NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: I'm doing this as an introduction to the world, not as an invitation to be invaded.

However, it might be interesting if, once we have a few people to help out, if somebody comes and takes responsibility for the revolution, and colonizes the island. I wouldn't mind, it would give me something to do. Although I would like to be able to take it back in the future, if such a thing happens.

I'm really tiny, and have a very small army and an almost non-existent navy. Don't send something like "two million guys, ten supercarriers, fifteen battleships, and two hundred escorts!" because I really just don't have that kind of room, not to mention that that would be just a wee bit overkill... I would be surprised if you needed a whole cruiser to defend you, and maybe a carrier for a few air strikes...

Anyway, here's a map - http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/3821/babylonpo0.gif

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King Eriba-Nabu, second King of the twenty-sixth dynasty of the Empire of Babylon spoke,

"The city of Babylon has stood for nearly four-thousand years. Beneath the Assyrians, the Persians, the Greeks, the Muslims, and the Mongols have all claimed mastery of the Holy City, but always, we knew. Babylon has stood independent. And now, we truly are. Brothers and Sisters, we have achieved in these past years what our ancestors have attempted for centuries!"

At this, there was a roar from the crowd, silenced after a predetermined amount of revelry, by a wave of their monarch's arms,

"Through the work of my father, and his soldiers, and in the end, his death, we have been given life. His sacrifice will not go unremembered!"

Cheering ensued again, and again, it was eventually halted,

"The Empire of Babylonia stands again!"

This time, there would be no calming of the uproarious crowd, and the King made no attempt to do so. He was finished, and turned and passed back through the sandstone archway into the chambers of his newly expanded palace. Standing at the center of a massive city - a square city, nearly thirty kilometers long on each side - it was of monolithic scale. Thousands of rooms and towering spires looked down on the heart of an equally new Empire.

For the past twenty years, the father of the present King, then-King Eriba Marduk II, had fought to regain the independence of the city in a war-torn region. And, through many feats of arms, a great military mind, and eventually, his own sacrifice, he had managed to expand the borders of the ancient city to Imperial proportions.

Babylonia, now called Altus Babylonia (High Babylonia), stretched from southern Asia-minor on the Mediterranean coast, to the borders of the Sinai, across the great sand seas in central Arabia, and again touches water at the Persian gulf, were it stretches east to the Zagros mountains. It was a formidable landmass, one larger than any beneath the command of a Babylonian monarch since the Chaldean Dynasty more than five-hundred years before Christ.

As King Eriba-Nabu entered his palace, he was immediately met with a host of counselors and advisors. Due to the relatively unorganized nature of Altus-Babylonian rule, especially over recently conquered provinces, where governments had yet to be effectively established, there was always a flood of men who had been appointed Interim-Provincial Governors, and their messengers and diplomats, ravaging the Imperial Palaces.

Pushing through the teeming horde, a single man made himself obvious to the monarch. Ignoring the others, King Eriba-Nabu clasped hands warmly with the new presence, a balding man in his middle years, wearing a long black beard emblazoned with silver rings woven through the hair.

"Ešarra, it is good to see you," spoke the King, but before he could continue, Ešarra interrupted, "My Lord, I apologize for the rudeness of the moment, but I must speak with you," he cast a glance at those surrounding them, "Alone, if possible."

Ešarra may have been one of only a few men in the Empire who could get away with cutting off the King, but Eriba-Nabu humored him, and led him through to a small meeting room down the corridor, waving away the others. He knew they would be listening at the door, but whatever was said here would escape the walls eventually, and he couldn't do anything about them.

"My Lord, I bear grave news,"

"Oh?"

"Indeed, King. I have just returned from the western provinces - Cyprus, specifically, sir."

"News of Cyprus then? The provincial government having trouble, it is not a surprise, many are..."

"I wish it were just that, my King. The Provincial Government you father established has been destroyed. Utterly routed. The soldiers on the island, dead. They have revolted."

Eriba-Nabu was paralyzed by the shock, but only for an instant. "This is the first time since my father died that any province has borne an open rebellion! This is outrageous!"

"My Lord, we fought hard, and a few escaped. I went then to Syria, and ordered them to use your Air Forces to contain and supervise the rebels, but they have shown no will to leave the island."

"That is not the point! It is good they seek only their independence, but that will not be the only trouble that comes of this. Other provinces will see that escape from Babylonia is possible, and rise up themselves. The entire Empire is at stake."

"I had thought of that, King, and your armies are even now moving to important population centers, and garrison forces are being alerted to watch for trouble."

"This is good, but there is no way now to reverse the process," Ešarra nodded, and the King continued, "All we can do now is salvage what we can. We must retake Cyprus, and make it known that defiance to the Holy City results in only destruction."

"As it should be, King, but with our forces spread thin to contain other possible dissenters, we cannot muster a large force."

Speaking now in a hissing whisper, he turned his Field Marshal away from the door, and those beyond, "Then we will call for aid. Losing that island is not a possibility. Send what we can, but if it seems insufficient, than by no means hesitate to seek aid. Keep it discreet, however. I will not have it said I cannot maintain my fathers Empire."

"Yes my Lord." Ešarra gave a quick bow to his monarch, and left the room by another door. He traveled south to his own apartments in the grand palace, where he would compose a message.

On Cyprus, an entire Column was lost - more than fifteen-thousand soldiers, slaughtered or routed into the mountains. With most of the rest of the army directed towards the suppression of partisan activity, the most he could muster was another single Column, heavily insufficient. So he would compose a message.

To: Nations of the World
From: Altus Babylonian Empire

The twenty-sixth dynasty of Babylon and the Altus Babylonian Empire extend their warm greetings to the nations of the world. As it is, our nation has fallen on difficult times of late, and would beseech you...

Thousands of years ago, far in the distant past, our nation was already old, but we were a failing people. We fell under the powers of imperialist neighbors, and our independence was stripped from us for thousands of years after...

Now, at the end of the twentieth century, a great man of our people has restored us to our former glory. This is the story of our nation, and our victory. Now, however, revolutionary forces threaten that which is ours.

We would ask that the great nations of the world lend us aid. It is upon the isle of Cyprus that these insurgents have struck. Our soldiers were slaughtered, and they hold the island at their mercy.

For those that would come, the port city of Byblos, in the Phoenician provinces, has been opened to foreign military vessels. Our soldiers are ill-equipped to force a landing, and all of those with experience to this effect would be especially welcome.

However, we would also ask that those who come would not venture far beyond their ships. The city is of course opened, but we cannot guarantee their safety, in this age of unrest.

Again, for those that respond, Eriba-Nabu, King of Babylon and King of the Altus-Babylonian Empire extends his thanks.

City of Byblos, Phoenician Province, Altus Babylonian Empire

Field Marshal Ešarra had returned west, to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, where his force had been called to assemble. Called from the southern garrisons of Arabia, the Third Column of the King's Army consisted of sixteen-thousand soldiers, or eight phalanxes.

The city was quiet when the Field Marshal arrived, as the recent appearance of sixteen-thousand armed troops and their equipment had flooded the largest streets, and the with the curfew in effect following the Cyprus Revolt, most businesses had shut down temporarily.

