NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: I am back....so what's up?

IC:

“The Old Imperium is dieing…all the kings men can’t do nothing to save her..all they do is prolong the suffering of the Imperium for their self interest…ashes ashes we all fall down…all the fruits of our labor were lost..because of our foolishness ..ashes ashes…we all fall down…”

Six months have past since the New Model Government came into power, many of us had high hopes that the New Model Government will institute a new golden age for the Imperium, but that didn’t happen…sure in the first few months of the New Model Government with Sultan Bashir spearheading reforms such as cutting back taxes and getting rid of that god forsaken income tax…but a alas the “Honeymoon period” didn’t last for long. Because no matter how hard you try you can never truly get rid of internal divisions in KLM, they just disappear for sometime and come back to bite you in the ass when you least expect it. With that being said, let us see these two groups that will set off the chain reaction of events that shake the foundation of the Imperium to the point where the Imperium almost collapses upon itself. Those groups were the Hard Liners who have final reorganize themselves to be formable force in the Imperium after years of being beaten down and being force to submit to the Reformist rule..now it was time for payback and time for absolve a long standing dispute.. The other group were the ultra reformist or radical reformist..they were sick and tied of the cooperation with the hardliners which was the stance current moderate reformist government. They want to final push out hardliners out of government and to enact more radical reforms to save their beloved state without the blasted hardliners blocking them..also they were dead set on not absolving the dispute.. Ashes ashes…we all fall down…

Majiles,New Delhi, India, Khailfah al Muslimeen

It was emergency session of the Majiles; all the Ministers were seated, also present was the Sultan, Grand Vizier and High Chancellor, all was silence then…

Prime Minister Hilmi al Malik bin Houssam broke the silence by opening the session of the Majiles by saying the following

“Bismillah al-Rahman, al-Rahiim, this meeting of the Khailfah al Muslimeen Majiles is here by in session, we here to discuss the latest news to the emergency situation in the Carpathian protectorate, let the discussion begin.”

Oh the Carpathian protectorate...once a peaceful stable protectorate and productive member of the Imperium..but that all changed recently when a mutiny broke out in the protectorate army, and killed the pro Imperial Government and declare their independence. In reaction the Imperium quickly deploys its forces to quell the rebellion and restore the pro Imperial Government. But it’s never that easy…for four long months the Imperial army tried to quell the rebellion with little luck, the rebels were able to outsmart the Imperial Army at every turn in the jungles of Carpathia…with little progress for the Imperial Government in the rebellion, it was taking a total on the Sultan powerbase…dissents and opponents of the Sultan decide it was now time to strike when the Sultan powerbase was at its weakest and strike a raw nerve to obtain to their goals…

But who knew it was one of his own that would turn on him

One of the Ministers from Hizbu-Rāshidūn bloc, representing the Algiers, North Africa rose up and said in fluent standard Arabic

“Oh Ministers of Majiles Sultan has failed the Imperium, he has fail his duty to Khailfah, his rule has been compromise by his emotions…his rulings are no longer base on logic and reasoning…or base on the core beliefs…they are base on emotions..which explains why all so many crisis have fallen our Imperium..IT IS BECAUSE OF HIS INABLITY TO RUN THE IMPERIUM…we face these crisis time and time again…it is time for us to correct this problem….I call for a Vote of No Confident against the Sultan!”

There was silence for a moment, a Minster rose up and seconds the motion and another Minister raised up to third the motion.

At the same time, a number of ministers rose up in defense of Sultan and stated the vote was sheer madness and appeal for the Ministers to come their senses. But it was all in vain, the chain reaction was set off…all the Sultan rivals jump at the chance to remove him from office once and all.

The Prime Minister had no choice to call for vote of no confident, there is enough support for it.

The Sultan sat in silence, unable to say a thing.. He knew this was beginning of the end and there was nothing he could to stop it.

It took a few minutes for the vote results to be display on the flat screens, all voting in Majies was handle by touch screen systems. They were.. 301 votes in favor of No Confident and 299 against No Confident. Once the results were known, there was massive uproar within the Majiles, those loyal to the Sultan called out to whoever vote for the motion, traitors and heretics to the Khailfah. The Prime Minister try his best to restore order it, but it pointless.. Just the Prime Minister ended the session of Majies.

The Grand Vizier broke the silence and “Just…we say nothing to our doom…but to say something would mean nothing now…that is our fate..”

“There is still the Imperial Senate vote on the matter…” remarked the High Chancellor

“So there is hope that the Senate will see thought this vile attempt to destabilize our Imperium..” remarked the Grand Vizier

“So there is hope…” said the Sultan, it was the only thing he said the whole time..

Hong Kong, Upper Xen

"Mr. President, a Cable from the Embassy in New Delhi, sir."

Gordon Lew looked up from his morning breakfast of steak and eggs, and snatched the cable from the adjutant in the dining room. Not being dismissed, she simply waited there, as he read its contents quietly to himself. New Delhi was where the Xenizens moved their embassy to the KLM to, as the KLM moved its capital there as well. It only made sense, after all.

"Let's see.....Sultan Bashir voted out of power in a Vote of No Confidence by opposition factions in the Majlis. Vote occurred by a very narrow margin, 301 to 299. A vote is still to occur in the Imperial Senate, which may give him a chance to stay in power. Recommend further monitoring of events, as given the nearly Byzantine politics of the KLM, anything could happen as a result of the closeness of this vote. Do not recommend intervention, as the Sultan has a chance with the Imperial Senate.

--Ambassador Chun Tsai-Wang"

Gordon mused over this. Not cool. Not cool at all, the Sultan that Gordon had befriended, assisted, and whose nation he had traded with extensively for so long was now in danger of falling out of power. The Senate was there, yes, but that was a big risk. What if the Senate voted him out too. No way to be sure, only that this meant something was going on over there that Gordon wasn't going to enjoy hearing about.

He pulled out a piece of paper, and wrote down a few things on it before handing it to the adjutant. Gordon then said, "Send this to Ambassador Chun. Tell him to continue monitoring the situation. I want updates sent to my office on the hour, detailing as much of the situation around him as possible. There's plenty of Xenizens in the KLM, and a good buddy there. I don't want them caught in a shitstorm."

The adjutant nodded, and then forwarded the message appropriately.

Two days later

Imperial Senate building, New Delhi, India, KLM

The 25 members of the Imperial Senate had the duty to decide if the Vote of No Confident was valid or invalid. Whatever the outcome of the Senate votes the ramifications will be felt throughout the Imperium for good or bad.

In the Senate room, besides the Senators was the Sultan, Grand Vizier and High Chancellor. Plus the members of opposition, were who dieing to hear the Senate decision on the vote.

The President of Imperial Senate Uthman bin Bashir, the Sultan brother called the Senate into session by saying the following

“Bismillah al-Rahman, al-Rahiim, this meeting of the Imperial Senate is here by in session.”

Then Premier Khan Noonien Singh spoke

“After much debate and reviewing of the evidence of this vote, we the members of the Imperial Senate have decided after giving this matter much thought.” He pause for moment “We decide it is best to hold the vote now after consulting precedent on the matter.”

Then the Premier nodded to Chairmen of Imperial Senate- Mahommed Khosrev to speak

“It must be noted for the records, the Imperial Senate decision on the matter is in the best interest of Imperium and for the stake of Imperium. Now the let the voting begin.”


The Senators input their decisions in the touch screen systems, and the results came up within flat screens

23 for the Vote and 2 against the Vote

Right at that moment, the Sultan face turn pale, it was the end of his reign.

Senator Mallam Nasir el-Rufai give the official Senate reasoning for why they vote in favor of the vote.

“Sultan Suleiman al Bashir II, you have lost the confident of the Khailfah….we believe it would not be in the best interest of the Khailfah to permit to continue your rule while you are no longer able to command the confidents of the Khailfah..you have lost the confident of the Khailfah, therefore you are no longer fit to rule the Imperium. It shall be noted the charges bought fore the Sultan by Majiles are here by declare invalid. However with no confident for the ruler, this means nothing…Yet Sultan Bashir it is your right to ask for the JAG courts to hear your appeal to our decision. Now do you wish to enact your right to appeal?”

Sultan Bashir look into the faces of Senate and said

“I do not wish to prolong this any longer and allow my beloved Khailfah to suffer any longer. Therefore I withdraw my right for appeal and accept the decision of Imperial Senate.”

The Senator nodded and said

“Very well, It is the decision of the Imperial Senate that Sultan Bashir is to be stripped of his office of Sultan, effectively immediately. Grand Vizier Mehmed Pasa Sokollu, you are here by made acting leader of the Imperium for the next three days. During these three days, the Muslim members of Majiles are here by summoned to elect the next Khailfah.. That is the judgment of the Imperial Senate.”

Then President of Imperial Senate said “ This session of the Imperial Senate is over.”

Then the Grand Vizier, High Chancellor and former Sultan Bashir went outside the chamber

“Thus spoke Bashir?” Asked the High Chancellor

“I am Suleiman al Bashir the younger, Son of Suleiman al Bashir the elder, Son of Murad al Bashir, I am from of family of textile merchants, from the sub province of Antioch..that is who I am...that is where I will go back to…I did my duty for my Imperium..now to disappear off..” said Bashir

“Now where your Khailfah needs you the most and you decide to disappear…why old friend?” Asked the Grand Vizier

“It is for the best..now..there is series of letters ready to be send a number of people in the frontiers for such situation like this…a backup plan so to speak..remember when I took the walk…I did it for other reasons too in event this would happen…send those letters out as soon as possible..for the stake of the Khailfah. We all know what’s going to happen next…”said Bashir

The Grand Vizier nodded and said” It shall be done.”

