Northford
27-12-2007, 01:20
Part One - Brief
Sighing, Brookes closed his eyes. Four years had passed since the Haven War, and with it, his health. During his self-chosen captivity with the Cravanians, many things had happened to Brookes. For starters, he had realised that patriotism and love of ones country transcends any loyalty to government or people. It was his love of Northford, for example, that led him to surrender the co-ordinates of the government bunker where ‘Admiral’ Tricker was hiding during war, allowing them to make a surgical strike upon the Northfordian Government infrastructure that took Northford, and Tricker, effectively out of the war. It was his love of Northford, its culture, beliefs and values that effectively allowed him monopolise control of the country in the immediate aftermath of the war, bringing those who had committed atrocities against the Cravanians to justice while also commending those who had waged war effectively against the Allaneans, the Skyians and the Kahanistanies.
Having such control, such a monopoly over power, was, in any case, detrimental to the already failing health of Brookes. After his third heart attack since his return it was decided to give him a heart-lung transplant, and with the gross shortage of organ donors post-war the only available option was the cloning of his own organs using stem cells. The procedure failed: the surgeons, having removed his first heart and implanted the second, failed to find the correct enzyme complex to initiate the self-exciting cardiac tissue. Faced with a man that had a new heart that failed to beat, they went to the ‘last resort’ of rigging his aorta, pulmonary artery and vein to a mechanic pump. Realising that due to his age and amount of scar tissue produced by the previous operation would make any future operation fatal, the Northfordian Doctors decided to make the best of the situation. They consulted with the best medical teams in the rest of the Questarian Commonwealth, as well as the doctor who performed the original triple bypass in the Cravanians Home Countries and after several weeks of planning performed one final operation. The end result was a ‘body pack’ that was bolted to Brookes frame that contained the pump, a sensor system (providing the electrical equivalent of chemo-receptors) as well as a battery pack. The final ‘kit’ cost was over 60 million Northfordian Pounds, paid for by members of the armed forces who nominated to forgo a months wage packet to help pay the operation.
During the weeks of consultation, it would be grossly insulting to assume that Alan Brookes just sat in a hospital bed feeling ill. Instead, like all great statesmen, he was busy working. Repairing relations with the Cravanians, rewriting the Northfordian Constitution and settling ‘differences’ with the increasingly authoritarian Questarian Commonwealth were all amongst his first priorities, with other issues, such as the Slave Trade, strengthening Franberry-Northford bilateral ties and handling the ‘New Neighbours’ (The Central Prestonians) further down the list of priorities.
The first two issues, the Questarian Commonwealth and the Cravanians were, ironically, the easiest to handle. The Cravanians were eager to see those who had committed atrocities against them brought to justice, and after the completion of the “Joint Justice Commission” (JJC), happily normalised relations. The Questarians on the other hand were more than cordial with the various grievances the Northfordians had with them. At the Fifteenth Commonwealth Conference a number of things were agreed, giving both parties a far more beneficial relationship. On the Northfordian side, they managed to wangle themselves out of the 5% yearly tribute, as well as being recognised that by their adoption of Questarian Road Signs, Postal Codes, acceptance of Questarian educational certificates within the Northfordian school system (albeit with a handicap) and air traffic control system they were placed uniquely within the Commonwealth for their level of integration. On the Questarian side, the Questarian Government gained a share of the seats in the Legislative house: on future national elections there would be a two questions dedicated to the Questarian Commonwealth: a) “Do you support Northfordian Membership of the Questarian Commonwealth?”, and b) “Do you support a high level of integration with the Crown Imperum of Questers?”. The first question was a simple referendum, with a two thirds majority required before the Northford withdrew from the Commonwealth. The second question was a rather more complicated issue. Depending on the amount of support for further integration, as well as the size of the majority of the largest party in Government a number of seats would be allocated to persons nominated by the Questarian Government.
(At the recent post-war elections, 89% of the population supported Northfordian membership, with 13% favouring further integration.)
They would be valid for one term, upon which they would return into the pool of seats available at a general election. Allocating the seats this way gave the Questarian members of parliament two roles: During times of ‘strong’ Government, they would be expected to represent the interests of their randomly assigned constituents with a level of impartiality unknown in Northfordian Politics, while also tabling bills and supporting motions that strengthened the Questarian Commonwealth. During times of slim or non existent majorities, however, the role of the Questarian members of parliament switches to that of ‘King maker’. Northford, lacking an elected head of state since 1546 (when the last elected ‘head’ was not replaced upon retirement) runs the risk of parliamentary turmoil if there is no clear cut majority. Indeed, the two civil wars Northford experienced (in 1687 and 1690) were caused by governments without clear majorities attempting to push through a government. It had long been realised that as members of the Questarian Commonwealth the role of kingmaker would be, in fact, the Questarian King, however owing to both the republican sentiment and the post-war desire to clarify large parts of the Northfordian Constitution this process has become formalised.
Speaking of Kings, the Northfordian distaste for inherited power has even been waning in recent years. Originally presented to the Northfordian people and Government as the “Supreme Representative of the Questarian Peoples”, he was originally greeted with contempt for the power he was born into without effort. Owing to his leadership of the Questarians during the war, and his efforts to reconcile different parts of the Commonwealth in the immediate aftermath, however, his support has increased to a previously unimaginable level. On a recent visit week long visit there was much flag waving, with his audience in Redbridge Square drawing crowds of over 300 000. This new fondness of the Questarian King continued into the Armed Forces of both Northford, with a new Ranger regiment being titled “The Kings Free Guardians” as well as a frigate in the Northfordian Navy being christened the “King’s Free Escort”.
With the Questarians and Cravanians, Northford’s two most important Bi-lateral relations, sorted, Brookes then had to address the second tier of issues. These were namely the state of the armed forces, the slave trade, and Northford’s “Backyard” - Central Prestonia, The Franberrian Colony of Laforia, Granate, and the Cohenian-tied country of Rosbaningrad.
It is these issues, however, that are the most interesting…
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In the distance, two bodies approached, approximately 30 meters shrouded in fog. Camouflaged, one of them hit the ground, rolling along the path and dropping into a trench. Beckoning the other man forward, he flicked the safety off of his rifle and activated the thermal sight. Scanning the distance he waited.
A flash of light over the horizon, penetrating the darkness. Sending shrapnel everywhere, the second man hit the ground, his back plate peppered with sharpened pieces of plastic. They both froze, dripping with sweat, acutely aware of their…
“FAILURE” was the booming voice that permeated the air around them, emanating from a loudspeaker mounted on a nearby tree, “IN A REAL WAR, THE ENEMY WILL NOT BE USING ANTIPERSONELL MINES WITH FOUR FITHS EXPLOSIVE AND ULTRAFINE SHRAPNELS. ATTENTION RANGERS!”
Floodlights. Glancing up, the two men winced as their iris’s struggled to contract their pupils. Shit… muttered the shorter of the two men as he was helped to his feet.
“Any of ‘em get through Fowler?” asked the taller of the two, angling the shorter mans shoulders to ensure he hadn’t broke anything.
“Not as far as I know” muttered the shorter man, Fowler, as he rubbed his leg “Good Job I was wearing those swanky titanium knee pads though, fell right onto a nail.”
“Ouch.” said the taller, as he adjusted his own body armour, sliding out the thicker ceramic plates, “How’d the plate hold up?”
“Not sure” replied fowler, wiping his hand down his back to remove the shards of plastic lodged in the plate, “Bastard thing went off right on behind me though… must have been a timed fuse. Knocked me straight on my back… bruised a couple of ribs to buggery though.”
In the distance a noise approached. Growling, mechanical in nature, it got louder and louder until a shape appeared on the Horizon. Rectangular and Boxlike it was moving towards them, along the dirt path that wound through the forest.
“Pickup?” Fowler asked his team mate as he glanced towards the approaching vehicle
Taking a moment to look himself, the taller of the two replied. “Looks like it, doesn’t it? Not awful sure from here, but think I think it’s one of those new Trucks”
Sure enough, as it approached, the moving vehicle did indeed reveal itself to be a ‘New Truck’. The [Name] to be precise, a joint project between [Cat’s new nation] and the Commonwealth of Northford. Northford provided the “Vision”, while [CNN] provided the design, with both countries engineering firms working closely together ‘post design’ to design and construct ‘modules’ that would convert the humble truck into everything from ‘Drag and Drop’ Mobile ambulance to a quick set up SAM station. While it was a truck, it was not an armoured utility vehicle and in no way designed to be a firing platform, engineers had devised several ingenious ways to mount gun packages within a Northfordian shipping containers that could be rapidly ‘dropped’ from their mountings and fired, sometimes within as little as 4 minutes.