People here were of Lebanese Phoenician descent, and were not natives of the Babylonian Empire, and so were always a little on edge when the armies of the Holy City returned. Dissent was limited, though, as they had long been a possession of the King in Babylon, as one of the first objectives of Eriba Marduk II's campaign was a Mediterranean possession.

The Field Marshal's car wound its way through the tight streets of the docks, where the Third Column was being housed. A series of warehouses and apartment houses were commandeered for military use, and headquarters was being set up in a restaurant in a hotel that was serving as a home for the higher-ranking officers in the formation.

As he entered the military district, he was stopped by a small roadblock. Five soldiers stood here, saved from the sun by the cloudy weather, and the cool winds of the ocean kept them rather cool, and most were found lounging when the Field Marshal stopped at the gate.

The soldier standing at the controls moved across to his car, addressing him loudly, "How are you today sir?" for the benefit of his comrades, who quickly stood, one taking the controls in the first's absence.

Ešarra replied, "I've come to take command, soldier," as he handed him his wallet, identifying him as a Field Marshal, which surprised the guard, "My apologies for our sloth, my Lord," he said hastily, as he gestured for the gate to be raised.

As Ešarra began to respond; "I underst-", an explosion rang out in the distance. All five soldiers immediately snapped up weapons, and the one at the Field Marshal's door spoke, "Sir, we have a bunker, we should take cover!"

Smoke began to rise steadily from somewhere further down the docks, and shouts and sirens were audible. There was no gunfire, which relieved Ešarra, but he knew the explosion was no accident. "Soldier! Get that gate up, I need to see what happened!"

As the man at the controls jerked the lever, the other three took up positions behind the car, guarding it from any attack. None came, and the man by Ešarra's window nodded, "Alright, my Lord," as his commander rolled by.

Minutes later, Ešarra arrived to see the destruction firsthand. It was the Seven Seas Hotel, where the officers were staying. Fires raged inside the building, about halfway up, and a whole wall was blown away on the fourth floor.

When he got out of his car, Field Marshal Ešarra was immediately recognized as an officer, and accosted by a pair of soldiers, "My Lord, we need to get you away from here - this building is likely to collapse, and we don't know if there's still any insurgents in the area!"

Ešarra turned to the men, "Where is your commander?"

The first of the two responded slowly, "Sir, I think he was inside..."

"Alright," said Ešarra, thinking quickly, "I am Field Marshal Ešarra, and I am taking command here. Tell any officers who escape that I am establishing a second headquarters there, at the bank building," he pointed back up the street, "Anyone unharmed is to report there immediately, otherwise, they are to check in or be checked in by nightfall tonight, or I will assume they are dead."

The two answered in unison, "Yes sir."

With that, Ešarra heeded their warning. The terror had spread. What he didn't know now was whether or not the rebels knew he was coming...

He had to strike quickly to put down the rebellion, foreigners or not...

OOC: Tag, very very interesting.
Guess it was only a matter of time before someone else started playing as a modern version of one of the ancient mesopotamian cultures.
I'm a modern version of the pre-Babylonian Sumerians.
It's not within my political nature to invade like this (yet) so I can't take responsability for the island. However I'll be happy to get involved other ways.

To: Nations of the World
From: Altus Babylonian Empire

The twenty-sixth dynasty of Babylon and the Altus Babylonian Empire extend their warm greetings to the nations of the world. As it is, our nation has fallen on difficult times of late, and would beseech you...

Thousands of years ago, far in the distant past, our nation was already old, but we were a failing people. We fell under the powers of imperialist neighbors, and our independence was stripped from us for thousands of years after...

Now, at the end of the twentieth century, a great man of our people has restored us to our former glory. This is the story of our nation, and our victory. Now, however, revolutionary forces threaten that which is ours.

We would ask that the great nations of the world lend us aid. It is upon the isle of Cyprus that these insurgents have struck. Our soldiers were slaughtered, and they hold the island at their mercy.

For those that would come, the port city of Byblos, in the Phoenician provinces, has been opened to foreign military vessels. Our soldiers are ill-equipped to force a landing, and all of those with experience to this effect would be especially welcome.

However, we would also ask that those who come would not venture far beyond their ships. The city is of course opened, but we cannot guarantee their safety, in this age of unrest.

Again, for those that respond, Eriba-Nabu, King of Babylon and King of the Altus-Babylonian Empire extends his thanks.

"Sir, come quick, we have a message from the Altus Babylonia Empire, a country in the middle Asia, just south-east of Europe."

"Really? What does it say?"

"Take a look for yourself, sir," the assistant handed ocer the printed sheet.

"difficult times...independance stripped...former glory...lend aid...Isle of Cyprus...Byblos...no garuantee of safety...extended thanks. Sounds like a nice colony to me, how about you?"

"Yes, very nice."
"Send a reply, I want to to say..."

TO: Atlus Babylonia
FROM: Uiri

We have recieved your message of distress and wish to come to your aid. You are a legitimate government and the isle of cyprus has obviously been a territory which has been fought and long for. We wish that we could help, but without a promise of a tiny plot of land, of say, a quarter to half the isle, we do not wish to do a thing. Business is business and this is just business. None the less we wish you best of luck.

To: Uirian Foreign Ministry
From: Field Marshal Ešarra

We are warmed by your concern, but cannot offer any thing as compensation for actions, save gratitude and a promise of friendship. The island is ours, and if need be, we will fight alone. We ask for aid, but will not surrender that for which we fight even now, as I write. I am indeed sorry.

Field Marshal Ešarra
Altus Babylonian Empire


OOC: Uiri - I did suggest someone taking responsibility for the rebellion. Perhaps some rouge or shadowy government operative(s), or a large corporation - as you seemed rather business-orientated - could take that role.

Dostanuot Loj - Anybody getting involved is welcomed, so whatever you want to do would be fantastic. Also, our government would be interested in maintaining relations with anyone of similar culture, as it seems like I won't be finding much of it around.

OOC: Would it be possible for Neo-Ixania and Altus Babylonia to establish diplomatic relations?

OOC: Would it be possible for Neo-Ixania and Altus Babylonia to establish diplomatic relations?
OOC: Of course, especially if you send aid *wink*. Anything's good, just post something about wishing us well, asking to open relations, and sending money or something, if you don't want to send troops.

To King Eriba-Nabu of Babylon,

May we first greet you in friendship. We also are a young nation, and are still only starting to obtain international recognition. We hope that a there will be a long age of cooperation between our two nations.
Despite being an ancient nation, your rebirth will also take some time to be acknowledged by other nations, as you apparently do not have the support of all the people in your empire. We would recommend you to give up on your claim of Cyprus, as I do not believe any nations will provide aid to you without personal advantage.
If you do decide to initiate a long struggle for control in Cyprus, we are sorry to inform you that we will have to support the Chypriot militia in the hope of a quick resolution, as our political ideology is based on freedom for all people.

Hoping that this will not be an obstacle in our future relations,
Era Andrew Wade

OOC: Uiri - I did suggest someone taking responsibility for the rebellion. Perhaps some rouge or shadowy government operative(s), or a large corporation - as you seemed rather business-orientated - could take that role.

