Istanbul has stated that the secession is an internal matter, and so the Imperial Commonwealth will leave it to our allies to deal with this situation.

"There is as of yet no official word as to whether the secession of New Albion is supported by a foreign power, and so His Majesty's Government will not issue a statement to that effect. However, as it is clear that KLM rule in New Albion has not been oppressive or unjust by any definition, it is likely that forces greater than the population of a disgruntled island possession are at work.

"Part of the Indian Ocean Fleet has put to see from Australia, this is true. However, it is not the desire of the Imperial Commonwealth to increase tensions in the area of New Albion. The Royal Navy vessels in the Indian Ocean are merely assisting in operations condusive to our campaigns in Africa."

*****

Indian Ocean
The Eastern Squadron of the Royal Navy Indian Ocean Fleet, based out of the Viceroyalty of Australia, sailed through the bright blue waters of the southern Indian Ocean. The warm water would have been inviting, had it not been infested with sharks. The Royal Navy had been put to sea to monitor the situation in New Albion, but for the time being would not intervene unless action was requested by KLM authorities. It was widely known in the higher circles of both the Royal Armed Forces and His Majesty's Government that the KLM was very touchy about foreign soldiers near or within its borders, and there was no use exacerbating the situation by making the already famously paranoid KLM even more so.

The fleet's two carriers were running constant air patrols, supported by EW and AWACS aircraft operating from Australia and Madagascar. Additional naval forces from Africa that were designated as the Western Squadron of the greater Indian Ocean Fleet were currently tied down patrolling the coast of the African Viceroyalty, in an attempt to prevent further arms and supplies from reaching rebels there. Although the Fleet was only half-strength, no action was anticipated for the foreseeable future. At least, no action that would necessitate more naval strength.

[OOC: OK, I'm assuming that the Malkyeri Naval Bases in India haven't been completed yet, so I didn't mention them. If that's incorrect, let me know.]

[OOC: Telegram again, Azazia.]

[Ooc: Jagada, everything you said is absolutely fine with me, if you'd like to get in touch with me to work out exactly what needs to be said, just TG me and we'll work it out.[/ooc]

Office of the Prime Minister
The Citadel, Imperium, New Britain

Mere hours had passed since Lord Salisbury watched George Mason deliver his island’s declaration of independence, and within the same statement pledge its allegiance to His Majesty King George in return for Oceanian protection. As the first minutes had passed into hours the Prime Minister’s staff had collected the immediate reaction of the world, most importantly of course the Khailfah. Now, the secretaries of state had assembled in Salisbury’s conference room, the long wooden table bedecked with fine china and silver while the ceiling fan high above swung lazily pushing the cool-air around the large and spacious room.

Salisbury sat at the head of the table, his eyes heavy from almost two full days without sleep. In his small, fragile hands his glasses hung delicately with their wire frames intertwined with the narrow fingers. His free hand rubbed the worn bridge of his nose. Finally, as the door clicked shut and his Chief of Staff announced the full attendance of the Cabinet the Prime Minister replaced the glasses and looked up at his legal peers.

Firstly, I should like to take a moment to thank you all for coming on such short notice, he began quietly. More than likely you have all been made aware of the startling events occurring in the Khailfah within the past few days – and most importantly for the United Kingdom the past few hours. Late last night, Mr. Mason called our embassy in Istanbul informing Sir Hayward that he would be declaring his island’s independence and requesting defence aid from this country. He watched as the partial background of the event unraveled before his cabinet, most of them unaware of the Royal Intelligence Service’s hand in the recent events. When the news had sunk in, Salisbury smiled. I have promised Mr. Mason the recognition of this government and have ordered, with His Majesty’s consent, a small military force to help Mr. Mason garrison the United Kingdom’s newest colony.

Dawesport Harbour, New Albion, United Kingdom of Oceania

In the past hours, while world powers debated and discussed potential reactions and outcomes of Mason’s call for independence the Royal Navy squadron commanded by Commodore Eaton had made for Dawesport at maximum speed, implicitly recognizing the maritime sovereignty of not the Khailfah but New Albion, which had invited the Royal Navy into its waters without the permission of Istanbul.

At long last, through the colonial fortresses that guarded the entrance to the two large harbours a small and relatively slender trimaran frigate sailed with her crew standing at attention along the rails, her crew greeted by the main batteries of the antiquated fortresses firing off a salute to the first Royal Navy warship to enter Dawesport Harbour.

Beyond the strait, Eaton watched through binoculars at the unanticipated gun salute, how very sporting of them, he half-mused to the Vanguard’s commanding officer. For half an hour his staff had been finalizing the deployment plans in conjunction with the battalion of Royal Marines embarked with the squadron. At long last a lieutenant made his way out to the bridge and saluted the Commodore, who returned the honour. Yes, Lieutenant?

Sir, the Marines are en route and should begin landing operations at the city’s docks within the hour.

Very good, Lieutenant. Please relay the following to the Lieutenant-Colonel, ‘Godspeed’.

The two officers watched as the young lieutenant went to dispatch the message, when the hatch quietly shut the dreadnought’s commanding officer glanced over at his superior officer. ’Godspeed’, sir? That seems a bit ominous if I may say so, sir.

Indeed it is, Captain. However, I think that this task will not be quite as easy as the Admiralty and Imperium is convinced it shall be. And I think the Lieutenant-Colonel knows so much as well.

HMNB Avinapolis, Royal Crown Colony of Avinapolis

For some time the United Kingdom had been constructing a massive naval base in the well-sheltered and spacious harbour of Avinapolis, ceded to the Crown by the Jacksontonians in exchange for diplomatic relations and formal recognition as an independent country – a sovereignty they later ceded to the United Kingdom when they formally entered into a Commonwealth with the UK. Nevertheless, the base in Avinapolis had grown steadily and had begun to eclipse Port Blair as the main naval base for Oceania in the Indian Ocean.

Port Admiral Kevin Hayes now watched as the dockyards of his station hummed with activity. Word had come down from the Admiralty that the Ready Squadron would be departing within the hour to take a position off the coast of New Albion in support of Commodore Eaton’s 7th Indian Ocean Squadron. The current ready unit was admittedly small, a handful of cruisers and destroyers – but enough to hopefully cover any fighting withdraw Eaton could be forced to make.

That, he imagined was the reason for the greater preparations being made in secret, at night under cloud-cover and in hangars and covered dock facilities. Preparations had been made for the possible deployment of a massive assault force to relieve a theorised Muslimeen reaction that threatened to choke the UK forces now landing in Dawesport.

Office of the Prime Minister
The Citadel, Imperium, New Britain

And if that should happen, what then? the Home Secretary fired off angrily. If what Sean says could happen does happen what do we do then? Do we leave the Marines to starve to death while our ships lay sunk at the bottom of the sea? I say that this Cabinet approve the deployment of a major naval force to New Albion. Ashley Thomason allowed herself a breath and fell backwards into her leather chair content with the numerous murmurs of agreement from her colleagues.

With all due respect, Madame Secretary, the aged and bald Lord Atkinson said, after acknowledging the fears of the Cabinet, I think that your suggestion would only lead to a far greater and far more calamitous clash between the Khailfah and the United Kingdom.

And how is that? Thomason replied, her disdain for the First Sea Lord’s comment readily apparent.

At the moment, the United Kingdom has yet to truly frighten the Sultan

I would not quite go so far as to say that— another voice interrupted, this one belonging to the Foreign Secretary, Emily Deveraux. From what our intelligence analysts know I think we should predict a rapid and heavy-handed response from the Khailfah. I think all present should bear in mind that unlike the United Kingdom the Khailfah does not, shall we say tolerate, multi-nationalism. The Khailfah is not a pluralist state. Any threat to the nation unity of the Khailfah will likely be crushed with no regard to the amount of blood spilt. It is highly likely that any amount of support from the Royal Armed Services to New Albion will be interpreted as a threat, whether or not the actual deployed forces constitute a real threat.

Please bear in mind, however, added a fourth, that we are dealing not with a simple and even efficient government but rather a highly complex one that has evolved over many years to solve the unique political problems presented by such a massive empire. The whole of the room then turned to Iain Bashir, the Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs.

Just because you are related by blood does not mean you should stand up for them, piped the Education Secretary.

I in fact am not standing up for them. I am an Oceanian and not a Muslimeen and even though I can trace my lineage back to the Bashir dynasty I have but few contacts in the Khailfah. I do respect their government, however, as a particular solution to a complicated problem – but to solve our current crisis we need to understand their past.

Salisbury finally laughed quietly, No offence, Iain, but that sounds rather conciliatory. Bear in mind that the Muslimeens have done very little to protect either the lives or property of the descendants of the British settlers in New Albion.

My apologies, Your Lordship, but I merely want to investigate our adversary. And once we understand our adversary I think we shall see that if we react too strongly, with too much force we shall see an island cleansed of British blood and where the Oceanian flag lay torn and tattered on the ground and afloat on the sea for all to tread and sail upon.

Dawesport, New Albion, United Kingdom of Oceania

We’re good to go, sir!

Very good, private, carry on.

Slowly but surely the first infantry fighting vehicles of the 2nd Royal Tritons rumbled down the docks under their own power. The tracked CV27 Jaguars mounted a 35mm autocannon that would tear to pieces men and machine, though from the bow of the transport Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Travers hoped that such force could be avoided. Hundreds of kilometers to the south the Khailfah had deployed thousands of men and hundreds if not thousands of combat vehicles – and while the Jaguar appeared on paper to be superior to the BMDs fielded by the Muslimeens, they simply had far greater numbers. And that worried Travers.

He watched as the first Jaguars began to drive down the main streets of Dawesport, heading south down the main motorway that would take them to the west of Silcaster, the largest English settlement in the mountains centre of the island, from which his unit could establish monitoring and surveillance equipment and then protect the civilians of Silcaster. But before the main bulk of his unit could deploy to the main towns of New Albion, B Company would need to establish an effective roadblock so any Muslimeen forces couldn’t approach Silcaster from the main north-south motorway. Travers knew that if shots were to be fired between the two nations it would be in the isolated hills and mountains around Silcaster – he merely hoped that both his unit and his counterparts were trained enough to allow for some sort of settlement and accord to be reached by Imperium and Istanbul.

Office of the Prime Minister
The Citadel, Imperium, New Britain

Lord Atkinson opened the door to the meeting that had been ongoing for several hours at this point. In his hands a series of photographs brought to him from a staffer who had received them from the Office of Royal Navy Intelligence, the ORNI, a unit within the Royal Navy that gathered its own intelligence apart from the Ministry of Defence and the RIS. As the door opened, the room fell silent, Lord Salisbury nodding at the First Sea Lord, who promptly handed the Prime Minister the photographs he held in his hands.

These, Your Lordship indicate that Imperial Navy is readying three battlegroups for immediate deployment, this one here in Colombo, Atkinson pointed to the appropriate photo, another two already at sea in the Indian Ocean, relatively near the New Albion theatre. From this reaction I believe we should assume that they intend to retake the island by massive force.

Deveraux, sitting at her spot on the table looked inquisitively at her small hand-held computer/mobile phone reading the latest news obtained by the Foreign Office. I concur, Your Lordship, she added, interrupting the First Sea Lord before even raising her head. My apologies, Lord Atkinson, however, the Khailfah has now put out an official statement calling for Mason to surrender within 48 hours.

That gives us approximately 48 hours, sir, Atkinson continued, to establish a firm Royal Navy presence in the Indian Ocean. I suggest we continue to secretly prepare the superdreadnoughts here in the Home Islands and prepare the pre-positioned Prince of New Britain at Port Saint Clair Naval Base for deployment within 24 hours.

And I would advise, Your Lordship, that we make ready more Royal Marine and Royal Army units for deployment to New Albion to smash any KLM ground forces that the Sultan decides to land. The Secretary of State for Defence leaned forward in his chair. We need to be prepared to take immediate action outside of the use of the 7th Squadron already unloading Royal Marine elements in Dawesport.

I disagree, Bashir spoke half to himself. Presuppose, for the moment, that the Khailfah sees the United Kingdom not for what we are, but what we were – an outgrowth of Great Britain, a nation that still stirs up great negative emotion within many who live in the Khailfah, though obviously not most in New Albion. It is highly likely that they see the current secession as an act of UK duplicity, an attempt to expand our Oceanic Empire by carving up the current Muslimeen Empire.

All the more reason to continue to prepare our fleets and our armies, Iain, O’Donnell replied. The Ministry of Defence and my deputies assure me that while any contest between the United Kingdom and the Khailfah would be extraordinarily bloody, we would prevail.

Bashir nodded, I agree with that insight as I think all here would agree. However, at the moment, consider the possibility that the Muslimeen government sees us not as an equal power but as a minor and growing threat to their empire. A threat they can intimidate and perhaps eliminate with one decisive battle at New Albion. Many within the Cabinet cried out at the suggestion that the UK could be beaten, though many of Salisbury’s most senior and veteran ministers knew inwardly how close the United Kingdom had come to losing the war against a smaller power such as Novikov within the first 24 hours.

It is for that reason, Bashir continued, in conjunction with Ms. Deveraux’s assessment of the hardened Muslimeen desire for a united, unitary state, that I think we are witnessing such a massive mobilisation. It is my belief that they believe the United Kingdom can be dissuaded from protecting the citizens of New Albion with whom we share blood and a common history by rattling their sabers. Our secret preparations and mobilisations, with the night time deployment of forces only hardens their belief that we are capable of achieving our victories only through duplicity. We must show them that we cannot be so easily intimidated and that the United Kingdom will stand firmly behind the principles of liberal democracy and the rights of the oppressed majority.

And how do you propose we show them that, Iain? the Prime Minister asked, for the first time leaning in himself, engaging himself in the hours of debate he had heard.

How to do that I am not entirely certain, Bashir replied to the quiet smiles of O’Donnell’s faction.

If I may, Your Lordship, I could suggest one possibility, Atkinson added quickly. At least so far as the Royal Navy is concerned, we have been sailing in secret and such in order to keep tactical surprise as a viable option for any possible engagement. What if we were to surrender that? Instead of readying the super-dreadnoughts and the fleets at night and out of KLM sight, why not do it in broad daylight and when we know their satellites will be watching. Let them see that we will stand and fight.

And that we will be fighting a battle so bloody, Salisbury thought aloud, that any victory by either side will be a pyrrhic victory at best.

Deveraux waited until the Prime Minister finished his thought before adding her own. I think any such display would be most effective though if we came out right now firmly supporting the secessionists – but doing so not for any reason of empire but of the universality of the inalienable right to form a new government. In short echo the calls of Mr. Mason and we should at least be looked upon favourably in the international press as we lessen the appearance of our motives being for pure imperialism. I also believe it would be beneficial that we attempt to send an envoy to Istanbul to help explain our position and our concerns over any potential conflict.

Salisbury nodded, as he finally began to make his decisions. [i]I think I have just the individual to send, but in the meantime I shall be making a speech within the next hour.

Breningrad Unified Military Services Complex

Ever so slowly the massive doors that hid one of the United Kingdom’s three super-dreadnoughts peeled themselves apart. The cliff-side construction had cost billions of pounds, but allowed the massive vessel to remain hidden from enemy satellites during times of peace and when the ship was not at sea. However, this time was different.

From clear blue skies, dotted only by the occasional cloud, any satellite looking at the United Kingdom’s largest military base for all the services could witness the emergence of one of the Royal Navy’s super-dreadnoughts. Meanwhile to the south in Philadelphia the second ship also began to see activity as lorries and forklifts rushed to deliver foodstuffs and ammunition as rapidly as possible, readying the ships for deployment by week’s end. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s super-dreadnought staging post in New London saw the current ready vessel in the final stages of stores loading.

At the RAF airfields across the country and the realms overseas, bombers were towed out of their hangars and prepared for takeoff in plain sight – an odd occurrence but one ordered from Imperium. Similar scenes for Royal Marine and Royal Army units were enacted as main battle tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles were marshaled for transport to docks and loading queues where they would be loaded onto Royal Navy transports, also being readied for deployment.

Transcript of Televised Address by Lord Salisbury
Courtesy Kingdom Broadcasting Corporation

As a liberal democracy, the United Kingdom of Oceania proudly stands for the right of all peoples within her borders to be fully protected from violence regardless their religious beliefs. We do so knowing full well that when the time comes we shall have no other recourse but to stand up to autocratic regimes threatening the right of all humankind to live in peace and harmony under a political institution in which they are accorded every opportunity for complete and fair representation.

Unfortunately in this world, not all people receive this right as some governments, in order to secure their own geopolitical objectives, seek to impugn on said rights. And when the time comes that those politically oppressed peoples seek to rectify the wrongs and establish their own political system upon the consent of the majority of the population the world ought not to stand idly by and allow autocracy to crush the sovereign right of the people to choose their own government.

Thusly, upon consideration of the request of the New Albion population and upon consultation with His Majesty’s Government the United Kingdom of Oceania is prepared to recognise the sovereignty of the people of New Albion and the legitimacy of their secession from the autocratic empire of the Khailfah. As such, given the massive mobilisation by the Muslimeen military in order to eliminate the right of the people to govern themselves and their destiny, I have asked and received Royal Consent to deploy elements of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines to secure the Royal Crown Colony of New Albion. It is the intention of this government to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of New Albion, to whom we have in the past shared historic and cultural bonds and to whom we now share a common political bond. And so His Majesty’s Government stands ready to defend the people of New Albion whatever the cost.

To the people of the United Kingdom, I ask you to welcome our newest citizens, the people of New Albion. And to those now living under the threat of extermination I pledge here and now the unfaltering, unwavering, and unalteranle support of His Majesty’s Government, the people of the United Kingdom, and His Majesty’s Royal Armed Services.

Goodnight. And God Save the King of the United Kingdom and His Realms and Territories Overseas, including now and forevermore New Albion.

[ooc:]TG Azazia, I'm not 100% sure where I stand yet in this thread but based on our conversation so far I think this will be acceptable

IC:
Thunderbay, Capital of the United Duchies
6:00 am local time

Anne Winton awoke to to the early morning sounds of Thunderbay begining to stir after a quick slumber. She shifted herself up in the bed, smoothing out the silk sheets and pushing her back up against the heavy headboard. She ran her hands through her long blond hair and blinked her rather attractive blue eyes a few times. She seemed to ponder how the early morning light made the Wyeth on one side of the room seem to actually feel like an early morning on the sea shore.
There was a quite knock at the door.
"I'm up Fredrick, you may enter."

The door of her bedroom opened and her steward walked in; a tall man of mid fifties with graying brown hair. "Good morning my lady, shall you take breakfast in bed or on the veranda." He raised the silver tray he was holding to indicate that breakfast was already being served.

"The veranda if you would Fredrick... Where is Sir Meow?"
"He seems to have slept in this morning, my lady" Fredrick walked out of one of the open set of french doors onto the veranda that overlooked the back courtyard of the townhouse. Anne rose and put a white bathrobe on over her silk pajamas. And followed him out onto the porch.
"I have left the Thunderbay Journal and a letter from your secretary on the table my lady. It appears that your morning is no longer free."

Baroness Winton sat down in her chair and pondered the neat handwritting informing her that she, the Royal Envoy of the United Duchies, had been requested to attend an eight in the morning meeting of the Privy Council.
"Well this is intresting Fredirick, not an emergency meeting but obviously an urgent one." Anne pondered the next line for a moment.
"I am also supposed to politely drop by to have a quick word with the United Kingdom of Azazia's Ambassador before the meeting?"
"Yes, my lady, Miss Jewitt is aranging the details of that meeting forthwith I understand." The steward had revealed a breakfast of tea, bacon, and cold cereal underneath the covers of the tray.
"And the Outer Minister is locked in the negotations with the Macisikani at the moment so I'm up for the task..."

Anne fist placed a single half spoon of sugar in her cup and then poured herself a cup of black tea. The smell of tea with a hint of vanilla wafed as she pondered the newspaper.
"Ah, I see this all must be about these developments in New Albion."
"Quite my lady, ah should I go prepare your morning bath?"
"Ah yes Fredrick, ah the grey suit this morning I should think with the light blue blouce."
She sipped at the tea, and stopped for a moment, "Wait is this the new export blend Tom's been talking about..."
"Yes, my lady...he wanted it to be a surprise..."

Anne took another sip and pondered the taste on her tounge for a moment. It was quite nice, the vanilla was subtle yet strong, not overbearing like some of those artifically flavored teas being marketed.

Anne's eyes returned to the black and white photograph of the UKA flag flying over some distant land. The caption read simply, UKA standard raised over New Albion as self-declared Gov. Mason watches on

Anne shook her head as she pondered what was going to be her likely task in the next few months. Her last task had been to force the Knootians and Burungi into a mutually agreeable peace deal that had broken down. There had been a good deal of subterfuge and even some implied force in that negotation. Part of Anne wished she could take more time being involved in the family tea empire, but the duty of a Kings Officer, Knight, and Peer demanded that she continue in the role of Royal Envoy, until dismissed by his Grace. "Oh well I was getting bored anyway..."

And the seventh angel poured his bowl into the air, and a voice cried out from heaven, saying: "It is done. I am become Death, the Destroyer of Worlds."


At the Sultan Palace, Istanbul, Khailfah al Muslimeen

Another Emergency joint meeting of the Cabinet and Arm Forces head was in session.

The Sultan and his Cabinet plus the Arm Forces heads, watched the Prime Minster of Oceania televise speech on his intentions to annex New Albion into his Empire and take it away from the Khailfah. They watch it in death silence, the silence was broken by the Sultan

“Gentlemen, this confirms our suspicions…they were behind this, and it appears they been planning it for sometime…” Then the Sultan pick up some of the latest information updates on New Albion…” and our Arm forces satellites show us they have already send their forces…to New Albion and are most likely going to send more…within next 24 hours…Gentlemen…the Oceanians..have landed their men on our soil….in the intend of taking apart of the Imperium for their own… we must act quickly…..and this why I order the total mobilization of our arm forces…Because I knew this was going to happen….” Stated the Sultan

“My Sultan…we must take action now and crush the bloody Oceanians once and all on New Albion …we must teach them a lesson ….my Sultan…THEY HAVE LANDED SOILDERS ON OUR SOIL…we can’t let them get away with this….they have the nerve to do this to us….let them face the music.. all I need my Sultan is your order.” Said Head of Arm Forces - Field Marshal of the Al Muslimeen Khailfah Army (head of the arm forces) Huseyin Kivrikoglu

“I concur my Sultan…we must take action now…at all cost…we must drive the Oceanians out of New Albions…who knows what’s next on their list of conquest…. they might want to restore the British Raj….we must draw the line here or we risk losing everything damn it.” Said Defense Minister-Vizier Süleyman al Uthmān bin Aziz


“Sultan…I concur with my colleagues on this matter…yet we must not jump in and attack them right away…let us punish them by others means first, before we attack them..for this transgression…lets for our first freeze all their assets in our lands…also…we will break all economic relations with in response to their latest actions. I strongly advise that we began advising our citizens to leave Oceania right away. Also we might need to increase the size of the blockade fleet by two fold…knowing our new British Friends, they have already began sending a more larger fleet to combat our blockade.” Stated Grand Vizier Mehmed Pasa Sokollu (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/7bcc8e31.jpg)


“To think….we try to save face…we try to make it up to them for what happen during the riots…we wanted to be their friends and this is how they repaid us…by stabbing us in the back by doing this….damn it all……I agree with the Grand Vizier Sokollu, we must act calmly at all cost… our first move will be to seize and all freeze all their assets in our lands …and break off all trade relations with them…and also build up our armed forces in the Pacific and Indian Oceans to counter theirs.” Stated Prime Minister Uthman Bin Bashir (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/081600f2.jpg)


The Sultan listen to his cabinet and arm forces head and he was in a deep state of thought. He finally spoke

“Gentlemen…the Grand Vizier and Prime Minister have valid opinions on the matter, so do the Defense Minister and Head of the Arm Forces. ..we shall not allow them get away with it…we will teach them a lesson….but we must not act impulsively and do something we’ll regret later on… with that, our first order of action is to punish our Neo-British friends….I here by order all assets of Oceania, within our lands to be frozen or seize by the Imperial Government, second thing …Foreign Minister Koruturk, how many hours are left in our warning to rebels of New Albion?” asked the Sultan

The Foreign Minister looked at the Sultan and reply” Roughly 38 hours and counting, my Sultan.”

“Very well then…that’s how much time we will give to Oceania to pull out of New Albion or face the punishment for their actions…..the Khailfah doesn’t take lightly to Outsiders inciting a rebellion in our lands and…then coming in and annexing that region….frankly…this Island..has been a thorn in our side for our Imperium quite some time..yet…it’s the fact of the matter…we can’t allow the Oceanians to come in and just take it , whenever they please…we must draw the line here at all cost..as the Defense Minister stated…. They don’t pull out when the 35 hours are up…a state of total war will exist between our two states…. we will play the game of chicken with them and we will not back out…at all cost for the stake of our state.. Subhead of the Air force- Air Marshal of Al Muslimeen Khailfah Air Force Izz-Al-Din Daud Shafaqat, order the Strategic Rocket Forces to place on stand by mode, so within a moment notice…they will fire their Missiles, also order the Air Defense System Command, the Missile Defense Gird Command, and Space Defense Command to place on full alert, and watch out for any incoming ICBMs from Oceania….and lastly…order all the Bomber wings that within range the range of Oceania to place on stand by…and line them up on the runways ready for deployment. Order the Air Forces to step up the air patrols…we must protect our key bases from attack, is that understood?” asked the Sultan

“It is understood my Sultan..your orders will be done by the letter.” Replied the Subhead of the Air Force

“What’s next…oh yes, the navy… Subhead of Navy- Flag Rank Fleet Admiral Saiful Muhsin Stylianos, order our current fleet which is heading to enforce the Blockade to stay its course…now order the following addition fleet groups to be place on stand by to join up with the three other fleet groups…for now order four more fleets groups to take formation in the Arabia Sea for now..and await further orders. Now…another matter of the important…tell the archangels…Mikael, Jibril, Azreal, Isra’afeel, Malik, Nakir and Munkar SSBN wolf pacts to get into firing range of Oceania…and await further orders…also order all the Pacific Fleet Groups including the ones station in Nova Atlantis to ready for battle…and order them to await further orders. “ Said the Sultan

“It shall be done, by your command…my Sultan.” Said the Subhead of the Navy

“Now…we must all leave for the secure underground bunkers…. began the full and compete pull out of all government in the major cites…same goes for the Arm forces commands and Intel commands.. if everything goes to hell and our game of chicken turns into a nuclear exchange….then this is our only hope of making it out alive for the most part…its key…now everyone has a job to do…do it..this meeting is dismiss…we’ll meet in the Typhoon Bunkers in two hours.” Order the Sultan and just the meeting was over.

And with that, the KLM most key government, arm forces and intel structures began a quite move to secure classified nuclear fallout bunkers which were all over the Khailfah…


Strategic Rocket Forces Command Bunker, location classified
Air Chief Mashal Hisham al Saad, the commanding officer of SRFC, reread over the latest orders from High Command…it’s shocking…. High Command has order that all Strategic Rocket Forces to be one step away from firing their missiles. He had his orders and he had to follow them to the letter, within a matter of minutes…the command codes were send to all Missile Corps and Regiments, nuclear and non nuclear to be place on stand by to be fired and just the command codes were send….then every major Missile Silo, mobile unit was place on full alert, they all waited for the order to fire or to stand down….most of the Missile Commanders hoped it was to stand down.

Somewhere in the Pacific

The Azreal SSBN wolf pact, flagship submarine The Reaper, Osman SSBN class


Commodore Hiren, the overall commander of the Azreal SSBN wolf pact, read the latest orders from Imperial High Seas Fleet Command. He smiled and told his second in command, Commander Alexei the following

“The Game is afoot, my old friend…oh the dangerous games we play…my friend…we will be soon meet up…with our sister groups…. order all subs to engage the silent drives…Today we become one of the many angels of death..if everything goes that way” He remarked

“Aye, Aye..Commodore…” replied the Commander

(OOC: Writers notes, each SSBN wolf pact is made up of 6 SSBN, 8 SSGNs and 12 SSNs.)

Fleet Admiral Amjad Ali Khan taskforce was traveling at maximum speed get to New Albion, to enact the blockade as fast as he could. It still going to take a number of hours before all three fleets can link up and fully enforce the blockade

Garrison HQ, Southern Half of New Albion

“Bloody hell….they are taking over all of the North and landing troops…Gentlemen we don’t have enough firesupport to drive them out yet…reinforcements are still 6 to 8 hours away..so for now…we must maintain our hold of the southern half at all cost…we need to keep our ports and air port open and well defend…we will fight to the death gentlemen…do not give a inch to the Oceanians…we died here..if the reinforcements don’t come in time and they began their attack….we died for the Imperium…LONG LIVE THE FIGHTERS”! said Flag Rank Commander Ghassan Sami

“LONG LIVE THE FIGHERS!” yell out the Officers in the room

“ Gentlemen…we must hold them off as long as we can..no retreat …remember that my friends…we may be just second grade and third grade troops…but will we not fall back at all cost!” said the Flag Rank Commander

Just the Garrison of New Albion, began to dig in their lines and awaited their foes to attack.


KLM Embassy, Imperium, Oceania

Ambassador Elizabeth Diamandis was in her office, she was very anxious with recent events…She it was only a matter of time before, the letter to Oceanian Government will come to her and she’ll have to hand it to them….

Then faxed came in, it was bought in by her Captain of Guard, Hans

“ Ambassador, this just came from the Imperial Government in Istanbul.” Said the Captain of Guard and he handed her the letter.

She read it and all the color from face disappear, she went pale..she remarked

“So it begans….oi….this isn’t good.”

Shortly after a letter was officially send to the Oceanian Government, it state the following

To:the Oceanian Government
From: KLM Government

In reaction to your government illegal annexation of the KLM region of New Albion, all your assets in our land are here by frozen or seize by the Imperial Government, all trade relations with your nation, are here by void. You have 38 hours to withdraw your forces from New Albion and to withdraw your annexation of New Albion. If you do not act within this time period, a state of total war will exist between our two nations. The choice is yours that is all.

It took a lot to get the Aztec National League to be concerned with an event that didn’t involve it in some way. It would have to involve an ally and a war, and it was appearing more and more that the ingredients for something interesting were on the horizon.

The night was late, yet the bustling city of Tenochitilán didn’t care. The vast metropolis went from the heart of the economic and political activity of the nation on the week to being the cultural beacon of the Aztlán during the weekend. Some would consider this odd for a socialist country, but, such distractions weren’t a luxury for the younger-than-average leaders of the Aztec National League.

Quetzalcoatl Nochtli, the Premier of the nation, sat back, looking at his glass of ice tea. It had been a while since he stopped drinking any sort of alcohol. Although he used to only drink sparingly, he chose to stop altogether. In his mind he thought, ‘If it weren’t for that damned doctor…”

However, the thought was interrupted by the entrance of Dr. Robert Thompson, the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs. Along with him was Chief Warrior-General Tlanextic Zanzanilli, Minister of War, holding a laptop computer underneath his arms.

Dr. Thompson began “Premier, we have a situation that is, to say in the least, awkward. Your friend, Sultan Bashir and his nation are on the verge of war with the Untied Kingdom. The conflict is a land dispute – land that was in hands of the KLM are in rebellion and the Kingdom has sent troops to occupy it.”

Before the hawkish Premier could say anything, the Minister of War spoke first, “Sir, we can’t involve ourselves with this conflict. We have the ability, but, it wouldn’t be beneficial to us.”

The Premier respected the General, he had served with and fought by his side during the revolution. Quetzalcoatl trusted him when it came to strategy – Tlanextic’s strategies often prevented the then 15 year old Quetzalcoatl Nochtli from being killed.

“Ok,” said Quetzalcoatl, “we are going to be monitoring this situation passively, then, right?”

“Yes, my lord,” said the Minister of War, “Our recon satellites are inspecting the area, nothing the KLM wouldn’t know, but at least we know of, but at least we have an idea of what’s going on. In addition, with your order, we will send some warships to monitor the area. Of course, this would have to be outside of the combat zone in international waters, but we can still observe.”

The Premier sat forward and said, “Understood, send them right away. Also, send a medical ship in case if”, the Premier sighed, “if members of either party are in need of medical assistance.” After a second of silence, the Premier started up again, “officially, our ships will be conducting a training mission in distant overseas emergencies. We will not cross into the combat zone. However, if any ship approaches us and asks for medical help, then we will administer it.”

“Yes, sir, I will put out an announcement shortly” Said Dr. Thompson, “anything else?”

The Premier got up out of his chair and said, “Yes, send a communiqué to Sultan Bashir, tell him that, although we can’t get involved for infrastructural reasons, we will send our moral support to them.”

After taking a final drink of tea, Quetzalcoatl Nochtli said, “Now, if everything is done, I’m heading back home. Angelica is waiting for me there, probably wondering if I was kidnapped by the Anagonians and sold as a janitor on the intergalactic market.”

…

ATTENTION:
The Soviet Navy of Aztlán will be conducting a training exercise near the southern entrance of the Mediterranean Sea. No weapons, live or simulated, will be used and maneuvers will be kept to a minimum, as this is an exercise in distant naval emergencies. In respect to the arising conflict of between the Khailfah Al Muslimeen and the United Kingdom, we declare our absolute neutrality in the conflict, as we wish to avoid any conflict. A medical ship will be sent to participate in the training exercise as well. However, in respect to international law and the national ethics of Aztlán, if either side needs medical assistance, we shall provide the needed medical assistance ONLY. We will not, either by choice or by request, enter the combat zone.

The following ships will be in the exercise:

1 Challenger Class Heavy Cruiser (SAS Challenger A-CAI-542)
1 Excelsior Class Heavy Battle Cruiser (SAS Excelsior A-BCH-100)
2 Okinawa Class Patrol Ships ( SAS Longstreet A-PPE 400 and SAS Comarada A-PPE 401)
1 Amnestia Class Medical Ship (SAS Amnestia MDS-01)

Signed:
Dr. Robert Thompson, Ph.D, Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Untied Socialist Republic of the Aztec National League

OOC: Not stated in the group are also two Typhoon-II class stealth (caterpillar drive) submarines.


However, if not by military, the KLM had the Aztec’s support in some fashion:
~~= =~~
TOP SECRET
ENCODED: CLASS 3 ECHO – DELTA – YADA – YADA – YADA…
To: Sultan Suleiman Al Bashir II
From: Premier Quetzalcoatl Nochtli
Subject: The issue at hand

My friend,

It appears that the KLM is on the verge of a nasty war fighting off imperialism. While we would want nothing less than to get involved with this conflict, we are aware of certain constraints, on our nation and yours, prohibiting our involvement in the conflict. However, we extend our most sincere moral support and will assist in anyway after this conflict is over.

Good luck,

Quetzalcoatl Nochtli

~~= =~~

Officially Statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry

The People’s Republic of China, denounce the United Kingdom of Oceania for its criminal seizure of KLM lands. The People’s Republic, here by break off all trade relations with the UK, all Oceanian assets in the People’s Republic of China are here by confiscate by the People’s Republic. Let be known that, the People’s Republic stands by her allies of the KLM; any attack on the KLM will be an attack on the People’s Republic. We stand united with our allies.


In Secret

Central Military Commission PLA Army, Air Force and Navy were put on full alert. The PLA Navy deployed all its major naval assets to the Open Sea; the PLA was planning to have its forces to join up with the KLM fleets in the Pacific Ocean in event of war,therefore their fleets must be out in open water to do so.

West of Silcaster, Royal Crown Colony of New Albion

Through the tree line standing beside the main north-south motorway, Major Charles Sumner peered through his binoculars at the stretch of empty road that headed ever southward, towards thousands of waiting Muslimeen troops. Beyond the motorway, further west towards the coast marshes and bogs hindered travel while the mountains, forests, and hills on the other side made it difficult for anybody to move north from east of the motorway. Behind him to the north lay the exit for Silcaster, the southern most English town, situated advantageously in the mountains as a former mining town for iron and coal, two industries now all but shut down since the late 1980s.

None of that truly mattered to Sumner, however, who simply stared at the satellite photos downloaded onto his battlefield laptop. Thousands of Muslimeen troops marshalling in the south in the major ports and cities, likely shoring up their own base of operations as the rest of Sumner’s unit hurriedly attempted to do. From one of the idling Jaguars, sitting behind the crest of a hill off the road came Sumner’s radioman who handed him over the phone, Sir, Lieutenant-Colonel Travers on the line.

Very good, Sumner took the phone quickly. Yes, sir?

I need you to hold your position at all costs, Major, Travers began, all politeness and pleasantries removed to highlight the desperate situation the Royal Marines found themselves in so far from home. Imperium remains convinced that we can take the whole of the island.

Shall we, sir? Sumner asked mockingly.

Travers paused, knowing full well that his superior in Avinapolis wanted him to move all the way to the southern coast within three days. Negative, Major. Captain Peterson holds the eastern route and you hold the southern route and until we receive reinforcements I should at the very least prefer to hold onto Dawesport and the northern portions of the country. Should we need to fight it out on the drive south, we can do so only with a secure port for resupply.

I concur, sir. Have we any real idea upon the opposition?

30 to 40 thousand, Major. Supposedly the Khailfah has two reserve divisions and one frontline unit stationed on the island ready for action. They say they have only a few heavy armour units and front line tanks, but they are mechanised infantry and should they move northward you can expect plenty of IFVs and APCs.

Sumner remained silent while Travers paused, Major,

Yes, sir?

I need to know if you can hold.

Well, sir, Sumner responded hesitantly as he scoured about the countryside among the mountains behind him and the marshes before him. This is the only real available option, the motorway that is. They could trek through the marshes or the mountains but they would be slowed considerably and sufficiently enough for air strikes and artillery bombardment to wipe them out. Sumner let the binoculars fall to his chest, where they hung delicately from the leather strap around Sumner’s tanned, thick neck. However, if necessary I believe I could re-enact the role of Leonidas.

You do remember how that story ends, correct, Major?

Yes, sir. Although I do intend to take some artistic license to rewrite the ending a tad.

His Majesty’s Embassy, Thunderbay, United Duchies

Graham Ellis delicately picked the fallen tea from the china cup, onto which he had accidentally let of his fine collection fall. Having been apprised of the intention of Baroness Winton to pay a visit the Ambassador of the United Kingdom had reason to celebrate, as his posting to the United Duchies remained of relative low priority in the eyes of the Foreign Office. Not to say, however, as Ellis poured the recently boiled water over his tea strainer, that the comparatively lax schedule and lesser burden of responsibility was not appreciated.

Through the large window in his office he watched the morning changing of the guard, the Royal Marines stationed at the embassy enacting their pomp and circumstance routine for the benefit of perhaps just themselves, he mused. Beyond, in the main courtyard before the chancellery the Oceanian flag lay at rest.

At long last, interrupting a sip of the Oceanian variant of Earl Grey – using a slightly sweeter bergamot from one of the UK’s colonies – the door to his office resounded with a heavy thud. Yes, Ellis called out, holding the edge of the china cup just centimeters away from his lips.

The Baroness Winton has just arrived.

Splendid, Ellis replied. Before rising from his chair he took one last sip of his tea and then looked at his reflection in the glass of a picture frame that contained a photograph of himself and the Prime Minister just before departing for this assignment. He quickly straightened his tie and pushed his slender frame up and out of the worn, and thus all-too-comfortable chair.

Owing to the nature of relations between the two countries the embassy grounds and the chancellery were rather small and it thus took Ellis but two minutes to walk to the magnificently gilded marble entrance to the Oceanian Embassy’s main hall. He smiled at the slightly ostentatious display of Oceanian wealth, but it seemed to fit what Ellis perceived as a grander movement to put Oceania on display to the international community and there was, in truth, no finer fashion than an overseas embassy.

The massive oak doors swung open slowly, allowing the sunlight to enter the foyer directly instead of through the massive windows suspended in light wrought iron frames. When finally opened the doors revealed the blonde woman Ellis had been told to expect – or at least he hoped this was her and not some aide or assistant.

Baroness Winton, on behalf of His Majesty King George and His Government, welcome to His Majesty’s Chancellery in Thunderbay. Ellis waved his right hand, signaling to his own aides to welcome the Baroness into the building. If I am to assume, given the unexpectedness of this honour, that the matter at hand is of the utmost seriousness for the United Duchies I should like to make myself available to assuage any fears or address any concerns your government might have.

Foreign Office, Imperium, New Britain

One of the older buildings still in use by the United Kingdom was that of the former colony’s central administration building. While the governor’s office had been retained in the Citadel, the offices of the colonial government, which surrounded a large green courtyard, had become the Foreign Office. Although as Emily Deveraux gazed out upon the potted ferns and the sparkling fountains she wondered how much longer the Foreign Office could remain in such a relatively cramped building. Within the past month she had conducted what seemed to be more meetings with her international counterparts than in the past several years, a strange but necessary set of circumstances, however, had dictated the shift in strategy as Lord Salisbury attempted to bring the UK back into the mainstream.

Within the past hour the Foreign Office had been notified by the staff of Ambassador Young that the Republic of Jagada had requested an audience, more than likely to discuss the debacle involving the cartoon or perhaps more seriously the recent secession of New Albion from the Khailfah – and the UK’s rather quick acknowledgment of its desire to become an Oceanian colony.

She waited quietly in her office, reading the latest on the cabinet mutiny in Pacitalia – where the mysterious visit of Lord Salisbury for reasons unknown had helped stir Pacitalian anger, directed at Sorantanali, a man once tipped to be a great ally of the Oceanian Prime Minister and of the United Kingdom but who had subsequently proved nothing short of an abysmal failure as far as Deveraux’s Foreign Office was concerned. There had yet to be any sort of response to this latest international crisis and she wondered as she closed her laptop if the party of Dr. Ell would remain in power.

