NationStates Jolt Archive

ooc: threads of interest:

build-up (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=553945)
CTP fact book (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=554522)
Bardar back story (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=553886)
Government of Bardar (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=554570)
Revolutionary Esparada (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=554074)

I invite Bardar to set some ground rules if he wishes and just to clarify Revolutionary Esparada has agreed to play the ground forces in this with extensive support from moi. A fourth power in this is Belschaft (or rather The Northstar Corporation) who is understandably protecting his oil investments in the area and removing the Kingdoms with the understanding that any new Republic will have a share in the profits.

IC:

CtP Foreign Ministry Press Release:

The Republic having found itself under threat from the wicked gaze of King Bardar has no choice other than to issue a formal declaration of war following yet more diplomatic failure and open posturing from the Kingdom.

As I speak our allies hailing from Belschaft fight to depose this king furthermore aiding in the establishment of a new republic and the forces of Revolutionary Esparada remain prepared to move upon the Kings holdings, now it must be our turn to act.

We ask yet again that King Bardar I abdicate and allow a new government to emerge; your people have already suffered a long and bloody war that you now hope to mimic once again further proving your unsuitability to rule over your own Kingdoms subjects. We also ask the wider world for its own security to place an outright ban on any products being exported or imported from the Kingdom of Bardar in particular the oil upon which this King hopes to fund his war machine.

---

New Southampton harbour

The ships of the Republic where being filled at an impressive rate for the conflict that would soon come, though devastated by war Bardar had promised itself to a long war of attrition something which would need to be prepared for should operations be extended in the region.

---

SIC:

Naval Taskforce statistics

2x Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier
72 -STOVL F-35B
4 - Eurocopter Dauphin
2 - E-2 Hawkeye

16x Barracuda class submarine
7x Horizon class frigates
12x La Fayette class frigates
5x Tourville class frigates
4x Georges Leygues class frigate
2x Mercy class hospital ship
4X Protecteur class
2x Wasp class amphibious assault ship

---

Message to: Lt. Taliz of the Republic of Revolutionary Esparada
From: The Republic of Call to Power

Our Republic has begun the process of pushing the Monarchy out of his own sea. We are confident in your ability to crush whatever troops the kingdom can muster however we provide an open offer of support that you may require in this conflict, particularly in logistics as this may well be the furthest your troops have travelled from home.

Yours Thankfully
President Brown


---


Message to: Northstar Corporate headquarters
From: The Republic of Call to Power

We are aware of you corporations’ legitimate moves to secure your interests in the region and openly offer our support in this theatre.

Yours Thankfully
President Brown

OOC;
Ok, some ground rules, first; Bardar is a landlocked country, which mean no harbors can't be raided.
second; Bardar is a mountainous country, and the units of the Bardar armed forces are hiding deep in the mountains.
Possible economic targets; Northeastern oilfields, The Old Pipe (a pipe for transporting oil running through the country, built by the Opressors).
Captial; Baradech, deep inside the western mountains.
Interresting natural resource; Lake Bardar, a large and deep lake with clean water.

Units of the Bardar armed forces;

First Flying Leopard Brigade;
First Rifle Battalion
Second Rifle Battalion
First Engineer Battalion
First Pioneer Battalion
Second Pioneer Battalion
First Artillery Battalion
Second Artillery Battalion

Second Flying Leopard Brigade;
First Sharpshooter Battalion
Second Sharpshooter Battalion
Second Engineer Battalion
Third Pioneer Battalion
First Motorized Battalion
Second Motorized Battalion
First Air Cavalry Battalion (soviet style helicopters)

Thrid Flying Leopard brigade;
Third Sharpshooter Battalion
First Armored Battalion
Second Armored Battalion
Second Air Cavalry Battalion
Third Artillery Battalion
Third Sharpshooter Battalion
Third Rifle Battalion

First Royal Mountain Brigade;
First Royal Mountaineer Battalion
Second Royal Mountaineer Battalion
Third Royal Mountaineer Battalion
First Royal Cavalry Battalion
Second Royal Cavalry Battalion

Second Royal Mountain Brigade;
First Royal Bayonet Battalion (close combatr specialists, stalkers)
Second Royal Bayonet Battalion
Fourth Royal Mountaineer Battalion
Fifth Royal Mountaineer Battalion
Sixth Royal Mountaineer Battalion

Third Royal Mountian Brigade;
Seventh Royal Mountaineer Battalion
First Lowland Battalion
Second Lowland Battalion
First Heavy Infantry Battalion
Second Heavy Infantry Battalion

First Reserves Brigade;
First Reserve Battalion
Second Reaserve Battalion
Thrid Reserve Battalion
Fourth Reserve Battalion
Fifth Reserve Battalion
Sixth Reserve Battalion

Second Reserves Brigade;
Seventh Reserve Battalion
Eighth Reserve Battalion
Ninth Reserve Battalion
Tenth Reserve Battalion
Eleventh Reserve Battalion
Twelfth Reserve Battalion

Thrid Reserves Brigade;
Thriteenth Reserve Battalion
Fourteenth Reserve Battalion
Fifteenth Reserve Battalion
Sixteent Reserve Battaliom
Seventeenth Reserve Battalion
Eighteenth Reserve Battalion

Fourth Reserve Brigade;
Nineteenth Reserve Battalion
Twentieth Reserve Battalion
Twenty-first Reserve Battalion
Twenty-second Rserve Battalion
Twenty-third Reserve Battalion
Twenty- fourth Reserve Battalion

IC
The Northstar Corparation is horified that eforts to a establish peacefull resolution to this issue. While we have always stated that we do not want to come to blows over this issue, we cannot allow our intrests to be threatened. For that reason we have deployed 30,000 Crayvern troops to protect our holdings, suported by 20,000 Belschaft Army Troops, including 200 of our newest elite soldiers from our Centurion Project. They are equiped with state of the art weponry, and have plentiful air support from our newly constructed bases in the Northeast.

While we have no intention to beging combat actions ourselves, and will maintain defensive posisitions, we will offer any CtP/RE troops a secure landing zone and airstrips. However, we will not tolerate any fighting inside our holdings.

OOC
Esperada, keep your men under control. Last time i was on the same side as you (Razorl) you ended up shooting my men.

Sergeant major Selkers from the 2nd Cavalry Battalion was observing the enemy movements. The new Opressors had not yet crossed the border, but he knew they would. They would probably both cross the border by land, and drop men at strategic positions from the air. Preparations to evcuate villages from the border regions had already begun, but the 2nd Cavalry Battalion was ordered to keep an eye on the enemies. Even though horses certainly were not a tool of modern warfare they could move on the mountinous landscape asgood as any vehicle, even better than some. The Flying Leopard Brigades allways made fun of the Royal Mountain Brigades for keeping the Cavalry as an active part of the armed forces, but the truth was they were quite excellent for scouting missions. The sergeant major thought about the orders; No direct contact with the enemy, observe, but do not attack, lead them far into the hostile mountain landscape. The landscape of Bardar was for sure not friendly for foreigners, he thought, the Opressors had learned that the hard way. Sergeant Major Selkers smiled, these new invaders were people from rich comfortable industrialized nations, coming to fight a so called modern war, they would learn the hard way that there were no such thing as modernity in Bardar.

At the very same time the image of the horsemen observing the Northstar posisitions was captured by a sattalite orbiting the earth, suposadly from a sattalite network but in reality Northstar owned.

The image was then relayed back to Belschaft, to a bunker built deep inside a mountain range. Here, at Tactical Command (TACCOM) the men were identified as 2nd Cavalry Battalion, who where on intel ops, and an alert was automaticly issued to Opertional Commad (OPCOM) in Bardar, at New Baradech, the new city built to serve the oilfields by the Bardarian's. Here the men on watch identified them as a class 5/4 threat (Imeadiate/Long term), and requested authorisation to neutralize the target. This request was sent to Tactical Command, where it was imeadiatly aproved. OPCOM then sent a message to a Starfire-1X bomber patrolling at 120,000 feet.

In response the Starfire, a class now 17 years old and in need of replacement, requested targeting data from TACCOM, who routed the sattalite feed to them and the co-ordinates. The Starfire's computer then identified the 30 men on the border, nearbye civilians and the Northstar posisitions. Using this data the computer created a 3 missile target pattern covering the 30 man squad. As soon as this was done the computer lighted up the fire pannels. The Gunner imeadiatly aproved the fire plan, and aproved launch. 3 Air to Ground missiles were then launced. They quickly covered the distance, taking aproximatley 31.4617 seconds to reach the target from their launcers. They then detonated within a 10th of a second of each other, and the gunner confirmed killsX30 without even looking, and went back to sleep. It was a boring mission, and he'd done his job without waking his piolt, who still had the plane on autopilot.

The entire process took less than a minute, and the first shots of the war had been fired.

ooc: so I guess we are talking Afghanistan-esque conditions and culture? (With similar armoured and air power to that of People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan?) Are we also looking at hostile border nations or will it be a strictly airborne invasion?

IC:

Harvard Air force base

1007 Hrs

Air Marshal Stafford received the stream of co-ordinates his wing would be flying that day all aiming towards the small communities scattered across Bardar. His bombing force consisted of American B-52 bombers supported by pilots of the 11th and 14th wings. This would be the first air mission into Bardar and the weariness of what was ahead became drowned by the confidence the 14th wings pilots showed against “these oppressive savages that most likely fly rusted soviet equipment”. They where more than trained for anything that could be thrown at them but the payload they would be dropping would not be what they where used to at all.

1014 Hrs

As the crews filled up the craft for take off the pilots where briefed that they would be dropping supplies and leaflets to the natives of Badar hoping that they could lured onto the republics side or at the least cause a dependency to develop which would be useful for local information.

1130 Hrs

The Jets roared off the runway though this would prove to be a long flight the escorts could not wait for the opportunity to engage what Bardar had to offer.

SIC:

Operation strength
4X B-52 aircraft
12x Panavia Tornado (electronic warfare)
24x Eurofighter Typhoon (bomber escort)

Starfire-1X bomber

Ooc: I am guessing a bomber of your own design?

Official declaration of War on Belschaft;

Due to certain aggression conducted by the Belsschaft government on troops investigating the movements of our enemies; Call to Power and Revolutionary Esparada, the royal government of Bardar have no choice but to declare that a status of war exist between the Kingdom of Bardar and the Nation of Belschaft. All deals between Belschaft and Bardar are now declared invalid and the Northstar Corparation are now declare intruders of the nation of Bardar. Our first action will be to close down the Old Pipe to hinder the oil to end up in enemy hands.

signed; Bardur I, sovereign king of Bardar.

Official decree from the Royal Government;

Hereby all villages will be evcauted, the population are adviced to seek refuge in the mountians. Invading forces will arrive at all corners of our nation. Also our former Opressor might be aiding them. Therefor to protect the villagers the villages will be emptied and burned down so they can't serve as bases for the invaders. Also all roads and bridges will be destroyed to hinder enemy advances.

signed; Bardur I, sovereign king of Bardar.

CtP Foreign Ministry Press Release:

Yet again King Bardar has proven his warmonger intentions choosing to declare war upon the sovereign nation of Belschaft with little more than fudged evidence and the loose connection that it sees between Belschaft and the international Northstar Corporation.

We find ourselves witnessing the exact same situation we have faced with the government of Bardar and as such announce that we choose to support Belschaft in any way necessary should Bardar continue this fiasco rather than its typically characteristic policy of threatening more bystanders that are innocent of any action.

To: Whom it may concern
From: The office of General Jose Montez
Subject: The Revolutionary Army's Deployment Statistics

900,000 Elite Esparadan Guerrilla soldiers of the 1,000,000 strong mobilized PRAE are to be deployed to the Kingdom of Bardar during the potential Call to Power-led invasion. Reinforcements are also on standby.

Details of the task force:

500 Raider Scouts
500 E-69 Mk. II Battle Tanks
1500 Drivers and pilots of said vehicles
800,000 elite anti-occupation and occupation guerrilla soldiers, fresh from battle with the NAFE
80 heavy mobile El Armena artillery pieces + operators

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

To: The Republic of Call to Power
From: Lt. Taliz of the Republic of Revolutionary Esparada

You have our full support in this potential assault. We will stand by you to the last man and the bitter end. Though doubting they will ever come.

ooc: Revolutionary Esparada it looks as though you are committing your entire armed force to this operation?

IC:

Message to: Lt. Taliz of the Republic of Revolutionary Esparada
From: The Republic of Call to Power

The republic wishes to secure the overall command of your task force too the 44th Transport wing where forces will be equipped and trained in the Republic for airdrops into the mountain regions of Bardar whilst our Air force softens the Kingdom for invasion.

Yours Thankfully
President Brown

ooc: if you wish I can RP your troops should get caught up in your current RP

OOC: I am indeed. I am greatly angered at Bardar calling Socialism greedy warmongering. I do have a mobilized national guard should we be invaded.