With that the Grand Vizier and High Chancellor left Bashir alone, and then his brother the President of Imperial Senate came to see

“Brother..” He started, but Bashir interrupt him and said

“Before you say anything…I do not want to know if you voted against or for me..you did what you had to do for Khailfah that is all that matters. Its your duty to insure whatever happen next doesn’t bring down our beloved state..”

The President nodded and said “ I wish you the best my brother…in whatever path you take..remember this you did what you had to do for the Khailfah, don’t think any less.”

Bashir nodded and said” I need to get going…need to start packing…in till then my brother..” with that Bashir walk out to clear out of his office.

Just ended the reign of Sultan Bashir II 2000 to 2007, history will remember his reign as one of the few that manger to hold the Imperium together in times where she faced her worse fitnas.

Over the course of next day

All the Muslim members of Majiles gather in the Majiles chamber, to elect and appoint the next Sultan of Khailfah al Muslimeen. Watching the meeting was the Heads of JAG Courts to insure everything was carry out legality and correctly as par Islamic Canton law on the matter. Stage one of the election progress was creating a list of candidates, which took about a day. They pick the candidates that seem best for the job by using a number of methods to see if the candidates meet the qualifications. But who were these “candidates”? They range from generals to governors to retire officials; whoever was in the Imperial Database was being reviewed to see if they meet the qualifications. No one from the public was allow to interact with the members of electing body, the Imperial Black guard keep a close watch on members.

By the end of the day, 60 candidates were selected from the database and notices were send to these 60 candidates, if they choose to accept their candidacy they were order to appear before the Majiles and prove themselves to be the next Sultan. Only 10 candidates accepted their candidacy for the post of Sultan and were quickly transported to New Dehli for next day debates.

Meanwhile the Grand Vizier was busy enacting a backup plan created by Sultan Bashir as insurance policy for the Imperium..

Tenochitlián, México, The Aztec National League
The Grand Union Hall – Office of the Hueyi Tlatoani

Quetzalcoatl Nochtli sat back in his office chair, situated before a large window over viewing a busy intersection in the vast metropolis that was the capitol. He looked over his touch screen monitor, his dark brown eyes glancing over the most recent report of the troubles in the KLM. It had come as a great shock to him that his friend, Sultan Bashir, had been deposed of by the legislature and other forces in the government. Shaking his head, Nochtli looked down towards a small picture on his desk. He remembered that day very well – he and his wife Angelica had just arrived in the KLM’s then new capital of New Delhi, greeted by the Sultan and his wives. It seemed like decades ago that the two families had spent any time together – two families that probably would’ve never met and become strong friends had it not been for a botched espionage mission. Yet that was but a few months ago – to most a faint memory, but what seemed to be a lifetime in the political world.

Quetzalcoatl got up and looked out of the office window, his window. It was well known that the KLM was one of the more polarized nations in the world – there was no question than that, but it seemed odd that the Sultan who had reigned for the past seven years would be so easily deposed of. A few months ago, it seemed like it was the beginning of the end for Nochtli’s administration and his dominate Socialist Labor Party – although he had barely survived three motions to authorize a recall election, those things still hurt him. He was fatigued by these events, not just politically, but morally, socially and physically – and it was practically guaranteed that he would survive on each one of those occasions. However, he was never once in any real danger of loosing his job.

Quetzalcoatl knew he would have to make a statement – some statement. The KLM had become one of the major economic and political allies of the Aztec people. The people would be rightfully shocked to hear that the Sultan had been forced out of office. It would be even more shocking if the Hueyi Tlatoani didn’t say anything about it. Quetzalcoatl went back to his desk and picked up the telephone, pressing a button connecting him to the office of the Sub-Tlatoani.

Talking to the clerk of the Sub-Tlatoani’s office, Quetzalcoatl said “I must address the Tlatocayotl Tlactli in the next thirty minutes…”

~ ~ THIRTY MINUTES LATER ~ ~

Quetzalcoatl Nochtli stepped up from the platform behind the center dais to deliver his short address. Although he had floor privileges in all three of the houses of legislature, it wasn’t everyday that he visited. However, it was the only appropriate forum. Already the television channels and radios have interrupted their broadcasts focusing in on the old, eloquent dais. Newspaper reporters clamored in the gallery, attempting to get a good seat for this event. Politics was taken very seriously in the Aztec National League – at least by the political junkies and the government itself, Quetzalcoatl thought.

The Sub-Tlatoani, Coyotepec Xoxoctic looked towards Quetzalcoatl, exhausted from the day. He had had it with politics, the cameras and the bickering with the conservative minority. He feared recognizing Quetzalcoatl’s ability to speak before the legislature, almost invariably, some controversy would arise from it – usually in the form of the minority leader, Sergio Garcia’s objection to Nochtli’s presence. Regardless, the aged Sub-Tlatoani cleared his throat and said flatly, “For what purpose does the Hueyi Tlatoani rise before the legislature.”

Quetzalcoatl looked out towards the crowd of legislators, the majority of which were much older than he was. He always wondered what they thought, their leader just now within range of his thirtieth birthday. It must have been an unusual sight for most foreigners. Firmly, Quetzalcoatl spoke, “I wish to address the legislature on the situation regarding our ally, Islamic Unionist Federated states of Khailfah Al Muslimeen.”

The Sub-Tlatoani responded in the routine manner – “Hueyi Tlatoani Nochtli is recognized, you may begin at your leisure.”

For a few seconds, there was only silence – the absence of any objections brought mild surprise, wry smiles and uneasy chucking from the legislature.

Quetzalcoatl, feeling it was safe to begin, started his address, “Today, a great friend of mine and the Aztec National League has accepted an unfortunate situation with grace and dignity. Sultan Suleiman al Bashir II, who has led the KLM through good times and bad, has been removed from office by various forces within the government of the Khailfah. This will most likely create tense political tension between the good people of the KLM, which is quite unfortunate. While the KLM is no stranger to factions attempting to take control and remove the power structure of the nation, it comes to my great shock that this most recent attempt has occurred. Despite this shock, despite this tension, my chief hope is that the Khailfah remains stable through this transition. This is not only imperative to the life, culture and economy of the KLM, but also our own. It is no secret that the Aztec people and the people of the Khailfah have shared many struggles and share many national interests. We have traded much in the past – we have benefited from the medical technology of the KLM while they have benefited from the gold we have transferred to their economy. I have personally benefited from my friendship with Sultan Bashir and his family, and I hope they have benefited from my presence.

We have no interest in trying to intervene with the workings of the KLM’s system – but let me be clear, this was a partisan power grab. I have no doubts that there were imperfections and flaws in the system. However, no system is perfect, nor can any system created by humanity ever be perfect. There are ways to deal with imperfections, but this situation does not represent the best solution. Unfortunately, this solution – the power grab, tends to only benefit a small fraction of the government establishment and ultimately harm the people. For the sake of the people of the Khailfah and the people of the Aztec National League, may there be the strong political and moral leadership to ensure that the KLM remains stable and that the security and welfare of the people are never compromised for politics.

However, what has been done is unchangeable, and to fight that change would be fruitless and unwise. There is too much at stake here and we will not bow out because one leader is shown the door and another one comes in. We will work with the new government and will by all means continue to uphold and abide by any treaties that have been signed by our two nations. We will respect our new counterparts in New Dehli, and hopefully have their respect as well.”

With that an brief pause, Nochtli said to the Sub-Tlatoani, “I yield the floor.”

OOC: Yay, good to be back RPing. Sorry if I may seem a bit rusty.

OOC: Post partially inspired by ANL's.

IC:

Gordon got the news as he was filing some papers. As requested, he was updated upon the hour--every hour--and as such his adjutant came in, delivering covert cables that began piling up on his desk. So far, they seemed uneventfull. Then, a surprise--a rather unpleasant one came.

It all began as normal. As normal as the situation could be, rather. The adjutant came in with the letter, and simply left it on his desk. Picking up the paper, Gordon motioned for her to stop as he read its contents.

"Mr. President--

Situation has become critical. Sultan Bashir has been voted out of office by the Imperial Senate, on the grounds that the Majlis has demonstrated its mistrust using this Vote of No Confidence. Sultan has apparently not used other means of preserving power available to him at present, such as JAG appeal. Majlis is currently in process of picking new ministers in closed session. Recommend continued monitoring of situation, owing to its volatile nature, and possible preparations to secure Xenizen citizens in country. Do not recommend intervention in political situation for fear of inducing instability.

--Ambassador Chun Tsai-Wang."

The terse, short cable laid bare the situation, and made Gordon very nervous. He got up and opened the liquor cabinet, and poured himself a shot of Suntory whisky, before drinking it down and putting the bottle back. Gordon was tempted to turn on the TV and watch the news, but then again the news would only tell him what the Ambassador told him. He then began jotting down a few notes, motioning for the adjutant a few moments later to get a press conference ready.

Twenty minutes later, Gordon Lew was standing in front of a bunch of cameras and reporters. Tersely and calmly he said the following:

"Ladies and gentlemen. It has come to my attention that as of now, Sultan Bashir, a valued and respected ally of the Unified Peoples of Upper Xen, has been officially removed from office by a series of votes in the Khaifah's legislatures, the first a Vote of No Confidence, the second an appeal.