However, as the door to her office opened by the hands of her secretary she pushed the thoughts of international politics far from her head, as she was now more concerned with a single nation – the Republic of Jagada. The two nations had no particular history to speak of, though each had been made aware of the other years ago and they continued to share amiable if not particularly close relations. But as Deveraux quickly re-read the latest statements and intelligence summaries of the Republic she saw a definite shift towards the Khailfah, itself an odd pairing between a Christian nation and a Muslim nation – although she smiled as she wondered how either would see an entirely secular state.

Madame Secretary, your limousine has arrived.

Deveraux nodded her thanks and gathered her small leather briefcase, which contained necessary documents regarding the UK’s position on numerous areas of concern between the two governments. As she worked her way down the long and narrow halls of the square-shaped building she found herself wondering how the whole of this new crisis would resolve itself, the latest imagery from the RIS showed that the two main parties involved now had all but set themselves off on the path to war. Perhaps the Republic could play a useful part.

Office of the First Sea Lord
The Admiralty, Breningrad

Before the weary eyes and wrinkled skin of the UK’s most venerated, and still living, admiral sat volumes of documents collected and prepared by the Office of Royal Navy Intelligence, all of the documents concerning the latest movements by the Khailfah and her immediate allies. The sudden spike within the last hour of electronic communications from Istanbul to various ports and military bases indicated that the Sultan had issued more orders to more soldiers, sailors, and airpersons. And while the RIS and ORNI had very few assets in the Khailfah, those that were indicated even more ships were preparing for departure as well as, and most critically and worryingly, the evacuation of the major command elements of the government from the cities of the Khailfah.

Atkinson picked up his phone and dialed a well-drilled number into the small keypad, each number hit playing a distinctive tone that drove the man who had grown up without a phone absolutely mad. Ah, hello, Howard, he greeted the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, does the Prime Minister have a moment, ORNI has collected some new and rather compelling evidence of the Khailfah’s determination. He listened to the pause at the other end, while the Chief of Staff debated the urgency of the communication and whether or not to interrupt the Prime Minister’s conference call with the head of the Verdant Archipelago’s government in relation to deploying the island’s reserve units to New Albion.

Can you hold one moment, Admiral?

Absolutely, Howard.

HMS Colossus, En Route to Dawesport

Bloody hell, muttered Seamus Kirkpatrick. As captain of the lead cruiser en route to support Eaton’s 7th Squadron he had been informed that the dreadnought HMS Vengeance would be following with her own escorts out of Avinapolis the following day – however, now the Admiralty had informed him that Imperium was halting the deployment of the ships. ASW patrols around the UK’s main ports would be stepped up, but instead of deploying, the main capital ships of the Royal Navy would remain in port alongside their docks and quays.

Damn doves, he muttered to himself again. Now his small cruiser squadron would be the last link between Dawesport and Eaton’s squadron to the Royal Navy base in Avinapolis, all because of some 11th hour political maneuvering in Imperium and Breningrad. Turning around, the caramel coloured hair and the green eyes breathed fire into the nervous command crew, who had seen their usually boisterous captain withdraw into a sullen silence upon having been handed the message.

Kirkpatrick simply looked over at the large LCD display hanging on the bulkhead. His small force would be the front line, so to speak, against Muslimeen naval aggressions directed as Oceanian territory and units in the Indian Ocean. And while his ships would fight to the bottom of the sea, like the Royal Marines upon New Albion Kirkpatrick wondered about the sheer size of the KLM forces arraying against him and his squadron.

This is all I had time to write, unfortunately, there is, of course, a lot more to be written and I intend to write it but I will not likely get the chance to until later this evening. So if anybody would like to respond, feel free to, just don't jump ahead by several hours - as there are only so many of them...

Thunderbay, United Duchies
Baroness Winton (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Anne_Winton) paused at the large oak doors of the Embassy as the staff apparently fussed to open them for her. Alright, teeth clean, check, mind eager, awake, and prepared?....check….escort in tow?... as the last thought Anne glanced back to check that the Royal Navy Lieutenant, in full dress white and silver, was in the proper place. The tall, red headed officer looked immaculate her new bars shining as the morning sun reflected off of them. Of course she was there as more than just someone to carry the Baronesses secure papers but also a symbol; a symbol that the Royal Envoy of the United Duchies was both diplomat and a military officer.

Anne stepped into the darker interior as the doors swung open. Her athletic body seemed to push her into the room at a fairly quick pace. Four or five steps in she paused for a moment, removing her sunglasses and letting her eyes adjust to the light levels of the room. The gilded marble didn’t appeal to Anne’s plain sensibilities. The gold leaf, although tastefully done, seemed more in keeping with a French Palace or the home of a Yankee robber baron.

Baroness Winton, on behalf of His Majesty King George and His Government, welcome to His Majesty’s Chancellery in Thunderbay.

The Baroness greeted the diplomatic staff with a kind smile and the traditional slight bow of a military officer. Anne turned her attentions back to Ellis as he continued
If I am to assume, given the unexpectedness of this honour, that the matter at hand is of the utmost seriousness for the United Duchies I should like to make myself available to assuage any fears or address any concerns your government might have.

The Baroness gave a slightly wry smile. “I am happy to say that although serious, my rather unexpected appointment has more to do with expediency than with any grave fears.” The Baroness spoke in the typical Alconian accent, which led to them being confused with Afrikaners in some parts of the world.

“I have been asked by His Grace, Grand Duke Alexander, to inquire about the details in how His Majesty acquired sovereignty over the island of New Albion. His Grace’s Government would like to get the correct details of this matter as soon as possible. After all there are a few hundred ships of His Grace’s registry operating in the Indian Ocean at present, as well as those of our allies such as Vrak. His Grace’s government is worried that the events within the Indian Ocean may escalate and put those vessels at severe risk.” She smiled as said this, a kind smile of an attractive woman, one of the best poker faces available to her sex.

The United Duchies and their allies, the Vrakians, had large merchant fleets. The Alconian merchant fleet paid some of the highest registry fees in the world, but also some of the lowest insurance rates in the world. The United Duchies invested heavily in its navy and used it to effectively protect its commercial fleet and its right to transverse international waters. Obviously, they were concerned about the New Albion incident sparking a rather large naval war with their merchantmen getting caught in the crossfire.

Or that was the impression the Baroness wished to give at moment.

Maldives
Max Hudson watched the small bubbles of carbon dioxide slowly rise to the top of his cola. He tapped the middle two fingers of his left hand in a steady roll. The bartender moved back down towards the anxious looking foreigner. Something wrong? The young black asked in his odd English.
Max humped, “I’ve been waiting for a call…problem is that if I go…I need to go now…”
“Where are you going to?” the bar was empty at this early hour and Max was the only customer.
“Dawesport…”
“Dawesport?...You don’t wana go there man…dis nothing but war there…If ya wanna live you don’t go to to Dawesport man…”
Max chuckled, “Except I go where the wars are…I’m a war correspondent…my editor…well likely their trying to decide if I should go or not…”
“Why you need to go now? The war will still be there tomorrow...”
“My ride is leaving soon, seems a rich brat American party girl and her newest boy toy were hiding out to avoid the paparazzi…daddy rented a jet to get them out…I paid the crew to get me in…”

Max looked down at his watch, abrading him for the waste of time. “Jolly ho…I’m off…better to be there and unwanted that to not be there and be wanted…”
Max threw a fairly large note down on the rough wood bar and stepped out the door onto the tarmac.

[Tag/ announcing my intention to post]

" ... and that pretty much sums up the situation from the Redoubts, sir."

The Warlord sighed and rubbed his eyes wearily in lieu of responding directly. Fleet Marshall King waited for her penultimate boss to face her again before continuing the briefing.

"All right, Marshall," the Warlord sighed. "Now let's get onto this mess with Azazia."

Marika King winced internally, but managed to keep her features placid from long practice. "Azazia seems to have deliberately fomented a confrontation with Ottoman Khaif over a relatively insignificant speck of dirt in the IO."

Nodding, the Warlord said, "External Security estimates this is another shuffling of pawns in the expansion efforts Azazia has been playing at for a while, now."

"Yes, sir. I've read the reports." The Marshall keyed up a series of maps on the display which covered the entire left wall of the room. "ANL, Red China, Malkyer, and Alcona and Hubris are all shuffling their pawns in support of one side or another- despite their public statements of neutrality."

"And that's where we come in," sighed the Warlord. "Again."

Marika King nodded. "Yes, sir. Ordinarily, we'd sit back and watch while Azazia and Ottoman Khaif savaged each other, but a lot of steel is moving around the world in the wake of these incidents ..."

The Warlord cut her off. "And quite a lot of that will be moving through our sphere of influence. Again."

"Yes, sir."

"Don't sound so satisfied, Marshall. You've been pushing hard for the dominion to step back into the spotlight for months now."

The Marshall permitted herself a brief smile. "This would be an ideal ..." she began.

The Warlord's hand slammed down on the console, shocking the Marshall into silence. "Perhaps you don't understand your position, Marshall King. His Omniferocity has elected to reduce the dominion's public presence in the world. Those are His orders. Whether or not you like it, you will obey those orders. Is that clear?"

Marshall King sat rigidly at attention, her eyes fixed on a point on the wall over the Warlord's left shoulder. "Yes, sir."

"Good. Here are my orders: You will activate Tier II and III reserves for the duration. I want the whole Pacific on TRINITY Two within twelve hours. EOE Department of Aggression units will maintain strict control of all Dominion territorial waters and airspace. Tell Space Command to put the rest of the HALO birds in orbit and expedite the launch sequence for the HARNESS sats. I want everything cleared off the pads by this time Thursday. Gagarin and Heinlein will have to make do with what they have until further notice."

After checking to make sure her hand unit had a good copy of the orders, the Marshall said, "Yes, sir."

"Dismissed."

Once the door had closed behind his subordinate, the Warlord squared his shoulders and sat stiffly behind his desk console. Activating a series of circuits, he stared at the display as it cleared, then went blank.

"Your Omniferocity, the situation with Azazia threatens to cause me to violate your orders."

"Explain."

"I am faced with conflicting orders from you. I am charged with maintaining Dominion national security against external threats, but I am also charged with reducing the Dominion's public profile. With hundreds of warships sailing across the Pacific and IO, I will soon be forced to violate one of these orders."

"You will take whatever minimal steps are necessary to ensure Dominion primacy within our sphere of influence, regardless of public exposure. You may exceed budget requirements as needed to accomplish this."

The Warlord inclined his head gratefully. "Thank you," he said to the screen that was now truly empty.


To: All parties- belligerents or otherwise- involved in the recent crisis in New Albion.

From: Eternal Arch-Villain Psychopompos, Minister for Pre-Subjugation External Affairs.

Subject: Dominion Territorial integrity

The Dominion remains neutral in this senseless squabble over the attempted secession of New Albion- despite our traditional friendly relations with Azazia. Dominion military assets are being deployed to enforce this neutrality.

Moreover, all parties are reminded to respect neutral shipping throughout the Pacific. Attacking neutral shipping in International Pacific waters or violating the Dominion's territorial waters by any foreign military vessels or aircraft will result in the immediate Dominion reprisals against the violating nation(s). Under no circumstances will the Dominion tolerate unrestricted warfare in the Pacific.

Ignore these warnings at your peril.

<OOC>
In other words ... TAG.


TEO

Garrison HQ, Southern Half of KLM New Albion

Major Fazil Iskander Gorky, an officer was from Caucasus regions of the KLM Dominion of Eurasia. He often miss his home. And cruse why he had to be assigning to some god forsaken outpost in the Indian Ocean and now this god forsaken outpost was turning into a front line for a coming war..just his luck. He enters Flag Rank Commander Ghassan Sami office to tell him some important information that he just got from the Comm.office.

The Flag Rank Commander was going over the latest sat. reports on the latest Oceanian movements on the Island..its was most unsettling, he looked up at the Major and said

“Yes, Major Gorky..what do you have to report?” He asked
“Sir, we have just got word that the first regiments of the Paratrooper 29th and 30th Paratroop Corps will be coming in within the next four hours. The air transports have MiG escorts in case of…the Oceanians deciding to attack them…they are taking another route to get to us, because they are avoiding going thought the Northern half of the Island. Also the current ETA for the 30th Marine Corp is two days at the least, sir.” Reported the Major

“Good..at least our government is sending aid right away….and also I have order our entire air fighter group to patrol the skies of the Southern Half of this bloody Island..so roughly 60 MIG-35 FULCRUMS and 20 SU-37, plus two E-3C Sentry that being deployed from our air bases. At least we have some air cover…also we must main our line of control at all cost.” Stated the Flag Rank Commander


“Sir, we are digging in and getting ready for the coming attack…our troops are station at all the major roads in the Southern Half…so my men are planting road side bombs and other bombs to the destroy the roads in order to prevent our foes from using the road system against us.” Reply the Major


“Good, what is the ETA for the Fleets?” asked the Flag Rank Commander


“Fleet Admiral Khan, latest reports, stated it will be another 18 hours before his fleets will be here…he is trying his best..” stated the Major

“In 10 hours…we might be fighting off a major attack from the Neo-Brits…you are dismiss, Major.” Reply the Flag Rank Commander

[wire transmission to Khailfah Al Muslimeen]

-------------------------------
To: Abolhassan Banisadr, Minister of Communication,
Islamic Unionist Federated states of Khailfah Al Muslimeen
CC: Foreign Minister Farhri Koruturk
From: Yosef Vook, Senior Editor Foreign Desk
Klatchian Coast News Network (KCN), Port Olympus, Federated Klatchian Coast
Subject: Coverage of New Albion Defense
--------------------------------

Gentlemen,
It has become apparent that most of the current press located within the New Albion area of action is both located in the north of New Albion and is apparently pro-UKA. As a former reporter, I find the current situation a bit lopsided to the benefit of the invaders, and disingenuous to the international populace. As such, I would like to present the Muslimeen viewpoint to our viewers, and to the world.
To do this I will need permission to send a well respected war correspondent, Anile Natha and her cameraman, Ali Beha, to an assignment in southern New Albion. Natha and Beha have a single rover with satellite TV pick-up that I can deliver to a southern New Albion port via sea plane. With your legal permission, I can have them there in four hours to begin reporting on events, obviously with keeping operational details out of their reports.
I hope that we will be able to give the world an unbiased view of what is going on in New Albion from the Khailfah’s perspective.

Sincerely,
Yosef Vook


ooc: *Port Olympus is the capital of my region, the FKC and is not part of A+H or the United Duchies
I have not moved any pawns yet, well at least none anyone would know about yet.
Also I thought we were playing monopoly, and my battleship just landed on Free Parking

Official Statement
Foreign Ministry of the Grand Archduchy of the United Realms of the Hamptonian Empire

Office of the Foreign Minister

Upon the direction of the Lord Protector of the Realm, the United Realms of the Hamptonian Empire hereby recognize the democratically organized annexation of New Albion by the United Kingdom of Oceania. It is clear to this government that the people of New Albion have an overwhelming desire to be part of the United Kingdom.

If the Khalifah cannot respect the fundamental human right of self-determination, then the fault is with their government, not that of Lord Salisbury. This nation will regard any attack or threat against New Albion to be an act of the same against Oceania. As such we reserve the right to act in order to preserve the integrity and security of the United Kingdom, should we be requested to by the Oceanian government.


Issued in the name of the Lord Protector of the Realm by:

Dr Wolfgang Hayek
(Acting) Foreign Minister

To: Yosef Vook, Senior Editor Foreign Desk
Klatchian Coast News Network (KCN), Port Olympus, Federated Klatchian Coast
From: Abolhassan Banisadr, Minister of Communication,
Islamic Unionist Federated states of Khailfah Al Muslimeen
CC: Foreign Minister Farhri Koruturk
Subject: Coverage of New Albion Defense, Reply


To Whom It May Concern:

The Imperial Government will give your news reporter and her crew permission to enter Southern New Albion and do its news broadcast. But noted this…you enter at your own risk… since the area may turn into a war zone.

Signed

Foreign Minister Farhri Koruturk

Council for Economic Affairs, Artega, Bennington

The prescheduled speech had been intended to cover issues pertaining to a reduction in corporate taxes, a move long planned by Salisbury to encourage Oceania-based companies to invest more capital in the United Kingdom and, more specifically, her overseas colonies. As the short and bespectacled man took to the stage, however, the papers he saw arranged on the podium contained a far different message – although if snap polls were any indication it would be a message well received throughout the UK.

Salisbury smiled and waved to the assembled crowds at one of the UK’s leading economic think tanks, for although most of the audience belonged to the family of the institute he had pressed for a small public crowd to be allowed to hear the speech first hand. Shortly before leaving the Citadel the Foreign Office had dispatched a copy of the letter from the Dominion, a nation allied with the United Kingdom through membership in the Union of World Powers – their words carried the greatest weight thus far of all the nations who had expressed concerns. And their carefully crafted message had presented him with an opening he now intended to exploit.

Good evening and my most sincere thanks for having extended the honour and privilege to address one of the United Kingdom’s leading institute for economic and fiscal policy. Thank you, Salisbury paused as the elderly and reserved crowd applauded – itself a rare occurrence for such an austere group of individuals.

As of two days ago it had been my intention to present to you all here a new tax policy, however, recent events have forced my hand and unfortunately this speech will not be of the anticipated economic report but rather the necessity of Oceanian actions within the Indian Ocean. He paused while the crowd sat in semi-confusion, as the Citadel had up until an hour or so ago left the economic speech on the table – attempting to pass off the developing crisis as something not worth the complete attention of the Oceanian government.

Not long ago several million persons on an isolated and desolate equatorial island declared themselves independent in an exercise of the inalienable sovereignty of the individual. Unquestionably we owe much of our political and cultural heritage to those European countries that established colonies on these wayward islands – and among them first and foremost Great Britain.

From the very foundation of the first English colonies in Georgetown and Thamesport the first colonists of this new world knew that paramount above all else had to be political equality and freedom. Thus they created the first legislative bodies of the archipelago and by the time of federation in 1912 all those uniting under one flag and one country knew that as the citizens ceded their sovereign rights to the government in Georgetown that the body politic now had the solemn and sovereign duty to protect all those citizens under its safekeeping regardless of their race, religion, or socioeconomic background.

This is, of course, not to say that our history has proven perfect, but rather that we have learned as a nation from the failures of some of our forbearers; our two civil wars owing to the failure of the governments and societies of the time to integrate all of the population into a single state that respected those characteristics and cultural traits that distinguish all of us from one another. However, these prior failures to act have shown us that we cannot fail to act ever again when a people are placed in jeopardy, their sovereign right to choose their own government threatened directly by an uncompromising power. It is that lesson, ladies and gentlemen, that has brought the United Kingdom to the conflict we now see deepening between our nation and that of the Khailfah.

Many decades ago the same Great Britain that landed colonists on the shores of New Britain several hundred kilometers to the east of this very spot also landed colonists on the island of New Albion. Those settlers shared a common conception of the political institutions they believed inherent to their way of life – that of the fundamental right of all individuals to choose their own system of democratic government. And so when the time came for Great Britain to grant independence to New Albion these settlers were left with an uncertain future, a future cut short when Istanbul arbitrarily enforced sovereignty over the island.

Salisbury paused briefly to catch his breath. The speech had been written without much time for preparation, and as he had read it to practice it – and as he read it now – he knew it was unpolished. Solid, but not to his level of preferred perfection.

Now we have in New Albion a distant government unwilling and uncommitted to safeguarding its own citizens and far from even considering the natural and inalienable right of said citizens from choosing their own government that would provide them with security of political, economic, and military natures. Consequently when the Muslimeen government continued to ignore the plight of the citizens they acted fully within their bounds to declare themselves free from an autocratic and undemocratic power. And as such, when they formally petitioned this government to join the United Kingdom as a Crown Colony I accepted their petition and dispatched troops and ships to ensure the safety of all Albionese.

At that moment the quiet audience burst into applause, all in front of the row of television cameras recording the speech in the back of the auditorium – most Oceanian ones broadcasting live, though Salisbury expected most foreign media organisations to be taping for later rebroadcast, although the Muslimeen KNN was known to be broadcasting live. How that spontaneous applause would play across the world, especially in the Khailfah, Salisbury knew not – although he did not expect it to help his case in Istanbul.

Of course the actions of the United Kingdom have drawn legitimate concerns from friends, allies, and nations with whom the UK has little relations. Many of these concerns stem from safeguarding the interests of foreign nations and their nationals throughout the Pacific and Indian Ocean theatres of operation. And so I shall state categorically that the United Kingdom has no interest in subverting the claims of foreign powers in those territories legitimately and democratically governed; additionally the Royal Navy is tasked not only with the support of the establishment of the new colonial government in Dawesport but also with the safeguarding of all foreign and neutral vessels across the globe. We shall vigorously prosecute any nation that seeks to take advantage of the ongoing situation for their benefit at the expense of foreign shipping.

Our resolve is strong and our course determined. We shall not allow democracy to perish from this earth. We shall not abandon the newest citizens of the United Kingdom. We shall not waver in the face of adversity, no matter how strong the opposition. We shall prevail. God save His Majesty the King.

To great fanfare and applause Salisbury quickly withdrew from the stage behind the curtains off to the side. Gathering around him he found a phalanx of aides and attendants who all offered their hand in congratulations for what they perceived to be a successful speech.

HMS Vanguard

Deep within the well-protected centre of the mighty dreadnought Commodore Eaton leaned over an electronic table, his palms pressed heavily into the polished chrome edges. High above the city of Dawesport an airborne command and control aircraft from his attached light carrier had begun to track the flights of numerous Muslimeen aircraft. More important to Eaton, however, remained the continuing course of the Muslimeen battlegroups – a course that would put them within weapons range sometime within the next day. Eaton’s concern lay more with the now isolated cruiser squadron that would be arriving more or less at the same time as the KLM fleets. If left unprotected they could be annihilated easily by sheer numbers. All the while his ship lay tied up dockside in Dawesport.

Captain, Eaton called out, without turning his eyes from the red and blue icons arranged on the map before him. Lay in an intercept course for Captain Kirkpatrick’s group, if you please. I intend for the Vanguard to escort the ships to safer waters. Eaton looked back at his map, if what appeared to be coming did arrive on schedule the small cruiser squadron could find itself attempting to force its way through a blockade – an action that Eaton knew could well start a shooting war.

His Majesty’s Embassy, Thunderbay, United Duchies

Ellis opened his arms gracefully, inviting the Baroness to enter the hall. Please, Baroness, I think that despite the expedience required a more relaxing setting best befits this discussion. Ellis led Winton to a small, much darker room decorated with dark wood ornately carved with stylised palms, sailing ships, and other iconic images of subtropical Pacific island life. On the low oval table, similarly dark, sat a silver tray upon which stood a lustrous pot and an opened box containing several small tins of tea.

These are a gift to me from the Prime Minister, who owns an estate in one of our colonies renowned throughout the United Kingdom for its fine tea. So please, make yourself at home – or as close to home as home can be in an extraterritoriality. Ellis smiled and flipped over the tea cups that had been placed down upon their saucers.

Of course, His Majesty’s Government is equally concerned with the fate of neutral shipping in this conflict. As a maritime nation surrounded by the sea, Oceanians have long realised that many nations have maritime security within the top of their list of national priorities. Consequently, in any conflict – though fortunately at this juncture no fighting has yet to occur – the Royal Navy is tasked not only with securing the sea lanes for ships registered in His Majesty’s name but those of foreign registry, barring of course those of the enemy.

Indeed, since the war with Novikov the United Kingdom had lone been aware of foreign nations’ dependence on maritime trade for survival and had the goal of securing international maritime security as one of the keystones of both peace- and wartime priorities. Nevertheless, Ellis had been carefully informed that heretofore the United Duchies had not specified support for either the UK or the Khailfah and that, in short, the government could not be wholly trusted. But Ellis had a part to play in what he styled as an unfolding game of Risk where slowly but surely the soldiers, cavalry and artillery were being pushed into their places.

The Amestrian Government had no intention of using the present dispute to pander to one side or the other, nor was it interested in becoming involved in some great global struggle. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was focused merely on how the unhappy and potentially destructive little dilemma could be solved peacefully.

* * * * *

Public Statement Concerning the Dispute over New Albion by the Amestrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The State of Amestria shall continue to recognize New Albion as a possession of the Islamic Federated States of Ottoman Khaif until it has peacefully been surrendered by the Ottoman government or seized by the United Kingdom in legitimate conflict. Neither the secessionists nor the government of United Kingdom of Oceania have demonstrated legitimate reasons for the secession of the island and its annexation as a Crown Colony. Although the Khaif Government is both autocratic and Islamic there has been no demonstrable abuse of the European segments of the population of New Albion, in fact the Khaif Government demonstrated before the rebellion the sincere desire and intent to protect the people of New Albion from extremist violence. The Khaif troops presently occupying the southern section of the island were not stationed there to repress the islands inhabitants, but to protect them and prevent outbreaks of terrorism. A people cannot simply throw aside and succeed from their sovereign State just because they dislike their government or they are a minority. The rebels and the United Kingdom have also presented no evidence what-so-ever that succession is even supported by a majority of the islands inhabitants.

Furthermore, the sending of military forces to claim the territory of another sovereign state is a clear hostile act of aggression. The Ottoman government has so far shown considerable restraint despite the violation of its borders but it is increasingly likely that the technical act of war committed by Oceania could quickly lead to an actual one if those troops remain. The government of the United Kingdom of Oceania should withdraw its troops from New Albion and tell George Mason and his followers to peacefully surrender (or perhaps grant them asylum within the United Kingdom so as to avoid possible bloodshed).

In the meantime the State of Amestria calls on both parties to step back from further militarization and settle the issue of New Albion’s status through mediation and negotiation. Perhaps some form of Federal arrangement could be consented to by the Ottoman government in order to satisfy the concerns of the European population of New Albion. Another possible solution would be for the Oceanian Government to purchase New Albion from the Khaif for a significant and acceptable price. If the Khaif is, understandably, opposed to Oceanian ownership of the island on grounds of national security then the island could instead be purchased by a friendly or neutral power whose rule the indigenous people would find acceptable, such as the Imperial Commonwealth of Malkyer or the United Duchies of Alcona and Hubris.

[signed]
Gaspard de Prouville, The Honorable Vice Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Pacitalia/coatofarms_Pacitalia.jpg
Official Statement, Ministry of National Defence
Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia

To whom it may concern

The Ministry of National Defence hereby announces under the circumstances outlined in the Guaranteed Protection of Oceania Act, revised 2006 (3839 D40 H256.2 6/2006), the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia pledges full, unconditional support in all forms and means to her ally, United Kingdom of Oceania, most certainly and especially in light of the tension surrounding the legitimate and democratically-envisioned transfer of the territory of New Albion from the Khailfah al Muslimeen to the United Kingdom.

While Pacitalian relations with the Khailfah are cordial and once again strong after the tensions between our two states just weeks ago, a new element of wary, cautious optimism has been forced into the volume to the point where we must now evaluate every single move she makes in order to make a just, mutually beneficial decision in response. In this current environment of tension, the federal government of the Democratic Capitalist Republic feels the Khailfah is insufficiently handling her end of the crisis and that its means are not genuinely peaceful and desirous of a mutually beneficial end.

The prime minister has authorised local readiness of adjacent troop divisions at Parzamafo Forces Base in the Pacific Ocean, which is Pacitalia's closest sovereign representation to the United Kingdom apart from our embassies and consulates. They have been ordered to begin assisting both sides of the dispute in finding a peaceful solution that allows for the coexistence of the colony of New Albion with both her current mother state and/or her prospective mother state.

It is the sincere hope of this government that an end to this tension can be achieved by the most frugal and peaceful means available. However, we must again stress should the United Kingdom of Oceania be forced into military conflict with the Khailfah, we have drawn a line in the sand as to where our loyalties lie.


Sincera in domina bene,

Constantino Sorantanali
Prime Minister
Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia

Adm Rodrigo Moreno-Cruz, OP, FCA
Agustinate of National Defence
Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia

In a underground bunker, location classified, Khailfah al Muslimeen …

Sultan Suleiman al Bashir II watch the live broadcast of Oceanian Prime Minister address and he just shake his head.. He quickly reread the entire latest message from the many governments of the world. He rolled his eyes to the Hamptonshire statements; he looked thought TEO statement and thought to himself, he would do the same in their place. Then he reread the ANL statement, and remarked to himself..” Such good friends, a pity..there so optimist..” and last the Amestrian statement and thought to himself..” Ah the voice of reason…. too bad we’re too blinded to see reason..”

Then a aid enter the Sultan bunker office

“My Sultan, your cabinet and heads of Arm forces is awaiting for you to start the meeting” said the Aid

“Very well.” Reply the Sultan and he got out of his desk and head off to the conference room of the Bunker, the Imperial Black Guards were station at the door. When the Sultan arrives, he nodded his head and the Guards open the doors. All the Cabinets and Arm forces members rose up in respect to the Sultan. The Sultan went to his seat, and said, “ Take your sits, gentlemen. This meeting is in session.” And the officials took their sit.

The Sultan spoke once again “ Gentlemen, the 38 hours are up…the Oceanians have yet to show any signs of leaving New Albion. We now face two opinions; they are to force them out by force and start a very costly war for both sides all for this blast forsaken island… or we can go with opinion two.. which we keep calm and rational and continue our policy of not backing down and continue our build up of our arm forces in the region. Frankly gentlemen the Amestrians bought up a logically solutions to our problem…we can give up that island and make neutral or we can…give it a respectable power.. or give it to them for a high price….by all these options are not in our favor…so we can’t do it.”

“Sultan, since time is up….what new orders shall send to the Strategic Rocket Forces?” asked the Defense Minister

“ Keep them on stand mode by for now….there shall be no change in their orders for now…also order the Suez Canal Garrison Command to permit the ANL fleet free passage thought canal, just allow our friends a faster way to Indian Ocean, just allowing them to be more help to us…if conflict happens..remember gentlemen we are not backing down..” stated the Sultan

“I shall send word to SRF Command and to the Suez Canal Command as soon as possible.” Reply the Defense Minister

“My Sultan, I am please to report, the people Southern half of New Albion has renewed its oath of loyalty to the Khailfah and also they have break off all ties to the Northern half of New Albion, they have change their name for the Southern half to Al Malabaristan, the Imperial Senate has approve the name change and break off. Al Malabaristan will remain a sub province of Regional Government of Indian Provinces, Khailfah al Muslimeen. The loyalist leader of Al Malabaristan is waiting for you to approve the name change and legal break off of southern region from the northern half of New Albion in its efforts to remain a part of the Khailfah. This is our chance, my Sultan to show the other side of the conflict, to show the world that not everyone wants to join the blast Oceanians on New Albion.” Said the Grand Vizier

The Sultan thought for a moment and reply

“ I approve of the regional chance and tell the loyalist, they have my full support on the matter. We must support our brothers who reject the rule of the Neo-British….also tell them that the Khailfah shall not abandon them, we will fight to the death to make sure that they never fall under the jackboot of the outsiders.”


Then the Prime Minister spoke up

“ Sultan, these United Duchies are a quite oddly are they not?”

“ So they are…get to the point, Uthman.” Remake the Sultan

“ All I am saying that…we should contact them…. they might be useful to us in the future… possibly ally in the future…let us open relations with them..since they appear to semi more bias to us in a matter of speaking.” Reply the Prime Minister

“Hmm…you do being a good point…Prime Minister, we’ll look into that in the near future for now…we shall focus our time and effort on dealing with this crisis. This meeting is dismiss, we’ll meet again in four hours.” Said the Sultan and just the meeting was over.


Port of Jammu, Al Malabaristan(formally known as Southern New Albion)



Dr. Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Indian Muslim leader of loyalist movement of New Albion, was about to formally the world from Port of Jammu. He intentions were to show the world, that not everyone in the Island, wanted join Oceania and they were still loyal the Khailfah, and tell the world, the Central Government has approve the loyalist request to break off from New Albion and form their own region, which was part of the Khailfah.

Camera crews from many different news agencies watch as the Doctor got up on the stage to make his speech.

KNN special report

“Salaam, we the people of Southern New Albion here by declare our intent to remain in the Khailfah al Muslimeen. We the people of Southern New Albion, here by declare our loyalty to the Khailfah. From this moment on, we are no longer part of New Albion, with approve of the Central Government, we are the new regions of Al Malabaristan, a loyal sub province of the Khailfah. Did the people of Northern New Albion ask for our opinion on the matter of breaking off, nay they didn’t? Did they ask us if we wanted to joined to Oceania, no…they didn’t…we refuse to be under the jackboot of a New British Empire….we refuse to be rule once again by the Imperialist. Just this is why we reject the idea of being a mere crown colony of Oceania..they took upon themselves to try to give the entire Island to Oceania, without even asking the other half of the population to so. Just this is why we break off from New Albion and form our new region, which remains loyal to the Khailfah, let be known that Al Malabaristan will never submit to Oceania rule, we are the subjects of the Khailfah, not Oceania. “

Tlanextic Zanzanilli walked briskly into the doors of a small chamber deep within the building that housed the legislature. The sound of cheers erupted with almost perfectly syncronisity as the General walked in. For a brief second, he almost thought they were applauding for him. But, alas, they weren’t. The Tlatocayotl Tlactli- the High Soviet Senate; the branch of the legislature that handles all diplomatic and foreign affairs, had just finished up their marathon length meeting. The Vice Premier of the Aztec National League, Coyotepec Xoxoctic, Quetzalcoatl Nochtli’s right hand man in the legislature, made eye contact with Tlanextic and stepped down from the podium and walked up to the General.

“General, always good to see you,” said the Vice Premier. The limp in his left leg was obvious proof that the second in command of the nation was still in recovery from a car wreak that nearly left him dead two years ago.

The General saluted his superior and said, “Sir, we have received reports that the weather conditions of the location where our ships are going to for Operation: Mercantilism…” the General coughed – he had been talking all day, “sorry, that the location where our ships is going is becoming too dangerous. I’m requesting that we move our ship through the Suez Canal and relocating into the Western most corners of the Indian Ocean. We have access to the Canal through trade treaties, military ships are allowed through.”

“And what about our neutrality?” Asked the Vice Premier.

“No worries sir, our main ships will remain out of the combat zone and will fly flags of non-hostility. Our Typhoon-II’s can be used to go near the combat zone, maybe even foray into it and not be detected. They will be used to transmit any information from the combat zone. Our spy sats will also be monitoring the area.”

“Good, then it’s approved, tell the Premier through email and brief him in the morning.”

~=~ Location: West off of Africa - The bridge of the SAS Excelsíor

The communications officer on the relatively new battle cruiser looked outside the window, looking at his old ship, the Challenger. Although the Excelsíor was an impressive, if not amazing ship, he missed the personality of his former assignment. Although the Challenger was safe despite the massive storms that seemed to come from no where, he wondered how all of his friends were doing.

From underneath his screen, a very electronic beep brought him back from reminiscing. He looked down from the small bridge window and down at the blinking touch-screen. Bright, red “INCOMING ORDERS” flashed briefly until the new orders were downloaded, decrypted and formatted to be read by the computer. On the screen, the new orders displayed and simultaneously printed out a copy of the orders.

The communications officer pressed a button on the council next to him and said, “Captain, new incoming orders.”

In five minutes, the captain arrived on the bridge, curious about this change of plans. She pushed her black hair over her soldier and looked over the orders…“Captain Zeltzin, here are the new orders.” The Communications officer handed her the ordered…

= = = = =
ENCRYPTED – RECIEVER VERIFIED

To: ZELTZIN, Diana – Captain and Commanding officer of the SAS Excelsíor
From: Chief Warrior-General Tlanextic Zanzanilli
Subject: Operation Mercantilism (Revised orders)

From this point onward, you are to follow these orders:

-Proceed to and transverse Suez Canal (you have permission to do this through international law with the KLM.)

-Proceed to attached coordinates on the Western border of the Indian Ocean.

-Commence with phase two (Reconnaissance) of Operation: Mercantilism.

Note, you may have to have the submarines surface…If this is the case, we will try to have the nationality of your taskforce concealed through standard procedures.

-CWGTZ

The captain looked up from the order and said, “About damn time we get out of these stormy seas, proceed to new course.”

"Shit. Looks like the world's going to go off to war."

Vice President for Defence John Newman watched the reports of government statements of support for either side in the controversy between Oceania and the Khailfah al Musilmeen governments as the two nations inched ever closer to warfare.

All this over a fucking cartoon, Newman thought bitterly.

Sarzonia was not anywhere near an ally of Oceania's. The two governments had come to blows too many times in government statements for there to be common ground between the nations. Even a covert attempt to establish some semblance of diplomatic relations collapsed over the Novikov issue. As it stood, Sarzonia considered Oceania an unfriendly power.

Meanwhile, in Newman's mind the Khailfah al Musilmeen supported Sarzonia when even their staunchest friends were nowhere to be found. Their financial assistance was a major reason for the economic recovery that saw the Portland Stock Exchange recover roughly 30 percent of the total value it lost during the stock market crash. It was a reason that some leading economic indicators pinned the dollar's value at 34 fouta. That may have been a far cry from its heyday before the Panic of 2006, but for a currency that was starting to be the butt of jokes internationally just weeks ago, it was a concrete sign that improvement was on the way.

However, the cartoon turned the situation dicey for Sarzonia. In the minds of the Incorporated Sarzonian Government, freedom of speech was paramount. Article I explicitly prevented the ISG from infringing on the people's rights to speak their minds. Printing a cartoon that could offend was considered par for the course in the minds of the Supreme Judicial Court.

And yet, Newman knew he'd be foolish to ignore the political ramifications. If Sarzonia sided with the Khailfah, it would spit on the principles of freedom of speech in the eyes of many nations. However, if the country supported an Oceanian government with whom it was far from cozy, the Khailfah's reaction would be easy to predict. Newman realised the position he was in was far from advantageous.

However, where Newman saw a problem, Grant Haffner saw an opportunity. The Deputy Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer knew the situation required finesse. Someone with a vested interest in preventing further bloodshed would be ideal, even if it were a nation with something to gain from being able to broker a deal. Getting such a deal would go a long, long way toward strengthening a country's reputation in diplomacy, in using the word rather than the sword.

"Hey Newman," Haffner said as the young deputy picked up the phone. "I have a radical idea that just might work."

"What are you going to do, another ill-timed Nicole Lewis impression? You know Sarzo has your head on the chopping block the next time you fuck up."

"Hear me out John," Haffner said. "The position we're in isn't one that lends itself to our military involvement, right?"

"Uh yeah," Newman asked, not sure where Haffner was going.

"However, that gives us an opening to do something no one would expect," he said, booming the words through the receiver and causing Newman's spine to curdle with each thump of the soundwaves assaulting his eardrums.

"I'm not sure I follow."

"Why don't we offer to mediate the dispute between Oceania and the Khailfah?"

"Why us? The Oceanians don't trust us any more than the agustinates like Tino Sorantanali. The KLM would be suspicious as hell."

"No they wouldn't John," Haffner said. "If we can convince the Oceanians that we support freedom of the press and the KLM that we value their support and that we respect their religious beliefs, they may be willing to talk. It will take some convincing to get them both to agree that we want to see the situation resolved without bloodshed, but I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."

"You? You've got all the charm of a grapefruit when it comes to diplomatic matters. You'd better leave it to the pros."

"John, the pros haven't done shit. That's why it's got to be up to us to do this."

"Why am I involved? I'm not a diplomat. I blow shit up."

"Because you can come at them from the military standpoint and point out to them just how heavy a price both sides would have to pay. I can argue from the standpoint that we want to see a peaceful solution to the problem. I'm sure both sides know we're in a Praetonian Dilemma of the worst kind right now. That's what makes us perfect for the role."

"I don't know Grant. I guess I'll think about it."

"Good! I'll see you tomorrow with a draft of the letters we're going to send each delegation." Haffner hung up before Newman could reply and Newman slowly pulled the receiver from his left ear and stared at it for several beats before finally setting it down with a raised eyebrow.

What the hell are we getting ourselves into?

Outer Ministry
Amy Dean, Undersecretary for diplomatic personnel was currently 'holding down the fort'. With the Permanent Secretary and the Deputy for Foreign Affairs dealing with the Macisikani, she had wound up as the senior person in the office this morning. At the moment she was sitting in the Minister's chair going around in circles. It was only a matter of time before she went "Weee..."

There was a knock at the door and someone from communications walked into the office. A Miss Dean? We have a diplomatic statement from Amestria on New Albion..."

Dean raised an eyebrow. "That pathetic little speck of land in the Indian Ocean? Shouldn't that just be filled in the New Albion file?"

"It does but it mentions us actually..." The young aide put the hardcopy down on the desk. "...near the bottom."

"Alright so...pox on both of you twits...I can see that they have the right idea...Oh dear...they suggested we buy it?"

"Quite..." She leaned back in the chair. "Send this to Apethorpe Palace asap...the Privy Council will want to see this...bloody Amestria offering our coffers to fix other people's problems."

His Majesty’s Embassy, Thunderbay, United Duchies

Baroness Winton turned to Ambassador Ellis as he finished reasuring her that neutral international shipping would be protected. "I am sure His Grace and his Grace's Government will find your declerations to protect neutral shipping in time of war reasuring. However, if you would please return to my original question, what are the exact circumstances that has led King George to believe he has soverignty over New Albion? His Grace is most curious to know the facts, without the filters of speeches for domestic consuption or the biases of the international press."