IC:

To: The Republic of Call to Power
From: Lt. Taliz of the Republic of Revolutionary Esparada

Agreed. Troops are shipped to the republic in a couple of hours. I am also coming. Be aware that these soldiers will be put to best use if used in guerrilla warfare.

Lieutenant Sarekh was looking at the huge black cloud of smoke while putting on his gas mask. It was really happening. Operation Black Death was a success. The oil fields were on fire. He knew that many innocents would die due to the dealy smoke, and that the nature of the area would be destroyed forever. However the mission had been necessary, the oil had lured dangerous enemies into the nation, and therefore something had to be done about it. A long war was ahead, but in truth the liuetenant thought it would hurt the enemy more than his own nation. The king would not have given the order if it wasn't necessary. And the lieutenant knew his cousin was allways right in the end. The fact that he have given him command of the Secret Police was also a proof of the king's loyalyty to his family and clan. Lieutenant Sarekh signaled to his mates who also were hiding nearby, the following order was; execute any survivors if there was any.

From: Prime Minister Asmaloch
To: All Invading Forces

If the invading forces withdraw within 24 hours the Kingdom of Bardar will cease all hostlities, the royal government is asking for a chance to save the civilian population of our kingdom, if no truce is possible at least give our armed forces tiem to evacuate the civilians to the caves. Listen to the Great Words of the Prophet Jesus Muhammed Krishna; "Only the coward target civilians, while a true warrior only fight other true warriors".

CtP Foreign Ministry Press Release:

It is with great sadness that we must report that Royalist forces within the Kingdom of Bardar, hoping no doubt to punish its own citizenry and destroy the nation’s future have begun lighting the oil wells of Bardar. Estimates say that the environmental and human cost of this shall prove to be enormous as thick black smoke chocks the region into wasteland leaving an already suffering population into a humanitarian disaster.

However, the Republic air force is already commencing humanitarian operations within the region hoping to avert the enormous death toll this will bring to the surrounding countryside and with this latest act, we announce that we will accept nothing more than the complete surrender and trial of King Bardar I, his government and all those responsible for this heinous crime.

---

Message to: Prime Minister Asmaloch
From: The Republic of Call to Power

We will never sit by and watch as the suffering people are forced into caves to die from starvation, disease or no doubt your wicked schemes nor will we accept anything less than the complete surrender of your government in any agreement we shall make.

Signed
President Brown

The Esparadan government is appauled and outraged by these actions by the Bardar regime. We have begun air dropping medical and protection supplies to these incredibly unfortunate people. We also urge the dictator of Bardar to cease and disist with the killing of both thousands of innocent people and the enviroment.

Official Message from The Royal Government to the People of Bardar;

I advice to hurry up the evacuation to the caves, we have got no assurances from the invading barbarians, which mean all fleeing civilians might be targets. It was wrong to think these people would be any different than the Opressors. The government promise to do all in it's power to remove children and old people to safety. However, make sure the locations of the caves remain a secret, enemy detection of these caves will mean the end of our people.

The Royal Government of Bardar.

Secret Orders to the Secret Police;

Investigate if the Invaders have made any contact with the Opium Ring. To whom they are loyal remain a secret. They have not yet officailly announced whom they support. We'll trust that the mission will proceed wit secrecy.

signed; Bardur I, sovereign king of Bardar.


OOC;
The Opium Ring is an International Crime Network, which have gained a quasi-legal status in Bardar. They controll some Opium fields in the south of the nation, and even though their operations are illegal, the royal government have let them be alone since they supported the Bardarians during the Liberation war. However the Opium Ring and the Royal Government do not trust each other at all.

Official and Angry Speech from General Jose Montez:

"YOUR BARD(B)ARIAN "MAJESTY"! YOUR PEOPLE WILL NOT BE ANY BETTER IN CAVES! THEY WILL STARVE, THEY WILL GAIN DISEASE! YOU BURNED DOWN THEIR HOMES, YOU CHOKED THEM WITH BLACK SMOKE, AND YOU CALL US THE BARBARIANS!?! YOUR PEOPLE WILL LIVE UNDER HIGHER STANDARDS IN A FREE REPUBLIC, NOT A ROYAL DICTATORSHIP THAT DESTROYS THEIR HOMES! YOU HAVE GAINED YOURSELF A POWERFUL AND HUMANITARIAN ENEMY!

Thank you."

Taliz, standing next to Montez yells, "VIVA LA REVOLUCION!" and fires his E-47 in the air. As is the Esparadan custom of declaring official war.

Colonel Gracht from the 2nd Royal Mountain Brigade was overseeing the 4th Roayl Mountaineer Battalion in their evacuation operation. The operation went smoothly, the childrens and old people were willingly moving to the caves. The colonel remembered how often he himself had lived in these same caves when he was a child. The memories from the Liberation War were allways present. He knew very well how important these caves were and how important it was that they remained a secret. The evil Communist Opressors had used gas on these caves that were found during the Liberation War, and the colonel knew that these soldiers from Revolutionary Esparada would be just the same. Communism was indeed a evil ideology, with the potential to turn men into cowardly animals. The colonel was called Mr. Suspicious by his colleaugues, but it was his ability to allwys trust in the uglyness of mankind that have made him colonel, even though he was not from any of the 6 great families. He silently went to the radio tent and gave the order. The 2nd Royal Mountain Brigade would be the first one to engage in battle. Or engage was the wrong word. The strategy from the War of Liberation was clear. No battles, just raids. The enemies were watched and followed during the day, and raided during the night. silent Bardarian forces would move into the camp, kill of some enmeis and flee. This would go on for weeks, but the colonel knew that enemies you can't beat physically, you break. Psychologic warfare was his speciality.

OOC: 1. We're not Communists. We're Socialists. 2. We do not use Chemical weapons.

OOC; Maybe not, but Colonel Gracht do not know that. In Bardar the experience from the War of Liberation is used as a model for this war.

Colonel Gracht did not like it. A meeting with a Opium Ring delegate. If Don Alejandro had any business with him he could have come himself. The colonel remembered how he and the Don had been comrades durng the War of Liberation. The message was simple; The Opium Ring do not wish to join either side of the conflict. The colonel immidiately knew what was going on, these dirty gangsters were approaching the Invaders, hoping to cut a good deal. It seemed old friends were not to be trusted.

After being approached by an Opium Ring representative (who was arrested and sent back to the Bardarian authorities), General Montez attended a Movimiento socialista revolucionario de Esparada rally in El Pueblo square.

"BARDAR, IS THIS OPIUM RING SOME SORT OF SPY NETWORK!? WE DO NOT WANT YOUR DRUG YUPPIES ENTERING THE REPUBLIC TO TRY AND MAKE US AGREE WITH THEIR CORRUPT AND CAPITALISTIC ENDS!"

Secret message to Revolutionar Esparada regarding the Opium Ring;
The Opium Ring's business has nothing to do with the Royal government. They are a secret criminal network that once upon a time was our allies. Clearly that's not longer the case.

Regards; The Royal Government of Bardar.

Don Alejandro sat in his secret hideout. he had not been surprised that the Invaders had not treated the messenger well. They were lead by false emotions and a respect for that piece of paper called the law. He smiled when a package with the head of the delegare sent to Colonel Gracht arrived. It seemed like his old friend had called his bluff. Business might be harsh for a while, he should really leave the country for a while, he thought. However the kingdom was about to fall, and soon anarchy would rule this nation. There were allways money in chaos. He should really make a case for continuing the business in Bardar at the next Ring Assembly. Bardar was after all one of the best places in the world to grow opium. The police could be bribed, and the mountains were full of hidouts. He would leave the country now, but he would be back. The question was should he visit his Bungalow in the Caribean or his Chateau in Provence?

General Green of the Belschaft National Army sat in the back of his jeep as he passed through the Oil Fields. He had no idea how the sabouters had got through to them, but they had. Thankfully the enginers and fire crews - many of wich where Bardarian nationals, who were siding with the Coalition - had got them under control. He knew it could have been worse, but the natives had little experience with oil wells. It was bloody hard to get the stuff to burn underground, so while they had lost facilitys and dericks, the fields where still safe. However Northstar did not see it the same way.


'Those faciltys cost us 6 billion to build. 6 billion.'
The General did not know who the man in the black suit was. He had been told to call him sir, but he had taken to refering to him as the weazel. 'They can be repaired', was his reply.
'I don't care. This is an attack on the Company. That will not be tolerated. I have my orders, and so do you.'
'Yes I do, sir.'
'The Centurion project?'
'We have two hundred deployed.'
'I want them inserted, right into their heartlands. Make them pay. Give them everything they need, and open ended orders.'
'Yes sir.'
'Make sure it doesn't come back to me.'
'Sir.'


OOC- thus explaining chemical attack.

OOC- the Starfire-1X is of my own conception. It's basicly an airbourne missile platform. It's sent up to 120,000 feet, beyond SAM fire, and circles the target area. When a target is identified it launces various types of missiles at it, before contining. It has fuel capability to stay airbourne for about 18 hours, and if enemy fighters are dispatched can go to supersonic speeds to evade. However it's getting pretty old and modern SAM's can reach it - and i mean really modern ones - and fighters can catch it, sometimes.

OOC- there's more than a slight conection between Northstar and Belschaft

It is with great joy that The Northstar Corparation announces that inside its holdings exiled Bardarians have formed a goverment in exile, and have declared the First Repuplic of Bardar.The new goverment consisits of -

President; Dr. Karim Huswari
Prime Minister; The Honourable Justice Sadik Mousalah
Foreign Minister; Quatrin al'Mohandique
Chancelor; Halwa Kahn (Northstar employee)
Minister of Defence; Major Izikiel David (Northstar employee)
Minister of Education; Dr. Hasel Zum
Minister of Social Affaris; Carelia Alvaras
Minister of Culture and Sports; Mahmoud Dwarla
Minister of Health; Dr. Ari al'Zwubari
Attorney General; The Honourable Justice Anwar Karla

We are pleased to anounce that the new goverment includes Dr. Hasel Zum and Carelia Alvaras who have defected from the old regime. We hope the people will trust and suport the new president, Dr. Karim Huswari.

Official statement from Dr. Hazel Zum and Carelia Alvaras;
Dear government of Belschaft, there's just no way we would betray our ideals as members of the 6 great families and our nation, our families and clans. These weirdos that you have enlisted on your payroll are mostly traitors with ties either to the Opium Ring or the National Syndicate. We would never associate ourselves with that kind of scum.
signed; Dr. Hazel Zum, proud member of the Zum family
Carelia Alvaras, matriarch of the Alvaras family

Secret Report to Lieutenant Sarekh;

Our investigation have concluded that the Northstar Corparation and their allies in the Belschaft government indeed have chemichal weapons, and would use them on civilans if they had the chance. Therefor it's even more important that the caves remain a secret. Furthermore I suggest the immidiate evacuation of the Royal Government to the Underground Shelters. Baradech may become a target.

signed; agent Blackspider, the Secret Police.

OOC: I've been observing for a while. Am I permitted to get involved?

OOC; why not. Join the madness.

It is with great joy that The Northstar Corparation announces that inside its holdings exiled Bardarians have formed a goverment in exile, and have declared the First Repuplic of Bardar.The new goverment consisits of -

President; Dr. Karim Huswari
Prime Minister; The Honourable Justice Sadik Mousalah
Foreign Minister; Quatrin al'Mohandique
Chancelor; Halwa Kahn (Northstar employee)
Minister of Defence; Major Izikiel David (Northstar employee)
Minister of Education; Dr. Hasel Zum
Minister of Social Affaris; Carelia Alvaras
Minister of Culture and Sports; Mahmoud Dwarla
Minister of Health; Dr. Ari al'Zwubari
Attorney General; The Honourable Justice Anwar Karla

We are pleased to anounce that the new goverment includes Dr. Hasel Zum and Carelia Alvaras who have defected from the old regime. We hope the people will trust and suport the new president, Dr. Karim Huswari.

The RORE applauds this new government, and will do all it's power to place it into power.

High above the mountains of western Bardar the Belschaft transport plane slowly glided, with two F-19's in atendance. The pilot knew elsewhere other planes where on similar missions. Half an hour later he called back to the transport section - 'Green light. Go, go, go!'

In the back the ten identical looking men checked their chutes. They did not talk - it was unneserercary. They had their orders, and they would obey them to the death. One by one they jumped out, and pulled their chords. The adrenaline rush would have exicited a normal man, but for them there was nothing particular special about adrenaline. As the men, all six foot giants, landed they assumed defensive posisitions and hid their chutes. Within in minutes they were moving out, and the planes where long gone, invisible in the dark sky.

