NationStates Jolt Archive

The Imperium of Telros was a nation that exuded power and stability. It's Imperial Army, Navy, and Air Force were some of the best trained warriors the Imperium could train, and these proud warriors served to keep the nation safe from threats both inside and out. Under their leader, Emperor Richard Kazark the Third, the Imperium was kept safe, had a thriving economy, and was one of the stronger nations in the world. The Kazark family was a long bloodline of rulers which had watched over the Telrosians since the times when great armies clashed on the battlefield, and victory was determined by strength of arms and cold steel. Their legacy was greatly indented into society. However, many doubted the greatness of that legacy.

There was no hiding it; the Kazarks, once noble, had followed the path all nations inevitably take, and had become horrifically corrupt. And the current Kazark was no different. He had “authorized” a harem of women, he used the excuse of giving them a proper home as they all had no homes to go to, but everyone knew the real reason. He had just recently finished spending billions on a glorious new palace for him, with statues to his “glory” everywhere. People were literally treated as slaves and their purpose appeared to be simply workers, to provide goods and wealth for their Emperor to squander on his infantile desires. The only way to escape was the military, and as such, they had a large military. However, the economic honeymoon was predicted to come to an end, or at least, said the former Imperial economist. He didn't live long after that, as the Emperor declared him a villain seeking to undermine their society and had him killed. He said their economy was doing better than ever, and would continue to do so, ignoring the rising prices and the slow down of the economy in general.

If one could ask about civil rights and personal freedoms in this country, Telrosians would look at them blankly and ask what they were talking about. The Emperor had banned free speech, right to protest, freedom of speech, the whole nine yards. They couldn't even gather in groups larger than three, barring families. The Telrosians were battered, bruised, and utterly exploited by a moron who claimed to be their Emperor. For the last ten years, he had ruled, and hurt the Telroisan people inexplicably.

And now, the time had come for the Telrosians to show how angry they had become.

”It is time for a new kind of revolution....a Democratic revolution!”

Rachel Freeman, a relatively obscure woman who had worked as the Minister of Education, which was laughably lacking in its current state. She had fought as best she could to improve it, but her attempts had been laughingly rebuffed by the Emperor, and her latest had been met with a clear threat to her life. The military, large enough, was getting the focus of the next bill, not education. Her frustration had exploded, and she had resolved to see this fool utterly destroyed and the people of Telros freed.

And so, she had for the past year, gathered up contacts and begun the business of revolution. She had quieted down in her protests against the Emperor, which evoked no suspicion as anyone who didn't have a death wish didn't seek to anger the Emperor. So, with her cover secure, she began feeling out the people of Telros in all branches of life. Politicians, generals, admirals, CEO's, construction workers, doctors, to see the sentiment in Telros and if it was ripe for revolution. What she found was a nation ready to explode; the people wanted nothing more than to rip something apart, but they had no idea of how or what.

Rachel knew how to direct that. However, even she knew that if there was no sympathy in the military, and a significant one at that, then the Imperium was doomed to its current state. God was on her side, as she found plenty of sympathy there. Except for the three private “legions” of the Emperor, who were fanatically loyal to the Emperor and carried out his every will, there was a lot of sentiment amongst the rank and file. Gazing down at the figures she had managed to poll together, the beacon of hope blazed in her chest. As her blues eyes moved from the paper to the council of men and women, hidden in the shadows, awaiting her words. Straightening herself, she cleared her throat and began to speak.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you all for coming. I know it has taken great courage and will for you to answer my summons, especially with the proposal I have given you.”

“Indeed, Ms. Freeman. I hate the Emperor as much as any sane person should, but....rebellion? We have no hope. That imbecile has spent so much money on that thing, I'm sure nothing but the Freekish and their like can take it down.”

She chuckled mentally. “And that....is where you are wrong. You all have noticed by now the envelopes in front of you. Open them; inside lays the key to our resistance.”

The group paused and then proceeded to open the sheaths of paper and read what was inside. Gasps ans cries of shocked echoed throughout the room. The one who had been speaking before was sputtering.

“F-F-Fifty percent of the IAF (Imperial Air Force) is on our side? Forty-three percent of the army, and the entire NAVY?!”