At this moment in time, however, the [truck] was configured rather more conventionally. Several metal rails were affixed to the shipping container mount, and over this was a stretched frame of canvas: a Troop Transport. There were seats, bunk beds, and most importantly a boiler for hot drinks. The [truck] was fixed in a low gear, with softened suspension giving altogether a rather smooth ride.
About 100 yards away, the loudspeakers started again…
“MEN, WHILE NORTHFORD HAS FOREST COVER AMOUNTING TO A FRACTION OF A PERCENT, TEMPERATE FOREST SURROUNDS SOME OF NORTHFORDS MOST IMPORTANT CITIES. FAILURE HERE WOULD BE LETHAL. DISARM AND PREPRARE FOR A DEBRIEF…”
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In post-war Northford the army operates rather differently. Previously, it was designed around large mechanised formations, spearheaded by armoured columns and supported by fixed wing assets. The previous goal was to force a definite battle on land with the enemy, then to use air power and infantry to either destroy the enemy in its entirety or to hold any captured land. Traditionally, the main use for infantry was in urban combat and manning artillery stations, with roles such as IVF dismounts taking a secondary priority.
All this changed, however, after the war. After a lengthy investigation into the effectiveness of the army it was realised that with Northford’s geography it was much better suited to a mobile, motorized infantry. Armoured and Mechanised units would still be retained, but rather than as standalone divisions they would be incorporated into the now-infantry heavy force at a battalion level. In numbers, this translated roughly to a 300% increase in infantry capability, with a marginal 4% decrease in armoured warfare capability.
This changeover was accompanied by a significant increase in the amount of technology employed by the Northfordian Army. Previously, the Commonwealth had an average outlay of £70 000 in training for a rifleman, with the cost of the kit adding an extra £10 000, with an aim to essentially provide him with the “Best he needs, the least he wants, at the most reasonable cost.”. Realising, especially after dealing with the ‘rag-tag’ Azahan’s that were based in Northford, that sometimes the best is ‘best’, the training and kit of a person in the Northfordian Army was reviewed. In short, the fruit of this review was the Rangerman Doctrine: Training requirements went up for recruits, with them Maths, Science, History and Ethics all being brought to ‘A Level’ standard within 5 years of enlistment. Officer training was led to a degree, usually in an Engineering discipline, while physically upping the bar, forcing the standard recruits to have a fitness previously required of Marines only a year previously.
Kit wise, the overview was somewhat more subtle in nature. The main rifle, the Sapanian Arms designed CR20 was upgraded to the CR20A2, providing the rifleman with a much studier, versatile weapon. Camouflage and Battle dress was exclusively redesigned from Questarian Battle Dress and Camouflage into the ‘Improved Commonwealth Composite” - a design that was freely available to members of the Commonwealth. For Armour, the Northfordian Rifleman was provided with a hefty upgrade from the previous ‘Interceptor’ type plate, to a ‘Dragonskin’ style armour, which was lighter, and provided much better ballistic protection over key areas while also giving improved shrapnel and blunt trauma protection with the addition of a Shear Thickening Fluid and Ferro fluids.
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An important question that must be asked when raising or training an army is that of purpose. What is it for? Is it designed maintain the territorial integrity of a nation? Put down insurrection? Defeat enemies? Power Projection, maybe?
In the post-war Northford, assessing the outside world was placed at a primacy. The ‘New Neighbours’ were Granate and Central Prestonia were in the mix, as were relations with the Franberrian Colony of Laforia and the Federal Sultanate of Rosbaningrad. In working out relations with these four ‘new’ nations, Northfordian Diplomats split them into two groups: Those which the Commonwealth had pre-existing relations, and those which it didn’t. Of the first group, relations with the Franberrian Colony of Laforia were instantly warm and cordial: Northford had traditionally had a good relation with the Franberrians, and during the Haven War Franberry aided Northford with the economic restructuring by taking up the shortfall in Northfordian-built consumer goods.
The presence of Laforia, like the presence of Franberry, was also a very mutually beneficial relationship, post-war. Laforia, being significantly closer to Northford cut costs by 10% in terms of shipping, and in any event, were very ‘Northford-friendly’ in relation to their adoption of Northfordian manufacturing processes in their factories. From the Laforian side, the Northfordian presence also gave benefits. Reliable work, a known, fixed and guaranteed percentage of the Laforian GDP. By Northford’s policy of mandatory escort ships on container fleets going to and from Northford, the Northfordian frigates and destroyers that were often on shore leave contributed to the local Laforian Economy, and, of course, provided an element of the Laforian national defence. There was no ‘Military Alliance’ of sorts with Franberry, rather a friendly understanding when it came to military matters. Unofficially, in allowing ships of the Northfordian Navy to dock in Laforian ports the Northfordian Captains agreed to protect the Laforians should the Granate ever invade.
Paranoia, it is often said, is both a catalyst for change and a fuel for a fire. It is both the Log and the Matchstick. In dealing with the countries of Granate and Central Prestonia, it seems, the, the Matchstick house that was international diplomacy often came very close to the flint paper.
Both nations, on the surface, appeared natural allies to Northford. Central Prestonia was friendly with Praetonia and Willink, which by extension meant Questers and Northford, while Granate was on good terms with most national governments of note and had done nothing to anger Northford. One important aspect of any relationship is trade, and with Central Prestonia and Granate this was sorely lacking. Northford is -and since leaving isolation- has always been, a nation of trade. The Government of Northford takes trade seriously, and cultivates a navy for the sole purpose of protecting it. With trade between two nations comes the meeting of cultures and peoples. Intermarriage, friendship, the exchange of commodities with mutual value to both side are the hallmarks of a trading relationship, and with that, comes friendship and, eventually, an alliance. The economic benefits of trade are not simply limited to the commodity being sold. There are, of course, latent economic benefits to both nations, with everything from the money the physical presence of an escort ship in port brings, to the contribution to GDP provided by giving employment to the secretary, or all call centre clerk that handles relations between the two countries.
Lacking trade, the Commonwealth of Northford viewed the Prestonians with suspicion. Likewise with Granate, though the matter was rather different there. With Granate, Northford were… unwary… of the nation, and through the encouragement of the Laforians this was cultivated into dislike. Central Prestonia, a democracy that shared a land boarder, was slightly different.
The Northfordians were friendly with Praetonia, the Prestonians protector and natural allies. Indeed, for a considerable period of Northfordian history the Praetonians were preferred over the Questarians. It was a logical conclusion, therefore, that Northford would be a natural ally of the Prestonians too.
That stated, things in life often don’t go to plan. Despite sharing a narrow land boarder, as well as sharing an inland sea, there was little day-to-day dialogue between the two countries. There was no fly over rights for Northfordian passenger jets, no joint railway, and, as far as the Northfordian government was aware, no official joint procedure on immigration. In fact, in reality, immigration into Northford from Prestonia was handled on a case-by-case basis, with the Northfordian foreign ministry sorting through applications. Another issue of contention was the lack of a common vision of the inland body of water the Northfordians and Prestonians shared. The -as it was known in Northford- Inland Sea was home to a number of Northfordian industries, including large desalination plants that pumped water from the ocean to purification, fishing wharves, as well as the associated brine industries. There was a common belief amongst North Northfordians that the Prestonians were responsible for their bad hoards, and, particularly, a recent outbreak of Laoshi lice amongst Northfordian Salmon Stocks.
A happy relationship?
As is often said, “Something must exist before the adjective can describe it.”
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Part Two - Back to Brookes
Thursday afternoons. As a member of the Northfordian parliament, one either grew to love them beyond belief or detest them in proportions unimaginable. “Questions Time”, as it was commonly known, was a chance for the Northfordian opposition to grill the Government on any issue it so wished. Post war, and, most importantly, post-Tricker, the weekly questions time had taken on a newer, ‘objective-based’ flavour.
In the simplest language, having dealt with a psychotic dictator, they grew up. Out went the petty, bipartisan politics, and in went the new, direct, straight questions and answers. Today was no different.
Across the vast caverns that was the Northfordian Parliament, silence rang out. A microphone lowered down into position against one of the speakers, and his voice rang out across the room.
“Hamish Lions” , said the man, in a surprisingly soft voice, “MP for Chertsey with a question to the Government regarding the security situation in Northern Northford.”
“Do go on” urged the speaker from somewhere in the eaves of the building.