Anne sat down and picked up one of the tins to smell the aroma of the tea contained inside as she listened to the Ambasador's response. Really is Ellis just a bit slow, or did he attempt avoid answering my question? Hmm it may be Black is onto something after-all

Dawesport International Airport, Disputed Territory of New Albion
The rather large passenger jet slowed on the concrete runway as its way towards the terminal building. There was a line of people, mostly tourists apparently waiting for the stairs to be run up to the plane.
"Well the rats appear to be leaving the ship..." He stated it quietly as the stewardess opened the hatch. People who were quite anxious to leave began to pour up the narrow stairs all burned by personal luggage. Max pushed down the stairs carrying a metal breifcase before him to part the masses. Several people stopped and stared at him, but Max was used to that kind of thing.
He walked away from the crowd at the bottom of the stairs and paused looking about the island for a moment. He shifted the pack on his back and smelled the fresh air. There wasn't that acidic smell yet of burnt gunpowder or explosives in the air; he had arrived before the fighting had started.

Max set down the duffel bag and suitcase he was carrying. Likely some Royal Marine would show up wanting to know who he was and why he was here. Max seriously doubted that the Khailfah's customs people were still working after the sudden 'independence' of New Albion. It would be just another task to fall into the hands of His Majesty's Marines.

400 Miles SSW of New Albion
Kahleif airforces...this is flight L9056Y on route to
the Port of Jammu as permitted by Defense Forces...we are unarmed...do not fire...
The seaduck's crew was obiously worried, they were flying into a war zone. And a good number of Seaducks were armed so who knows a MIG pilot barely out of his nappy might decide to splash her and her cargo first and ask questions later. Their current flight path had them in the air for another fifty minutes before landing into the Port of Jammu.

The KLM Air force pilots were dumbfounded by the message from the United Duchies airplane, they check if they were speaking the truth, when they checked for confirmation from the Jammu Air Base, its was confirmed, they were permit to land, yet they must be escorted to the Jammu International Airport, the Air Traffic Controller send the follow message to The United Duchies airplane

“Flight L9056Y, you have permission to land at Jammu International Airport, yet you will be escorted for your safely to the airport by two MIG-35 FULCRUMS.”


Then 2 MIG-35 FULCRUMS were dispatched to meet up with the Seaduck and escorted her to the Airport.

The aircraft was actually registered to KCN out of Fasta rather than any part of the United Duchies.

Copy Jammu Control, L9056Y heading for Jammu International Airport as requested

The boys in the MIG's were likely annoyed quickly, a Sea Duck maximum speed was only 460 knots, flight L9056Y was only doing about 420 knots. For someone who had likely been patroling just below Mach the drop of 200 knots was going to be annoying. Like having a RX-5 on the autobahn and getting stuck behind a little old lady in her Buick.

The sea duck twisted low over the disputed island to line up with the runway as it's two propellers began to speed up. Three pairs of wheels dropped from the otherwise water tight fusalage and locked into place just before the lumbring cargo plane touched down. The sound of the turbo-props suddenly going into reverse to slow the aircraft as the flaps pulled up.

L9056Y slowed down to a crawl and began to taxi as the ground crew indicated. The engines didn't actually stop turning, they slowed but continued to turn over as the plane stopped.

A moment later there was an electic whir as the rear cargo door began to drop to the concrete to become a cargo ramp. One could make out the back of a white SUV like vehicle being stowed in the cargo hold, although it appeared to be a bit too big to actually be removed.

Two people walked down the ramp as a second door began to swing up and provide the room. One of the individuals was a tall, tan brunette who wore her hair in a fairly long ponytail at the back. She was accompanied by a lean, moderatly tall man of dark hair and olive skin. Both were wearing light fitting jackets with photo identification attached to it. On the back of the jackets, in blue letters, was the word press in both English and Arabic script. Both reporters stopped a few steps away from the aircraft and waited for the local authorities to show up. Ali pulled their papers from a small satchel he was carrying, knowing how things tended to be they would wind up with a customs offical who only knew Arabic with some backwards accent.

A moment later the rover was quicly lowered out the back of the sea duck .It appeared that the crew of L9056Y prefered not to be around much longer. Only an idiot of an invader would have let this bit of concrete last this long.

Seaplane crews tended to view landing in ports in a war zone as much safer than a runway. The reason for this was generally a bomb didn't leave a massive crater in the water. Which made leaving after a bombing run a whole lot easier. And a turboprop took getting hit with flying water a great deal better than flying concrete and shrapnel. In truth the pilot had been cursing the idiocy of the local air controller all the way in. In her mind it made no sense. A Port had customs and immigration control just like an international airport. Futher a civilian plane waddling about a high priority tactical location such as an airport or landing strip was something the local airforce didn't need. No the local beuracrats had blanked when an aircraft had requested to land at a port and their little clutchless paradimes attempted to shift with the resulting smashed gears.

"The Amestrians want us to buy New Albion? Have they ever dealt with the Khailfah before?" Alexei didn't quite know how to take the recent statement by the Amestrian Foreign Ministry. "Even if we wanted it, the Sultan will never settle for anything less than forceful reunification. Damn it, this is escalating too fast."

An aide entered the room, briefing interrupting the Emperor's rambling thoughts. He waited patiently to be recognized, and then spoke. "M'lord Emperor, the southern part of New Albion, the predominantly Muslim population, has seceded from the rest of the island and has reaffirmed loyalty to the Khailfah."

Alexei nodded slowly. He turned to face his Defense Minister. "Anton, where is the Indian Ocean Fleet now?"

"Uh, about 140 kilometers south of New Albion, last I checked, m'lord. They're maintaining combat readiness, but won't get closer to the island without orders."

"Excellent. Inform Istanbul that they are at the Sultan's disposal should he require them. They've a division of Royal Marines as well, correct?" After recieving a nod, he turned around to look at the large map in the situation room. A large digital map show New Albion, the approximate borders between the European and Muslim portions, and the correlation of forces between various foreign powers. Alexei had a feeling that this incident was going to lead to something much bigger.

"By the way," he said quietly, "Make sure the military knows that the Imperial Commonwealth does not consider any portion of New Albion to be the legal possession of any nation aside from the Khailfah al Musilmeen."

*****

Encrypted Message
To: Sultan Suleiman al Bashir
From: Empeor Alexei Saarad

My friend, I have two offers for you. Currently, a squadron of the Indian Ocean Fleet is maintaining position south of New Albion. You should know, of course, that they will assist any military action by the Khailfah if so desired. The Imperial Commonwealth stands by its allies.

Secondly, I have an idea concerning this Amestrian proposal. Naturally, I would never presume to purchase the soveriegn territory of an ally, but if you allow Malkyeri troops to enter northern New Albion as peacekeepers, perhaps the situation can be defused before it escalates too far. After all, the Imperial Commonwealth is culturally more similar to the Europeans of New Albion, and we may be able to cool tempers. If KLM agents were to be included in the peacekeeping force, and perhaps have a private chat with some of the rebel leaders, Royal officers will look the other way.

I understand how the Khailfah feels on this issue, however, and I will defer to your judgement.

The Imperial Commonwealth stands with the Khailfah forever as always.

[signed]
Alexei Saarad I

*****

The Eastern Squadron patroled the warm waters of the south Indian Ocean, maintaining a steady position so as not to add to the already-high tensions in the area. In the wardroom of the Fleet Carrier Resilient, Admiral Roderick Blaine sat alone, in front of a video phone linked directly to the Royal Palace. On the screen, the Emperor explained his plan to the Admiral. The image was fuzzy, scrambled slightly from sheer distance. The technology was useful and interesting, but hardly perfect.

“You think they’ll go for it, m’lord?”

The Emperor was quiet for a moment. After a deep breath, he grinned and said simply, “Probably not.”

Najaster, Capital of Kahanistan

The Supreme Soviet of Kahanistan debated what to do about the hostilities brewing. Kahanistan had never been friendly toward the Khailfah al Muslimeen, despite having an Islamic population of about 10%. In fact, they had butted heads before when the DSRK had attacked another member of the Ottoman Alliance.

The Kahanistanian Muslims had protested in the streets about the cartoons, but did not blame the governments of the nations they had come from. Kahanistan had freedom of the press, and publications there did not reflect the views of the government. The same logic was applied to the cartoons; the actions of one Oceanian could not represent the Oceanian people in general.

However, the Kahanistanian government firmly believed in self-determination. They felt that a mostly English, non-Muslim area would not be comfortable being ruled by a large state with a predominantly Islamic government and a state religion. Different religious groups got along in Westernized democracies like Kahanistan because the government stayed out of religion.

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Government of Kahanistan recognizes that the people of northern New Albion desire independence from the K.L.M. However, we must advise that this attempt to hand the territory of New Albion to Oceania will only lead to a repeat of the conflict when New Albion has a conflict with the Government of Oceania.

We urge all sides to lay down their arms and meet in a neutral location, our own capital is one such location. We hope that this situation can be resolved peacefully.

Signed,
Margaret Delray,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Haffner’s nerves as he stepped up to the podium in the Executive Office Building set up for External Affairs staff weren’t readily apparent to a casual observer. To anyone who may have met Haffner for the first time, they may have thought he was just naturally pale. However, even longtime staffers in External Affairs may not have known that Haffner just emerged from the restroom across from his private office after depositing the contents of his lunch in the toilet.

He took a deep breath and exhaled carefully as he waited for the silent countdown to reach zero. The cameraman and director knew better than to verbalise the count or the deputy might throw up on camera. As the count inched ever closer to zero, Haffner reflected on the task at hand.

More than simply trying to negotiate a peaceful end to a war between the United Kingdom of Oceania and the Khailfah al Musilmeen, Haffner was out to dispel the notion raised by some wags in other countries that he was ill equipped to be a diplomat. He was out to show that Sarzonia could also make a powerful mark on the world through a peaceful negotiation rather than simply brandishing the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy at every turn.

Where the fuck is he, Haffner thought. Newman was supposed to be sitting right next to Haffner as they announced their plan, but Newman was nowhere in sight and the minutes before it was go time had turned to seconds. Finally, the sweet sound of dress shoes clomping on the floor of the studio caressed his ears, bringing blissful relief.

“Sorry, staff meeting ran late,” Newman whispered, punctuating his apology with a sheepish look. He then quickly looked at the camera just moments before the director’s voice uttered the two words Haffner always dreaded.

“And, action!”

“Fellow members of the international community, fellow citizens of Sarzonia and distinguished guests, it is rare that I address you from my position as the deputy senior vice president and external affairs officer, but considering the growing crisis in New Albion and the ongoing situation between the Khailfah al Musilmeen and the United Kingdom of Oceania, we can wait no longer,” Haffner said.

“We believe the situation between these two nations is one that can and should be resolved through peaceful negotiation and settlement, not through harsh rhetoric and the spectres of violence and war. Our nation’s position on both the freedom of the press and on the freedom of religion has been made eminently clear by my government in the past. However, the issue of New Albion has seen that initial cause of disagreement fade into the shadows as both nations seemingly gird for war.

“We call upon the governments of both Oceania and the Khailfah to put a halt to their war preparations and come to Portland, Somerset to discuss their differences and hopefully come to a peaceable agreement to end the stalemate. We will be willing to discuss all issues directly affecting both nations in this continuing row.

“We realise that our relationship with Oceania makes us an ironic choice to open a dialogue between both nations; however, we believe that our nation’s respect both for the freedoms of the press and of religion outweighs our previous disagreements with the United Kingdom. In addition, we would like to ask both governments to accept our offer in the spirit of setting aside differences. We are willing to take that first step.”

“War should be the absolute last resort,” Newman began. “While we believe very firmly in the maxim that to ensure peace, you must prepare for war, we believe that war in this particular case is unnecessary, undesirable, and irresponsible on the parts of both nations. We call upon both governments to do the right thing and come to Portland to bring about an end to this unremitting hostility between nations.”

“And cut!”

Haffner was tempted to include one more shot at Pacitalian Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali, but after Lewis’s broadside earlier in the day, he figured piling on wouldn’t be in his best interests or in the interests of peace. Even though Sorantanali was as ripe for the attacking as anyone.

The Pacific Club, Thunderbay, United Duchies

Amanda Blackwell, Key of Torrhaven, was finishing her quick breakfast at the club this morning before heading off to her office in the captiol building. She pondered for a moment the deputy senior vice president and external affairs officer of somewhere on the tv screen descreatly mounted above the bar in the small dining room.

Amanda pushed her last bit of waffle around the plate picking up the remaining syrup in destracted patterns.

...Well that was the third call today from international leaders asking for a peaceful resolution of the New Albion matter between Khailfah al Musilmeen and the United Kingdom of Oceania... the talking heads of the morning news program bantered on in their usual ignorance.

...So the question becomes what is the United Duchies government have to say about this? As of yet no word from either Apethorpe Palace or the Outer Ministry on what they think about the matter...

Amanda just chuckled to herself at that, considering what was going to happen at ten this morning there wasn't going to be any kind of coherent response. No the Outer Ministry was saddled with an incometent boob as the Assistant Outer Minister...Henry Pathbuke. Who was apparently also having breakfast at the Pacific Club.

Amanda watched as Pathbuke wandered in through the archway and sat down at the bar. It was a bit early to be drinking, but apparently Pathbuke wasn't all that interested in social conventions at present. Amanda sat watching Pathbuke's back for a moment. In general the United Duchies ministries tended to go into coast mode during an election. Since most of their nominal overseers were busy campaining, little work got done. However progress on things was expected, and generally policies started before an election stayed in place. Which ment that anything comming out after twelve would likely be from the Palace and not the Government.

Amanda paused for a moment as she stood up to leave. "You know if one were to start the ball rolling..." she chuckled as she made her way towards the bar...

9:30, Outer Ministry
Amy Dean looked up as a secretary opened the door. Amanda Blackwell strode though almost running over the young man with a sheepish look. "Miss Blackwell? What can I do for the Key from Torrhaven this morning." Amy was smart enough to look pleasent to a possible future boss. However both women knew Dean was quietly wondering, What the hell is a blasted member of the Opposition doing here at this hour.

"Ah Undersecretary Dean, just the dedicated civil servant I was looking for..."
Blackwell replied, her cool eyes seemed to be locked onto the woman sitting in a chair that was not hers by leaps and bounds.

"Ah...well the Permanent Secretary..." Dean began but was cut off.
"Is out of the office...quite understandable. However the Assistant Minister wished me to deliever this to his staff before the session today." Blackwell held out an envelope.

Dean looked at it with apprehension, it was just what she did not want to have happen right now. The druken squib of an Outer Minister wanabe suddenly handing out orders via offical memo. However, she couldn't ignore it without the Opposition demanding her head by the end of next week. Dean snatched the envelope and held it in her hands by two fingers like it was caustic.

Blackwell tilted her head slightly, "Are you not going to read it..."
Dean started off with "It would be presumptious of me..."
"Not to asertain its contents and determine what needs to be done...and since the chair was tested fully at the factory, I do not see you having much to occupy your schedule at the moment..."

Dean felt like she had been backed into a corner. She opened the envelope and read the memo inside. "How the bloody hell did you get that boozehound to...to...even agree to this..."

Blackwell turned towards the door, "The implication of sex...and the fact that a hungover man usually doesn't think clearly. Enjoy your day Miss Dean."

Offical Corespondence to Sarzonia, Kahanistan, Pacitalia
From the Outer Ministry of the United Duchies

Subject: A Peaceful Solution to The New Albion Crisis.

It has become apparent that whatever our loyalties are in this crisis, that we would all prefer to have the New Albion issue resolved in a peaceful manner. However, it is also apparent that the current independent demands for such a solution will likely not provide enough strength for either Khailfah al Musilmeen and the United Kingdom of Oceania to attempt to settle this problem without resulting to violence.

However, if as a united front, we present a plan of arbitration to both the Khailfah al Musilmeen and the UK of Oceania we may be able to induce them to sit down rather than to fight.

The Outer Ministry of the United Duchies would like to begin the immediate coordination of our respective efforts to bring this matter to a peacful solution. However, if a plan is to be so implemented, we must act quickly and urgently in order to prevent the esclation of the conflict from going beyond the turning point.

-Henry Pathbuke, Acting Outer Minister for the United Duchies

"Pathbuke? Who the hell is he?"

"Doesn't matter Tom," Haffner responded as he wearily addressed Tom Merrill, the associate vice president for negotiation who was the closest to someone who reported directly to Haffner. "What does matter is that there's someone else who's got a level head about this whole mess.

"And he's absolutely right Tom. We need to present a united front to both Oceania and KLM that peaceful resolution is the only option."

"But what about New Albion, Grant? You only touched very briefly on that and that seems to be what's getting everybody's panties in a twist."

"I'm well aware of that Katie," Haffner said sharply. As soon as the acerbic tone escaped from his lips with the venomous hiss of a poisonous snake, Haffner realised it wasn't how he wanted to address Kathryn Lassiter, an office manager who could have been among the power players in another lifetime. He lowered his voice and softened his features, then spoke again.

"I didn't address New Albion because so far, the only two options that have been laid on the table have been either to keep New Albion under KLM control or allow them to join the United Kingdom. Fact is, neither option is really palatable."

"What are you suggesting, that we take New Albion?"

"Are you kidding? The House would have my head on a fucking platter if we tried for a land grab. To be truthful, I don't know what I'm suggesting, perhaps just a ABO policy."

"ABO?"

"Anybody But Oceania, Katie." She raised her eyebrow and Haffner took that as a sign that his "policy" needed further explanation.

"Just do what we can to ensure that New Albion does not fall under the clutches of those imperialist bastards in Philadelphia," Haffner said.

"Grant, for someone who's trying to walk the tightrope you're not doing a good job of hiding what you really think of Azazia."

"Oceania," Haffner corrected. "You're right. The fact of the matter is, it's not in our best interests to allow New Albion to fall into Oceanian hands. Nor is it in New Albion's interests to remain under the KLM. There's got to be a middle ground we can find on this."

"What about giving New Albion their independence and letting them determine their own fate?"

"Because," Haffner began, then his face made an expression no one in External Affairs had ever seen before. That suddenly turned to the widest smile Haffner had worn since before he assumed his job.

"That's IT!"

"Sir?"

"If we can get Alcona and Hubris and Kahanistan to agree, we can offer an agreement where New Albion becomes independent but does not fall under the sphere of influence of Oceania. But for that to happen, we must all support them as an independent, sovereign government."

"You think that can work?"

"It's worth a try. If Oceania rejects that as we think they probably will, they'll look like warmongers. But if we can put up a united front, it will make it very hard for Oceania to ignore. I'll go talk to Pathbuke. Oh, and Katie? Thanks." Haffner nodded briefly before he raced to his private office and fired off an e-mail.


TO: Henry Pathbuke
Acting Outer Minister
United Duchies of Alcona and Hubris
FROM: Grant Haffner
Deputy Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer
Incorporated States of Sarzonia
SUBJECT: Unified stance on Oceania-KLM

First of all, thank you for responding to my public call for a peaceful settlement of this powder keg in New Albion. I'm glad that other world leaders feel as we do, that this must resolve itself peacefully. I would be more than willing to discuss a proposal with you and with Ms. Delray of Kahanistan to have a negotiation session. As mentioned in my message, Portland is available for negotiations for what we all hope is an accord.

However, I must express my grave concern that no Pacitalian delegation be permitted in talks among us, Kahanistan, or you. The Democratic Capitalist Republic has already expressed military support for the United Kingdom of Oceania. That does not suggest a nation that is interested in peace, far from it. In addition, the Pacitalians have repeatedly misrepresented our government's statements and intentions over the course of the past few months. Any meeting between me and any Pacitalian government official is sure to draw fireworks.

Finally, with respect to the New Albion issue, I wish to propose a third solution to the issue, one that I'm sure will be unpopular with both Oceania and KLM, but that may be what we need. I would like to propose that we call for New Albion to be fully independent of both KLM and Oceania, and free of the spheres of influence of either nation. We can band together and form our own sphere of influence that fully integrates a New Albion government as an equal partner.

I look forward to dialogue with you in the near future.

-Grant

The journey to reach the Suez Canal had taken a few days, and all the while, it appeared that things were certainly heating up. The slow travel through the fragile Mediterranean had been somewhat relaxing; despite what could be the advent of a large war. But, now it was time to business.

Captain Zeltzin got up from her chair in the bridge and looked towards the Canal from her window. It was funny; she had commanded ships many times through the Aztec’s Canal in Panama, but she had never even seen the Suez canal…It was different, yet, very much the same.

She turned to her communications officer and said, “Alright, let our Ottoman friends know that we want to get through.”

The Communications officer started typing on the keyboard quickly, with the captain watching over his shoulder…In his mind, he thought, ‘Damn, I hate it when she does that, especially because she knows I hate it.’

=~=~=~=~=

To: The Suez Canal Authorities
From: Captain Diana Zeltzin, Commanding officer of the SAS Excelsíor A-BCH-100 and the 32nd Small Battle Group
Subject: Passage

Greetings,

We are requesting passage through the Canal. In addition, to the ships we have, we also have two Typhoon-II submarines. Although if you require the submarines to emerge from the water, we prefer to keep them submerged in case if there are any spy satellites observing this area.

-Captain Diana Zeltzin

=~=~=~=~=

{New Christendom, The Republic}

Riyabuo entered the makeshift building which passed at the capital headquarters of the Monotheistic Republic. Inside was no better, the paint chipped and it dull. Though she didn't like the office and its low-standards she would not dare ask Congress for the funds--not with poverty levels still in the double digits. She wore her best attire, which was a purple blouse and skirt--she had just returned from church. Many times in her life was she asked which denomination she was: Baptist, Mormon, Luthern, and more? Each time she answered the same: 'I am a Christian'. To her denominations were individuals or groups beliefs in regards to various issues of the Bible, brought together into a doctrine for others to follow. Though nontheless, her non-denominational church followed primarily Baptist beliefs. She nodded to her aides as she made her way up the creaking sairs of the capital building and finally into her even more dull office. As she entered she immiedately noticed Alfred Rednight sitting in her office with a folder, he was asleep in her chair. She shook her head, he didn't go to church obviously. Most of her cabinet was either extremely old or extremely young men. The olders ones had lived threw the horrors Jagada had been threw over the last forty years and only believed in God nominally--and spoke proudly about it. The extremely young, like Rednight, were too caught up in youth to care much about God or their souls. As she appoarched the desk her high-heels upon the wooden floor woke him and he jumped up startled.

'Madame Minister, my apologies!' he exclaimed straightening himself out. She nodded, and asked her weekly question, 'How was church for you? Enlightening I hope.'

Avoiding the question entirely, as he usually did he tried to change the subject, 'Madame Minister, we have a rather dangerous situtation occuring around New Albion. Extremely dangerous.'

She smiled at him, she had always wanted to ask him why he avoided the question. She would wager her salary in office that he did so because he was guilty of not going, but with the mention of New Albion she would have to leave that question for another time, 'I thought we already set up our policy about New Albion. We wouldn't interfere militarily, not with the War of Golden Succesion going on.'

Her face twisted when she said 'War of Golden Succession', and Rednight caught it. Riyabuo had been neglecting to call it that for fear it would lessen the reality of it. With Questers and Skinny87 joining on Havenic Pact's side, along with Oceanaria joining the Golden Throne and regions around the war slowly being dragged in. It appeared that the War of Golden Succession was quickly becoming the next World War--such an idea would not be taken well in the Republic.

Rednight continued, 'Its beyond that. Other nations are becoming involved, even Sarzonia.'

Riyabuo's eyebrow rose at the named country. The Incorporated States seemed more pacifist and secular than most liberal countries, it seemed unnatural for them to become involved in a matter which was so closely tied with religion, 'I see. What is the Khailfah doing? Are they going to launch an attack?'

Rednight shrugged, 'Its uncertain, though already some nations are demanding peace talks and avert war.'

Riyabuo's face turned red for a moment, 'Any agreement which makes New Albion raise any flag but that of the Khailfah goes strongly against the Republic's agenda. We will not see another religious nation bow down to secularism and libertarianism. That I am sure the Republic is willing to go to war to defend.'

Rednight nodded, 'Yes Madame Minister, but we aren't dealing with rookies here. This is Sarzonia, the same nation we bought ships from-'

Riyabuo interrupted strongly, 'Yes, the same nation we bought those rusted hulls from which sunk on command by the Killians.'

Rednight chuckled at the obvious joke, 'Its more than that. Oceania is known to annex those who don't win Madame Minister. I doubt we will be so fortunate to escape annexation.'

Riyabuo smirked, 'If they try to annex the Republic, they would have to turn themselves into a dictatorship to surpress the countless uprisings that would spawn in our lands. Religion, and a fierce love for independance, is the only thing which had made invading, occupying, or annexing us so unappealing to those that defeat us.'

Rednight looked less than convinced, 'That a bad back-up plan Madame Minister.'

Riyabuo waved away his concerns, 'I don't intend to storm in yet. Peace must be tried first, and then we will act according.'

Rednight shifted around, as if hesitant to speak again but finally decided to go ahead, 'What about an independant New Albion?'

Riyabuo shook her head, 'One half European, liberalist, secularists. The other half Moslem, religious, conservative. Thats like lighting a match at a gas station.'

Rednight frowned, 'Why not spilt the island then?'

Again Riyabuo shooked her head, still not willing to back down, 'Again, a victory for secularism. Not something the Republic can afford to allow happen to another religious nation.'

Rednight frowned and his voice showed annoyance, 'Then what shall we do?'

Riyabuo shrugged, 'Wait is all we can do. If the Muslimeen want us at the peace conference, if there is one, then they will call us. Best not to intrude on the matter until nessecary.'

OOC: I think we should all hold off on further posts until Oceania comes back (not having posted in two days), he already has a lot to respond to: ambassadors (particularly Alcona and Hubris' Royal Envoy), several public statements by foreign governments (some supportive, such as the messages from Hamp and Pac. and some critical, such as Amestria's criticism of Salisbury's/Mason's arguements), the south of the island secceeding from the north and pledging loyalty to the OK, two offers of mediation, and one suggestion (Amestria's idea for buying the northern bits of the island)...est.

OOC: I think we should all hold off on further posts until Oceania comes back (not having posted in two days), he already has a lot to respond to: ambassadors, several public statements by foreign governments (some supportive, such as the messages from Hamp and Pac. and some critical, such as Amestria's criticism of Salisbury's/Mason's arguements), the south of the island secceeding from the north and pledging loyalty to the OK, two offers of mediation, and one suggestion (Amestria's idea for buying the northern bits of the island)...est.
OOC: I am just holding off posting intill Oceania can post his part..so yeah I am still here..the ball is still in his court so to speak..

His Majesty’s Embassy, Thunderbay, the United Duchies

Ellis smiled and tilted his head as he slowly poured some recently boiled water over his strainer. He watched, mildly entertained by the processes that allowed the water to pass into the tea clear and leave a warm, golden orange that released a soft citric aroma. Finally, he flipped his wrist and inspected the hands of his watch so as to time the steeping.

Baroness, please, enjoy yourself, he spoke slowly and casually. All concerns shall be addressed in due time. Ellis allowed himself another pleasant smile before continuing, both disturbed and pleased that his visitor appeared a rather competent diplomat – a sort of character he had long missed in diplomacy, as he found far too many idiots in far too many capitals.

I believe you wished for the details on the circumstances regarding the annexation of New Albion? Ellis leaned back into his seat and politely folded his hands together. Unfortunately, and I do hop you understand, the Foreign Office does not always feel it necessary to relay all the details of all the situations it becomes involved in – I daresay that the annexation itself is not even under Secretary Deveraux’s purview, but rather that of the Colonial Secretary, Mister Bashir. However, what I understand from the briefs relayed to me from Imperium is that several h ours ago the people of New Albion, under the leadership of their democratically elected governor, Mister Mason, exercised their right to break away from the Khailfah.

In his address, which unfortunately I did not watch, he listed the grievances against the Khailfah, grievances including, if not mistaken, the failure to protect the basic security of their persons in the aftermath of the cartoons republished across the island as well as numerous more domestic issues regarding the failure of the island to sufficiently develop from a perceived lack of Muslimeen interest in the overall plight of the descendents of the English settlers.

Shortly before that, however, Governor Mason informed His Majesty’s Government of his intent and as the elected leader of the people desired to see his island governed and protected by a power that would guarantee the safety of all its inhabitants. Naturally, Ellis said with a polite smirk, he first called the United Kingdom.

As such, His Majesty’s Government did not annex the territory without the consent of the people of New Albion, rather they granted unto Parliament the right to govern as a crown colony of the United Kingdom, a solemn obligation we intend to fulfill at any cost. Ellis made sure to underline the last part through a slight change of intonation. The threat, he hoped, was not understood as being directed against the United Duchies per se, but against those who sought to directly interfere in forcing the population of New Albion to live under a government they had rejected.

Office of the Prime Minister
The Citadel, Imperium, New Britain

And yes, unfortunately the markets have been reacting negatively to the news while the affected companies have been dispatching lawyers and corporate officials here to my office demanding action.

Salisbury listened intently to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, who now had the inglorious task of dealing with Oceanian companies whose assets in the Khailfah were now being frozen and seized. I take it that you have ordered the same, Rodney?

Indeed, I have sir, and the bank assets are being frozen first.

Very good, should it become public knowledge that the Muslimeen government begins to disperse Oceanian financial assets I order you to reimburse Oceanian companies through an act of reciprocity. Salisbury knew that both nations had only begun to invest in each other’s economies months ago, although that already meant several billion pounds worth of Oceanian investment in Muslimeen oil fields and the Muslimeen retail markets – while Muslimeens had invested an equal amount in UK companies. The simple tit for tat economic reprisals would be complete within 24 hours and he knew they would, regretfully, only potentially exacerbate the problems.

Anything else, Rodney?

I believe that about covers it.

Very good, Rodney, keep me informed. Salisbury replaced the phone and scratched a small itch behind his ear before removing his glasses and closing his eyes. He slowly rubbed his temples and then his eyelids hoping to ease some of the stress unduly placed upon his optical sensors after far too many hours of caffeine and staying awake.

But for a leader of a multinational country rest, he knew, could not ever arrive and it came as no surprise that the phone began to ring once more. Apparently, his Chief of Staff thought another phone call deserved immediate attention. The small LCD on the phone informed Salisbury that the caller was none other than his Foreign Secretary.

Yes, Emily, what can I do for you?

More calls from international leaders, Your Lordship.

Salisbury let two free fingers slip underneath his glasses where they could continue to rub his eyes. Unfortunately, much of the world seemed more than willing to allow a people to be subject to an unjust minority rule – and many of them seemed more than willing to throw their own militaries into the ring.

Who is it now?

The Amestrian Vice Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and one Constantino Sorantanali. The first but more negative and inflammatory rhetoric directed against us, although they have offered two ‘solutions’ to the crisis: a, they call it, federal arrangement, and the second, more interestingly, is to have us buy the island from Istanbul.

The Prime Minister allowed himself a brief laugh. I believe Bismarck would be quite proud of the Amestrians. Anyways, what did Sorantanali have to say?

A pledge of full and unconditional support as well as a message chastising Istanbul for their handling of the crisis, in it they recognise the transfer of New Albion to Imperium as legitimate.

Very interesting, Salisbury muttered. He had not anticipated any reaction from Sorantanali, a man proving himself by the day more inept as a world leader – in fact he would not be surprised if the world let slip this Pacitalian response. His only true hope was that the mutiny would begin gathering steam, although in all likelihood that would occur only after this conflict devolved into a shooting war. Ell would have been of far greater use as an ally, or even Sancatto Serra – but neither remained at the wheel of the Pacitalian ship of state. And without them, while the assurances were welcomed, he did not fully trust Sorantanali, a man who had let Paci-Sarzonian relations disappear after a long and fruitful friendship.

What do you make of it, Emily?

I think he is merely trying to assert some control of foreign policy. Without Rabastano the international respect of the nation as a leader in world diplomacy is eroding daily, and I think Sorantanali is merely clutching at straws hoping the world does not let Pacitalia slip from memory. Or at least a memory that matters.

Salisbury drummed his fingers on the desktop for a moment, thinking. Well, I shall have Lord Atkinson have the Royal Navy Liaison Office in Parzamafo begin working with the Pacitalian leadership on deployment plans should they prove necessary. At the very least, I think we need to keep Sorantanali on our side.

I concur, Your Lordship. And any response to the Amestrian offers?

I shall begin drafting a small response, Emily, it should be ready say, give me two hours if you please and then I will e-mail it to the Foreign Office for a read-through.

Dawesport, Royal Crown Colony of New Albion, United Kingdom

Travers scratched his brow, although New Albion was effectively split between the two governments of Imperium and Istanbul – there remained a large disparity in the number of ground troops committed. For now, satellite intelligence indicated that KLM troops remained stationary in the south, digging in for what Travers imagined they perceived as a coming Oceanian offensive.

But despite all the intentions of Imperium to claim the whole of the island, Travers knew otherwise, at best he could barely hold onto the north with his battalion. He knew it to be conceivable that any moment he could receive orders that would send his men and women into the south where they would meet certain death trying to ‘evict’ Muslimeen troops. What he did not understand, however, was whether the Muslimeens were incorrect in knowing the disposition of his forces or if their rabid fear of foreigners dictated the thought that he would invade no matter how illogical the operations would seem.

However, before he could debate the issue, he watched an officer come into his hastily erected office in the governor’s mansion. Sir, this just came in over the wires from KNN. Travers took the piece of paper and digested its contents rather quickly.

A partition of the island, bloody marvelous, Lieutenant Jenkins, would you not agree? Travers asked the young officer. Even as an officer, he could see the obvious implication – although how it would be treated higher up the command chain he knew not.

To the southwest, at the airport, Private Anthony Clay kept his rifle ready as he watched hundreds of people coming and going out of the various terminals. With only a single battalion of Marines to secure, guard, and maintain order in New Albion the detachment to handle security at the airport fell to two squads of a single platoon. Ordinarily, the customs officials would have inspected the travelers and their luggage but they had all, or most of them at least, fled south and left their tasks to the Royal Marines, who frankly – as Clay kept in mind – had not the resources for the task. And so Clay merely kept an eye out for anything suspicious, standing far enough away from the people so that he could observe the lot of them.

Office of the Prime Minister
The Citadel, Imperium, New Britain

Salisbury gazed out the window as the afternoon sun began to slip behind the Brittany Range just west of the capital city and just above the western walls of the Citadel. He had drafted a response to the Amestrian proposals that had been preempted by a Sarzonian response to the whole affair – and when combined with the sudden secession of southern New Albion from the north that made three unanticipated variables in Salisbury’s closely orchestrated drama.

Now what? came a voice from the walls. His Chief of Staff stood, his back leaning against the white walls with his tie slipped a little loose and his top button undone. Since the beginning, Salisbury had kept Howard Robertson informed of the entire affair – from his long-term goals to the short-term ramifications and even to the involvement of the Royal Intelligence Service in instigating the rioting and secession movement. Now, Robertson needed to know what pieces to move next.

I confess, Howard, I am not entirely certain. I take it that Iain is on his way?

The Secretary’s plane to Istanbul left about an hour ago, sir, he should arrive in roughly twelve hours, I envision to finally sit down with the Sultan should take another or so, thirteen hours until we meet with the government of the Khailfah. Robertson had, in fact, been awake far longer than the Prime Minister, having had to coordinate all the communications and movements between the various ships, planes, persons en route to New Albion in addition to coordinating the meetings and communications between the Cabinet and their senior deputies.

We have become our forefathers in many ways, Howard, the Prime Minister mused aloud. In the past decade we allowed the survival and prosperity of the nation to become intertwined with the survival of the Empire. In the past year we allowed the survival of the empire to become intertwined with imperial expansion. The introspective politician turned to face his Chief of Staff and beckoned him to take a seat on one of the sofas in the room.

Right now, Howard, we need options. We have been backed into a corner, mind you I see its only outcome as overall favourable to the UK, but a corner nonetheless. Now we need a way out.

We could send more RIS agents and covertly instigate some more troubles, highlight the plight of the people.

No, no. Before this began the island was a backwater that nobody paid much mind to – now it has fallen under international scrutiny. Additionally, we have not the manpower in Dawesport to regulate who comes in or out of the island – any moves we make on the island will be undoubtedly observed by foreign agents who I guarantee are slowly infiltrating the island.

Send more forces then, secure the borders and ready ourselves for a Muslimeen offensive to retake the north. We would simply need to find a way to limit the fighting to the island, a proxy war so to speak.

It would become a proxy war that would bleed the Treasury dry and the Royal Armed Services of its trained and specialised personnel. I am afraid that at this hour the military cards have been all but laid out on the table – we have made the Sultan quite clear of our intention to hold New Albion while frightening half the world into thinking that we want to release the military of a major power and start a global conflict.

At least we know the world holds us in some regard, Robertson smirked.

True enough, Howard, true enough. I think, however, it is time to secure what we have won – I do not think we shall ever be able to take the whole island; tomorrow I shall instruct the Admiralty to amend the plans for deployment so as to better represent our partial holdings on the island.

Well, we will still hold Dawesport’s harbours, both large enough for massive fleets and the prepositioning of our super-dreadnoughts. We shall have the ability to secure our sealanes and prevent another Novikovian-style first strike on our maritime trade, it is a victory in and of itself that shall help preserve the Empire.

True, Howard, but we now will have a determined enemy at our soft underbelly, an enemy determined to make us bleed for what we have done.

Make them bleed right back, Lord Prime Minister.

Salisbury swiveled around in his chair to watch the oranges fade into crimsons while the blues melted into deep violets. His home lay beyond those mountains and across the Strait, a small villa in the mountains where nobody could bother him, where modern life all but ceased to exist. And along the coast was his small marina with his sailboat. All of it seemed so simple. So far away. So long ago since becoming Prime Minister.

I think, Howard, that we have lost the larger picture, our larger strategic objective. I had not anticipated such a response.

Robertson poured himself a cup of water from the pitcher sitting upon a platter on the low table between the sofas. Not all is lost, Your Lordship. I will admit that they have made it more difficult for us to obtain the victory we defined; however, I feel we may just be able to get what we need in addition to New Albion should we accept the Sarzonian offer to meet with all the parties in Portland. Perhaps we can force their hand, and while it might not gain the same exposure as international messages receive the exposure would be damning enough.

An interesting plan, Howard, though it would require on our part the dispatch of someone with the correct level of political refinement and, Salisbury smiled as he searched for the right words, diplomatic finesse.

But first, Lord Prime Minister, you need to edit your message before sending it to the Foreign Office. Same message on the Amestrian offers, but now accept the offers of mediation. And in the meantime I think I know just the individual to send to Portland, with your permission I shall take my leave for the night.

Very well, and thank you, Howard.

My pleasure, Lord Prime Minister.

Official Statement
Office of the Prime Minister
United Kingdom of Oceania

With great appreciation I thank all concerned parties for their interest in resolving the current situation between Istanbul and Imperium in a peaceful fashion acceptable to all involved. As this government has stated from the beginning, we wish not to instigate an armed confrontation between the Khailfah and the United Kingdom, however, we will not surrender the sovereign right of self-determination of any people to any autocratic and non-pluralistic power under any threat or any condition. To that end, while I thank Vice Deputy Minister de Prouville for his nation’s sincere interest, the suggestion that the United Kingdom purchase the land of New Albion to solve this crisis is simply unacceptable to His Majesty’s Government.

While recognising the imperative need to reach a peaceful solution to this crisis, the implication that the sovereign rights of a population may simply be bought and sold as if a commodity abhors not just myself, nor even just His Majesty’s Government but the democratic peoples of the United Kingdom and Her Colonies and Realms Overseas. People are not chattel nor are their inalienable rights so flimsy and waiflike to be made to disappear when inconvenient for global powers.

It is the position of the United Kingdom that the people of New Albion have exercised their right to secede from the Khailfah and place their sovereignty in the Crown of the United Kingdom of Oceania. Similarly, given the recent declaration of southern New Albion to secede from the north, the United Kingdom thanks the people of Al Malabaristan for their contributions to furthering democracy. His Majesty’s Government also thanks the Khailfah government for recognising the rights of the people of Al Malabaristan and calls upon the Sultan to now accord the European populations the same right to choose their own political destiny, a destiny already made clear that lays not with Istanbul but rather with Imperium.

Of course, such immediate and rash decisions, while not illegitimate, create problems regarding the exact divisions of land and resources. As such, given the implicit recognition of New Albion as a Crown Colony by the Khailfah, His Majesty’s Government should like to thank the Sarzonian government for standing firmly behind democracy and its inviolability and after consultation with the Cabinet and His Majesty King George I am pleased to announce that the United Kingdom shall, if all parties involved in this crisis agree to the location, send an official representative to Portland to negotiate the official end of this crisis and to delineate the new geographic, political, and economic borders of Al Malabaristan and New Albion.

Marquess of Salisbury
Prime Minister

UKO Embassy, Thunderbay, the United Duchies
The Baroness just smiled as Ambassador Ellis drew a fairly broad stroke of the situation. Her eyes didn’t show any emotion, locking the eyes in some pleasing, unrevealing stare was a trick that she had mastered at age eight. Brilliant really, I wish I were as good…He gave me just enough to support the United Kingdom’s position without giving me any firm details. And the UK appears to have set this up well enough that the Foreign Ministry can plead ignorance on things when pressed. Of course, he did rely a bit too heavily on Governor George Mason as the central pivot in all of this. So if I probe Mr. Mason will I find solid brass or cheap painted tin?

