NationStates Jolt Archive

[ooc: this has been copied from the EARTH V IC Thread - it serves only as an introduction to Emirate actions in Asherton, Chad, CAR, and neighboring regions]

Official Emirate reports coming from Khartoum have acknowledged formal commencement of hostilies against Asherton forces. Limited special ops teams have begun to permeate the border, while airstrikes on Asherton have begun to soften Asherton forces there. A major thrust by Emirate forces into Asherton territory has begun along the Red Sea Coast, with the major objective being Djibouti. The offensive is expected to run into the majority of Sistan's remnant forces in Asherton territory. Additionally, the ALM fleet has begun a general blockade of Asherton ports and routes. The Emirate maintains that these operations will not inhibit local trading routes, although we further maintain that ships passing must be cautious. If any civilian vessels passing require escorts, they may contact the local command and secure a small flotilla to accompany them.

While combat operations have commenced in Asherton territory, the Emirate further insists that its major operations there will not conflict with Emirate priorities in the main Sistani territory. An assault on Bandar Abbas is expected within the next months, as preparation has been fully effected and the amphibious forces have practiced their exercises extensively, such that the local command has deemed their state to be fit for a successful campaign. Military targets continue to be monitored and shelled from aerial and naval strikes.

In addition, Emirate forces in Sudan - separate from those participating in the Asherton campaign - have commenced military operations to topple the Chad and CAR armed forces. The majority of the push is directed into Chad, where the majority of their infractions have been based. The Emrate issued a statement to the respective governments that the Emirate is not maintaining its interests in toppling the local governments, although any fierce resistance to Emirate forces will not be tolerated, as has been already tolerated by the numerous incursions in the past year.

A summary of Emirate forces being committed:

Army Group 6 [Khartoum] = 100,000 - in Asherton {120,000}
Army Group 3 [Aswan] = 40,000 - in Chad/CAR {25,000}
Army Group 7 [Dubai] = 50,000 (+30,000 from Tripoli) - in Hormozgan


====

Emirate forces in Asherton have already begun to march, and encountered heavy resistance at the border, even with mounting aerial and naval support, as well as general land bombardments. Our first columns have begun to engage and manuever around the enemy, to displace the positions and discourage their resistance, however significant it may be. Other positions are holding to prepare and deflect any counter attacks from Asherton forces.

A semi-formal stalemate has erupted in the former country of Eritrea, near Asmara, as ALM forces push the Sistani remnants more slowly back into Asherton territory. Urban combat has become the priority as artillery and aerial strike units have made extra precautions to avoid any and all civilian collateral. Casualties remain relatively low in comparison to previous campaigns against Sistani forces. However, commanders continually maintain that our current losses are "absolutely unacceptable for the sustanence of any strategic military campaign." Efforts to reduce senseless operations and manuevers has been effected, with a primary focus on over-zealous field commanders.

CASUALTIES IN ASHERTON CAMPAIGN:
ALM = 4,159
Sistani forces = ~10,000

Military operations in Chad and CAR went very slowly, with minimal casualties. Most of the fight was in the air, in which ALM pre-mediated strikes helped to stack the odds in their favor. ALM columns are continuing to move on N'Djamena, which forces are expected to reach within two weeks at the current rate.

CASUALTIES IN CHAD/CAR
ALM = 140
Chad/CAR = ~ 1,000

(ooc) well done someone has finally done some statistics that correlate with their war effort. :p

(ooc) well done someone has finally done some statistics that correlate with their war effort. :p

[ooc: it's something of a trademark for me - I <3 numbers...]

Forces in Eritrean Asherton were still in deadlock although much of the city of Asmara was occupied by ALM forces. Sistani remnants were suffering a severe shortage of munition, but they certainly did not lack any excessive courage. ALM forces have been forced in many instances to sit behind lines as Sistani soldiers crossed massive fields to assault ALM positions. While not particularly costly on our side, Sistani zeal has been a morale factor that seems to work against our troops. The very prisoners that do surrender are either of the sort that refuse to acknowledge their submission or are too frightened to answer our interrogations.

In other areas, manuevers around Sistani main lines have been successful in rooting out their positions and forcing them to move away, allowing the Emirate cover more ground and defend better positions. Forces bordering on the Ethiopian Asherton territory have begun limited offensive, owing in part to the entangling terrain there and relatively lush vegetation also present. On all fronts, despite Sistani zealotry, there is a optimistic mood that the campaign will be done within a year, although analysts suggest that the true battle comes after the military campaign.

A semi-formal stalemate has erupted in the former country of Eritrea, near Asmara, as ALM forces push the Sistani remnants more slowly back into Asherton territory. Urban combat has become the priority as artillery and aerial strike units have made extra precautions to avoid any and all civilian collateral. Casualties remain relatively low in comparison to previous campaigns against Sistani forces. However, commanders continually maintain that our current losses are "absolutely unacceptable for the sustanence of any strategic military campaign." Efforts to reduce senseless operations and manuevers has been effected, with a primary focus on over-zealous field commanders.

CASUALTIES IN ASHERTON CAMPAIGN:
ALM = 6,931
Sistani forces = ~17,000

N'Djamena has been successfully occupied by ALM forces, although large portions of Chad remain under enemy possession. The capital was unusually easy to seize, as Chad armed groups either surrendered or refused to confront ALM troops. In possessing the Chad capital, Emirate officials have negotiated terms with the existing Chad government to rectify the offenses of the Chad Armed Forces against the Emirate. As such, intel suggests that the majority of Chad renegades are in the northern provinces, bordering Libya. Our forces in the CAR have not been as progressive, particularly because much of the country is jungle, and it is difficult for our troops maintain manuevers. However, progress is being noted, as the limited armed presence has made it increasingly easier for our forces to advance.

CASUALTIES IN CHAD/CAR
ALM = 196
Chad/CAR = ~ 1,500

Emirate progresses in Chad and CAR have yielded few tangible results. However, after the Emirate secured the Chadian government in N'Djamena, a treaty of rectification was signed and now places the state of Chad under the official responsibility of the Emirate government. As such, the remnant Chadian forces in the north are now considered officially renegades of the Chad government, who has ordered them to turn their weapons in or else face charges of treason. It is unlikely that these demands will be met, leading to a battle in the north of the territory.

Emirate forces have been ordered to continue all progress in the CAR, to end any effective military resistance. In the meantime, the major target of Bangui has been abandoned, as CAR government officials have fled the capital in lieu of the events as they occurred in Chad. The ALM coalition has begun a general campaign to root out hostile forces that perpetrated the assaults on Emirate forces that led to the invasion of the CAR.

OOC: ALM, hope it's ok that I borrow your thread a little? I think the "invasion" of Socotra could be here too. It's connected to Asherton in a way as it's located outside Asherton's coastline.
The first post (in the Red Sea Alliance-thread) is here ( http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11764335&postcount=79).

The fleet from Eilat arrived outside Socotra without having met a single Ashertonian ship.

According to recent satellite images, they expected to meet resistance on the island, as Sistani troops are still there.
Five Lavi jets took of from Eilat De Gaulle and turned towards the island. Two of them were immediately shoot down by Sistani AA-batteries. The remaining three planes managed to return to the carrier without any further missiles being fired at them. Before they turned around towards the carrier, they did get the coordinates to the location where the missiles where fired from. One of the Eilat class corvettes entered the coordinates into the missile guidance computer and fired four Gabriel Mk 3 missiles towards the AA-batteries. Two large explosions were heard one minute later.

The Fleet from Eilat
Eilat De Gaulle (Aircraft carrier, Charles De Gaulle class. We have bought three from Military Command.)
3 Dolphin Class Submarines
3 Eilat class Sa'ar 5 corvettes
3 Hetz/Nirit Sa'ar 4.5 Missile craft
5 Super Dvora Patrol boats

OOC: ALM, hope it's ok that I borrow your thread a little? I think the "invasion" of Socotra could be here too. It's connected to Asherton in a way as it's located outside Asherton's coastline.
The first post (in the Red Sea Alliance-thread) is here ( http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11764335&postcount=79).