We in the President's Office are saddened by this turn of events. Upper Xen has had no ally like Sultan Bashir, and I'm frankly more than a little disheartened to see him go. Sultan Bashir was a bulwark of stability and strength.

You may be wondering what the future holds.

As it is, we will respect the decision of the people of the Khaifah, and refrain from interfering in what clearly is an internal matter. Xenizens and the People of the Khaifah have been steadfast allies and partners, and shall remain as such. However, we are monitoring the situation, to see how our partners build a new administration, and to prepare for any uncertainties that may come.

Thank you."

Gordon then left, as the reporters tried to flood him with questions.

Over the course of second day

The 10 candidates debate over many topics that were selected by the Majies to see their opinions and reactions to each topic. After the debates were compete, a round of votes took place to narrow down the candidates and to only those who have shown merit to be the next Sultan. By the end of second day, there were only 2 candidates. One was a moderate hardliner, who was a JAG judge from Syriana Dominion by name of Illyas bin Hajji al Uthman and the other ultra hardliner Jafar al Asaad, a minister from Basra.

The third day, the most important day

The Grand Vizier was present, for the event. The elections of the next Sultan of Khailfah, electors themselves were plague on who to vote for. The Unionist-Reformist and Hizbu-Rāshidūn were dead set not to allow ultra hardliner to take over, nor the moderates wings of the Hardliner blocs, yet the die hard supports of the hardliners thought otherwise.

The Grand Vizier opened the meeting and said” The Elector are now to vote for the next Sultan of Khailfah al Muslimeen, as per Islamic canon law, today is the final day for the matter and the new Sultan will be elected by end of day. No matter what…Now let the voting begin.”

Within a matter of minutes, the screens display the results Illyas bin Hajji al Uthman got the majority of the votes, 65 percent while his rival got 35 percent. The ultra hardliners voice their outages and storm out of the chamber. The Grand Vizier shakes his head; he knew what was going to have next. It was only matter of time. The Grand Vizier took a deep breathe and said “The electors have spoken; Illyas bin Hajji al Uthman has been nomination to become the next Sultan of Khailfah al Muslimeen.” Then he directly looked at Illyas and asked

“Do you accept this nomination to become the Sultan?”asked the Grand Vizier

“I accept the nomination to become the Sultan.” Replied Illyas

With that, the Grand Vizier swears him in as the Sultan of the Imperium of the Dune. Then the Grand Vizier said

“As my last act as Grand Vizier, I ask you to name your Grand Vizier!”

Sultan Uthman look at the Grand Vizier and said” I name Minster Rashīd ibn Hammad ibn Fadlan of Seville as my Grand Vizier, we have worked together on many occasions while I was assign to Al-Andalus.”

The Grand Vizier nodded and said” Very well, it shall be done.” He looked at Minister Fadlan and asked” Do you accept the post of Grand Vizier?”

Minister Fadlan stood up and said “I accept the post of Grand Vizier”

The Ex Grand Vizier then turn to JAGs “With that I did my requirements as per canon law…and take my leave.”

He walked outside the chamber and went into the meeting, where Dr .Suleiman al Bashir II and number of other people were waiting new Sultan to be announce, in order for them to give him their oaths of allegiance to him. There was number of news crews waiting to broadcast the name and face of the new Sultan.

Within a matter of moments, the Sultan Illyas along with Grand Vizier Fadlan and the head of the JAG courts step into the hall and the Imperial Black guardsman yell out

“The New Sultan of Khailfah is Illyas bin Hajii al Uthman, bow your heads in allegiance to the Sultan!”

A number of people begin bowing their heads in allegiance, yet the Arm forces delegates and number of other didn’t bow their heads. They were loyal supporters to Bashir, who they saw was wrongful remove from his post. Yet they will follow whatever actions he takes…

All eyes were on Dr.Suleiman al Bashir II and bow his head in allegiance to the New Sultan; soon his supporters bow their heads to the new Sultan. Just solidifying the new sultan powerbase within the Imperium, yet a number of people didn’t bow their heads, they simply walked out. They refuse to accept a moderate leader; they wanted a true hardliner to take power.

After the allegiance was given, Sultan Illyas and Grand Vizier Fadlan quickly approached Dr.Bashir and Dr. Sokollu( the ex-Grand Vizier) and the Sultan said “ Gentlemen there is much for us to discuss…come with us to the palace.”

They nodded and went with them.

Soon the reactions to the new Sultan will be felt throughout the Imperium.

Location: San Diego, Alta California

An airship, just like those in glory days of zeppelin travel loomed over the newly nationalized Aztec city San Diego. Maybe that was due to the nostalgic tendencies of the leadership of the ANL, or maybe it was due to the government’s obsession in squeezing out as much utility out of any object as possible – regardless of the reason, there were many common sights in the Aztec National League that were uncommon in the rest of the world.

Although California, along with Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana had been territories of the Aztec National League since the fall of Communist Louisiana in 2005, due to political strife and legal wrangling, the ANL had never given these territories statehood. Quetzalcoatl Nochtli sat in a car, looking through his window at the city of San Diego – a clash of modern skyscrapers of steel and concrete and Spanish style houses that were hundreds of years old. This was Nochtli’s first visit to these newly created states or the people that inhabited them; it was a trip he was looking forward to, though he felt some trepidation about these people – they just seemed different.

R-I-N-G…

Quetzalcoatl picked up his cellular phone and looked at the graphical user interface. Apparently Aztec cellular towers hadn’t been installed yet – it was still on roaming. Regardless, Quetzalcoatl answered it, “Nochtli here, who’s speaking?”

“Your Minister of Foreign Affairs,” Dr. Wellington announced “I have a status update for you on our friends in the KLM – they appointed a new Sultan.”

Quetzalcoatl went silent for a few seconds and then said “Hold on.” After flipping through his appointment book for a few seconds, he picked up his cellular phone again and said “In about 3 hours, I can make a public statement on the issue. Who was appointed?”

Quetzalcoatl could hear Dr. Wellington flip through some papers quickly, waiting for him to respond. The British doctor turned diplomat then said “One Illyas bin Hajji al Uthman, a ‘moderate’ in KLM terms. Our records indicate that he was a JAG judge from the Syriana Dominion. In addition, the Sultan has appointed Rashīd ibn Hammad ibn Fadlan, a Minister from Seville, Al-Andalus as Grand Vizer.”

Quetzalcoatl said jokingly, “Bah, I hope he’s not a Castiliano…”

Dr. Wellington said, “Ah, Quetzalcoatl, I doubt you’ll have to worry that much about them. And if they send their Armada, just hope for some crappy weather and we Brits will take care of the rest!”

Both men laughed, it was a well-known fact that the Aztecs still had distrust towards the Castilians and total sympathy for the Basque and the Moors. Considering that the KLM was in charge, more likely than not, the Moors would undoubtedly have more control.

…

San Diego City Hall at 4:26 PM

Quetzalcoatl Nochtli stood behind a podium on the steps of the San Diego City hall…Many people gathered around, looking at their new national leader. He had been speaking for about ten minutes on various programs and policies that the new states would be benefiting from, the benefits of a socialist-leaning economy and promises to keep the defense sector strong in San Diego. Despite all this nice talk, it was an odd sight for the people of San Diego – someone who would normally be considered a menial worker long before a person of vast national power was now the one calling the shots. Regardless, Quetzalcoatl had a job to do and with the picturesque scene of the setting sun behind him, he knew that this would be easy. Finally, he was done with the formalities and could begin speaking on the issue of the KLM…

“It is of no small consequence that a new leader in the international scene has taken power today and is now entrusted to lead his people with strength, integrity and valor. I congratulate Sultan Illyas bin Hajii al Uthman and Grand Vizer Rashīd ibn Hammad ibn Fadlan for their selection to succeed to great men. I believe our brothers and sisters in our northern states have a perfect saying for the situation. Sultan Hajii and Grand Vizer Fadlan have big shoes to fill. Dr. Bashir and Dr. Sokollu have lead the people of the KLM well over these past years, and we are glad to see that level headed leader will continue on the legacy of the nation. This gives us hope that this transition will be peaceful and civil, which without a doubt will be in the best interest of the community of nations.”

Gordon Lew was writing his papers when another one of the cables from the Ambassador in New Delhi came. He opened it, and gasped--not at the new Sultan, but at the last bit.

"New Sultan has been chosen. Illyas bin Hajji al Uthman is now the Sultan of the Khaifah Al Musulmeen. Reports indicate he has chosen Rashīd ibn Hammad ibn Fadlan as his new Grand Vizier. Everything should be going fine, though some of my employees walking by the facility after a meal inadvertedly noticed a large number of angry persons walking out of the chambers. Will keep you posted."

Gordon Lew then wrote some notes, and made another public appearance. Unlike his Aztec counterparts, his message was short and sweet.

"We welcome Illyas bin Hajji al Uthman as the new Sultan of the Khaifah al Musulmeen and Rashīd ibn Hammad ibn Fadlan as the new Grand Vizier of the Khaifah Al Musulmeen. Though we once again would like to reiterate that we are sad to see Suleiman Al Bashir leave office, we are also proud to echo the words of Quetzalcoatl Nochtli and note our best wellwishes for this new government, who will hopefully lead a stable transition into a new era."