Anne adjusted herself slightly, “Ah, His Grace was hoping that your Colonial Office would have informed you of events more thoroughly than they have. However the events described show nothing but His Majesty’s Government in the favorable light of attempting to protect a society of individuals with the dedication and thoroughness that will make all descendants of the English race proud. It is also obvious that this move towards independence and the protection of the United Kingdom was initiated by Mister Mason in his role as the elected leader of New Albion….”
She watched Ellis with distracted eyes as she at first appeared to take the bait, to see if he would appear pleased with the apparent results. Then Baroness Winton did a ninety degree turn to vertical, strait out of the water; to continue with the fishing analogy.
“…Of course we can assume that Mister Mason, as a dutiful and honorable subject of the Khailfah, presented his and the New Albion’s grievances before the Sultan of the Muslimeen before he was forced into such a drastic action. And I am sure that His Majesty’s government reviewed those grievances, as well as the bonifides of Mister Mason before agreeing to place New Albion under King George’s protection. Obviously, since the United Kingdom would never enter into such an arrangement with a madman or some deluded Checka agent.” Anne chuckled at the last statement, as though it were completely preposterous and something of a joke.

The naval aide suddenly coughed to gain Anne’s attention. “Oh dear me, I am afraid that I am about out of time for this meeting. Well you have likely discovered we Alconians tend to like to conduct our business in the morning. Which makes our schedules quite full at this time of day.”

She rose with the grace of a gymnast and a lady, “If you would, please ask the appropriate parts of your government to fax me Governor Mason’s bonifides and the New Albion’s grievances against the Khailfah at my office.” Baroness Winton pulled a small card out of her jacket. “His Grace’s government would like to demonstrate to the world that our view of New Albion was based on fact. His Grace would also like to present the information before the Federated Klatchian Coast Parliament.”


Privy Council Chamber, Apethorpe Palace
Alexander Vaughn Crawford, Grand Duke of the United Duchies watched the news feed with a shake of the head. “Does Salisbury assume that the Sultan is a complete imbecile? The Sarzonian peace proposal is dead in the water. The sultan can not accept it without implicitly accepting the right of the Northern New Albions in revolting. If he does he is an idiot. But what we can not have is an over reaction. I think the best approach will be a direct appeal to the Sultan himself."

An aide nodded and vanished, the Duke had requested a diplomatic note and it would be written, and approved within a few minutes.

Alexander sat back and looked at the assembled party, there was just one chair presently empty.
"Now then when is Anne going to get here? I’d like her view on the situation, and the UK line before we deal with my Assistant Outer Minister’s sudden, unexpected brilliance and what our actually policy is going to be."

Alexander's eyes cooled at the last phrase and they turned on Chancellor Thume, who looked back with baggy eyes. Attempting to keep himself in power as the relevations about his rather sorid personal life was becoming a real strain on him.

Private Message to Sultan Suleiman Al Bashir II via Third Nation Embassies (Say Britian)


Greetings Honorable Prince,

It has come to our personal attention that the proposal by Sarzonia has been fouled by the rather sly rhetoric of Marquees Salisbury. We fully appreciate why, with the obvious trap the man has laid, that you would refuse such a meeting.

However, may we appeal to your wisdom as a Prince and a ruler of men not to outright reject any offer. We wish to inform you that there are those of us in the world who wish an attempt to arbitrate this matter with both parties on an equal footing; where the truth is paramount.

The wrongly worded response by your government, piqued by the insolence of Sailsbury's implied terms, would make any arbirtation impossible. We ask you to state that you shall consider any legitimate offer to mediate without rejecting or accepting the Portland meeting. In this way, our Government’s attempts to set a meeting, in which Lord Salisbury has not set such impossible implied terms, for peace will not be in vain. I ask this staying of your hand as both a fellow Prince and as a fellow beleiver of The God.

May the wisdom of the one true God lead us both in these perilous times for the benefit of both our peoples,

-Alexander Rex
Grand Duke of Alcona, Duke of Hubris, Zithril, Lord Protector of the Outer Islands and the Marches, and Grand Puba of the Oompa.

Ooc: more later in upcoming post…

Sultan Bashir, order all the government branches to return to Istanbul. As indirect sign to Oceania, that threat of war was slowly disappearing…the hawks of war were still circling Istanbul…

Sultan Palace, Istanbul, Khailfah al Muslimeen

Meeting of the Cabinet

The Sultan read thought out the countless International responses and the latest Oceanian response and he finally said something

“ Well…well gentlemen….they want a peace summit in Portland, Sarzonia…..they reorganize the Al Malabaristan as a part of KLM….they got what they wanted….and what do we do…gentlemen..save face and cut our losses ..by giving up our claim the Northern Half….Gentlemen, before I state my say over this matter…I want to hear your opinions on the matter.” Said the Sultan

Then the Defense Minister spoke up

“We can’t bow to defeat, my Sultan…we can’t change our stance on the matter of regions breaking away from the Khailfah…if give them this bit of land..what’s to stop them next time and the time after that….we’ll be opening the door for the outsiders to cut up our Khailfah….we must not back down at all cost…my Sultan. We must stand here and now ….and fight for our rights….we can’t allow our Territorial Stability to be destabilize by allowing them to take a part of our nation….we must draw the line here and fight..no peace …in till we have crush them and drove them out of New Albion!”

Then the Prime Minister spoke up

“Sultan..it must be known the Hardliners will react very bitter to any agreement that allows.. the Oceanians to get off Scot free with our land….they will not accept any treaty that allows the Oceanians to take that part of New Ablion without paying a price for in sighting a rebellion and supporting the rebels…we all know that Oceanians had a hand in this…matter….we all want payback in a matter of speaking…without that…the Hardliners in Parliament will not pass any treaty into effect.”

The Grand Vizier spoke up also

“Yes, the Hardliners in the House of Viziers..have the same stance…they want blood…they want Oceania..to suffer for what they did to us….we were not going to war with them…let us find another way..to get our payback…there is always a way..”

Then the Foreign Minister Spoke up

“My Sultan, it should reported, we have the support of our allies of Malkyer and PRC and moral support from ANL…so if war were to happen…we won’t be alone…yet my Sultan…if we go to this peace summit in Sarzonia…lets not make…a international summit…and all the powers that in favor of Oceania.. Pressure us in a unfavorable deal….we let keep as neutral as we can.. lets just the mediators be only Sarzonia and the United Duchies. Since they are the logically chooses since they are the most neutral in our mindset.. it must only a four way summit…KLM vs Oceania and Sazronia and United Duchies as the peacemakers…that’s only summit we should accept..if we agree to make a peace deal.”

The Sultan listen to his Cabinet with great interest and he began to smile..as the saying goes..” Great Minds do think alike.”

“Gentlemen…you all have valid points..I don’t intent to allow the outsiders to walk over us..let we must cut our losses and allow Northern New Ablion to go Oceania…yet, I don’t intent to allow Oceania..just get it without any problems…we will do a proxy war of some kind to make them bleed and pay for this subversion of our lands…I have already assign a number of AMI Black Hawk Officers to the Paratroop regiments that going to land in Al Malabaristan with next hours…the Black Hawks will began training the locals in Guerrilla Warfare.. we’ll make the Oceania regret taking that part of Island from us…that will appease the Hardliners…we’ll make them bleed for this crime against our nation.. Now I second the idea of just having a four-way summit, between the Oceania and us and with the Sarzonia and United Duchies as the peacemakers…now to the next topic…ah yes..the Arm Forces, Defense Minister Aziz…order all arm forces branches to began to stand down to peacetime standing, including the Missle Regiments..recalled the archangels to home port…expect those forces in New Albion will be remain combat ready for now.. Including the Blockade fleet which be will reassign to southern half of the Island… Last thing the delegates to this peace summit will be made of the current Ambassador to Oceania, the Deputy Defense Minister and the new Deputy Foreign Minister. That is all for now gentlemen.”

Just the meeting was over.


To: Captain Diana Zeltzin, Commanding officer of the SAS Excelsíor A-BCH-100 and the 32nd Small Battle Group
From: The Suez Canal Authority
Topic: Passage

You have permission to use the Suez Canal, your sub may remain submerge for the duration of the passage. Good hunting!




Indian Ocean, near New Albion

The KLM blockade fleet had finally arrive to New Albion, they got new orders to be station off the coast of Al Malabristan, and protect the southern region from any attacks from Oceania. Fleet Admiral Amjad Ali Khan was also order to provide support and cover for the arriving 29th and 30th Paratroop Corps, and 30th Marine Corp.

Al Sayid Air Base, Al Malabistan, Khailfah al Muslimeen

The Air Base, was full of activity with endless waves of large cargo transport began flying in and landing. They were off loading the equipment, the Paratroopers and officers and quickly taking off again back to Home Base. The first elements of the 29th and 30th Paratroop Corp were coming in.

Also at the Port of Jammu, the 30th Marine Corp troop transports had began to dock and began off loading the marines and their equipment.. The first elements of the Marines had also arrived.

At the Garrison HQ

“Well the forces we need are here…good now to plan attack to drive the Oceanians out of New Albion..when High Command gives us the go ahead..” said Flag Rank Commander Ghassan Sami

“Also sir, the news crew from the United Duchies is here…they have been clear at customs and now running about the Island, Sir!” reported Major Fazil Iskander Gorky

“Report to me, if they do anything that might…compromise our arm forces and give away information about our plans… “ Replied the Flag Rank Commander

“Yes, sir!” reply the Major
“ Now, Major Gorky..excuse me…I have a meeting with the overall commanding officer of the 30th Marine Corp and the overall commanding officer of the two paratroop crops…” said the Flag Rank Commander

“Yes, sir..I shall monitor any changes in the situation, and report right away to you, sir!” and Major Gorky left the room


At the KLM Embassy, Imperium, Oceania

Ambassador Office

Ambassador Elizabeth Diamandis read the latest orders from Istanbul…her eyebrow arch up…and she thought to herself “ Just when I get settled in Oceania…they tell me to go Portland, Sarzonia…to attend a “ Peace Summit”…now I have pact my bags..yet again and join up with collages in Portland..to try to work out a peaceful solution to New Albion, fun fun…”


International Press Release from the Imperial Government

The KLM government thanks its allies for their enduring support in this matter. The Imperial Government is committed to peace, as part of our compliance to peace, we have began to stand down all our forces to peacetime standing expect those near or in New Albion for the time being, in till a peaceful conclusion can be reached. We will take up the offer from Sarzonia to host a peace summit, yet these following terms must be agreed upon for us to partake in such a peace summit

1. The summit must be closed to Oceania, KLM as the two opposing parties, and Sarzonia and United Duchies as the peacemakers

2. No other parties shall partake in the summit, beside the mention four nations.

3. The Summit will remain behind close doors


These are our terms for a peace summit, our delegates’ wills end shortly after we hear confirmation that our terms have been agreed.



Private Message to Grand Duke
Alexander Rex via Third Nation Embassies Britain)

Greeting honorable sir,

Your advise on this matter is dually noted by myself. We smart enough to realize it would be foolish to reject any offers of solving this situation without resulting war. We shall not fall into the Oceanian traps..that they laid for us.. As long as our terms for the Summit are meet by them…then .we shall work out this matter peaceful. Your advise is well taken and one day I shall return the favor to you.

Signed

Sultan Suleiman al Bashir II

Excerpt from an Interview with Gaspard de Prouville, the Honorable Vice Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Amestrian Public Broadcasting (Dubbed into English)

APB Afternoon News
Reporter: Lily Claudette Chauchoin

The interview was conducted by distance. Ms. Chauchoin sat in her studio while Vice Deputy Minister Gaspard de Prouville sat in a well furnished room looking into the camera, his back to a large window.

De Prouville: “…I have had meetings and audio conferences with the President, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the relevant members of the government, and we are all in complete agreement.”

Ms. Chauchoin: “You’re Honor, throughout the crisis the United Kingdom and its allies have maintained that the succession of the northern English half of the island was ‘democratically organized’ and that the people are exercising their, quote, ‘sovereign right of self-determination.’ Your response Vice Deputy Minister...?”

De Prouville: “There is no inherent right to throw off ones legitimate sovereign government. Self determination is a mischievous little creed, created in the first half of the twentieth century to justify revolutions aimed at creating states of one uniform ethnicity, the genocide used as a means to that end, and the illegal seizure of sovereign territory by armed thugs. It has changed little since then.”

“They claim that the people of New Albion have democratically chosen self determination, well let us look at the evidence. There have been no elections; there has been no plebiscite, what happened was George Mason and his followers seizing the organs of governance by force, extra-constitutionally declaring their independence, and then illegally invited the UK to take control of the island. That is a coup, and a coup by any other name is still a coup. What happened on New Albion could never ever be defined as democratic. In addition it is likely that George Mason and his cohorts were acting out of supremacist beliefs rather then liberal democratic ideals…they were acting out of a wish for the English elements of the island to assume dominance over the rest of the local population…”

Ms. Chauchoin: “Ethnocentrism…?”

De Prouville: “Yes… The UK then attempted to take over the whole island, claiming that a few Englishmen in Dawesport spoke for the whole population.”

The Vice Deputy Minister paused.

“Furthermore, the claims made by Mason and the UK government that the English population of New Albion were mistreated and neglected by the Khaif government are false. The truth is that as soon as the riots and killings in the south began the Regional Government in New Deli immediately dispatched troops to restore order and protect those minorities who had been targeted with violence by extremist elements of the Muslim population.”

De Prouville again paused, this time for dramatic effect.

“All this proves that the Government of Oceania has consistently, and blatantly, lied to the world.”

Ms. Chauchoin: “You’re Honor, what is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs views concerning the recent diplomatic announcement by the Ottoman Khaif government listing the conditions that must be agreed for any summit to take place and the standing down of its armed forces, outside of New Albion, to peacetime standing?”

De Prouville: “It is the position of the Amestrian State that the United Kingdom should agree to the closed direct talks and mediation format requested by Sultan al Bashir. Such talks, if all parties participate in good faith, have a high likelihood of settling the dispute over New Albion and maintaining peace in the Indian Ocean. The Amestrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs would also like to suggest that the desirability of a population exchange be discussed during the summit.”

Ms. Chauchoin: “Population exchange?”

De Prouville: “Recent events have significantly hardened sectarian tensions across the island. There are English peoples in the south that, if it not for presence of Khaif troops, would all be dead by now. In the north there is a significant Muslim minority who have lost a great deal due to Mason’s little revolution and are understandably furious. It would be best if the English people were shipped north and the Muslims were shipped south, after all being compensated for their property of course, and a big wall was built separating the two halves of the island.”

Ms. Chauchoin: “A big wall?”

De Prouville: “Yes, to prevent partisan raids and terrorist attacks by either side... The prevention of violence should be a top priority.”

De Prouville paused and recollected his thoughts.

“As for the standing down of the Khaif military, we feel that the Ottoman Khaif government should be applauded; they have consistently shown tremendous restraint throughout the crisis and this latest action will go a long way towards reducing tensions in the region, tensions that could well have resulted in an enormously destructive conflict.”

Ms. Chauchoin: “The government of the United Kingdom has rejected the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s suggestion that they purchase the island, saying quote:

[T]he suggestion that the United Kingdom purchase the land of New Albion to solve this crisis is simply unacceptable to His Majesty’s Government.

While recognising the imperative need to reach a peaceful solution to this crisis, the implication that the sovereign rights of a population may simply be bought and sold as if a commodity abhors not just myself, nor even just His Majesty’s Government but the democratic peoples of the United Kingdom and Her Colonies and Realms Overseas. People are not chattel nor are their inalienable rights so flimsy and waiflike to be made to disappear when inconvenient for global powers.

What is your response?”

The Vice Deputy Minister laughed.

De Prouville: “There is more to the matter of New Albion then the population. There is the loss of Khaif property, public and private, there is the loss of Khaif investment in northern New Albion, there is the loss of Khaif sovereign territory, land and sea, there are all the Khaif government officials and citizens who have been deprived of jobs and displaced. The United Kingdom will have to compensate the Government of Ottoman Khaif for those losses whether it likes it or not.”

Offical Corespondence to Sarzonia, Kahanistan, Pacitalia
From the Outer Ministry of the United Duchies

Subject: A Peaceful Solution to The New Albion Crisis.

It has become apparent that whatever our loyalties are in this crisis, that we would all prefer to have the New Albion issue resolved in a peaceful manner. However, it is also apparent that the current independent demands for such a solution will likely not provide enough strength for either Khailfah al Musilmeen and the United Kingdom of Oceania to attempt to settle this problem without resulting to violence.

However, if as a united front, we present a plan of arbitration to both the Khailfah al Musilmeen and the UK of Oceania we may be able to induce them to sit down rather than to fight.

The Outer Ministry of the United Duchies would like to begin the immediate coordination of our respective efforts to bring this matter to a peaceful solution. However, if a plan is to be so implemented, we must act quickly and urgently in order to prevent the esclation of the conflict from going beyond the turning point.

-Henry Pathbuke, Acting Outer Minister for the United Duchies


DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We agree. The Government of Kahanistan would like to see this conflict ended peacefully, rather than see hundreds of thousands die in pointless religious fighting.

We believe that the conflict can be resolved by the KAM government allowing the island of New Albion a substantial degree of autonomy, choosing its own domestic policy, for example. I believe that the Oceanian Government will agree to it as long as the people are not oppressed.

While we think full independence is the best course of actions, compromise is necessary to prevent this situation from escalating into war.

Signed,
Margaret Delray,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Captain Zeltzin looked back at the transmission log and smiled, ‘Well, that eased things’, she thought. She then got up out of her chair and said, “Alright, communications, report to Central Command and apprise them of our situation.”

“Yes, Captain.”

She then walked over to the helm officer. She had seen navigation systems all her life, from a simple wheel on the ever popular pontoon boats to the computer systems of most modern ships. However, the navigation systems on the Excélsior were almost the stuff of science fiction. All of it was green and blue touch screen panels. As she looked at the electronic maze of flashing buttons, she thought, ‘Damn, I wonder what program was cut to design and implement that panel.’

She leaned down on the console and looked straight towards the Canal. “Helm, take us through.”

The ships sailed ahead, although at a slower than usual pace to observe any speed regulations within the Canal and KLM waters and to allow the submarines to keep up. This would take awhile to get across, but any time she and the ANL had to wait would be nothing compared to the transversal of the Pacific or sailing around Africa in potentially hostile waters.

North New Albion, Dawesport

Max noticed the Marine standing there watching everyone. Really seemed that they were just watching. Max picked up his bag and walked into the terminal building to find a cab, then a hotel, and then a bar. That was what Max always did on these assignments, walk into a bar and begin to talk to people, make freinds.

Southern New Albion

The KCN crew were setting up interviews with the local officals. It seemed they were especially intrested in the administration of the island before it had been suddenly sundered into two parts.

Official Statement
Office of the Prime Minister
United Kingdom of Oceania

With great appreciation ...
<SNIP>
however, we will not surrender the sovereign right of self-determination of any people to any autocratic and non-pluralistic power under any threat or any condition.

The Warlord focused once more on that one phrase and cursed softly. "Why can't these would-be conquerors just come straight out and describe a land-grab for what it is?" he snarled. "Every time a politician opens his yap in a vain attempt to try calling a spade anything but a spade, he or she ends up opening several dozen additional cans of worms!"

Fleet Marshall King kept her features impassive and did not reply. Shaking his head in disbelief, the Warlord activated his display unit and issued several orders. "Send the 14th Army, the 3rd Air Force, and the 29th Fleet to New Caledonia. Tell Admiral Warnowski he is to maintain TRINITY Two until otherwise directed. Increase air patrols throughout WestPac by 30%, and I want everything that sails east of Australia to have Dominion military assets constantly on their radar screens. Tier II Reserves will rotate through WestPac for the duration. Tier I will relieve Active Duty personnel throughout the rest of the Pacific. Any questions, Marshall?

The Marshall carefully examined the proposed deployments and made sure her hand-held copied the relevant data before replying. "Sir, what about the 19th Fleet and the 20th Air Force? Theyr'e cooling their heels on Isla de la Veracruz at the moment."

The Warlord shook his head. "I want them to remain there for the time being. If anything blows up in or near Sarzonia as a result of this nonsense, having a few hundred combatants on hand might make the difference between a debacle and an incident."

"In that case, sir, I recommend dispatching the 119th Assault Division to the Sarzonian theater."

The Warlord sat back and thought about the suggestion for a moment, then shook his head. "Good idea, but not quite enough. Send the entire 4 Assault Group. They should be ready to re-deploy by now."

Marika King was surprised, and uncharacteristcally showed it. "Sir, they're well-rested, but they suffered almost 50% casualties during the assault on Chongwe. That's a lot of green troops to send into harms' way."

"I agree, Marshall. But we don't have a a lot of choice at the moment. Make sure you contact the Incorporated Military liaison and let them know what we have available, if necessary."

"Yes, sir." Sensing that the briefing was over, the Marshall rose and saluted. The Warlord waved absently in reply as he activated a different set of circuits on his console.

"Economic Penetration Duty Officer."

The Warlord scowled at the prim young woman on his display. "Get me the Director," he snapped.

The young woman repeated the order calmly and activated the transfer screen without batting an eye, which caused the Warlord to raise his eyebrow. The bemused look was still on his face when the unpleasant features of Gertrude Hamilton, Director of Economic Pentration for Evil Overlord Enterprises, suddenly appeared on the Warlord's screen.

"Gertrude, I want you to increase level II surveillance on Oceana, effective immediately." the Warlord said without preamble. "Coordinate with Jasper Foxx in External Security on the details."

Recognizing her superior's mood despite the unusual look on his face, Director hamilton nodded briskly. "Yes, sir. Do you want a seperate channel, or use the standard extraction?"

"Good question. Get together with Jasper and give me a recommendation within three hours."

"Yes, sir. Anything else?"

"Who is manning the Duty desk right now?"

The Director was surprised, and made a good show of concealing it. her hand moved off-screen, and a file appeared on the Warlord's console. "Liator Tanuela is currently on watch, sir. Is there a problem?"

The Warlord grinned wolfishly. "None whatsoever. Promote her one grade and offer her a transfer anywhere within the Ministry she wants to go."

Gertrude hamilton was completely lost at this point, and it showed. "Ah ... Yes, sir. Ahh ... May I ask why?"

"I approve of professionalism. Her penultimate boss calls at 0330, and she doesn't bat an eye or drop a stitch. Make it happen."

"Yes, sir."

The Warlord closed the circuit and returned to pondering the Azazia/Oceana problem which had suddenly surfaced. "So Oceana sees it as their manifest destiny to free the suffering multitudes from tyranny," he thought. "I need to come up with some way of expressing the Dominion's displeasure with this line of reasoning without overt action."

Haffner and Lewis didn't meet all that often, so when the deputy senior vice president and external affairs officer and the lieutenant president start a pow wow, heads usually turn. Such was the case today when Haffner walked into Lewis's office and shut the door behind him. Fortunately, the lieutenant president's personal office in her official residence was soundproofed to keep people from eavsdropping.

Not only that, but all precautions were taken to ensure that no electronic devices were present and recording the meeting. Lewis and/or Haffner would address the public in due time.

"Well Grant, what do you think of the Sultan's call for the discussions to be solely between Oceania and KLM, with us and the United Duchies as the sole mediators?"

"I'll tell you what I think, I think I'm back in high school, that's what," Haffner sighed. "I have a hard time thinking of the last time I've seen world leaders act so fucking childish."

Lewis rolled her eyes.

"Happens all the time Grant. Ain't nothing new." She got Haffner's attention by pointing back down to the Sultan's missive. "What do we do about this?"

"Well, I think this situation is best resolved by the two parties involved. However," Haffner said, pausing a beat to let his next words sink in. "We can accept the terms that the United Duchies and we serve as mediators for the conference if the New Albion factions, both north and south, send delegations."

"That's not what the Sultan wants, and I doubt very seriously that Oceania will agree to it," Lewis said. "Where does that leave us?"

"Up shit's creek?" Lewis's scowl told Haffner he'd better have a real answer, so he came up with one.

"If they disagree with the terms that we outline, we can portray both as warmongers and express our outrage with both sides."

"One thing you have to remember, Grant, is that KLM has been our friends lately in a way that certain other nations who shall remain nameless Pacitalia have not. If we're too harsh with the KLM, we run the risk of straining relations with them just as our economy has started to come out of the Panic. You'd throw months of progress right out the window in a fit of pique."

"Let's think about this Nicole," Haffner said. "We're offering the Khailfah an opportunity to settle the New Albion matter once and for all peacefully. We're offering to resolve the ongoing controversy surrounding the cartoon that has put these two nations to each other's throats without a drop of bloodshed. And if they turn down a peace conference for that, it'll be their own doing."

"Maybe so," Lewis countered. "But they're probably looking at Salisbury's conditions of annexing New Albion and saying they don't want that. I sure as hell would say the same if I were in their position."

"That son of a bitch Salisbury's got to be dealt with sooner or later," Haffner said. "I vote sooner. What do you recommend?"

"You're the external affairs guy," Lewis said. "Let's hear what you have to say."

"I think we should make a statement that the conference presumes no changes in the status of New Albion, and that the conference will resolve that issue and by agreeing to the conference, neither side has any implicit agreements to do anything besides meet in Portland behind closed doors. In addition, we should insist that the participants in the conference be the two belligerent nations, the United Duchies, us, and both northern and southern New Albion. And that's all we should be telling the world. If either or both sides refuse to go along with it, they'll make themselves look bad."

"That seems reasonable," Lewis said. "But if both sides reject it?"

"If both sides reject it, we let the world know that we have done everything in our power to resolve the crisis without spilling blood. And we rip Salisbury a new arsehole.

"But what about KLM?"

"You said it yourself, we've got financial interests to remain friendly with them. However, if we word it right, our disappointment will be seen by the rest of the world as being with both nations. Either way, we'll come out of this at least actively seeking a diplomatic solution to the problem. That will look much better for us than anything we could have possibly done otherwise."

The two walked toward the press room where Lewis would address the nation and a worldwide audience on SNN.

"My fellow Sarzonians, members of the global family of nations," Lewis began. "We have received the responses from both the United Kingdom of Oceania and the Khailfah al Musilmeen governments regarding their conditional acceptance of our proposal to hold negotiations in Portland to end the unremitting enmity between the two powers.

"However, the world has also heard several innaccuracies regarding our position on the part of the Marquess of Salisbury. By agreeing to the conference in Portland, the Khailfah does not ascede to the annexation of New Albion by the United Kingdom. The New Albion situation will be discussed along with the ongoing controversy surrounding the cartoon."

The controversy that should have been laid to rest already, Lewis thought as the words slipped past her mouth and into the ears of the world. Gazing evenly at the camera, she spoke again.

"With respect to Sultan Suleiman al Bashir II's request that the conference take place with only Oceania and the Khailfah as the antagonists, and Sarzonia and the United Duchies of Alcona and Hubris as joint mediators, we wish to offer the following: That the conference take place in Portland behind closed doors with the participants being Sarzonia and the United Duchies as mediators, and the United Kingdom of Oceania and the Khailfah al Musilmeen governments," Lewis said. "AND, delegations from both northern and southern New Albion."

After a beat to let her words sink in, Lewis continued. "Much has been made of the positions of either the United Kingdom or the Khailfah regarding the annexation of New Albion. However, we have heard next to nothing about what the citizens of New Albion themselves want, whether it be to remain within the Khailfah, to join the United Kingdom, or," Lewis paused yet again, "for them to be fully independent of the spheres of influence of either nation.

"Let me be clear about one thing," Lewis said. "The Incorporated States of Sarzonia has no design on the annexation of New Albion, nor would we accept such an annexation were that option presented to us. However, we believe that the people of New Albion should have a full voice in their own fate and that both sides should hear and listen to that voice.

"Peace agreements often do not give both sides exactly what they want, but as in life, any negotiation will require both sides to compromise to ensure peace. We call upon the Marquess of Salisbury and Sultan Suleiman al Bashir II to agree to negotiate for a lasting agreement to prevent the loss of millions and the long-term impact on billions of lives throughout the world.

"The ball is squarely in your court," Lewis said. "For the sake of the world, I implore both of you to make the right choice."

With that, Lewis's impassioned speech came to a close as Haffner stood off just outside the camera's view with a faint smile of approval creasing his features.

International Press Release

The Imperial Government of Khailfah al Muslimeen, repeats its stance to insure peaceful outcome for this crisis. Let it be known, that we accepts the latest terms lay down by the Sarzonian government. It is now up to Oceania..to show her willingness for peace.

Le Canard Blessé (English Addition)

Special Guest Editorial: Guess What–It’s King George’s Frisbee Now
By Lord Robertson Salisbury,
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Oceania

Page 3

Hey, didn’t I tell you all to get lost?

That’s right; I’m talking to you, you little Muslim freaks. Didn’t I tell you punks to go play somewhere else? I am trying to enjoy this park and I don’t want to listen to that uncivilized desert speak you call language! Just a few days ago you stole and burned my newspaper you pint size thugs! Now I tell you all to get lost and when I stroll on by 15 minutes later you’re still carelessly tossing this Frisbee around and it almost hits me in the head.

Well guess what; it’s King George’s Frisbee now. By the power invested in me as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Oceania I hereby take possession of this Frisbee in the name of his Majesty King George I. Now its one of King George’s toys, a Royal Crown Frisbee! No, I will not toss it back, what did I just tell you? It now belongs to King George!

What do you mean it’s yours? You own it?! See those ants on the Frisbee there; crawling all over it, well those ants there, they don’t like you and they want me to assume ownership of the Frisbee. What do you mean ‘how do I know what those ants are thinking?!’ I JUST KNOW, DO NOT QUESTION MY LOGIC! YOU WILL WHAT?! TAKE IT BACK?! I WILL NOT SURRENDER THE SOVEREIGN RIGHT OF SELF-DETERMINATION OF ANY INSECT TO ANY AUTHORCATIC AND NON-PLURALISTIC POWER UNDER ANY THREAT OR ANY CONDITION! What do you mean calm down?!

Okay, you really want this Frisbee? Well, why don’t you come over here and pry it out of my hands? Hey, you see those two toughs over there? HEY ROSECRANS, SORANTANALI! See them wave, if you lay one finger on me they’ll come over here and beat you all senseless. What’s the matter? Come on. Lord Salisbury is waiting.

So you won’t back down. Well fine, I only wanted the side with the ants on it anyway. I’ll just break it in half…THERE! You keep one end and King George will keep the other, everyone’s happy.

What do you mean you want me to pay for the Frisbee?! The suggestion that the United Kingdom purchase that Frisbee to solve this crisis is simply unacceptable to His Majesty’s Government.

There, you’re touching your half of the Frisbee, implicit agreement to its division. What do you mean no?! So you’re still not happy! Fine, well, recognizing the imperative need to reach a peaceful solution to this crisis I’ll see you all in Portland to work out the exact division of the Frisbee…maybe, after all you didn’t ask very nicely did you! Now Good Day!

Disclaimer: The above article is a work of satire.
Real Author: Robert Custine

Dawesport, Royal Crown Colony of New Albion, United Kingdom

As one of the longest, and certainly tensest days in the island’s long history began to close the sun lingered above the western plains and rolling hills, behind which it would set in but a few short hours to the chagrin of the native population, who began to close the shutters on the their kiosks and wagons that populated the main, dusty roads of the island’s most populated city. Despite its population, however, the city remained direly poor and in an overall state of disrepair with the last seemingly major improvements to the public infrastructure coming shortly before the withdrawl of British forces in the 1940s.

Arthur Hemmer stretched his meaty arms into the hot and humid mass of air that tended to suffocate Dawesport in the summer, despite having been born in nearby Bridgeport he had spent the majority of his life in Dawesport, what could conceivably be considered the primary city of the North. An accountant at one of the only few big companies in the city he wore pencils down everyday on slips of graph paper imported from Chennai, although he now fretted about where the paper would come from – all imports to the north having been halted in retaliation for Mason’s sudden declaration of independence. As he hefted his briefcase up off the sidewalk in front of the ten-story building that housed his small cubicle he made his way to the bus stop at the corner. He needed a drink.

Stepping onto the stuffy and antiquated vehicle, Hemmer looked about at the odd mixture of dark and tanned-light faces – only partially integrated, the whole being separated by skin colour. Hemmer noticed none of it, however, instead trying to concentrate upon the faces of his colour in an attempt to find a familiar face with whom he could converse about the day’s events. Finding none he turned despondently to sit down on the ripped and torn seat, made of a cheap fabric imported from Mumbai, then Bombay, that would now never likely be repaired. Years of lax investment by anybody from anywhere had left Dawesport and the north in a state of utter disrepair, but as the bus lumbered onto the bar district, Hemmer hoped this new Oceanian future would provide something. For anything was better than this.

Across the city, Lieutenant-Colonel Travers gazed out of the bullet-proof windows of his small transport vehicle, designed after the invasion of Novikov, which had shown its predecessor far too vulnerable to small-arms fire and particularly mine blasts. And while he felt safe driving around a predominantly European city, a city predominantly Victorian English at that, he knew that within a matter of days the security situation could change entirely.

He had been in Novikov, his unit among those that laid siege to Vyšniy-Voločëk, where the remnants of the former sovereign government had pinned their hopes of resistance to the then Azazian juggernaut. The red-brick city had witnessed the genesis of Novikov, according to some even being the locus of the genesis itself, and for eight days UK artillery had blasted every corner of the city hammering home the nation’s vengeance.

Some sixty days before the final capitulation, Travers remembered walking about Devonport, to the southwest of the major port of Philadelphia. As a line officer on furlough he had taken the local subway from his barracks to the Devonport Oceanside Market, which ran along the coast of the inlet which fed into a small river, the site a location for a small Royal Navy base – and of course barracks for the Royal Marines. Sixty days before watching Azazian meteors descend upon Vyšniy-Voločëk he had turned in horror at a sound only he could recognise amongst the pedestrians enjoying the cool, blue afternoon. The high pitched hum of an engine from a cruise missile, and in amazement Travers had watched the Novikovian missile descend into the heart of the base at Devonport, the first fireball being followed closely thereafter by a far more enormous second – it later being announced that the missile had struck the fuel depot on the base grounds. By the time he returned to the barracks, without warning and without justification several monuments to UK commercial prosperity lay about the southern port cities the steel and glass killing hundreds upon the ground and the thousands that had lived and worked inside.

So months ago, watching smoke billow from the last resistance of what had been the sovereign state of Novikov, Travers had felt no pity and no remorse for what could only be described as the desecration of history. For the first time since the Japanese invasion of World War II, the Home Islands had been ravaged by a foreign power and as Novikovian buildings crumbled to the unheard screams of civilians who had been caught in the rapid advance upon the city, Travers had not shed a tear.

Now in Dawesport, as the sun set similarly upon another destitute town shrouded in history, Travers rubbed his chin watching people move about and perform their business and carry out their small transactions, earning their paltry salaries. Travers had expected this long ago, perhaps not Dawesport, perhaps not even New Albion – but somewhere it had been bound to happen. He had watched many in the government and even the armed forces become fearful of a repeat of the first hours of the Novikovian War, when the invincibility of the Home Islands collapsed as easily as the glass skyscrapers of Philadelphia, Portsmouth, Imperium, and numerous other urban metropolises.

Although he served in the Marines, he had studied the topographic maps before deployment. The harbours of Dawesport could host massive Oceanian battlefleets, perhaps even a few superdreadnoughts, as they had been carved out by rising ocean levels from deep ravines and valleys along the northern coast. Travers knew himself to be far from a fool, control of the northern coastline would allow for the United Kingdom to guard and monitor the main shipping routes that cut across the Indian Ocean, to protect the merchant fleets that had been devastated by Novikovian submarines in a matter of hours. Travers knew that Lord Salisbury would never allow the nation to be taken by such surprise ever again. Hell, he knew that not even Benjamin Yorke or Lord Uxbridge of the Conservatives would allow Dawesport to fall back to Muslimeen hands.

Rightly or wrongly New Albion had come to be under Oceanian control. And while Travers drove about the quieting city he had no doubt that much more had occurred in the city before the world had focused its attention on a speck of rock and dirt and sand. He also had few doubts that the clever amongst the international community suspected much the same, and while it might never be proven the extent of the UK’s actions Travers accepted the small possibility that the Khailfah and the UK could still end up resolving their differences through bullets across trenches rather than words across a table. Travers also knew that he would fight. He knew his men would fight. He knew the country would fight. They would all fight. They would never allow another Novikov to happen. Travers wouldn’t. Not while he is in command.

Office of the Prime Minister
The Citadel, Imperium, New Britain

Then he has agreed? Salisbury asked, his lips turning ever slightly upwards.

Absolutely, Your Lordship, Robertson responded quickly. Although out of the office, he had kept in touch with the Prime Minister after meeting the man who would likely become the UK’s official representative in Portland. He will of course have to rearrange some meetings at the Treasury, and he was, if I am not mistaken, scheduled to give a minor policy speech at a fundraiser – but he has agreed to postpone all such commitments until after the conference.

Splendid, Howard. Marvelous work. If anything else develops, please call Geoffrey as I shall be dining with Emily this evening – we have a great deal to discuss with Iain on his way to Istanbul.

Somewhere Over the Indian Ocean

Out there, sir, the long-legged stewardess responded, using her long and slender fingers to point out the windows facing south.

The Colonial Secretary rubbed his forehead, why thank you, madame, now if I could just have some tea, please?

Certainly, sir.

Bashir smiled, and avoided the temptation to turn around before allowing himself a chuckle, New Albion lay somewhere to the north, on the other side of the plane. He had intended on following the exact course of the aircraft, but found that plan foiled by his early dozing a few hours back – and now all he knew was that his newest charge lay somewhere to the north, between him and the island a Muslimeen battlegroup that would likely stay on station until long after the conflict was resolved. But that, of course, was part of his mission.

He had kept in contact with Imperium, a necessity given the rapid nature of developments in the crisis, and already he found himself wondering about the necessity of his mission since Istanbul and Imperium would now be sending envoys to Sarzonia – a move that Bashir found puzzling. The Incorporated States and the United Kingdom had been at odds ever since the annexation of Novikov into the then Azazian Empire as a crown colony and despite several attempts to normalise relations between the two powers, they remained as frosty as ever.

But the conference in Portland would also highlight another problem facing Bashir, the immediacy with which general elections could be held in the colony for both local governance and also for their representatives in Imperium and in Parliament. He had hoped that any resolution would give him the months necessary to establish an infrastructure for elections – but he would be able to do little else other than announce a schedule that would include elections in several months time. Not that he even knew how long it would take, no fair assessment of the infrastructure had even been made. No Colonial Office officials had even landed in Dawesport yet.

Your tea, sir. Bashir removed himself from his thoughts and laid his eyes upon the stewardess – it was to be a very long flight and he would need to find some ways to remove himself from the headaches of colonial governance.

Covington’s Market, New Collinsdale District
Imperium, New Britain

According to plan, the large and spacious room that overlooked the New Thames had been booked for an individual the day before – and ever since the RIS and numerous other intelligence agencies had spent sweeping the room of any bugs or surveillance equipment, not that any would be spent by foreign governments on unassuming persons performing a mundane and ordinary task such as booking a room for a special evening out. Yet, as the limousines had rolled into the trendy and stylish district of the UK capital, journalists and photographers became alerted to the unanticipated presence of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary at a restaurant in downtown Imperium.

Salisbury deftly lifted a piece of tapara from his plate with his light and simply styled fork. Tarapa, a whitefish native to the waters of the Home Islands, had become an extremely popular dish as of late and when seasoned just slightly with a sweet mint from Sarnia and a dash of lime juice the fish became a succulent meal for a man who loved the sea. However, as much as he wished to spend the night dedicated to exploring the palatability of the restaurant’s menu he had invited the Foreign Secretary to discuss the nature of the tentative conference in Portland.

He smiled to himself, of course, as he knew the press would love more salacious photographs for an utterly untrue story about a secret romantic relationship between the two ministers. While normally distracting, it could also help in the current crisis to convince the Oceanian people that the crisis was but a mild affair and that all was well within the nation.

So I take it you have reviewed the conditions set forth by the Sultan, Salisbury began, now that the pleasantries and banter over the soup had concluded. He took the time to select a plantain from his side, savouring its taste.

Indeed, the unusually finely dressed Deveraux responded. While ordinarily comfortable in a business suit, she had worked with Salisbury to create the air of a secretive dinner and so now sat, rather uncomfortably in a blue silk dress that offered tantalising but also tasteful views of her legs and breasts. Enough to certainly distract the popular media. Instinctively, however, she rolled fingered the diamond studded platinum bars that hung from her ears. I must say that at the moment the proposal is rather unsatisfactory despite our initial acceptance.

Well I thought it imperative that we at least appear interested in a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Were we not at one point? She asked, an eyebrow raised.

With a mouthful of fish, the Prime Minister shook his head. No, no, he finally responded after washing the bite down with some water, however, the world seems to have taken the distinct impression that we are but an aggressive imperialist power bent on taking over the world for our own perceived petty self interests. The Marquess ended his exaggeratingly told statement with a smile to which Deveraux simply nodded.

No, he added on a serious tone, I simply thought it necessary to actively reassure our friends and allies that the United Kingdom is committed to resolving this situation peacefully.

I take it the fleets have been recalled?

In a manner of speaking, Salisbury said spearing another piece of fish with his fork. Lord Atkinson has the bulk of the Royal Navy standing down in clear view for Muslimeen satellite intelligence, although we are continuing to ready a deployment of a substantial ground force of Royal Marines to solidify our position.

Deveraux frowned while she chewed on a piece of grilled chicken, cooked in a sweet mango sauce and served over brown rice. That might cause some alarm in Istanbul, Alistair.

Indeed it may, however, Iain is en route to assuage those fears personally. The Sultan must now or must be made in the near future to understand that the intention of this government is to secure law and order in the north and to do that we need more than a single battalion for a garrison force. He let the edge of the fork dance upon the plate while he studied the arrangement of his meal. While I agree about the alarm I think that any descent into chaos would be far more alarming and far worse off for the island. The hold we now have is tenuous at best and the longer we hold back reinforcements the more certain I am that dangerous elements not desirous of Oceanian rule will spark some incident that will bring Istanbul into direct conflict with us.