The fleet from Eilat arrived outside Socotra without having met a single Ashertonian ship.

According to recent satellite images, they expected to meet resistance on the island, as Sistani troops are still there.
Five Lavi jets took of from Eilat De Gaulle and turned towards the island. Two of them were immediately shoot down by Sistani AA-batteries. The remaining three planes managed to return to the carrier without any further missiles being fired at them. Before they turned around towards the carrier, they did get the coordinates to the location where the missiles where fired from. One of the Eilat class corvettes entered the coordinates into the missile guidance computer and fired four Gabriel Mk 3 missiles towards the AA-batteries. Two large explosions were heard one minute later.

The Fleet from Eilat
Eilat De Gaulle (Aircraft carrier, Charles De Gaulle class. We have bought three from Military Command.)
3 Dolphin Class Submarines
3 Eilat class Sa'ar 5 corvettes
3 Hetz/Nirit Sa'ar 4.5 Missile craft
5 Super Dvora Patrol boats


[ooc: it's perfectly fine. and fyi, you shouldn't be worrying about the Asherton fleet, because my fleet is patrolling their coast and keeping them at bay. I don't know if Warta Endor is maintaining their claim to Socotra, but seeing as I offered it and he hasn't taken it, go ahead...]

IC: The Emirate has managed to seize the majority of the urban population centers in CAR, including Bangui. The government and armed forces remain primarily at large, although their resistance isn't expected to survive long. Forces in Chad have encountered strong resistance near the town of Faya-Largeau. Casualties have remained low, although the resistance here is likely to bring a change of pace as the events unfold.

We will provide further updates on the Emirate campaigns in Hormozgan.

http://www.ckplaneta.cz/expedice/foto_sokotra/map_socotra.gif

The AA-batteries outside Qualansiyya that shot down the two Lavi planes were destroyed in a big explosion made by the Gabriel-missiles. A second wave of Lavi planes left the carrier and began to search the island for more hostile installations. In the military port outside Hadibu around ten Sistani navy vessels were anchored, but there were no activity.

The airport outside Mahattat Nujad was surrounded by Sistani military fortifications, and there were fairly high activity. But no airplanes were spotted.

A breakthrough in the Asherton campaign has been achieved, as apparently the stresses of combat forced Sistani troops to disintegrate and lose their unit cohesiveness. Whereas the majority of their forces refused to surrender, the pockets of resistance were quickly and easily eliminated with minimal costs. As such, Emirate forces were able to march into Djibouti, where fighting has commenced and likely will be over within two months. Asherton main forces in Ethiopia have yet to engage Emirate forces, marching around the force to cut off its general supply. Special operations units have been spotted around the countryside, inciting the Christian minority to join the Emirate against Asherton forces. In a public announcement, General Abd-Allah Aziz declared that if the people of Ethiopian Asherton were to revolt - stemming off the success of other forces - the Emirate would reward all of them. He gave promises of limited autonomy under their own rulers and peaceful cooperation between Muslims and Christians. It is unknown at the moment how this message was received.

With the deadlock broken, Djibouti firmly in ALM custody, and large portions of the Red Sea territories of Asherton under Emirate control, the ALM has begun a major push towards Addia Ababa, while a minor prong aimed at Mogadishu intends to attempt to seize the Asherton radical government, led by the Grand Imam. Officially, the Emir has declared the Grand Imam of Mogadishu to be an enemy of the Emirate and an enemy of Islam - which has led to the subsequent bounty on the man's head - dead set @ $500,000; alive set @ $1,000,000, citing numerous reasons for the bounty and the criminal nature of the Grand Imam:

"He has officially sanctioned genocide within his own territory; he has conspired with the enemies of the Emirate to destroy us and destablize the region to his benefit. He sought to corrupt the peaceful nature of Islam to promote extremist ideals that stress intolerance of other cultures and other perceptions; he sought to destroy elements of Western thought that have contributed to the modern thinking in Islamic theology and in the Sharia. He wishes to revert the world to the 10th century, when man was a dumb mule and his toils won nothing but pain and sorrow. He makes slaves out of those who do his bidding and he brings death to those who oppose him. With such a disposition as this, we cannot accept a leader who stresses as much intolerance for our existence, and it has come to an extreme balance - between his well-being and ours. Allah forbid that we should perish, so it is he who must depart. But bearing this verdict, we cannot inhumanely take this man - of whose transgressions we would thence reciprocate - or otherwise question our own principles. In that stead, he shall be henceforth tried in general communion with the RSA and a provisional civil judicial council - which shall then proceed to decide his crimes, his guilt, and his punishment. In these things, we pray that those who have been deluded by the Grand Imam of Mogadishu to realize the truths of this man's doctrine and stay clear of his poisoning ideologies."

With the stalemate mostly ended, a great majority of the Sistani army vanished into the country, which has made it easier and harder to advance, as the front lines have been hard to distinguish Sistani positions, but our forces have been careful to advance cautiously and neturalize any armed resistance. As such, the Sistani army in presence - once numbering 100,000 - now numbers only 15,000 in arms. However, simply as this number is a drastic reduction in Sistani manpower, the Emirate has been keen to collect the weapons of those soldiers, to prevent them from going into more hostile arms. Additionally, Emirate government officials have been sent to organize local police institutions and recruit the local population to help police themselves while Emirate forces continue the offensive in Asherton.

CASUALTIES IN ASHERTON CAMPAIGN:
ALM = 8,954
Sistani forces = ~50,000 [the number of casualties versus the number fielded has changed since the number of forces engaged has been reduced due to the rapid dissolution of Sistani forces; Asherton forces are largely untouched at the moment, although it's not as if they don't exist...]

Our forces in CAR have successfully rounded all renegade portions of the CAR government and armed forces. Whereas our judicial authorities would try the men for crimes, Emir Jalal has granted all of those who readily confess to their crimes against the Emirate would be likewise forgiven and permitted to retain their positions. Since the Emirate now controls both the Chadian and CAR governments, ALM authorities have begun to consolidate the two states into one organized entity - the Central African Protectorate - which while an autonomous political entity, remains the responsibility of the domestic affairs of the Emirate. Delegations have begun under the provisional authority of Emirrate government officials in N'Djamena, the newly established capital of the territory.

Military action against renegade military forces north of Faya Largeau continue, although Emirate advances have been steady and firm with minimal costs.

CASUALTIES IN CHAD/CAR
ALM = 322
Chad/CAR = ~ 3,500

An offensive out to dislodge Asherton forces in Ethiopia has begun to mixed results. The mountainous terrain has made it difficult to attain any long-term offensive. However, progress is begin made very slowly. On our western front, Asherton forces have made a strong stand, forcing Emirate forces to regroup. Reinforcements are expected to arrive to help dislodge Asherton forces. In the thrust to Mogadishu, Emirate forces have come by large numbers of Asherton officials hoping to flee the ensuing occupation. The Grand Imam remains at large, although his area of refuge is turning to be limited as Emirate forces occupy larger amounts of territory.

CASUALTIES IN ASHERTON CAMPAIGN:
ALM = 9,111
Sistani forces = ~55,000

Chad forces remain undeterred by numerous ALM attacks. A stalemate lingers as Emirate forces hope to avoid the drawn conflict.

CASUALTIES IN CHAD/CAR
ALM = 367
Chad/CAR = ~ 4,000

Nearing the third year of conflict in Asherton territories, the Emirate has commenced fighting out in Addis Ababa, after advances from Djibouti have proven largely successful. Having passed the mountainous ranges, the ALM forces have advanced largely unopposed. In the west, the conflict plays a different story, as it is now obvious that the Asherton/Sistani forces have begun a counter-offensive, trying to dislodge our position. As such, the forces in Sudan, under the Army Group 4, have been mobilized to help push back the offensive. Air strikes have been noticed as being more intense by ground observers.