Rachel held up a hand. “You forget, good sir, that the soldiers in the armed services, for the most part, are those who have families. Brothers, sisters, daughters and sons, who have endured the grip of this Emperor. They have sympathies for their families, and all families suffer. Obviously, we have those who support him for various reasons, but I am totally sure when I say nearly all of Telros is ready for a revolution. They need something solid to lead them, to show them where to direct their anger and how. Something like....us.”

“B-But the navy-?!”

“That is because the Grand Admiral of the Navy, Sir William Killingston, is actually the one who first breached the subject of revolution to me.” She paused and turned to look behind her.

“Isn't that right, Admiral?”

As the council of hidden figures froze, a chuckle emanated from the hallway behind Rachel and a figure walked into the light. A tall and well-built man, William Killingston was a war hero and a respected warrior. His campaign medals covered his right part of his chest with metal and his aged brownish-grey hair and mustache showed proof of his length of time in the service. His calm grey eyes exuded a confident wisdom and a burning purpose.

“Indeed, Ms. Freeman. I did. I will do the one thing that will destroy the Emperor and his loyal forces. I have the power to close this nation off utterly, to pound the cities and coasts, to deploy aircraft in tandem with those loyal to us and hit him hard. He may have a lot of troops and tanks, while we only have so much. But we can train more, and we have the edge in air and naval support.”

Rachel turned back to the council. “However, we need two things for this war to succeed. One we can do right now, another will depend on what happens after the war starts.”

“What's the first?” Rachel smiled.

“Establishing the first democratic Congress of the Telrosian Republic.”


************************

Two months later.....


The Emperor couldn't believe this. This....didn't make any sense. His eyes narrowed and teeth revealed themselves as his skin pulled back in a growl. His hands grasped hungrily and made purchase on the messenger.

“They did WHAT?!”

The messenger, who was being shaken, could barely make out with his message again. “T-T-The Grand Admiral has blockaded the entire coast, and Rachel Freeman has declared a revolution. She has already taken the Quinton and Marsae provinces, and is currently assaulting the military garrisons in Nikaris and Tokon.” The Emperor gritted his teeth even more.

“How many are helping them?

“We are still gathering information, but it would appear the entire navy, half the air force, and thirty percent of the army has gone over to their cause.” The Emperor's hands trembled in increased anger and the messenger spoke quickly, knowing his life was at stake. “However, we still have seventy percent of the army, your personal three legions and the other half of the air force. We have the superior ground advantage!”

The Emperor smiled suddenly, his mood before vanishing like the last beams of the moon before dawn. Everyone had suspected he was not entirely stable and his mood swings had confirmed that thought. “Tell all generals still loyal to me that they are to gather their forces, see to the immediate defense of the Imperium, and then come to the Palace immediately. We need to get this rebellion under control before some of the more nosy nations of the world begin poking their noses in our affairs. I will go out and make a statement to the world about this. I will need allies if I am to crush this rebellion. Now go!”

The messenger was freed from the Emperor's iron grip and he scampered down the halls like a stray dog that had been kicked. The Emperor began to laugh, an insane sound, as he turned on his heel and headed to his chambers.....

**********************

Official Imperium of Telros Communique

“Greetings to the nations of the world; this is Emperor Richard Kazark the Third of the Imperium of Telros. I have come to beseech the kind and good nations of this world to aid my country in its dire time of need.

Treachery has struck the poor Imperium from deep within, striking deep into its ever-loving heart. Black-hearted villains, preaching fake ideas about freedom and liberty. The Imperium is kind to its people, it's life's blood, and it has been harmed by this most foul revolution. We call upon all clear-thinking nations to come to our aid, as we are surrounded by the villain's blockade, trapped in mortal comabt against these foul wretches within our own borders. This is the final recourse I have to-”

”We apologize for the convenience; the Imperial News Network is experiencing technical difficulties and will be with you shortly.”

*screen pops and fizzles before showing the determined and fierce face of Rachel Freeman.*

”My apologies about that, but we just finished taking the city that housed that damned propaganda machine that moronic Emperor has spouting all the time. My name is Rachel Freeman, the former Minister of Education in the Imperium. As much as the Emperor would like you to believe, we are NOT 'villains' or evil people seeking to destroy the good people of the Imperium.