OOC: I'll go with the large corporation, although let's say, for now, we don't ICly know that. They are let's say, not really a corporation but a secret society known as the Sositi por Uir Syperus Comipani (Society for Uir Cyprus Company) which is seeking to establish a trading company on Cyprus. Once, let's say the Uir troops calm down the rebellion and Uiri gets the northen or southern (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/70/Cy-map.png) half, leaving Babylonia with the rest. The Sositi goes to establish a trading company there. They end up controling the whole island because they are the ones who contacted and supported the Cypriot rebellion. Eventually Uiri and Babylonia have to work together to re-take the island and we can see how it goes from there.

SIC:

Rik got onto his computer. He and his colleagues had formed the Sositi por Uir Syperus Comipani (SpUSC) and had helped to fund the rebellion in Cyprus. He contacted a Cypriot who was unhappy with the Babylonia empire and funded his efforts to rebel. He had been the leader of the rebellion and they used Yipee! Instant Messenger to communicate. Rik had learned English in his trip to Miamoria, a country who is situated near Uiri and has english as an official language. He turned on his computer.

OOC: I picked the name CyprusRebel for the leader but translated Cyprus to greek to make it seem closer to a real Cypriot. Just tell me if you want the name changed.

SIC:

[Logged in as 4SyperusLiberiti]
[KyprosRebel just logged in]
4SyperusLiberiti: Hey, how did the rebellion go?

City of Byblos, Phoenician Province, Altus Babylonian Empire

Field Marshal Ešarra surveyed the room before him - it had been a conference room on the second floor of a bank until a few hours ago, decorated with traditional imagery and adorned with expensive furniture. Now, the table was covered in a few maps of the city, and one large one detailing Cyprus, as well as a half-dozen laptop computers and a single large radio set.

Surrounding this nexus of information were roughly fifteen men. Some were the field commanders themselves, some were with communications, while other officers had only been able to send aides or subordinates, with orders to remain.

Ešarra spoke, addressing his own aide, seated just beside where he was standing, "Alright, how many men have we got?"

The aide looked at a long roster sheet, detailing the command structure and commanders of the Kings Third Column, and began to list the ranks of the officers who had already signed in; "General Sargon is dead, confirmed by one of his aides who survived the blast, and while six colonels have reported, that leaves two dead or missing. Twenty-four majors have also reported, although we don't know how many of them actually had suites in the hotel at all, so those numbers mean little. We know four lieutenants are dead, but none were actually staying at the hotel, so we assume the rest survived. No other officers were at the hotel, having been placed with their squads."

Ešarra brooded for a moment, "I have two phalanxes without commanders, and the army is stretched too thin at the moment to provide a replacement - I know so, I organized it..."

"Sir, we do not have concrete evidence of the death of the colonels, they may simply have not been in the building."

"All the colonels had suites there, he had no reason to be outside..."

"What's to be done with the formations then? They could be merged with others - distributed among the rest of the able colonels,"

"No, that would create unwieldy formations, and the Column is already tight on men, from the border skirmishes with the southern Arabs."

"There are a few experienced men in the Column sir, we could promote-"

"Not on the verge of an attack, especially not one such as this." He paused for a moment, and took a seat at the head of the table. The commotion went on around him, officers sorting out for themselves what had just happened.

"Shadrach, I do not think we can take this island back alone..." His aide, Shadrach, remained quiet, and Ešarra continued, "When the King took the island, he was not facing a unified people, and he had at his command greater hosts. Now, we have but sixteen-thousand men - four-thousand commander-less, at that - and the King's Fleet is in disrepair..."

He looked up, "Shadrach, how many men can we land at once - on the beach?"

Glancing down, but knowing the answer, Shadrach eventually replied, "Sir, we have enough landing ships to put three-hundred men down at once. No helicopters."

"Three-hundred men..." he returned to his brooding mutterings. Once again, he looked into the eyes of his aide, "We have to take the island. We have no choice."

He stood, preparing to address the assembled officers. Preparing to decide whose three-hundred men would be the first to land... The first to die.

Once, let's say the Uir troops calm down the rebellion and Uiri gets the northen or southern (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/70/Cy-map.png) half, leaving Babylonia with the rest.
OOC: That's all good, except the Babylonian monarchy is never going to allow a foreign power to take command of any fraction of Cyprus. You'd have to take it by force (which shouldn't be hard, I'm very small).

That's why I suggested removing the legitimate Uiri government. Use a force of mercenaries or a paramilitary force or something. They could claim to be government forces, or maybe just be from a friendly cause (that you invent).

Uiri still hadn't gotten an answer from the Babylonian empire. It was interesting that the Cypriots had rebelled in the first place. When they were conquered, they had no such fierce sense of patriotism...of nationalism. Something was not entirely right and the Uir government knew it, even if they couldn't quite place what.

Meanwhile Rik, or '4SyperusLiberiti' was waiting at the computer screen in his basement. He was a rare breed of Uir. He could not only speak English but read and write it too. It wasn't too unfamiliar considering Uir did have some forms of English influence. He sat there in his basement, waiting...waiting to see if there really was anyone on the computer screen.

OOC: If you want me to just remove the 'Yippee! Messenger' bit I will.

OOC EDIT: Oh. OK so I guess its off to a storefront to have see what these guys can buy. Would flights be allowed in and out of Syperus? Also, could you reply to the government, even if it is a polite 'We aren't giving up our territory."?

Uiri still hadn't gotten an answer from the Babylonian empire. It was interesting that the Cypriots had rebelled in the first place. When they were conquered, they had no such fierce sense of patriotism...of nationalism. Something was not entirely right and the Uir government knew it, even if they couldn't quite place what.

Meanwhile Rik, or '4SyperusLiberiti' was waiting at the computer screen in his basement. He was a rare breed of Uir. He could not only speak English but read and write it too. It wasn't too unfamiliar considering Uir did have some forms of English influence. He sat there in his basement, waiting...waiting to see if there really was anyone on the computer screen.

OOC: If you want me to just remove the 'Yippee! Messenger' bit I will.
OOC: Firstly, I did respond to you. It was in a quote, because that is how I format the message, to make it stand out from the text. 'Guess it didn't work, but up. The post has just the reponse and some OOC stuff.

Secondly, no, everything is fine except for the part where my government agrees to give land to yours. We're not gonna...

OOC:

OOC: Firstly, I did respond to you. It was in a quote, because that is how I format the message, to make it stand out from the text. 'Guess it didn't work, but up. The post has just the reponse and some OOC stuff.

Secondly, no, everything is fine except for the part where my government agrees to give land to yours. We're not gonna...

Yes, I saw, I edited my post. Just look up.

OOC: That's all good, except the Babylonian monarchy is never going to allow a foreign power to take command of any fraction of Cyprus. You'd have to take it by force (which shouldn't be hard, I'm very small).

That's why I suggested removing the legitimate Uiri government. Use a force of mercenaries or a paramilitary force or something. They could claim to be government forces, or maybe just be from a friendly cause (that you invent).

OK, so all in all the Uir government is out.

How could the foreign supporters get inside the country?