CASUALTIES IN ASHERTON CAMPAIGN:
ALM = 9,874
Sistani forces = ~70,000

Forces in Chad have broken the Chadian resistance, after capturing the renegade General who began the problems with the Emirate. The Provisional Central African Protectorate Authority has claimed victory in the region and will begin normal government operations in the newly established protectorate by the end of this year [1 week RL]. The campaign there is now over, as the General Staff has hailed it as the most successful offensive in Emirate history.

CASUALTIES IN CHAD/CAR
ALM = 429
Chad/CAR = ~ 5,000

The remnant renegade forces who are compliant with the new Central African Protectorate will be recruited into the Army to take over policing in the Protectorate. At the moment, this number stands at 10,000. 5,000 ALM troops will remain to ensure that the situation does not become excessively beyond control. Emirate government officials have balso begun to assist integrating elements of the CAP's government and civil services into the Emirate structure, to provide a more efficient manner of delegation and services by the Emirate. The Emir will be visiting the country to review progress and likely to make a speech to the population there.

Addis Ababa is clearly in sight of Emirate forces approaching from the east. While casualties have been professedly low, progress has likewise slowed as forces began to prepare for the siege of the city. In the wake of ALM progresses, numerous genocide camps have been uncovered, revealing the absolutely disgusting state of affairs left in Asherton. In Ethiopia, there is an imminent humanitarian crisis, as tens of thousands - if not hundreds of thousands - are at risk for death under the most inhumane conditions. While the majority of the victims are Christians, there are a number of other denominations - even the Muslim community - suggesting the Asherton government was indiscriminate in their attempts to murder many peoples.

Mogadishu is still under contest, but ALM forces assuredly have all advantages are expected to control the city soon.

CASUALTIES IN ASHERTON CAMPAIGN:
ALM = 10,122
Sistani forces = ~75,000

Forces have begun the seizure of Addis Ababa and Mogadishu, as Emirate forces begin to exert more stern pressure on the now seriously outnumbered, outmanuevered, and undersupplied troops of Sistani remnants and Asherton radicals. The General Staff has called the situation "highly optimistic" and estimates are considering complete military control over former Asherton territories. A detailed report is being compiled at the same time to determine the extent and severity of the Asherton genocides in Ethiopia - on first glance, the crimes appear to be absolutely horrific and demonstrative of the inhuman nature of Asherton radicalism, coupled with Sistani extremism. On more positive aspects, Emir Jalal has met with non-affiliated officials from the newly designated Protectorate zone to discuss the formation of a new government with extensive Emirate Protection and Emirate guidance. Plans are expected to out by the end of the week.

In military attacks, the Emirate forces in Sudan have halted the Asherton counteroffensive and indeed have reversed the fortunes in their favor. Asherton forces have been witnessed vacating their posts in the rear, which has led to a massive reduction in troop morale for their soldiers at the front. With these developments in mind, the Emirate has offered amnesty to all Asherton forces that capitulate and assist in the peaceful reconstruction of their state, including the surrendering of official details involving the genocide in Ethiopia and the likely whereabouts of the Grand Imam, still figured to be at large.

CASUALTIES IN ASHERTON CAMPAIGN:
ALM = 10,463
Sistani forces = ~80,000

With Addis Ababa firmly undere ALM control, ALM forces began to focus on seizing Mogadishu, adding support to the forces seizing the city. In the sum of all of these actions, the Grand Imam still remains at large and it is feared that he has escaped the country. Emirate patrols are continuing survey the position, hoping that the Grand Imam will make himself visible to encourage Asherton to resist the Emirate. However, such ploys have yet to be done, and as such Asherton resistance is further declining as Emirate troops effectively seize military control of the country.

In Al Qahirah, a newe provisional government of the to-be-established East African Protectorate [EAP] has been confirmed by the Emir. Prime Minister Adobo Hallesie has been tasked with his government - and in conjunction with Emirate efforts - to reconstruct the EAP to attain a prosperous state, given the mandates of Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Somalia. In a completely unrelated conference, the EAP government issued a statement, declaring a state of protectorship over the neighboring state of Kenya, given the political, historical, and economic histories of the two states. The Emirate has not commented on this yet, but is unlikely to defer the comments.

SIC: Emirate officers in the intelligence community have begun an infiltration of the state in Uganda, to stage a coup and bring a more "cooperative" administration into power. Given the large Muslim majority in Uganda, this is likely to face some scrutiny, but ALM operatives are confident that success will transpire. This operation - beyond the knowledge of any person at this moment - has been given the designation Operation: Migration. Progress to be update when applicable - persons needing knowledge of its progress shall likewise be informed appropriately.

Mogadishu has been declared fully occupied by Emirate forces, as Emirate government officials have begun to institute order and public services to hasten reconstruction. In sum, the campaign in Asherton has been been terminated, as the peacekeeping operations have commenced. National Auxiliary forces have been mobilized to confront the monumentous task to pacify Asherton territories, redistribute the justice that is due, and provide a safe haven for the citizens of the East African Protectorate. The sum of the Asherton campaign - in terms of the loss of life - is presented below:

CASUALTIES IN ASHERTON CAMPAIGN:
ALM = 10,611
Sistani forces = ~82,000

SIC: Forces have infiltrated the country - progress is being made to infiltrate the government and begin building a coup faction.

The following orders have been received, and their execution has since been instituted.

The Emirate has organized a force - numbering around 120,000 - to reclaim order in Arabicia. The Air Force has organized a propoganda campaign to urge Arabician citizens to desist and permit Emirate troops to restore order. These leaflets have also encouraged local leaders to rise up and help the Emirate recover the lost institutions and services once supplied by the Arabician government. Troops are expected to enter Arabician land next week, with some resistance. The Emir has strongly maintained that Emirate forces are not to act in the interest to cause harm and devastation, but rather to offer the people a sense of security and prosperity. Those government officials who fled Arabicia in the wake of their collapse are likewise encouraged to return to Arabicia to help reorganize the government and make due changes to ensure a stable state there.

SIC: Coup forces in Uganda have notified Emirate liaison officers that progress is proceeding very slowly. They will need more time to win the trust of a select few who are the most likely to succeed in the plans.

Emirate forces made early progress to secure the Holy Sites [Jiddah, Madinah, and Makkah], to preserve their sanctity and the safety of those places. The local population was rather receptive to the arrival of Emirate forces, albeit the place was not as wild as other areas in Arabicia. Nonetheless, the Western coasts of Arabia were being secured quickly and efficiently. In lieu of these advances, the Emir announced a Royal - the first for the Royal Twins and the first for the Emir since the Sistani war.

Progress in the Eastern Provinces and in Oman was considerably slower, as this was the site of the majority of the riots, especially in Riyadh. Few hostile exchanges transpired, although it is impossible to determine whose fault is to blame for these exchanges, or even if Emirate troops participated in these exchanges. Forces arriving from Khartoum to Yemen and the Southern Provinces are still being mobilized for their arrival - they depart next week.

In all, the population seems to be placated on the most part, as Arabician forces have stood down their arms in most places. In fact, a great number of Arabician officials returned with the Emirate forces to help restore order. However, even at this time, the fate of Arabicia is undecided in Royal Circles - it is suspected that after the Royal Hajj the Emir will announce his intentions and the likely consequences of Emirate actions in Arabicia.

The Empire would like to offer the nation of ALM its assistance. We have 2 Underground Military Bases in the area (Which we believe to have been abandoned), and we wish to recover whatever materials may be found in them. We firmly believe that their locations cannot be discovered by conventioal means, but fortunately, their locations were logged at the Intel Center before the fragmentation of the Empire.

ooc: One was manned by the Arabian Army of the EMpire, the other was manned by the Bedowin corp, which were some of the more elite/gurilla trained troops of the Empire.