“As you all know gentleman, in Northern Northford we are presently faced with a rather precarious situation, our primary agricultural industry, fish farming has been at plagued by bout after bout of infection diseases. Thus far, Government response has been weak, and upon the encouragement of my constituents I took it upon myself to contact the Praetonian embassy, to try and get some sort of unofficial clarification on the situation.”
The Member of parliament stopped for a second to adjust his notes, move his tie and smile slightly.
“Well, to the house, I have this letter from the Praetonians. I trust my honourable gentlemen will find it as enlightening to read as I did…
Good Day Sir.
Thank you for your enquiry. While we here at the Praetonian Embassy in Redbridge understand your concern regarding your fisheries I’m afraid there is little we can do to clarify, and even less we can do to help. As of…a little while ago… the Democratic Imperum of Central Prestonia left the Royal Georgian League, were you not aware? In any case, control of inland water ways was never under Praetonian advise or control. While we here at the Praetonian Embassy are always happy to assist members of the Northfordian parliament regarding Northford-Praetonian affairs, in this instance we will can only direct you to the Prestonians, who, by all accounts, should be far more accountable.
For further details of areas in which the Praetonian Embassy are able to advise, please look at our website. There are also details of the remaining Praetonian naval bases of Prestonian soil, as well as embassy regions of extraterritoriality.
Regards,
Dame Joan Adams,
Praetonian Embassy”
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It is often said news travels like wildfire, spreading rapidly before it can be stopped. Occasionally however, that saying turns out to be complete and utter bullshit. The Government of Northford missing the fact the Central Prestonians withdrew from the Royal Georgian League was indeed one such time.
Sometimes a blunder in government results in resignations, while in others, they result in the dismissal of a cabinet and a new election. Given the nature of this blunder, and the fact that it involved Central Prestonia losing the support of a country that could only be regarded as its ‘protector’ meant that rather the end result was that of the adoption of a policy of ‘piss take’.
In a cabinet meeting later that day…
“Two issues chaps” was the opening line as they sat down lining the table. “Two issues. Granate and Central Prestonia. I’m not going to get into the finer details just yet, but the fact we were humiliated today in parliament speaks enough.”
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The man talking was Shane Pember, the new Foreign Minister. As a replacement for Tricker, and technically second in line for control of Northford should the prime minister be incapacitated, thus there was a lot of media interest in him. Regarded as ‘out of the mould’ with respect to the previous foreign minister, he was also a retired naval officer. However, whereas Tricker was naval in the sense he was a ship captain who alternated politics and his position Northfordian Navy to achieve his aims, Pember was a far softer creature. Originally getting his commission in the Northfordian Navy during the time of the GASN Escort Force, he quickly rose up the ranks to become a Squadron Commander of a Corvette group. After this he was assigned to shore duties at a the Cravanian Country of Sapin under the GASN flag, until he was finally appointed Northfordian Naval attaché to the Cravanian Naval base at the major port city of Gracemeria. It wasn’t a port the Northfordian Navy operated out of, but nevertheless he was there to act as a go between, advising GASN planners the capabilities of the Northfordian Navy, who were, at that time, the 3rd biggest contributors to the escort force.
After the GASN Escort force faded Pember retired his commission from the navy and moved to Cravan for several years where he worked as an independent security analyst, eventually relocating to the Cravanian Overseas Territory of Carpanthium with his Cravanian wife and kids. Here he entered semi-retirement, working part time as a local councillor for a ward in Cravan and a guest speaker at defence conferences, often speaking of the widening gulf between Northfordian and Cravanian interests in the increasingly polar world of NATO and the Q.C. During this time his Northfordian citizenship elapsed for the first time, when he chose not to renew his Northfordian Passport, instead attempting to secure Cravanian citizenship for his children.
As the war grew nearer, Pember was summed back to Northford, with an offer of command of a Destroyer, as well as the citizen status of ‘Commonwealth Subject’- thereby securing him residence in any Commonwealth country. Doing what he thought was best, he resumed his status as a Northfordian citizen, rejecting the title and the command, instead preparing his homestead in Carpanthium for civil defence in the event of an invasion.
When war did occur, he was rounded up by the Cravanian authorities, and along with his wife and kids, placed in the Imperial Suites Hotel in Millingston. As is well remembered by history, that hotel was infamously the site of a ‘Blue on Blue’ attack by Northfordian guided missiles. Pember survived, however he lost one child, and his wife was severely wounded, losing a leg and a kidney to falling debris as shrapnel.
Immediately after this, Carpanthium authorities became aware rapid deterioration of the health of Alan Brookes, the Prime Minister of Northford, who was at that time in the Craven Home Countries attempting in vain to secure peace between the two countries. Seizing the initiative, he, along with several other notable citizens in Cravanian ‘captivity’ was smuggled out the Carpantium territory and back to the Cravanian home countries, to advise the Cravanian government on handle the increasingly psychotic Admiral Tricker and install Tricker back in control of Northford after the war was over.
In advising the Cravanian government, Pember was indispensable. From his work with the GASN, he had an excellent working relation with several members of the Cravanian establishment, and unlike some of the smuggled citizens, he was, politically, a ‘known’ quantity. Also, almost uniquely, he also had first hand knowledge of Tricker, having worked with him in the Navy.
In removing Tricker, Pembers input was vital, crucially advising the Cravanian government against launching a spec-ops mission in favour a surgical strike against the whole compound. To coin a phrase Pember used at the time “If you give him an opportunity to take others down with him, he’ll do just that.”, alluding to the likelihood that if they were compromised Tricker was likely to strike Craven with strategic weapons.
After Tricker was removed, Pember again proved vital. The Navy was the largest branch of the armed forces, and by all accounts the most dangerous if unmanaged owing to the range and relative potency of their weapons. By having an ex-naval captain installed in the new government, it allowed them to ‘reign in’ a series of potential mutinies on smaller DD’s that were fanatically loyal to Tricker.
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“Pember”, asked Brookes, his quiet voice silencing the mutters in the room, “without going into the why, enlighten us as to what you know.”
Pember spoke quickly, getting out what was in his head into the room as quickly and efficiently as possible, “Well, when the lid blew I made a series of enquiries with my opposite numbers in the region. I’ve spoken to my opposite numbers in Cravan, Franberry, Praetonia and Rosbaningrad, and they’ve not painted a pretty picture. I’ve not got concrete facts, but the Franberrians and Rosbanis have both reported recently that their merchant shipping has been attacked by mines. On top of that, there have been a spate of suspicious deaths near the Granatian embassy in Cravan, which the Cravanians haven’t quite been able to pinpoint.”
“Anything else?” asked Brookes, quickly writing notes.
“Nothing concrete.” replied Pember, “but then again, most of this is fairly subjective. My opposite number in Laforia seems absolutely petrified by the Granatians… he claimed -and I’ve checked this out- that the Granatians actually claim Laforia as part of their country. The Rosbani government also told me that they were fairly sure the Prestonian Government were behind a recent coup attempt. There’s also the issue of the Central Prestonia’s membership of UFAN, which is hardly a positive aspect.”
“Membership of a defensive alliance is hardly…” interjected Kenneth Loans, the new Transport Secretary
“….Tricker, please continue.” said Brookes, refocusing the attention of the room. “What’s been the response from the Questarians and Cravanians?”
“Well, I’ve spoke to the Questarians” started Pember, “and their attitude was something along the lines of ‘Your Backyard, deal with it’.”
Several polite scoffs filled the room.
“The Cravanians on the other hand have been rather more helpful. I had a long chat with my opposite number who basically informed me that if there was… I use his phrase… ‘something happening’ with Central Prestonia and Granate, he wouldn’t be surprised. He informed me of several instances with rouge fishermen in Jeunese waters, along with a report that the Alacean navy fought a pitched battle with a taskforce of well armed pirates. Unfortunately, the pirates scuttled the CIWS armed merchant ship they had adapted as an ad-hoc carrier, completely destroying any military hardware, so there’s no hard evidence. That said, as my Cravanian counterpart reminded me, with the Questarians controlling the North and South entrance, that only leaves the East entrance into the region. Of course we’ve got the East watched by Satellites, and expectedly they revealed nothing when we looked over the footage.
That means the raiders must have originated somewhere within Continentia.”
A moment of silence passed, before a junior minister asked a question.
“If this hits the press, there’s going to be questions. How prepared are we?”
The Minister for Defence, Carl Rhodes cleared his throat.
“The simple answer?” he said, drawing glances. “Not very”
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“ Great ”
The meeting was adjourned, with the junior members of the cabinet leaving the room. Tricker, Pember and the Rhodes remained, as did the new Chancellor, a young man called Phil Blair. As was the practise in cabinet meetings, after the main meeting, the relevant ministers who were required to deal with the days issues would wait behind for a further meeting, while those who were unneeded would return to their respective tasks.