In private, however, he met with Admiral Mai Nomura, Chief of Staff, and the Department of Defense chair. Gordon then said curtly, "I want two Army Mechanized Infantry Divisions prepped and ready to deploy ASAP."

Nomura looked at Gordon in a funny manner, and folded her arms. She could only assume this was for....that.

"You mean you want to rescue your buddy Suleiman?"

Gordon frowned and said, "I like him, but I kinda want to avoid any Vietnams here. Bad joke, by the way."

The DoD man then shot at Gordon, "Well, alright. We got a couple of Mech Infantry Divisions in Tibet worth using. Why?"

Gordon then said, "My Ambassador told me a buncha jerks walked out of the meet where they elected the new Sultan. Given the nature of KLM politics, anything is possible. I want some insurance."

Over the course of the next two days the Imperium, tension was high, with over half the government (hardliners) resigning in protest to the new Sultan. Yet nothing happen over the course of these two days, this was the calm before the storm.

Then on the third and forth day, all hell broke loose when the regional governments of a key number provinces and dominions held special meeting to discuss the latest crisis in Imperium., the reasons for the meeting wasn’t to solve the crisis….its was to make things more worse…

The hardliners and their allies in the Dominions, decide it was time to enact their backup plan in case their bid for the Sultan failed. It was time for secession from the Imperium of the Dune, and to rise up against the Imperial Government. During these special meetings in the hardliner and their allies control provinces and dominions they bought up the measure of secession which was passed by the regional governments, since they were in power and made public. Which caught everyone off guard and the Imperial Government was incapable of stopping them. The reaction to the secession was pure chaos those who were in favor of supporting the rebellion and their province hadn’t join the rebellion, try to unleashed havoc in hopes of overthrowing the loyalist governments. At the same time, massive loyalist backlashes occur in the rebel dominions and provinces.

When news broke out that EU dominion government has voted for secession, all the Balkan local governments declare their secession from the EU dominion and declare their loyalty to the Imperial Government, same for Al-Andalus. As for Germany, which was not officially a province of the Imperium, it was more of member state of the EU dominion, they decide to hell with EU and declare their loyalty to the Imperium.

At the same time when Eurasian dominion voted for secession, the backlash was even worse, most of the pro loyalist regions declare their loyalty to the Imperium and broke off from the Dominion, nearly half of Eurasia remain loyal to the Imperium.

This was recurring throughout the Imperium, yet the other dominions remain loyal to the Imperium and crush those who were plotting to join the rebellion. So far only Eurasia and EU dominion have joined the rebellion.

OOC:A map of the rebellion
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/Flags/4ce59825.png

Red stands for rebels
Green stands for Government and blue stands for EU states that remain loyal to the Imperial Government

IC:

It should be also noted that Sultan Uthman give standing orders for the Imperial Army unit’s station throughout the Imperium to be on their guard and protect Imperial holdings at all cost, just in case event like this were to occur. It should also note the entire standing arm forces were loyal to the Imperial Government, even the standing dominion arm forces. Yet the reserve armies were different story all together….


At the Sultan Palace, meeting of General Staff

“Sultan, our forces are too disorganize at the moment to mount any major operations against the rebellion.Most of the standing army is on peacetime footing and spread out…it will take time to organize into fronts and army groups to shatter this rebellion ..Furthermore…most of the reserve army has defect to the rebel cause..only 100 divisions out of 400 remain loyal to us, those are the Indian, Berber, Turkish, Kurdish, Cossack, Malay and Afghani rifles. Furthermore my Sultan, the Imperial Garrison commanders recommend a tactical retreat to organize all front forces in loyalist land, we cannot hold our strongholds in rebel regions for long.” Said Field Marshal of the Al Muslimeen Khailfah Army (head of the arm forces) Huseyin Kivrikoglu

“Also it must noted my Sultan, for the time being our only combat ready units are already in station in Carpathia, trying the quell rebellion we can’t redeploy them unless we want to undermined our efforts in the area, already our forces are being stain to limit and the rebels are conducting major offensives against our forces. We need a new commander in that front, we must quell the rebellion at all cost.” Said Field Marshal of the Khailfah al Muslimeen Army Mustafa Resid Pasha( subhead of the Army)

Sultan Illyas bin Hajji al Uthman ( http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/b3e9a3b9.jpg ) was in deep thought, and said the following

“Order a full general tactical retreat of all standing arm forces units to loyalist lands, the air force transport command is order to aid in evacuations and also to help take loyal citizens out of harms way…well as many you can. Also Subhead of Air Force, has the black out policy been enacted?”

The Subhead of Air Force replied “ Yes my Sultan as of now…all ICBM, IRBM and other nuclear system deployments have be deactivated and locked out by our supercomputers when broke out of secessions…rest assured my Sultan, no one will be able to use them unless they have the lockout codes. Also it must noted all major air force assets in the rebel regions are being transfer to loyalist areas..yet most of the reserve air force wings have defect to the rebel cause. Already my wing commanders are reporting getting into dog fights with rebel air units….my air transport units will do their best in evacing the army and civilians…that’s all I can promise my Sultan.”

“Very well..” said the Sultan, just few days into the job and all hell breaks loose for him.

“Also my Sultan, the entire high seas fleet has left port; they are order to remain at sea for the time being. They have standing orders to help Imperial forces to quell rebellion and to prevent outsiders from messing with our affairs.” Said Subhead of Navy- Flag Rank Fleet Admiral Saiful Muhsin Stylianos

“Good…gentlemen, this meeting is dismiss, we shall meet again in four hours for a update.” Said the Sultan

Then the General Staff officers left the room. Leaving the Sultan and the Grand Vizier to their thoughts

“Well you bloody Scottish-German bastard look what you got us in now..reminds of that time we had to deal with them freaking quasi German-Francos in Seville JAG court…so much headaches to deal with…with that being say I truly hope your daughter in Baghdad mangers to get out alright..” said the Grand Vizier

“Ah why must you remind me of that time in Seville you bloody Galician Moor…and yes I hope my daughter makes it out safely out of Baghdad lucky its still a loyalist stronghold in a sea of rebellion, my other daughter in Cairo is also coming home for her safely, their mother is most worried about their safely, so am I..” said the Sultan

Then an Imperial Black guardsman enter the room and info the Sultan the following “My Sultan, Doctors Bashir and Sokollu are here as per your request”

The Sultan nodded and said” Send them in”

With that, the two doctors enter the room and took their seats, then the Sultan begun speaking

“Dr.Bashir, I call upon to fulfill your duty to the Imperium once again, this time to command the Imperial forces in quelling the Carpathia, do accept this post and command?”

Bashir thought for a moment, once again I call upon to serve my Imperium…once again…

“I accept this post and command my Sultan.” Replied Bashir

“ Your rank before you became Sultan as General, I here by promote you to the rank of Field Marshal on my authority as Commander in Chief of Imperial Arm Forces.” Said the Sultan

Bashir nodded and bow his head out of respect, then said the following

“I request permission to pick my own commanders for my staff.”

The Sultan nodded and agreed to Bashir request

Then the Sultan turned to Dr.Sokollu and said” As you know I am still forming my cabinet and I know you have many dealing in international policy…I request that you accept this appointment to become my Foreign Minister.”

Dr.Sokollu thought for moment and said “ I accept this post.”

“Good, gentlemen we much to do..lets get to it..” said the Sultan

The ensuing chaos in the Imperium had not gone unnoticed in the Aztec National League. It would be hard to miss the rebellion, though –the majority of the oft-called “Old World” pitted against itself, from Indonesia to St. Petersburg, from the northern most of Japan to the Western end of Africa. Such a large rebellion would have worldwide repercussions, especially for the ANL.

The punditry on the television was ablaze with debates – the Socialists and Soviet coalition leaders said this, the Conservative Union said that, the moderate Federalist Union Party said this should be done, while the Libertarians disavowed all international entanglements. This eruption of violence could not come at a more inopportune time – the legislative and executive elections were coming up, and although the Socialists and Soviets were expected to dominate once again, the entrenched Conservatives, up and coming Federalists and even the diminutive Libertarians were looking for something – anything that would tip the balance of power in their favor.

However, rather than preparing his nomination acceptance speech for the upcoming combined Socialist Labor Party/Soviet Republican Party National Convention; Quetzalcoatl Nochtli sat at his desk in 4th floor of the Grand Union Chambers reading about the rebellion in the Imperium. There was no point in trying to get involved with the political inner-workings with the KLM, experience has taught him the lesson of getting involved with such a powder keg. However, something had to be done, something symbolic more than actually harmful to the rebellious forces. Something had to be done to secure the Aztec nation from potential rogue attack. Quetzalcoatl knew what had to be done. He picked up the phone and pressed a button, connecting him directly with the Minister of War.

“Yes, General,” Nochtli started. “Activate the Vanguard Defense System and place it on maximum alert. I want it to be fully operational within the hour. Also activate our special operations program, Omega division for defensive uses. Have offensive capabilities on standby, ready to be activated upon my order.”

After thinking about it for a few seconds, Quetzalcoatl said, “Also, prepare a list of warships capable of deployment – we need to protect our assets and civilians in the region. I expect to have those before the end of the day.”