The Empire would like to offer the nation of ALM its assistance. We have 2 Underground Military Bases in the area (Which we believe to have been abandoned), and we wish to recover whatever materials may be found in them. We firmly believe that their locations cannot be discovered by conventioal means, but fortunately, their locations were logged at the Intel Center before the fragmentation of the Empire.

ooc: One was manned by the Arabian Army of the EMpire, the other was manned by the Bedowin corp, which were some of the more elite/gurilla trained troops of the Empire.

SIC: The Emirate is willing to allow our allies an opportunity to assist in our efforts and recover whatever they need to recover from Arabician territory. Our primary objective to ensure that law and order remain, to prevent the rise of other extremist groups within its sovereign territory. Considering that Arabicia was once the target of extremism, we are hoping to stamp out all forms of Islamic radicalism and extremism, such that those who claim in the name of Allah to commit various atrocities - as the Asherton genocide campaigns in Ethiopia, of which reports are still being compiled - will have no refuge in the Holy Sites of Islam.

In reference specifically towards your former installations, we will grant your forces to extract whatever you deem necessary. However, we would request that these installations either be manned or destroyed after your work is done. If possible, the Emirate will use these functions if the Empire has no interest in maintaining them. Otherwise, we would rather wish to have these installations disappear off all formal records, such that its existence could not pose any threats.

[ooc: I have no clue what's going on, but okay...]

IC: Emirate forces have landed on Yemen, to face rather stern reactions from the people there. Radicals have already managed to penetrate the minds of the youth there, and it seems that Yemeni Arabicia will need to be reassimilated. The condition in Oman is not as bad, owing to the fresh efforts of both Arabicia and the Emirate to eradicate these extremist elements. The Holy Places have been secured and Emirate authority has been instituted there, in preparation for the Emir's arrival. Work continues to bring the government under order once again in all other areas of Arabicia.

[ooc: I'd like to know what's going on with Socotra and Vineyard's installations in Arabicia...]

IC: Emirate forces have firmly secured the Hajj route from Jiddah to Madinah - as the Royal Family entered the port earlier today. The Emir gave some words of consolation to the people of Arabicia, saying that "Allah's will shall not forget nor forgo the righteous nation of Arabicia." Emirate progresses have encountered some resistance in other regions of eastern Arabicia - however, these are mostly associated with rioters and otherwise rebellious folk than true extremists. In Yemen, the situation is much more hostile, as resurgent elements of the Arms of Allah have resurfaced in Sanaa, making Emirate efforts more difficult to effect control and order in these territories.

Emirate forces have begun fighting for control from AOA extremists in Sanaa and Aden, as well as numerous other cities in southern Yemen. Troops from Western and Northern Arabicia have been called to help crush this resurgency as soon as possible. In most other areas, Emirate government services have begun an efficient program to restore order with Arabician local officials and leaders. While these efforts are being spearheaded, it is still uncertain as to how the Arabician territories will be managed, until the Emir formally declares his intentions. Public opinions have somewhat split over any particular choice:

From Riyadh: "We need to reform the Arabician government to make it more accountable to the people! That's the main reason why this government failed the last time, and with Emirate aid, we can surely make every correction necessary to make a more stable government."

From Jiddah: "The people here truly favor the Emirate and want to integrate with the Emirate Coalition of Alif Laam Miim. The Arabician government rejected too much of the Sharia as accountable law, while Sistan presented an extremist perspective; the Emirate is the only Islamic country that presents a delicate balance of law and religion, allowing a possible mixed cultural state."

From Sanaa: "Allah Akhbar!" [it should be noted that this man was promptly thence seized and interrogated to determine any leads to defeating the AOA factions...]

From Muscat: "We feel that the Emirate is a very good country, but we really don't want to have to do anything with any other country in fact. We were brought into this mess by the Sistani foes, and because of that, we've been tossed around like a sinking sea in troubled seas. We want to decide our own government, not an Arabician or an Emirate government, and especially not a Sistani one."

The Emir will make his decision following the Hajj at an appropriate location in Makkah.

Fighting in Sanaa has become more intense as the days loom longer. Emirate forces have taken key positions in the city, but the AOA remains determined to resist to whatever capability is available to them. Reinforcements from other parts of Arabicia have trapped the AOA faction to Yemen, mostly on the western partitions, although sporadic fighting has been witnessed elsewhere in Yemen. Sanaa seems to be the target center of AOA activities, and hence it remains a high priority for the Emirate to recover. At the moment, extremists have suffered thousands of dead and wounded, while our forces have likewise suffered 107 KIA and 352 casualties.

At the moment, the majority of the country is under a solemn and still calm, as business returns to normal. Local governments have been elected in most regions, and only the fate of Arabicia remains undecided, as the Royal Hajj arrives in Madinah, in preparation of the path that the Prophet once followed in his sojourn to Makkah. Emir Jalal addressed the crowds, reassuring them of the progress and the future that they have now because of the Emirate.

SIC: Coup forces in Uganda are preparing the coup conspiracy. We have secured the support of the Minister of Defense and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Prime Minister's opinion is not yet secured, but if we can garner his support, it is likely and possible that they will surrender the state without a fight.

SICSICSIC: Operatives! Abort coup operation in Uganda! Stay low until further notice!

Fighting continues in Sanaa, as the Royal Hajj begins its journey from Madinah to Makkah. Even if the fighting continues in Yemen, the Emir will announce his intentions with the sovereign lands of Arabicia, whether they should remain in the Emirate or be devolved into a separate state. At this moment, it seems highly unlikely that he will grant an independent Arabicia, after witnessing the rise of extremist states in Sistan, in Asherton, and the continuing efforts of the AOA to turn the moderate Arabician people into fanatics of a sect neither Islam nor any religion condones [save themselves, apparently...]. We shall see how this ends thus.

"On this day, we meet as fellow brethren of the True Faith! We have come from far and wide to witness these things, as Allah has blessed us all! The Emirate has grown stronger since the fall of Sistan, and its memories compels us to do the righteous actions, to guard the lands of Allah's promises from infidels, and in the past, this was the infidels of Christianity, of Judaism, of the faiths from lands who knew not Allah but other gods. And those gods could not save them.

"But our time is different! We have the infidels of a new religion - the religion of intolerance, the religion of hostility, the religion of extremism. We are now in bonds with our Christians, our Jews, our other brethren - we share the fight against these infidels who threaten to turn our religion into a massive campaign to end the world in manners as they see fit. But say unto you: assuredly, as long as Allah has will, they will not succeed, for Allah has given us Providence and our allies in faith, in nation, and in deeds carry the will of Allah to purge this world of those enemies to tolerance, to brotherhood, and to harmony. For as Allah preaches to the Prophet, 'Do Thou also incline towards Peace, For Allah has heard and has known of these things.'

"Let us now consider of our dear brethren in Arabicia, those who embrace our arrival, and those who remonstrate against it. We have come at a critical moment, when the government of the old - a tolerant, a fraternal, a harmonious state - falls to those forces that first seek to propel into anarchy and then extend this to other states. How do we judge these, the meekly guided kin who stray to these ideologies? We embrace them and welcome them into our house, invite them to stay, and bid them a warm welcome from the thrashing cries of extremism. Those who refuse to stay outside shall remain outside and suffer the throes of Allah, who has governed it to be unrighteous. Let Allah deal ever so slightly against His followers in true harmony and faith, but those who seek to wage war against the Holy places and of the Holy people, may they perish in the war they seek to avail, for Allah comforts them in agony and pain.