OOC:



Yes, I saw, I edited my post. Just look up.



OK, so all in all the Uir government is out.

How could the foreign supporters get inside the country?

OOC: Boats 'll do it. The island has been abandonded by the King's Army, and there is no real Babylonian navy. We have a small amount of aircraft moving over the island, but they'll not be looking out to sea, at least the sea in the west.

Your edit still seems to think I havn't reponded to your government, IC'ly... which I have...

OOC: Uiri is an island in the pacific ocean. Boats are a little extreme. I was thinking more along the lines of planes. Holy, I saw the quote I just didn't pay attention to it. Here's the response:

IC:


To: Uirian Foreign Ministry
From: Field Marshal Ešarra

We are warmed by your concern, but cannot offer any thing as compensation for actions, save gratitude and a promise of friendship. The island is ours, and if need be, we will fight alone. We ask for aid, but will not surrender that for which we fight even now, as I write. I am indeed sorry.

Field Marshal Ešarra
Altus Babylonian Empire


TO: Field marshal Esarra
FROM: UIR foreign ministry

Firstly, how dare you insult us with your messed up demonym. I'll have you know that the demonym is Uir. If we cannot be garunateed compensation then I am sorry but my hands are tied.

-Foreign Minister

EDIT: 600th post!

City of Byblos, Phoenician Province, Altus Babylonian Empire

Ešarra was, for the first time since the attack, alone. The conference room above was still teeming with activity, and although most of the field officers had evacuated the premises - to re-join their formations and establish lower-level command centers - they had been replaced by the dozens of clerks and junior officers who filled out any proper theater headquarters.

The Field Marshal was sitting in what had recently become his office, and enjoying the fact that nobody would need his input to do anything at all for the next few hours. Perhaps the disorganization of the command structure would be, at least for now, an advantage...

And then, it was over. As soon as it opened, he regretted not locking the door...

A young man entered the office, but before he could speak, Ešarra stopped him in his tracks; his voice was stern, but conversational, “Did you know that I have now been awake for twenty-” he stopped, looking down to his watch, “-five hours.”

The young officer didn’t move from his spot, but began to speak, an urgency tempered with prudence, “My Lord, they’ve-”

“So!” he interrupted again, “whatever you tell me must be of the greatest importance…”

The man was not daunted, “My Lord, they know who bombed the Seven Seas Hotel, they’ve detained a pair of men found hanging around the ruins yesterday, and they broke under interrogation,”

“Cyprus-backed rebels?” he questioned, more alert now,

“No, at least, it doesn’t look that way. They are all natives of the city, and not one mentioned anyone from the island. They’re explosives were home-made, not the military-grade stuff we saw in Cyprus.”

“It’s spreading…” The Field Marshal stood up, sighing. “Have there been any other attacks – anywhere in the Empire?”

“Sir, I couldn’t say for sure. The news has reported only limited protests, nothing violent,” He paused for a moment, “I’m sure you’d hear about it before I did, anyway,”

Ešarra nodded, “I need to know if this is spreading, and this far from the capital, no one knows anything,” speaking more to himself than anyone else…

OOC: Anything from the rebel leader to the rebel backer in Uiri?

OOC: Anything from the rebel leader to the rebel backer in Uiri?
OOC: Sorry, I thought you were going to do both sides, it just seems like it would take too long for me and you to do it. Nice subtle names we have, 'innit?


4SyperusLiberiti: Hey, how did the rebellion go?
KyprosRebel: The imperialists were crushed beneath our boot, they have fled the island like rabbits

A calm night in the old city, the lights of the new city surrounding them were kept at least a little at bay by the surrounding parkland between. Uruk, a city of almost ten thousand years of history, yet still a busteling and lively modern city with the ancient one at its core. This is where she lay, Kisikil Ninatuma, current dictator of Sumer. She lay on a soft couch along one side of the small open central area of her own private house in the old city. It was a modern building, one of the few which were built there, but had the look and feel of those which her ancestors who built the city lived in, something which she found calming. A warm glow lit up the area around her, comming from the fire burning in the fire pit in the centre of the open space. She enjoyed a look up at the stars, something the had always done at times like these when she was a child, as she held her infant daughter against her chest and continued to tell a story. It was one of the few times she had to relax and spend personal time with her daughter, and it was time she wanted to spend telling one of her favorite childhood stories, of Bilgames and his exploits with the bull of heaven. The stars were not right tonight for proper telling, but her infant daughter, young Arwia, probably could not understand yet anyway. She simply enjoyed the time, telling her story in the cool night air.

"Ninuru..." Her aid softly spoke, addressing the Dictator as she opened the door to the area slowly so as not to be too disturbing. Brighter yellow light and the aid's shadow dancing accross the far wall. Kisikil simply finished her sentence, gently stroking her daughter's head.

"This had better be important." Was all Kisikil said, her soft and calm tone doing little to hide the obvious discontent with the interruption.

"Ninuru, forgive the intrusion, but the Civil Senate has just sent over a report they want you to read." The aid said as she approached the back of the couch, careful to speak softly so as not to disturb young Arwia.

"Just tell me the outline of it." Was all Kisikil responded, not taking her eyes off her daughter as she continues to stroke the child's head. Young Arwia of course was moving slowly, her hands grasping at the shadows and light trick which played accross her mother's shirt from the fire light.

"The Civil Senate has reviewed some foreign calls for aid and they have found one they want you to consider." The aid softly spoke, the piece of paper held in her hands as she breifly read it.

"And what do we care for foreigners so much that they would ask of me to dispatch aid?" Kisikil responded, her discontent with the interruption, and information, still painfully obvious dispite her soft voice.

"They believe the nation requesting aid could be related to the semites of the north, of ancient times. They wish you to assist their plea so as to potentially expand our sphere of influence, and bolster the national image of internationalisation, especially in light of the number of monotheistic religious tyrants out there, and which the people believe we should simply avoid." Her aid responded, quickly, but quietly.

"Verywell," Kisikil responded, taking her hand from her child's head only momentarily to wave and dismiss the aid, "have the first fleet send a landing brigade and enough ships to support operations. Tell Dingir Shulgi that I have every confidence his forces will handle this without me."

With that ending the aid quietly left the area, once again darkness returning with only the light of the fire to warm it. Kisikil once again looked up at the stars, breathing softly for a few moments before she resumed her story, much to young Arwia's delight.

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

Encrypted Communication from the Office of the Dictator in Uruk to 1st Fleet HQ in Eridu

Greetings Ekur. Ninuru Ninatuma wants you to send out a unit of aid, to a potential freindly nation. They are having emperical troubles in keeping a part of their nation. Send a landing brigade, nothing too heavy, and whatever is needed to sustain and support them. She's trusting you with this, don't ruin it.

- Reina

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

Encrypted Communication from the 1st Fleet HQ in Eridu to the Office of the Dictator in Uruk

Will do, the sisters need some time out anyways. Send my best to the mother and child.

- Ekur

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

Response of the Dictorial Republic of Sumer to the Empire of Altus Babylonia

We have seen fit to lend aid to your plight. A contingent from the Chamagudkalam (Sumerian Navy) will be dispatched to aid in your retaking your island, along with a brigade of naval infantry. We would like to discuss, upon the most convenient date, your considerations for the island, and potential future interaction between our two nations.