Colonel Gracht murmured angrily, another unexpected meeting. He had more urging matters to attend, according to some sources 10 of Belschaft's elite troops were running havoc in Western Bardar. The man he was meeting was fully concentrated on the chessboard in front of him. Colonel Hismair Alvaras was known for his competence in chess, and had won several National Cahmpionship titles. Colonel Alvaras looked up at Colonel Gracht without saluting him. Even though they both were colonels, colonel Alvaras belonged to one of the 6 great families, and therefor he looked down at someone like Colonel Gracht, who was a mere commoner.
-Can we get to the point, Colonel, Gracht asked.
-Yes, colonel Alvaras said still concentrated on the chessboard, what do you think of lieutenant Sarekh.
-Which one, Gracht started to ask
-Danilo Sarekh, of course Alvaras answered, the chief of the Secret Police.
-He certainly is a man of ambitions, Gracht answered.
-A little dirtbag, Alvaras answered, thinking he is somekind of special case just because he is born in the Sarekh family.
-Get to the point, Gracht demanded.
-Well, about the same time Don Alejandro sent you a messenger, liuetenant Sarekh also got a guest from the Opium Ring, and that one left alive.
-So, you mean the liuetenant has some business with them?
-It certainly seems so, Alvaras answered and continued, the Alvaras family is of the opinion that the Sarekh family should not controll the Secret Police anymore. Do we have your support.

Colonel Gracht was stunned, it would be a severe blow to the sarekh family if their "golden boy" lost the Secret Police. When Colonel Gracht was thinking about who could be behind this move he could only think of one person, Carelia Alvaras, Colonel Alvaras aunt, and matriarch of the Alvaras family, that cunning fox! When Colonel Gracht looked at the chessboard he thought about how tha game worked, the king was the one needing protection while the queen was the one doing all the dirty work.

Seregant Ghesel of the Air Cavalry spotted the 10 men approaching the capital. the air cavalry unit was deployed to check the airspace near Baradech, but when he spotted the Belschaft elite troops, the seregant immidiately gave the signal. 4 helicopters started to close in on the men. The elite soldiers recognized the threat too late. After the helicopers had opened fire, it took a few seconds, and the 10 men were 10 bodies.

Crossing the border had been easy, thanks to the incredibly long grass in Bardar's countryside, and the surprisingly low amount of border security.
Even getting to a village had been easy, one of the few surviving ones, that is.

The people welcomed them, and the elite Esparadan guerrilla soldiers vowed to defend their age old town from being destroyed by the government forces. They were shown people who had fallen sick and people who had died from the huge cloud of black smoke a few days earlier. The people dressed them in civilian clothes, and burnt their fatigues. The men were then led outside to a cattle truck (one of many in Bardar), which peeled away from the village and towards the city.

Seregant Ghesel of the Air Cavalry spotted the 10 men approaching the capital. the air cavalry unit was deployed to check the airspace near Baradech, but when he spotted the Belschaft elite troops, the seregant immidiately gave the signal. 4 helicopters started to close in on the men. The elite soldiers recognized the threat too late. After the helicopers had opened fire, it took a few seconds, and the 10 men were 10 bodies.

OOC: You only killed ten. Belschaft stated many more than that were dropped.

OOC; yup, the others are still at Belschaft's disposal. the Air Cavalry located one of several Belsschaft groups.

Liutenant Khemir Berdin was looking at the invading Esparadan soldiers. Beside him sat a corpral, who was a shepherd from the area. The shepherd had warned about the mines on the mainroad that still lay there, a relic from the War of Liberation. However the stupid Esparadns knew nothing of them. The villagers had as planned led them in a trap. When one Esparadan cattle truck blew up the liutenant had a hard time holding from laughing. the plan was too perfect. Colonel Gracht was a genious. soon there would be night though. And in the pitch black night the game would begin. The 2nd Royal Mountain Brigade would start it's first raid of several. In the cold and unforgiving mountains the last thing you wanted was monsters creeping up on you from behind. Monsters coming during the night kill some, and move out. This would go on for several nights. The famous psychological warfare of Colonel Gracht.

The liutenant looked at a young recruit looking through a binocular. it was a girl, perhaps 16 years old. She had probably been in the middle of her compulsary miliatry service when the war begun. A red bandana glimpsed behind under her helmet. She was a part of the National Syndicate, a weird organisation lead by the selfproclaimed mahdi; Imre Nagvar. The syndicate wanted to end the system of clans and families and create a Ideal State where all belonged to one family; the Syndicate, where all were equal, and served the only true leader; the Mahdi. Their weird ideals had irritated the church of Bardar the recent years, but at the beginning of the war, the syndicate had stated that they support the Royal Government. Usually the wore red scarfs, but the armed forces had agreed that they could wear red bandanas instead, that could be hidden behind the helmet. Recently though it seemed like one of Imre Nagvar's apostles had defected, as Dr. Karim Huswari had sided with Belschaft. On the other hand it could be that the syndicate played on both sides. Who knows, they were weird folks anyway. the liutenant couldn't wait for nightfall. he wanted the raid to begin and end soon. he wondered where his wife was now, she was a major in the 3rd reserves Brigade stationed somewhere in the south. Damn, he hated daylight, he wanted it to be dark now!

Carelia Alvaras sat in her office in the underground bombshelter. All the members of the Royal Government had been evacuated to the Underground under the Royal Palace. During wartiem there was not much to do for a minister of Social Affairs, but that did not mean she was not busy. Dr. Hazel Zum, the Minister of Education and Public Enlgihtment visited her, that man had once been her lover and now remained a loya friend.
-Did you not think we went too far? dr. Zum asked.
-If you mean our infiltration of the Belschaft fanclub? the Alvaras matriarch teased and continued; it was you who wanted to know more about these people, not me. Anyway it's not our fault that these invaders know nothing of Bardar politics. Like members of the 6 great families would really associate with people like them.
-Son what do you think of dr. Huswar, Zum asked.
-That silly dork, he is just there becuse Imre Nagvar has told him to be there, and Nagvar probably sent him there to get rid of him, Carelia laughed. More impotant, she continued, have you heard that Don Alejandro sent messengers both to Gracht and goldenboy, but none to me.
-With goldenboy I suppose you mean liutenant Sarekh?
-Of course I mean him, what do you think, you who has a degree in law, would this be proof enough to get him in trouble.
-You want to replace the chief of the Secret Police?
-No, I don't want to replace him, I want to controll him, Carelia smiled, with the assets of the Secret Police I could get my hands on every dirty little secret of all the 6 great families.
-With that information you would practically rule the country, dr. Zum saif with a shocked expression.
-Yes, it could be what I need to get the Alvaras family to it's rightful position. The Sarekh and the Berdin families have ruled this country for too long now. I think everyone would appreciate a little change.
-You are after the throne??!
-No, you imbacil! the matriarch said loud with a irritated tone, I don't want the throne, the Sarekh family can keep it. But during this war many heads will roll, suddenly a certain distant cousin might be in line for the throne.
-You mean... oh..., now I understand, dr. Zum stutters. Shocked dr. Zum left Carelia's office. The cunning fox of the Alvaras family was doing what she was best at. The game of politics and intrigues. During the Liberation War she had been the misstress of a general of the Opressors, and she had lured him and his troops into a trap organized by the Bardarian rebel forces. Once again it seemed that the ones who dared to stand against her would certainly lose.

Liutenant Khemir Berdin was looking at the invading Esparadan soldiers. Beside him sat a corpral, who was a shepherd from the area. The shepherd had warned about the mines on the mainroad that still lay there, a relic from the War of Liberation. However the stupid Esparadns knew nothing of them. The villagers had as planned led them in a trap. When one Esparadan cattle truck blew up the liutenant had a hard time holding from laughing. the plan was too perfect. Colonel Gracht was a genious. soon there would be night though. And in the pitch black night the game would begin. The 2nd Royal Mountain Brigade would start it's first raid of several. In the cold and unforgiving mountains the last thing you wanted was monsters creeping up on you from behind. Monsters coming during the night kill some, and move out. This would go on for several nights. The famous psychological warfare of Colonel Gracht.

The liutenant looked at a young recruit looking through a binocular. it was a girl, perhaps 16 years old. She had probably been in the middle of her compulsary miliatry service when the war begun. A red bandana glimpsed behind under her helmet. She was a part of the National Syndicate, a weird organisation lead by the selfproclaimed mahdi; Imre Nagvar. The syndicate wanted to end the system of clans and families and create a Ideal State where all belonged to one family; the Syndicate, where all were equal, and served the only true leader; the Mahdi. Their weird ideals had irritated the church of Bardar the recent years, but at the beginning of the war, the syndicate had stated that they support the Royal Government. Usually the wore red scarfs, but the armed forces had agreed that they could wear red bandanas instead, that could be hidden behind the helmet. Recently though it seemed like one of Imre Nagvar's apostles had defected, as Dr. Karim Huswari had sided with Belschaft. On the other hand it could be that the syndicate played on both sides. Who knows, they were weird folks anyway. the liutenant couldn't wait for nightfall. he wanted the raid to begin and end soon. he wondered where his wife was now, she was a major in the 3rd reserves Brigade stationed somewhere in the south. Damn, he hated daylight, he wanted it to be dark now!

OOC: We haven't invaded. Silly.

However the stupid Esparadns knew nothing of them.

OOC: That's where your wrong! Esparadan soldiers are mine experts... Anyway, that wasn't the only squad I sent in. There are HUNDREDS of my men in your territory now. Starting networks, rousing rebels, promoting republicanism with a small 'r'! Not all taking cattle trucks. So thar. :)

The men of the 2nd Royal Mountain Brigade were preparing for their first attack on the Esperadans. They where grouping togeter to plan the coming assault when it started. From nowhere missiles began falling among them, fired from an area of forest a few hundred metres away, only to be folowed by devestating machine gun fire cutting them down. Within a few minutes it was over - the first attack of the 2nd would not be happening.

Two hundred metres away, Centurion-414 gave a half smile - this was notable, as emotion was not normal in a Centurion. He slung his gun over his back, and with the others began to move away, silently, the combat drugs still racing into his system. This time, they had been quite unnesercary.

When General Green heard the new's of the succesful blunting of the Bardarian forces he smiled - an eequally uncommon event. He was a normal human, but not an emotional one. The plan had worked perfectly - the Centurion Squads deployed deep into Bardar had been done so delibratley poorly, and had been ordered to make themselves as obvious as possible. It was a miracle one was spotted, considering the failure of the Bardarian radar to pick up the big, clumbsy profile's of the transport planes. With the Bardarian's convinced they wher deployed in the interior, they never bothered to look inside their own lines. It was an efective trick, but not one he would not be able to pull of again. At least as easily.

The Goverment in Exile, First Republic of Bardar, is horified at the betryal of Dr. Hasel Zum and Carelia Alvaras. Despite their dubious pasts we welcomed them, embracing them and forgiving them for their past missdeeds. Similarly, we are disgusted at the insinuations made of our Pressident, Dr. Karim Huswari. These sugestions that he is a political stooge stem from his relegion, and the propoganda issued by the 6 families against it. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Upon hearing that 67th platoon had been killed in a mine explosion, 601st treaded much more carefully.

Cpt. Hernandez tapped in the co-ordinates of the Bardarian military installation, then slinked back into the shadow of the night, unseen.

By now the 96th would have established the weapons network plans and begun recruiting for the movement.

Liuetenant Khemir Berdin woke up in the military hospital in Drusas Valley. He immidiately asked the nurse in charge; How many survived? The nurse answered with a horrific expression on her face, 72% of the Brigade was anhiliated. The liuetenant stared up in hte roof. 72%, he thought, this is madness. What kind of Devil's magic were at use. the church had stated that the invaders were demons from Hell. First he had thought that was exaggeration, but now after this... There was no other explanation, They hade to be demons... This nation was doomed.

The news of the fate of the 2nd Royal Mountain Brigade spread like wildfire through the Bardarian arems forces. Some were terrified, but major Askas Yshen was smiling. This meant that it was time for the Flying Leopard Brigades to see some action, or to be more specific, the 1st Flying Leopard Brigade, the pride of the nation. Major Yshen loved war, he had been disappointed when the Liberattion War ended, and had never really understood the point of peace. War was the thing that made the adrenaline flow, the feeling of kill and risk being killed was unbeatable. When General konstant had sent his falchion with the order from High Command that the 1st. Flying Tiger Brigade was sent in action he had volunteered to lead the assault. This was going to be perfect. The 1st Flying Tiger Brigade would assault a Esparadan stronghold in a abandoned village. they would be supported by Artillery Fire, and the Air cavalry would drop Martyrs, people knowing they would die, the most bravest warriors of them all, thse ready to scrifice everything for the Glorious Nation. The assault would follow the simple rule of the Flying Tiger Brigades; Victory or Death. He saw the Air Cavalry arrive, suddenly men wired with plastic explosives jumped down from the helicopters. that was the signal, the major showed the sign the First Flying Mountain Brigade was so familiar with; Victory or Death! There would be no retreat, to night they would dine either in the Barracks as heroes or in the Otherworld. the assault had begun! And as the major was advancing he thought, "this would be the first great victory of the war".

Official statement from the Alkal Clan;

We, the elders of the Alkal Clan have come to the conclusion regarding the traitorous Huswari family in the following way; Karim Huswari and his closest kind are no longer a part of the Alkal Clan, and there for no longer a part of this nation. The rest of the Huswari family who do not belong to the traitor's closest circle of kindred will bear the symbol of shame for no less than 30 days, and during that period they are not allowed to participate in Clan Assemblies.