Nay, we are united as a people against the many injustices forced upon us by this fool who calls himself our Emperor. He has spent billions on a military not needed for anything but to look good for the Emperor. He has spent more billions making himself a new, grand palace. He has reduced our civil liberties to nothing; we can't even protest for the love of God. Anyone who risks being in groups larger than three and isn't a family gathering, risks being shot or imprisoned. Family gatherings require permits, for Christ sakes. We have more prisons than schools, and every single one is full to the brim. Our education is horrifically underfunded and our people are mostly slaves in factories, working to produce goods for the pleasures and corruption of the Emperor.

I call upon all rational thinking, democratic, and morally strong peoples and nations out there, to come to our aid and continue the cause of freedom by freeing the people of Telros once and for all from the threat of dictators like the Emperor. Please, do it for the good people of Telros; they have done no wrong and have suffered much. Find it within your hearts to help us.”

Rachel put down the microphone and sighed. A soldier put a hand on her shoulder. “Are you alright, ma'am?”

She smiled and patted his hand. “Don't worry; I'm just tired. I do not know if enough nations will answer our call and help our cause. The nations of the world are rather fickle, we may even be faced with powerful allies of the Emperor. It's all so...murky.” She sighed. “How goes the blockade?”

“Almost finished, ma'am. The Admiral estimates he will have it in place in two hours.”

“Very well; all we can do is wait....and hope.”

*bump*

OOC: Might as well throw my hat in the ring.

IC:

The Amazonian Dominion had steeled itself against the threat of democracy for two decades since its bloody inception from the dregs of the democratic Federation, a cold and strong solidified front of imperial power and authority. Even now, after the death of the former Emperor who had orchestrated it all, five men ruled on with fists of control and supremacy. The Dominion had always been somewhat of a corrupt practice, but inefficiency was something not tolerated by the imperial government - rather, if something was deemed to improve the general state of the nation, it was implemented. What had formed was a conservative state with a very capitalist economy - the Imperial Council had the foresight to know where to draw lines. The sole rebellion which had sprung up had been quashed by the omnipresent imperial police forces - the Sentinels - in mere days.

Imperial regimes were a high standard across the global political map, and the Dominion generally stood by their side - Amazonia was no political "conference enthusiast," so to speak, yet thoroughly detested the inefficiency and political stalls that generally resulted when the masses were let free to run the state - democracy and republicanism being the foremost examples, the latter being the machine that had ruined the former Federation and paved the way for the late Emperor Droma's ascension. However, regimes deemed weak - ones that could not control their own people, as imperial governments were supposed to - were laughed at and despised. If they couldn't have the foresight to predict problems, they weren't worth the trouble to support.

The issues regarding the Telrosian Imperium's troubles, therefore, were looked down upon. How could a regime dedicated to the military, much as the Dominion was, allow themselves to be blockaded? That epitomized pathetic. The message by the freedom fighters about establishing a "palace" was also somewhat questionable. There was an imperial "Palace" in the Dominion - the Imperial Spire - but it was not a conventional palace - it was instead a spike jutting nearly a thousand meters high that reached for hundreds of meters underground containing information systems, intelligence hubs, networking databases, and an entire military command nexus. It shared none of the creature comforts of standard palaces, but rather the utilitarian usefulness of standard Dominion practices.

The Dominion military was somewhat on standby and hadn't been truly involved in issues for some time, so the Imperial Council was fairly dedicated to getting the forces out somewhere. Supporting such a weak regime was condemning the military to doing most of the dirty work on their own - though the five leaders of the Dominion were fairly sure they could engage and defeat a rebellion on their own without much difficulty. Supporting the rebellion, on the other hand, would mean that they could get the support of a likely popular government in the future, though it would create a stir - assisting democratic forces. The meeting in the upper pinnacle of the Imperial Spire was to determine where the forces went.

The meeting was spartan in numbers - only the Imperial Council members were present. It was of utmost secrecy, after all, and something that likely couldn't get too out to the populace as of support. It was a bit of a quagmire, though a perfect opportunity to shoot the military back to a fighting state. Though there was no "senior member" of the Council, Imperial Lord Marka Ragnos essentially served as the primarch of the five.