- Commanding Officer of External Affairs,
Palil Panchito Dumumianacaonak Dumuaguanikeyuk Doradak Nameshda

Signed: Panchito Guanikeyu

4SyperusLiberiti: Hey, how did the rebellion go?
KyprosRebel: The imperialists were crushed beneath our boot, they have fled the island like rabbits
4SyperusLiberiti:Sounds good. Do you think another strike will be mounted? I heard the Babylonians are pretty stubborn about not letting go of your island. I also heard they wouldn't give any land to Uiri in exchange for re-capturing the island. There goes plan A. Are there any flights still landing in Cyprus?

City of Byblos, Phoenician Province, Altus Babylonian Empire

Field Marshal Ešarra stood on an open balcony, four stories above the street below. He was looking out at the harbor at Byblos, watching as the Babylonian Mediterranean squadron pulled into port.

Within the squadron, there were but a half-dozen combat ships; being a trio of small torpedo boats, a single destroyer escort, and a long thin cruiser - the flagship of the Mediterranean fleet, and one of the largest ships in the navy. That claim, however, meant very little, as the largest ship in the navy was an even older cruiser, attached to the Persian Gulf squadron. The navy was not the pride of the Empire...

Following the fighting ships, an equal number of large cargo ships cut great dirty swathes through the bay, belching black smoke as they pulled in. They would bear the assault portions of the Third Column to the beaches of Cyprus.

Ešarra was, however, soon disturbed. His personal aide, Shadrach, stepped out onto the platform. The Field Marshal greeted him, "Nice view from up here - we can see over the docks, get a look at something clean, for once,"

Shadrach replied, stepping up to the railing where his commander stood, "My Lord, I am sorry but I did not join you to discuss the view - there is news,"

"What of?" asked Ešarra, not looking.

"Well, first of all, there is good news. We have received a second message - a response to your call for aid."

"I expect you mean one not demanding half the island in recompense..."

"Yes, My Lord. The Dictorial Republic of Sumer has contacted us, promising soldiers. They wish a response, sir - regarding our 'considerations' for the island, as well as diplomatic interaction."

"It was forwarded from the capital?"

"Yes sir,"

"They can handle this then, it is beyond my scope in any case." He paused for a moment, "How many troops are they sending?"

"I do not know sir, they mentioned a brigade, but the definition is inconsistent..."

"Well, I suppose we'll find out when they arrive - or maybe the capital will discern their numbers. It doesn't matter now..."

Shadrach hesitated for a moment, before pressing on, "My Lord, there was another matter of concern,"

"Alright,"

"Well, the interrogation of the captured terrorists has continued sir, they have revealed the name of their organization. They call themselves - The Lions of Babylon, my Lord."

"How many are there, Shadrach?"

"We do not know, sir..."

"I would like to meet these terrorists - where are they being held?"

"Follow me, my Lord,"

In the basement of a nearby office building, which had been converted into a barracks by overcrowded soldiers, there was a door locked and barred, guarded by a pair of soldiers. Moving down the steel stairs into the dank basement, Field Marshal Ešarra smiled to himself as the soldiers snapped straight.

Shadrach led the Field Marshal to the door, which he unlocked with a key removed from a nail in the wall. Pulling the door open, a pitch-dark room was revealed, and when Shadrach stepped in and pulled the chain on an overhead light, not much else made itself obvious. The sole occupants of the room were the two men, each tied to a pipe running through the room near the ceiling, with their arms pulled up and behind them, to keep them standing - and uncomfortable.

The rest of the small room had been emptied, to prepare for their presence. Now, the two prisoners were joined by Shadrach and Ešarra, who pulled the door closed behind him, as he stepped inside to join his aide.

Both prisoners were caked in dried blood, and cuts made themselves evident on and about their face. The eyes of one were swollen entirely shut. Both wore loose brown pants, and were stripped of shirts. The sightless one had straight black hair, while his counterpart had more curled hair, with a long straight beard, clearly the elder.

Ešarra spoke first to Shadrach, "So these are the men, then?"

Shadrach nodded.

"This, then, is the fate of those who would defy our King and Empire."

The bearded man spat on the floor, which was met with swift violence. Shadrach stepped forward quickly, and struck him across the face with the back of his hand. "You will not disgrace the floor with your filth!"

Ešarra continued as if nothing had happened. "The 'Lions of Babylon', you call yourselves," he sneered, "Roar, lion," he mocked.

Both prisoners remained silent, and Ešarra moved closer, "Are your ears swollen shut as well - let me hear your roar!"

Both remained silent, and both earned a strike by Shadrach for it, "You disobey your better!" was his explanation, as he brought fresh blood to old wounds.

"Come then!" Ešarra was shouting angrily now, "Cow us with your roar!" he grabbed the face of the bearded man, whispering again, "Or have you lied to me - you are not lions but cowards - cowards who would attack and kill unarmed and unaware men - sleeping men - better men than you..." He released his face, and turned away.

However, he had elicited a response. The sightless man shouted, although he knew not it was at Ešarra's back, "You shall hear us roar! Yes - every one of your cities, every one of your officers and soldiers will hear us! We will burn away your imperialism with the fires of liberation. Your Empire will burn! Your King - will burn!"

At that, Ešarra immediately turned, unholstering his service pistol as he did so. The blind man was sneering at him when he pulled the trigger, and then again, and then he dispatched the second. Three shots, two dead.

Shadrach stepped back, "My Lord, we could have used them yet!"

As the Field Marshal returned his weapon, he turned back towards the door, he replied, "They told us all they would."

At that, he left the room again, brushing off the questions of the guards; guards who would seconds later discover the truth, or at least its consequences.

Ešarra knew not what to make of the threat that had unnerved him so. Was it but the ravings of a fanatical man, doomed to die. Or could it have been something more. Was there an organized resistance...


Holy City of Babylon, Altus Babylonian Empire

Meanwhile, after passing through a dozen hands in an effort to find someone with authority to treat with its masters, the Sumerian message eventually found a home on the desk of an official of indeterminate rank or position, named Nabonidus. He was in a position equivalent to a castellan of a castle, and handled many diplomatic inquiries by the provincial governments. He was a product of the political chaos that was caused by the rapid expansion of the Empire, beginning roughly a decade ago, and found that the only person to which he reported was the King himself, although he rarely had reason to do so. In any case, he composed a response to the Sumerian message.

To: Dictorial Republic of Sumer, External Affairs Office, Palil Panchito Dumumianacaonak Dumuaguanikeyuk Doradak Nameshda
From: Empire of Altus Babylonia, Palace of King Eriba-Nabu of Babylon, Nabu-na'id

First and foremost, the government of King Eriba-Nabu of Babylon extends its immediate and resounding thanks. You are in our debt, truly, and eternally.

Secondly, you inquired as to our considerations for the island. If you seek purely tactical analysis of the situation, Field Marshal Ešarra of the King's Army is present in Byblos, where he has established a headquarters. However, if you inquire as to our intended future for the island, I can accommodate you.