Signed;
The elders of the Alkal Clan:
Bisal Heshe
Rauas Mohil
Uswel Nagar

this is madness.

THIS...

IS...

ESPARADA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The news of the fate of the 2nd Royal Mountain Brigade spread like wildfire through the Bardarian arems forces. Some were terrified, but major Askas Yshen was smiling. This meant that it was time for the Flying Leopard Brigades to see some action, or to be more specific, the 1st Flying Leopard Brigade, the pride of the nation. Major Yshen loved war, he had been disappointed when the Liberattion War ended, and had never really understood the point of peace. War was the thing that made the adrenaline flow, the feeling of kill and risk being killed was unbeatable. When General konstant had sent his falchion with the order from High Command that the 1st. Flying Tiger Brigade was sent in action he had volunteered to lead the assault. This was going to be perfect. The 1st Flying Tiger Brigade would assault a Esparadan stronghold in a abandoned village. they would be supported by Artillery Fire, and the Air cavalry would drop Martyrs, people knowing they would die, the most bravest warriors of them all, thse ready to scrifice everything for the Glorious Nation. The assault would follow the simple rule of the Flying Tiger Brigades; Victory or Death. He saw the Air Cavalry arrive, suddenly men wired with plastic explosives jumped down from the helicopters. that was the signal, the major showed the sign the First Flying Mountain Brigade was so familiar with; Victory or Death! There would be no retreat, to night they would dine either in the Barracks as heroes or in the Otherworld. the assault had begun! And as the major was advancing he thought, "this would be the first great victory of the war".

OOC: We don't have any stongholds yet.

'Why has Esperada njot yet launced a major assault?
The General sighed as the Man in the Black suit asked the question. At least he now knew the awnser. 'It appears that the Esperadan's do not follow conventional military practice's'
'Meaning?'
'They begin by sending in infiltrators to stir up revolution, before suporting them with more men and local rebels, only launching an attack in all sectors when victory is assured. Personally i had expected a major push across the border by now, and untill then we are the obvious target. And vunerable.'
'Then go on the offensive.'
'I don't have the men.'
'Our armour is superior. Use it to launch an assault. You choose the target, but do it soon.'
'Sir'

Lt. Diego smiled. The Bardarians would never see it coming. He lay, quite confortably, under a thick layer of foliage, nigh invisible in the blackness of the night. Other men were planted in the surrounding trees and under more plants and dirt. The makeshift underground network was also in action. It would be improved soon.

Then it happened.

The thunderous "THOPPA THOPPA" of the pride of the Esparadan military, the EI-100 armoured attack helicopters (similar to the Mi-24 Hind, but more armoured and equipped with more rockets) began to pulse through the dirt Lt. Diego was lying on. Then they roared over his head, deafening him for a couple of seconds. He brought up his night vision goggles. Everything had gone to plan. The EI-100s let rip, a huge stream of rockets soared out of the helicopter's rocket pods and hit the Bardarian air base with a series of almighty, graceful explosions. The Bardarian aircraft and helicopters erupted in flames as they were thrown into the air by the heavy bombardment from the Esparadan attack.

"There go the cavalry..." Lt. Diego smiled.

Then, as quickly as they had come, the EI-100s were gone. Back to the aircraft carrier off the coast of the continent, Diego assumed.

"We got them good, comrade Lieutenant!" a young Esparadan guerrilla shouted through the radio

"That was only the firecracker." Digo murmured, "Here comes the Catherine Wheel...".

Colonel Grant of the 3rd Armoured Division was relaxing with his seinior staff when the General walked in, He imeadiatly stood, and saluted.

'Sir.'
'At ease Jim. We've known each other long enogh for a little causuality.'
'Well how are you then Mike.'
'Better than you. You are to begin mobilizing your Division for an attack on Hadifa.'
'Are you nuts?! Hadifa's down a series of thin, heavily fortified valley's and even if we get there we'll have to cross the Al'kali Bridge under heavy fire.' I do not have the men for that.'
'Your doing it anyway. Northstar wants a major assualt, and who are we to tell them whats militarily posible. You won't be alone though. I'm giving you the 6th Mobile Infantry, and as much air suport as you need.'
'So what, I get 80 M1 Abrahams, 40 scout veichles, 5,000 men in APC's and a few Raptors and A10's, and I'm told to attack Bardar's stronghold in the North East from the worst possible direction. Thats just great Mike.'
'I know Jim. I know.'

PROTECTED EMAIL SENT ON A SECURE CONNECTION: EXTREMELY CONFIDENTIAL

From: The office of Flight Commander Izle Montana
To: The Belschaft Government
Subject: Our considerable air arsenal

Is yours to command. You have 50 EI-100 armoured attack helicopters at your disposal, along with a couple of bombers and 90 Su-37 fighters. But if any of my officers refuse your orders, you may not order them again. This is an enormous favour.

Also, you may like to know that my forces have already begun their invasion. But my men are like a microwave oven.

The fun starts from the inside.

PROTECTED EMAIL SENT ON A SECURE CONNECTION: EXTREMELY CONFIDENTIAL

We thank you. We request the bombers begin bombing the valley floor to destroy minefields. They are our biggest worry, and once they are out of the way we can smash our way through, with your helicopter suport. However we need the city Hadfia intact, and would prefer it's civilian population unharmed. Similarly if we lose the Al'Kali Bridge we will have to launch amphibious attacks across the river, which will will noit be pretty. Luckily it is just as important to Bardar to keep it intact or they'll cut their supply lines. Any attack must be fast though, or they'll destroy to keep our forces out of Hadifa.

PROTECTED EMAIL SENT ON A SECURE CONNECTION: EXTREMELY CONFIDENTIAL

I advise your already inserted operatives meet up with the agents and guerrillas who have been secretly working inside Bardar since they called Socialismo greedy and corrupt. They know the land and they know the people, they already have an extensive and secret network the dictatorship knows nothing about, mainly made up of revolutionary Badarians.

We have them on a noose, Belschaft. All we need to do is tighten it.

Major Yshen was angry, what they thought was a stronghold was just a little outpost, sure full of Esparadan agents, whom the Martyrs all had taken out when they landed and exploded. The major counted 17 dead Esparadans. They probably had used the abandonded village as a base for their futile attempts to stirr up a revolution in Bardar. Why they have been there was not the point though, the point was there were only 17 of them. Hardly a glorious victory. Meanwhile the devils had destroyed the base for the air cavalry. all helicoters that had not been on patrol or being a part of this operation was destroyed. And worst of all, his superioors would laugh at him. Charging a small outpost with 17 lightly equiped dorks with the might of the 1st Flying Leopard Brigade. Major Yshen did not like this at all.

Royal Government Meeting; The Underground Shelter; Baradech

"What's the situation in Hadifa?" king Bardur I asked his Minister of Interior and general of the Flying Leopard Brigades.
"Evacuation of civilians is ongoing, even though, if I may speak frankly, I am not sure if we will be able to complete it before the Belschaft attack begin", General pridos Konstant answered.
"The 2nd and 3rd Flying Leopard Brigades are already there, as is the 1st reserves brigade, prince Orol Sarekh, the Minister of defence added, and the 1st Flying Leopard brigade are on their way."
"So, the king mused, "it will be in Hadifa we make our stand, then he turned to his cousin liuetenant Danilo Sarekh who was standing at the door to the Conference Room, how are the infiltration project going?"
"The Secret Police has tricked the Esparadans", the liuetenant answered calmly, "they actually think they are talking to revolutionaries when they talk to our agents, however we have had some trouble infiltrating the Belschaft ranks".
Suddenly the Minister of Social Affairs, Carelia Alvaras stood up and said,
"Imre Nagvar have several of his apostles in the Belschaft camp, perhaps we should ask for his help...."
"Are you mad, Patriarch Asmaloch screamed out loudly, "we'll never cooperate with that heretic lowlife".
"Wait", the king sighed and continued, Danilo, "could you make contact with Imre Nagvar and the National Syndicate".
"Yes your Majesty", the liuetenant answered.
The king turned to the head of the Berdin family, Foregn minister Oslaus berdin and asked; "Any news from abroad?"
"Some sympathies, but no one will help us it seems", the foreign minister answered.
"Perhaps that's better", the king answered back, "we have allway been able to solve our own problems". then the king stared up in the roof and said;
"Baradech might become a target soon, I recommend all Government Ministers evacuate to the Secret Headquarters for the time being".
"And what about Your Majesty?" Dr. Hazel Zum asked.
"I will stay in the Palace", he answered, "the people need to know the king is with them".
"I will also stay", the Patriarch added, "soemone need to watch over the Temple".

With these words the meeting was adjourned.

The quick transportation to the Hadifa area had gone as smooth. When he arrived major ysehn had immidiately reported to Lt. Colonel Rehesha Berdin, the highest ranked female officer in the Bardarian Armed Forces, the daughter of the Foreign minister Oslaus Berdin, and also the officer in charge in Hadifa. She had as she usually did teased him about his recent failure, the very embarrasing "storming a village of 17 people operation", but had quickly got to the point and given the order. Major Yshen would oversee the destruction of the A'kali Bridge, and then hide with the 1st Flying Leopard Brigade in the deep caves of Huxxa. When the Belschaft attack begun, which would be delayed, since the bridge would be destroyed, Major Yshen and the 1st. Flying Leopard Brigade would attack the Belschaft troops from behind. the Belschaft military would be encircled and trapped.
The major watched the bridge exploded. He carefully wrote down the coded message that the operation was completed and sent it on a falchion back to Hadifa. Now it was time to retreat to the caves. Soon the attack would be gone. He already heard the words the Flying Leopard Brigades considered religous, the words the enmey allways feared; Victory or Death!

Frowning, Diego placed the gun to the kneeling and whimpering man's head, and fired. The last Bardarian agent in the system was dead.

"How could the finest intelligence agency in the Esparadan Archipelago be tricked like this!?"

He had learnt that the "revolutionaries" had been agents. The hard way.
One network cell was down. Now we're going to have to do it the hard way.

He wiped the blood off of his berreta, and calmly walked out the underground cell. It looked like they were going to have to call in los Granujas. Esparada's finest. The elite of the elite, undefeated. The Esparadan equivalent to the SAS, the Spetsnaz, the 707th, all rolled into one, super efficient squad.

Bardar thinks we are idiots. Time to give them a taste of their own medicine.

He walked into the meeting room, where a familiar face was waiting.

'The bridge is gone?' asked Colonel Grant, making sure he had heard what he thought.
'Yes, Bardar blew it up three hours ago.' replied General Green. 'It apears that they have infiltrated the Esperadan guerilla network'
'Then we can no longer inform them of our key operations' stated the Colnel.
'Unfortuantly. Luckily we have kept the local population out of our combat operations, unlike Esperada.'
'Are we still trying for Hadifa?'
'Yes. All our veichles have amphibious capabilitys, and we have portable bridges being sent in for once we capture it. The only benefit is that they've cut their own supply lines in the process. As we speak the 5th Mobile Infantry and 10,000 Crayvern men are moving south to seize the fertile valleys down there.'
'They can still bring troops in to protect them.'
'But no heavy veichles or artilery. Get some rest Jim. In 13 hours you lanuch the attack.'
'Couldn't we use the OLBN-satalites to....'
'No! For the love of God, you know that dosn't eficily exist! If the WA knew we had that set up then, well you know what would happen. Do you want us to be on every Nations watchlist? Thats for worst case scinario's only.'
'It would make my life easier.'
'Orders are orders Jim. Get some sleep.'
'Will do.'

Mendez was mad at the Bard(/b)arians. He seethed with anger at every corner, as he fired his E5 submachine gun into another guard's head. He was killing this man, and nobody was going to stop him.

Thankfully, some real civilians, ones that were former refugees from Bardar, were now at work. And if they were agents, then god help him, he would shoot them himself.

He reached the door, kicked it down, and shot that bastard in the face.

Getting out was easy. Once they were back in the safety of the forest (for Esparadans, who are brought up from childhood on guerrilla culture and war, the forest can make them nigh invincible), Mendez brought out the GPS system. He tapped in a series of digits, then waited. Half an hour later, the E-75 fighter jet roared over the area, then dropped it's load.

A bunker buster bomb.

Major Yshen was happy when the falchion arrived. He had been afraid the stupid Yawgalians would shoot the birds and feed them to their dogs. In a situation like this a bird carrying a coded message was better than a radio. Who knew when the enemy figured out the code, the radio was in that case a liability. The mountain falchion was a common bird in the mountains, to know a wild one from a tame one when they flew high up in the sky was impossible. And so tehy flew from one army installation to another with fresh orders. The order was simple; the position in the Huxxa caves might be compromised, move immidiately.