Hence the necessity for this conference in Portland, Deveraux slipped in, finishing Salisbury’s thought. She smiled, seeing how easily the press misconstrued their friendship. Regardless, the opportunity for me to visit Sarzonia is rather remarkable.

Indeed, he replied quietly, except that, and I am terribly sorry to tell you in this fashion, I would rather see you remain here in Imperium.

Then if not the Foreign Secretary, who do you intend to send? Howard? she asked, referring not to the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff but to her protégé, the Minister for International Relations.

No, actually Stephen will be going.

The Chancellor?

Indeed. Salisbury nodded and then proceeded to take another bite of his tarapa, the room filled with an uneasy and tense silence. In truth, he had expected a far more hostile reaction to his decision to send not the Foreign Secretary but the Chancellor of the Exchequer to Portland.

May I ask why, Alistair?

Because one of the most important issues likely to be tabled will be the economic costs and burdens to be placed on both Istanbul and ourselves in resolving the situation. Who better than to answer the concerns than the man who controls the money? While plausible, he knew that to be a bold-faced lie – and through the roll of Deveraux’s eyes she knew it equally well. Additionally, he is, unofficially at least, the second most senior member of the Cabinet. I, of course, have much more important matters to attend and I should like to think that sending somebody above the Foreign Secretary grade will highlight our deep concern for the issues at hand and the seriousness with which we take the issue.

But, he continued, not losing a beat, you spoke earlier about the current terms being unsatisfactory, I should like to hear why you believe that to be so.

She finished her bite of rice off with a sip of a white wine from Juristan. The two largest issues I see are the closed-door aspect and the actual participants invited by the Khailfah and Sarzonia. For one, if we agree to secret sessions we tacitly acknowledge that we have something to hide – or at least our enemies could take that route in their criticisms. Secondly, and here is the part that worries me more, the invited nations all have exhibited, in some degree or another, a pro-Khailfah bias either now or in the past.

I agree to the second part wholeheartedly, he responded after a moment’s thought. The first point is interesting and later when I talk to Howard I will bring that up, but I need your opinion on the second issue. We need to have our own allies at the conference and I can think of none better at the moment than Hamptonshire – Lord Rosecrans has proven himself a strong ally and far more dependable than Sorantanali.

Except for the fact they are in the middle of their election campaigns.

Not the Lord Protector, he responded defensively.

True, but his party is. And while Hayek might be the official IP candidate any meeting involving the most popular man in the IP party could be ammunition for the challengers. And right now, while Hayek does seem to enjoy the lead for the chancellery the official Foreign Office estimates put him below the 45% necessary to outright win – putting him into the tough spot of facing a run-off election that would be far closer. Given that, I should say we ask for Sorantanali to send an official to Portland.[/i]

Salisbury threw Deveraux a cool glance, that man does not deserve to be the Pacitalian Prime Minister.

That may well be so, but at the very least we can be sure that until he is deposed he remains on our side. Deveraux was one of the very few people within both Pacitalia and the United Kingdom who knew of the true reason behind Salisbury’s clandestine visit with Dr. Ell not so long ago. Since then, a photograph of the two had been well published in both nations with speculation about the nature of the trip being popular conversation matter for pundits and analysts. Nevertheless, she believed that for the time being Sorantanali could still play a vital role in his numbered days.

Would the limelight hurt the Agustinates? the Marquess asked suddenly.

His poll numbers are so low, Alistair, that realistically he has no chance of surviving as PM. If you were to ask him, he could see it perhaps as a graceful means out—

Or a reason to drag his feet—

In which case the Agustinates still win out.

And either way, our good friend in Mandragora still wins out. Salisbury smiled, everything could still potentially work out the way he intended. It might all just still work out. Either way, it’s far too late to be calling Timiocato, I think it best we send an official notification of our interest via our embassy, to better allow me to give a proper response tomorrow.

Outside Covington’s Market, New Collinsdale District
Imperium, New Britain

Sandra Burns paced about the sidewalks outside Covington’s Market, arguably one of the trendiest restaurants in the capital. Although, she thought with a smirk, the capital was far from being a trendy city and so that really said very little. With the exception of the person she covered she would rather be reporting closer to her network’s main office and broadcast studios in Queensbury, the current cultural capital of the UK.

Finally, she watched as the doors to the restaurant opened revealing the most talked about couple in Imperium: the Marquess of Salisbury and Emily Deveraux, both dressed rather exquisitely she mused, her head cocked at an angle to better appreciate the diamond charm that hung around the Foreign Secretary’s neck. At long last the couple, though they often denied it, headed down towards the gathered reporters.

The Marquess smiled and waved as flashbulbs exploded all around the riverfront, Deveraux held onto his arm with her gloved hand – as any couple or close friends would be expected to do in the UK. Both of course knew their attire would point the popular media towards the former more so than the latter. He scanned the crowd for familiar faces and found a few, but not all the Citadel press corps had apparently made the restaurant. [i]A shame not everyone is present, Em he whispered to Deveraux.

Lord Prime Minister! came the first shout from the gathered crowd, soon followed by a chorus of others all shouting louder than the last to get their question addressed.

Salisbury listened and found one he liked about international condemnation of his actions. Ted, he called out addressing the reporter from ABN, the third largest UK news broadcasters – and the largest media critic of the whole Salisbury government. Not surprisingly it counted the leader of the Conservative Party, Benjamin Yorke, and the Conservative Shadow Foreign Secretary, Lord Uxbridge, as two major shareholders. I am terribly afraid that the working day in Imperium has long since ended; but in response to your question, several leading democratic powers have acknowledged the legitimacy of Governor Mason’s declaration and the acceptance of his request by His Majesty’s Government. Of course not all will be pleased, but Parliament does not serve their needs but rather the needs of Oceanians – a body politic that now includes our brothers and sisters in New Albion.

Then he found a familiar face, though one not seen to often around the Citadel. Ah, Sandra, how are you?

Very well, Lord Prime Minister, is this how you enjoy spending your evenings, with the Foreign Secretary?

Salisbury smiled. Of course, Sandra. Emily and I rarely have the opportunity to eat in such a fine establishment as Covington’s Market – and of course the privacy afforded us during such evenings is truly remarkable. The crowd of reporters laughed politely before Burns took the initiative to insert a follow-up question.

How do the two of you like to spend your evenings together, if I may, Lord Prime Minister?

As he listened to the question, he remembered a rather entertaining article that his Communications Director had brought to his attention. Throughout the evening it had received lighthearted coverage by a few Oceanian broadcasters and his own staff.

Well, Sandra, I must say, even though the Foreign Secretary and I are rather busy, on our free evenings we enjoy taking a constitutional in the park. Where we collect Frisbees. Salisbury allowed himself a laugh, Deveraux joining in with her own laughter. Now, thank you all for coming, but I really must be returning to the Citadel as tomorrow I need to call several friends and colleagues about this proposed conference in Portland.

So you have no answer for the Khailfah and Sarzonia tonight? shouted another reporter.

I am afraid not, Alex. Although I should hope that everyone understands that it si, Salisbury paused and extended his arm from his sleeve, finding the light from the cameras sufficient to read the dial of his watch. It is 20:22 by my watch, and the government all called it a day over three hours ago. We shall have a response tomorrow morning once I consult with my staff and the remainder of the Foreign Office. Thank you, all, good evening.

At long last, having accomplished the few press agendas he had set before heading to dinner, the Prime Minister walked quickly, especially so for a man of his relatively short height, towards the waiting limousines that would take him to the Citadel and the Foreign Secretary to her apartment. Undoubtedly, Salisbury thought as the door slammed shut, tomorrow would be yet another incredibly interesting day.

Although the Suez Canal was much longer than the Aztec controlled Panama Canal, the time to transverse the Suez was somewhat shorter. Where as the Panama Canal required the use of massive locks to make up for the variable elevation of the local geography, the Suez was much more flat and at sea level. However, the journey was still long and with an ever more impatient captain and an even more so impatient military and Socialist Republic, the exit from the Red Sea was more than a welcomed relief.

Even at the fleet’s top speed of 28 knots (where permitted), the journey had taken the majority of three days, however, now well within the Gulf of Aden, once notorious for piracy before, the Aztec fleet could take it somewhat easier.

“Captain,” the Helm officer reported, “We’ll be at the ordered coordinates in a little under two days at our current speed of 20 knots. Our submarines are keeping up with us well. ”

Captain Zeltzin sat back in her chair and thought, ‘Damn these stealth orders.’ Re-composing her mind, she said, “Alright, increase speed to 28 knots…Communications, appraise Command of our progress.”

“Yes, Captain.”

=~=~=~=

Aztec Naval Command; Eastern Division – Veracruz

Ever since the Aztec Military had de-centralized its military head quarters, things had gotten much easier. Putting five really large and complex military planning organizations in the same complex, often times competing for the same copy machines, computers and satellite feeds and internet bandwidth was frustrating on a good day. Fortunately, the head quarters for the Navy, now further subdivided and located in different offices didn’t have to deal with intra-agency rivalries.

The Chief Admiral of the Navy, Eric Thompson sat at the table where he was to meet with the Chief of the Aztec Military. Eric Thompson was the complete antithesis of his brother in the Foreign Affairs Minister, Vice Minister Robert Thompson. The black NKVD style uniform added only a little to the stern nature of the man. Robert Thompson, on the other hand, was much more friendly and casual…

Chief Warrior General Tlanextic Zazanilli walked in, wearing a green uniform. All military uniforms were of the same design, only different colors. Green indicated he was part of the Jaguar Warriors, the favored sons of the ANL. It was only within the last two years of military build-up that the other branches of the military were looked upon with similar respect that the Jaguar Warriors and the Red Air Core had enjoyed. Admiral Thompson and CWG Zazanilli shook hands…Behind the General was Eric’s brother, Robert.

“Hello Robert,” Eric said politely. Though he was much different, he held much respect for his brother.

“Hey Eric,” Robert, on the other hand, was always nervous around his stoic brother.

The three sat at the table, looking at a computer screen indicating where the fleet was at. Admiral Thompson started, “It appears that our fleet is fast approaching the coordinates. We will be able to start Operation: Mercantilism within a day and a half.” He continued on, “In addition, following your suggestion, General, and with the authorization of the Premier, I have increase Naval Patrols along our coasts and increased patrol ship presence along the Panama Canal. I agree that our involvement with this situation puts a need to keep our guard up.”

The General smiled, “Alright, the RAC is conducting more survey missions over our waters and territory, and our spy satellites are mostly diverted to the combat zone. Meanwhile, our troops are being activated and redeployed to high target zones. The Omega Program, however, is off line and Project Vanguard is on full alert.”

It was good to hear that one of the most expensive projects in Aztec history, the Vanguard Project, was getting good use now. If this were a capitalist system, the super computer would’ve cost well into the billions, not including the updates that had to be conducted on the Missile Defense Satellites.

Robert Thompson started, “We’ve been monitoring all publicly accessible communications. It appears that everyone but to two sides engaged in conflict are interested in talking. Our diplomatic liaisons in the KLM confirm this…”

“And what of secret communiqués?” Asked the Admiral.

“Well, officially, we can’t.” Said Robert, “The Ministry of Intelligence is working on that, but it’s unlikely they have broken any codes. Besides, we don’t want to anger our friends or make more enemies.” (OOC: In other words, I’m not, so don’t worry.)

Again, the Admiral asked another question - “Well, how is the international community reacting to us?”

“More appropriately, we should be asking if they are noticing us. If they aren’t or are discounting us, then, good! Without foreign interests in our operations, the less noticed we’ll be. We haven’t received any communications from the other nations involved other than the KLM, and that was to only let us use the Canal.”

Zazanilli also responded, “The RAC also has indicated that our satellites have not detected any movement towards our fleet.”

So far, it seemed like this was going to be a fairly simple operation. Thier role was fairly simple and unobtrusive, but without the international community on their backs, the Aztecs could afford hair wider margin of error. Hopefully, this would remain the same throughout the duration of the mission.

Privy Council Chamber, Apethorpe Palace
“Bloody hell…the sultan is a coward. No matter what Sarzonia says, the sultan has agreed to a partition of the island.” The Naval Marshal was furious. In his mind was not so much the sultan, but the fact that no one appeared to be standing up to Oceania at the moment. “….May history know him as Bashir the Coward for this.”
Alexander shifted in his chair at the rather volcanic temper of his Naval Marshal exploded.
Baron Highmow nodded in agreement, it was obvious that the Service Lord, and his chief assistant, Mr. Black were in complete agreement. Obviously plan Jackrabbit was now a complete wash as things went.
“There has to be some reason, one which I can not fathom for this obvious sign of weakness. I think it just gives the Oceanians more reason to cull more backwaters out of his domain. First New Albion, then Calcutta, then Sri Lanka…of course he may be bidding his time….Hoping that the UK will continue to infuriate their regional neighbors and use it to build up a coalition against them.”

Thume nodded although not in agreement, “I don’t see what any of this has to do with us. So what if Oceania is blasted taking some piffle of an island away from some oriental potentate. The United Duchies does not have any moral or tactical reason to be involved in this matter.” The Chancellor seemed to be attempting to rally the remaining Privy Councilors into a ‘neutral’ state. Thume was primarily interested in trade, and sleeping with his step-daughter, and the idea of taking sides in the matter seemed abhorrent to him.

Alexander watched The State Secretary, Dame Urma Finch nod her head in agreement. General Nawthorne seemed to be really ignoring the whole debate. Of course the Militia Marshal had decided to sit on the fence on this. It really wasn’t his purview anyway. The short, thin officer just played with his tea before him.
Alexander decided to illustrate something to Thume, “We are afraid that we can no longer stay silent on the matter Lord Chancellor. It would appear that both Amestria, the Kalafiah and your acting Outer Minister have decided to involve us.”
“You involved us when you sent the praying mantis to have a chat with the Oceania Ambassador,” Thume challenged with a fairly hard glint in his eye. “How in the hell did that sloshed place holder suddenly surface and…and…”
“Actually do his job?” Baroness Winton added quietly from a chair along one side of the room. Thume turned but bit back his retort.
“We would prefer if the Administration would refrain from abusing my Envoy with slurs Lord Chancellor.” Alexander’s voice had dropped into a cold icy tone.

“May I make a suggestion?” Mr. Black spoke up.
“Yes…Mister Black?”
“Well, let us take an active neutral position….and state that we have not yet formed any public opinion on the matter.”
“We think that that may well be the best idea we have had so far in this meeting…”

Announcement from His Grace, Alexander the Third, Duke of the United Duchies
On the Matter of the Island of New Albion located in the Indian Ocean
We, with the advice and consent of our Privy Council, would like to thank those of the international community who have distinguished our Government and Nation in their appeals for a peaceful solution over the crisis that has arisen over the Isle of New Albion.

Furthermore we give thanks to the Sultan of Khailfah al Muslimeen for his favor, indicating ourselves as one of two mediators in the Portland negotiations. It is an honor to both our Government and ourselves. But we are also aware of how many of our fellow nations, who have more vital interests in this matter have called for a peaceful resolution. The Administration of the United Duchies has been in contact with some of these states about their views on the matter. As we have asked the United Kingdom of Oceania for their views and were planning on sending an Envoy to the Khailfah al Muslimeen to hear their views.

We wish to emphasize that the United Duchies has not taken any stand yet upon the legal or moral grounds for the apparent annexation of North New Albion by the United Kingdom of Oceania. The United Duchies has no direct interest in the New Albion matter beyond the safety of her merchant ships in a time of war.

However, the United Duchies does have indirect interests in the New Albion matter. First, we are a nation dedicated to peace and to the solutions of international crisis through mediation; demonstrated by our being a member of two World Courts in the modern history of this world. Second, as a former fellow British colony we, like the United Kingdom of Oceania, operate under English common law. We are obviously interested in the legal interpretations of common law and the Magna Carta which may affect our own courts. Third, we have now been asked by the Khailfah al Muslimeen to mediate in this matter.

We will agree to send a representative to Portland to mediate between the United Kingdom of Oceania and the Khailfah al Muslimeen upon the matter of New Albion and all of the various facets of this conflict. We do this because the United Duchies has no serious matters between ourselves and either of the two antagonists in this matter. We feel, that a nation without any declared agenda besides peace, may send a representative that is free from any apparent taint to either party.

Furthermore, we do this not in the name of the United Duchies but in the name of the international community. As such we will be discussing pertinent matters with those members of the international community that have shown a direct interest in the matter. We will be asking for their thoughts and insights. We also ask for their support to help achieve a meaningful and lasting peace.

-Alexander Rex,
Grand Duke of Alcona, Duke of Hubris and Zithril, Lord Protector of the Outer Islands and the Marches, Grand Puba of the Oompa.

Message to:
DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Democraticapitalist Republic of Pacitalia
Albinanda Serodini, my Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs

From: Baroness Winton, Royal Envoy, United Duchies
Subject: Your response to dealing with this matter with one voice.

As you are likely aware, the United Duchies has been asked to be a mediator at a conference in Portland in an attempt to deal with the New Albion crisis in a peaceful manner. Although it was the desired goal of Assistant Outer Secretary Pathbuke that all of the nations involved in this matter were to work together as equals, it would seem that the Imperium has taken that option off the table.
Since I have been tasked with organizing the mediator team for the United Duchies I would like to have some low level, productive discussions with your governments about their views on the matter. These meetings will also set up a means for me to consult with your government on matters pertaining to this issue.
I hope we can form a productive working relationship that will allow me to act as the Envoy of the United Duchies, but that of the international community.

-Anne Winton,
Baroness of Winton, OGKC

Message To:
The State of Amestria

His Grace’s Government would like to ask why you thought we were a valid choice for purchase of New Albion. However well intentioned your idea may have been, it has made us suspect in the eyes of the United Kingdom, which may prove to have long term consequences for our policies in the future. We ask that in the future you do not recommend us purchasing disputed territory without first consulting us.

However, we do understand the motivations of your actions. As such we would ask that you give consultation and advice to our liege, Baroness Winton, in her duties of mediator. The United Duchies is committed to acting on behalf of the international community in this matter. As such we can not do so without involving, even at a remove, the state that first attempted an equitable solution to the crisis.

-Alexander Rex
[/i]Grand Duke of Alcona, Duke of Hubris and Zithril, Lord Protector of the Outer Islands and the Marches, Grand Puba of the Oompa.[/i]



To: Grant Haffner
Deputy Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer
Incorporated States of Sarzonia
From: Baroness Winton, Royal Envoy of the United Duchies
On behalf of Assistant Minister Pathbuke
SUBJECT: Unified stance on Oceania-KLM


As Assistant Minister Pathbuke’s illness has relapsed I have been asked to handle this matter.

It would seem that presently the United Duchies is presently being considered as a mediator with Sarzonia. The sudden acquiescence of both sides to this agreement has come as a surprise to us. His Grace feels that someone from the United Duchies is ideal for this role in that we are a neutral nation in the matter. We would be hindered however if we only represented ourselves. After all what would the realistic influence of a nation thousands of miles outside of the theater.

His Grace has asked me to act on behalf of members of the international community rather than that of the United Duchies, he has also asked several nations to support my role. As such, I will hopefully be meeting with several nations that have indicated interest and a desire for peace in the matter. I invite your mediators to attend these meetings, as I have no interest in superseding your own mediator in any apparent level of authority. I should note that I do plan on meeting with Pacitalian representatives. Some of our initial discussions with the Democratic Capitalist Republic on the matter have shown clear, parallel goals to your own. Even if in most situations the Incorporated States of Sarzonia and the Democratic Captialist Republic are on opposing sides of the issue.

Assistant Minister Pathbuke’s goal, of the international community dealing with this matter as one voice is still possible. However it will be through both Alconian and Sarzonian mediators that the international community will speak.

I look forward to dialogue with you in the near future

Sultan Palace, Istanbul, Khailfah al Muslimeen

Grand Vizier Mehmed Pasa Sokollu was walking though the many halls of the Sultan Palace, he was on his wait to the Sultan Office for his daily meeting with the Sultan, has he walked, he saw a large number (about 10 officers) of arm forces officers march pass him, they all looked fuming and appear to just have a bitter debate most likely with the Sultan on a matter of Oceania. He continue his way to the Sultan Office, when he reach the front desk , he simplify nodded to the Sultan Secretary , and she notified the Sultan, that Grand Vizier was here, the then the Grand Vizier was given the go ahead to enter the Office.

The Grand Vizier enters the office, and he found the Sultan at his desk, working on paperwork. Without looking up, the Sultan say

“Be seated, old friend.”

Then the Grand Vizier took his seat and asks

“ So I take it that, you had your usually argument with the General Staff representatives?”

“Yes and no…they show me their official plan of war against Oceania…its ingenious to say the least…yet that’s not why we got into a argument…we got into an argument, because most of the General Staff is crying for the blood of Oceanians for this crime against our people…they want the head of the Prime Minister of Oceania on a pike ..plus they are very upset that I have order most of our forces to stand down… I simply answer them by saying ….I haven’t order all my forces to stand down…gentlemen…our forces in New Albion are ready to strike the Oceanians forces in the Island within a moment notice, if the Peace Summit fail….just I proved that I haven’t stand down all our forces…but the maintain argument of our debate..was why hold back..when we can hit them so hard…I simple replied we will not hit before we use all peaceful means…to show the world at the very least…we try peace before fighting the war….they bitterly agree with me on the matter and drop it.. Besides they are joining a long list of groups that have a vendetta against Oceania…” reply the Sultan

“ I see…. Lets see …we have the AMI doing their vendetta war by supporting and training the locals loyal to us in New Albion for a guerrilla war against Ocenaia, most of the Hardliners Viziers and Ministers have swore a personal vendetta Oceania…oi…we have many more groups having a vendetta on Oceania..its not even funny..our nation really hates them for what they done.” Remarked the Grand Vizier

“Who can blame them…we will have our day against Oceania….but not today, my friend…we of KLM do carry a vendetta for a long time….so all we have to do is wait for the right time..” Said the Sultan

Then a Servant enter the Sultan Office, with a cart holding two tall glass of Mango Lassi and said “My Sultan, your wife Roxelane , made the Grand Vizier and you , these Mango Lassi its her latest endeavor at making…Lassi, my Sultan .”

Then Servant give the one glass to the Sultan and one to Grand Vizier, and left.

The Sultan and Grand Vizier sip the lassi, and the Sultan remarked

“Well…she is getting better at making it, no?

“Still needs a bit of work..but tell don’t her it came from me..… nor can your other wives Sophia, or Haziqah can make a decent lassi..” Reply the Grand Vizier

The Sultan smirk and said

“I didn’t hear anything…...oi…how I do miss spending time with my family…with all these events happening one after each other…its becomes harder to make time…but duty calls..as always…soon this blast summit is going to start…and we must keep this act of wanting peace at all cost for a while longer.. then after the summit…we can drop the act and become once again the cruel and cold blooded revengeful nation that we were once known as…we will teach Oceania a lesson for fucking with us… to correct your list of Vendettas against Oceania, everyone in the Imperial Government has one against them…yet we will not fight a direct war with them, we’re fight a indirect war of proxies against them.. Before we start our direct…I want them to stuff before we come and blow them out of existent… and also I am perfectly aware of what the outsiders and some of my people think of me, has weak ruler, who is unwilling to defend his empire. Let them think what they want…I am defending my nation…as the saying goes the means justify the end result.”


“As you one simple put it, old friend…by any means necessary, one must take to take down his foes….and well my Sultan…you have already began the any means necessary part..now we must wait to see in the near future..would this come to fruit…time will tell , my Sultan.” Replied the Grand Vizier

OOC: Azazia, TG response....

Southern New Albion

The KCN crew were setting up interviews with the local officals. It seemed they were especially intrested in the administration of the island before it had been suddenly sundered into two parts.

KCN crew was invited to the Office of Councilman Shankara Rabindra( a Hindu), where they could interview him and get some question asked about how was New Albion like and run before the recent events.

OOC: Writer notes

The Council of New Albion, is the elected body of New Albion, their main duty is the help the Sub Governor of the Island, who in return appoint by the Regional Governor of KLM India to the run Island without much problems, just giving the people more input over local affairs by having these councils

As you are likely aware, the United Duchies has been asked to be a mediator at a conference in Portland in an attempt to deal with the New Albion crisis in a peaceful manner. Although it was the desired goal of Assistant Outer Secretary Pathbuke that all of the nations involved in this matter were to work together as equals, it would seem that the Imperium has taken that option off the table.
Since I have been tasked with organizing the mediator team for the United Duchies I would like to have some low level, productive discussions with your governments about their views on the matter. These meetings will also set up a means for me to consult with your government on matters pertaining to this issue.
I hope we can form a productive working relationship that will allow me to act as the Envoy of the United Duchies, but that of the international community.

-Anne Winton,
Baroness of Winton, OGKC

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Government of Kahanistan is more than willing to consult with the United Duchies about the most appropriate way to negotiate with the KAM.

I would attend myself, but you specified a low-level meeting. I will dispatch my secretary, Mr. Yakov Bronstein. He has good diplomatic skills, and often represents the Ministry at low-level talks.

We hope that this situation will be resolved at this meeting.

Signed,
Margaret Delray,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

His Majesty’s Embassy, Timiocato, Pacitalia

If not for the increasingly tense rhetoric being fired off across the globe, Maxwell Newson would be content to mind the affairs of the United Kingdom and enjoy yet another day in Timiocato, a city he had come to love since being assigned to the post since the formalisation of relations between the two nations. He was, in fact, the only ambassador ever dispatched by Lord Salisbury to Pacitalia, and Newson relished that trust.

Yet for now he sat out on the veranda of his residence, enjoying tea imported from the UK – as he found the local varieties a tad too sweet for his taste. Instead of a locally published novel, however, he sat engrossed by the latest cables from the Foreign Office in Imperium, which had decided to consult with the Sorantanali administration about requesting their attendance at the proposed conference in Portland. If not for the gravity of the situation, Newson would have laughed at the absurdity of it all – Salisbury asking Sorantanali, a man the UK held with increasingly low favour, to attend a diplomatic conference, when Sorantanali had become known for being all but inept in foreign affairs especially in light of Sancatto Serra’s dismissal, in Sarzonia, a nation that now loved to hate Pacitalia. Since receiving the notice, Newson had ordered his staff to contact Serodini to request an audience. He finished his tea before stretching and returning to the air conditioned residence, somehow he sensed that the coming day would be yet another long day of diplomacy.

Dawesport, Royal Crown Colony of New Albion, United Kingdom

Juicy, no?

Travers nodded at the dark-skinned merchant, wiping from his chin the sweet juice of the mango that now had a giant bite removed from it. Digging into his pocket, the UK officer pulled out a heavy coin and found a single pound, which he casually tossed to the man. Very juicy, indeed, sir. You grow these yourself?

Yes, sir. The merchant replied emphatically, his eyes brightening as he felt the weight of the coin, not just in physical value but even the monetary exchange value – a pound could buy a great deal in Dawesport.

Travers opened his mouth to say something, but turned instinctively at the sound of a heavy diesel engine, his eyes catching a glimpse of a Jaguar fighting vehicle heading south, likely out of the city. For the time being, more and more individuals seemed to be fleeing the city – either heading to the mountains and jungles to avoid what many perceived to be an inevitable battle, or to the airport where they hoped to fly out of the north and off the island altogether.

How many more do you have, the officer finally asked, his attention returning to the transaction.

The merchant ducked low and pulled from underneath his cart a small crate set in a box that contained a small amount of half-melted ice. Inside Travers counted eight relatively large mangos, all of a reddish-orange complexion. Jolly good, he said with a smile, pulling out a clump of cash, this time selecting a ten pound note. Here, he offered his hand.

From nowhere erupted a deafening roar, Travers turning his head and clutching for his sidearm as he watched a fireball and a plume of thick black smoke rise from a nearby street. On the other side of the street, the driver of Travers’ vehicle turned the key in the ignition, bringing the transport to sudden life. As he darted across the street, Travers saw civilians rushing towards the street corner to investigate for themselves what had just occurred. He already knew.

As his vehicle screeched around the corner, its horn blaring in a seemingly futile attempt to push pedestrians out of the way, he saw the Jaguar that had just passed with metal slabs sticking out of the side of its hull, next to it a crater and the remnants of what had formerly been some sort of automobile.

Out of nowhere again came a much sharper crack, and suddenly the lieutenant-colonel found himself pushed hard up against the side of the door, his face alternating between a stinging sensation and that of feeling oddly warm. With a wipe of his hand he found shards of glass and red blood, turning to his side he found his driver without a face. Instinctively he pulled his down, hearing a split second later the headrest above him explode, with the entire windshield now shattering above him.

From inside his besieged vehicle, Travers heard long staccato bursts of assault rifle fire, what seemed to be Kalashnikovs going off in automatic mode. After several long sprays that ended with the unmistakable sound of clanging off armour plating, he heard the loud cracks of UK battle rifles – he could only assume some of the Royal Marines inside the Jaguar had survived.

Travers reached his arm backwards and found the latch for his door, pulling it towards him before kicking it with his right leg. He waited for the movement to draw attention, and waited through the long burst of AK fire that found the engine block of his vehicle. With his head near the leg of the all-but-decapitated driver, he swiftly pulled the key from the ignition to turn the engine off before crawling out of the vehicle behind the armoured door.

He heard a voice cry out in a distinctive Oceanian accent, Cover! Taking heed, he waited until a few seconds later a muffled explosion echoed throughout the street, screaming raining down from what seemed to Travers to be the rooftops above his position. An AK let loose before being interrupted, and silenced, by an Oceanian rifle. Finally sensing that the attackers had become preoccupied with the surviving Marines from the Jaguar, Travers crawled to the back of his vehicle and opened the rear compartment, finding inside the driver’s L-62 rifle and some spare magazines. Also included in the storage compartment were some flares and smoke grenades – both of which could prove extremely useful. While quickly inspecting the weapon and loading a magazine Travers heard another AK burst cut off abruptly by more UK rifle fire.

Then at last he heard what he dreaded, the cracking fire of the L-62 followed by a short burst from an AK and then a scream followed by Kill the fuckers! in an Oceanian accent. Finally peering out from the driver’s side of his vehicle, he saw the Jaguar a little ways down the street, a group of Marines huddled behind the vehicle firing off rounds at whoever appeared before them. From what Travers could see, the AK fire seemed to be coming from a tall building that occupied a plaza around which the road moved in a circle, occasionally small flashes coming from a clock tower atop the building.

Owing to his position behind the Jaguar, Travers knew the building to a couple hundred meters down the road. Taking aim through the rifle’s optical sight, he found his target, the sniper in the clock tower – although from what he could see the sniper was not much of one. Feeling the trigger with his finger he pulled once, the rifle kicking back into his shoulder. At high velocity the 8.5mm round lanced out from the vehicle and unseen to anybody the lieutenant-colonel repaid the horror wrought upon his driver. After finding his target again, Travers simply found a mass slumped over the balcony, a Kalashnikov hanging from a strap.

The crack of his rifle drew the attention of his Marines, who raised their fists in appreciation – their shouts heard but not understood. At another time, perhaps, he would find it interesting that sudden expletives could be shouted and made clear but greetings and congratulations remained indistinguishable. For another ten minutes they hunkered down until a second Jaguar lumbered down the street while a second squad moved directly on the building. Fifteen minutes later, all was settled in Dawesport. All at the cost of three Royal Marines.

Message To:
The State of Amestria

His Grace’s Government would like to ask why you thought we were a valid choice for purchase of New Albion. However well intentioned your idea may have been, it has made us suspect in the eyes of the United Kingdom, which may prove to have long term consequences for our policies in the future. We ask that in the future you do not recommend us purchasing disputed territory without first consulting us.

However, we do understand the motivations of your actions. As such we would ask that you give consultation and advice to our liege, Baroness Winton, in her duties of mediator. The United Duchies is committed to acting on behalf of the international community in this matter. As such we can not do so without involving, even at a remove, the state that first attempted an equitable solution to the crisis.

-Alexander Rex
Grand Duke of Alcona, Duke of Hubris and Zithril, Lord Protector of the Outer Islands and the Marches, Grand Puba of the Oompa.


Message From the Amestrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: The Honorable Alexander Rex, Grand Duke of Alcona, Duke of Hubris and Zithril, Lord Protector of the Outer Islands and the Marches, Grand Puba of the Oompa.

From: The Honorable Gaspard de Prouville, Vice Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Marquis of Mortain.

It was not the intent of the Amestrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to specifically single out the United Duchies as a candidate to purchase New Albion and resolve the crisis. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to assure his Honor that the Imperial Commonwealth of Malkyer and the United Duchies of Alcona and Hubris were only mentioned as examples, both being Western Nations that would be culturally acceptable to the European population of New Albion, both enjoying friendly or neutral relations with the Khailfah al Muslimeen, and both having long histories of successful colonial management. The Amestrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs apologizes for any confusion that may have resulted from its statement and promises not to employ the United Duchies name in such a way again without prior-approval from its Government.

Concerning the matter of consultation and advice for the Honorable Mediator Baroness Winton, the Amestrian Ministry would like to emphasize the following. First, in the event of a partition of the island one of the most important issues of concern will be the full value of North New Albion as well as the amount of reparations that should be paid to the Khaif by the United Kingdom as compensation for the economic damage caused by UK’s deeply irresponsible actions. United Duchies surveyors should probably be dispatched to New Albion and the Khailfah al Muslimeen to access the full value of Khaif property and record the economic losses experienced by Khailfah al Muslimeen citizens. The United Duchies should probably request all relevant economic statistics on New Albion’s economy and tax revenue from the Khailfah al Muslimeen Government.

Second, the desirability of a population exchange between North New Albion and Al Malabaristan in addition to a significant separation barrier should be explored so as in order to prevent an outbreak of chronic sectarian violence between the islands European and Muslim populations.

Third, it is imperative that the illegal and undemocratic regime of George Mason be denied de jure and de facto recognization by the United Duchies. Throughout this whole dispute the United Kingdom and its allies have claimed that the succession of North New Albion was democratic, a blatant lie. The international community cannot allow aggression to be excused by transparent deceit. George Mason’s “government” should be treated merely as an extension of the United Kingdoms illegitimate military presence in Northern New Albion.

For further consultation the Honorable Marie François, Amestria’s Ambassador to the United Duchies and Marquess of Alençon, will be available at the Amestrian Embassy in Thunderbay. She has been granted all the necessary information and authority to act concerning this matter.

[signed]
Gaspard de Prouville, The Honorable Vice Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

To: Grant Haffner
Deputy Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer
Incorporated States of Sarzonia
From: Baroness Winton, Royal Envoy of the United Duchies
On behalf of Assistant Minister Pathbuke
SUBJECT: Unified stance on Oceania-KLM
As Assistant Minister Pathbuke’s illness has relapsed I have been asked to handle this matter.

It would seem that presently the United Duchies is presently being considered as a mediator with Sarzonia. The sudden acquiescence of both sides to this agreement has come as a surprise to us. His Grace feels that someone from the United Duchies is ideal for this role in that we are a neutral nation in the matter. We would be hindered however if we only represented ourselves. After all what would the realistic influence of a nation thousands of miles outside of the theater.

His Grace has asked me to act on behalf of members of the international community rather than that of the United Duchies, he has also asked several nations to support my role. As such, I will hopefully be meeting with several nations that have indicated interest and a desire for peace in the matter. I invite your mediators to attend these meetings, as I have no interest in superseding your own mediator in any apparent level of authority. I should note that I do plan on meeting with Pacitalian representatives. Some of our initial discussions with the Democratic Capitalist Republic on the matter have shown clear, parallel goals to your own. Even if in most situations the Incorporated States of Sarzonia and the Democratic Captialist Republic are on opposing sides of the issue.

Assistant Minister Pathbuke’s goal, of the international community dealing with this matter as one voice is still possible. However it will be through both Alconian and Sarzonian mediators that the international community will speak.

I look forward to dialogue with you in the near future.



To: Baroness Winton, Royal Envoy of the United Duchies
On behalf of Assistant Minister Pathbuke
From: Grant Haffner
Deputy Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer
Incorporated States of Sarzonia
Subject: Unified stance on Oceania-KLM

First of all, please express to the members of your government my sympathies over Assistant Minister Pathbuke's illness. We in the Incorporated Sarzonian Government wish him a speedy recovery and we extend our prayers to his family and friends.

Let me be abundantly clear about my government's position regarding Pacitalian or Hamptonian participation in any way, shape or form in these talks. The Incorporated Sarzonian Government views both the so-called Democratic Capitalist Republic and the Grand Archduchy as enemy states, even though both nations are presently aligned with Sarzonia through the Organisation of Maritime Powers. Any dialogue between members of either government and my own would be unwelcome. Their participation in dialogue regarding this crisis, or their attendance in Portland, would be considered non-starters by the ISG.

I most certainly would be interested in sending an envoy to the meetings you have proposed; though I can not guarantee that things will remain civil if anyone from Pacitalia or Hamptonshire end up attending. In fact, I would bet you real money that you'd have to call security. If my boss returns from his vacation within the next couple of days, I myself might be the one chosen to join you at the meeting.

It is my fervent hope that the interests of our respective nations and the world at large can be successfully brought forward by this meeting and the conference in Portland. It is also my fervent hope that we can somehow steer the ship of state toward safe harbour through this tempest we face.

[OOC: Sorry this is such utter crap RP, but it's late and I'm tired.]

Hampton Palace, Hamptonshire City

Lord Rosecrans sat alone in a small dining room that was warmly lit with wall lights and candles. He ate his usual late night dinner: poached salmon with white rice and broccoli. As he enjoyed the freshly prepared meal, he listened to his iPod. He found it to be a welcome medium of distraction that could pull him away from the stress of being a Head of State. His thoughts were, as of late, centering more and more on the impending Federal elections and the situation in New Albion.

He was taking another forkful of fish into his mouth when his iPod's shuffle selected the next song. As his lips closed around the fork a rather fast paced song came on. He quickly recognized the song and turned up the volume. "Istanbul was Constantinople // Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople // Been a long time gone, Constantinople // Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night". Lord Rosecrans smiled as the song continued. It must be a sign from someone he thought to himself as he listened. He continued to eat his dinner and his iPod continued playing songs. When he finished eating he slowly made his way back to his office.

"Philip," his chief of staff, Sir Geoff Kirkssen, called out to the Lord Protector as he entered into the outer office's waiting room, "CDF* Air Control says that Lady Rosecrans's plane has been delayed half an hour."

Lord Rosecrans nodded appreciately at his friend and aide. The two men had know each other for nearly thirty years. They had served together in the Royal Navy, Geoff always one step behind the older Rosecrans. Over the decades their professional relationship turned into a close friendship. When Rosecrans was tapped to become Lord Protector, he asked his friend to resign as Royal Navy Chief of Staff to serve as his personal chief aide. Kirkssen gladly did so and served his friend to his full abilities.

"It figures," Rosecrans said as he openned the door to his office and motioned for Sir Geoff to join him in it, "she's always late for everything. I can't tell you how many times we thought William would have a little brother or sister because she was 'late'." The two men laughed but quickly recomposed themselves. It was time for the Lord Protector's last briefing for the day. The briefing was almost always a sedate affair. No new information would be presented, just the day's developments.

"As you can see on pages three and four, the Federal election is going pretty smoothly. While there are some signs that Sandrin seperatists might try to interfere with polls in July, local and federal police are positioned to secure balloting sites."

The Lord Protector quickly glanced over the election reports. While he wasn't a participant in the election, he knew their supreme importance. He would do everything possible to make sure that the July election was fair and democratic. The world had rarely seen an election of this scale before. Even most so-called democracies only had a handfull of offices up for election at any time with most executive branch leaders outside of the reach of the voting populace. The problem was insulating the election for erronious domestic and international pressures. First amongst these pressures was the brewing situation in New Albion. The thought flashed across Rosecrans's mind just before Kirkssen brought the issue up.

"Pages five through eight show the developments concerning New Albion. Right now we're keeping tabs on the proposed Portland conference. It looks as though it will happen but the current list of attendees is pretty decidedly anti-Oceanian. The United Duchies could be pursuaded with a strong argument, but Sarzonia isn't in this for a fair and just mediation. They will look to corner and trap the Oceanians. I'd almost say the Sarzonians knew what they were doing presenting this as a fair conference, only to rape Oceania behind closed doors, but Haffner and his buddies are too stupid and ignorant to know their ass from an apple let alone plan something like this out."

"A little sore about the Sarzonians, aren't we?" Rosecrans arched his eyebrow as he asked the question.

"No, Phil, just tired of their antics. If the Sarzonians were merely stupid, the laws of probability would dictate that part of their decisions would serve the international community."

"Enough of this," there was a slight tone of annoyance in his voice. He was had little tolerance for hardliners on any topic. Most of the world's problems were the result of people that were too proud to admit that they made a mistake and others too angry to accept an apology. Rosecrans gathered the papers and his briefcase, "I'll read the report tonight after Marcy gets to the palace."

"One last thing," he said to Kirkssen while walking away, "I want you to get into contact with Prime Minister Tetley's office. I'd like to see if a state visit to Oceania is possible within the next few weeks."

Kirkssen sported a broad smile, "Of course. It'll be morning in Imperium in an hour, I'll place the call then."

Rosecrans turned to face Geoff, "Give my best to the Prime Minister and tell him that I have three bottles of Hamptonshire's best aged akvavit with his name on them." Rosecrans winked and bowed his head to his friend. He turned around and left the office. For the next ten hours the job of making sure the Empire didn't fall apart could be second in his mind. With briefcase in hand and iPod back in his ear, he walked the halls of the palace toward his private quarters. The sweet notes of Barber's Adagio for Strings the only comfort he needed to escape the troubles of life.