After hanging up the phone, Quetzalcoatl turned to his computer and opened up a template document. This would cause major controversy – not only would Quetzalcoatl be acting unilaterally, but it would severely harm relations with the rebellion. If the rebellion were to win or at least survive the likely war waged by the Imperium, the ANL may find itself at the wrong end of a rifle…

BREAKING NEWS
La Compañía Azteca Media Nacional
The Nation’s Leading Independent Media Company

“Hueyi Tlatoani Quetzalcoatl Nochtli has released an Supreme Directive affecting the relationship with the governments rebelling against the Khailfah Al Muslimeen. This directive is effective immediately and has generated much controversy in the Aztec political circles. Many legislators, including a few in his own political coalition, have decried this action as bypassing the legislature as this order does not require legislative approval.”

S U P R E M E ~ D I R E C T I V E
Issued by Hueyi Tlatoani Quetzalcoatl Nochtli

All trade or travel with lands, governments or persons that are in rebellion against the lawful government of the Islamic Unionist Federated states of Khailfah Al Muslimeen is hereby prohibited until further notice. All vessels or persons in these lands are given 48 hours to leave the rebelling states or reach the nearest Aztec consulate within these states and wait for safe passage to the ANL.

Furthermore, by the decree of the Hueyi Tlatoani, warships of the Aztec Navy will be positioned in key locations near the rebelling lands to ensure that all civilian and government vessels and aircraft have left the area. Once these Aztec assets have been removed; all Aztec Naval units will be redeployed to the key locations on trade route to loyalists governments to the Imperium to ensure the protection and safety to Aztec lives, vehicles and goods.

Furthermore, all advanced defensive systems are to be activated immediately in anticipation for any malignant or accidental attacks upon the ANL or any Aztec asset.

-Signed,
Quetzalcoatl Nochtli,
Hueyi Tlatoani of the The Nahuatl Altepetl of the Aztec National League

With the reports of a civil war erupting in the KLM, Gordon Lew facepalmed and mumbled angrily to himself. "Great. It's all gone to hell. At least those Mechanized Infantry units in Tibet are ready." In some ways, he wasn't surprised this occurred; KLM politics had always been hard for him to comprehend, and with Bashir, he at least had a friend who could guide him through the proverbial mucky-muck. But to have a civil war....oy.

He then was immediately bombarded with phone calls from the State Department, the Joint Chiefs, and the DoD. All were asking the same thing, in one way or another. Be it gentle or angry though, the question was this:

"What the hell are we going to do about our people in there!?"

Gordon then put them all on conference call, and declared, "Okay. Its go time, people."

To the State Department Secretary, he said, "Yuna, have the State Department condemn the rebels, put my name on it. Do a travel advisory as well." To the Joint Chiefs and the DoD rep, he said, "Gentlemen, ladies, I want you to put Northern Command (OOC: Covering Japan, Korea, and everything northwest of the Yangtze in China.) and Northwest Command (OOC: Tibet and Xenizen Xinjiang.) on full alert. Just in case those fucking rebels try anything, I want SAMs, AAA and our best pilots and sailors shooting people down. Put the Marines on alert in Australia, I want somebody there to get our civilians out. Put our units in Mexico and the whole goddamn Navy on alert as well too. Those Aztecs have the right idea."

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

South China Morning Post

Today, the Xenizen Government released a statement condemning the rebellion in the Khaifah Al Musulmeen. In the statement, Secretary of State Taira Yuna and the President condemned the revolt as "an unjust putsch, with terrible consequences for the people of the Khaifah."

"We will not stand for this action by a group of reactionaries who intend to carry out a destructive mission against the established order," Taira said in a press conference. "We would also like to remind the insurgents any attack upon Xenizens or their property will be met with force."

In other news, the State Department issued a Travel Warning, advising Xenizen citizens in the Khaifah to leave as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the Xenizen Government sent a cable to Sultan Illyas bin Hajji al Uthman's government. Communication with Ambassador Chin was still possible, and though he was beginning to be swamped with Xenizen tourists and businessmen eager to flee the Khaifah, the staff at the Xenizen Embassy in New Delhi was able to process the cable and spirit it through the streets to Sultan Uthman's forces. The cable read simply, "Request permission to send in Marines to protect Embassy, as well as facilitate evacuation of Xenizen civilians. Gordon Lew."

“Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country. “General George S. Patton

Two days later

The southern regions of Carpathian remain loyal to the Imperium, and provide a base of operations against the rebels who had compete control of the northern regions. For last four months both sides were locked into stalemate, the Imperials unable to crush the rebels, and the rebels were unable to drive the imperials out of the southern regions. But this will soon change with Field Marshal Suleiman al Bashir the younger in command.

Location: Imperial Command Center,Fydorgard, Southern Carpathia, Protectorate of Carpathia

Field Marshal Suleiman al Bashir II entered the command center with his top aids Major General Gorkon Vladimirovich Khristenko and Major Imad Issa of the Imperial Black guardsmen

A lieutenant yell out “STAND ATTENTION!” and all the officers stood attention

“At easy..” said Field Marshal Bashir , the he said the following “By order of Sultan Uthman, I here by take command of this front from Flag Rank General Yusef has been dismiss of this command. I have review situation and we shall act accordingly…is that understood?”

All the staff officers nodded in agreement, then the Field Marshal and his aids made their way to the display map with the latest deployments of Imperial assets and he remarked

“We have 4 paratroop corps, 2 Marine corps. Army of Death, Army of Fighters, and Army of Janissary and number of attack fighter wing and heavy bomber wings…yet we still are unable to crush a rebel army …why..because they are able to use the terrain to their advantage…the jungles of Carpathia, these bloody Slavic warriors have outwitted us at very turn…but why..that is the question...its simple really…they know we are trying to quell the rebellion without destroying the region…just they know we are fighting a limited war, and not total war…they are able to adapt to our tactics and counter them..its time we change our tactics..”

One of the officers spoke up “ What do you have in mind, Field Marshal?”

Field Marshal Bashir smiled “ Its time to show them…enough is enough..” and then he turned to the Communication officer and said

“Send this message to the rebel leadership, they have 24 hours to lay down their arms and surrender …if they do not…I will authorize total war protocols against them..that is all.”

The Communication officer nodded and sends the message to rebel command via encoded links that were set up in order to conduct talks to rebels on matters of POWs and etc.

Then AMI Political Commissar who was dress in a black uniform spoke up “Field Marshal Bashir I do assume you have full authorization to order total war?”

The Field Marshal smiled and thought to himself “Well well…its am Kommissar oh I had to deal with your kind during my reign..but now things will change…slowly but surely I downsize your influences, now my successor will finish your kind off.” Then he answer the Commissar “ Yes, Commissar…the Imperial General Staff and the Sultan have given my full authorization.”

The Commissar silently nodded and went back to observing the meeting

With that Field Marshal return to debriefing his staff on their next move against the rebels if they didn’t bow their demands to surrender and if they did surrender…

German Front Command, Berlin, Germany

Newly Promoted Field Marshal Khalid al Roon, Hero of RALM campaigns was assigned command of all Imperial Forces in Germany. The Field Marshal wasted no time in organizing his forces for the coming battle. Today he was discussing with his staff, their plan of action..

“Gentlemen…with our all our divisions fully organize for combat…we shall a tri front attack on our rebel foes..we shall take them down at all cost with the support of the Balkan front under General Jasmin Imamović and the Moorish Front under the command Flag Rank General Feisal Bin Abdullah. We shall overwhelm and break the rebellion in EU within the next four weeks. Within the next 48 hours, we shall begin our offensive. Also our attack wings and fighter wings have started the battle of the skies and break their rebellion control of the skies. Also Gentlemen time is not on our side the longer we delay our attack, the more likely our rebel friends are ready for us and the chances of our units enacting the right to sit out of this civil war growths we must strike hard and fast is that understand?” asked Field Marshal Roon

All the staff officers nodded in agreement

As for the other front commands such as the North African, Arabian Front, Turkish Front, Turkistani Front, West African Front and Indian Fronts were still trying organize with the influx of loyalist units from the rebel regions. Yet they weren’t able to evacuate all the loyalist forces in the rebel regions. Mainly because it was no longer safe to get transport into those areas without the ever increasing risk of them being shot down by rebel Anti Air defenses or fighter wings.

Already combat was occurring in the skies as air units begun engaging in dog fights…soon the air war will become bloody…

Meanwhile

The Rebels governments and forces announce Jafar al Asaad as the rightfully Sultan of Imperium, and made their capital Tehran and their command in chief -General Fatali Khan Iskender oglu Khoyski with his HQ in Moscow. For now the rebels dig in and begun their move against the remaining loyalist strongholds in their lands..such as Baghdad…


Also at the same time, numerous loyal tribal people on the frontiers have begun organizing themselves for war against the rebellion. They were the following the Berbers, Bedouins, Afghans, and Turkistanis, soon these groups will hurt the rebellion efforts to supply their forces…

At Sultan Palace, New Delhi

Cabinet meeting, even though it was made of a few cabinet ministers since the Sultan hasn’t gotten around to appointing a full cabinet due to the civil war..it was still called a cabinet meeting.

“My Sultan, the Upper Xenizans are requesting permission to send more marines to protect Embassy.. shall we give them permission?” ask Foreign Minister Sokollu

“Very well permit them to send in more Marines to protect their embassy.” Replied the Sultan

“Very well my Sultan.” Said Foreign Minister Sokollu

Then the Grand Vizier spoke up “My Sultan I have been inform four divisions of the Indian front army have stand down because of the Fitna and their refusal to fight their own kinsmen…they have enact the right of sitting it out..its perfectly legal for them…in situations like this. Yet more units will follow suit soon on both sides, we must win or have won many key battles within six months or we risk losing more then 70 percent of our forces because of their unwillingness to fight their kinsmen in a pointless war that is costing the lost of many kinsmen.”