“How’d the cards fall Gentleman?” asked Brookes, slowly sipping a glass of cooled Zukariaan spring water, shipped in exclusively from Northford directly from the small village of Nordum in Northern Zukaria.
“Not nicely” said the Pember
“The fact we’ve missed all this on our doorstep really doesn’t bode well. Militarily, we’re not prepared for whatever they might be planning.”
“The question is whether they’re going for us next” asked Brookes, resting his glass down on the table, “for all we know they might be leaving us well alone, or planning to blockade us next weekend.”
“Fact is, we’re one of the few countries that offers military escort on all of our cargo vessels. We’ve been running it since the CA days, and it’s one of the reasons there’s so many ships registered under our flags. This might be warding them off, although it’s almost as likely we’re the real target, once they have had some practise on softer targets.” pointed out Rhodes.
“Hmmm” was Brookes only response, as he picked up the telephone on his desk.
“Koslin?” Asked Pember, remembering the name from his GASN days.
“No”, Brookes said, hitting a hotkey, “this is above him, and, in any event, with my illness and such, I owe it to talk straight to Anagrams for fixing me after up my health got the better of me. A moment, men?”
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The telephone in the main lobby of the Offices of the Directorate at 1 Imperial Square began to ring its shrill cry, the "priority encrypted line" light blinking. The secretary, knowing that this call probably surpassed her own security clearance, immediately forwarded it to the Office of the Primary Director. Elizabeth lifted the receiver the moment her phone began to rang.
"Good morning, Primary Director Anagrams speaking."
“Alan Brookes here. ” said Brookes into the mouthpiece, half smiling. “I trust you’re in good health?”
"Hello, Mr. Brooks. Pleasure to speak with you again. I'm keeping well, how've you been? I trust you've not been having as serious problems as the last time I'd seen you?" , she said as her face brightened up, her lips contorting into a smile.
“Considerably better…the new kit holding up pretty good considering ” Brookes said rubbing the little plastic box under his chest. If there was one thing he liked about Cravan is that things were far more sincere. With Questers, such questions were a matter of diplomatic courtesy, but he always had the feeling things were different here. “I’m afraid I’m not calling you on a purely personal matter however… I’d have gone through your secretary if that was the case”
"Oh? What seems to be the situation, Mr. Brookes?", Elizabeth inquired while leaning back in her chair, her attitude taking on an air of professionalism as the two world leaders began their discussion.
“It’s more situations Ma’am.” started Brookes, “We’ve been doing some investigating, and my government is seriously concerned about an increasingly fragile security situation in Continentia. Battles with Pirates, mining shipping lanes, not to mention that spate of deaths near the Granatian Embassy in Sapin.
"Yes, I was informed about those deaths near the consulate in Sapin... However what's this about pirates? Imperial shipping hasn't encountered any pirates in Continentian waters, at least as far as I have been informed. You're saying there's pirate operations down south?"
“Up North, actually” remarked Brookes. “The Alacean Navy-”
“-Ah yes I heard about that…. no fatalities, were there?”
“No…. thank god, though there was no wreckage of the pirates vessels though.”, he added with a hint of regret. After all, without hard evidence, convincing the Cravanians of his plans would be considerably harder.
“In any event, they had airpower, which doesn’t bode well, and when you combine it with the reports we’ve had down our end of limpet mines…”
"So what, exactly, are you suggesting, Mr. Brookes?", Anagrams asked curiously. She already knew the answer somewhat, however she would probe as much as she could to get a straight answer from her Northfordian opposite.
“Well…” started Brookes, slowly. He had to pick his words carefully, after all, he needed to ensure he could win her support. Just pointing a finger, regardless of who, was hardly going to win him support.
“Well,” he reiterated, this time slightly slower, “I’m concerned. Things are happening left, right and centre, and I’m wondering how much longer it is until Northford is next. We think we’ve pinned all this on Central Prestonia and Granate, since in every other country has been effected somehow. We think we’ve only be saved due to the fact we slap escorts on all our shipping.”
"Our shipping is usually armed... Legally, of course, as per the owner's discretion. That may be why I've not received any reports of pirates attempting to raid Cravanian civilian shipping. I would have been informed, as well, considering the Kenworth Shipping company is among my assets.", she remarked, referencing her inheritance of her father's multi-billion crave shipping empire. "But yes, it seems somewhat logical that these suspicious incidents are occurring around Granate and Central Prestonia without them seeing the effects of it. What do you propose be done about this, though? I do believe military response would be rather hasty, and I'd rather wait on confronting them about this."
“I’d agree on the military front” said Brookes, getting that sticker out of the way. “we’re halfway through a modernisation at the moment, and we’ve just re-geared our economy for peacetime, so we’re really not in a shape for a protracted conflict. If anything, I’d want to speak to everyone else involved in these incidents, at once, and try and piece together the intelligence. I’d also want to sit down with the Praetonians, after all, the Prestonians have left their little League, but they’ve still got bases on their turf. Also there’s the issue of Granate, which I’d like to see resolved, if only for the Laforians. Your thoughts? Personally I don’t see any harm in it, even if nothing comes of it, it’s a good chance to get a group of leaders sitting down around a table and talking…might even improve a few strained relations.” added Brookes at the end, making light reference to an diplomatic dispute involving the Cravanians and Praetonians.
"I agree.", Anagrams replied. "When do you propose this meeting take place? I do have a bit of a situation developing here at home. I may need to ask Mr. Koslin to take my place."
“Ah yes”, said Brookes, again smiling, “the recent affair with Michealosia and our…friends… Aequatio?”
"Yes indeed... The situation over here is rather tense, and I'm definitely going to be needed. Dave has acted in my place, before, though. I'm sure he'll do a fine job and report back to Laurana with updates periodically."
Brookes sighed. He didn’t particularly mind Dave Koslin, but wanted to see Anagrams again, in any event, though, Koslin and Pember, got on well, having plenty of old GASN stuff to talk about. “Oh no, that’s not a problem, and to be honest, Dave’s more than welcome. Any objections to bringing along Mathew Craven, as a guest of the Northfordian Government? I know he’s not in power anymore, but when it comes to international relations, his experience is more than useful.”
“That’s not to say Koslin isn’t experienced though”, he quickly added, tongue-in-cheek.
"You're more than welcome to invite His Majesty, I'm sure he could give some valuable input.", Anagrams remarked. "For someone who's born into the job and not expected to do much, he really did quite a lot during his reign and I can see why he wanted to retire."
“I dunno…” said Brookes, his professionalism slipping. “I’ve had three heart attacks, and the buggers still can’t keep me away.”
It was conversations like this he missed with Elizabeth Anagrams. While it would be a mistake to say she befriended Brookes during his illness and captivity with the Cravanians, but they did cultivate a friendly rapport during the Haven War, that continued post war with the cordial relationship the Northfordians presently enjoyed. And it certainly helped she was easy on the eyes.
“Anyway”, he carried on, “I was going to suggest a chalet along the Carpanthium/Northford boarder where the armistice was signed. I’ve got a provisional list of members in my head, which I’ll fax you, and of course, you’re welcome to add any you think of. Date wise, we can have our civil service arrange that. We’ll handle the Praetonians separately, since they’ve got a different perspective to us on this, but I’m thinking a two day summit, with day two including everyone, including Praetonia.”
“Yes that sounds fine.” said Anagrams. “I’m guessing by your tone, you want to wrap this up?”
“Not so much that I want to” said Brookes, very truthfully, “but I’ve got a meeting in 20 minutes, and I need to prepare. Farewell, Ms Anagrams.”
And with that, the line went dead.
=========================================================
The following nations were invited to send a delegate to the ‘Northfordian-Cravanian conference for the Security Situation in Southern Continentia’ (NCSSSC):
Northford (Host)
Cravan (Host)
Akimonad
Alacea
Azaha
Jeuna
Franberry (Laforia)
Rosbaningrad
Questers
Also, in a separate message, the Praetonians were invited to a separate conference with Northford, to discuss the “Central Prestonia” issue, while being made fully aware of the other conference that was being held the same day.
===
OOC: Sorry it’s late guys. Let the festive games begin, hehe. Also, I've not written 'invites' so we can skip the bollocks. RP a response to the invite, however you so wish, and when we're all done, we can hop straight into the conference. None of us are idiots here, so let's have a good time, and keep it civil hehe.