"Thus, I speak with a solemn and righteous heart. As Emir of Egypt, of Libya, of Nubia, of Bahrain, and of the Emirates, Sovereign of the Iranian Mandates, Protector of Abyssinia, and of Chad, Skeikh of Qattara, and Commander of the Alif Laam Miim Coalition, I hereby pronounce the lands of Arabicia to be the sovereign responsibility and and the righteous lands of the Emirate of Alif Laam Miim. With a pious and charitable hand, I extend the rule of the Emirate over these territories, to endow them the righteous character of Alif Laam Miim, and thus I take full responsibility to purge the infidels currently fighting our forces in Yemen. It is here that those who blaspheme the name of Allah in a banner that preaches war, those who started this war, those who continue the legacy of Sistan in the world, it is here that they shall understand the meanings of Allah's grace and wrath. Let them that seek amnesty come with a clean heart and be forgiven. Let them that seek war continue their ways and perish by the very elements that seek to endow upon us, as they will not succeed against our might, and the might of the Righteous Coalition. Our allies in the Red Sea Alliance have already acknowledged that the Arms of Allah is neither Islamic nor righteous - the world condemns them for their militancy, their pure hatred of the tolerant mind who seeks to reveal the grace of Allah through righteousness than by the force of will. As neither Allah nor I have any will of war, we seek no justice but the righteous one - and Allah has decided that they shall receive what is theirs due. Alif Laam Miim shall prevail, and our allies shall be strengthened by it. May Allah bless us all, and may Allah guard us with watchful eyes and ever-ready vigilance to strike the enemies of righteousness!"


With this done, the Emir stepped aside and prepared for the return journey to Jiddah. From there, he would travel to Crete directly in preparation for the conference with the RUN delegation. In the meantime, he would receive news of success in the affairs in Sharina and proclaim it at an appropriate moment.

In Sanaa, the campaign was encouraged by the words of the Emir, and as apparently was evident, a number of militant rebels decided to lay down their arms and receive the Emir's amnesty. As was attested, these men and women were stripped of their arms, forbidden to take arms against the Emirate or its allies, and permitted to return to their daily lives after a minor inspection of ideology. A random few were detained for further questioning. Those rebels who remained were hardened by the desertion and fought back more horrifically, especially against those who were once their kin.

Fighting continues in other areas, but most of these are well controlled by Emirate forces, and as such, the provisional command was established in Aden. Casualty reports returned to the main office:

ALM - 159 KIA and 587 casualties

Oh god, not again.

He felt someone shove him off, and felt as he spiraled down onto the burning sands below. His stomache turned, threatening to spew the contents of his shanty lunch onto the dune sea. He gripped the cable closly, keeping his syes closed. Regaining his composture he turned his face skywards. He opened his eyes just in time to see the boots collide with his face.

He woke up later. The Helicopter was long gone, and he was lying in the sand. An Imperial Agent was looking down at him with an amused look on his face.

"You DO know, the whole idea of being lowered by cable is to get out of the way once you hit the ground."

The Agent grinned, and extended a hand. He took it, and the agent lifted him up.

"Your Glasses..." The Agent said extending his hand. The man snapped them out of his hand and put them on.

Ahh, much better.

He surveyed his motly band. A few Imperial Agents, a dozen or so soldiers, and a satilite comms officer. And of course, himself. He was an expert on theoretical warfare, and one of the few at that. He dusted the sand off of his tan uniform.

"Right."

He looked around. Spotting a rather tall dune, he immediately set off for it, tripping over himself repeadedly. A female Imperial Agent made her way up the dune effortlessly, leaving behind very slight footprints. He kept having to remind himself that, despite their demeanor and manner, these guys were the Secret agents of the Empire, and their training and precision flawless. He only ever heard of two ever beeing seen together once, but three!? This mission was something special indeed.

He scrambled the rest of the way up using both his hands and knees. He looked up. His crew was watching him from atop the dune. Was he really that clumsy? He didn't notice any of them reach the top (Except for the rather attractive female agent, whose name he had yet to get)

"How long until AL..."

"Projected time is around 20 minutes, give or take a few. Depends when they picked us up on radar." A dark-colored agent said shrugging.

"Right.. Can you hand me that thingamagig?"

'Certainly." the satilite comms officer said, digging into his packs, he produced a badly scratched old circular object.

"Thank you. Now, ladies and Gentlemen, for the main event!"

The strategist extended his arm, beaming. He pressed the circular botton on the device. Nothing. He glanced around, the smile still fixiated on his face. Someone behind him coughed.

"Right. Who has that book?"

"Like the sands of the desert, we melt away into the sun, as from wence we came. We are ever shifting, never approaching the same way as before. We suprise, we do the unthinkable. We are formless, like water onto rocks."

The strategist adjusted his glasses. What didn't these agents know?

"Err.. yes.. thankyou. That was the wuote I was looking for..."

He looked around. Formless. Dunes are such, they are ever shifting. Melt away into the sun, as from wence we came? He looked around. From where? East or West!? And we do the unthinkable.. what hadn't he considered?

He looked towards the east. They are beduins, where did they come from. he spun around, looking west. He grinned.

"Where would the sun be on an equinox...?

" Right about where youa re staring."

These agents unnerved him.

He pulled out binoculars, looking into the wastes. Nothing. Just endless sand. He sighed.

"Ok, I have no clue where this damn base is." He said, turning around to his comerades. Damn him. Waste of a damn trip! How could he be so foolish!

He clenched his fists in anger, closing his eyes. Happy place, happy place. These tremors certainly wern't helping.

He threw open his eyes. His party's mouths dropped, even the Agents were taken aback. A giant shadow loomed over them. He turned around, slowly.

There, right in front of them, they beheld a metallic trap door, of massive proportions opening up. Sand still clung to its top, obviously some sort of disguise. He gaped.

The Door creeked and groaned to a stop, bits of sand falling from the top. At either end were massive hydrolic lifts, and a few chains dangled from the rim. He looked down at his hand, opening his clenched fist. There lay the scarred object. The Key to the Beduin Corps. He had pressed it in his anger while he pointed downwards. Genious!

He beamed wider than he had in his entire life.

He looked into the chasm opened up by the door. It was dark.

He gulped. No way he was going in there. He found it, he doesn't have to go in first!

"Ok! Who is first?"

"We are. Branko, take point. The rest of you fall in." A soldier said, pointing towards the doow tieh a gloved hand. The agents had in the meantime regained their composture, although the soldiers wearily looked at it in awe and fear. They started to walk towards the enterence. A soldier ran ahead of them, dropping his pack. Opening it, he handed out handfulls of glowsticks to the men as they passed. They each cracked one, and crept forward.

"Sir, after you." An Agent said, calmly guesturing towards the 'door', it it could be called such. The Strategist took one last look at the door and gulped. Here goes nothing. He kickedforward a leg, stepping down. Then another one. Atta boy!

He soon found himself entering what appeared to be a giant ramp leading into the abyss. A soldier took out a glowstick, and cracked it, throwing it as far as he could into the abyss. It flew forward, and skidded to a stop on the ramp. He then took out a skate-board like object. Quickly assembling it, he clicked on a few lights onto it, and attached a glowstick for good measure. He set it off with a good push. It glided down the ramp, and just kept going.

"Jesus, where does this thign end..?" A soldier wispered. Just as he said that, the device, now a good 400-500 meters in, suddenly vanished from sight.

"That must be the main base. Annals describe a spiriling stair into the heart of the base. It mush have just gone off the edge."

A soldier adjusted his collar.

"Ok, keep moving..." the commander muttered, and the entire party crept forward...

The conflict in Sanaa was dying slowly, but with supplies starved and a clear superiority of Emirate troops in Yemen, the AOA faction was given one last chance to surrender. In a chaotic demonstration of insanity, the leaders of the AOA televised their mock execution, rather than surrender. Those moderates from the AOA readily surrendered under a more liberal atmosphere - with official pardons and guarantees given by the government. All those who were involved were granted amnesty on the terms that they forever abdicated their will to advocate Allah's will by force and violence.

The Emirate has made discussions with the Empire of Vineyard, concerning the repossession of several of their stores in Arabician territory, although these declarations have not been thoroughly discussed or resolved. Anticipation within the MoD expects some resolution soon nonetheless.