"A course of action?" was his only starting remarks. The meeting would be short, after all.

"Democrats," one of his fellows, Ludo Kressh, spat. "It sickens the sinews of my soul."

"Good alliteration, but you fail to see the whole picture," Lord Sion remarked. "The ruling class is one of weakness and failure. They will not survive long, even if this rebellion is crushed...which they will not be able to do alone. We see no benefit to helping them unless we want to completely subjugate them."

"Which is exactly what we want!" Kressh responded.

"If you want to reduce our fighting force to an occupancy abroad," Naga Sadow, another, replied. "What a waste. Why not accomplish a benefit overseas without having to commit our Sentinels to policing in a foreign nation?"

"Lord Nihilis, you have been quiet," Ragnos said, leaning back in his chair.

Nihilis was a bit of an enigma amongst the council, rather than coming from the elite, he had been born and bred on the streets of Necropolis, the imperial city. Such experiences had left him scarred both internally and physically - massive streaks of scar tissue laced his face and body, leaving him reserved on television or appearances only when a state of fear was needed. He had a good time generally conveying such, and his demeanor and personality generally matched. Nihilis was one who preferred muscle and severity.

"I side with my companion Kressh," he mouthed, his voice dark gravel. "We should show our force in other countries as well."

"And completely drain our resources for meaningless pursuits?" Sion reiterated.

In truth, Sion was making a mountain out of a molehill - there were more than enough resources, trillions in Amazonian dollars, to go around. Education got plenty, healthcare enough to support their mainly private nature, commerce was loaded with funding, and administrative budgets recieving funding as well. Environmental concerns and welfare were non-existants in the Dominion, where one was expected to rise of their own accord. Environment was meant to serve humanity, not the other way around.

"There's more than enough to go around," Kressh retorted. "We can divert budget from the Sentinels if need be."

The last bit was a snipe at Sion - a former Sentinel Elite who had risen in the eye of the former Emperor as one willing to do whatever it took to achieve success. Sion's will and ruthless determinism made him a strong leader.

"So you support renegades running free on our streets? A new angle, I suppose," Sion fired back, blood running hot around the spacious conference room.

"Calm your tensions," Ragnos said, his level baritone voice carrying over the rest in the room. "Let's put it to a democratic vote."

His ironic statement grabbed a chuckle from Kressh, but no one else.

"Kressh and Nihilis for the Imperials, Sion and Sadow for the Rebels," Ragnos marked. Once again, as often, Ragnos was the deciding vote. Generally, he went with the two young progressives - Sion and Sadow - over the traditionalists in Kressh and Nihilis.

"I'll side with the plight of the Rebels, as well," Ragnos decided, over the grumble of Kressh. "The strong over the weak."

Ragnos was a logical man, and logic and foresight pointed towards the rebellion in Telros. He had been Droma's favorite successor amongst the five for his ability to look at every angle in a heartbeat, and possessed a photographic memory to boot. Ragnos had been the former leader of the intelligence department despite his young age - 39 - making him the third youngest, therefore the middle man - of the Council. Logic here showed that the rebels would infuse new blood and spur the popular support - one thing that the Imperial Council had been sure to win over, despite having no democracy. The imperials in Telros obviously had failed in that department, and Ragnos could figure out that they would eventually fall in some fashion. A naval blockade also meant that siding with the rebels would give the Imperial Navy a reprieve before fighting.

"Sadow," Ragnos began delving out instructions, "send a message to the rebel leader who was on the videocomm, encrypted channels. Sion, get a meeting in a few hours with HICOM. I'll prepare agendas. Kressh and Nihilis, return to post."

Ragnos wanted the two traditionalists out of the planning phase. They could screw things up with lack of support - better let them continue the running of the country while the three supporters took care of the operation.

* * * * *

Grady Ogunleye slammed a heavy dark hand on the call button, the third time the machine had went off. The 42-year old naval Admiral, young but accomplished for his military acumen (and being a voluntary participant in training for the navy since age 7), had been sleeping before the page-caller had gone off at 3AM. His wife of twenty years, Lateesha, was still sleeping beside him in the bed of their 2400 square foot home.