Three hours after he got the message he and the 1st Flying Leopard Brigade had left the caves, a new bird arrived with new orders. Orders of a new hidout, the Gesmelian Canyon. Major Yshen knew he would be much closer to the Belschafts now, perhaps that was the real reason for the orders. He wrote a message in the common code and sent it away with the falchion. He would make sure the 1st Flying Leopard Brigade would be ready when the belscahfts arrived.

FROM: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
To: All parties to this conflict.
Re: Mediation?

To all parties in the Bardar-Esparada-Belschaft conflict, we address this: please, find peace and tolerance. It appears that this war will drag on for quite some time, as the tribal/clannish nature of Bardarian society will accord poorly with a forced change of government. Balanced against this, the Belschaft/Esparada forces possess the power to destroy the nation's attempts to gain access to the modern age.

We offer the use of the Blachernae Palace, in our capital of Constantinopolis Secundus, as a meeting venue for the parties to the conflict to attempt ot reach a peaceful solution. The security of this meeting would be guaranteed by the Varangian Guard, with substantial reparations due to any nation who loses people to treachery at the talks.

In the name of Christ Pantocrator, We beseech all parties to this conflict to let the films of hatred and anger fall from their eyes, and to observe the nature of this conflict: King Bardur will not suffer, his people will. The governments of Belschaft and Esparada will not suffer, their troops will. We ask all parties to this conflict to demonstrate the courage to end this suffering, this pain, by at least attempting to resolve this problem peacefully.

Given under Our Hand and Seal, this Twenty-Fourth day of April, in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Eight;

Michael Doukas-Palaiologos,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon, Sixth of His Name,
Grand Duke of Constantinopolis Secundus,
Defender of the Realm,
etc., etc., etc.

OOC; Esparada; Which bunker did you blow to pieces, need to know to continue with the Bardarian response.

The Kingdom of Bardar welcome the initiative from His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon. Negotiations for peace are seen as important for the Royal Government, but the nations we are currently fighting have not been willing to open reasonable negotiations. however, I, Oslaus Berdin, Foreign Minister of Bardar is willing to travel to New Chalcedon to discuss this matter with the mediators from New Chalcedon, and perhaps with representatives from the invading nations, if they acctually want peace, which the Royal Governmnet highly doubt. A peace conference and a ceasefire would be appreciated by the Royal Government.

signed; Oslaus Berdin, Foreign Minister of Bardar, Head of the Berdin family.

FROM: Belschaft Supreme Command, New Dakara
To: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon
Re: Mediation?

We will send a representative, Brigadier General Kelly Hawk to represent us, and Nortstar is sending a corpartae representative. We require issues of security to be dealt with first, such as accomadation for the representatives and their entourage. However there will be no ceasfire.

Colonel Grant was watching his men enter the valley mouth. The assault had been deleyad sevral hours while new equipment and reinforcements arived. Apparatnly TACCOM had spotted some Helicopters in the area, and he was told to expect company in the air. He smiled, as he closed the hatch on his command Tank. The enemy was in for a surprise.

OOC; Esparada; Which bunker did you blow to pieces, need to know to continue with the Bardarian response.

OOC: The ministry of defence! Maybe...

FROM: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
To: All parties to this conflict.
Re: Mediation?

To all parties in the Bardar-Esparada-Belschaft conflict, we address this: please, find peace and tolerance. It appears that this war will drag on for quite some time, as the tribal/clannish nature of Bardarian society will accord poorly with a forced change of government. Balanced against this, the Belschaft/Esparada forces possess the power to destroy the nation's attempts to gain access to the modern age.

We offer the use of the Blachernae Palace, in our capital of Constantinopolis Secundus, as a meeting venue for the parties to the conflict to attempt ot reach a peaceful solution. The security of this meeting would be guaranteed by the Varangian Guard, with substantial reparations due to any nation who loses people to treachery at the talks.

In the name of Christ Pantocrator, We beseech all parties to this conflict to let the films of hatred and anger fall from their eyes, and to observe the nature of this conflict: King Bardur will not suffer, his people will. The governments of Belschaft and Esparada will not suffer, their troops will. We ask all parties to this conflict to demonstrate the courage to end this suffering, this pain, by at least attempting to resolve this problem peacefully.

Given under Our Hand and Seal, this Twenty-Fourth day of April, in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Eight;

Michael Doukas-Palaiologos,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon, Sixth of His Name,
Grand Duke of Constantinopolis Secundus,
Defender of the Realm,
etc., etc., etc.

La Republica refuses on the basis that it is aware of Bardar's reputation for trickery. You could blow our representative to pieces. And we don't want a ceasefire.

Nobody calls Socialismo greedy and corrupt and gets away with it.

The M1 command tank rolled over yet another destroyed Bardarian fortification. There had been causualties, as he had expected. However his heavy armor was smashing asside any resistance. They were allready halfway to Hadifa, but there was a problem. The Bardarian airpower had still not shown itself. They were here somewhere, waiting for him. They had to attack soon, but when exactly? That he did not know, but he did know one thing - they would regret this engagement.

Re - Mediation?

The coalition tried sevral times to come to a peacfull resolution, with notable eforts from the Republic of Call to Power (OOC- Notably absent. Hint, hint.) to obtain peace. However Bardar continued to issue threats and insults to the Coalition. Also they ignored a statement from us stating that we would protect our holdings from attack, and insisted on sending trrops to observe our posisitons. When we removed this threat they declared war, and we responded, with aid from Esperada. We did everything we could to end this peacefully, while Bardar activly inflamed the situation.

From: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
To: The Government of Revolutionary Esparada.
Re: Threats and insults.

To the Government of Esparada;

We take your reply,

La Republica refuses on the basis that it is aware of Bardar's reputation for trickery. You could blow our representative to pieces. And we don't want a ceasefire.

Nobody calls Socialismo greedy and corrupt and gets away with it.

as a direct insult to the Empire of New Chalcedon. If we invite representatives of a conflict to discuss matters around a table, we are not going to then "blow them to pieces". We demand an unreserved apology for this insult.

Quite frankly, the rest of your statement reeks of childish posturing. Are your egos so fragile that you cannot stand an insult? To start a war over an insult is an artifact of the days of absolute monarchy, with all its corruption and oppression. If you can't take an insult, get out of international relations.

Finally, if you persist in punishing the people of Bardar for an insult uttered by their Government, we will view it dimly.

Yours,

Michael VI,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon,
Defender of the Realm,
etc., etc., etc.

From: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
To: The Government of Belschaft and the Northstar Corporation.
Re: Peace talks.

Excellencies all,

The Empire has received with pleasure your moderate responses to the offer We have made regarding peace talks. Here are the security arrangements We propose:

1. Imperial Armed Forces vehicles (air transports etc.) will transport the delegations to Constnatinopolis Secundus;
2. The Bucoleon Palace shall be used by the anti-Bardar representatives as accommodation. A brigade of the Varangian Guard shall secure the Palace;
3. The Bardar representative shall reside in one of the vacant embassy lots on Imperial Ave;
4. The Blachernae Palace shall be secured by two brigades of the Varangian Guard;
5. Each representative may bring two bodyguards to Constantinopolis Secundus, armed with sidearms and armoured as they please;
6. No armed bodyguards shall be permitted within the conference room of the Blachernae Palace. Each representative shall be assigned two personal bodyguards from the Varangian Guard for the actual talks.

If these are agreeable terms, please inform us at once. If they are not, please specify your objections. The reason that no armed bodyguards may enter the conference chamber is that tempers are running high, and an Incident would be bad news for the process of negotiation.

Yours,
Michael VI Doukas-Palaiologos,
Emperor of New Chalcedon.

From: Andras Lasarkis, Secretary to the Crown of New Chalcedon.
To: Oslaus Berdin, Minister for Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Bardar.
Re: Peace talks.

Your Excellency,

You will be welcomed to Constantinopolis Secundus for the peace talks. However, I must inform you that His Imperial majesty is unimpressed by the tone of Bardarian diplomatic correspondance to date. His Majesty wishes me to inform you that he requests a guarantee that your behaviour at the peace talks will adhere to the generally-accepted international standards for courtesy and politeness.

The security arrangements at present are as follows:

1. Imperial Armed Forces vehicles (air transports etc.) will transport the delegations to Constnatinopolis Secundus;
2. The Bucoleon Palace shall be used by the anti-Bardar representatives as accommodation. A brigade of the Varangian Guard shall secure the Palace;
3. The Bardar representative shall reside in one of the vacant embassy lots on Imperial Ave;
4. The Blachernae Palace shall be secured by two brigades of the Varangian Guard;
5. Each representative may bring two bodyguards to Constantinopolis Secundus, armed with sidearms and armoured as they please;
6. No armed bodyguards shall be permitted within the conference room of the Blachernae Palace. Each representative shall be assigned two personal bodyguards from the Varangian Guard for the actual talks.

If these arrangements are agreeable, His Imperial Majesty looks forward to welcoming all delegations to Constantinopolis Secundus to discuss an end to this war. If they are not, please forward any objections you have.

[signed]

Andras Lasarkis,
Secretary to the Crown.

Major Yshen smiled, the Belscahft forces were practically inside Hadifa. He had heard helicopters in the air. The Air Cavalry had arrived, and the Belscahfts had not realized there were an army foolwing them from behind. Hadifa was a big trap. Lt. Colonel Redesha Berdin held her positons inside the city when the Air Cavalry attacked the belschaft tanks. Major Yshen knew this was the signal. It was time for the 1st Flying Leopard Brigade to seal the victory. When he rose from his hideout an opened fire at the shocked Belscahft soldiers he knew they had no idea what was happening. he just had to shout; Victory or Death", which was answered by the other men from the 1st Flying Leopard brigade quickly. The Belschaft forces were incircled. many of the weaklings tried to surrender, but Major Yshen knew taht was a futile attempt, "Victory or Death" was the rule of the 1st Flying Leopard Brigade, anf they took no prisoners, to kill or be killed, the rules Major Yhen loved most of everything in the world.

In the far away nation of Elzariah, Don Alejandro sat in a Cafeteria waiting for his guest. Yesterday one of three executive agents of the Opium Ring had contacted him and ordered him to contact the representative in Elzariah. Due to Elzariah's somewhat lax laws when it came to heroine, it was one of the international crime organisation's main sites for labortories and research. It was called by some members for "the great factory". The man the don was about to meet was a known Austrian freelance jounalist, who was at the moment overseeing one of the Ring's greatest heroin labs.
-Guten Abend, Herr Steiner, the don said when the fat Austrian arrived.
-Cut da crap, you stupid latinischer monkey, the Austrian answered, what's your businesch here?
-Agent Charlie contacted me yesterday, the don answered calmly, I have new orders from Mr.X.
-To the point, the Austrian demanded.
-I am going to take over here, the don answered, you have new dirctives.
-New what??
-How do you like wartime journalism, the don smiled, someone who is not known by any involved power to be a part of our organisation need to got to that hellhole and protect our business assets.
-Scheise, was the only word the Austrian had to answer that question with.

Bardur I read through the file from the attack on the Ministry of Defence. as he had thought Baradech had become a target. His brother and the other ministers, except Asmolach who refused to leave the Temple had been evacuated in time to the Secret Military Base, but he had remained. "The people need to know their king is with them", he thought. The bombing had cliamed over 150 civilian lives, he had to pressure the military to evcuate civilians more quickly. general Konstant had snet him a request tha he immidiately would leave the Royal Palace, since it could be the next target, but he had refused. He knew he was where he was supposed to be. A servant arrived with the package he was expecting. The king smiled, no he had what he needed.

OOC; I won't be able to access a computer before Monday (euro time). Please proceed slowly until then.

From: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
To: The Government of Revolutionary Esparada.
Re: Threats and insults.

To the Government of Esparada;

We take your reply,



as a direct insult to the Empire of New Chalcedon. If we invite representatives of a conflict to discuss matters around a table, we are not going to then "blow them to pieces". We demand an unreserved apology for this insult.

Quite frankly, the rest of your statement reeks of childish posturing. Are your egos so fragile that you cannot stand an insult? To start a war over an insult is an artifact of the days of absolute monarchy, with all its corruption and oppression. If you can't take an insult, get out of international relations.

Finally, if you persist in punishing the people of Bardar for an insult uttered by their Government, we will view it dimly.

Yours,

Michael VI,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon,
Defender of the Realm,
etc., etc., etc.



The Esparadan Government apoligises to your nation, as it meant no offence to you. It does, however you may put it, not intend to attend these talks. But if Belschaft stands down, we stand down.

From: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
To: the Government of Revolutionary Esparada.
Re: Apology.

To the Government of Esparada:

We accept your apology, and note with approval your committment to case fighting if your allies are willing to do so too.

Yours,
Michael VI Doukas-Palaiologos,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon.

From: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
To: The Government of Bardar, the Government of Belschaft and the Northstar Corporation.
Re: Peace talks.

Excellencies,

We have received replies from all other parties to the conflict. Bardar has expressed an interest in the peace talks, Belschaft and the Northstar Corporation have expressed interest in the peace talks, and Esparada, while not interested in participating, is prepared to commit to a ceasefire if a resolution is reached. Pending acceptance of the security arrangements outlined in the previous letters sent to all parties, the peace talks will be held immediately, before too many more people die.