It is our intention to establish for the pacified peoples of Cyprus a provincial government, headed by an officer dispatched by the King, and aided in rule by a council of local leaders, chosen by their own people, as based upon the further division of the province into a series of districts.

If there is any specific information you desire, I would be pleased to accommodate you further.

Finally, our government is firmly interested in opening permanent diplomatic ties with friendly nations, recognizing the importance of such ties in the modern world. To facilitate further diplomatic engagements, an exchange of ambassadors would be welcomed.

Again, any specific requests would be welcomed.

We hope that this interaction fosters a long and warm relationship between our two peoples, and our two governments.

Nabu-na'id
Palace of King Eriba-Nabu of Babylon

4SyperusLiberiti: Hey, how did the rebellion go?
KyprosRebel: The imperialists were crushed beneath our boot, they have fled the island like rabbits
4SyperusLiberiti: Sounds good. Do you think another strike will be mounted? I heard the Babylonians are pretty stubborn about not letting go of your island. I also heard they wouldn't give any land to Uiri in exchange for re-capturing the island. There goes plan A. Are there any flights still landing in Cyprus?
KyprosRebel: Normal travel from civilian airports is restricted. I too believe a strike from the imperialists is forthcoming. Their armies are untrained and weak. They could not stand before us before and they will not now. Our soldiers need more weapons, and vehicles. Are these things available?

4SyperusLiberiti: Hey, how did the rebellion go?
KyprosRebel: The imperialists were crushed beneath our boot, they have fled the island like rabbits
4SyperusLiberiti: Sounds good. Do you think another strike will be mounted? I heard the Babylonians are pretty stubborn about not letting go of your island. I also heard they wouldn't give any land to Uiri in exchange for re-capturing the island. There goes plan A. Are there any flights still landing in Cyprus?
KyprosRebel: Normal travel from civilian airports is restricted. I too believe a strike from the imperialists is forthcoming. Their armies are untrained and weak. They could not stand before us before and they will not now. Our soldiers need more weapons, and vehicles. Are these things available?
4SyperusLiberiti:Well, I suppose I could wire you some more money. Civillian airports are restricted, hm? How about allowing in Uir military? I think I could pull a few strings so that Mr. President can send 'aid'. Is it ok if I tell him where to contact you? We can bring in rifles and personnel carriers. The only way he'll support it though is if you agree to give up some land to us. Say the 35th parallel North and South of that? It's a good size chuck but the capital is north of there.

Response of the Dictorial Republic of Sumer to the Empire of Altus Babylonia

We wish, primarily, to be assured that your nation is not in the buisness of genocide within its captured territories, specific Cyprus in this instance. Rather, we hope that your nation will make every effort to make the lives of these peoples better, thus encouraging their want to stay within your empire.

As to diplomatic relations, Palil Arasibo, commanding officer of the carrier detachment of our task force will be happy to make discussions with your Field Marshal Ešarra in or outside of Byblos. While he is not the highest ranking officer of our task group, he is surely the best qualified for such matters. The nature of your harbour and our task force may force anchorage outside of the harbour, which we are considering our primary option. We will, for the sake of tactics and freindship, have our task force head directly to Byblos prior to mounting any offensive.

As we understand the current state of your navy, we have sent the task force with three naval componants. Specificly there is the amphibious group which needs no description, a carrier under-group which is a single carrier of the first fleet detached with escorts to provide support to landings, and a Cruiser battle group of the first fleet which will provide security and support as needed. Additionally we are sending a Naval Infantry brigade consisting of both air assault and landing forces, infantry, armour, and artillery. The total land force should number roughly nine thousand if your forces need to consider. The task group should be underway shortly.

We trust that there are no concerns from your end, and will make sure our soldiers provide what they can in aid to the Cyprus civillians who seek such aid, in terms of medical and food.

- Commanding Officer of External Affairs,
Palil Panchito Dumumianacaonak Dumuaguanikeyuk Doradak Nameshda

Signed: Panchito Guanikeyu

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

Eridu City

Eridu was a massive city, pushing fifty million people some days. Home to not one but three full fleets of the Sumerian navy, as well as an important hub for commercial shipping in the nation, it was not noticed that several ships were preparing for concurrent departure, and those who did notice thought nothing of it. To the soldiers who were involved however, it was a different story. As nearly nine thousand naval infantry assembled through sixteen different amphibious assault ships of all types. Helicopter carriers, landing ships, even a few tank landing ships, were busy loading away. A single fleet carrier, and a battle cruiser were under final preparations to leave the harbour to join the rest of the group. If all went well the entire force, numbering three cruisers, two carriers, five destroyers, three subs and two frigates, with an assortment of naval landing forces, would depart the area for their destination within the next six hours. Outside of the harbour already sat the cruiser battlegroup. The two massive Sumer class battlecruiers, Inanna and Ereshkigal, known more commonly as "The twin sisters of death and destruction." were already awaiting the rest of the task force with their group. A single escort carrier, a destroyer and a sub, with two frigates. The group was small but formidable in a surface engagement, which is why they were being sent. While the carrier group with the larger fleet carrier and the gun-heavy Great War class battlecruiser supported land operations, the cruiser battle group would ensure they were not disturbed from the sea.

4SyperusLiberiti: Hey, how did the rebellion go?
KyprosRebel: The imperialists were crushed beneath our boot, they have fled the island like rabbits
4SyperusLiberiti: Sounds good. Do you think another strike will be mounted? I heard the Babylonians are pretty stubborn about not letting go of your island. I also heard they wouldn't give any land to Uiri in exchange for re-capturing the island. There goes plan A. Are there any flights still landing in Cyprus?
KyprosRebel: Normal travel from civilian airports is restricted. I too believe a strike from the imperialists is forthcoming. Their armies are untrained and weak. They could not stand before us before and they will not now. Our soldiers need more weapons, and vehicles. Are these things available?
4SyperusLiberiti: Well, I suppose I could wire you some more money. Civillian airports are restricted, hm? How about allowing in Uir military? I think I could pull a few strings so that Mr. President can send 'aid'. Is it ok if I tell him where to contact you? We can bring in rifles and personnel carriers. The only way he'll support it though is if you agree to give up some land to us. Say the 35th parallel North and South of that? It's a good size chuck but the capital is north of there.
KyprosRebel: Firstly, do not patronize me - I can find my own cities on a map. Secondly, although we welcome military support, the people of Cyprus will not trade one Empire for another. I cannot give away swathes of land as one might distribute gifts to friends. We fight for the people, not for your imperialist whims.