"Ogunleye," the Admiral said, wiping sleep out of his eyes.

"HICOM," the other end said.

Grady froze momentarily. HICOM, or High Military Command, was the leading group of personnel that was just underneath the Imperial Council in leading the military. Despite Ogunleye's status, they were significantly more powerful than a mere admiral.

"Head in ASAP," the other line said, "IGOV orders assistince assault on NTEL coordinating with people movement. You deploy in twelve hours."

"Affirmative sir."

"HICOM out."

What the fuck was the first thought that went through Ogunleye's mind. Twelve hours? Did HICOM have a seizure or something? Barely enough time, despite the readiness of the forces. He had to get out immediately - especially if he would be commanding, which was likely.

* * * * *

Naga Sadow hated sending communications, because it meant he had to go down to all the wierdos in the comms department. They were odd folk for sure - not his favorite cup of tea, completely abosrbed in their communications. His secretary had already written up a message based on what he wanted to say, and he was taking it down personally to ensure no problems occurred.

"My Lord," said the communications director as Sadow stepped out of an elevator in the Spire.

"Screw the formalities," Sadow said, "I need you to send this to directive 498-TE3."

"Affirmed, my Lord. Open or closed?"

"Closed, pick a channel."

"Confirmed, my Lord."

Sadow left as the director got about with the message.


Addressed to the Telrosian Rebel Forces:

While we generally dislike democratic movements as a whole, your imperial regime seems to be one stuck in the mud and mired in old-time traditionalist rule. Debating on what to do, the Dominion has decided to send an assault force under the command of Admiral Grady Ogunleye to support your movement against the imperial regime.

-Naga Sadow
Member, Amazonian Dominion Imperial Council

The Emperor paced his palace, his face a thundercloud. The incident where the rebels had interrupted his transmission and put in a clear call for their cause, along with the information of the blockade and the loss of their news station, had embarrassed him greatly. Several advisors had been put to death over it, to salvage his pride. Richard's head swiveled when he saw the doors open and four men walk in. These were the last four men still loyal to him in the armed forces in the higher chain of command. Three others had left, taking thirty percent of the ground forces with them. Nodding to them all, he waved for them to take a seat. After they had sat down, he began to speak, in an obviously controlled voice.

“Now, you all know of the rebellion that faces us. What shall we do to cut this out and prove to the outside world that we are the more deserving of their help?”

The generals shifted and began shuffling their papers, getting their thoughts in order. However, it was really to hide their discomfort and force one to speak, as the news they had was not good. One of them, General Halven, coughed and began to speak. “To be frank, your Highness, we are in deep trouble. We have the ground advantage, and normally we could just conduct a massive military campaign to wipe them out on the ground, until they capitulated. However, they have us blockaded, with an edge in air power as they have half of our air forces, and when combined with the naval air forces, they have quite the air support. Factor in the bombardment options the fleet gives them and we have trouble.”

The Emperor turned to him, eyes flashing, and the group held in their breath, wondering if he had become the sacrifice. However, the Emperor calmed himself and nodded. “I see. Do you have a plan of action?”

The General smiled, which shocked the other generals. They had basically been running around with their heads cut off; of course, they were the fanatic leaders of the Emperor's legions, so they didn't have much room for brains. “In fact, I do, my liege. If you will take notice of this here, you will see the rebels don't have a chance against us.....”

****************

Rachel glanced at the plans of the military's latest move and nodded. She wasn't one to tell them what to do, but she had managed to curb their conquering impulses. They could only hold onto so much, especially when the inevitable counter-attack came, and they needed to fortify and build up their forces. Already, they had more recruits than they had facilities, weapons, food, and everything else for. The people were already lining up to defeat the Emperor and his foul regime. She took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. They still had the hardest part left to do. Somehow, they had to bring down the Emperor and his three legions. Well-equipped and elite, they were the pride of the Imperium, and the best of the best.

“Ma'am?” She looked up to see her aide. “We have a reply.”

Her heart leaped for joy. Someone was coming to their aid? She motioned for the motion and she quickly scanned the message. Her eyes narrowed slightly. She didn't like the tone of disdain when they mentioned their democratic revolution, but she would take the help. Nodding to the aide, she proceeded to send a reply to the Dominion.