Yours in amity,
Michael VI Doukas-Palaiologos,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon.

From: The Grand Council, New Dakara, Belschaft
To: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
Re: Peace talks

Belschaft accepts most of your proposals, but objects to items 5 and 6. Amon the delegation is a seinor army commander, a board member of the Northstar Corparation, and as of yesterday the rightfull pressident of Bardar, Karim Huswari. Would you send your seinor goverment representatives to Belschaft, gaurded by two men? No you would not. Our party will consist of the three represntatives, 7 aides, and 10 of our security forces. We request that at leat one of our guards is with all party members, particuly Dr Huswari, at all times, including during the negotiations. We bellieve this is not unreasonable, but prudent.

Major Yshen smiled, the Belscahft forces were practically inside Hadifa. He had heard helicopters in the air. The Air Cavalry had arrived, and the Belscahfts had not realized there were an army foolwing them from behind. Hadifa was a big trap. Lt. Colonel Redesha Berdin held her positons inside the city when the Air Cavalry attacked the belschaft tanks. Major Yshen knew this was the signal. It was time for the 1st Flying Leopard Brigade to seal the victory. When he rose from his hideout an opened fire at the shocked Belscahft soldiers he knew they had no idea what was happening. he just had to shout; Victory or Death", which was answered by the other men from the 1st Flying Leopard brigade quickly. The Belschaft forces were incircled. many of the weaklings tried to surrender, but Major Yshen knew taht was a futile attempt, "Victory or Death" was the rule of the 1st Flying Leopard Brigade, anf they took no prisoners, to kill or be killed, the rules Major Yhen loved most of everything in the world.


It was not only Bardar that had prepared a surprise. As soon as the Northstar satalite had spotted attack helicopters near Hadifa Belschaft, showing it's typical signs of extreme paranoia, had organised a backup plan if there were more. To the complete shock of the Bardarian forces 20 of the APC's in the column opened their top hatches, but instead of men jumping out, SAM launcers, normally atached to relocatable mounts, where revealed. They imeadiatly launced missiles at the enemy helicopters, befor the entire Belschaft force scattered, making themselves harder targets, with the M1's charging the Baradarian ground forces. At the same time a quartet of F-19's droped down from the skies, launcing their first heat seekers, before tearing of to come around again.

In panic, the Bardarian helicopters randomly fired their missile pods, before too joing the mad series of ground and ariel manovers, as everyone looked behind them to see if they had missiles incoming.

From: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
To: The Grand Council of Belschaft.
Re: Peace conference.

Your Excellencies,

Your objection to item (6) of the proposed security arrangements is fair, and your alternative is acceptable. We shall notify Bardar that their representative may bring a party of similar size with him.

Regarding your objection to item (7), We would like you to note that more than one peace conference has been derailed due to extremists armed at peace conferences, who thereby caused tragedy. As tempers are running so high, We therefore reiterate Our proposal of bodyguards from the Varangian Guard to cover individual representatives' security during the actual talks, in order to prevent such tragic happenings. The Guard is the personal cohort answerable to the Emperor, and is routinely entrusted with the Monarch's life and the lives of the Imperial Family. They are loyal, steadfast and very, very capable. Nothing short of a bomb will take the life of one who is guarded by a Varangian Guardsman, and no other bodyguards will help in that case anyway.

Yours,
Michael VI Doukas-Paliologos,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon.

Regardless of the abilitys of your own security, Belschaft remains uncertain. We have no doubt that you could protect the candidates from someone else, but if you side with Bardar who will protect them from you? We however are open to compromise and propose this -

Our security shall be kept to two gaurds inside the onference itself, armed only with no-leathal eponry, such as Tasers. The rest of the security detachment shall remain outside the room, either gaurding our quarters or outside the chamber. These men will be equiped with lethal weponry.


If these security arangements are acceptable to you then our delegation will depart for New Chalcedon on a goverment yet. We wish to now the nearest airoprt to the the pallace, and trust you will provide suitable transport between the two locations - blacked outSUV's are preferable.

***OPEN MESSAGE***

From: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
To: The Government of Belschaft and the Northstar Corporation.
Re: Peace talks.

Your Excellencies,

While the arrangements you propose are acceptable, and We will advise Bardar of the change in them, We feel it necessary to enlighten you about something. Specifically, We have offered Our capital as a meetingplace because we are neutral in this conflict, and plan to remain so. Your suggestion that We would fail to honour a peace banner is, quite frankly, disturbing.

All weapons brought nito the room shall be examined and tested on Varangian Guardsmen to be cartain that they are non-lethal. Be warned; if any lethal weapons are brought in and Our guards take harm from this, We will be very displeased. We will provide blacked-out passenger cars for the conveyance of your diplomats to the Bucoleon Palace. The day after all representatives have arrived, the negotiations shall begin.

Yours,
Michael VI Doukas-Palaiologos,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon,
Defender of the Realm,
etc., etc., etc.

Then we find your conditions acceptable. We will send the delegates.

OOC: You two need to RP sending them.

IC:

From: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
To: The Governments of Belschaft and Bardar, and the Northstar Corporation.
Re: Peace talks.

Excellencies all,

The terms outlined in Our previous communiques have been accepted by all parties that wish to discuss peace terms. (OOC: Bardar, you are forwarded the correspondence between Belschaft and NC.)

We await the representatives of the warring parties.

[signed]

Michael VI,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon.

The plane from Belschaft slowly glided down towards the landing strip. Inside were the delegates, and their aides. No one knew just whose idea it was to arrive at night, but they where. As soon as the plane touched down, the passengers rushed out, without any official greeting and nearly ran to get to the SUV's. They then set of in convoy for the Bucoleon Palace, racing through the empty streets. There again was no formal greeting at the pallace as they hurried inside, due to a mixture of a desire to keep the hole thing low key, and the fact everyone was tired.

Once inside their quarters, an intire floor of the South east wing, the delegates and aides went to their seperate rooms, and sat in silence while security scanned the entire floor for bugs of any kind. Having done that they then set up a Secure Comunications Chamber, little more than a sheilded box with a sattalite phone connection, in which the delegates could talk sucurely between each other, and with their collegeus back in Belschaft and Bardar.

Oslaus Berdin, the Foreign Minister of Bardar sat on the Royal Private Airplane, which king Bardur I had given to him for the trip to New Chalcedon. While reading the International newspapers that had followed the conflicts he concluded that international opinion was divided. However, now there was a chance for peace, and he would use all his abilities as the Foreign Minister of Bardar to make the whole world see that his nation was the victim, and the invaders nothing else than brutal savages. He was of course nervous, this was his first large conference as Foreign Minister. Then he started to think about what had happened on the airport in Baradech, he was sure he ad seen the internationally acclaimed Star Journalist Hans Steiner there. Already the conflict was catching the eyes of the heavyweighters in the international press.

Major Yshen sighed, they had probaly lost all the Air Cavalry in the battle. In the end they had driven the Belschafts out of Hadifa, but the victory was pyrrhic. The forces of Bardar had lost much more men than the enemies. The Belschaft troops were now stationed a little bit outside the city, and would probably soon launch another attack. The Major was most irritated over the fact that the enemies that clearly would have been slaughtered managed to escape during the commotions of the Belschaft surprise. Lt. Colonel Redesha Berdin walked up to him and gave him the new orders, evacuate the city. Leave a Ghost Town to Belscahft and take cover in the Central Mountains. Major Yshen smiled again; Central Mountains, that would mean there was a chance to once again fight at The Wall of Blood.

Bardur I looked at the map of the Kingdom of Bardar. From Hadifa the enemy could advance two ways. the first way would be the Yawgalian triangle. But then again the invaders would perhaps not want to upset the Yawgalians by breaching their territory. Bardur I had never liked the Yawgalians, no true Bardarian had, but they had allways left them alone. The Yawgalian triangle was also a demilitarized zone, something the enemies of course had not aknowledged, but they would certainly look bad at the Peace Conference if they invaded territory belonging to a group who was not a part of the conflict.

The other way the enemy could take was Central Mountains, that was were most of the Bardarian armed forces hide for the moment. Fighting there would be beneficial for Bardar. The mountains were chaothic and provided a good shelter from enemy aircrafts and satellites. The paths were narrow, the enemy could not use their largest vehicles, anyway the paths were bad for any kind of vehicle. The irregularity of the landscape made it futile to try to navigate there with a airpalne or helicopter, and Bardur I thought, he had ordered the experimential AA Guns to be deployed a stretegical postions in the mountains. and then there was the fog, it was thick, and just became thicker the further inside the mountains you went. And all this ende with the Wall of Blood. Another good thing was that the enemy satellites would not see a squat, and if they tried to inspect the area with a thermo scan they would not see the difference between soldiers, civilian shephers or wild animals. In Central Mountains the Bardarian forces would have all advantages. And the Wall of Blood was there, and just that would boost the morale of all the men and women who fought for the freedom of their country.

OOC 1; Yawgalians are a ethnic minority in Bardar. They arrived in the country around 300 years ago in the so called Yawgalian triangle. There are some differences in yawgalian and Bardarian tradition. The Yawgalian men take many wives, and women is seen a little less than tradeable goods by them. Yawgalians never eat meat, but raise large dogs that guard their fields from intruders. Also the famous Mountain Honey come from the Yawgalian triangle, since it's the Yawgalians who cultivates the Mountain Bees. However the prime source of income is opium, which the Yawgalians grow, and they are connected with the Opium Ring. Bardarians misstrust Yawgalians for being thiefs and and cannibals, but leave them alone since they are thought to be cursed. The Residence Law allow Yawgalians to live in the Yawgalian triangle and the Self Defence Law made the area a demilitarized zone.

OOC2; Central Mountains are the harshest parts of Bardar. It's a chaothic maze of mountains in weird shapes, and the only way to get through is on the narrow paths, even though most of them stop at dead ends. The mountains are also full of caves and other hideouts. There is also a fog that allways cover the inner mountains. It all end with a weird natural structure called The Wall of Blood, where the feircest battle of the War of Liberation was fought. It is said that after the battle the whole mountain floor was covered in blood. There are still many mass graves from the War of Liberation in the mountains.

Colonel Grant road into Hadifa with the hatch of his turet open, rolling across the newly constructed Bridge. Traidtion said that he should have been at the head of his men, but practicality means that the life of a seinor officer could not be risked for so little gain. His men had already entered the abandoned city, and cleared it of the few primative boby traps the Baradarians had had time to construct. They had left in such a rush they had failed to get around to removing their own primative fortifications, wich would make holding it easier. By his order combat enginers where allready securing the area around the city, fortifying the bridges on the other side of the plain and establishing a new Operational Comand (OPCOM) inside the old command bunker, which was intirely unmined. What luck. With all the material the Bardarians had left behind, including charts, unit and equipment details and even blueprints of the palace, his job was going to be a lot easier.

That was not to say everything had gone his wayt. In the battle of Hadifa he had lost friends and colleges. They would be missed, but they're deaths would not have been in vain.

Question: What countries border Bardar?

OOC; Bardar's former Opressor border them in the north, and other states that have fought of the Opressor border Bardar in the east and west, in the south Bardar meet a Great Power of some sort.

Lieutenant Sarekh did not like it at all, in the halls of the old shrine where Imre Nagvar's headquarter was no one greeted him as he deserved. He was after all a cousin of the king and the Chief of the Secret Police. However Imre Nagvar's servants, all wearing the red scarf symbolizing the National Syndicate were not impressed at all. In their mind only the mahdi was worthy of ruling the nation, and the 6 great families and the 11 national clans all needed to be erredicated. The only reason the National Syndicate supported the Royal Government in the conflict was because Imre Nagvar hated foreigners more than he hated the king.
-The mahdi will se you now, the adjutant at the door showed lieutenant in to the chambers that in ancient time had belonged to the priest of the shrine. The lieutenant walked in and came in to a room that was cmpletely dark, with the only light lighting up the chair where a man sat, that man was Imre Nagvar.
-Danilo Sarekh, the man said quitely, what affairs has a government dog in my shrine, I already have expressed my support for the Bardarian forces.
-You have men inside the Belschaft invader's inner circle, the lieutenant answered, the royal government need a certain peace of information.
-I know what you need, the mahdi answered with a smile, and I might just have the right men to access that information, but what do I get in return.
-The Royal government will not prosecute you and your followers for heresy if you are reasonable, the lieutenant sneezed.
-Harsh words, the mahdi answered, but I will still help you, many of my followers are out there serving their homeland, even if the government is corrupt and evil. You will get what you need.
-You are certain you will get the information? the lieutenant asked.
-Of course, the mahdi answered, i am the mahdi, I am divine. I will allways get what I want.