The Sultan nodded and said “I am too aware of that old friend…I have given orders to all my commanders to act quickly and take this rebellion before we are unable to crush and it ends up crushing us. Since there is nothing else to be discuss for the time being this meeting is dismissed for now.”

With that everyone left the Sultan alone, yet the Grand Vizier stay in the room and said “ So what’s on your mind old friend..”

The Sultan sighed and said “One daughter manger to get here safely from Cairo and the other is stuck in Baghdad…my wife and I were very worried for her safety and now my air commanders tell me they can’t safely transport her greatly worries me…old friend.”

The Grand Vizier nodded and said “Don’t worry my friend...Baghdad won’t fall, the garrison is sizeable and well dug in, the rebels won’t be able to take that city without risking the our front armies from attacking them from the rear.”

“I hope your right…old friend..” remarked the Sultan

In Baghdad

The City was cut off from the Loyalist forces, its garrison of 142nd Inf. Division (8,000 combat troops) was only official Imperial force ready to defend the city at all cost. It was under the command of Major General Basil al Youssofi, a commander known for his iron will to not give up, a trait that was needed for this city under siege.

A meeting of his staff..

“Our latest recons reports by our drone units before being shot down by rebels have shown that rebels are organizing and ready to storm the city. Their artillery units are range of the city. My orders to defend this city at cost with only 8 regiments of troops against roughly four divisions worth of rebel troops..already millions of this city citizens have taken their chances and fled in rebel held lands to avoid the coming battle..I do not blame them..But I will not leave this city and allow the rebels to take it. This city is the crown jewel of the Imperium and will remain so. Is that understand my officers?” asked the Major General Basil

All the officers nodded in agreement and one of regiment commanders spoke up and said

“Sir, shall we active the Home Guard forces in the city or what is left of them..we need the extra manpower to hold the city…we all know that eight regiments can’t hold off the rebels for long..but with the civil defense forces we can stand a chance…”

The Major General nodded and said” Make it so… since most of the civil defense forces members are at the university campuses make your rounds there to gather our support forces. This meeting is dismiss, get your defenses ready”

The officers nodded and walked out

Shortly later at Baghdad University

A officer enters the main campus building and was given access speaker system and the said the following in Arabic

“All males in the Home Guard system are here by order by Major General Basil to mobilize at once, under authorization of General Order 18 of Imperial Army code. All Home Guardsmen are order to meet within the next hour at Campus center. That is all.”

With that all the male students who were citizens of KLM, quickly went to action as per their training and assemble at the campus center.

Meanwhile all this was going on, Emi al Uthman ( http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/1e8d36d0.jpg ) was wondering what hell she was going to do. She was stuck in Baghdad, she couldn’t just walk out of the city, because of the fact she was the daughter of the Sultan, didn’t help things for her. She looked out her dorm window and all male(KLM citizens) students of the campus dressed in Home Guard uniforms heading off to meeting campus center. She decide to see what was going on, she quickly put her black hajib and coat, then she walk out of her dorm room to follow the Home Guardsmen to their meeting…

OOC: Post coming tomorrow.

The ports of the Aztec National League were in a mess – clogged with cargo freighters, passenger ships and military transports filled with people and things that only a few days before were in the KLM. Some estimates placed nearly a million Aztecs were in the KLM at any one time – that was to be expected when two states shared so much politically and economically. However, now only 10,000 – mostly government workers, such as diplomatic personnel and exchange students were considered to be stranded in the KLM. They knew that there would be no rescue mission, no further attempt to get them out – it was too dangerous, not worth the risk.

Quetzalcoatl Nochtli sat back in his office, reading up on the latest domestic reports. However, his alone time with his reports was to be interrupted by a nervous Cockney Minister of Foreign Affairs. Without looking up, Quetzalcoatl said flatly, “Just the distraction I need, I can’t stand these economic reports.” He put down the report and said, smiling, “Economics has never captured by interest. Being a warrior, being in politics, being with my family – that’s what I like.”

Dr. Wellington decided to not say something sarcastic about Quetzalcoatl’s like of war strategy, politics and family. He merely chuckled and said quietly, “Sir, I have an update on our evacuation orders from the KLM. All but 10,000 people have been accounted for, 16 people have died from a various number of causes. Most of them were elderly people that couldn’t handle the stresses of evacuation, though there was a small accident with a mooring line that caused a gruesome situation. If you want to read about it, I have the report with me. All of our ships have made it back safely and the Ministry of War reports that our warships are in position.”

Quetzalcoatl said briefly, “Hmmm, it’s a shame some people died…Oh well, I think the KLM is going to have many more than 14 deaths, and we would’ve had more Aztec citizens die if it hadn’t been for the evacuations. I know KLM wars, neither side will fight nice and neither side will have mercy for the other. The politicians and military of the KLM would make Machiavelli proud.”

Dr. Wellington laid back and said bluntly, “There is one issue that is a bit more alarming, however.”

Quetzalcoatl nodded, “I’m listening.”

Dr. Wellington said darkly, “The son of Major General Teicuih Rodriguez is an exchange student at Baghdad University. Baghdad has been cut off from any transportation routes and as such, he, along with six other Aztec students are stranded there.”

Quetzalcoatl looked up and said, “That’s a shame for all the people who are trapped. I am going to sign an executive order giving all the family members of the trapped people a week off from work, including the General; she’ll refuse, which is fine, but I would prefer to see her take the time off and think things over. I remember meeting Teichuih’s son last year after I appointed her to being the commander over the Vanguard System, nice boy, someone that’s not built for the military. He’s not athletic enough, doesn’t have the mind set of a soldier. If I remember correctly, he was studying to be an architect…”

Baghdad University, at night…

Alejandro Rodriguez sat in his dorm room, mulling over the conditions that he’s in right now. It was a typical night in Baghdad in this season – a bit chilly, slightly above average humidity, radically different than his home of Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. Even during the winter, it was incredibly warm and humid there. He had spent nearly a year in Baghdad studying engineering and architecture – why not study with a people who were famous for their fine work? However, he begun to grow tired and wanted to be home. The KLM was much stricter than the Aztec National League, especially with women. ‘Oh well’, Alejandro thought, ‘Might as well make the best out of the situation.’

However, his rest was interrupted by a harsh sounding Arabic voice. He had never mastered Arabic as well as he wanted to, but could understand and converse in it respectably. “All males in the Home Guard system are here by order by Major General Basil to mobilize at once, under authorization of General Order 18 of Imperial Army code. All Home Guardsmen are order to meet within the next hour at Campus center. That is all.”

Alejandro thought of his friends that would have to go out and fight. He feared that many of them, maybe all of them would end up dying. To die for the state and people was considered a major honor for the Aztecs. However, Alejandro didn’t want any part of it. He then thought of his fellow Aztecs stuck at the university and wanted to find them. Quickly, he got up and buttoned up his shirt. Before leaving, he grabbed his Aztec passport and citizenship cards – he didn’t want to be confused for a KLM citizen and pulled away to fight a war that wasn’t his. After collecting all of his identifying papers and tucking an Aztec religious artifact in his pocket, he left the dorm and made his way down the somewhat chaotic hall way…

=~=~= Deployments =~=~=

All deployments are neutral and will only defend Aztec ships and freighters

332 NM from the city of Sagres, Portugal
1st Aztec Atlantic Battle Fleet
Commanded by Fleet Admiral Thomas Ericsson

1 Coronado Class Command Ship
3 Unión Class Advanced Battleships
1 Aztlán Class Heavy Battleship
5 Durán Class Heavy Carriers
10 Excelsior Class Heavy Battle Cruisers
25 Challenger Class Heavy Cruiser
10 Veracruz-II Class Light Carriers
25 Long Beach Class Missile Cruisers
30 Jalisco Class Destroyers
25 Valiant Class Frigates
25 Valiant Class Missile Frigates
30 Yaoquizqueh Torpedo Boats
30 Yaoquizqueh-II Missile Boats
10 Okinawa Class Patrol Vessels
5 Hope Class Hospital Ships

312 NM off of Ad Dakhla, Western Sahara
22nd Aztec Submarine Combined Fleet
Commanded by Fleet Commodore B. Alan Gibb

25 Typhoon-II Class Stealth Attack Submarines
25 Los Angeles Class 688i Attack Submarines
15 Jalisco Class Missile Destroyers
20 Challenger Class Heavy Cruisers
20 Udaloy-II class Missile Cruisers
5 Okinawa Class Patrol Vessels
1 Hope Class Hospital Ship

350 NM West of Takoradi, Ghana
13th Heavy Patrol Fleet

10 Teraztlán Class Battle Cruisers
30 Challenger Class Heavy Cruisers
15 Veracruz-II Class Light Carriers
20 Yaoquizqueh Torpedo Boats
20 Yaoquizqueh-II Missile Boats
5 Okinawa Patrol Vessels
1 Hope Class Hospital Ship

400 NM South of Cape Town
3rd Atlantic Patrol Fleet

10 Veracruz-I Class Light Cruisers
10 Valiant Class Frigates
10 641 ‘Foxtrot’ Class Attack Submarines
1 Hope Class Hospital Ships

307 NM South East of Sawqirah, Oman
2nd Aztec Atlantic Battle Fleet

1 Coronado Class Command Ship
7 Aztlán Class Heavy Battleship
5 Durán Class Heavy Carriers
15 Excelsior Class Heavy Battle Cruisers
20 Challenger Class Heavy Cruiser
10 Veracruz Class Light Carriers
25 Long Beach Class Missile Cruisers
30 Jalisco Class Destroyers
25 Valiant Class Frigates
25 Valiant Class Missile Frigates
30 Yaoquizqueh Torpedo Boats
30 Yaoquizqueh-II Missile Boats
20 Los Angeles Class 688i Class Attack Submarine
5 Hope Class Hospital Ships

The Xenizen MEU units operating out of Darwin, Australia soon moved out, and within a matter of hours, two C-5s and 3 C-130s were on their way to New Delhi's Airport. It would be from there that their cargo; several hundred Marines and enough Land Rover Defender 90s to accompany them all with heavy equipment, would land and move to fortify the embassy. They were accompanied by the message, "Attention KLM Government. We are going to have to use New Delihi Airport to move the Marines into the city. Request permission to enter."