Sighing, Brookes closed his eyes. Four years had passed since the Haven War, and with it, his health. During his self-chosen captivity with the Cravanians, many things had happened to Brookes. For starters, he had realised that patriotism and love of ones country transcends any loyalty to government or people. It was his love of Northford, for example, that led him to surrender the co-ordinates of the government bunker where ‘Admiral’ Tricker was hiding during war, allowing them to make a surgical strike upon the Northfordian Government infrastructure that took Northford, and Tricker, effectively out of the war. It was his love of Northford, its culture, beliefs and values that effectively allowed him monopolise control of the country in the immediate aftermath of the war, bringing those who had committed atrocities against the Cravanians to justice while also commending those who had waged war effectively against the Allaneans, the Skyians and the Kahanistanies.
Having such control, such a monopoly over power, was, in any case, detrimental to the already failing health of Brookes. After his third heart attack since his return it was decided to give him a heart-lung transplant, and with the gross shortage of organ donors post-war the only available option was the cloning of his own organs using stem cells. The procedure failed: the surgeons, having removed his first heart and implanted the second, failed to find the correct enzyme complex to initiate the self-exciting cardiac tissue. Faced with a man that had a new heart that failed to beat, they went to the ‘last resort’ of rigging his aorta, pulmonary artery and vein to a mechanic pump. Realising that due to his age and amount of scar tissue produced by the previous operation would make any future operation fatal, the Northfordian Doctors decided to make the best of the situation. They consulted with the best medical teams in the rest of the Questarian Commonwealth, as well as the doctor who performed the original triple bypass in the Cravanians Home Countries and after several weeks of planning performed one final operation. The end result was a ‘body pack’ that was bolted to Brookes frame that contained the pump, a sensor system (providing the electrical equivalent of chemo-receptors) as well as a battery pack. The final ‘kit’ cost was over 60 million Northfordian Pounds, paid for by members of the armed forces who nominated to forgo a months wage packet to help pay the operation.
During the weeks of consultation, it would be grossly insulting to assume that Alan Brookes just sat in a hospital bed feeling ill. Instead, like all great statesmen, he was busy working. Repairing relations with the Cravanians, rewriting the Northfordian Constitution and settling ‘differences’ with the increasingly authoritarian Questarian Commonwealth were all amongst his first priorities, with other issues, such as the Slave Trade, strengthening Franberry-Northford bilateral ties and handling the ‘New Neighbours’ (The Central Prestonians) further down the list of priorities.
The first two issues, the Questarian Commonwealth and the Cravanians were, ironically, the easiest to handle. The Cravanians were eager to see those who had committed atrocities against them brought to justice, and after the completion of the “Joint Justice Commission” (JJC), happily normalised relations. The Questarians on the other hand were more than cordial with the various grievances the Northfordians had with them. At the Fifteenth Commonwealth Conference a number of things were agreed, giving both parties a far more beneficial relationship. On the Northfordian side, they managed to wangle themselves out of the 5% yearly tribute, as well as being recognised that by their adoption of Questarian Road Signs, Postal Codes, acceptance of Questarian educational certificates within the Northfordian school system (albeit with a handicap) and air traffic control system they were placed uniquely within the Commonwealth for their level of integration. On the Questarian side, the Questarian Government gained a share of the seats in the Legislative house: on future national elections there would be a two questions dedicated to the Questarian Commonwealth: a) “Do you support Northfordian Membership of the Questarian Commonwealth?”, and b) “Do you support a high level of integration with the Crown Imperum of Questers?”. The first question was a simple referendum, with a two thirds majority required before the Northford withdrew from the Commonwealth. The second question was a rather more complicated issue. Depending on the amount of support for further integration, as well as the size of the majority of the largest party in Government a number of seats would be allocated to persons nominated by the Questarian Government.
(At the recent post-war elections, 89% of the population supported Northfordian membership, with 13% favouring further integration.)
They would be valid for one term, upon which they would return into the pool of seats available at a general election. Allocating the seats this way gave the Questarian members of parliament two roles: During times of ‘strong’ Government, they would be expected to represent the interests of their randomly assigned constituents with a level of impartiality unknown in Northfordian Politics, while also tabling bills and supporting motions that strengthened the Questarian Commonwealth. During times of slim or non existent majorities, however, the role of the Questarian members of parliament switches to that of ‘King maker’. Northford, lacking an elected head of state since 1546 (when the last elected ‘head’ was not replaced upon retirement) runs the risk of parliamentary turmoil if there is no clear cut majority. Indeed, the two civil wars Northford experienced (in 1687 and 1690) were caused by governments without clear majorities attempting to push through a government. It had long been realised that as members of the Questarian Commonwealth the role of kingmaker would be, in fact, the Questarian King, however owing to both the republican sentiment and the post-war desire to clarify large parts of the Northfordian Constitution this process has become formalised.
Speaking of Kings, the Northfordian distaste for inherited power has even been waning in recent years. Originally presented to the Northfordian people and Government as the “Supreme Representative of the Questarian Peoples”, he was originally greeted with contempt for the power he was born into without effort. Owing to his leadership of the Questarians during the war, and his efforts to reconcile different parts of the Commonwealth in the immediate aftermath, however, his support has increased to a previously unimaginable level. On a recent visit week long visit there was much flag waving, with his audience in Redbridge Square drawing crowds of over 300 000. This new fondness of the Questarian King continued into the Armed Forces of both Northford, with a new Ranger regiment being titled “The Kings Free Guardians” as well as a frigate in the Northfordian Navy being christened the “King’s Free Escort”.
With the Questarians and Cravanians, Northford’s two most important Bi-lateral relations, sorted, Brookes then had to address the second tier of issues. These were namely the state of the armed forces, the slave trade, and Northford’s “Backyard” - Central Prestonia, The Franberrian Colony of Laforia, Granate, and the Cohenian-tied country of Rosbaningrad.
It is these issues, however, that are the most interesting…
========================================================
In the distance, two bodies approached, approximately 30 meters shrouded in fog. Camouflaged, one of them hit the ground, rolling along the path and dropping into a trench. Beckoning the other man forward, he flicked the safety off of his rifle and activated the thermal sight. Scanning the distance he waited.
A flash of light over the horizon, penetrating the darkness. Sending shrapnel everywhere, the second man hit the ground, his back plate peppered with sharpened pieces of plastic. They both froze, dripping with sweat, acutely aware of their…
“FAILURE” was the booming voice that permeated the air around them, emanating from a loudspeaker mounted on a nearby tree, “IN A REAL WAR, THE ENEMY WILL NOT BE USING ANTIPERSONELL MINES WITH FOUR FITHS EXPLOSIVE AND ULTRAFINE SHRAPNELS. ATTENTION RANGERS!”
Floodlights. Glancing up, the two men winced as their iris’s struggled to contract their pupils. Shit… muttered the shorter of the two men as he was helped to his feet.
“Any of ‘em get through Fowler?” asked the taller of the two, angling the shorter mans shoulders to ensure he hadn’t broke anything.
“Not as far as I know” muttered the shorter man, Fowler, as he rubbed his leg “Good Job I was wearing those swanky titanium knee pads though, fell right onto a nail.”
“Ouch.” said the taller, as he adjusted his own body armour, sliding out the thicker ceramic plates, “How’d the plate hold up?”
“Not sure” replied fowler, wiping his hand down his back to remove the shards of plastic lodged in the plate, “Bastard thing went off right on behind me though… must have been a timed fuse. Knocked me straight on my back… bruised a couple of ribs to buggery though.”
In the distance a noise approached. Growling, mechanical in nature, it got louder and louder until a shape appeared on the Horizon. Rectangular and Boxlike it was moving towards them, along the dirt path that wound through the forest.
“Pickup?” Fowler asked his team mate as he glanced towards the approaching vehicle
Taking a moment to look himself, the taller of the two replied. “Looks like it, doesn’t it? Not awful sure from here, but think I think it’s one of those new Trucks”
Sure enough, as it approached, the moving vehicle did indeed reveal itself to be a ‘New Truck’. The [Name] to be precise, a joint project between [Cat’s new nation] and the Commonwealth of Northford. Northford provided the “Vision”, while [CNN] provided the design, with both countries engineering firms working closely together ‘post design’ to design and construct ‘modules’ that would convert the humble truck into everything from ‘Drag and Drop’ Mobile ambulance to a quick set up SAM station. While it was a truck, it was not an armoured utility vehicle and in no way designed to be a firing platform, engineers had devised several ingenious ways to mount gun packages within a Northfordian shipping containers that could be rapidly ‘dropped’ from their mountings and fired, sometimes within as little as 4 minutes.