Oslaus Berdin liked the way things were in New chalcedon. This kind of luxury was very uncommon in Bardar. Even as a member of the 6 great families he was not used to this, but he liked it. As a diplomatic guest he had been given a room at the most prestigous hotel in the capital. Unlike the sceptic Belschaft delegation he had not demanded a own securtiy team. He was sure the security arrengements of new Chalcedon would be enough. After all he did not think the Belschafts would try to kill them, as far as he thought they were decent kind of people, even though they were trying to destroy his homeland. He had as a token of good fate sent a bottle of the finest herbal wine in Bardar to the Belschaft delegation, but since they were such sceptics they would probably first have all their security guards drinking form it first. Such a shame, he thought, it really is a good wine.

Hans Steiner was astonished, they had allready taken Hadifa! that meant they were practically outside the Yawgalian triangle. If the Belscahfts went that way, who knew what they would do to the opium fields. He had find a bearded truckdriver that had been willing to take him to the outskirts of the Yawgalian territory. the Bardarians did not like to enter it themselves, they saw the Yawgalians as bewitched and cursed, and thought that they acctually ate human flesh. Even though Hans Steiner never had been in the Yawgalian triangle he knew Yawgalians were vegetarians. however their large dogs ate meat, and if you were unlucky you could become dog food. The fat Austrian had never liked the climate, nor the mountainous territory of Bardar. Don Alejandro had given him the signal he should use to call the Opium Ring symphatisers in the Triangle. He knew what his job was, if the Belscahfts entered the trinagle he had to make sure the international press would know what kind of disastrous breach that would be on neutral territory. He had to m ake the world opinion go against the Belschafts so they were forced to leave the Triangle before they would begin to destroy the opium fields. He had already been in contact with a friend at New York Times and promised him a high class War Repotage. He would show the Opium Ring that he is a loyal subject, and then he would be stationed at some more civilized part of the world.

The morning after the Belschaft delegation arrived, a squad of Varangian Guardsen arrived at the front door of the Bucoleon Palace, escorting an old, stick-thin man.

He extended his arm, and his walking stick knocked upon the main entrance's door. When a guard opened the door, he inclined his head and stated "Greetings in the name of His Imperial and Serene Majesty. I am Andras Lasarkis, the private secretary to the Crown. I am here to meet the delegation, and inform them that the Bardar delegation has arrived. I would like to ask when it is convenient for your superiors for the talks to begin."


***

The Bardarian aircraft touched down on one of the side runways of the Unity International Airport, the main airport servicing the Imperial capital.

As it came to a halt, a mobile staircase rolled out to allow the Foreign Minister of Bardar to debark from his aircraft. Accompanying it was a squad of Varangian Guardsmen, led by a dashing young man wearing hte insignia and uniform of a Captain.

As Oslaus Berdin appeared at the head of the staircase, the Captain strode forward and saluted the Minister.

"Greeting, Minister Berdin. My name is Crispus Notaras, Captain in the Varangian Guard. I am here to escort you to the lodgings that we have provided for the duration of your stay, and to ask you when it is convenient for the talks to begin."

OOC: Bardar, you got just a little ahead of yourself on the diplomatic side. No harm done, though.

Deep bellow the ground in the heart of Belschaft, the Eleven men whp decided the fate of millions eac hevery day met. Normally they would conduct they're buissness by vido conference, or in luxury golf clubs and boardrooms. Of the Eleven four where mebers of the military, five from the Northstar Corparation and the remaining two from other, smaller companies. This was the Grand Council, and they were meeting here, at the heart of TACCOM to discuss the war in Bardar, the peace process and other pressing issues. For a while the conversatition difted around with no particular topic, but touching many - the naval retrofit, the new agricultural development, the space program. And then, finally it reached the topic they had all been waiting for -

'What are we to do about Bardar? What an iritating problem. All we wanted was a share the oil fields, and now we have a war.' was the statement from the Northstar President.
'Things are increasingly heading towards deadlock, with the Bardarians holed up in the mountains, where are tecnological advantage is largely worthless. Without increased esperadan deployment we will not be able to continue as per scedule.' was the opinion expressed by Grand Marshall Kernan Dreker.
'What will we get from the peace conference?' asked the Chancellor, who had been with Northstar for sixteen years.
'Eveything we want in all likelyhood - control of the oilfields, acces to Bardar's mineral wealth and the right to maintain military bases.' awnsered a councilmember.
'Perfect. Then order General Green too hold back at Hadifa. That leaves us in controll of the north east and parts of the south. Those areas contain most of the contrys mines, oilfields and much of its fertile land. Waiting will only make Bardar more willing to negotiate.' ordered the Northstar President.
'What of the Bardarian oposition goverment we helped set up?' asked another man at the table.
'We no longer need them, except for propoganda purposes. Maintain relations with Huswari for now, untill we get what we wnat. And if we've dealt with Bardar, we can move on to more pressing issues. What of the Tabetian seperatists in the West? Kernan, i bellive you've been dealing with that particlular issue, why don't you start us off'
'Well.........'

BREAKING NEWS!

Rvltnry. Esparada, completely ignorant of the peace process, had mounted a full scale invasion of the Kingdom of Bardar. 800,000 heavily armed and trained soldiers crossed the border a few hours ago.

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

Diego was now sitting in a tank. He had absolutely no idea how to operate it. Thank revolucion he was only a passenger. Every time the armoured hulk hit an inanimate object he would be thrown up in the air. His rear end hurt like hell.

Then, more inanimate objects started raining down on the huge invasion force. This time, the inanimate objects were full of explosives. The Bardarians were putting up a fight.

The fighting began with a single gunshot from an E-47. It was single because the man who had fired it was instantly taken out by a Bardarian sniper. This was why Diego hated conventional warfare. Thank revolucion the E-54 battle tank he was sitting in was heavily armoured. Every time it hit a mine, the CD player jumped.

He knew the fighting would stop in a moment. The defenders had no idea they were being infiltrated this very second. Already guerrilla soldiers will have rigged their artillery with explosives, they would be clearing out the bunkers with a couple of well aimed E-47 shots right about now.

***OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE FROM THE IMPERIAL SENATE***

To any whom it may concern,

The Imperial Senate of New Chalcedon has observed the events surrounding Bardar with great concern.

We are and were aware that His Imperial Majesty had involved the Revolutionary nation of Esparada in the peace process, and that they had rejected H.I.M.'s overtures for a seat at the peace talks.

When the Revolutionary State of Esparada claims ignorance of the peace process, the Revolutionary State is lying.

We, the Imperial Senate, wish to make it clear that the Empire of New Chalcedon regards this development with extreme disfavour.

On behalf of the Imperial Senate;

Leo Tzatzates
President of the Senate.

Order to all Bardarian armed forces; Retreat to the Central Mountains, if Esparada want a fight, that's were we will fight them. If they choose that hell hole, we will give them what we gave the Opressors at the Wall of Blood!

signed; Bardur I, sovereign king of Bardar.

Major Yshen loved Central Mountains, so many memories, so many bettles fought here. Belschaft seems to have stopped their advance in Hadifa, while the Esparadan force now had crossed the border, but also the Esparadan could only advance one way, through the Central Mountains. Or they could go through the Yawgalian triangle and be cursed for the rest of their lives. Major Yshen looked at the Wall of Blood which majestically rose up, as the largest mountainformation of them all. There they had fought, the Bardarian rebels versus the Marxist opressors, and there lead by Antroil Sarekh, now Bardur I, they had achieved victory. Soon the fog became thick again, and not even the great Wal of Blood could be seen through it. To win a battle in Ventral mountains you need to know the mountains by heart. Every Bardarian veteran from the War of Liberation had that special relation with these mountains, that was something that the enemy could not possibly understand.

Khewmir Heleth had completed his mission. Even though things got complicated when he and dr. Huswari had been invited to participate in the peacetalks in New Chalcedon. As the aid of the president of the Bardarian exile government he had been able to get to know the Northstar executives quite well, and in the end so well he had learned who of them could not controll his liquir. In the end he had extracted the info the mahdi desired. It had been hard to get it to the hands of the National Syndicate though, but as there was a Bardarian diaspora in New Chalcedon he had made contact with a woman wearing the red scarf. Now the positons of the Northstar satellite would be known to the Bardarian armed forces, and they could move even more troops to Central Mountains undetected. Now he just had that other mission Imre Nagvar had requested. Somehow he had to get access to Oslaus Berdin's security details so he could assassinate that monarchist swine.

OOC: Belschaft, we need your delegation's approval to start the talks.

***OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE FROM THE IMPERIAL SENATE***

To any whom it may concern,

The Imperial Senate of New Chalcedon has observed the events surrounding Bardar with great concern.

We are and were aware that His Imperial Majesty had involved the Revolutionary nation of Esparada in the peace process, and that they had rejected H.I.M.'s overtures for a seat at the peace talks.

When the Revolutionary State of Esparada claims ignorance of the peace process, the Revolutionary State is lying.

We, the Imperial Senate, wish to make it clear that the Empire of New Chalcedon regards this development with extreme disfavour.

On behalf of the Imperial Senate;

Leo Tzatzates
President of the Senate.

OOC: That's not exactly what I meant. I meant we were unaware of the current development. Wether peace had been declared or not. Sorry, is my English not right?

OOC- Sos, i was waiting for Bardar to post about it first to make my life easier, due to real wrld stuff.

IC

The Beslchaft security men continued to sweep the area theiur delegates would be sitting later that day for explosives, other areas for hidden arms and generally the entire room. Having found nothing they assumed their posistions next to the doors, watching the room to make sure no one tapered with it in the meantime. One of them breifly talked to a collegue on his radio, telling him the news. The conference was now ready to go ahead.

Once both delegations were seated, a fanfare at the door drew attention.

A young man walked through, wearing a (large) fortune in regalia and jewels. Without further ceremony, he walked to the head of the table and seated himself, then spoke.

"Greetings, friends of the Empire. We appreciate the efforts that both of your nations are prepared to make in order to secure peace. We hereby declare this Residence to be under Imperial Peace: any who commit violence shall draw Our severest displeasure."

"If this is understood, We invite the parties to state their greivances against each other, and their initial negotiating positions. As Bardar is the defending nation" - holding up a hand to placate the Belschaft and Northstar delegations - "whatever the provocation, We invite Bardar to make the first statement. Without interruption. After Bardar has made their initial statement, Belschaft and the Northstar Corporation may do likewise. Afterwards, questions and objections can be made."

"Are there any objections to this arrangement?"

"None whatsoever" stated Hernan Drax, the Belschaft representative. As a juniour member of the grand council, one of the 30 odd men and women who advised the eleven who had all the power, he was allready a political veteran, having survived for more than 20 years in the Belschaft political system. There was no doubt in his mind who was the better combatant in this arena, him or the inexperinced Oslaus Berdin. This would be brutal.

"However, i will at this point issue the following documents to the honorable minister. What I have here are legal documents, delivered by myself on behalf of the families of several hundred Bardarian citizens who are on our side of the front line, summoning King Bardur, his ministers, the Patriach of Bardar, and rempresntaitives of the so called 'Six Great families' to a hearing at new Bardech, to be held at a further date. I should state that this is a private porosecution against the defendants alleging various crimes under Bardarian, Belschaft, Esperadan, New Chalcedon and International law, ranging from genocide to racism. In the papers the claimants note numerous cases of brutal supresion of several ethnic and relegious minoritys in Bardar, with the particulars ranging from forced labour, torture, mass rape and more, equally unsavory crimes. The total amount being claimed is $800,000,000 in US curency, though this may rise as this is a class action, and as is ussual more claimants are being tagged on and incorparated as we go."

He then turned to the newcomer. "Aside from that, we are ready for Bardar to lay their case."

The Emperor at the head of the table rose, his face thunderous.

"Hold, please, Minister Berdin. Are you perchance hard of hearing, Delegate Drax? I do believe that I indicated, and you agreed to, Bardar having the first statement."

"Further, you will forgive us if we take your word a little lightly. As we understand the situation, you currently control the lowlands of Bardar through military force, and the alleged plaintiffs come from areas under Belschaft martial law. If you want the international community to take these allegations seriously, then you will allow independant investigators full and free access to determine the truthfulness of these charges. Beginning - but not ending - with whether the Belschaft forces are intimidating people into signing documents."

"Quite frankly, I, personally, am not impressed. If a person is guilty of such things, the usual penalty sought is death or some similarly severe punishment, not monetary compensation. The seeking of such a compensation - to be put in a fund selflessly administered by Belschaft, no doubt - tends to prejudice your case. And I would caution you, Delegate Drax, on two points: First, do not abuse Our patience by using this roundtable as a platform for theatrics. Second, be very careful about whether you want international investigators inspecting the situation up-close. After all, accidents happen on both sides of a war, don't they?" The young man's sarcasm was stinging, and all in the room knew that he was irritated with Belschaft's grandstanding.

"Minister Berdin, Delegate Drax, this matter shall be moved to the end of the agends. It is too serious to be ignored, but I see no reason to reward showmans' tactics and theatrics. We" - the emphasis on the Imperial usage was a clear warning to all participants - "called this conference to end a war, not to serve as a propaganda exercise for either party. Any founded charges, against either side, will be investigated as part of the final peace settlement."