With the territories in Arabicia firmly under Emirate authority, the Ministry of Domestic Affairs has made a diligent effort to cement a moderate and somewhat open atmosphere in the acquired realms. Having made so many changes in the Emirate, it is likely that the government of the Emirate will likely undergo changes soon, to accommodate all of these changes. Once the Emir returns from conference in Crete, he is likely to make ready plans for a more integrated, centralized, and effective government, which will set the standards of the Emirate's realm.

Until then, the MoDA is making all efforts to ensure that the Emirate is the primary server of the people, not extremist factions or otherwise unnecessarily entangling circumstances and organizations that will interrupt and infringe on the sovereignty of the Emirate.





In a few days, Al Qahirah will become the setting for a Pan-African forum, set to establish a practical stability line, protecting the sovereignty of all African states in question. Already, efforts have been made to establish general protection pacts with countries that are likely to be in question in the future - especially with the build-up in Gabon and abroad.

SICSICSIC:

A call came early in the morning. They answered it with reluctance, ebbing from their ears.

"The situation in Camgo is degenerating. We need to institute changes. The operation is back on - turn your forces to Nairobi and make them turn to us for aid."

"Coup operation is underway."

"Peace be unto you."

The call ended and the men set out for work - they would make the country turn to them in time for the Will of Allah to be fulfilled, the summation of all things set for the Emirate. It would be a while before such actions could materialize, but they had already penetrated the government - it was only now a matter of pressing the right buttons to get what they needed.

SICSICSIC:

[NAIROBI]

Hassan as Saif looked at the clock, adorning the building. It was near the central district of Nairobi, where the government made its effective duties. Since Camgo had been basically dissolved, with the union of Uganda heading to a new state, the remaining state in Kenya seemed to be a brimming place full of potential hostility. There were factions from all walks, Muslim and otherwise. And having walking the three blocks from the train station, Hassan seemed convinced that the Emirate's work was necessary.

Two minutes later, in the back side of a government parking lot, he made plans to meet with a leading defense official - someone with a lot of leverage in the local government and the military. The operation was proceeding quickly, although the progress being made currently was only the cumulation of months of work undercover in Uganda and Kenya before the state of Camgo. Perhaps it was the work of the Emirate that lead to the temporary situation there. Of course, the current situation was perhaps worse, because Kenya formed the soft under-belly of the Emirate. It had to be protected.

"You come rather discreetly," the man said, speaking a soft dialect of Amharic. Hassan nodded. "Discretion is my specialty. I've come with the proposal, do you have the codes?"

"I do. But I must ask. What gives you any impression that this will succeed?"

"I have faith that it will. We have a strong position in the government. And if it doesn't go according to plan, the Emirate will have to step in to clean up the mess. In any case, you get what you want - we get what we want."

"Of course. But pray Allah that things go as we want them to go. I don't want to make a mess."

"Then, let's do this well. Lives are at stake. The more swiftly we work, the more certainly we'll have this in our grasp."

"Good. The Ministry is looking for support from the Ministry of State - if we can get that in order, we'll have the media broadcast messages convincing the public that a change is necessary - a change for the Emirate. The old government wouldn't have that much support anyway, so we'll easily win over the population."

Hassan seemed a little hesitant at that. "My experience says that we shouldn't trust the possibilities all too much. We'll build on what we have."

SICSICSIC:

Hassan was resting in his apartment when the news came to him.

"The deal is down. The Minister of Defense has gathered the Joint Chiefs, and they have all agreed to the coup proposition."

"When will the deal commence?"

"Next week. The Army will send in loyalist forces to the Capital center - about 15,000 of them. Once the forces are in place, the leaders will present a declaration, surrendering the sovereignty of this state for the extended protection and prosperity of the Emirate. The Ministry of State will send the proposal through the people's referendum, and we will make it a popular uprising against the conformities of the old government that failed. It is as you have planned."

Hassan nodded. "That is good. But I'm still wary of the popular uprising part of the plan - there was no part for that in my manifest."

"My friend - this world loves one of two things: dictators and democracy. We can give it both and satisfy everyone's hankering for peace and stability at the same time. That is your reason here, right?"

"Yes."

"Good. I will make certain that you are kept updated with the progress of this operation."

Hassan nodded again. "Remember that I do not know exist. Nor any of my compatriots. This is all the work of people from your country, not mine or anywhere else. This is critical."

"I have made absolutely certain that that point is clear."

The phone call ended. Hassan looked at his watch, uncertain of the time. The plan was moving as according to plan, but the things that had yet to come were still troubling him. And indeed he had reason to be concerned. There was much at stake for the Emirate, if his group was successful. And there was much more at stake if it turned to failure.

[ooc: a re-cap for the people just tuning in - this is a coup attempt being staged in Kenya, originally planned for Uganda, but transferred when Camgo came in, and furthermore when Uganda joined Thyrius. This is not an attempt to take Uganda - this is a coup for Kenya, which if things go as I intend them, will result in the assimilation of Kenya into the Abyssinian Protectorate, which is a subsidiary state of the Emirate.]

[ooc: ooc check, who from Earth V has seen this thread and what I'm doing here? It's awfully lonely here...]

ooc: What do you expect me to do?

Im 'frozen', thanks to a procrastinating and... ghhhrgh.

I can not do anything except smile and look pretty ICly ATM.

ooc: What do you expect me to do?

Im 'frozen', thanks to a procrastinating and... ghhhrgh.

I can not do anything except smile and look pretty ICly ATM.

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/ATA/25837DG~I-Just-Smile-And-Look-Pretty-Posters.jpg


SICSICSIC:

Hassan received a call late in the evening. It was nearing the deadline for his project.

"Friend, you worry me too much. What is your army doing?"

"It's doing much. In the meantime, our accomplices in the Ministry of State have managed to get out polls. 56% will support an Emirate-backed government, and 31% will support the Emirate simply coming in and taking over."

"What about the remaining... 20%?"

"Well, the remainder will not be problem."

Hassan sighed. "Isa - I don't like polls, and it's tearing my mind to think of what will happen if your polls are biased. 20% of a million people is 200,000 people. There are more than a million people in Kenya, so 20% of whatever is in Kenya, is a lot."

"There are over 30 million people in Kenya. 80% of that wants to join with the Emirate or be in allegiance with the Emirate. Considering that number, I think there's little we have to fear from the remaining 20%. Besides that, you've got the full support of the majority of our armed forces, and some other ministries. There's very little that we can't do."

"How discreet were these polls?"

"Not so much. We were careful not to disclose our secrets openly, but you are a fool to think that the government wouldn't have at least suspicions that there is a coup in the works. Of course, they still don't know about you."

"Well, that's perhaps the only good news I've heard today."

"Rest easily, friend," Isa replied. "Tomorrow, the Emirate shall come to Kenya, and it will be all done."

"Yes... And you shall have the funds in your bank account at Addis Ababa. The details will come when this is over."

"As salaam alaikum."

The phone call ended, and Hassan was feeling a little more at ease to see that the core project was proceeding as planned. However, the involvement of other aspects was worrying him more and more. But if things went as Isa had said, then he would have this over in the next day, and he could return to his family, and live happily until country called him to perform the will of Allah.

SICSICSIC:

The coup had officially begun. Tanks rolled into Nairobi with supporting infantry. Most of the people witnessing the events thought that there was a military parade, letting the mess pass by, even as cars, bikes, and otherwise important street clutter were demolished by the tanks. Hassan couldn't see the action, but the armored trail left a very dirty mess in its wake. He saw the dusts rising from all directions, arriving at the government center; at the rate that they were traveling, those convened in session would have an opportunity to escape, so he phoned his other friends.

"There's tanks coming into the city, and I can see them from a mile away. Do something about it."