In the meantime, the Army units in Northwest Command, along with the Air Force, were on high alert, flying regular patrols and making regular watch along the border. Lord knew they would be involved soon, but how....especially as the three Mechanized Infantry Divs in Tibet and the four Armored Cavalry units in Tibet would get called in to do the job. All they needed was Lew's order.

In Baghdad, meanwhile, Rhiannon Park and her brother Richard Park, currently over at Richard's playing their XBox 360, were disturbed by the callup of Home Guard to the Campus Quad. It reminded them all too much of the Civil War back in Upper Xen, when civilians became a mockery of the term, fighting in the Wolverine units under the FXF and in the various irregular Loyalist units under Fujimoto. Now it seemed, though Baghdad U seemed a far cry from those nasty memories, with its exotic heat and its food, its Arabic Language classes and its archetecture, the call up and the threat of war didn't seem to change things. Rhiannon simply shuddered when she heard the news, and Richard said, "Look, Rhi. They won't call us up. We're Xenizen citizens." Rhiannon barked, scared, "I dunno, Rick. It's like the goddamn Civil War all over again. What will happen to us?!" To that, Richard replied, "Lemme go outside and figure out what happened. Don't worry, I'll be alright." He then left to Rhiannon's protestations, and bumped into Emi. He then asked, "About time I saw a friendly face. What the hell's going on out there, Emi? Sounds like the Xenizen Civil War all over again...."

“In the name of new banner rebellion, we shall bury you…history is with the those who have the will to make the way…LONG LIVE THE FIGHTERS!” a common saying during the Typhon wars( aka the KLM civil war)

Location: Field Marshal Personal Quarters,Imperial Command Center,Fydorgard, Southern Carpathia, Protectorate of Carpathia

Field Marshal Suleiman al Bashir II was reading “All quiet on the Western Front “ Then Major General Gorkon Vladimirovich Khristenko enter the room

The Field Marshal looked up and said” How goes things old friend?”

“Good,so what if they don’t reply to our demands? ” asked Gorkon

The Field Marshal nodded and said” Well if they don’t..They had their warning…they were forewarned that we will burn them out of existent. So they chose their faith...just we shall enact the total war protocols to bring them to their knees. Remember old friend that this isn’t a true guerrilla war… this is industrial conflict..just we will shall break their backs to force them to surrender one way or another. The edicts of war do not apply to rebels who commit crimes against humanity…such as ethic cleansing…oh they think we don’t know what they are doing in northern Carpathia to their Armenian comrades..they will pay for their crimes..For next 24 hours we will firebomb the rebels out of existent for their crimes…that is what will happen if they don’t replied, my friend..”

Gorkon nodded and said”So Ghazi Bashir has return from his retirement or so they say..”

The Field Marshal got up with the support of his cane and said “ I am not like the person I use to be…age come wisdom..I know what must be done for our Imperium..and shall I fulfill my orders to the letter..”

Gorkon smiled and said “Indeed.”


In Moscow.. Rebel Combine Command

General Fatali Khan Iskender oglu Khoyski was discussing his latest plans of action with his staff

“Gentlemen we shall not waste our efforts on maintain multiple fronts, all fronts expect the Iraqi, Persian and Siberian Fronts are secondary…we must go straight for the heart of the Imperium and cut it out…shortly afterwords the other fronts will fall apart…our first objective is to crush the Turkistani Front in order for our forces to link up with our kinsmen in Iran .Then we shall march on to New Dehli. All other front commanders are order to perform delaying actions against Imperial forces and to take out all remaining Imperial strongholds that is all..let the Imperial forces stain themselves on trying to crush us on all fronts…it will make the Turkistan front offensive so much earlier for us to conduct and soon Jafar al Asaad will be reorganize as the true Khaif of the Khailfah!”

All the officers nodded in agreement.


Meanwhile all front forces continue to organize themselves for the coming battles that lay ahead, and KLM High Seas Fleet maintain their patrols of Imperium waters and keep their respectful distance from ANL taskforce groups, yet their maintain their watch on ANL fleet. Silently wolf packs of SSKs were tailing their ANL counterparts monitoring their locations and headings.

Meanwhile, the KLM government gives the go ahead for the UX Marines to use New Delhi International Airport.

Meanwhile at Baghdad University

Emi listen and replied in English with slight Scottish accent, which she had because of her upbringing “ Aye, all hell has broke loose…haven’t ye watching the news recently…oh well, just follow me..I am heading to Campus center to see what’s really going on..come with me.”

At the Campus center

A number of Imperial Officers were standing in the center with all the Home Guardsmen in formation, the Head Imperial Officer who had the rank of Captain begun speaking in Arabic, he was of East African Backgound

“Attention all Home Guardsmen, you here by call up by the Imperial Government to fulfill your commitment to Khailfah, as imperial law all male citizens of the Imperium must serve in the arm forces for at least two years and you have selected the home guards to fulfill that duty as third line reservist troops…but now you must fulfills that duty as defenders of this city…we must not fail, we must not allow the rebels to take this city at cost..Today you no longer mere reservist and university students..Today you are soldiers of the Imperium of the Dune. With that being said we have little time for any more formalities, you shall issued your weapons and taken to the barracks for further assignment along the defenses positions of the city. With that you are here by dismissed, my officers will direct you to the locations where you can get your weapons and my name is Captain Najib al Mwakwe.”

Emi remarked to Richard in English

“Oi…over 75 percent of this city is getting the hell out of here and taking their chances in the rebel held areas…and we’re stuck in the middle of war zone..and can’t get out…just my luck…”

Then they heard Captain Mwakwe speak up again “As for those students from other nations, we advise you stay on campus for your safety…we hope to restore air routes within the next 72 hours at best. Please don’t leave the campus limits for your safety.”

Emi remarked to Richard in English again

“72 hours…agh…looks like we have to tough it…oh goody..” She then sighed; she wanted to go home then to stuck in this soon to be hell hole.

Meanwhile at Baghdad University

Emi listen and replied in English with slight Scottish accent, which she had because of her upbringing “ Aye, all hell has broke loose…haven’t ye watching the news recently…oh well, just follow me..I am heading to Campus center to see what’s really going on..come with me.”

At the Campus center

A number of Imperial Officers were standing in the center with all the Home Guardsmen in formation, the Head Imperial Officer who had the rank of Captain begun speaking in Arabic, he was of East African Backgound

“Attention all Home Guardsmen, you here by call up by the Imperial Government to fulfill your commitment to Khailfah, as imperial law all male citizens of the Imperium must serve in the arm forces for at least two years and you have selected the home guards to fulfill that duty as third line reservist troops…but now you must fulfills that duty as defenders of this city…we must not fail, we must not allow the rebels to take this city at cost..Today you no longer mere reservist and university students..Today you are soldiers of the Imperium of the Dune. With that being said we have little time for any more formalities, you shall issued your weapons and taken to the barracks for further assignment along the defenses positions of the city. With that you are here by dismissed, my officers will direct you to the locations where you can get your weapons and my name is Captain Najib al Mwakwe.”

Emi remarked to Richard in English

“Oi…over 75 percent of this city is getting the hell out of here and taking their chances in the rebel held areas…and we’re stuck in the middle of war zone..and can’t get out…just my luck…”

Then they heard Captain Mwakwe speak up again “As for those students from other nations, we advise you stay on campus for your safety…we hope to restore air routes within the next 72 hours at best. Please don’t leave the campus limits for your safety.”

Emi remarked to Richard in English again

“72 hours…agh…looks like we have to tough it…oh goody..” She then sighed; she wanted to go home then to stuck in this soon to be hell hole.

Richard then looked about, and then shook his head, "No. Not again. Not fucking again!" He then turned around, and threw his hands in the air. "It's like the fucking Civil War!" He then turned to Emi and said, "I can't let these people hurt innocents. Not like the Communists did, not like the FXF! No more." He then said to Emi, "I gotta do something, Emi. Something...but what?"

----------

Meanwhile, the Marines landed at New Delhi International, and quickly sped out to their objective. Passersby would notice Casspir APCs, Bradley IFVs, and Land Rover Defender 90s full of men, armed to the teeth with rockets, machne guns, and whatnot, quickly speeding towards the Xenizen Embassy.