[*CDF- Capital Defense Forces]

Garrison HQ, Al Malabistan

Flag Rank Commander Ghassan Sami and Major Fazil Iskander Gorky were busy reviewing the latest reports from High Command and the latest local news reports. Major Gorky then made a comment on the recent attack on Oceania..

“Sir, permission to speak freely.” He asked first, before saying his comment

“Permission, Granted. What is it Major Gorky?” Replied Flag Rank Commander Sami, he look up from reading the latest reports from Istanbul.

“Sir, we all know the AMI Black Hawks are busy training a good number of the locals for a guerrilla warfare against the Oceanian…could the freedom fighters that did this attack..be the ones that AMI Black Hawks are training or could they be some independent groups with no links to AMI Black Hawks?” ask Major Gorky

The Flag Rank Commander smiled and reply

“Major Gorky..learn when to ask question and when not to ask such questions…besides I am not the one to ask them, since I don’t have the answers, since I am just a regional Garrison commander…but..the person who can answer , just happens to becoming oh within a minute or two for meeting with me..your permit to stay and ask that question again to him..”

“Yes, sir.” Replied Major Gorky somewhat puzzled by his commanding officer answer to his question.

Then a officer enter the room, he wasn’t wearing the same green military uniform as the Commander and Major were wearing.. He was a all black military uniform, he had on a black beret, then the normal army green berets, He was officer of the AMI Black Hawks, the Imperium most elite, Black Ops organization, that was only answerable to the Imperial Senate, the Sultan and Heads of the AMI.

Then Flag Rank Commander Sami spoke up

“Ah, Colonel Amcazade Hüseyin Pasha Köprülü, good to see once again,..one of my officers has a question for you to answer, if you don’t mind.”

The Colonel smiled and replied

“Ask away…but bear in mind…don’t ask too much for your own good.”

The Flag Rank Commander nodded his head to the Major and spoke up and repeated his question

The Colonel smiled and replied

“ First…my freedom fighters won’t behind those attacks…besides…I am only training 400 with my officers…they won’t be ready for combat for another month or so..besides those freedom fighters behind the attacks…used Aks…my Freedom fighters don’t use AK..because we are supplying them with weapons that not in servie in the Imperial Arm Forces…we’re not that dumb to make that easy to trance the weapons to us…besides we’re supplying them with Chinese Assault Rifles and a good number of Stey Mannlicher rifles and handguns..does that answer your question, Major?”


“Yes sir.” Replied Major Gorky

“Too bad, we don’t have any Assassins with us…we could have use them and kill that rat Mason,..too bad, the Heads of AMIs…won’t allow that yet…they are reserving them for something…I not sure about…but Gentlemen, once they release…oh…gentlemen what a sight it would be..to hear reports all over the places of beheadings by mask figures…dress in all black…doing inhuman things..oh what a sight that would be gentlemen…but too bad that won’t have for a while again…now Flag Rank Commander, can we discuss business at hand.” Asked the Colonel

“Yes, we shall…” replied the Flag Rank Commander

Le Canard Blessé (English Addition)

Blind Deaf Prime Minister Refuses to Look Upon or Listen to Critics
By Édith Boulle

Page 3

Imperium, Oceania- Although blessed with extraordinary blindness and an empowering deafness, Prime Minister Robertson Salisbury of the United Kingdom of Oceania still goes out of his way to avoid looking at or listening to critics of his New Albion policy.

“La La La, I’m not listening, La La La, I can’t hear you, La La La, everything is fine, La La La” sang the deaf PM as he covered his non-functioning ears, demonstrating his refusal to listen to reports that North New Albion has become increasingly violent and disorderly since the United Kingdom forcefully took possession of it from the KLM. “Nope, can’t see a thing, nothing but blackness, the island is better off because of our actions” remarked the PM as he closed his eyeless sockets to avoid seeing reports that the threat of sectarian violence in the South directed against Europeans, Oceania’s original justification for attempting to seize all of New Albion, has significantly increased due to the UK’s occupation of the northern half of the island.

“The succession of North New Albion led by Governor George Mason and our annexation of the territory was democratically organized,” explained the Head of Government, incapable of realizing such statements to be false because of his much envied physical handicaps and total faith in the righteousness of his cause.

“Several leading democratic powers have acknowledged the legitimacy of Governor Mason’s declaration and the acceptance of his request by His Majesty’s Government,” Salisbury quipped, unable and unwilling to hear that only two nations, Hamptonshire and Pacitalia, have done so and that the rest of the world has so far refused to extend any recognization to “Governor” Manson or his declaration. The Prime Minister was then able to avoid even being asked about the possible loss of life and property that could occur from a war with the KLM by locking himself in a closet.

During a press conference the Foreign Secretary, Emily Deveraux, explained how lucky Oceania was to have a leader like Robertson Salisbury. “The United Kingdom is very fortunate to have someone in the position of Prime Minister not only incapable of viewing things that are contrary to his own preconceived notions, but unwilling to do so as well. That is the type of leadership this world needs more of.”

When asked how one perpetually ignorant man could possibly steer the entire UK Government alone, the Foreign Secretary explained the process by which everyone followed the Prime Minister’s example. “These ear plugs here prevent us from hearing the things that we don’t want to and these blind ray glasses help keep dangerous facts from entering our fields of vision.”

Later Salisbury once again demonstrated his resolve by ordering his hands severed from his body after realizing that he was capable of reading and receiving criticism concerning New Albion by means of Braille. Deveraux voiced her admiration for him and declared her intent to mimic the Prime Minister by “wearing heavy gloves at all times” that would prevent any contact with Braille and the “potentially disruptive information” that it could transmit. “There is no other choice; we must follow his example, for our own sake. Oceania cannot afford to change its course on New Albion mid-dream.”

Disclaimer: The above article is a work of satire.


Page 4: Jagada again upset about something somewhere for some reason.

Funny computer generated hairdo and puppet reportedly turns otherwise uninteresting photo of President Daniel Boon “hilariously wacky.”

To:
Grant Haffner
Deputy Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer
Incorporated States of Sarzonia
The Honorable Marie François,
Ambassador of the Fourth Amestrian Republic to the Court of Apethorpe Palace
Mr. Yakov Bronstein
Secretary to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan

From: Baroness Winton, Royal Envoy, United Duchies


I would all like to invite you to a small, informal meeting about the New Albion situation at my family home in Northull, on Odania Isle. I would like to have this meeting there for three reasons. First it will keep the press at a minimum since Northull is not known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere that the international press in Thunderbay seems to enjoy. Second, it will remove us from being accidentally caught up in the present election politics of the United Duchies, as we just called a general election. Third, before I disappear into a rather nice, but long stay in Sarzonia there are some business aspects of my family’s tea plantations to be dealt with.
I can assure you of a pleasant room and being doted on by palace staff as his Grace has loaned me a few stewards and maids to assist me.
Transportation to Odania is available commercially via Torrhaven or Thunderbay International airport, or you can arrive by direct flight. I will have transport to my home waiting for your arrival. Fifth Fleet has assigned a rapid response hydrofoil ferry for those of us in Thunderbay to travel directly to Northullport.
I wish to thank you all for being part of this international diplomacy working group, as Mr. Bethune of the Outer Ministry has labeled it.

Ooc: I am going to make this a separate thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=11210525) at the moment to keep the main thread ‘uncluttered’ with this meeting.

South New Albion

The KCN crew set up their camera in a nearby meeting room to keep out of Councilman Shankara Rabindra's hair. When the councilman arrived to the interview, the female reporter began.

"Good Day Councilman Rabindra for granting KCN this interview. With the current crisis here on New Albion the people of the world are curious about what is going on. Now recently your government declared themselves to be a new state did they not?"
(reply here)
"Ah thank you for clarifying that Councilman, now this does bring us to why the northern half of the island felt it was needed to breakaway from the Imperium."
(reply here)
"Quite, now then obviously there were some reports of murders of Christian citizens after the publication of an inflamatory cartoon. What can you tell us of these murders and what is being done about these events?"
(reply here)
The blond nodded, and then looked back up. "Now then Councilman Rabindra what do you know about George Mason, is he well respected?"
(OOC: sort of fast forwarded to the important part)

North New Albion
Matt heard the AK fire as he walked along looking for a bar. Like most good war reporters he tended to run towards the firing. Odd one AK-47?
popped into his mind as he slid up to a corner.

The square was in chaos, a group of Oceania Marines were taking cover from their vehicle as someone sniped at them from a clock tower. Sniping with a 47? Matt began to wonder about the whole mess. A moment later the crack of another kind could be made out from the fire fight. The sniper slumped over, apparently deadl.

Matt walked swiftly along the wall of the building he had just been hiding behind towards the square. He had his small portable camera out before him, recording the scene as he approached. Matt shied away from filiming the bodies of the dead marines, proffessional courtesy if you will. Matt filmed down the street towards another Marine vehicle and then turned towards the tower and the body. Curiosity was a reporters stock and trade, Matt wondered what kind of idiot used an assult rifle to snipe with.

Councilman Shankara Rabindra nodded his head and began to reply to the following question, he spoke English perfectly well, he did have a thick Indian Accent when speaking it.

"Good Day Councilman Rabindra for granting KCN this interview. With the current crisis here on New Albion the people of the world are curious about what is going on. Now recently your government declared themselves to be a new state did they not?"

“That is true..we were force to disassociate ourselves from the traitors from the North, just we had to no choice but to break off in order to show the world not all of New Albion wants to join Oceania…the bloody traitors claim to speak for all of us then when declare their independent…they didn’t even brother to tell the other regions of Island, about their plans…even if the northern regions are bought back in the Imperium…we refuse to associates ourselves with traitors…to show our loyalty to the Khailfah…we decide to officially change our name and break off from the North, just we cut all ties to the North.


"Ah thank you for clarifying that Councilman, now this does bring us to why the northern half of the island felt it was needed to breakaway from the Imperium."

Frankly, I can’t see why, they need to do that…we treated them with respect, and look at them as equals..they had seats in the New Albion Council, they could always voices their problems in the council or even talk to the Sub Governor himself then to completely break away and by pass the system which was design to allow them to voice their problems and find ways to fix it..But it must be noted, that the Northerner kept to them and rarely bought anything up to the Council, they rather had themselves fix it then to come “ the Salvages” as they often call us for help, its mainly their pride that got the best of them, in my opinion and just it was hard for us at times to help them.

"Quite, now then obviously there were some reports of murders of Christian citizens after the publication of an inflamatory cartoon. What can you tell us of these murders and what is being done about these events?"

“Ah, yes…the murders…a number of Christian families were attack by anger mobs, after for some reason, someone in their local newspaper decide to print the cartoons in question, after the recent events related to the cartoon… just the people vent their anger and attack a number of Christian families.. Our reaction was to restore order and being those behind the attacks to justice. When it became apparent, that our local police forces couldn’t handle the situation, the Regional Governor give the go ahead for the regional garrison to quell the riots…which we were doing when the Northerners took it upon themselves to declare independent…we were defending their rights and they just go ahead and give the Island to Oceania..without being brothering to talk to us…and they claim it for the stake of democracy, then I must ask this question, if they did it for democracy…why not hold discuss the matters at hand via Council then to do a undemocratic thing like this..

The blond nodded, and then looked back up. "Now then Councilman Rabindra what do you know about George Mason, is he well respected?"

“To be frank, I never heard of George Mason…he never attend any of the council meeting or became a public figure…he has appear out of nowhere in my opinion. Which is odd to me.”

Ooc: I am going to make this a separate thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=11210525) at the moment to keep the main thread ‘uncluttered’ with this meeting.
[OOC: Would you mind ICly or OOCly or both if I were to join? As I have friendly ties with the UKO and an alliance (the role-play thread of it's foundation still has yet to be completed however!) with the Incorporated States, I think that this shouldn't be too much of an issue, should it?]

I bring everyone the RPs.OOC Thread... (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=11212707#post11212707)because all great RPs need one at some point

“To be frank, I never heard of George Mason…he never attend any of the council meeting or became a public figure…he has appear out of nowhere in my opinion. Which is odd to me.”

The reporter raised her head at this last comment, her eyes slightly narrowing. "I am a bit confused, you mean you have never heard of George Mason, the elected leader of English New Albion? If I might ask, who was the council member for the northern portion of the island before the revolt?"

OOC: Southeastasia, thanks for the T.G.
As for the second thread, well you can join it if you can figure away of knowing about it without getting an invitation...since I can not find any kind of offical response to the New Albion situation on this thread! (The previous thread yes not this one)

The reporter raised her head at this last comment, her eyes slightly narrowing. "I am a bit confused, you mean you have never heard of George Mason, the elected leader of English New Albion? If I might ask, who was the council member for the northern portion of the island before the revolt?"


"Yes, I have never heard of a George Mason in my life....the council member..well one of the council members from Northern Half, who was the "leader" so to speak of English New Albion, was an Herman Wells, he was highly repected all over the Islands."

"Is there perhaps someone that we can speak to might have better connections in the North? Someone who delt with the English all the time? After all George Mason may have only been a minor figure in New Albion before the revolt."

This interview was getting quite intresting,

"Is there perhaps someone that we can speak to might have better connections in the North? Someone who delt with the English all the time? After all George Mason may have only been a minor figure in New Albion before the revolt."

This interview was getting quite intresting,


"Its not like we try to maintain better connections with the North..the main problem was, the English had a very stuck up point of view and constantly rebuff our efforts to work with them..and help them out..its like they were stuck in the past…back the days of the Bloody British Raj..yet it should be noted, before the riots broke out...we have maintain stable relations with the north...although most of the time, they keep to themselves... we rarely had problems with the north…infill now..”

"Well things were likely quite...er...pleasent between you and the North. However I was hoping for someone who might have had non-governmental contact with the North on a regular basis. Say the owner of a local shiping company, a merchant who did buisness up there regularly perhaps?"

She paused for a moment, "And not to worry if they don't speak english, Ali here is quite good at Arabic, one reason he was given this assignment."

The young man behind the camera bent away from it for a moment and nodded.

"Well, yes..there is a number of local merchents that use to do business in the north..you just have to go to docks and look for them...I don't really have any names on me at moment.." He repiled.

"Oh, I was hoping for a prominent citizen actually." The blond looked down at her notes, "Ah yes, Councilman...there are UKO forces to the north of here. What would you do if those forces, however unlikely or likely, overwhelm the local defenders. What would you do if this part of the island became occupied territory?"

"Ah a what if type of thing...well the locals will fight to the death rather then , once again under the jackboot of the British Empire, in this case...Oceania...we will not stand and allow them to rebuild their empire at cost of our homelands...we will fight to the last man..and make them pay dearly for a very inch of land..."

"So what of your new neighbors, if Oceania and the Sultan come to terms leaving the north in the hands of the UKO, what is going to be the local response? Are you going to let it pass, or will this island be forever divided in half with individuals having to travel internationally to get from one side to the other? Will New Albion be East and West Berlin, or Detroit and Windsor?"

"The locals would be bitter about the whole thing, and it will take time for us to let it pass, as you say...as for the second part of your question, I hope the divided would be more like Detroit and Windsor then to East and West Berlin....but some will say...I am too idealistic on the matter...but its more wait and see on this outcome."

Dawesport, Royal Crown Colony of New Albion, United Kingdom

Bloody press, Travers muttered, spying an individual with a camera down the street. No matter when or where, the media had a keen sixth sense: blood and conflict. His men and women had ended the small situation with a deadly and lethal efficiency, Royal Marines now patrolled the immediate neighborhood while IFVs rumbled about the streets until the two tanks he had called for would arrive later in the hour. That, of course, was another point of contention. Bloody Royal Navy had not even managed to unload the tank ammunition from the cargo holds after several hours of offloading. Incompetence seemed to reign supreme at the Admiralty.

Travers simply nodded to the young squad officer who had led his unit through the ordeal, most of them with none or only minor injuries. The officer quickly took charge of the surviving unit and led them off to a waiting Jaguar that would hurry them back to the makeshift field hospital, as the prefabricated materials for the ‘permanent’ facility also had yet to be offloaded. The lieutenant-colonel simply strode down the street towards the man, who had been seen to at least keeping with some sense of decorum in filming the battle’s aftermath. He made sure to keep the rifle pointed to the ground so as not to seem threatening to the reporter – he already knew that the UK needed to present a more amiable front than what bloody carnage the square would otherwise show the world.

Good afternoon, sir, Travers called out, grabbing the reporter’s attention and taking the camera away from the tower. Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Travers, Royal Marines, the first word sounding lef-tenant, perhaps another reason the Muslimeeen and southerners thought the Oceanians as nothing more than ‘Neo-Brits’.

North New Albion
Max had switched the unit to taking several still photos of the sniper's dead face. The shade was horrid at the moment, but a few passes through the right background filter should make a decent image to use to try and identify the twit.

"Good afternoon, sir",
Max had heard someone approaching from behind him slightly. To acknowledge the visitor Max would have to turn around and take his camera off the tower. Matt obliged but dropped the lens of the camera to the ground.
".....Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Travers, Royal Marines"

Max smiled slightly while his mind noted A bloody Lieutenant-Colonel...I was hoping for a fresh faced first lewie I could 'confide in'...well one for the oppo.
Max held out his hand, "Max Hudson, AP out of Cape Town...seems your boys and girls got a rather unwelcome reception from someone this afternoon."

He paused to look back at the body hanging above, "Although it would appear they discovered how well trained your counter-sniping team was."

South New Albion
Anne nodded, "Well perhaps we should discuss what plans are being made for the future of this part of the island. Is the central government said anything about more investment into its infastructure or in buisness creation?"

South New Albion

“The latest news I heard from the Central Government, is that they are going to start some new public works projects to improve infrastructure of Islands, and maybe more investment. I belive do to recent events…the Central Government take more of an interest of this Island…to insure, it stays in our hands.” reply Councilman Shankara Rabindra

The Regional Governor House( aka Rashtrapati Bhavan), New Delhi, India, Khailfah al Muslimeen

Governor Barakat Qasim Husayn read thought the daily news reports, he was busy looking for something…which he expected to be reported by now…Yet oddly enough it wasn’t, a not singe report on the matter. Dumbfounded, the Governor called for his Chief of Staff Jahangir Khan to find out why

The Chief of Staff enter the room and say “ You called for me, Governor?”

The Governor looked up from reading the reports and asks

“ Yes, I have..now I need to known what happen to that New Albion Chap…you known the one who give me the letter of independent and etc…I want to know…why his head isn’t on a pike in the courtyard…like we always do to those who rebel against the Imperial Government…its been roughly some time since this all began…and there still no head on a pike yet…I find this odd…care to explain, Jahangir?”

Khan simple replied

“Last I heard…the AMI decide rather to see him get beheaded…they decide to take him away to their AMI run Prisons somewhere in Siberia…why you may ask…its simple, my Governor…they want him to stuffer more for his crime against the state rather then to allow him to have a quick death…well that’s what I got from my connections..Governor, which I just found out today..”

“Well blast….I want to see that traitor on a pike…another time I guess….so I guess the old rumor that the AMI is everywhere is true..” remarked Governor

“Indeed, Governor…indeed..I also being you news from Istanbul…Parliament is currently working on a bill , that will lead to major reforms on how we deal with the backwater regions and…also it may lead to the stacking of a good number of Governors and Sub Governors..after they face a board of review…to see if they have become unproductive for the regions they govern…just word of warning, Governor…there is a chance that if this bill is passed…and enacted…they may have you head on a sliver plate…do to recent events…” said the Chief of Staff

“Duly noted…” replied the Governor

South New Albion
The reporter scribbled something on her small blackberry and then scrolled through the screen for a moment. "Ah, yes...Councilman what is your take on the Sarzonian request that both a represenative of the local government as well as the Northerners be present at the conference in Portland? And who might we ask is going to go?"

"I can't say I support the idea of having both sides in one room...it might a bit heated...but its needs so we can work out our problems...we're most likly send Dr. Ghulam Nabi Azad, as represenative from our side."

South New Albion
The reporter nodded, "Thank You Councilman Rabindra you have been most helpful to both ourselves and the international community. Is there anything you would like to personally tell the international community about this matter? Something we have not covered?"

"Its been my pleasure, I belive we cover everything. Now excuse me,I must be off for another meeting of the council. "

South New Albion
"Of course, we thank you for your time Councilman..."

The reporters stood up as the Councilman exited the room. "Alright Ali, next up is the docks. I want to see if we can dig up anyone...wait...I wonder...let's find a nearby hotel or bar and see if they have a phone book that includes the north end of the island. I wonder if George Mason is even in the book."

Dawesport, Royal Crown Colony of New Albion, United Kingdom

Travers shook Hudson’s hand and then took a moment to look up at death, dangling only a few meters above, the spot on the ground directly below collecting a slow but steadily growing pool of thick blood. With only a half-concerned smirk worn upon his own bloodied and cut up face the lieutenant-colonel nodded politely, taking the respite to brush off some more remnants of his vehicles windshield that had been left embedded in the side of his face.

Unfortunately, he began only to pause as the loud diesel of a passing Royal Marine transport interrupted, unfortunately, while the majority of the crown colony supports the United Kingdom and His Majesty’s Government there is now and likely will be throughout the foreseeable future, a determined and likely organised resistance that intends to see cities such as Dawesport return to Khailfah governance. But, as you can see, they fail to grasp the resolve with which the United Kingdom supports the north its majority population.

As for any counter-sniper team, I assure you that, Travers pointed up at the dead man, the man who fired that shot was nobody more specialised than a rifleman. His Majesty’s Royal Marines are trained to produce markspersons as urban combat often allows a soldier no more than one chance to take down his target. I believe that if more attacks follow, the insurgents who carry them out will come to realise this.

But you say you hail from Cape Town, Mister Hudson, as a reporter what can you say about public opinion on this whole crisis – unfortunately being rather involved here in Dawesport I rarely have the chance to read the news anymore.

Philadelphia, Oceania, United Kingdom

Amongst the clouds in one of the UK’s leading cities of glass stood an angular structure, its glass facades fabricated out of reflective glass, its blue melting into the bright, blue sky dotted only by the occasional cloud. This monument to capitalism happened to house the corporate headquarters of Portus Mercaturae Ltd., one of the United Kingdom’s leading port operating companies – a company long set on expanding beyond its stronghold of Home Island ports. As the Oceanian economy continued to expand rapidly, the imports into the UK had begun to surge – and accordingly so did its export from its new colonies and most importantly Novikov, the new industrial heart of the UK. PM Ltd. had holdings in all such places.

With the dust beginning to settle, or at least appear to settle, over Dawesport, Portus Mercaturae now had the chance to seize the initiative and begin what would likely become a feeding frenzy as UK companies poured in capital investment into the island’s infrastructure. At least the north’s infrastructure. PM Ltd. would lead the way, at least so far as the island’s ports and terminal facilities were concerned.

To the eyes of the company Dawesport appeared just as the Royal Navy and the government saw the little sleepy port. A potentially valuable entrepot, a transfer port from goods crossing the Indian Ocean, easing the transit costs for all parties involved – for, of course, a small fee. By the end of the day the necessary paperwork would finally be transferred to the Colonial Office in Imperium where it would be reviewed by government officials. By the end of the business week the ports in northern New Albion would be owned and operated by a single Oceanian company.

Outside Istanbul

Far from the cathedrals and colonial clock towers of Imperium the minarets and towers of Istanbul pierced the clear sky, the remainder of southwestern Istanbul laid out before the Colonial Secretary as his flight slowed for a descent into Istanbul International. Inside the small aircraft, the Secretary gathered his papers, maps, and photographs into a brown leather briefcase that sadly failed to match his entirely black suit, the three button coat hiding a vest that had silvery grey designs woven into it.

As the aircraft landed with a soft thud, he threw a casual glance out his window, spying the subdued welcoming commission although in truth Imperium had been prepared for no official welcoming given the current state of relations between the UK and the Khailfah. What had been seen as a mutually beneficial relationship built upon economic need quickly soured after Mason’s call for independence and now the Prime Minister had dispatched a senior cabinet official to the Khailfah capital in order to attempt some patching of relations.

When the plane had come to rest, he quickly picked up his briefcase and headed for the integrated door and stairs, slowly opened by the copilot. Gripping the handrail with his free hand, the Colonial Secretary descended the stairs and in five short steps his well-polished shoes made contact on the hard tarmac, where two distinguished looking men stood patiently, both familiar to him through the numerous briefings he had read en route to Istanbul. Behind the two stood two flags on portable flagpoles, one of the Khailfah the other of the United Kingdom, beyond them an honour guard dressed sharply in black their ceremonial swords ready in the proper position. All in all, a nice if not subdued display.

A bespectacled man, wearing a grey linen suit spoke first, taking a short step towards the Colonial Secretary. Mr. Secretary, if you will allow me to introduce myself, Sir David Hayward, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Khailfah.

The Colonial Secretary nodded politely and shook the diplomat’s hand. And you must be Dr. Sayyid Faisal bin Turki, he said turning to face the other man, bearded and similarly well-dressed in a Western style business suit. Of course his address was no surprise, the arrival having been well practiced by the Colonial Secretary during his twelve hour flight, time during which he familiarised himself with the senior cabinet and government officials of the Khailfah.

On the behalf of His Majesty King George and His Government, the Secretary began in a decidedly polite and even tone, I thank you and Sultan Suleiman al Bashir II for this opportunity to visit your fine and distinguished country and to give our two governments and people a real opportunity to reach a peaceful and amicable solution to this crisis. But I am afraid I am remiss in my own introduction and so allow me to introduce myself, Iain Bashir, Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs. Bashir smiled deferentially, all parties on the tarmac well aware that the Colonial Secretary and the Sultan shared the same surname and a common ancestry.

At Istanbul International Airport, Istanbul, Khailfah al Muslimeen

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. Let us hope, we can work out our differences peacefully..please follow me, sir. The limo is waiting to take you to the Sultan Palace, where you can meet the Sultan.” Replied Minister of Internal Affairs- Minister Dr. Sayyid Faisal bin Turki (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/Abdullah.jpg)

Then the Minister of Internal Affairs, lead the Colonial Secretary to the limo..the very term colonial, was most detested term in the Imperium…it bought back too many old bitter feelings from the era of Imperialism..

The drive to Sultan Palace was uneventful; it was only roughly 20 minutes before the limo reach the Sultan Palace. When the limo finally reached the front gates of the Palace, where Imperial Black Guardsmen welcomed the Colonial Secretary and Minister of Internal Affairs. The Minister of Internal Affairs lead the Colonial Secretary thought the many rose gardens and fountains of the Palace, when they finally reach the front doors of the Palace itself, the two guards station at the doors.

The Minister of Internal Affairs finally broke the prolong silence and said” This is where we part ways..sir…the guards from here on out will lead you the Sultan office. Good day to you to sir.” And with that, the Minister of Internal Affairs walk away

The Guard simple say “ Sir, please just follow us.” And with that, the two guards lead the Colonial Secretary thought the many hallways of the Palace. When they finally reach the Sultan Office itself, the two guards stop and the Head Guard went few steps ahead and open the door to the Office and announce the arrived of the Colonial Secretary, before allowing the Secretary to enter.

All they heard was the Sultan simple reply in Arabic “ Allow him in.”

The two guards simply opened the doors completely and allow the Colonial Secretary to enter. After he entered the Office, the guards close the doors and walk off back to their post.

The Sultan, walk up to Colonial Secretary and shook his hand and said in prefect British English “ Welcome to Istanbul, Colonial Secretary Iain Bashir. I do hope your long trip wasn’t to tiring, Please be seated. Would you care to have some tea or Turkish coffee?” asked the Sultan

The Sultan himself was dress in a jet-black business suit with a blue tie and white button up long shelve shirt. Yet one oddly that stick out about the Sultan was the fact, He lost his right hand now had a life like prosthetics right hand, which he wears a black glove all the time to hide it from being seen in public. It was scar from his early days as the Sultan, he lost his right hand while visiting the front line in a war, right when he was visiting his old friend at the medical center…yet the enemy did a massive attack on the KLM lines and just by luck a artillery shell land right on the medical center and killed the Sultan old friend and blow off his right hand…that’s life for you…

The Sultan office itself had book cases upon book cases of many books, written in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Turkish, Russian, German, Latin and English, the English section contain many classic works written like Moby-Dick, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Gulliver’s Travels a number of books by George Orwell, or H.G.Wells, or Aldous Huxley, Camus, Alexander Dumas, Frank Herbert, Vonnegut and many other authors were in the book case, yet there was another section on the case was full of comic strip collectors books, the comic strip itself was called Calvin and Hobbes, it happen to be one of the Sultan favorite comic strips.

On the walls of the Offices, many pictures were hung most of them were pictures of other foreign leaders that have visited the Sultan Office, but the ones on the Sultan Desk were of more personal value, they were pictures of the Sultan family and during his days in the arm forces. Also there was sign hanging on the desk, it was the Sultan Tughra, written in Ottoman Turkish, it said the Sultan full name

“Suleiman el Suleiman al Murad el Abdullah bin Bashir Pasha al Ghazi”

"Unfortunately while the majority of the crown colony supports the United Kingdom and His Majesty’s Government there is now and likely will be throughout the foreseeable future, a determined and likely organised resistance that intends to see cities such as Dawesport return to Khailfah governance. But, as you can see, they fail to grasp the resolve with which the United Kingdom supports the north its majority population."

Max said nothing, after all he wasn't sure what the truth of the matter was, but that would be the Oceania line even if they were representing one bald man with a pinki ring and a white cat.

"As for any counter-sniper team, I assure you that, the man who fired that shot was nobody more specialised than a rifleman. His Majesty’s Royal Marines are trained to produce markspersons as urban combat often allows a soldier no more than one chance to take down his target. I believe that if more attacks follow, the insurgents who carry them out will come to realise this."
Max attempted his best I am impressed look but taking out the rather pathetic joke of a sniper wasn't really all that impressive. What was impressive was that someone with an AK-47 had nailed three marines and almost added a lieutenant-colonel to his kill list.

But you say you hail from Cape Town, Mister Hudson, as a reporter what can you say about public opinion on this whole crisis – unfortunately being rather involved here in Dawesport I rarely have the chance to read the news anymore

Max coughed, "Public Opinion at the moment is one of the unknown quanities at the moment. Oh, I know this government or that government may call for your immediate withdrawl or support the annexation, but what the people think? The people don't truely know what is going on...most of the world is looking at the paper still and wondering where the blazes New Albion is. Of course that is my job isn't it, to make the world care what happens here."

Max looked up for a moment, "Ah Colonel...don't you think you should send someone up to remove the body? I mean leaving him hanging like that may, well harden harts against you?"

ooc: joint post with OK

Dawesport, Royal Crown Colony of New Albion, United Kingdom

Travers glanced up at the bleeding body, observing for a moment a droplet of blood lingering from the cooling flesh of a body that would likely begin to rot in several hours given the current heat and humidity. The body shall be taken care of, Mr. Hudson in due time, if it disturbs you of course I can expedite its removal, but for the time being we are more concerned with caring for our own wounded.

Of course Travers expected little else from reporters, while their own nerves may have become hardened from conflicts he doubted they would understand urban combat on the levels that he and his men and women had come to know far too intimately today.

Office of the Sultan, Istanbul, Khailfah al Muslimeen

Throughout the entirety of the drive, Bashir had noted the dreadfully tense silence that had pervaded every aspect of his visit from the cold shoulders of staff members to the suspicious and furtive glances by the palace guards. But as he shook the Sultan’s gloved hand he knew that if the situations had been reversed the United Kingdom would likely be showing just as much veiled hostility to an emissary of the Sultan.

As-salaam alaykum, Sultan, Bashir replied, having practiced some rudimentary Arabic phrases for his visit. Thank you for your most gracious hospitality, a cup of tea shall do splendidly. The Colonial Secretary inspected the bookshelves and found a curious mixture of Western and Eastern literature along with more esoteric titles that could admittedly be found in his own study in Port Hamptonshire.

"Very well, Tea it is." Remark the Sultan and he press intercom and he order two cups of tea. " The tea is on its way…" Then the Sultan ask in Arabic " Do you speak Arabic?"

The Secretary smiled and shook his head, I am afraid I do not, he responded in English having also taken the time to learn that phrase as well. What I just spoke was among the little I learned in the past twelve hours. A long and tiring but rather enlightening journey. Unfortunately, the United Kingdom remains a bit too distant from the great centres of Islamic culture and the Arabic language.

"Unfortunate indeed, maybe if we had a better understanding of each other…some of this mess could have been avoided…but what's done is done..maybe in the future we can work on that part…time can only tell." Replied the Sultan

The mess of New Albion, the Port Hamptonshire man said, how odd how the smallest of cartoons and comics can inflame such vitriolic passions in both our peoples, both our peoples now clamor for war and vengeance. But that is why I am here, suffice to say, as it is the belief of the Prime Minister and the senior cabinet officials that war is neither in the interest in the United Kingdom or the Khailfah.

" Its all about ones point of view…my good sir on the matter of cartoon…one man can find a cartoon funny and another man can find it as the most offensive thing , he has ever seen in his life..its all about point of view…and clash of points of views can be messy at times as we seen recently…and yes I do agree with you, there is no need for a costly war between our powers…since it will be such will be over a mere outpost in the Indian Ocean." The Sultan smiled and " But try to explain that over Hardliners of Parliament that want war and most of House of Viziers who want war also…its very hard to get them to change their minds..you see..but not impossible, but hard..yes all they want is something of value to get t"

Then a servant came in and gives two earl grey to the Sultan and Oceanian Official

"Would you like anything to go with your tea, sir?" asked the Servant.

The Bashir of Oceania bowed in thanks to the servant, actually, would you happen to have any breadfruit amongst your foodstuffs?

The Servant arches his right eyebrow and reply " I believe we have some breadfruit…I'll look into that, sir. " And he turn to the Sultan and asked " Sultan, do you want anything?"

The Sultan reply " No thank you." And he sip his tea

And just the dumbfounded Servant went out of the room, in a search for breadfruit

" Personally I prefer Jackfruit over Breadfruit for tea time." Remarked the Sultan.

The Colonial Secretary laughed politely, I suppose we Oceanians do seem an odd lot to the rest of the world. Breadfruit with tea is a common light meal in Port Hamptonshire, although in the capital people seem to prefer scones and muffins with their tea, and that to me seems rather odd. What differences a little geography can make, no? Allowing the one track to die, the Secretary too sipped his tea quietly for a moment before returning to the more pressing matters of state.

As far as Parliament and the Viziers are concerned, they want Oceanian blood you say. What, if anything would the hardliners be interested in obtaining from the United Kingdom?

The Sultan thought a moment and replied " The Hardliners may not want blood so per…but they are dead set on payback…..the only thing they will be interest in would compensation for the lost land and any lost of trade from losing North New Albion.." replied the Sultan.

For a long moment, the Colonial Secretary savoured the bergamot in his tea, by good fortune or through tireless intelligence work the Sultan’s staff had known black tea, and particularly Earl Grey happened to be a favourite of his. Of course, maintaining sovereignty over some of the most renowned areas for tea cultivation helped ensure a rather delicious stock. At last, the Secretary put his china cup down on the saucer and pulled up his briefcase, setting the right combination and pulling out a series of documents.

All the available economic data on the island, and in particular the north in the regions near Dawesport, indicate that at best, the island exhibited a gross domestic product of nearly 65 billion US dollars, for the sake of comparison between our two currency systems. Taking into account the population, that leaves the GDP per capita figure at a little over 2100, and most of that production centred not on the north but in Al-Malabaristan, in cities such as Jammu. Reports by geologists and mineralogists indicate further that the island remains devoid of any substantive natural resources. Quite frankly, outside of the land, the Khailfah stands to lose very little in New Albion. It is a poor and nearly bankrupt territory.

" True..very true.." replied the Sultan

Then the Servant returned and plate of breadfruit and said " I hope its to your liking sir." And with that he left Servant

"I do know that region is a backwater and not worth much in our eyes…yet the only way one can get the Ministers and Viziers off your back so to speak..one has to given them something to appease , and everyone has their price..dear sir."

By the way, the Secretary added, taking a small bite of the breadfruit, this is good breadfruit. He paused to swallow the morsel and then have a sip of tea, now beginning to run low in his cup. Of course, he continued with the earlier discussion, the United Kingdom is not insensitive to the needs of the Khailfah, in particular the desire to keep the Muslimeen economy stable. He paused to let the unprompted mention of the economy sink in.

As you are likely well aware, when Governor Mason declared his independence and then allegiance to Imperium, one of the private investments under his de facto administration that fell into UK hands was a mining operation near the town of Silcaster, owned and operated by locals favourable to the Crown. As you also likely well aware, this mine provided Istanbul with, shall we say, significant reserves of precious metals with which to back the dinar. All of these, of course, are small facts largely unnoticed by the international community – but certainly not to the more astute minds both here in Istanbul, The Secretary paused to take a long sip of tea, drawing out the silence in the Sultan’s office, and in Imperium.

The Sultan sip his tea and said" I see…hmm..well, if Istanbul is allow access to these mines…I believe the odds may go more in your favor..if such mines are open up to the KLM.."

"Also..within 24 hours from now…your nation companies assets in the KLM will be unfreeze….we hope our business relations were not harmed to badly." Added the Sultan.

Absolutely not, Sultan, this entire, the Secretary paused to find the proper word, affair, has simply been an unfortunate misunderstanding between our two peoples. Something that happens amongst friends. Of course, with regards to the mines near Silcaster, unfortunately given the legal restrictions of the United Kingdom and the mines’ private ownership, at best we can only guarantee that the owners of the mind will not sell the precious metals at above market costs.

"Very well..then take unfreezing of the assets as sign of goodwill...I belive that is good enough as long the market prices are reasonable..we have a deal...I do hope for better relations with your nation..althought since it appears we can work out our problems thought these private meeting..is the summit at Portland still needed?

The Colonial Secretary scratched his shaven chin. Of that I am uncertain, unfortunately your ally in Sarzonia has felt the need to show what little might she has left; as her recent economic collapse leaves many of us wondering how she can afford the massive shows of military force she purports herself to be capable of. Suddenly the Secretary found himself outside his prearranged bounds as nobody in the UK had anticipated the meeting to have proceeded as smoothly as it had, and now he would be deciding foreign policy instead of the Foreign Secretary. Perhaps an advancement upwards in the Cabinet was not entirely out of the question.

On the other hand, if our two governments can continue to meet and discuss affairs concerning the partitioning of New Albion and Al-Malabaristan in such amiable atmospheres than the acrimony between Woodstock and Imperium that would inevitably arise in any conference attended by officials from both government need not be exposed and sidetrack all parties from the intended goals of furthering peace and prosperity between our two nations.

"One must not underestimate ones friends of foes… Sarzonians tend to hot head at times..I agree…but they are respectable trade partners for KLM .. and good people once you get thought their tough skin…back to the point, earlier I believe a mult-party summit would have best to solve this problems. it appears not necessary anymore.. and I would rather have one on one meetings on the matter then to allow all media crocus of a mult-party talks…yet only if your government agrees to just have one on one summit, it will make thing more easy and faster….rather to a long heat debate between all the sides on this matter, if we do the summit in Portland." Said the Sultan and took another sip of tea.

The Oceanian official nodded before picking up his own cup of tea, taking a long sip and finishing his beverage. Indeed, while there are many things that unite Sarzonians and Oceanians they remain firmly committed to preaching democracy but practicing autocracy, a hypocrisy they all but fail to realise. He quietly replaced the cup on the saucer before continuing, Of course, the United Kingdom is not averse to dealing with states not entirely democratic as evidenced by my visit and our nascent, but rapidly growing, trade links. Yet, those states at least recognise themselves for what they are – not so in Woodstock. In Istanbul at least the UK has an honest partner with which to do business. But again, he finally added, deciding not to press an issue that could divide the two governments that seemed to be reaching an accord of some sort, back to the matter at hand. Of course I cannot speak for the Prime Minister on the matter without consulting him, but from our discussion before I left Imperium I believe the United Kingdom would be inclined to taking part in a series of bilateral meetings. In the end, they would likely prove far more productive than any talks in Portland.

"But of course, consult your government first and let us know, when we can conduct these talks….as soon as possible, I do not wish to prolong these tension for any longer then have gone so far…":replied the Sultan.

Indeed, Sultan. As soon as we are finished here I will report directly to His Majesty’s Embassy. So then we are, more or less, agreed to the current de facto partitioning of New Albion becoming a de jure division and border between our two states, after which trade relations shall again be normalised and the Khailfah be sold at reasonable market value precious metals from now Oceanian mines near Silcaster?

"That is correct, is there anything else to be discussed?" asked the Sultan

At this immediate time, I believe not – what remains are the technical details, which can likely be far better dealt with by ministers and bureaucrats far better acquainted with New Albion and Al-Malabaristan. So, with your leave, I shall return to my embassy and make my report to Lord Salisbury.

"Its good to meet you and good that we manger to laid down the goundwork for a lasting peace and rebuilding our trade relationship in such a timely matter, sir."

I most wholeheartedly agree, Sultan, and if the matters before us were not so gravely serious I would rather enjoy a more casual and informal tea. But, given the tense situation on the ground, I take my leave. The Colonial Secretary gathered the few papers he had pulled out and replaced them in his briefcase before bowing. Again, much thanks and appreciation for this opportunity, Sultan. With a second bow, the Oceanian Secretary backed out of the room until he met the same two palace guards, who once more quietly led him back to his waiting limousine.

The following takes place two days after the meeting between the Sultan and Oceanian official

Strategic Rocket Forces Command Bunker, location classified

A massive gun battle was breaking out in the hallways the mutiny factions were slowing the tide of the battle in their favor..only within a matter of few minutes, the mutiny faction overwhelm the loyalist forces. With that , a large of high ranking arm forces officers march into the command center itself, they were flank by their die hard supporters.