At this moment in time, however, the [truck] was configured rather more conventionally. Several metal rails were affixed to the shipping container mount, and over this was a stretched frame of canvas: a Troop Transport. There were seats, bunk beds, and most importantly a boiler for hot drinks. The [truck] was fixed in a low gear, with softened suspension giving altogether a rather smooth ride.
About 100 yards away, the loudspeakers started again…
“MEN, WHILE NORTHFORD HAS FOREST COVER AMOUNTING TO A FRACTION OF A PERCENT, TEMPERATE FOREST SURROUNDS SOME OF NORTHFORDS MOST IMPORTANT CITIES. FAILURE HERE WOULD BE LETHAL. DISARM AND PREPRARE FOR A DEBRIEF…”
=========================================================
In post-war Northford the army operates rather differently. Previously, it was designed around large mechanised formations, spearheaded by armoured columns and supported by fixed wing assets. The previous goal was to force a definite battle on land with the enemy, then to use air power and infantry to either destroy the enemy in its entirety or to hold any captured land. Traditionally, the main use for infantry was in urban combat and manning artillery stations, with roles such as IVF dismounts taking a secondary priority.
All this changed, however, after the war. After a lengthy investigation into the effectiveness of the army it was realised that with Northford’s geography it was much better suited to a mobile, motorized infantry. Armoured and Mechanised units would still be retained, but rather than as standalone divisions they would be incorporated into the now-infantry heavy force at a battalion level. In numbers, this translated roughly to a 300% increase in infantry capability, with a marginal 4% decrease in armoured warfare capability.
This changeover was accompanied by a significant increase in the amount of technology employed by the Northfordian Army. Previously, the Commonwealth had an average outlay of £70 000 in training for a rifleman, with the cost of the kit adding an extra £10 000, with an aim to essentially provide him with the “Best he needs, the least he wants, at the most reasonable cost.”. Realising, especially after dealing with the ‘rag-tag’ Azahan’s that were based in Northford, that sometimes the best is ‘best’, the training and kit of a person in the Northfordian Army was reviewed. In short, the fruit of this review was the Rangerman Doctrine: Training requirements went up for recruits, with them Maths, Science, History and Ethics all being brought to ‘A Level’ standard within 5 years of enlistment. Officer training was led to a degree, usually in an Engineering discipline, while physically upping the bar, forcing the standard recruits to have a fitness previously required of Marines only a year previously.
Kit wise, the overview was somewhat more subtle in nature. The main rifle, the Sapanian Arms designed CR20 was upgraded to the CR20A2, providing the rifleman with a much studier, versatile weapon. Camouflage and Battle dress was exclusively redesigned from Questarian Battle Dress and Camouflage into the ‘Improved Commonwealth Composite” - a design that was freely available to members of the Commonwealth. For Armour, the Northfordian Rifleman was provided with a hefty upgrade from the previous ‘Interceptor’ type plate, to a ‘Dragonskin’ style armour, which was lighter, and provided much better ballistic protection over key areas while also giving improved shrapnel and blunt trauma protection with the addition of a Shear Thickening Fluid and Ferro fluids.
=========================================================
An important question that must be asked when raising or training an army is that of purpose. What is it for? Is it designed maintain the territorial integrity of a nation? Put down insurrection? Defeat enemies? Power Projection, maybe?
In the post-war Northford, assessing the outside world was placed at a primacy. The ‘New Neighbours’ were Granate and Central Prestonia were in the mix, as were relations with the Franberrian Colony of Laforia and the Federal Sultanate of Rosbaningrad. In working out relations with these four ‘new’ nations, Northfordian Diplomats split them into two groups: Those which the Commonwealth had pre-existing relations, and those which it didn’t. Of the first group, relations with the Franberrian Colony of Laforia were instantly warm and cordial: Northford had traditionally had a good relation with the Franberrians, and during the Haven War Franberry aided Northford with the economic restructuring by taking up the shortfall in Northfordian-built consumer goods.
The presence of Laforia, like the presence of Franberry, was also a very mutually beneficial relationship, post-war. Laforia, being significantly closer to Northford cut costs by 10% in terms of shipping, and in any event, were very ‘Northford-friendly’ in relation to their adoption of Northfordian manufacturing processes in their factories. From the Laforian side, the Northfordian presence also gave benefits. Reliable work, a known, fixed and guaranteed percentage of the Laforian GDP. By Northford’s policy of mandatory escort ships on container fleets going to and from Northford, the Northfordian frigates and destroyers that were often on shore leave contributed to the local Laforian Economy, and, of course, provided an element of the Laforian national defence. There was no ‘Military Alliance’ of sorts with Franberry, rather a friendly understanding when it came to military matters. Unofficially, in allowing ships of the Northfordian Navy to dock in Laforian ports the Northfordian Captains agreed to protect the Laforians should the Granate ever invade.
Paranoia, it is often said, is both a catalyst for change and a fuel for a fire. It is both the Log and the Matchstick. In dealing with the countries of Granate and Central Prestonia, it seems, the, the Matchstick house that was international diplomacy often came very close to the flint paper.
Both nations, on the surface, appeared natural allies to Northford. Central Prestonia was friendly with Praetonia and Willink, which by extension meant Questers and Northford, while Granate was on good terms with most national governments of note and had done nothing to anger Northford. One important aspect of any relationship is trade, and with Central Prestonia and Granate this was sorely lacking. Northford is -and since leaving isolation- has always been, a nation of trade. The Government of Northford takes trade seriously, and cultivates a navy for the sole purpose of protecting it. With trade between two nations comes the meeting of cultures and peoples. Intermarriage, friendship, the exchange of commodities with mutual value to both side are the hallmarks of a trading relationship, and with that, comes friendship and, eventually, an alliance. The economic benefits of trade are not simply limited to the commodity being sold. There are, of course, latent economic benefits to both nations, with everything from the money the physical presence of an escort ship in port brings, to the contribution to GDP provided by giving employment to the secretary, or all call centre clerk that handles relations between the two countries.
Lacking trade, the Commonwealth of Northford viewed the Prestonians with suspicion. Likewise with Granate, though the matter was rather different there. With Granate, Northford were… unwary… of the nation, and through the encouragement of the Laforians this was cultivated into dislike. Central Prestonia, a democracy that shared a land boarder, was slightly different.
The Northfordians were friendly with Praetonia, the Prestonians protector and natural allies. Indeed, for a considerable period of Northfordian history the Praetonians were preferred over the Questarians. It was a logical conclusion, therefore, that Northford would be a natural ally of the Prestonians too.
That stated, things in life often don’t go to plan. Despite sharing a narrow land boarder, as well as sharing an inland sea, there was little day-to-day dialogue between the two countries. There was no fly over rights for Northfordian passenger jets, no joint railway, and, as far as the Northfordian government was aware, no official joint procedure on immigration. In fact, in reality, immigration into Northford from Prestonia was handled on a case-by-case basis, with the Northfordian foreign ministry sorting through applications. Another issue of contention was the lack of a common vision of the inland body of water the Northfordians and Prestonians shared. The -as it was known in Northford- Inland Sea was home to a number of Northfordian industries, including large desalination plants that pumped water from the ocean to purification, fishing wharves, as well as the associated brine industries. There was a common belief amongst North Northfordians that the Prestonians were responsible for their bad hoards, and, particularly, a recent outbreak of Laoshi lice amongst Northfordian Salmon Stocks.
A happy relationship?
As is often said, “Something must exist before the adjective can describe it.”
=========================================================
Part Two - Back to Brookes
Thursday afternoons. As a member of the Northfordian parliament, one either grew to love them beyond belief or detest them in proportions unimaginable. “Questions Time”, as it was commonly known, was a chance for the Northfordian opposition to grill the Government on any issue it so wished. Post war, and, most importantly, post-Tricker, the weekly questions time had taken on a newer, ‘objective-based’ flavour.
In the simplest language, having dealt with a psychotic dictator, they grew up. Out went the petty, bipartisan politics, and in went the new, direct, straight questions and answers. Today was no different.
Across the vast caverns that was the Northfordian Parliament, silence rang out. A microphone lowered down into position against one of the speakers, and his voice rang out across the room.
“Hamish Lions” , said the man, in a surprisingly soft voice, “MP for Chertsey with a question to the Government regarding the security situation in Northern Northford.”
“Do go on” urged the speaker from somewhere in the eaves of the building.