The called ended, and Hassan turned his attention to the roof of the capitol structures. One by one, security guards fell swiftly and quietly. It was perhaps a minute and all of the guards were down, never able to react to the emergency at hand. The plan was working so far, and he could manage the troubles that came from this mess.

About five minutes later, the tanks came onto the government square, and called for the surrender of the government. What followed next was completely unexpected.

Thirteen mortar rounds flew out of the building and damaged about four tanks. Fighting followed immediately, and shots began to fly everywhere. Hassan quickly radioed the commanders below - "Do not fire tank shells at the capitol at all! We need the government ministers alive!" Just as he spoke, one tank round fired and blew out the rear facade. The dust and rubble was visible for miles out. Hassan hastily shouted to the commanders - "Do not fire your heavy guns at all!!! No more!!! Just round it up with infantry."

He then called his sniper friends, to pick out fighters, whenever they could find them, and turned his attention to his inside accomplice. "Isa, your operation was compromised. Any idea how?"

"I don't know. I'm still inside the capitol, trying to figure out who knew. I can tell you for certain that none of the MPs or the Ministers knew - aside from those who already knew."

"I want a list, Isa. Everyone who knew, and everyone who didn't. Our person is either a traitor or a snoop."

"I'm checking the government security cameras now. That will give us some of the answers."

"I will be waiting."

==========

IC GENERAL:

Fighting has erupted in Nairobi, as elements of the Kenyan armed forces have surrounded the capital in an attempt to capture the government and secure a coup. The Abyssinian Protectorate has responded to these calls by mobilizing its armed forces along the border with Kenya - in order to prepare for any actions that might cause alarm and be ready to intervene at any moment.

ooc: Question from a timid and altogether neutural observer. I mean nothing by it, its just a curiocity.

Why on earth would the Kenyans want to give up their national sovrignty and join ALM?

ooc: Question from a timid and altogether neutural observer. I mean nothing by it, its just a curiocity.

Why on earth would the Kenyans want to give up their national sovrignty and join ALM?

[ooc: to satisfy the insatiable curiosity of my timid and altogether neutral observer...

the same thing that you would offer if you were me... besides that, not every Kenyan is supporting the move, as is evidenced by the breakdown in the coup attempt...]

SICSICSIC:

Hassan was trying to rein in the coup forces, while the government forces from inside the parliament building were making progress despite being cornered. The treasured element of surprise had turned against the coup, and it was threatening to destroy it. He wanted to hear specifically from Isa, but he knew that Isa was busy trying manage the logistics from inside the wasp's nest.

Once he was on the street level, bullets were literally flying everywhere. It seemed that the government forces were more organized than anticipated, even holding units in the buildings surrounding the government square. There were snipers on every rooftop that even Hassan couldn't distinguish friend from foe. At that moment, there was the stunning realization that he was losing the battle, and it was only minutes into the fight. He phoned the tank commanders: "There are snipers in the surrounding buildings. Use whatever you have to eliminate them quickly. But maintain the parliament building as a safe-haven zone."

"Pardon me, sir. But who the hell are you?"

"A friend. From Isa. Do as I say or your men will be annihilated and this whole effort would have been done in vain. Time is of essence."

Hassan hung up the phone and quickly followed the rush of crowds trying to the leave the area. There were few still around to witness the fighting, but from what he saw, many never had the opportunity even to leave.

[ooc: a map for general reference...

http://www.reliefweb.int/hin/images/nairobi_map.jpg

IC:

An update from Nairobi: Government forces appear to be handling the situation well, despite the presence of several armored vehicles employed by the coup forces. The Prime Minister optimistically says that the coup will be over in a matter of an hour or so, remarking that this coup has been in the works for several months, but it was unexpected that the coup organizers would attack so soon.

Hassan was in safe quarters, when he received the phone call from Central Command.

"Ghazi."

"What is it?"

"There's an incident in the capital. The Directors wants to pause all auxiliary projects until after the culprits have been determined and their motives unveiled. That means you're going to have to work alone for the next 72 hours - at least."

"Fahd, if you haven't realized, there's a fight going on in Nairobi now. It's been going on for the past hour or so. You have to realize that it's happening now."

"Now or later, you are alone. The Abyssinian Forces will be ready when the moratorium is over."

"Damnit, I'm going to need them in the next five hours! You can't do this. I need to make an exception."

"Ghazi, I'm sorry. The Director wants all resources focused on the bombing - now. It's going to be my job if I let this pass, so I'm hoping that you can get your friends to hold out for the next 72 hours."

"Fahd... I can't guarantee that this mission will succeed with this kind of support. The government forces were informed of our mission - I might be compromised for all that I know. We need a swift response to this."

"Ghazi, you wouldn't be there if I didn't think that you couldn't handle the challenge. I'll see you in 72 hours. Allah be with you."

"As to you."

Hassan looked at his watch, recording the dial for 72 hours. He thought of all the bad circumstances that could steal away his mission. Isa's report was now more important than ever now, because his safety was now at stake, more so because he was without support. He decided to call his team members, to inform them of the problem.

The distinct sounds of explosions could be heard, as the armored coup forces began to retaliate against the government forces. He wasn't outside to see the events unfold, but he could only imagine that it was turning into chaos for everyone. All the while, his team members didn't pick up their call - something was turning foul. He raced to a rear exit in the building, heading out discreetly. At that instant, a tank shell landed in the building, and blew out the second floor. The debris flew out to his side of the building [opposite the tanks], and crashed around him as he hovered in the space covered by the exit. The crowds were thin now, so hiding wasn't too much an option for him. Fortunately, he didn't look like militia, so he passed easily from the combat zone to determine what had happened to his members.

SICSICSIC:

Hassan turned to the left. The hall was clear. He could see that his room - where his comrades were settled - had been forcibly opened. And suddenly the events of the past day were self-evident. Someone had turned against him, and Isa would have the answer. But still, Hassan had to see how far this betrayal had run.

He quietly approached the room. The charred frame indicated that this was only recent. The ashes gave a deep scent as the air stirred with his steps. Down by his side was no weapon of use, but still lethal if applied correctly. No bodies were in the entrance. He picked up a charred piece of the door and tossed it into the room. No sounds.

He cautiously turned into the room, and looked at the mess. There were shoes at a place with their feet still in place - remnants of a delivery boy, perhaps sending his friends their last meal. There were scattered balls over the room - his men were killed when the bomb exploded in the package, and the bearings flew out in every direction. He could see their last postures in life, settled on the cold floor reaching out for an empty hand that would carry them to safety. He was that hand, stuck elsewhere. Ali, Mansa, and Zayd.

But aside from the explosion, there was no other disturbance. He searched through the profiles of his partners, and gathered the salvageable materials, weapons, and otherwise useful information. He took up the tags from his fallen, and guided them to his pocket, where he would keep them until he returned home. In time, perhaps they would receive their place in the grave, beneath the sands of home. In the meantime, they would have to settle for the empty air of an abandoned apartment in the middle of Nairobi.

===

IC:

Coup forces in Nairobi have managed to turn the tide against government forces, according to local reporters. The armored vehicles have effectively established a strong position, and the battle continues to rage in their favor. However, government correspondents have suggested that additional troops from outside the city would be arriving to seize the capital back if it should happen to fall to the Coup forces. "Of the utmost importance is the survival of the Members of Parliament and the Prime Minister at the moment," remarked one correspondent.

The Prime Minister of Abyssinia - Adobo Hallesie - has issued an ultimatum for 72 hours for the scene in Nairobi to settle before he orders elements of the 6th Abyssinian Division [based in Awaha] to restore order in the country.

Hassan moved quickly through the streets as night soon feel on the population witnessing the events. Nairobi had lost its penchant for peace, and now the coup forces had secured the perimeter around the parliament buildings. Snipers were largely out of action, although a few gun battles continued to rage through the streets. Having lost his entire covert unit, Hassan was racing through his mind the possibilities of how his cover was blown, and who could have done it. The local forces were practically unaware of his whereabouts, yet he finds his apartment blown out by a hidden enemy.