4SyperusLiberiti: Hey, how did the rebellion go?
KyprosRebel: The imperialists were crushed beneath our boot, they have fled the island like rabbits
4SyperusLiberiti: Sounds good. Do you think another strike will be mounted? I heard the Babylonians are pretty stubborn about not letting go of your island. I also heard they wouldn't give any land to Uiri in exchange for re-capturing the island. There goes plan A. Are there any flights still landing in Cyprus?
KyprosRebel: Normal travel from civilian airports is restricted. I too believe a strike from the imperialists is forthcoming. Their armies are untrained and weak. They could not stand before us before and they will not now. Our soldiers need more weapons, and vehicles. Are these things available?
4SyperusLiberiti: Well, I suppose I could wire you some more money. Civillian airports are restricted, hm? How about allowing in Uir military? I think I could pull a few strings so that Mr. President can send 'aid'. Is it ok if I tell him where to contact you? We can bring in rifles and personnel carriers. The only way he'll support it though is if you agree to give up some land to us. Say the 35th parallel North and South of that? It's a good size chuck but the capital is north of there.
KyprosRebel: Firstly, do not patronize me - I can find my own cities on a map. Secondly, although we welcome military support, the people of Cyprus will not trade one Empire for another. I cannot give away swathes of land as one might distribute gifts to friends. We fight for the people, not for your imperialist whims.
4SyperusLiberiti:I apologize. I see you cannot give away land but it is only a cover to get guns and other such equipment into your country. I see you are in it for the whole island and as such I feel the best I will be able to do is wire you the money. If you really need support you need a to sign a contract prohibiting tariffs by your government on Uir products. That's the only thing besides land that you could offer the Blues.

Holy City of Babylon, Altus Babylonian Empire

Nabonidus, who had been hastily appointed as a Minister of Sumerian Relations - an ill-defined position generally placing him in an oversight position relating to all relations with the Dictorial Republic of Sumer - was reclining comfortably in his private apartments when a message was brought to him. He opened a sealed leather pouch, and read over the latest communication.

When he was finished, he handed the letter back to the servant with orders for it to be forwarded to Field Marshal Ešarra in Byblos, and with a message hastily scribbled on the bottom of the page:

Ešarra - when you land on Cyprus, establish a haven for the refugees; our Sumerian friends have offered medical support and supplies, help them, and offer what we can. Make it clear - peaceful integration.

The message was soon after scanned to the headquarters in Byblos, for Field Marshal Ešarra.


City of Byblos, Phoenician Province, Altus Babylonian Empire

Field Marshal Ešarra was in his headquarters when the message arrived, and upon receiving it, he assembled his colonels. Across the hallway from the communications room in the bank-turned-headquarters was an empty conference room, used primarily for storage of surplus communications equipment. Now, it was being used as a conference room again.

Approximately half an hour later, his remaining high-level commanders had arrived. Colonels Naram-Sin, Ashurakh-iddin, Sin-akhe-erba, Marduk-apal-iddin, Bel-shar-usur, and Mero-dach-baladan were present – them being the six remaining colonels in the whole of the force.

Each took his seat about the great central table, taking care to avoid the stacks of equipment that lined the room. Ešarra stood at the head of the room, looking out over his commanders, and the great map of Cyprus that was stretched between them, dominating the table. He greeted them, and took a seat himself.

“We have received a message, not but a few hours ago, detailing to us the forces our friends in Sumer are sending to us.”

There was a general interest seen throughout the men in the room, who knew they had little hope by themselves, although each tried not to display his elation.

“Summarized, they’re supplying nine-thousand infantrymen, as well as cruiser and carrier support for the landing. We can land three-hundred men alongside them, and after that, our priority should be a deep-water port, into which we can ferry our remaining soldiers.”

There was a general feeling of agreement, and Ešarra continued,

“However, soldiers is not all we will bring in; with our sixteen-thousand men – left to their own, would fight hard to break any concentrated resistance, even such as is fought by numbers much their inferior, for these rebels fight on their own ground, and with their own homes at their back. No, we need more.”

“And so we bring to bear another weapon. If you would care to stand, I will introduce you to a new member of my staff-”

The colonels stood, and from a door behind the Field Marshal, an eighth man entered the small room. He had a high, hawkish face, with short black hair, trimmed immaculately, and a small mustache cut precisely in the center of his scarred visage. He wore a long, desert-colored greatcoat, over a fresh uniform of similar palette.

“I introduce you to General Lugal-anda, commander of the newly established Kings Tank Corps, and field commander of the First Light Tank Phalanx. They arrived earlier today by rail, directly from the capital.”

The rest of the room stood and watched as the General took his seat at the table – resting at the far end, opposite Ešarra. When he sat, the Field Marshal joined him, and the remainder of the room followed suit.

“And so, the question is; which port shall be the first to fall,” The question was posed to the assembly by Colonel Sin-akhe-erba, himself a rather aggressive fighter, who was thougoughly jealous of the position held by Lugal-anda. “So that we may best utilize our new tool…”

Ešarra responded, “Well, Larnaca has been removed from our options, I’ve orders to capture the city with as little fighting as possible. It’s historical significance is too great to risk damage – specifically, the old sector.”

General Lugal-anda coughed, somewhat derisively, but masked it well. When Ešarra’s eyes set upon him, he nodded his apology.

Ešarra continued, “When the King’s father took the island, he landed at Kyrenia. This means two things – we know it’ll work, but they may be expecting it.”

“My Lord,” inquired Colonel Sin-akhe-erba, “Supposing they are expecting us to attack from the north side of the island, why do we not engage them in their delusions. I propose we take care of two objectives with one stroke; first, we use a faux fleet to divert their attention north of Kyrenia, even while we strike in the south.”

“A diversion,” acknowledged Field Marshal Ešarra, “continue,”

And so he did, “We land our three-hundred men, accompanied by a number of our allies’ soldiers, and capture the city of Larnaca in the night. Quickly and quietly, and then we bring in everything we can as fast as we can, build field fortifications beyond the city, and defend until we are fully ready to strike out.”

Field Marshal Ešarra spoke again, “Feasible; and from Larnaca, we would need quickly to advance, so as to minimize fighting inside the city. If they broke the fortifications before we were ready, we would be in trouble not only of losing a significant portion of our force, but of an ancient city,”

“My Lord,” said another colonel; Ashurakh-iddin, “I could take my Phalanx, and another of the orphan formations, and capture Kiti, to hold that flank. From there, and with the sea on our right, we are free to move north.”

“Agreed,” spoke Ešarra, “And therefore, following the capture of Larnaca by Sin-akhe-erba and our allies, the priority will be to land your own Phalanx, and another, and you can begin your own attack.”

Ešarra continued, “And following your capture of Kiti, Lugal-anda, Sin-akhe-erba, and the rest of you will move north. I will then move my headquarters to Cyprus, and establish them at Larnaca.”

“Excelent.” Commended the General, and he was met in agreement by the six colonels. Field Marshal Ešarra would leave them to the details of their own formations, retiring back to his office – two floors below – where he would compose his response for the Sumerians.


To: Dictorial Republic of Sumer, External Affairs Office, Palil Panchito Dumumianacaonak Dumuaguanikeyuk Doradak Nameshda
From: Field Marshal Ešarra

I am greatly relieved, personally, that your great nation has offered to us it’s support in this matter most critical to us. The city of Byblos, and indeed the Empire and the King welcome you, and upon your arrival, I will personally meet with your Palil Arasibo, and outline the specifics of our campaign to come.

In short, I would relay the immediate fact that our landings are to be a quiet affair, done under cover of darkness and in stealth. We will take our first city by surprise and with minimal fighting. From there, we will continue until the island is pacified. For the sake of secrecy, the city itself and our progression beyond will be revealed once you have arrived.