“As you all know gentleman, in Northern Northford we are presently faced with a rather precarious situation, our primary agricultural industry, fish farming has been at plagued by bout after bout of infection diseases. Thus far, Government response has been weak, and upon the encouragement of my constituents I took it upon myself to contact the Praetonian embassy, to try and get some sort of unofficial clarification on the situation.”
The Member of parliament stopped for a second to adjust his notes, move his tie and smile slightly.
“Well, to the house, I have this letter from the Praetonians. I trust my honourable gentlemen will find it as enlightening to read as I did…
Good Day Sir.
Thank you for your enquiry. While we here at the Praetonian Embassy in Redbridge understand your concern regarding your fisheries I’m afraid there is little we can do to clarify, and even less we can do to help. As of…a little while ago… the Democratic Imperum of Central Prestonia left the Royal Georgian League, were you not aware? In any case, control of inland water ways was never under Praetonian advise or control. While we here at the Praetonian Embassy are always happy to assist members of the Northfordian parliament regarding Northford-Praetonian affairs, in this instance we will can only direct you to the Prestonians, who, by all accounts, should be far more accountable.
For further details of areas in which the Praetonian Embassy are able to advise, please look at our website. There are also details of the remaining Praetonian naval bases of Prestonian soil, as well as embassy regions of extraterritoriality.
Regards,
Dame Joan Adams,
Praetonian Embassy”
========================================================
It is often said news travels like wildfire, spreading rapidly before it can be stopped. Occasionally however, that saying turns out to be complete and utter bullshit. The Government of Northford missing the fact the Central Prestonians withdrew from the Royal Georgian League was indeed one such time.
Sometimes a blunder in government results in resignations, while in others, they result in the dismissal of a cabinet and a new election. Given the nature of this blunder, and the fact that it involved Central Prestonia losing the support of a country that could only be regarded as its ‘protector’ meant that rather the end result was that of the adoption of a policy of ‘piss take’.
In a cabinet meeting later that day…
“Two issues chaps” was the opening line as they sat down lining the table. “Two issues. Granate and Central Prestonia. I’m not going to get into the finer details just yet, but the fact we were humiliated today in parliament speaks enough.”
==========================================================
The man talking was Shane Pember, the new Foreign Minister. As a replacement for Tricker, and technically second in line for control of Northford should the prime minister be incapacitated, thus there was a lot of media interest in him. Regarded as ‘out of the mould’ with respect to the previous foreign minister, he was also a retired naval officer. However, whereas Tricker was naval in the sense he was a ship captain who alternated politics and his position Northfordian Navy to achieve his aims, Pember was a far softer creature. Originally getting his commission in the Northfordian Navy during the time of the GASN Escort Force, he quickly rose up the ranks to become a Squadron Commander of a Corvette group. After this he was assigned to shore duties at a the Cravanian Country of Sapin under the GASN flag, until he was finally appointed Northfordian Naval attaché to the Cravanian Naval base at the major port city of Gracemeria. It wasn’t a port the Northfordian Navy operated out of, but nevertheless he was there to act as a go between, advising GASN planners the capabilities of the Northfordian Navy, who were, at that time, the 3rd biggest contributors to the escort force.
After the GASN Escort force faded Pember retired his commission from the navy and moved to Cravan for several years where he worked as an independent security analyst, eventually relocating to the Cravanian Overseas Territory of Carpanthium with his Cravanian wife and kids. Here he entered semi-retirement, working part time as a local councillor for a ward in Cravan and a guest speaker at defence conferences, often speaking of the widening gulf between Northfordian and Cravanian interests in the increasingly polar world of NATO and the Q.C. During this time his Northfordian citizenship elapsed for the first time, when he chose not to renew his Northfordian Passport, instead attempting to secure Cravanian citizenship for his children.
As the war grew nearer, Pember was summed back to Northford, with an offer of command of a Destroyer, as well as the citizen status of ‘Commonwealth Subject’- thereby securing him residence in any Commonwealth country. Doing what he thought was best, he resumed his status as a Northfordian citizen, rejecting the title and the command, instead preparing his homestead in Carpanthium for civil defence in the event of an invasion.
When war did occur, he was rounded up by the Cravanian authorities, and along with his wife and kids, placed in the Imperial Suites Hotel in Millingston. As is well remembered by history, that hotel was infamously the site of a ‘Blue on Blue’ attack by Northfordian guided missiles. Pember survived, however he lost one child, and his wife was severely wounded, losing a leg and a kidney to falling debris as shrapnel.
Immediately after this, Carpanthium authorities became aware rapid deterioration of the health of Alan Brookes, the Prime Minister of Northford, who was at that time in the Craven Home Countries attempting in vain to secure peace between the two countries. Seizing the initiative, he, along with several other notable citizens in Cravanian ‘captivity’ was smuggled out the Carpantium territory and back to the Cravanian home countries, to advise the Cravanian government on handle the increasingly psychotic Admiral Tricker and install Tricker back in control of Northford after the war was over.
In advising the Cravanian government, Pember was indispensable. From his work with the GASN, he had an excellent working relation with several members of the Cravanian establishment, and unlike some of the smuggled citizens, he was, politically, a ‘known’ quantity. Also, almost uniquely, he also had first hand knowledge of Tricker, having worked with him in the Navy.
In removing Tricker, Pembers input was vital, crucially advising the Cravanian government against launching a spec-ops mission in favour a surgical strike against the whole compound. To coin a phrase Pember used at the time “If you give him an opportunity to take others down with him, he’ll do just that.”, alluding to the likelihood that if they were compromised Tricker was likely to strike Craven with strategic weapons.
After Tricker was removed, Pember again proved vital. The Navy was the largest branch of the armed forces, and by all accounts the most dangerous if unmanaged owing to the range and relative potency of their weapons. By having an ex-naval captain installed in the new government, it allowed them to ‘reign in’ a series of potential mutinies on smaller DD’s that were fanatically loyal to Tricker.
=========================================================
“Pember”, asked Brookes, his quiet voice silencing the mutters in the room, “without going into the why, enlighten us as to what you know.”
Pember spoke quickly, getting out what was in his head into the room as quickly and efficiently as possible, “Well, when the lid blew I made a series of enquiries with my opposite numbers in the region. I’ve spoken to my opposite numbers in Cravan, Franberry, Praetonia and Rosbaningrad, and they’ve not painted a pretty picture. I’ve not got concrete facts, but the Franberrians and Rosbanis have both reported recently that their merchant shipping has been attacked by mines. On top of that, there have been a spate of suspicious deaths near the Granatian embassy in Cravan, which the Cravanians haven’t quite been able to pinpoint.”
“Anything else?” asked Brookes, quickly writing notes.
“Nothing concrete.” replied Pember, “but then again, most of this is fairly subjective. My opposite number in Laforia seems absolutely petrified by the Granatians… he claimed -and I’ve checked this out- that the Granatians actually claim Laforia as part of their country. The Rosbani government also told me that they were fairly sure the Prestonian Government were behind a recent coup attempt. There’s also the issue of the Central Prestonia’s membership of UFAN, which is hardly a positive aspect.”
“Membership of a defensive alliance is hardly…” interjected Kenneth Loans, the new Transport Secretary
“….Tricker, please continue.” said Brookes, refocusing the attention of the room. “What’s been the response from the Questarians and Cravanians?”
“Well, I’ve spoke to the Questarians” started Pember, “and their attitude was something along the lines of ‘Your Backyard, deal with it’.”
Several polite scoffs filled the room.
“The Cravanians on the other hand have been rather more helpful. I had a long chat with my opposite number who basically informed me that if there was… I use his phrase… ‘something happening’ with Central Prestonia and Granate, he wouldn’t be surprised. He informed me of several instances with rouge fishermen in Jeunese waters, along with a report that the Alacean navy fought a pitched battle with a taskforce of well armed pirates. Unfortunately, the pirates scuttled the CIWS armed merchant ship they had adapted as an ad-hoc carrier, completely destroying any military hardware, so there’s no hard evidence. That said, as my Cravanian counterpart reminded me, with the Questarians controlling the North and South entrance, that only leaves the East entrance into the region. Of course we’ve got the East watched by Satellites, and expectedly they revealed nothing when we looked over the footage.
That means the raiders must have originated somewhere within Continentia.”
A moment of silence passed, before a junior minister asked a question.
“If this hits the press, there’s going to be questions. How prepared are we?”
The Minister for Defence, Carl Rhodes cleared his throat.
“The simple answer?” he said, drawing glances. “Not very”
=========================================================
“ Great ”
The meeting was adjourned, with the junior members of the cabinet leaving the room. Tricker, Pember and the Rhodes remained, as did the new Chancellor, a young man called Phil Blair. As was the practise in cabinet meetings, after the main meeting, the relevant ministers who were required to deal with the days issues would wait behind for a further meeting, while those who were unneeded would return to their respective tasks.