Greetings, Councilor Sadow,

I am thankful for your decision, you have done the right thing. We will be welcoming you into our waters; just announce who you are in advance, and you'll be left unmolested. I cannot wait to work beside you in freeing my nation from the plague of this old and sick government.

President Rachel Freeman
Temporary President of the Telrosian Republic

OOC: My bad for the slowness...Senior year midterm week...ya. Kinda bad.
But, it's now over...

IC:

"Captain on the bridge!"

"At ease, gentlemen."

Ogunleye returned the salute from his XO, Captain Richard Wilfork, as he mounted the bridge of his 5th Fleet flagship, the alpha dreadnought ADV Leviathan's Fury. The maroon and violet flag of the Dominion fluttered in the high winds of the open waters, its reverse-triangle interior pattern a black emblem of anger amongst a passive background. It reflected the Dominion fairly well - a nation filled by the general masses of mixed emotions and reactions, but dominated by the elite class of those who did not have the best intentions of all at heart.

An E-5 Owl AWACS craft jetted off from from one of the 5th's supercarriers, the ADV Artemis's Touch. Ogunleye had made sure his favorite element of any fleet - the air power - was in high supply. The naval fleet was tough, but the four carriers - two of them supercarriers - and six LHDs made the icing a particularly special one. Sion had had no idea truly how strong the opposing faction of this fight was, and had expected the usual - the Dominion bailing out a considerably weaker force against the usual strong government. Despite the supposed "naval blockade," the malintent rulers of the Dominion had suspected something was up. As such, Ogunleye's force was not just a support force, but the quality of a full invasion fleet.

The Dominion navy was likely the weakest element of the military, and yet the 5th fleet glistened with the dark grey ships, camoflauged from the air visually against the dark backdrop of an unforgiving blue ocean. Waves lapped at the steel-and-titanium hulls of the ships of the fleet, from fast-moving corvettes to the titanic armored supply ships and hulking battleships. It was a beautiful day outside, 82 degrees farenheit, the sun shining down rays of energy upon the water. The day of beauty was shattered by nuclear reactors of man's war machines crashing through the waves, outfitted with VLS cells and massive gun turrets - ways to break nature's caressing bind, to inflict pain and suffering.

To Ogunleye, however, life was fairly good right now. The campaign on a whole would draw him hazardous-duty pay, command pay of an incursion on a hostile land, and several other bonuses. That would easily be enough to afford the new piece of land he and Lateesha had been eyeing for months now on Oceana Heights. The day outside was sparkling, its natural glory accentuated by the great monuments of man cruising the waves and showing humanity's achievement and advancement as a race.

5th was still six hundred kilometers out from the Telrosian waters - it would take them at least another day or two to reach their destination point, depending on velocity kept. Still, it was good enough to contact the rebel forces on an encrypted bandwidth.

After checking over the bridge, Ogunleye headed for Fury's "quiet room" - a small center constructed completely of non-parrallel, sound-absorbing materials, designed so that no one wall reflected any other wall. Inside the black room, "stallactites" of reinforced plastics hung down from the cieling while other points jutted up from the floor, Ogunleye walking towards a console on a surface of what seemed like metal mesh. His voice barely seemed to carry weight whatsoever in the room - a perfect counter to any sort of bugging or listening devices. Originally designed for submarines, the quiet rooms were now installed on many larger ships for secure communications - the type that Ogunleye was about to send.


"Rebel forces," Ogunleye keyed in. His communication would be straight and solid, one-way - they would recieve his communication in full. "This is Admiral Grady Ogunleye of the Dominion Fifth Fleet. We are on approach six hundred kilometers from Telrosian water boundaries with a full armada. Satellite imagery is not showing what current situations are within Telrosian limits; therefore we are taking no chances entering potential range. We understand that Telrosian naval vessels are of the rebel forces, so we will be sure to identify friends from foes. Once we enter waters, we can convene or communicate for an incursion against the ground forces. 5th Fleet out."


Ogunleye felt like he was leaving a little out, but at the moment didn't exactly care - he was no glorious speechmaker...the politicians could be left for that.