At the center of the room, stood Air Chief Marshal Hisham al Saad, the commanding officer of SRFC, he was flanked by two rebel officers, the leader of the rebel officers began to speak, he was dress in a black uniform of the Black Legions

“Comrade, Hisham.. I am disappoint, that you stay loyal to that pig of a Sultan….your were one of the most respect officers in the officer crops, my friend…you can still join us, old friend.” Said the Black Legion

The Air Marshal look at the rebel officers in disgust..and say “ Your all fuckin traitors to the Khailfah…your did the act of Mutiny against the Sultan…all because he met with Oceanian official to have a peaceful outcome to this crisis and this is what you do…fuckin turn your backs to the state you swear blood loyalty to….damn you all to hell…..don’t you dare call me friend ever again…”

The Black Legion Officer smiled and reply” Oh comrade Hisham..you misunderstand so much…..it’s a pity…you don’t get it…we swore to ourselves to never compromise our beloved state…yet this pig of a Sultan decides to finally agree to hand over a part of our nation to the pigs of Oceania…two days ago….he cross the line, he and his supporters have cross the line…HE IS THE TRAITOR to our beloved state. Therefore we are not turning our backs to the state, we are fighting our rights,.when we began the mutiny today, we first took him out.. and now his head is on a pike…along with his supporters from the Parliament, and House of Viziers….roughly 90 percent of the all the arm forces have swore loyalty to the Mutiny and we have the support of the Imperial Senate and Intel Agency like the High Guard , AMI and SIA….we are not acting alone, Comrade..you know deep in your heart you want to join us in our righteous cause…JOIN US!”

Hisham looked right his eyes and reply “ Fuck you, sir.”

The Black Legion officer smile and said “ I knew your going to say that…but before I kill you…I’ll show see how we take care of our foes who try to take our lands… yes, Air Marshal….we’re going to nuke those motherfuckers of Oceania to glass….and yes…we have the access codes ready…those sons of bitchs will suffer a painful death for their crimes to our nation….oh your for a show..comrade..”

Then the rebel missile officers began inputting the target coordinates in the targeting computer system, and yell back

“Sir, we’re ready to fire all 40,000 ICBMs and SLBMs, , we have our hunter killer satellites ready to attack all Oceania satellites and the EMP satellites got into range and began their EMP pulse attack on all Oceania major cities , we just need the access codes.”

The Black Legion Officer smile and nodded to his head officers to began inputting the codes into the system, to began the launched of the warheads

He finally said something to Hisham “ Yes, I know what your thinking…could they be really also deploying the 200 Typhoon warhead ICBMs, the missiles that are known have 100Mt…known as the Doomsday warhead…yes we are my friend….oh we will clean the maps of Oceania for GOOD…and yes…I know they will fire back…hopeful our officers at Missile Defense Gird can shot as much of theirs….and our foes will do likewise..but a good number of them will get thought…and now my friend it is time to set the chain reaction in motion…” Then the Black Legion officer walk over to the command panel and punch his command codes, just the ICBM silos, mobile units, SSBN and etc, open up for the first time..for the real thing…all over the Khailfah and Dominions, people could up in the skies and ICBMs flying high heading off to their targets for most of the people, it was the last thing they will seen, once the counterstrikes start happening…

Hisham fell to his knees in shock and say

“You derange maniacs, you finally did it….we finally went to far…damn you all to hell…damn you all…..” Then one of the Rebel Officers pull out his piston and shot him in the head, point blank.

The Black Legion officer pull out a Cuban cigars and lit it and said “ Gentlemen within the next 20 minutes our ICBMs will hit their targets and another 20 minutes their missiles will reach us.. and just it’s the end of the world as we known it, gentlemen…so don’t worry about it be happy, gentlemen, have a Cuban cigar and watch the fireworks as the happen…because we won’t going anywhere for a quite a long time….”

THIS WORST CASE SCENARIO paper was made by 'Ralph' the Wonder Llama, Red Llamas, 142 Mexican Whooping Llamas, 14 North Chilean Guanacos (closely related to the llama), Reg Llama of Brixton, and 76000 Battery Llamas from 'Llama Fresh Farms Ltd' near Paraguay.. but really it made by the crazy mofos of High Guard Agency, the odds of this having are so unlikely you have a better chance of getting shot by a cow with AK-47...so have a good day and get off my front lawn damn it!


Sultan Bashir was shook his head after he read the paper and remark to Grand Vizier “ Oi, why is it always the Intel Agencies that have the sick derange humor…..I shall never know…good thing only the heads of Intel agencies and some other ranking officials only saw this paper…derange what if…”

“Yes…we wouldn’t want the world to know…we have a very dark sense of humor…wouldn’t we?” reply the Grand Vizier

“Indeed….”remarked the Sultan

The sound of a fist slamming onto the wooden surface of a desk emanated from the Gray House office momentarily drowned out the news report of foot-dragging from the United Kingdom of Oceania as it seemed that the United Kingdom and KLM were both doing nothing but posturing.

"Mike, what are you going to do?" First Partner Jay Tyler was standing earnestly just decimetres away from the desk as Sarzo had his left hand poised atop the receiver for the Bat Phone.

"I had half a mind to call Salisbury and ask him why the fuck he's too chicken shit to get on with this Goddamn conference," Sarzo said. After a moment to reflect, he said, "and I was this close to saying it in those words," he said, holding up his right thumb and index finger just millimetres apart.

"You know that's not going to solve anything," Tyler said.

"I know," Sarzo said. "But it looks more and more like Salisbury and his bunch want to do nothing but posture."

"That's why it's time for you to get off your arse and call him on it."

"And risk the conference in Portland?"

"What conference in Portland?"

"The one Grant and John called for."

"Mike, that's not what I meant."

Sarzo realised what Tyler meant. He knew that his partner was familiar with the details of the Portland summit. Unbeknownst to Sarzo, Haffner and Newman ran their idea by the First Partner to get unfiltered feedback from the man who arguably knew Sarzo better than anyone. It took Sarzo a moment to realise what Tyler was getting at: Namely, with all the talk about a conference, they need to actually hold the conference.

"I suppose it's time to take a risk," Sarzo said.

Sarzo then got on his computer and began typing a message.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/msarzo/GreatSeal.jpg
Official Statement
Incorporated Sarzonian Government

The Incorporated Sarzonian Government wishes to express its outrage over the latest round of violence that has been brought about in the wake of tensions between the United Kingdom of Oceania and the Khailfah al Musilmeen. We have grown tired of waiting for a delegation from the United Kingdom to make its promised trip to Portland to begin the peace process in earnest.

The need for a peaceful resolution to this ever-spiraling crisis has never been more apparent as it has been following this latest outbreak of violence. The Incorporated Sarzonian Government calls upon the people we have invited to Portland to make their trips without further delay to begin the process of negotiation to bring about a resolution that does not carry further bloodshed.

We have done our parts by calling upon members of both governments to come to Portland. We now call upon our counterparts from the United Kingdom and the Khailfah to. Now isn't the time to posture and play for political favour. Now is the time to get down to the business we need to so that we can emerge from this calamity with assurance that it will not lead to war.

Michael A. Sarzo
President
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

Sarzo hit send, hoping against hope that his attempt to push both parties in the right direction wouldn't do the opposite.

Official Statement
Foreign Office of the United Kingdom

His Majesty’s Government reminds the international community that this situation remains gravely serious and, as recent events have shown, regretfully tragic for the people of the United Kingdom. To that end, however, this conference can afford neither to be rushed into session nor rushed to a conclusion particularly without the consent of the two most significantly involved parties, that of the United Kingdom and the Khailfah.

Thusly, if representatives of His Majesty’s Government are to attend the Portland Conference, we must humbly request the presence of the governments of the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia and the Grand Duchy of Hamptonshire in Portland as both governments retain sizeable interests in a peaceful resolution to this conflict, perhaps equally as much as the United Kingdom and the Khailfah. Additionally, both parties would add to the balance international renown for diplomacy and the resolution of crises through peace rather than arms.

While His Majesty’s Government appreciates the concern of the Incorporated States in finding an acceptable resolution to this crisis, the United Kingdom has not spent its time in idle political posturing as stated by the Sarzonian Government, but rather in near constant communication with New Albion officials and appropriate members of the international community attempting to find a solution.

Accordingly, His Majesty’s Government will continue to endeavour to find a solution to the problems of New Albion while awaiting word from the governments of Lord Rosecrans and Prime Minister Sorantanali as well as that of the Incorporated States. In one end all parties are united, that of the need for a resolution without anymore bloodshed. A point that the people of the United Kingdom are more acutely aware than any other invested party so far invited to Portland.

The Supreme Parliament House of Gálatilliön
Naerath, capital of the Eternal Republic of Xirnium

The magnificent chamber of the House of Assembly (cavernous and richly opulent, with an air of raw power about it that hinted at both its centuries-old existence and Parliament’s unrivalved dominance of Xirniumite Constitutionalism) buzzed with the low sound of whispered conversation, the honourable members having concluded their fierce debate for the present moment on the proposed National Childcare Amendment Bill 2006. Francis Ehtyar, the Lord Speaker of the House of Assembly (clothed in the resplendent long black and gold robes which were a symbol of his office) rose slowly from his raised seat at the front of the chamber and cleared his throat, preparing to address the gathered parliamentarians.

‘Order, order! It being noon, the debate is interrupted in accordance with Standing Order 227,’ the Speaker began, briefly adjusting how his spectacles sat on the bridge of his nose as he checked a schedule. ‘The debate may be resumed at a later hour. The honourable Member for Valarin shall have leave to continue speaking when the debate is resumed. We now come to questions without notice. Ahh, the honourable the Member for Athrabeth?’ asked the Speaker, noticing a parliamentarian who wished to address the House.

‘Thank you, Lord Speaker,’ replied Lord Nelson Alcarinque smoothly, standing to his feat and drawing his maroon cloak about him in an extravegantly regal gesture. ‘My question without notice is addressed to the Foreign Minister. Would the right honourable Minister inform the august House of Assembly of the Government’s official reaction to recent tensions between the United Kingdom of Oceania and the Federated States of the Khailfah al Muslimeen, in relation to the disputed island of New Albion?’

‘An excellent question!’ exclaimed one member, Lady Alice Tincotaema, nodding to her LDPX colleague.

‘The Right Honourable the Foreign Minister,’ announced the Speaker loudly, giving Lady Heather Gilda the floor.

‘Thank you, Lord Speaker... and I thank the honourable Member for Athrabeth for his question whilst noting with admiration his commendable interest in the matter,’ Lady Gilda began, smiling courteously at her Liberal Democrat adversary as she took a moment to clear her thoughts. ‘As the House is doubtless aware, the island province of New Albion is slowly descending into unfortunate sectarian and ethnic violence, following the recent unilateral declaration of secession, by Mr Mason’s revolutionaries, of the northern regions of the island from the Khailfah al Musilmeen, and the later pledge of fealty by that same group to the Oceanian government.

At present, the Foreign Ministry has declined the option of formulating and adopting any official posture in regards to this current situation. I shall, however, make several brief preliminary statements on the matter. The first…’

‘Lord Speaker, I rise on a point of order,’ began Lady Margaret Andatehta slowly, in an almost bored voice. Lady Gilda momentarily resumed her seat as the House listened to the interjection. ‘I note that the question was remarkably clear in its ambit - it asked the right honourable Minister for the Government’s official position. It did not ask her to go off on a frolic of her own and speak on whatever ancillary topic she pleases. Under Standing Order 144…’

‘Ahh, I thank the honourable Member for Nyelle, who may resume her seat. I shall rule on the point of order raised under Standing Order 144,’ announced the Speaker, pausing for a moment. ‘I believe that the right honourable Minister’s answer is currently within the scope of the question, and I am listening to its remainer carefully in order to ensure that it continues to adhere to the guidelines of Standing Order 144. The Minister may resume her response,’ explained the Speaker.

‘Thank you, Lord Speaker,’ continued Lady Gilda, after taking a sip of water, a little annoyed at the interruption. ‘As I was about to say, the first point is that the Xirniumite Government remains stauncly convinced that the current problem may still be solved entirely peacefully - by open, collaborative and frank dialogue between the respective nations involved. It yet remains to be seen, however, whether the governments of the United Kingdom and Khailfah al Musilmeen are capable or even willing of placing aside their own differences and selfish interests in order to negotiate towards such a solution.

The second point is one of concern, and that is over whether the fundamental doctrine of popular sovereignty is being accorded the appropriate level of consideration and respect by either of the involved parties. The Xirniumite Government must confess severe misgivings that the true wishes of the New Albion people have been disregarded by both the governments of the United Kingdom and the Khailfah al Musilmeen, in deference to the pursuit of their own individual interests. It is significant that the northern regions of the island have succeeded, not by legal popular referendum and with regard to the due process of law, but by the extra-Constitutional and extra-Judicial activities of secessionist factions under the leadership of one Mr George Mason. We have heard much from the United Kingdom government about the aspirations of the New Albion people, and yet no plebiscites have been held to determine definitively what these may actually be. At the very least, such behaviour raises doubts over the United Kingdom's own ulterior motives.

Self-determination, the inalienable and fundamental right of individuals to govern for and by themselves, has thus far been neglected (though whether by intent or otherwise the Foreign Ministry is not yet prepared to say). This situation is completely inexcusable, and must be remedied at once. Any attempt at rectifying the international incident which has risen over New Albion must therefore hold in mind the need to respect popular sovereignty, to uphold the Rule of Law and not to ignore the views of many for the opinions of but a few.

The final note (at this current point in time, in any case) that I shall make before the most noble House, is in regards to the actions of the United Kingdom herself. It is notable, I think, that there is no legal authority or precedent that one may draw on from amongst the ageless principles of the International Law that allows for the unilateral annexation, by a foreign nation, of sovereign territories belonging to a State which had not consented to such an action. Indeed, such a deed ordinarily (though certainly not always) provides a prima facie case of a violation of the doctrine of popular sovereignty, for the legitimate government of the territory in question, which rules on behalf of the people it represents, has had its sovereignty infringed on by a foreign power.

The entire international community should closely examine what has just transpired in New Albion, and must ask itself the very important question, was it legal? For if not, it must be condemned in the strongest possible sense.

Lord Speaker, the Foreign Ministry is still in the process of formulating an official stance on this most significant international situation. As soon as that has been done, I assure the esteemed House of Assembly that the honourable members will be informed at once.’

Lady Heather Gilda quietly returned to her seat, rather nervous about whether her hastily-formed, ad hoc response to the unexpected question would prove adequate to those intently watching Parliament.

‘The honourable the Member for Feanoria?’ asked the Speaker, as Question Time continued unabated.

KNN News Updated

In today’s news, the Imperial Government has pass two key acts of government; the first act is the Civil Reform Act of 2006 and Nova Atlantis Dominion Act of 2006. We will go into detail on these two major acts.

The First Act, the Civil Reform Act of 2006, is the first major reform for the regional governments in 20 years; it increases funding to build up the frontier and backwater regions of Imperium and make them up to par with the core regions of the Imperium. Also the Civil Reform Act, does a clean house of all regional governments, to be more exact this act, will dismiss any ineffective governors or sub governors that shown that they can’t run region effectively, they will only be dismiss after a panel of review, reviews case and recommends to the Sultan to dismiss them. Just this act is designed to improve the frontier and backwaters regions and to clean up and cut out any ineffectiveness within the System.

The Second Act, Nova Atlantis Dominion Act of 2006,this act has been passed by the Imperial Government, just the Protectorate of Nova Atlantis has made the requirements to become a official Dominion of KLM and formally be accepted into the Imperium. The new Dominion is located in South Pacific and it will make a fine addition to the Imperium.


In today’s other news

Hardliners Minister in Parliament reaffirmed their stance against holding any talks with Oceania on the matter of New Albion and they have repeated their calls to drive Oceania out of New Albion. Also in the House of Viziers, Hardliners Vizier stated the same.

And lastly, rumors state that the KLM Government is most unpleased with the idea of having two bias parties to attend the Portland Peace Summit, but no officially comment has been made.

Now for the weekly weather for Istanbul region.

From PNN.pc

Serodini welcomes invitation to join conference
But she stresses Pacitalian inclusion would seek to find a peaceful solution and not create more tension


PNN.pc staff

The female third of Pacitalia's governing triumvirate today moved to dispel charges by the KLM government that the inclusion of the Democratic Capitalist Republic at New Albion peace talks in Portland, Sarzonia, would create an "unhealthy bias".

"We may distrust Istanbul after we ourselves nearly came to blows with them a few weeks ago," said Albinanda Serodini, the Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs, Thursday. She was referring to the near total war between Pacitalia and the Khailfah over the sinking of a nuclear submarine and the retaliatory destruction of an aircraft carrier back in March. "But we have no desire to deliberately tip the scales in Oceania's favour; our goal if invited would be to ensure a peaceful end that benefits both the United Kingdom and the sultanate in Istanbul, as well as foreign entities with vested or indirect interests in the region."

Agustinate Serodini also went on the offensive to cut off any additional charges against the federal government, such being that Pacitalian delegates would take their inclusion as an advantageous situation in adding to the tension between Sarzonia and Pacitalia. "We have absolutely no interest in that. From here we wish to move forward and only forward, cautiously optimistic, in restoring relations with the Incorporated States, but before that, we desire a peaceful end to the tension over New Albion."

Serodini's press conference was the first since Prime Minister Sorantanali last week sacked all but two of his cabinet and consolidated power with himself, Serodini, and senior deputy prime minister Domenico Benficalzo. Foreign reaction to the power consolidation was surprisingly light, but protests against this perceived "assassination of democracy" are increasing in volume and quantity seemingly by the hour.

His Majesty’s Embassy, Istanbul, Khailfah al Muslimeen

Iain Bashir rubbed the end of his nose, his eyes moving from left to right and then back left again attempting to decide on a single item from the cafeteria vending machine. Finding nothing of particular interest he settled instead on a bottle of water, imported from an Oceanian colony in the south Pacific. At the very least he figured he could support the Oceanian economy. From behind him, as he stuck his hand into the bottom of the machine, he heard the doors swing open and with bottle in hand he turned to find the ambassador standing underneath the lintel.

If I may, Mr. Secretary, your impressions of the Sultan?

Bashir waved the diplomat to take a seat across from him at a small faux-granite tabletop, twisting open the bottle before taking his own seat. Most importantly, he began, pausing only for a sip of the cold water, I should say he struck me as a pragmatist, not an individual blinded by ideology. In my estimation, the Sultan is a man of great foresight – but hemmed in by the calls for bloody vengeance against our men and women serving in New Albion.

I should imagine any leader would be, the ambassador quickly added. While I cannot say for certain, my staff and I have some friends in Istanbul who believe that currently the Sultan is the man most responsible for holding back the hounds of war that continue to bay outside his palace. If we need anybody on our side at the moment it is the Sultan.

Taking a moment to enjoy his beverage, Bashir simply nodded his head in agreement. I have already spoken to the Prime Minister and the two of us are in agreement on the matter, a conference in Portland would only serve to undo the progress made today – but for now, the international community demands the conference.

The Secretary took a moment to stare out the soundproof window that overlooked the courtyard of the embassy grounds. After a lengthy silence between the two men, the Colonial Secretary looked down at the table before him and then back at the ambassador. We have a military attaché stationed here in Istanbul, do we not?

Indeed we do.

And one for economic affairs?

Indeed. The ambassador looked across at the clean shaven and angular face of Bashir with a measure of concern and anxiety; however, the ambassador’s peripheral vision rendering the rest of the Secretary a blur for want of his lenses.

Understanding the look, Bashir drummed his fingers quietly on the table. New Albion requires a great deal of work before coming a functioning, and economically viable colony of the Crown; after discussing the matter with Lord Salisbury we agreed that two measures need to be undertaken with the greatest degree of urgency: one, the establishment through an official referendum on the public’s desire to secede from the Khailfah; and two, establishing a secure border and ensuring the safety of the newest citizens of the United Kingdom. Both of those measures will require an increase of officials and military personnel from the rest of the United Kingdom – but before carrying them out unilaterally I believe I should inform the Sultan that the military presence of the United Kingdom will need to be elevated beyond that of a mere 1,000 men and women.

But why the focus on economics and finance?

The corner of Bashir’s mouth turned upwards into a sly smile. As any conference in Portland will likely devolve into a bitter expression of the pent up hostility between us and the Sarzonians it is most imperative that the Khailfah and the UK come to terms bilaterally without interference from foreign powers, most of which will be likely to side with the Khailfah, which the world sees increasingly as the aggrieved party.

Hence the elections, the ambassador muttered.

Hence the elections. Bashir nodded and lifted the bottle up to his lips once more.

Dawesport, Royal Crown Colony of New Albion, United Kingdom

Hold the line, lads. Private James Connelly glanced to his left towards the oddly soft and reassuring voice of the sergeant. Furtively, his eyes then dashed back and forth out across the mob of darker skinned individuals, likely Indians, but in truth their exact ethnicity mattered little as long as they continued to press against the thin line of Royal Marines holding the protestors at bay from ransacking the new administration building of the colony.

For a brief moment, Connelly allowed his right hand to relax around the grip of his rifle, the undersides of his fingers hitting against the rubber in a continuous wave of impacts, the sweat making the black matte rubber glisten in the relentless equatorial sun. Before him amid the linens of white, grey, and even black the private from Aberdeen could discern only an occasional shout in English – the rest being harsh shrills and shouts delivered by men and women kicking dust up in his face, pointing fingers and a few even throwing sharp, jagged rocks. Already the lieutenant had been carried away, a rock having torn a deep gash along his right cheek.

For a half hour the mob had grown, seemingly larger than the entire city. Since the ambush at the clock tower, the few insurgents and terrorists within Dawesport had grown only more brazen, taking potshots at Royal Marines foolish enough to go out on their own. Now the colonial capital had to deal with its first real organised protest against Mason’s actions. He was a man who had become a ghost, having retreated into safer premises for fear of his life.

Then suddenly, with the sun beating down onto his pale face, Connelly heard a crack then fell to the ground. He looked upwards and saw his comrades looking around, drawing their rifles up while the mob surged forward. Struggling to breathe, the young private staggered to his feet, his hands groping for a wound, finding nothing but a dent in his body armour – the result of a rifle round that now lay about the dust and dirt and stones.

Again without warning Connelly felt something, though this time nothing as violent as the shove he had experienced. Instead a warm and sticky feeling upon his cheek, his hand instinctively wiped away the substance that his eyes revealed to be red blood. Another rifle round had caused another Royal Marine’s face to explode. It took a long moment to sink in, but when it did another Royal Marine further down the line screamed out in agony. Another shouted something about being under attack. From somewhere Connelly heard Open Fire! He found a target and pulled the trigger. Training took over.

Official Statement
Office of the Lord Protector

The government of the United Realms of the Hamptonian Empire continues to closely monitor the situation in New Albion. Hamptonshire continues to support the United Kingdom in its efforts to bring this crisis to an end before any more lives are needlessly lost. To that end this government fully supports the endeavors of a certain government to bring the interested parties together. It must be noted, however, that forcing either the United Kingdom or the Khailfah to begin negotiations that they do not currently support or believe in is counterproductive.

The role of third parties in these negotiations should be limited to the role of mediator, not 'wrangler'. The only thing that provocative statements do is to decrease the likelihood that a viable solution will be reached in time. The host country serves as neutral ground, not as another force to further antagonize the United Kingdom and the Khailfah. This is not to say that the hosting national government should not make clear to the two disputants that a negotiated end to his situation is in their best interest. In fact, that should be the modus operandi of the host.

It is within the rights of the United Kingdom to ask that two parties that it feels have equal interests in peaceful resolution be allowed to participate in the conference. It is also within the rights of the Khailfah to do the same. This though, should not be abused. It is not the host's job to dictate who can come to the conference, but it is their job to keep the potential negotiations on track. The host government should only be able to disallow the participation of additional third parties if their participation would endanger the outcome of the conference, not because the host government may or may not have issue with potential additional third parties.

While the Grand Archduchy is a proud ally of the United Kingdom, our friendship does not blind us to justice or reality. While this government fully supports the inclusion of those areas of New Albion that wish to be part of Oceania into the United Kingdom, we also recognize the rights of those that do not wish to become subjects to the Oceanian crown. Our principal concern in this situation is that of self-determination. It is our belief, and we also believe it is plain fact, that the people of North New Albion wish to become part of the United Kingdom. The question then lies on the condition of the southern portion of the island and what, if any, restitution should be given to the Khailfah.

Hamptonian participation in the proposed conference would not be fully tilted toward the United Kingdom as some have implied. It is not in the interests of the Grand Archduchy to in any way force upon the Khailfah an unequal treaty or dissatisfactory end to this situation. Such a resolution would only breed further contempt and hostility. History shows us that lop sided treaties result it but one conclusion: war. Open warfare serves no one. It is in the best interests of Oceanians, Ottomans, Hamptonians, Pacitalians, the people of New Albion and the other third party members to reach a comprehensive and equitable peace. No matter how strong our ties may be with the United Kingdom, the Grand Archduchy would never put its name to a treaty that in any way disenfranchised any group.

The longer it takes for the concerned parties to come together at the peace table, the longer innocent lives will be placed in the balance. The people of New Albion deserve better than to be held hostage by global politics. They do not care about what the state of relations are between nations thousands of miles away that they may never have even heard of before. They do not care whether or not third parties are happy about the seating arrangements of a diplomatic conference. They do care about peace and safety. So let us all give that to them.


Written and Issued by:
Lord Philip Rosecrans, Duke of Eeasen
Lord Protector of the Realm



[OOC: The above statement should be considered as having been personally written by Lord Rosecrans himself]

Ministry of Defence, Imperium, New Britain, United Kingdom

Damnit all to hell, swore an irate Sean O’Donnell. The middle aged Defence Secretary held in his hands the latest report from Lieutenant-Colonel Travers, an engagement outside the colonial administration building that resulted in the deaths of at least some 75 civilian protestors – the only potential good news was multiple reports of gunfire coming from within the crowd. Instead of an entire hand covered in red there were now but four fingers. The sooner he could get troops out of the Home Islands and into New Albion the safer he would feel not only about the whole situation but about his own political future.

Dawesport, Royal Crown Colony of New Albion, United Kingdom

It hung in the air and lay thick upon the ground, even an hour after the disaster flies and scavengers had begun to gather and circle with the few medical response units drastically overwhelmed, a symptom of under funding from Delhi. Travers gingerly stepped around a body covered in a black sheet, with the barrel of his rifle he pushed the top aside and found a slender woman’s face, her eyes now closed but mouth open in abject horror. He pushed the sheet back into place.

Already members of his staff had begun to investigate the incident as word had begun to circulate that the big three UK media outlets, the KBC, ITN, and ABN would all have field units operating out of Dawesport. For now the Oceanian press depended upon the digital film and photographs taken by their pooled resources that had already been on the island – resources that now stood at the periphery taking pictures and documenting all that Travers did. And more importantly all that he saw.

By now of course, much of the vital evidence had already been gathered. Travers’ investigators had been fortunate enough to recover a Kalashnikov from one bullet-ridden body and the video and still surveillance from the compound documented several muzzle flashes within the mass of the crowd. Already he had asked for, and received, permission to provide copies of the footage to the media and within the half hour the big three of the UK would receive the tapes, in addition to KNN, PNN, the PBC, and the leading Hamptonian news services. From there Travers assumed it would be disseminated to even more leading news agencies. The last thing Travers needed was more international pressure on him and his unit. They needed to see the truth. Whatever the truth was…

En Route to Parliament House, Imperium, New Britain

Through the streets that linked the Citadel to the meeting place of the House of Lords sped a sleek black limousine, protected by a host of marked and unmarked cars and seen and unseen members of elite military and metropolitan police units. On the backseat sat a sullen-eyed Prime Minister, whose hands clutched papers that originated from across the globe. Across from him sat his bald chief of staff, who in his own hands held the day-to-day running of the United Kingdom, a far from enviable task.

Sean wants to send over more than a division of troops, over ten thousand personnel? Slowly, the Prime Minister rest one set of papers on the leather seat next to him before placing his tired eyes into his thumb and middle finger, rubbing them slowly.

A division of Royal Marines as well as a regiment of Gurkhas from Avinapolis; he feels that the Gurkhas might be used as not just a military weapon but a political one, convincing locals that they could very well live in harmony with the north and with the greater United Kingdom.

Salisbury allowed himself a faint smile, that and they are one of crack regular units.

Robertson smiled himself, a mere bonus, Your Lordship. But a very good one at that. As quickly as it came, the smile on the Chief of Staff’s face disappeared. Now, I have already spoken with Iain in Istanbul and we both agree, along with Sean, that the actual order for deployment should not be given until we have informed the Khailfah as any unilateral action could be misinterpreted as an aggressive action.

Tilting his head backwards, the Marquess allowed his head to lay still upon the head rest enjoying the brief respite as he talked to Howard though his eyes remained glued to the ceiling. Now what about this latest news from President Sarzo, he denounced Constantino if I read the briefing correctly?

Indeed he did, apparently, according to the Sarzonians, Pacitalia is now an official anarchy as they recognise no legitimate government.

For a moment Salisbury lay still, but then he finally shook his head. Bloody fool, he muttered to nobody in particular. Of course nobody wants Constantino in power, but by isolating him does Sarzo not realise he is but pushing a rabid and paranoid dog into a corner. The world needs to gently coax him out of his insanity, not threaten him at all but knife point. The Marquess lowered his gaze and found his Chief of Staff, still sitting across from him. Since the annexation of Novikov the two countries had grown steadily apart, although in truth they had never been too close to start. Yet now Portland loomed large on the horizon, do you still think we can pull this off, Howard?

The unspoken question loomed large before the Chief of Staff, who had not long ago convinced the Prime Minister that the original goal behind the entire situation, the original endgame and exit strategy could still prove both viable and achievable despite the unforeseen course corrections. I do, Robertson answered quietly, but firmly. I do indeed.

The Jurisprudence of Treason and Revolution
University of Sindaerinwe, Faculty of Law

Lord Maxwell Kementari, LL

Brief extract from guest speech to first year law students, footnotes and cases cited omitted

The overthrow of any established legal order in a State, whether via coup d’état or revolution, always posses a great dilemma for the Constitutional lawyer. The determination of the exact legal status of a new regime that has usurped power and acquired control over a sovereign territory is certainly never an easy task. The difficulty is compounded by the axiomatic presumption that it is not possible to decide that there are two lawful governments in existence at the same time whilst each is seeking to prevail over the other. One either considers the old order to be legitimate, or else holds its usurper to be de jure sovereign.

In considering this Constitutional issue, one must therefore always bare in mind historical fact. In many countries (the United States of American being one prime example, the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics another), there are or have been regimes universally recognised, by their international peers (including Xirnium), as lawful, that nonetheless derive their origins from revolutions or coups d’état. The question for the Constitutional jurist invariably becomes, therefore, how and at what stage does a new regime become lawful?

Any examination of this particular issue of the International Law would be remiss without a case study in which one can apply the principles to be outlined. A contemporary example is that of New Albion, the northern areas of which recently carried out a coup d’état and ostensibly declared their secession from the pre-existing governmental arrangement. Though the situation in New Albion involves foreign governments (particularly the United Kingdom of Oceania, in addition to ancillary third-parties), is politically complex, and has yet to be concluded, this need not preclude its use for the purposes outlined.

One test of legality which has been suggested, and for which there is some weighted authority in the International Law, is the doctrine of effective control. The leading cases in this area provide the ratio decidendum that the test is never made out when a former government is still striving for power. A more elaborate test, which builds on the general principles already outlined, is that a Court may hold a revolutionary government to be lawful, and its acts to have been legitimated ab initio, where it is satisfied that the government is firmly established (there being no other government in opposition), and that the government’s administration is effective (in that the majority of the people are behaving, by and large, in conformity).

Applying the test outlined above to the facts in question, we come to the first requirement - that the government be established, or in effect there be no other government in opposition. Such appears not the case in New Albion, where the government of the Khailfah is actively involved in efforts to reassert control over the disputed regions, and has not conceded its loss of the northern half at this point in time. Indeed, much speculation continues to exist that the Khailfah shall attempt by force of arms to expel the usurpers. Furthermore, the government of the southern areas of New Albion continues to proclaim its jurisdiction over the entire island. Under the principles of the International Law, this therefore provides prima facie a cause for rejecting the legality of the Mason revolution at this current point in time.

The second requirement was that the government’s administration be effective. Once more we encounter severe problems when applying such a requirement to New Albion. Consider, for example, the increasing ethnic and sectarian tensions. Consider also the public demonstrations against the new order, and the recent breakdown in order and of the Rule of Law as evidenced by the fresh killings of seventy-five civilians by the new regime. All of these observations cast serious doubts on whether one might regard the revolutionary government of northern New Albion as effective, and consequently whether it be legitimate at all.

[The remainder and vast part of his Lordship’s speech consisted of a review of other criteria which might be used to examine the legality of revolutionary regimes, the question of whether Courts formed before coups d’état may supra-constitutionally judicially recognise a new order, academic work in this field by renowned Xirniumite jurists and a detailed examination of Xirniumite and International case law on all of the matters.]

His Lordship
Lord Justice Maxwell Kementari
Law Lord of Appeal in Ordinary
Justice of the High Supreme Court of the Eternal Republic of Xirnium

OOC: This post it was made by a someone who wishes to remain anonymous.

IC:

Intro:The far-right extremist New Albion Islamic Power Party, a relatively unknown party within the local politics of New Albion, it had never even collected enough votes to gain a seat on the local council, and do to the recent events and the Oceanian illegal Annexation, popularity has dramatically increased for the Party… and it used its Radio station to voice their radial opinions which were not part of mainstream thought of KLM..

New Albion Islamic Power Party leader Muhammad Sayyid Abul al-Sadr made the following speech from his party’s privately owned radio station.

“People ask me why I so intensely hate the neo-Brits, it’s because of who they are descended from and what they have done to our people now. Who are they descended from? They are the descendents of the foul British Empire, the descendents of those who did our people such great harm, the children of those whose jack-boots we were once forced to lick. What have they done to us now?! They have insulted our most holy and scared Prophet, stolen our land, and killed our brethren! They seek to make us their slaves once more! In the north they are murdering anyone who is not British or Christian! To those in the north who have resisted the vile imperialist dogs I say continue your resistance. Do not stop until the Neo-Brits have been driven back into the sea. Stab the imperialists in the heart! Praise be to those who have martyred themselves in the glorious defense of our nation, our faith, and our people.”

“To my brethren in the south I say look around you and ponder why the Neo-Brits have attempted to take our homes from us. It is because there are English settlers here. These English peoples, they are little different from cockroaches. What do you do when you see a cockroach? You stamp it out, because one will soon become one hundred. Let us stamp out the cockroaches together. Exercise your right to purchase guns and swords, arm yourselves, stay alert, and watch your neighbors… This is NAIR, Islamic Power Radio.”

"NAIR continued such broadcasts for 14 hours straight until the Government noticed and shut them down.

(OOC:Note the next part is written by me)

Roughly 10 hours after NAIR broadcast the hate message, a report was filed by the regional government of India to the KLM Department of Communications, which have reviewing the broadcast, and ruled the broadcast broke a number of laws on Speech and it was also was in sighting racial hated against the local English in the area, just the Department of Communications pull the plug so to speak on NAIR for breaking a number of Imperial Law Codes on the matter and just the station was shutdown. The Department of Communications posted its ruling on its official website to make it public.

Excerpt from an Interview with Gaspard de Prouville, the Honorable Vice Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Amestrian Public Broadcasting (Dubbed into English)

APB Afternoon News
Reporter: Lily Claudette Chauchoin

Ms. Chauchoin: “You’re Honor, what is your reaction to the recent violence in northern New Albion, which has reportedly claimed the lives of around 80 people?”

De Prouville: “The sudden outbreak of violence in northern New Albion should come as no surprise as many knowledgably people and institutions have voiced clear warning. The violence currently plaguing the north is the result of several factors, the alienation many non-European individuals feel towards George Mason’s revolutionary and supremacist regime, the Mason regimes utter lack of legitimacy, the breakdown in government services caused by many experienced KLM officials fleeing south, too few security personnel to maintain order, and the enflaming of sectarian tensions and nationalist passions by the UK’s unilateral declaration of control.”

The Vice Deputy Minister paused briefly.

“It all amounts to another nail in the coffin of the Oceanian government’s rational for intervention. So far no civilians have been killed in New Albion by the KLM authorities, the only state violence committed, however inadvertently, against civilians has come from the detachment of UK Royal Marines presently occupying the north. The KLM authorities have successfully suppressed public unrest in the south and prevented new outbreaks. The Khailfah Al Muslimeen Government has proven itself to be capable and competent at the islands administration, which is more then can be said for UK and their puppet Mason, who I hear is now in hiding in fear.”

Ms. Chauchoin: “Vice Deputy Minister, what is your response to the recent statement made by Lord Philip Rosecrans, Lord Protector of the Hamptonian Empire, concerning the New Albion crisis?”

De Prouville: “Lord Rosecrans statement is rather amusing in that it neglects to mention that the security situation in northern New Albion has rapidly deteriorated entirely due to the incompetent and illegitimate actions of the United Kingdom. Lord Rosecrans says that the people of New Albion deserve better than to be held hostage by global politics. Well, it is the United Kingdom of Oceania that is holding the population of New Albion hostage for global politics, not the KLM. It is Oceania that started this whole crisis by attempting the annexation of another nation’s sovereign territory out of the blue. The consensus of the international community is that the United Kingdom has acted illegally. So far only two Governments view the UK’s actions as legitimate, the United Realms of the Hamptonian Empire, and the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia. Every other nation in the world has either condemned Oceania’s actions or withheld recognization of its claim to New Albion. It is quite apparent that as far as the UK is concerned legality and world opinion is irrelevant.”

Ms. Chauchoin: “Has the position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs changed?”

De Prouville: “No, the Amestrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to call publicly for the United Kingdom to either withdraw from New Albion or agree to direct talks with the KLM in Portland to settle the dispute.”

* * * * * *

Excerpt from an Interview with Arlette Laguiller leader of the opposition Workers' Struggle Party*, spokeswomen, Parliamentarian, and Presidential Candidate on Amestrian Public Broadcasting (Dubbed into English)

APB Afternoon News
Reporter: Lily Claudette Chauchoin

Ms. Chauchoin: “I understand Ms. Laguiller that you have made several comments recently that have been very critical of the United Kingdoms actions in New Albion...”

Ms. Laguiller: “Yes, the actions of the United Kingdom have just been outrageous, as has its flippant disregard for international law and world opinion. The UK government has tried to portray itself as a shining knight on a white horse fighting a courageous battle for liberal democracy when it is nothing more then a sniveling little cutpurse trying to rationalize its wanton theft of another nation’s sovereign territory. Lord Salisbury cares nothing for the people of New Albion, democracy, or human rights. The people of New Albion have been greatly endangered by the actions of his government, New Albion had a democratic and representative government before Mason’s coup, there were no human rights abuses being committed against the European population by the Khailfah Government now an unelected undemocratic tyranny controls the northern half of the island, and people are being shot dead in the streets. The KLM has in fact shown itself to be a superior steward of the island and its various people. Imperialism, geopolitics, and the spread of its laissez-faire economic system on the backs of others, that is why the United Kingdom has attempted to seize New Albion, liberal democracy, human rights, and the wishes of the New Albion people had nothing to do with it.”

Ms. Chauchoin: “You have urged the government and the Foreign Ministry to take a more active approach in resolving the crisis…?”

Ms. Laguiller: “Yes, Lord Salisbury and his government has so far shown no regard for international opinion, either that or he is indeed as blind and deaf as the Wounded Duck has portrayed him. Since the UK leadership primarily cares about profits, the international community perhaps needs to start a campaign of collective economic pressure against Oceania, retaliatory increases in tariffs for instance, in order to either bring them to the table or help force their withdrawal.”

Ms. Chauchoin: “Returning now to domestic politics Parliamentarian, your party’s leadership has just released its updated plan regarding economic regulation, restructuring, and wealth redistribution…”

(*OOC: The Workers’ Struggle Party is a Trotskyist party that controls less then one percent of the seats in Parliament.)

KBC World News

A bright faced man devoid of any blemishes, save perhaps the slowly balding head topped with white hair, appeared after the catchy identity that splashed briefly upon the television screen alerting those watching that KBC International had switched from its diversionary programming to that of its daily evening broadcast of KBC World News.

Good evening on this the second of July, the time is now 18 hours in Imperium, 4 in Timiocato, and 6 in Hamptonshire. I am Niles Ledger and from the KBC Broadcast Centre in Philadelphia this is the KBC World News and these are our top stories.

The older man turned his head while the camera cut to a second vantage point, this one a far tighter shot.

Carnage continues to intensify in New Albion while world opinion continues to mount against the United Kingdom, with officials from several hostile parties demanding the UK acquiesce to talks in Portland, Sarzonia to resolve the situation. In Hamptonshire, drama continues to unfold as the national elections draw nearer, the HBC reporting irregularities in the campaign contribution records of the Labour-Democratic Reformist Party. Meanwhile in Pacitalia, more clamoring from politicians opposing the consolidation of power by Prime Minister Sorantanali.

Once more the man turned his head, this time back to the original wide-angle shot that had fed into the brief summary. Below him a simple rectangular graphic came into view, its title simple: ‘Crisis in New Albion.’ Yesterday’s massacre of what officials now claim as 78 individuals has precipitated a marked increase in criticism from foreign officials, again on the grounds of the legitimacy of the action and the concerns for security in the crown colony in the aftermath of yesterday’s massacre and the car bombing earlier this week in which several Royal Marines were killed.