“How’d the cards fall Gentleman?” asked Brookes, slowly sipping a glass of cooled Zukariaan spring water, shipped in exclusively from Northford directly from the small village of Nordum in Northern Zukaria.
“Not nicely” said the Pember
“The fact we’ve missed all this on our doorstep really doesn’t bode well. Militarily, we’re not prepared for whatever they might be planning.”
“The question is whether they’re going for us next” asked Brookes, resting his glass down on the table, “for all we know they might be leaving us well alone, or planning to blockade us next weekend.”
“Fact is, we’re one of the few countries that offers military escort on all of our cargo vessels. We’ve been running it since the CA days, and it’s one of the reasons there’s so many ships registered under our flags. This might be warding them off, although it’s almost as likely we’re the real target, once they have had some practise on softer targets.” pointed out Rhodes.
“Hmmm” was Brookes only response, as he picked up the telephone on his desk.
“Koslin?” Asked Pember, remembering the name from his GASN days.
“No”, Brookes said, hitting a hotkey, “this is above him, and, in any event, with my illness and such, I owe it to talk straight to Anagrams for fixing me after up my health got the better of me. A moment, men?”
==========================================================
The telephone in the main lobby of the Offices of the Directorate at 1 Imperial Square began to ring its shrill cry, the "priority encrypted line" light blinking. The secretary, knowing that this call probably surpassed her own security clearance, immediately forwarded it to the Office of the Primary Director. Elizabeth lifted the receiver the moment her phone began to rang.
"Good morning, Primary Director Anagrams speaking."
“Alan Brookes here. ” said Brookes into the mouthpiece, half smiling. “I trust you’re in good health?”
"Hello, Mr. Brooks. Pleasure to speak with you again. I'm keeping well, how've you been? I trust you've not been having as serious problems as the last time I'd seen you?" , she said as her face brightened up, her lips contorting into a smile.
“Considerably better…the new kit holding up pretty good considering ” Brookes said rubbing the little plastic box under his chest. If there was one thing he liked about Cravan is that things were far more sincere. With Questers, such questions were a matter of diplomatic courtesy, but he always had the feeling things were different here. “I’m afraid I’m not calling you on a purely personal matter however… I’d have gone through your secretary if that was the case”
"Oh? What seems to be the situation, Mr. Brookes?", Elizabeth inquired while leaning back in her chair, her attitude taking on an air of professionalism as the two world leaders began their discussion.
“It’s more situations Ma’am.” started Brookes, “We’ve been doing some investigating, and my government is seriously concerned about an increasingly fragile security situation in Continentia. Battles with Pirates, mining shipping lanes, not to mention that spate of deaths near the Granatian Embassy in Sapin.
"Yes, I was informed about those deaths near the consulate in Sapin... However what's this about pirates? Imperial shipping hasn't encountered any pirates in Continentian waters, at least as far as I have been informed. You're saying there's pirate operations down south?"
“Up North, actually” remarked Brookes. “The Alacean Navy-”
“-Ah yes I heard about that…. no fatalities, were there?”
“No…. thank god, though there was no wreckage of the pirates vessels though.”, he added with a hint of regret. After all, without hard evidence, convincing the Cravanians of his plans would be considerably harder.
“In any event, they had airpower, which doesn’t bode well, and when you combine it with the reports we’ve had down our end of limpet mines…”
"So what, exactly, are you suggesting, Mr. Brookes?", Anagrams asked curiously. She already knew the answer somewhat, however she would probe as much as she could to get a straight answer from her Northfordian opposite.
“Well…” started Brookes, slowly. He had to pick his words carefully, after all, he needed to ensure he could win her support. Just pointing a finger, regardless of who, was hardly going to win him support.
“Well,” he reiterated, this time slightly slower, “I’m concerned. Things are happening left, right and centre, and I’m wondering how much longer it is until Northford is next. We think we’ve pinned all this on Central Prestonia and Granate, since in every other country has been effected somehow. We think we’ve only be saved due to the fact we slap escorts on all our shipping.”
"Our shipping is usually armed... Legally, of course, as per the owner's discretion. That may be why I've not received any reports of pirates attempting to raid Cravanian civilian shipping. I would have been informed, as well, considering the Kenworth Shipping company is among my assets.", she remarked, referencing her inheritance of her father's multi-billion crave shipping empire. "But yes, it seems somewhat logical that these suspicious incidents are occurring around Granate and Central Prestonia without them seeing the effects of it. What do you propose be done about this, though? I do believe military response would be rather hasty, and I'd rather wait on confronting them about this."
“I’d agree on the military front” said Brookes, getting that sticker out of the way. “we’re halfway through a modernisation at the moment, and we’ve just re-geared our economy for peacetime, so we’re really not in a shape for a protracted conflict. If anything, I’d want to speak to everyone else involved in these incidents, at once, and try and piece together the intelligence. I’d also want to sit down with the Praetonians, after all, the Prestonians have left their little League, but they’ve still got bases on their turf. Also there’s the issue of Granate, which I’d like to see resolved, if only for the Laforians. Your thoughts? Personally I don’t see any harm in it, even if nothing comes of it, it’s a good chance to get a group of leaders sitting down around a table and talking…might even improve a few strained relations.” added Brookes at the end, making light reference to an diplomatic dispute involving the Cravanians and Praetonians.
"I agree.", Anagrams replied. "When do you propose this meeting take place? I do have a bit of a situation developing here at home. I may need to ask Mr. Koslin to take my place."
“Ah yes”, said Brookes, again smiling, “the recent affair with Michealosia and our…friends… Aequatio?”
"Yes indeed... The situation over here is rather tense, and I'm definitely going to be needed. Dave has acted in my place, before, though. I'm sure he'll do a fine job and report back to Laurana with updates periodically."
Brookes sighed. He didn’t particularly mind Dave Koslin, but wanted to see Anagrams again, in any event, though, Koslin and Pember, got on well, having plenty of old GASN stuff to talk about. “Oh no, that’s not a problem, and to be honest, Dave’s more than welcome. Any objections to bringing along Mathew Craven, as a guest of the Northfordian Government? I know he’s not in power anymore, but when it comes to international relations, his experience is more than useful.”
“That’s not to say Koslin isn’t experienced though”, he quickly added, tongue-in-cheek.
"You're more than welcome to invite His Majesty, I'm sure he could give some valuable input.", Anagrams remarked. "For someone who's born into the job and not expected to do much, he really did quite a lot during his reign and I can see why he wanted to retire."
“I dunno…” said Brookes, his professionalism slipping. “I’ve had three heart attacks, and the buggers still can’t keep me away.”
It was conversations like this he missed with Elizabeth Anagrams. While it would be a mistake to say she befriended Brookes during his illness and captivity with the Cravanians, but they did cultivate a friendly rapport during the Haven War, that continued post war with the cordial relationship the Northfordians presently enjoyed. And it certainly helped she was easy on the eyes.
“Anyway”, he carried on, “I was going to suggest a chalet along the Carpanthium/Northford boarder where the armistice was signed. I’ve got a provisional list of members in my head, which I’ll fax you, and of course, you’re welcome to add any you think of. Date wise, we can have our civil service arrange that. We’ll handle the Praetonians separately, since they’ve got a different perspective to us on this, but I’m thinking a two day summit, with day two including everyone, including Praetonia.”
“Yes that sounds fine.” said Anagrams. “I’m guessing by your tone, you want to wrap this up?”
“Not so much that I want to” said Brookes, very truthfully, “but I’ve got a meeting in 20 minutes, and I need to prepare. Farewell, Ms Anagrams.”
And with that, the line went dead.
=========================================================
The following nations were invited to send a delegate to the ‘Northfordian-Cravanian conference for the Security Situation in Southern Continentia’ (NCSSSC):
Northford (Host)
Cravan (Host)
Akimonad
Alacea
Azaha
Jeuna
Franberry (Laforia)
Rosbaningrad
Questers
Also, in a separate message, the Praetonians were invited to a separate conference with Northford, to discuss the “Central Prestonia” issue, while being made fully aware of the other conference that was being held the same day.
===
OOC: Sorry it’s late guys. Let the festive games begin, hehe. Also, I've not written 'invites' so we can skip the bollocks. RP a response to the invite, however you so wish, and when we're all done, we can hop straight into the conference. None of us are idiots here, so let's have a good time, and keep it civil hehe.