He was in the middle of a street when his cell phone rang. Isa...

"Isa, what the hell are you doing?"

"I've just got a check on your list of people on the inside," Isa replied. "I thought you wanted it."

"I do."

"Well, I've done my checking and I've found one possible leak. He normally works during the weekdays, but conveniently, he was admitted off on sick leave. I don't know if this is the guy, but he's the only person who isn't here and knows about it."

"That's not a good lead, Isa. Is there anyone else?"

"I'm working on it, but I felt that you might want to have a look into it. His house is on the outskirts of Nairobi. How's the situation up there?"

"It's stabilizing - just stay low and keep out of sight. What's the chap's name?"

"Gregor Namamai - S Wheycrest Drive. It's a pretty affluent community, so no worries about civil militias."

"Allah bless you, Isa."

Hassan made his way to the quiet suburbs. It was indeed affluent - the grass was certainly greener here than in the downtown districts. He followed his instructions to the house, realizing that he was given a street, not an address. Perhaps it was the best that Isa could procure given the time.

He walked cautiously as the night fighting in the downtown continued to rumble. The people were frightened here - cars and trucks were everywhere, packing likely. It was an eerie scene, to watch the rich become sudden refugees. Most of the people present there were not of the common ground, which made it more difficult for them to escape the looming destruction. The break-down of order made the government less capable to mobilizing its civil forces to combat civil militias, and the country has had its own history of internal crises. The coup wasn't helping the situation, and as Hassan looked at his watch, he knew that he still had over 65 hours until he could get help from the Emirate. Whatever tragedy had happened in the Emirate was worth enough perhaps to jeopardize his mission in Nairobi, and it was all to fitting to realize that he may not survive the mission at all.

He arrived at a house that seemed to be the one and had his weapon at the ready. He approached the door quietly, realizing very soon that the door was already opened. He could see the signs of struggle on the knob and stopped there. He hadn't seen any militias nearby, and the neighborhood didn't seem too prone to forced robberies. Maybe it was a random one - but he still took caution to his presence. He decided to run around to the back, when the bullet started spray out of the house. He ducked beneath some bushes as the windows fell apart completely. He scrambled along the ground, back to the front door, where he anticipated to find his attacker. Indeed, it caught his attacker off guard, especially as he was unloading the magazine. Hassan shot a bullet at the man's leg, and he fell down dropping everything in his hands. He quickly learned that this wasn't the only one in the house as the bullets started to fall through the ceiling. Hassan dodged them as he hid in a closet. The barrage stopped, and Hassan made his way out into the kitchen down the hall. He heard the footsteps of his attackers from above, calculating rather accurately where they were - and he wasted his magazine shooting up to where they had stopped, hearing the thuds of their bodies [two of them] seconds later. The first man he had attacked was groaning and desperately reaching for his MP5. Hassan took the liberty to reload and fire a shot at the gun. He crawled around the island and walked into the living room aiming his pistol at the man's head.

"Who are you, and what the devil are you doing to me?"

The man chanted in Swahili.

"I speak that language too, you know, so it does no good to try to conjure spirits that are dead, like you if you don't start speaking to me."

The man stopped his incantations. After five seconds, Hassan leveled his pistol and shot the man's other leg. He shrieked and started to cry out.

"Who are you?" Hassan asked again.

The man gave no reply, and hastily, he shot the man's arms. The groaning, crying, and screaming continued. Hassan was losing his patience, but he sincerely wanted the information from his supposed assailant.

"Who are you?"

"Namamai! $#@% Namamai!"

With that, Hassan was satisfied to shoot the man dead.

Hassan called the Parliament buildings in Nairobi. Isa picked up again.

"Hassan?"

"Namamai is dead. He had government guards with him."

"Well, that does us no good," Isa replied. "We need your army here now. The Parliament forces are breaking the coup. If you don't anything in the next hour, the Parliament forces will rout the coup and your trip home won't be too easy."

"Isa, I'm under quarantine by the home government. A terrorist bombed the capital, so I'm ordered not to talk to home. You need to find a way to disrupt the government forces."

"I can't. I officially work for the government; it's not like I can suddenly change my stripes in a moment and not have the entire government come pounding on me."

"Find someone who will. Frame someone important. Divert their attention to more important matters while I try rally the coup leaders."

"Alright. It might be a while, but I will call you later."

ooc: I will finish this today.

SICIC:

Hassan returned to the coup location just as he received a phone call. It was from Central Command. He answered it in full anticipation that he would get help.

"We have sent the fighters from Abyssinia. What is their target?"

Hassan felt a little at discomfort, but to his knowledge there was only one target. But Isa was there, and he was the only person who had helped him throughout the ordeal. If only he knew otherwise - it would have made his decision more resolute.

"The Parliament building in Nairobi."

"I will pass this information to the Strike team. Is this the only target?"

"It is, sir."

"Good work. We'll be done with this in no time."

Hassan kept a stern face as he hung up. The Coup Forces were wildly battered, but nonetheless they continued to hold their place. He talked with the commander of the coup forces, who had no idea that an Egyptian was among them. Overjoyed, he immediately brought Hassan to the front lines, asking him what to do to beat the government forces.

"My government will give you support; just hold this line and all will be fine."

In about thirty minutes, the roar of Lavi jets reverberated throughout the sky, followed by the sudden thunder of bombs ripping the Parliament buildings apart. It was a magnificent sight and altogether horrifying. Isa was likely dead, but with him were also the great multitude of government forces that stood in the path of progress.

===

IC:

The battles raging in Nairobi have apparently ended as the Parliament buildings were ravaged by Abyssinian fighters, called in by coup forces seeking a quick resolution to the fighting that has consumed the country for the greater part of the past days. [ooc: the fighting takes three days officially, thanks to the great phenomenon of fluid time] Reporters from the city claim that the Emirate sponsored and mediated the entire coup, while those from the coup claim that Kenya has always "belonged to the Emirate and deserved to join into it." Whether these testaments are true or not, the leader of the coup forces has called to Emir Aziz for talks in Al Qahirah - an obvious ploy to gain legitimacy as the new head of Kenya. More on this news after we take around the world...

The coup in Kenya was one of the most spectacular failures in the Intelligence community in the Emirate for one of the longest times. It was the explicit hope of the Emirate, particularly of those involved in the planning and execution of the project to never attempt such a convoluted project in their history ever again. Albeit, the prospects learned from this operation could be applied to future projects of similar scale.

But for now, the Emirate would be consolidating its power in the region, firsrt by seizing the island chain of Socotra. The Emirate Navy had mobilized 2 of their newest LaFayette-class frigates, built at Dubai, to round the islands and claim them as sovereign territory of the Emirate. A small contingent of Marines - numbering around 50 - went to the island proper and plopped a surrender sheet on the table of the Governor there.

"What's this?" he asked.

The captain of the company briefly explained the document - "This is the surrender terms of the island. You hereby surrender sovereignty of Socotra from the defunct government of Kopparbergs to the Emirate, in return for full assurances of defense, protection, and prosperity. If you do no sign this document, we will be forced to take drastic measures to encourage it."

The governor seemed less inclined to sign the paper after hearing such harsh words. "I have no reason not to sign it, but I'm afraid that I still hail to Jerusalem. Why don't you take the case to them?"

"There is no government in Jerusalem. Besides that, there are plans for Jerusalem in due time. I just want your signature."

"You come onto this island with armed men, when the least I have on this island is a radar station. What do you want?"

"We want this island. That's it."

The governor, seeing nothing else to argue, took his pen and signed away the island. "I will be taking this up to your superiors for this conduct."

"Please do. But be sure to mention this to the Emirate authorities in Addis Ababa, as this island is now the sovereign territory of the Republican Protectorate of Abyssinia."