Once there, they parked in the front lot and in the back, and immediately began setting up a perimeter and checkpoints, processing Xenizens eager to get out. For now, the perimeter was simple, and not too elaborate. However, the Commander of the Marines brought enough materials to ensure he could toughen it up in a hurry.

---------

Sattelites in orbit were picking up massive movements within the KLM, and the Xenizens were all the more nervous for it. They quietly asked, "Will you require military assistance?"

At Baghdad University Campus

Emi listen to Richard and said “There isn’t much for ye to do…unless you want to do something crazy like volunteer for home guard or something.”

Meanwhile outside of Baghdad, rebels forces were getting ready to make their move within the next 24 hours..

Meanwhile after much Debate within the Imperial General Staff on the matter of allowing the Upper Xen arm forces to been send into Imperial lands to support the war effort. It was decide it was necessary in order of the loyalist forces to crush the rebellion. They send out a replied to their Xenizen counterparts question

“Yes we will need some military assistance..”

(OOC: Sorry again for my extended absence, I was out of town for a while then had a bit of writer’s block.)

At Baghdad University…

Alejandro Rodriguez reached the door of his fellow exchange student from the ANL. Quickly, he went to knock on the door, only to find it was open when his fist hit the wooden door. Pushing the door open, he burst inside looking around for his friend. However, the dorm room was vacant – the sheets on the bed hadn’t been made, but didn’t seem like the room had been vacant for too long. Alejandro turned around and noticed a desk behind him. He knew that was usually where his friend kept his passport and papers identifying him as an Aztec citizen. It had been a long issue with him forgetting to take his papers with him when he needed. Quickly, went to the desk, opened the top drawer and went through Cuauhtemoc’s belongings. After a few minutes of searching, Alejandro’s worst fears were confirmed – he had left his passport and other national papers at the bottom of the drawer. Alejandro looked up and hoped that his friend wouldn’t be drug out onto the front lines. Although his friend had always wanted to experience battle, it was unsettling to think that a simple mistake could cost him his life.

Not wanted to be caught going through another student’s belongings, Alejandro closed the drawer and walked coolly out of the room, not wanting to garner unwanted attention. He then headed the hallway and hopefully slipped away unnoticed.

After a few minutes of walking through the corridors of the university, he stumbled upon Emi and Richard and took some relief in finding a friendly face. Alejandro’s life was filled with politics, so he was well aware of whom Emi was. After all, it wasn’t everyday that you took an economics class with the daughter of the Sultan. It was apparent that she was talking to someone else, someone apparently from Upper Xen. Although he didn’t’ want to interrupt their conversation, she may know something about the situation that he did not. He politely stepped up to her and said, “Hi, I don’t know if you remember me, we took an economics class together and I was wondering if you knew how far out the rebels were from the university…”

Ministry of War, Tenochitilán

The news for Quetzalcoatl Nochtli just got worse and worse by the minute. First, it was reported that someone had broken into the Socialist Labor Party’s headquarters. It was a small political embarrassment to know that his own party’s headquarters and the secrets of the Socialist Labor Party could now be property of the highest bidder. Secondly, word was coming out that his right hand man in the legislature, Sub-Tlatoani Coyotepec Xoxoctic may be stepping down from his seat. For almost five years now, Coyotepec had been a key ally in stabilizing the coalition between the Soviet Republican Party and the Socialist Labor Party. Four years ago, someone would be thought of being insane if they truly thought that the two parties would be able to sit down and peaceable be together, but now it was clear that the Soviet Republican Party would be supporting Quetzalcoatl’s bid for re-election. Furthermore, that causes a major issue in terms of party leadership. This set up the stage for a major power struggle between Tlatocayotl Tlactli Majority Leader Miguel Arroyo, People’s Assembly Chancellor Christopher Chavez, both of the Socialist Labor Party and Minority Leader John Kirkland of the Soviet Republican Party. No matter who took up the reigns next, however, would have large shoes to fill. Coyotepec Xoxoctic was seen as a James Madison of sorts by the ANL, and the people would expect that caliber of leader.

However, all of that was a secondary concern for the Aztec National League at the moment. One thing was clear from the news reports and intelligence dossiers flying about – the KLM was in trouble. For so long, the ANL had stopped mucking around with the on goings of the KLM. To do so was putting lives in danger of gruesome deaths and exile. However, to stand idly by right now seemed to be the fool’s path. It was clear something had to be done.

Quetzalcoatl asked the uncomfortable question first, “What resources can we divert to the KLM?”

Warrior-General Tlanextic Zazanilli said abruptly, “Not much in terms of land troops. We can spare maybe 10,000 Jaguar Warriors, 25,000 Red Guardsmen, but not much more than that. With our new state organization efforts, we have to divert troops to our own territories to secure the area. Even with that, the soonest we can get our troops deployed to the area is in three to four days. We are in a good position to provide air and nautical support, however.”

Quetzalcoatl diverting the situation for a second, asked “How long before the rebels take Baghdad?”

Victor Tonhuac, Minister of Intelligence and State Security, read over a few reports and then said grimly, “It’s unclear, but I would guess one or two days at best. Our intelligence reports indicate that the KLM military has activated the Home Guard, which seems like a Reservist Branch of the military.”

Quetzalcoatl said in frustration, “Damn, we will have our citizens there and there’s no way to get to them, no way to get them out.”

Warrior-General Tlanextic Zazanilli coughed intentionally and reiterated, “We have also looked into the possibility of coordinating and airlift, but that would be a major risk. We would have to do it by helicopter, and I don’t think we have enough helicopters to get everyone out.”

Quetzalcoatl said solemnly, “That is unfortunate, but that may be the only choice we have. We can not nor will not and are not responsible for saving everyone. We can try to airlift as many people as we can, but our priority is rescuing our citizens.”

Silence ensued, political conventional wisdom would suggest abandoning such a plan. It was extremely risky and would undoubtedly strain the relations and perceptions of the ANL. However, everyone knew Quetzalcoatl was right.

Tired of the silence, Quetzalcoatl said “Notify the KLM government that we are offering to provide nautical and air support if they wish. We can forget about neutrality in this conflict, our own mission, if the KLM lets us, is to help save them. As for the air lift, you have two hours to draw up a plan and get it to my desk. We will have a plan by then and I will make sure that it is in the Sultan’s hand by the end of the day, even if I have to deliver it by hand!”

=~=~=~= O F F I C I A L ~ C O M M U N I Q U É =~=~=~=

TOP SECRET

To: The Central Command of the Military Forces of the Islamic Unionist Federated states of Khailfah Al Muslimeen
From: The Central Command of the Military Forces of the Nahuatl Altepetl of the Aztec National League
Subject: Assistance

To our comrades in the Khalifah Al Mulimeen,

The Aztec National League does not want to stand by any longer with the unfortunate conflict ongoing in your nation. As such, we can provide for Naval and Air Support to your forces. The Tlatoani of the ANL, Quetzalcoatl Nochtli, has authorized the deployment of more warships and military aircraft to the conflict zone to help protect your interests and ours.

We hope to be of assistance to you,

Warrior-General Tlanextic Zazanilli, Minister of War,
The Nahuatl Altepetl of the Aztec National League

At Baghdad University Campus

Emi listen to Richard and said “There isn’t much for ye to do…unless you want to do something crazy like volunteer for home guard or something.”

Meanwhile outside of Baghdad, rebels forces were getting ready to make their move within the next 24 hours..

Meanwhile after much Debate within the Imperial General Staff on the matter of allowing the Upper Xen arm forces to been send into Imperial lands to support the war effort. It was decide it was necessary in order of the loyalist forces to crush the rebellion. They send out a replied to their Xenizen counterparts question

“Yes we will need some military assistance..”

With that, the Xenizens began preparing for Operation Alexander. Using the last known recon gathered from above, the Joint Chiefs in Hong Kong began assembling a plan, using six mech infantry divisions in Tibet, four Armored brigades, and the assistance of local Air Force units to intervene in the matter. The only question was where....

In the meantime, Richard broke from Emi and said, "I'm sorry Emi. I may have to be that crazy." He then ran off to find the Commander of the local Home Guard units. He had used a hunting rifle before hand, and had hunted bullsquids in Yunnan before hand. Richard probably wasn't thinking all that well, but he had a hunch his hunting skills could be turned to the men now threatening his alma mater.

At Baghdad University Campus

Emi just shake her head when she saw Richard run off

It took a moment for Emi to remember Alejandro Rodriguez, then she nodded and said “Ya I remember ye, and as for the rebels…last I heard they outside the city…so we’re safe for now...there isn’t much we can do though…since the air space around the area is not safe for airlifts.”

A bit later, Richard ran into Captain Najib al Mwakwe and the captain just took one look at him without saying a word and said in English “So you want to volunteer for the home guard I take it..are you sure that you want do this?” He asked

After much heated debate within the Imperial General Staff and Sultan Cabinet, it was agreed that a large outsider taskforce was very bad idea for the current situation. Just the send the following message to their ANL counterparts

To: The Central Command of the Military Forces of the Nahuatl Altepetl of the Aztec National League
From:Imperial General Staff of the Khailfah al Muslimeen
Subject: Assistance

The KLM government is glad to see her allies haven’t abandoned her in her time of need. Yet the situation calls for the KLM to fight this war out by itself for the most part. If we were to allow a large deployment of foreign troops it could destabilize the situation even more. But we can allow the deployment of four divisions and two fighter squadrons from your nation at max.

Signed

Sultan Illyas bin Hajji al Uthman, Commander in Chief