Once the city is captured, I will establish the first refugee haven, where the medical and food supplies you have offered can be concentrated. We will aid with what we can in the effort, and as more havens are established, we will begin to take more of the burden on ourselves.

We thank you again for your contribution to our efforts – the people of Cyprus and the Empire will be in your debt.

Field Marshal Ešarra
Altus Babylonian Empire

OOC: Jumping through long transit of boring, and having my ships in the med. now to make it easier.

IC:

To Field Marshal Ešarra from the Comm room of the fleet carrier Hatuey

Field Marshal Ešarra, my force will be ariving outside of your city's waters shortly. I have been informed of your plan outlines, and am interested to discuss further the plans. Shal I approach your harbour by sea or anchor outside of it? I assume you would prefer to confer within your own HQ, and as such I will prepare a voyage myself to discuss this matter in person, along with some security personnel for my own protection, and advisors.

- Palil Arasibo

To: Palil Arasibo,
From: Field Marshal Ešarra,

Our harbor may not be able to accommodate your entire task force at the same time, and so if you would be so willing, we would ask that the fleet anchor itself off the harbor. You have our thanks.

Also, I would be happy to welcome you to the city of Byblos personally, and will arrange for your launch to be met with my own convoy. From there, we can retreat to my headquarters.

I look forward to meeting yourself and your soldiers,

Field Marshal Ešarra,
Altus Babylonian Empire

4SyperusLiberiti: Hey, how did the rebellion go?
KyprosRebel: The imperialists were crushed beneath our boot, they have fled the island like rabbits
4SyperusLiberiti: Sounds good. Do you think another strike will be mounted? I heard the Babylonians are pretty stubborn about not letting go of your island. I also heard they wouldn't give any land to Uiri in exchange for re-capturing the island. There goes plan A. Are there any flights still landing in Cyprus?
KyprosRebel: Normal travel from civilian airports is restricted. I too believe a strike from the imperialists is forthcoming. Their armies are untrained and weak. They could not stand before us before and they will not now. Our soldiers need more weapons, and vehicles. Are these things available?
4SyperusLiberiti: Well, I suppose I could wire you some more money. Civillian airports are restricted, hm? How about allowing in Uir military? I think I could pull a few strings so that Mr. President can send 'aid'. Is it ok if I tell him where to contact you? We can bring in rifles and personnel carriers. The only way he'll support it though is if you agree to give up some land to us. Say the 35th parallel North and South of that? It's a good size chuck but the capital is north of there.
KyprosRebel: Firstly, do not patronize me - I can find my own cities on a map. Secondly, although we welcome military support, the people of Cyprus will not trade one Empire for another. I cannot give away swathes of land as one might distribute gifts to friends. We fight for the people, not for your imperialist whims.
4SyperusLiberiti:I apologize. I see you cannot give away land but it is only a cover to get guns and other such equipment into your country. I see you are in it for the whole island and as such I feel the best I will be able to do is wire you the money. If you really need support you need a to sign a contract prohibiting tariffs by your government on Uir products. That's the only thing besides land that you could offer the Blues.

*cough*

KyprosRebel: Normal travel from civilian airports is restricted. I too believe a strike from the imperialists is forthcoming. Their armies are untrained and weak. They could not stand before us before and they will not now. Our soldiers need more weapons, and vehicles. Are these things available?
4SyperusLiberiti: Well, I suppose I could wire you some more money. Civillian airports are restricted, hm? How about allowing in Uir military? I think I could pull a few strings so that Mr. President can send 'aid'. Is it ok if I tell him where to contact you? We can bring in rifles and personnel carriers. The only way he'll support it though is if you agree to give up some land to us. Say the 35th parallel North and South of that? It's a good size chuck but the capital is north of there.
KyprosRebel: Firstly, do not patronize me - I can find my own cities on a map. Secondly, although we welcome military support, the people of Cyprus will not trade one Empire for another. I cannot give away swathes of land as one might distribute gifts to friends. We fight for the people, not for your imperialist whims.
4SyperusLiberiti: I apologize. I see you cannot give away land but it is only a cover to get guns and other such equipment into your country. I see you are in it for the whole island and as such I feel the best I will be able to do is wire you the money. If you really need support you need a to sign a contract prohibiting tariffs by your government on Uir products. That's the only thing besides land that you could offer the Blues.
KyprosRebel: Once the free government is established we can come to that agreement, for it will be welcomed. Now, though, we need weapons.

KyprosRebel: Normal travel from civilian airports is restricted. I too believe a strike from the imperialists is forthcoming. Their armies are untrained and weak. They could not stand before us before and they will not now. Our soldiers need more weapons, and vehicles. Are these things available?
4SyperusLiberiti: Well, I suppose I could wire you some more money. Civillian airports are restricted, hm? How about allowing in Uir military? I think I could pull a few strings so that Mr. President can send 'aid'. Is it ok if I tell him where to contact you? We can bring in rifles and personnel carriers. The only way he'll support it though is if you agree to give up some land to us. Say the 35th parallel North and South of that? It's a good size chuck but the capital is north of there.
KyprosRebel: Firstly, do not patronize me - I can find my own cities on a map. Secondly, although we welcome military support, the people of Cyprus will not trade one Empire for another. I cannot give away swathes of land as one might distribute gifts to friends. We fight for the people, not for your imperialist whims.
4SyperusLiberiti: I apologize. I see you cannot give away land but it is only a cover to get guns and other such equipment into your country. I see you are in it for the whole island and as such I feel the best I will be able to do is wire you the money. If you really need support you need a to sign a contract prohibiting tariffs by your government on Uir products. That's the only thing besides land that you could offer the Blues.
KyprosRebel: Once the free government is established we can come to that agreement, for it will be welcomed. Now, though, we need weapons.
4SyperusLiberiti: I think I have the perfect plan. I'll convince the President to get your Imperialist Opressors to sign the deal with him. I could get weapons to you by tagging along. The military would turn on your opressors and you'd be freed. The Uir-Babylonian agreement would be terminated and a new one would be signed with the newly formed state.

OOC: Sorry, stupid school.

IC:

"Palil!" The young sailor snaped to attention as the officer walked onto the deck.
"Is my chopper ready?" The officer asked, not even looking at the sailor.
"Yes Palil, it's on the aft deck waiting for you." The Sailor responded quickly.

Arasibo didn't even bother finishing the conversation, he simply started walking aft. His medium helicopter was waiting with a squad of naval infantry and one of his aids. They were not far from the mouth of the harbour now, and the group would make anchor while he was inbound. The cruiser group had split off hours ago to make a patrol around the island, looking for themselves to see the state of the coasts. A pair of FJ-14 fighters circled the carrier awaiting the helicopter to take off. The escort wouldn't be able to take on a whole air force, but they didn't need to. Anything from the island would have to come over the carrier group to catch the Palil, and if the Babylonians decided to strike the helicopter then the carrier itself could just as easily unleash itself in retaliation.

It wasn't long before the helicopter was off and on route, the two jets making wide circles around the helicopter as it cruised along over the sea.