Quickly, the shot from the studios of the KBC in Philadelphia cut to a depiction of a dusty plaza, a dust with the tint of crimson coming not from rust but from dried blood. This is the aftermath of a bloody nightmare for hundreds of Dawesport citizens who had arrived for a peaceful protest but found by the end of the day 78 of their brethren dead on this ground.

The footage shifted to that of a scarred and wrecked Jaguar armoured vehicle, a small number of Royal Marines milling about smoking and inspecting automobiles that passed. The protest came after a car bombing that killed three Royal Marines, prompting the unit’s commander to initiate a series of security checkpoints on the outskirts of the city, now the screens displayed one such checkpoint, hurriedly constructed of sandbags and pre-cast concrete blocks and manned by two heavily armed UK Marines. These checkpoints have created considerable hardships for the poorer parts of the population, who live in the rural farmlands outside the city and sell their fruits and vegetables in the city markets to earn a living. However, recent evidence, again the pre-recorded video cuts, this time to footage of the protest, in circled areas muzzle flashes clearly discernible from within the crowd and atop nearby buildings. Recent evidence indicates that the protest may not have been as peaceful as backers of the slain once claimed; information released by the Royal Marines and the United Kingdom shows that some elements of the crowd did open fire upon the Royal Marines guarding the colonial administration centre.

The package then cut to not a video but a still image of the Amestrian Vice Deputy Foreign Minister. The Amestrian government has blamed the massacre on the United Kingdom’s ‘unilateral declaration of control’ and Royal Governor Mason’s ‘revolutionary and supremacist regime.’ And while Governor Mason has largely been kept out of the spotlight throughout the crisis, the KBC was granted an interview by the appointed governor.

On the screen, people see the familiar sight of George Mason, in a brown suit with a small polished chain dangling out of a breast pocket in his jacket, behind him, a less-than opulent sitting room, the drawing room of the Royal Governor. Governor Mason, many in the world say you have no authority to speak for the people of New Albion, do you?

Lies. Such claims are facetious in nature, and while I admit now that the south may not be as fervent in their support of joining the United Kingdom I represent the north in what international observers recognised as a fair and free election.

But those elections were not for the local governing council, were they?

No, Mason replied slowly, they were for the New Albion House of Assembly, the actual governing body of the north. The council based in the south has not governed the north for decades and as such the island has recognised that the House of Assembly is the actual governing authority—

But surely not for the south, the journalist interrupted, Al-Malabaristan has seceded from the north in the fashion you unilaterally seceded from Istanbul, and—

Our secession was not unilateral; it came after a long dialogue within members of the ruling Commonwealth Party, which has long advocated for secession from the Khailfah. Unfortunately, without the backing of a power such as the United Kingdom our independence from Istanbul cannot be maintained and as such I petitioned Imperium to accept us as a crown colony. Mason smiled, content and self-assured despite the obvious incredulity from both the interviewer and the larger world audience.

Then your House of Assembly, does this have a great deal of representation from the south?

Unfortunately not, the southerners choose to deal more often with the local councils than the House. Regretfully Dawesport lacks the means with which to enforce legislation from the House upon the south, though by the same token the south lacks the ability to enforce their own counter-legislation upon us.

Then, given your own admissions here, can you say that the House of Assembly faithfully represents the south?

Yes.

So then do you recognise the Khailfah sovereignty over the south, over Al-Malabaristan?

Absolutely not. We in Dawesport represent the whole of New Albion and our declaration covered all of the island, not just the north.

Is this despite claims made by Lord Salisbury and his ministers that the south shall remain in Khailfah hands?

Indeed. I believe that the Prime Minister was misinformed about the full scope of my declaration and I eagerly await his rectification of that mistake.

The news item cut back to the dusty place that had seen such carnage the day before. Finally, the thin and young male reporter walked into the picture, wearing a helmet and a bulletproof vest for protection. That was a part of the interview we obtained with Governor Mason, for the remainder please tune into the World in Detail to be broadcast later this evening. Dawesport, however, remains quiet despite calls from the south for more armed violence and more terrorism, the local extremist radio station NAIR calling for the terrorists in the north to continue to ‘stab the imperialists in their hearts’ and to continue to die as martyrs in defence of their country. For now many of the concerns and questions of the world and the United Kingdom remain unsolved in this small and underdeveloped island. From Dawesport, New Albion I am Keith Brembly reporting for the KBC.

The shot faded into that of the main anchor, the segment title still reading ‘Crisis in New Albion.’ For more on the crisis we turn to Elizabeth Peters in Port Hamptonshire.

Cutting to a stock video of the Philadelphia Exchange, a feminine voice came through while traders conducted their business. It was here at the Philadelphia Exchange where the United Kingdom began to answer calls for public restitution of perceived damages to the Khailfah economy. The scene then shifted to a picture of a massive skyscraper that overlooked a body of water of dark marine blues punctuated by massive container and liquid cargo ships heading in opposite direction. Earlier this week, officials at AKR Mining Group based in Port Hamptonshire announced their intention to spin off their newly acquired holdings in New Albion into a subsidiary company to be incorporated as the Silcaster Mining Group. Today, upon the creation of the new, but limited in scope company, AKR announced that it would sell 49% of its shares in Silcaster Mining to the Al Muslimeen Joint Stock Mining Company. Again the images shift to those of stock footage of openings to underground mine shafts outside Silcaster, prior to the conflict. Among the assets held by the Silcaster Mining Group are eight gold mines, which analysts see as critical to the preservation of the Muslimeen monetary system, which is backed by precious metals unlike the fiat system in use by the United Kingdom…

Office of the Prime Minister
The Citadel, Imperium, New Britain

Lord Salisbury pressed the button and turned the television off himself, his face clear and voice calm though his eyes burned fire. I do not care what reasons you need to create, but get that bloody fool on a plane to Imperium immediately. And as soon as he is onboard, release a statement through the Foreign Office repudiating his childish comments.

KNN Breaking News

“ This is just in, a major explosion has been reported in the Syriana Mining Complex, Antioch Mountain range in the Dominion of Syriana. We just getting in more reports that the explosion, happen because the miners were trying clear up a path that was block by cave in, when they use TNT, it has apparently destabilize the entire complex, resulting into a massive chain reactions, which lead the explosion. The Syriania Mining Complex, is one of the key suppliers of Gold, Platinum, Diamonds and Sliver for the State Banking Corporation reserve banks. The impact of this explosion will known soon, all depending on the damages from the explosion. Please stay tune for further updates


At the Sultan Palace, two days laters after the explosion….the day where the damages reports came in…

“ WHAT THE BLOODY HELL…..24 MONTHS FOR THE FREAKIN MINES TO BE RESTABLIZE AND BACK IN ACTION….damn it all to hell….we need those mines open….more then ever!” remarked the Sultan after the reading the report

Then the Grand Vizier commented “ Its get worse my Sultan…When the Syriana mines were running and along with our mines in Eurasia, and in the other regions of the Khailfah….we break even..and mine enough…rare metals to support our economic growth and to back our dinars….but without the Syriana mines…we were not…breaking even….our production is cut by 30 percent , my Sultan…..we can’t push the mines in the other regions any further then they are at the moment..”

Then the Prime Minister weight in

“Also the latest reports show the newly enlarge mines in Nova Atlantis can’t make up for the shortfalls…my Sultans….if we can’t restore production by at least 15 percent…the value of the Dinar will fall rapidly over the next six months...”

And the ever so silence High Chancellor Hashmir al Horatius Bin Assad (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/255965c9.jpg) made his opinion known “ Also by reading this report…the mines were producing roughly 80 billions dinars worth of rare metals every three months and this month was the beginning of the new mining cycle…..so we stand to lose roughy..8 mining cycles of rare metal shipments to the Central Bank….which is 640 billion dinars in total…we just lose access to….this is very bad…we must release some of the reserves to over a period of time to prevent total destabilization of the Dinar and our nation very system..”

“Yes, indeed…..indeed….we always maintain roughly 20 percent of our currently out on the market is backed by rare metals…and we must keep that up..we have approximately enough gold in reserve to off set a massive lost, but we can’t prevent a big lost..therefore we’re release number of reserves bank bars of Gold and Slivers to the States Banks to back the Dinars, every month to prevent a major fall out…I believe…this changes everything with Oceania…..since..we can’t a do much over New Albion…do this major crisis of our own.. damn we’re fucked..“ Said the Sultan

Transcript- Excerpt from an interview with Princess Anne, Domestic Affairs Minister, on the HBC show Capital Watch

Interviewer: Don Evans
Guest: Princess Anne

Don Evans: You will forgive me, Your Highness, if I stray a bit from the topic of strictly domestic affairs.


Princess Anne: Of course, as long as you keep it within reason.


Evans: Princess, you are no doubt aware of the situation in New Albion. The island is slowly descending into chaos and there are increasing concerns in the international community that the government in North New Albion isn't even a legitimate organization. Then, to top all of this off, we're getting news from Dawesport that more than seventy-five civilians were killed by the Oceanian Royal Marines. My question is, can Hamptonshire continue to stand by Lord Salisbury and his government?


Anne: First off let me make one thing absolutely clear- The federal government wholeheartedly believes that a peaceful resolution can be concluded once the disputing parties come together. To that end, yes, Hamptonshire continues to offer its support to the United Kingdom of Oceania. We do so not because they are a friend or ally, but because what has happened has precedent in international history. An elected assembly has declared itself to be separate from its mother nation. That assembly then made the decision to ask another nation to annex it. While it is a messy issue, even under perfect conditions, this sort of thing happens.

I do have issue, though, with some of the positions staked out by Governor Mason. While I can appreciate his zeal in defending what he feels is his home, his outlandish claims that South New Albion cannot succeed from the North are highly suspect. If the South cannot enjoy the same right of self-determination that the North has used to declare itself part of the United Kingdom then Hamptonshire will have to reconsider its options. We hope, though, that Mister Mason, Lord Salisbury and other members of the government can agree to a compromise that is acceptable to the Khailfah.

[Princess Anne pauses to drink from a glass of water]

As for the mounting violence in New Albion, I am personally horrified that it is occurring. It is absolutely essential that authorities on the island and in Imperium and Istanbul work to make cities and villages of the entire island safe again. However, that can only be done once the question of the island's status has been addressed. Only once a framework for a political solution has been agreed upon can the rebuilding of ruined homes and families truly begin.


Evans: Are the Foreign Office and the Lord Protector doing anything to exert pressure on Salisbury to find a solution quickly?


Anne: I have no comment on that. The Foreign Minister and the Lord Protector are doing their jobs to the best of their abilities, just as I am doing.


Evans: Is there a step that the federal government would like to see taken in New Albion in an attempt to end the current crisis?


Anne: Let me make this clear, this is not a crisis. It is a very regrettable situation but far from unworkable. While there is still more than enough room for New Albion to descend into a 'crisis state', it is not there yet. There is something that has popped up in my meetings with Doctor Hayek and Lord Rosecrans. We think that an island wide plebiscite on the status of the North and South could do much toward ending the hostilities. If fifty-five percent of two thirds of the North's electorate decide to join the United Kingdom that would be virtually impossible for the international community to ignore. It may be a high threshold but it will definitively put this issue to rest.


Evans: You're talking about a plan that would recognize the annexation if fifty-five percent of two thirds of the North's voting population vote in the affirmative?


Anne: Yes. I believe that it is a viable option.


Evans: I’ve been talking with Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne the Domestic Affairs Minister. I thank you, Your Highness, for your time.


Anne: You are welcome.

Garrison HQ, Al Malabistan


Flag Rank Commander Ghassan Sami was busy at his office reading the latest reports from Istanbul.. the situation with Syriana wasn’t going well.. The State Mint has already cut back printing of new Dinars notes, do the fact, they can’t back has much notes as they use to, since the lost of Syriana mines. This was very bad sign for things to come for the Khailfah. Then Major Fazil Iskander Gorky enter the office

“Sir, I have some important information to report.” Said the Major

“What is it, Major?” ask the Flag Rank Commander

“Sir, the locals are getting uppity…with recent broadcast from KBC…since that traitor claim all of the Island has his own…and believes that the south breaking off…is foolish and it will remain apart of New Albion…” reported the Major

“Well…order the local police to deal with it, and assign some home guard regiment to help in making sure…that those upset locals don’t try anything dumb or something they will regret…..besides our AMI Colonel just told me his freedom fighters will be ready to began their raids starting next weeks, but the AMI Command has to approve the raid first.…so therefore the locals will get their blood as they wanted.. But that’s if…the current crisis with our rare metal supply isn’t solve by next month… we’re be in deep trouble…Gorky…we’re internal bleeding to death…and there is little we can do but watch our nation suffer thought this ordeal …” said the Flag Rank Commander

KNN Breaking News

“ This is just in, a major explosion has been reported in the Syriana Mining Complex, Antioch Mountain range in the Dominion of Syriana. We just getting in more reports that the explosion, happen because the miners were trying clear up a path that was block by cave in, when they use TNT, it has apparently destabilize the entire complex, resulting into a massive chain reactions, which lead the explosion. The Syriania Mining Complex, is one of the key suppliers of Gold, Platinum, Diamonds and Sliver for the State Banking Corporation reserve banks. The impact of this explosion will known soon, all depending on the damages from the explosion. Please stay tune for further updates


At the Sultan Palace, two days laters after the explosion….the day where the damages reports came in…

“ WHAT THE BLOODY HELL…..24 MONTHS FOR THE FREAKIN MINES TO BE RESTABLIZE AND BACK IN ACTION….damn it all to hell….we need those mines open….more then ever!” remarked the Sultan after the reading the report

Then the Grand Vizier commented “ Its get worse my Sultan…When the Syriana mines were running and along with our mines in Eurasia, and in the other regions of the Khailfah….we break even..and mine enough…rare metals to support our economic growth and to back our dinars….but without the Syriana mines…we were not…breaking even….our production is cut by 30 percent , my Sultan…..we can’t push the mines in the other regions any further then they are at the moment..”

Then the Prime Minister weight in

“Also the latest reports show the newly enlarge mines in Nova Atlantis can’t make up for the shortfalls…my Sultans….if we can’t restore production by at least 15 percent…the value of the Dinar will fall rapidly over the next six months...”

And the ever so silence High Chancellor Hashmir al Horatius Bin Assad (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/255965c9.jpg) made his opinion known “ Also by reading this report…the mines were producing roughly 80 billions dinars worth of rare metals every three months and this month was the beginning of the new mining cycle…..so we stand to lose roughy..8 mining cycles of rare metal shipments to the Central Bank….which is 640 billion dinars in total…we just lose access to….this is very bad…we must release some of the reserves to over a period of time to prevent total destabilization of the Dinar and our nation very system..”

“Yes, indeed…..indeed….we always maintain roughly 20 percent of our currently out on the market is backed by rare metals…and we must keep that up..we have approximately enough gold in reserve to off set a massive lost, but we can’t prevent a big lost..therefore we’re release number of reserves bank bars of Gold and Slivers to the States Banks to back the Dinars, every month to prevent a major fall out…I believe…this changes everything with Oceania…..since..we can’t a do much over New Albion…do this major crisis of our own.. damn we’re fucked..“ Said the Sultan

Xenizen National Bank, Hong Kong-

The Director screamed at the financial reports. Indeed, the President was screaming at him. Something had to be done to avoid a market bleedout in Upper Xen...and to prevent the loss of his job.

"Mr. President, I understand perfectly that the KLM is about to enter financial crisis. And this crisis could spread to our shores, we trade with them, investors are going to piss their pants."

President Lew replied, "Damnit, then what can we do?"

The Director said, "We can send them money."

Lew then said, "Well, what's stopping you?"

Sighing, the director said, "It's called the gold standard. We use a fiat sys-"

Lew then said, cutting in, "My family's old hands when it comes to economics; you don't think I know that? So, we give them gold."

The Director then said, "No. Even if its a loan, we don't have enough."

Lew then jumped in, "Perhaps not a loan, but a grant. half silver, half gold."

The Director then said, "Dammit.....We don't have that much!"

Lew then said, "I didn't say give it all away, jackass."

Then, the Director got up, and said, "Okay, then what?"

Lew then smiled on his end, and said with glee, "We give 100 billion in specie, half silver, half gold. Do we have that much?"

The Director then said, "Lemme check."

Lew then said, "It's for an emergency, man. Our economy is going to be in crisis, too, if nothing gets done."

-----------

Five Minutes Later-

"We have that much."

Smiling, Lew jumped and said, "YOOHOO! Send that all to Istanbul, express Mail."

Thus, the vaults of NBUX were opened, and 100 billion US Dollars of gold and silver soon began filling aircraft bound for Istanbul. In the meantime, a wire was sent to the KLM Government, while another was sent to Xenizen investors, urging calm-

"Dear Sultan-

Heard you had a cashflow problem. Here's some cash on me-$100,000,000,000 worth of specie, half silver, half gold. Figured you might need it. After all, if your economy fails, ours suffers as well.

Gordon Lew"

To: President Gordon Lew
From: Sultan Suleiman al Bashir II

The KLM accepts your offer of aid, your help in our time of need, shall never be forgotten.

Signed
Sultan Suleiman al Bashir II

Sultan Office,At the Sultan Palace

"Well, my Sultan...we manger cut down the shortfall from 640 billion dinars to 540 billion dinars...not bad if I must say.." said the Grand Vizier

"Damn right...send some Cuban Cigers to President Lew as a thank you for his help...now we still need another 540 billion dinars worth of rare metals....agh" remarked the Sultan

His Majesty’s Embassy, Istanbul, Khailfah

Bloody hell, echoed a whisper in the private office of the ambassador, currently occupied by the Colonial Secretary. He had been interrupted a few minutes before by a staff aide who had quietly put a paper on his desk, news off KNN wires of an explosion in Syriana that seemed likely to cripple Muslimeen economic growth and possibly general stability in the next year or more. In less than two hours he would be returning to the palace of the Sultan and the Secretary knew that economics would almost take center stage. After digesting the message, he picked up the phone and dialed a well engrained mobile number.

Salisbury, Oceania Province, United Kingdom

For the first time in months, Alistair Tetley had returned home. Ostensibly for a working weekend, but more because he had much to consider and much to mull over, from New Albion to Imperium to Pacitalia to Hamptonshire to Sarzonia to even, as he now sat on his stone-laid patio, Istanbul and its financial stability. Later in the evening, a private aircraft would be landing at the local airport and it would ferry him back to the Citadel for the start of the working week, but as he sat sipping a mint-flavoured black tea from his Sarnia plantation, he continued to scribble notes longhand on a pad of paper.

By now, the news originally broadcast by KNN had been receiving extensive coverage on the KBC and ITN. Having been granted media and thus popular exposure, the actual weakness of the Khailfah was increasingly exposed despite attempts by many to calm investors. Precious metals in the Khailfah had become increasingly precious, and the nation seemed poised on the brink of financial trouble. While the Treasury did not keep stockpiles of precious metals for other countries, if Istanbul were to offer good terms, Salisbury figured he could be coaxed into releasing some of the reserves in addition to a more meaningful loan, with which Istanbul could purchase precious metals. Perhaps from Oceanian mines.

He turned quickly as from within the house the distinctive sound of his mobile phone could be heard. After two rings his personal aide pushed open the double doors and called out, the Colonial Secretary, shall I answer?

Please do, Geoffrey, please do. Salisbury pushed himself up from his chaise-lounge and walked the few steps over to his aide Iain, good to hear from you. How are things in Istanbul at the moment?

A tad unsettling, I must confess. At the moment law and order prevail, but after several hours of allowing the news from Syriana to sink in... Well, I daresay that at the moment it appears as if we are on the verge of watching a financial crisis in the Khailfah and the obligatory panic by the general population.

Salisbury let silence creep into the conversation. Undoubtedly, an economic collapse or even recession would be harmful to international business. Although not always well publicised, it remained a well-known fact that Istanbul bankrolled many nations, and had in the past included among those the Incorporated States of Sarzonia – who would be recovering from their own economic collapse for years to come, the initial kick out of the crisis owing to the coffers of Istanbul. For now, however, the Oceanian economy continued to grow – early indicators showed the first positive growth in manufacturing in the United Kingdom since the 1970s, owing largely to the favourable labour market in Novikov. Agricultural imports had decreased, also in part to Novikov and at the same time Oceanians were investing more and more often in foreign lands in foreign companies – all bringing revenue to the Treasury. Revenue that could now be invested in a nation that would likely bring favourable returns to the UK, returns not all of an economic nature.

When you meet with the Sultan, inform him that at the moment we have no specific offers in general, however, I am not disinclined towards offering the Khailfah an aid package – likely a loan package of several billion pounds. In exchange we also expect, a steadying hand as far as it comes to stability in New Albion.

In fact, the Prime Minister had one card to play that could be potentially valuable. For weeks now, the Royal Intelligence Service had been monitoring conversations in the Muslimeen Embassy in Imperium; where numerous statements about making New Albion bleed and forcing Oceanians out had led to the official prediction that the current violence in Dawesport would soon if not already become aided and abetted by Muslimeen intelligence services. If Bashir let the Sultan know that Imperium had evidence about any such plans, perhaps the loans could persuade the Sultan to nix all such dreams and desires of letting blood in Dawesport.

Anything else, Lord Prime Minister?

No, Iain, I think that about covers it. And of course, my regards to the Sultan and his family.

Office of the Sultan
Istanbul, Khailfah al Muslimeen

Once more, the Colonial Secretary had been escorted through the capital and then the palace grounds in silence. Those few souls he passed looked not upon a foreign Secretary of State but rather the gardens or the ornate Byzantine and later Ottoman architecture. Bashir felt as if he simply did not exist, that the guards simply were walking to the office of the Sultan as if on patrol and that the Oceanian official were an unseen, unheard, and unwanted ghost. At long last, the Colonial Secretary arrived once more in the welcoming office of a man who seemed far more moderate and far more pleasant than the government he led.

Good evening, Sultan, I bid you welcome and greetings not just from myself by Prime Minister Salisbury.

The Sultan was very tired to recent events that have rocked his Imperium, the last thing on his mind was dealing with Oceania Colonial Secretary, at least the hard liners were backing off , do the recent events have put New Albion on the back burner.. Yet the Sultan put on his best face and welcome him. " Good evening, Colonial Secretary Bashir, I also bid PM Salisbury and yourself a good day...I shall order tea?"

That sounds splendid, the Secretary replied, bowing in appreciation of the gesture. I would normally ask how you are doing, but given the most unfortunate and most tragic events in Syriana I think any person in your position must be under great stress.

"Very well." replied the Sultan and he press the intercom and order two Earl Gray teas and he answered the Secretary second remark" Yes such a most unfortunate event for our nation...yet that's life for you...you never known what its to throwing at you next..as they said the book, Count of Monte Cristo..."Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes." That's my quote for the day.."

Indeed, the Oceanian replied quietly. Although I must confess I am far more inclined towards British literature, and a nascent but important Oceanian literature. Oceanian literature, recently at least, having become greatly concerned with the role and influence of imperialism in democratic societies – I suppose a rather apropos topic given the current discussions over New Albion.

" I tend to read many novels from many different nations, to be well around.." The Sultan signed.." ah...yes...how can we forget such a important matter such as New Albion...what is left to be discuss..our people have work out the main aspects.."

The Colonial Secretary nodded, for in fact since their last meeting experts acquainted with the technical details about New Albion had arrived from Imperium and had laid out a seemingly fair treaty that would hopefully resolve all outstanding issues. I believe that so far as New Albion is concerned, the Prime Minister wanted me to review with you the basic agreements before we sign. Despite what Governor Mason has said in recent interviews, unsanctioned ones might I add, the United Kingdom and His Majesty’s Government recognises the sovereignty of the Khailfah over the southern districts and counties organised as Al-Malabaristan. In turn, the Khailfah recognises Oceanian sovereignty over the northern counties, organised as the Royal Crown Colony of New Albion. For the near and intermediate future, the border between the two jurisdictions will be an armed border, with appropriate checkpoints along the main roads and highways. Thus far, is that acceptable to Istanbul?

The Sultan took a moment to reply and said " Yes ,this is acceptable to Istanbul.." and then a servent enter the room and give the two Bashirs their cups of tea and asked the Colonial Secretary if he wanted anything.

I am quite alright, actually, but thank you anyway. The Secretary waited until the servant left, as he had much to discuss with the Sultan on this day. As for the specifics on reimbursement, given the sensitive nature of the underdevelopment of New Albion in comparison to Al-Malabaristan, the few assets in the north shall be left to the north in exchange for declaring null and void any claims to northern assets in the south. Private commercial affairs on the island henceforth will be regulated as would be trade between the Khailfah and the United Kingdom and their specific regulatory boards. Those assets of the government in the north shall be ceded to the south and the north will henceforth surrender all claims to such assets in the south.

Taking a brief pause, the Secretary took a sip of his tea, excellently prepared by his host’s staff. It is, of course, a positive sign to see the recent deal between the Al Muslimeen Joint Stock Mining Company and AKR, the new Silcaster Mining Group will be of great benefit in repairing relations between the two sides.

"Yes, this is agreeable...I belive we can do it..and put the past behind us..yes the recent deals are a postive sign for our nations.. time will heal all wounds..as they say.." The Sultan pause " Yet whenever one problem ends...yet another pops up...."

Indeed, the Oceanian added, pausing before continuing. That of course brings me to my next point, the situation concerning Syriana…

Note: This takes place after the Sultan meeting with Colonial Secretary

The General Staff meeting, General Staff Headquarters, Istanbul, Khailfah al Muslimeen

It was rare occasion when all the head officers of the Imperium Arm forces, called into a key meeting to discuss the future of their beloved Khailfah… but do to recent events….it had to be call into meeting.It was a close door meeting

The massive assembly chamber was design to hold over 2,000 officers and guest, for these kinds of meetings. There were high ranking officers from the army, air force, navy, marines, paratroop, space command, missile defense command, strategic rocket forces, black berets, black hawks, black legions and last but not least, the officers from the infamous Army of Death corps, the most fanatical branch of the arm forces. Also it should be noted , the officers from the Dominion Arm Forces, were assign to branch sections they were part of.

The meeting began, when the heads of the arm forces were settled, then all the officers bow their heads for a moment of silence for the fallen fighters, who give their lives to the cause. Then after the moment of silence, the speaker of the General Staff took the podium and just the meeting began, the man behind the podium was a legend within the Imperium, he was one of the commanders that lead the Imperial Army during the Sino Jihad, not so long ago..he was the same man who crush the Istanbul riots against the Sultan not so long ago, he was General Rusçuklu Cezayirli Hasan Serif Pasha, he well known in the arm forces for rash remarks and long term thinking, he was one of the foremost officers within the Imperium.

“ Greeting my comrades in arms, I address you all as kin…today, I tell you…that the very existent of our Imperium is at risk…first the traitorous Ocenaians come and take northern New Albion from our Imperium…how dare they do that…..we shall have our revenge against the Oceanians for this transgression…but not today or tomorrow..but soon….my brothers, we will get our revenge and cut the heads off those Oceanian pigs…I swear to you, my brothers.. We will not drop our vendetta against Oceanians, we will wait for the right moment, when they are weak we will to strike,we of general staff have long memories and don’t forget that easy. . But not today my comrades, we face more pressing matter that is the lost of the mines of Syriana for 24 month time period, which has hit our nation hard…..do to this…we have now the permission from the Imperial Senate to restore the wars of expansion, which we have stopped after the costly Sino Jihad.. but mother necessary strike us again.. oh comades….we must expand once again to prevent stagnation of our nation….we must go fore and head out to the undiscovered country….and being under the banner of Khailfah…we must expand to gain more mines to support our growing nation…” The General pause

Two aids bough in a map of landmass, which most of the officers in the chamber have never seen, and the General spoke up once again

“ This landmass , known as Terra…shall soon fall under our rule, comrades….we all know it has mineral wealth…which is untouched…just we must go fore and take it before our rivals take get there first…Cry havoc..let slip the Dogs of War..for the stake of our nation…we must expand and fight for it…LONG LIVE THE FIGHTERS!” said the General and he pull off his saber into the air and all the officers did likewise, the mad general staff quickly began plotting away the next series of wars for the Imperium in order to preserve it.

From what I understand, the Colonial Secretary continued, the Khailfah has witnessed a most regrettable accident that, by all appearances, will significantly diminish the strength and luster of the Muslimeen economy so far as both domestic and foreign investors are concerned. And, in the spirit of redeveloping our relations, I have been authorised by the Prime Minister to inform you that the United Kingdom is prepared to consider a loan package to help your government procure the precious metals required to back the dinar.

The Sultan show no emotion to the remark and he reply" How big of a loan and does it have interest?"

With a smile and a sip of his tea, the Colonial Secretary nodded politely as if in thought. Unlike your government, His Majesty’s Government is not so, shall we say, loose, with our purse and we would, of course, see it necessary to guarantee a profitable return on our investment. He paused while replacing the china cup on its saucer, a small clink resounding throughout the room. Per the size of the loan package, Lord Salisbury is not yet sure what amount he could get passed through Parliament although he did wish me to convey his estimation that it would likely be ‘significant’ as he put it.

The Sultan sip his tea and replied " To say my government is loose when comes to funds and handing out money..can be taken as insult by few, but not by me...I'll say this now...my government rarely loans money to other nations...it only to nations that have earn our repect and we see something to gain out of...so far...we only give loans to three nations so far...I would hardly nation is giving money away freely....also...I can't accept any loan offer, that has interest...its goes against Islamic law and...Imperial Banking laws, I just had to make that clear to prevent any misunderstandings on the matter.."

Nodding, the Colonial Secretary picked up his cup once more, and bringing it to his lips he lifted his pinky finger ever slightly and enjoyed the bergamot flavouring. Well then, he finally responded after a long pause, suffice to say that the UK has offered assistance but you have rejected it. As far as interest is concerned, it is but a reasonable means of ensuring that the loan is profitable to the United Kingdom. We have, of course, uncovered significant amounts of intelligence that indicate your government is preparing to engage in, shall I say, less-than-respectable means of, I believe the exact phrases were along the lines of ‘bleeding Oceania dry’ and ‘killing’ and/or ‘assassinating’ Oceanian officials, specifically in New Albion but presumably elsewhere as well. Given such dreadful finds, His Majesty’s Government sees the attachment of interest to loans as a mere insurance policy so to speak.

The Sultan reply " Bleeding Oceania dry and killing or assassinating Oceanian....how interesting....I do wonder...but I say, the Imperial Government delays any claim that we are goining to start anything...your intelligence must have overhead some unhappy locals remarking something along those lines....no one within the Imperial Goverment would say such a thing.."

Sadly, Sultan, you are gravely mistaken. the Secretary shook his head. While I do hope you understand I cannot reveal the exact circumstances and situations regarding the collection of said information, national security concerns and all, he said, his Oceanian accent coming through thickly. The source is a relatively well-placed member of the Imperial Government and as you may expect the individual in question has precipitated a great concern in Imperium for any assassinations or other targeting of government officials will, unequivocally, result in retaliatory actions. Of course, he added with a slight tilt of his head, all of this is presumptive as best because it has not yet happened.

The Sultan just look on and replid " I see...well if any of this is true....I'll pull a end to it... to prevent any incident from happening that could being relations between our nation down....I shall look in this matter very soon...you have my promise that this rumor...will not become fact.."

Then you shall, of course, have the most sincere thanks of the Prime Minister and the people of the United Kingdom. Now, as you have made it quite clear that there can be no loan package, is there any other way the United Kingdom may render aid in light of the Syriana accident?

"Not really at the moment..all we really need is just rare metals...other then that...I guess...yet as sign of peace between our states...we can have NAP between our states in place."

A splendid idea indeed.

Three days later after the Sultan meeting with Colonial Secretary

KLM Embassy, Imperium, Untied Kingdom of Oceania

Ambassador Elizabeth Diamandis was working away in her office, she hated doing all this paperwork for Istanbul, it claim with the job of representing the Imperial Government in other nations. Someone was knocked on her door, she looked up and said” Come in”

Then two men dress in jet-black suit entered her office, she reorganize them as the gardener and the other one as the janitor , yet in reality, they were undercover AMI agents, its common method for the AMI to add sleeper agents to embassy staff, and never tell anyone about it. When the times come, the AMI just actives them and give their orders. The men show their AMI ID and the Ambassador didn’t say a single word and nodded her head and she got up and left the room. She knew the only reason two AMI agents were her in office was for a bug sweep, which was odd to say the least, since her office was already swept when she was first came to Oceania. The sweep itself took roughly 2 hours for the agents to do a full detail sweep of the room. After they were done, they call the Ambassador back in, she looked around the office and noticed everything put back in its original place, has if it was never searched.

She asked “ So did you guys , find what your looking for?”

One of the agents replied

“Yes, those Oceanians are very tricky morons..it took us awhile to find….I’ll give them that….but we found the bug and disable it…”

She went wide eye

“This room was a bugged? Where?”

The other agent remarked

“ Apparently so…but not anymore and it was place behind that painting with the flowers….right by your desk…it was hard to catch it..but we got it…”

She sighed and asked “ Oi, this can’t be good…wait…how did you know this room was bugged?”

The agents smiled and the one of them say “ The Oceanian Colonial Secretary say too much on the matter….and plus the Sultan had a feeling…and we were told to investigate it to confirm and we did..”

“So are we going to confront the Oceanians on this?” She asked

The agent replied

“ No…the Sultan stated we won’t confront Oceania right away ..he is waiting for the right moment to do so…so shut the fuck up on this matter and don’t say a word about it…is that understood?”

“Yes, I understood.” She replied

“Also we of the AMI here by proclaim this embassy to be bug free……it should have been bug free awhile ago…but that’s what you get for using Embassy guards…well anyways…we’re never here, we never existed…you didn’t hear anything or see anything….now excuse us we have to make a report to Istanbul.” Said the Agent and with that, they disappear in the hallways of Embassy and made their report to Istanbul.


The Sultan Office, Sultan Palace, Istanbul, Khailfah al Muslimeen

The Sultan read the AMI report on embassy bug and remarked

“Well, Grand Vizier Sokollu…I was right on the dot, no?” asked the Sultan

“ Indeed, Sultan Bashir…you were right on the dot….so shall we release this to the International Press and show the world how disturb are the Oceanians or shall we do use this against them as they use the bug against us….so to speak in the future meetings with them..” ask the Grand Vizier

“ The second the option, we’re play that card when its nesssary..but not now…we still have that blasted Syriana crisis .. on our hands..lucky our friends of Upper Xen…give us enough rare metals to delay the shortfall for another three months…yet we still 540 billion dinars worth of rare metals from somewhere.. for the longest I thought about…Pertodinars..but that’s worthless even for this matter…but I never accept a loan from Oceania….I shall never trust them with my life..” said the Sultan

“Indeed….very true… my Sultan, we try to be their friends and equals…but they stab us in the back…to paraphrase a ingenious English writer.. Tickle us, do we not laugh? Prick us, do we not bleed? Wrong us... shall we not revenge? ” Replied the Grand Vizier

The Sultan smiled and said “ Yes…we shall have our revenge. .but not today…today we must solve this matter of Syriana first….then we’ll get our revenge.. for now our plans to make them bleed is shelve for now.. I have order the Imperial Fleets station around New Albion to return to homeport and take back the Marines and Paratroops back to their home bases. Plus after meeting with the Imperial Senate…we’re going to delay the release of our back freedom fighters for.. I told the Black Hawk commander who was training them to take them with him to the training grounds of the AMI Blacks Hawks and trained to the point where they are as good as Special Forces, which will take 24 months…. which fits perfectly into our plans no?”

“ Yes, they do, my Sultan.” Replied the Grand Vizier

“ Time is friend and foe at the same time…but for now its our friend for this matter.We’ll never drop our vendetta…suppress it for the time being yes…but drop it no..” Replied Sultan

Dawesport, Royal Crown Colony of New Albion, United Kingdom

Archibald Jackson swished the alcohol in his mouth before spitting it out into the sink, hoping to have killed some of the day’s bacteria. In his fifties with an expanding waistline, Jackson counted himself among the elites of Dawesport society as the owner and majority shareholder in a local investment bank. Since the start of the row between Istanbul and Imperium, he had seen numerous requests from Oceanian companies looking to invest in Dawesport and New Albion as a whole. His bank had agreed to sell its stake in the mines to the south near Silcaster at a pretty profit, and in turn he had dumped them into the old shipyards of Dawesport and other port cities and towns along the northern coast.

Turning off the lights to his bathroom, he walked out into the living room where through the glass windows he could see the pinpricks of light out in the harbour, denoting the location of Royal Navy warships that continued to sail into the harbour, offloading troops and supplies to secure the United Kingdom’s new territory. Beyond the straits leading out of the harbours of Dawesport, however, the bulk of the fleet lay at anchor. As a partial shareholder in numerous retail shops in the colonial capital, Jackson could not wait until the facilities to receive the warships were completed as they would allow the ships to discharge thousands of consumers into New Albion.

Beyond the eyes of Jackson, under the brilliance of generator-powered floodlights, labourers milled around a heavy machine that crept forward incrementally spewing out concrete ties in a straight line. Behind the first machine rumbled a second far large one, this one laying out rails for what would be a new freight line linking the Silcaster mines to Dawesport. Several dozen kilometers to the east, construction equipment rumbled to life, their diesel engines pouring out thick smoke into the night sky while they cleared trees and filled in small valleys. Within the month the first layers of gravel and stone would be thrust into man-made valleys as the bottom of a motorway that would link the city of Dawesport to the north’s second major city, Hawkings and Hawkingsport. Above all this the first flight of RAF interceptors quietly kept a vigilant eye over the colony, although not particularly advanced, the Viper interceptors provided a cheap and easy means of patrolling the skies. In time, once appropriate facilities had been constructed, the RAF would move in more advanced and more capable fighters. But for now, word had quietly come down from Imperium that direct conflict between the Khailfah and the UK seemed increasingly less likely to break out.

Cabinet Meeting, Conference Room, Sultan Palace, Istanbul, Khailfah al Muslimeen


“For nearly six bloody long years….we have work so hard to silence the hawk elements of our Imperium and stop the rapid expansion of our Imperium…for six freakin years…we stopped spreading ourselves thin…and replace the rapid expansion with logically slow and reasonable expansionism…we fought a bloody civil war on this matter…five years ago…we face a coup…riots, so many assassination attempts on my life…yet we did manger to change the policy of the Imperium for the good..and stop the rapid expansionism…but it didn’t happen in till we fought the bloody Sino Jihad…and which resulted in a bloody stalemate between PLA and us….it cost us over 10 million lives and it took that massive lost to finally hit us that we can’t expand anymore for a while…I thought we finally change our old ways…then the New Albion incident happens and to add on that…our key mines in Syriana are taken out of action do to major accident…and now their back…they have a new power base and are coming back to power…if it was only Syriana mine incident happen…we wouldn’t be facing this problem…but thanks to Oceania, our old rivals are back to their former self….” Then the Sultan smashes his left hand on the table and yell out

“ DAMN THE UNITED KINGDOM OF OCEANIA TO HELL…they destroy six years of reforms of our mindsets all within 30 days…damn the bloody Neo Brits…” said the Sultan

The Prime Minister spoke up

“Indeed, six years of work…gone down the drain..all thanks to Oceania….oh this vendetta we have against them…won’t drop for a while…”

Then the Grand Vizier spoke up

“Yes….we won’t drop the vendetta…, the fact we’re going back to the old ways..yet at least we still going a logically expansion then the rapid one…if that’s some good news for us..”

The Sultan replied “ Yes, that is true..we havn’t gone all the way back to the old ways…yet we did take a few steps back. Now we must take some measures to prevent Oceania from…gaining the advantage in terms of Intel against us. That’s beings me to my next point, Head of Al Muslimeen Intelligence, I have a special set of orders for your agency and your sister agencies to carry out.”

“ That is what? My Sultan…What do you have planned for our Oceanian friends.” Asked Head of Al Muslimeen Intelligence Seyyed Zia'eddin Tabatabaee (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/200422_134215_2_006.jpg)

“This is a standard order for all KLM Intel Agencies. You are here by order to search for RIA agents in the Imperium and her Protectorates, your order to chase them like the pigs they are and get whatever information out of them…by any means necessary…then after you get what you wanted out of them…you are here order to skin them alive and behead them, and put their head on a pike for all to see, just to show the world….the Imperium and her Protectorates will not stand for spying on our nation. Is that understood?” asked the Sultan

The Head of Al Muslimeen Intelligence had wolfish smile on his face and replied “ Your orders my Sultan will be follow to the letter…we’ll make sure if any RIA agents are in the Imperium and her Protectorates…they will face a living hell. Once we catch them..if there is any of them in our lands..”

“Good, next to issue to be discussed..ah..yes, Defense Minister…how is the organizing of the Imperial Expeditionary Force, going?” asked the Sultan

“Sultan, currently the Imperial High Sea Fleets and the Dominion Fleets is gathering at four major naval bases Izmir, Alexandria, Mombasa and Bombay….we’re going to united all four task groups at Nova Atlantis and then we shall go to Terra and take what we need. Also we have assign a number of corps to the expeditionary forces, such as Marines, Paratroopers, Army, Black Berets, Black Legion, a number of Dominion corps and plus number of Black Hawk Brigades , we’ll be ready for deployment in four months time, sir.” said the Defense Minister

“Good, very good….at least we get to use our Black Sea Fleets and Mediterranean Sea Fleets for something besides laying around in dry dock most of the time..” Said the Sultan, then he looked out large sound proof windows of the room, he looked out the Bosphorus and saw tug boats pulling the ships of 1st Fleet Flagship fleet, base in Sinop and the Eurasian Dominion ships of The Red Banner Black Sea Fleet,Base in Sevastopol, and Odessa. They were heading to Izmir to join up with the other Imperial Fleets and Dominions Fleet for the coming conquest of Terra.

“ So it begins…” remarked the Sultan