"Do you kindly begin, Minister Berdin."

Oslaus Berdin had seen something like this coming. The Belschafts was acting like they were in charge, because of the seizure of Hadifa, but they would not go further in Bardarian territory, since that would mean crossing Central Mountain, which was suicide, or crossing the Yawgalian Triangle, which could be seen as a breach in international law. Oslaus Berdin had taken a few minutes to think exactly what he was going to say. The he began;

"The current invasion of foreign troops in the sovereign Kingdom of Bardar is unlawfull, and a certain breach in International Law. All Bardar have done is reacting to the aggressions carried out by foreigners who first wanted to steal our oil, and now want to destroy our nation by deposing the true leaders of the nation and deliver it on a golden plate to the mad heretic Imre Nagvar. Furthermore the Nation of Bardar is sure that the invading forces are dealing with our former Opressors in this matter, which we can not see as anything but unforgivable. The Kingdom of Bardar demand a complete withdrawal of all foreigners from our glorious nation, so we can start rebuild, we also would want the Northstar corporation to withdraw from the oilfields, since we do not longer desire to have them there, nor do we desire to have a oilfields, since they just summon greedy foreigners to our country."

the Foreign Minister was quite pleased with his speech, they have started with an insult to the 6 great families, and he had answered the insult in a desicive manner.

Khewmir Heleth saw himself as a genious, the Belschaft delegation had got a bottle of herbal wine from the Bardarian minister. The correct answer to that gesture was to send a bottle of wine to the Bardarian delegation as token of appreciation. The only thing he now needed to do was to spike the wine with some of his special blend, and soon Oslaus Berdin would be a goner, and Imre Nagvar would be pleased.

Bardur I read the latest report, refugees from the lake Bardar area and the Plateau are had arrived in Baradech. Meanwhile without the Hadifa lowland there was less supplies both for civilians and the military. Already provisions to the refugees in the cave area had been cut, and in Baradech the new situation with a lot of refugees was alarming. However supplies still came in from the west and the south. Perhaps a humanitarian disater could still be avoided. Bardur I turned his attention to a report from his brother. Imre Nagvar had come through, and the Bardarian military now had the positions of the Northstar satelite, now the Bardarian forces could reinforce their numbers in Central Mountains without detection by the enemy. Bardur I looked at the package he had recieved some days ago, he wondered if he should open it or not. Inside lay the kris, the ceremonial dagger of the Ancinet Bardarian Civilization. The king hoped he would not have to use it.

OOC: That's not exactly what I meant. I meant we were unaware of the current development. Wether peace had been declared or not. Sorry, is my English not right?

...

Hernan Drax smiled a thin smile, as the Young Emperor banned discusion of countries human rights. By banning raising such an issue he had removed a potential danger to Belschaft - the raising of their own human rights record, which was not good. He cared not if he iritated some autocratic inbred, royalism was a dated foolery, long since desposed of in Belschaft. He slowly rose to his feet and spoke-

"I should point out the issue of the Northstar/Bardar oilfields is a Bardar/Northstar issue, and not relevant to this peace conference. Northstar owns 50% of shares in the fields, purchased beyond their value at $150,000,000,000 and is also responsible for over 98% of all investment in the fields, at a further cost of $90,000,000,000. This comes to $240,000,000,000 before factering lost profits if they were to abondon the fields, and Northstar has made it clear to me that they have no intention of doing such."

OOC: Belschaft, he didn't ban it. Read what I said, please.

"Minister Berdin, Delegate Drax, this matter shall be moved to the end of the agends".

This will come up later, I assure you.

OOC: RE, I perfectly understand your position. But the Imperial Senate can only act on the news releases that RE has put out - they aren't mindreaders, you know.

Oslau Berdin decided it was time for him to speak up again;

"The sovereign nation of Bardar is willing to pay beck every cent to the Northstar Corparation, we are even concidering letting the Northstar Corparation stay if they agree the oilfields will be guarded by Bardarian security forces, since every armed foreigner in our country will be seen as enemy combatants, furthermore as a gesture of good will, the government of Bardar suggest that Belschaft troops should pull out of Hadifa."

Hernan Drax scoffed at the idea. "The proposistion that we would think it pertient to withdraw from a fortified posistion we captured, handing it back to an enemy we took it from and in the process strengthening them at our own expense is frankly laughable. Belschaft shall do no such think of our own free will."

"Very well, Delegate Drax. I agree that simply handing over a position is not exactly entirely fair. We will return to this question later."

"However, Bardar's delegation has made the initial Bardarian position clear. Might we be privileged to know Belschaft's inital negotiating position - what Belschaft wants, what it is prepared to give, and other such?

Cmdr. Satrapi was getting impatient. The town had been under sige for a week, and this was boring. The last chance he had of finishing this ahead oh schedule was to call in the EI-100s. And that's exactly what he did.

The huge, armoured war machines roared over their heads and strafed the last Bardarian stronghold in the area with bullets, rockets and various other weapons. There was nothing left. Nothing to take over, nothing to defend.

"That went well..."

The E-54 tanks started up and pushed on yet again, towards the capital.

OOC: Remember, we are not informed of the latest happenings in the peace talks.

"Our posistion is simple." Stated Hernan Drax, knowing that in reality it was iritatingly complicated. "About eleven months ago Bardar publicly oponed their oilfields to international investment. Seeing the investment opertunity the Northstar Corparation, with financil suport from the Belschaft goverement and several other international companies put in a huge bid of 150 billion US dollars for 50% of the shares, considerably above their face value. They then began, in conjuction with the Bardarian goverement, to develop the fields, putting in vast ammounts of further investment."

"However, this is where things began to get out of control. A series of diplomatic threats and insults between Bardar, Revolutionary Esperada and the Republic of Call to power led to increasingly hostile posisitions being aquired, and the probability of war being calculated at 83%, due largely to the hotheaded nature of Bardar and Esperada. In response to this issue Northstar requested govermental suport, and we deployed 20,000 soldiers in suport of their 30,000 security men deployiong, who then fortified the North Eatsern areas in their posesion, and some which were technicly not but where necesary to protect the fields. We then stated that any troops seen in the area around our fortifications would be removed. When Bardarian soldiers were sighted spying on the facilitys a Northstar plane responded by elimnating the threat, which is what we had warned would occur. Bardar then responded by declaring war on Belschaft, an act of unjustified agression."

"The rest is largely known to all partys here. Since that moment there have been a variety of battles, and there is currently a deadlock in place, though one which will soon be broken by Revloutionary Esperada. However this will be at the cost of many lives. It is our purpose here to prevent such."

"As a resolution of the conflict Belschaft proposes such - The oil fields will continue to be adminstered by the Northstar Corparation, with profits split evenly between them and Bardar. Belschaft and Esperada will establish military bases inside the country to protect Bardar from the Opressors they fear so much, and to act as international observers. The country itself shall continue to be ruled by king Bardur as a constitutional Monarch, with most power actually held by a National Assembly initially headed by Dr. Huswari untill elections can be held in one years time. For them Bardar shall be split into 300 Provinces, each with one seat. The elected Assembly member will act as the provinces govenor, and vote in the assembly. The assembly will havbe responsablity for rasing and dsitributing taxes, making law and so forth. The king shall remain head of the army, head of state and will appojnt the judges. He will also have a council of ministers to act as aids. These reforms will introduce freedom to Bardar, prevent the autocracy from abusing the population and will bring posative change to the region."

The old man to the right of the Emperor (he had been introduced as Andras Lasarkis, Secretary to the Crown) spoke up.

"Thank you, Delegate Drax, for that enlightening instruction."

"Here is what I understand the positions to be:

One: Bardar wants a complete withdrawal from its territory by all non-Bardarian forces, but is prepared to allow the Northstar Corporation to continue its investment, and to reap the agreed-upon share of profits therefrom.

Two: Belschaft - and the Northstar Corporation - agree to the idea of continuing investment in the oilfields, but demand that they provide security for the fields, as well as demanding extensive political changes and military basing rights within Bardar. This is what I believe the essence of the Belschaft position to be."

"I propose a settlement largely along the following lines:

One. Northstar stays in the oilfields, splitting the profits 50/50 with the Bardarian Government, as per the original agreement.

Two. Bardar, Belschaft and New Chalcedon establish a Joint Security Force for the Northstar Corporation facilities. Such a force will not exceed the minimum necessary to protect the facilities, and will be evenly supplied and paid for by the three participants. Such a force will be obliged to abide by Bardarian law while within Bardar's sovereign territory.

Three. King Bardur of Bardar begins to establish changes to the political system. Before specifics are debated, agreement on the first two provisions must be reached.

Four. Bardar, Belschaft, the Northstar Corporation, Revolutionary Esparada and New Chalcedon will jointly contribute into a Modernisation and Reconstruction Fund, which will have two tasks. The first task will be to repair damage caused by the war to date. The second will be to generally modernise the infrastructure of Bardar over a five year period.

Five. A Commission of Inquiry will be established, to investigate the conduct of all parties to this conflict. There will be five panelists. Belschaft will select two panelists, Bardar two, and New Chalcedon one. Voting on any charges will be secret, and conviction of any defendant on any count requires four votes. Conviction on any capital charges requires unanimous agreement. Any nation involved can move to have a panelist replaced on the grounds of conflict of interests, prejudice or incompetance."

"Opinions, delegates?"

The young Emperor had clearly been paying attention throughout the recitation, and gave a firm nod at the end, endorsing his Secretary's proposal.

Oslaus Berdin decided to make the Bardar standpoint clear in the matter.

"The standpoint of the Bardarian government are the following;
One. The old agreement with Northstar is fair and Bardar is willing to continue this agreement as long as there will be no Belschaft military presence in our country.

Two. The sovereign kingdom of Bardar can not tolerate any Belschaft military presence on Bardarian soil, however we could tolerate a international force lead by New Chalcedon guard the oilfields as long as there is no military presence from Belschaft, Call to power or Revolutionary Esparada.

Three. Bardar is a nation constituted by the 11 national clans and the 6 great families. A National Assembly with a House of Representatives with 5 members from each clan (55 members) and a senate with memebers from the 6 great families was planned before the war. However Dr. Huswari can not be a part of this process since he is not a cititzen of Bardar as long as he is banned by the Alkal clan. If the the Alkal clan revoke their decision to ban dr. Huswari, he could be a part of the National Assembly.

Four. Bardar will fund any reconstruction by themselves, since our great sovereign nation has become very sceptic towards foreign investments.

Five. No inquiry is needed. the government of Bardar knows very well that it was the rogue nation of Call to Power who started the war by insulting our sovereign monarch.

With these thoughts in mind I suggest to his Majesty the Emperor, and the honourful delegate Drax that we call it a day. I'm sure both me and Delegate Drax need to contact our respective governments about our progress."

His majesty, prince Orol Sarekh sat in the secret Military Base in the ruins of Hazna deep in the sout of the kingdom on a important meeting with General Pridos Konstant.
-It seems like Esparadans are attacking villages right outside the Central Mountains, but do not dare to enter, the prince began.
-Yes, and they have had some problems in assaulting a village that was only guarded by a few men that was going towards the mountains, I really thought Esparadan guerilla soldiers was better at mountain warfare, the general answered.
-Esparadan and Bardarian troops are pretty much alike, the prince mused, both are experts on guerilla warfare, and both are freedom fighters.
-Yes, but they have show no signs to try to enter Central Mountains.
-Why do you think they haven't tried that, General? They certainly have to be built by better material than these cowardly Belschafts.
-I think they wait for a day when the fog is not so thick, then they will probably enter the mountains.
-So what are the odds for us?
-Good ones, the general laghed, they do not know the terrain in that hellhole, while every Bardarian veteran know it like their own yard. That will resolve this war to our victory.
-Not to mention that my brother has sent some of the best commanders there, the prince smiled, colonels Gracht and Alvaras and general Kessel Berdin is in charge. With the "steel general" there the Esparadans have no chance in crossing these mountains alive.

Cmdr. Satrapi was ashamed of using such cowardly tactics, but he knew that his men would be massacred if they went in on their own. And he had to obey orders.

The Esparadan E-27 bomber jets had lifted off and were en route to his position. Before him, lay the mountain pass that would soon be scorched earth. He kicked the tank he was standing beside and strode away in fury. But then, he heard someone on his radio. He picked it up and told them to repeat.

"Do not bomb the mountains! We have been told there are civilians in the caves there! Esparada's first military policy is "DO NOT HARM CIVILIANS"!"

With a relieved sigh, Satrapi confirmed, then ordered the E-27s to abort. Then he jumped into the tank, and barked orders at the men. Slowly and efficiently, almost invisible in the dark night and the thick fog, the elite Esparadan guerrillas covered forward to their potential doom. This was surely going to be the bloodiest battle of the war.

A falchion arrived with news to the cold outpost, where major Yshen was in charge. Esperadans had entered the mountians. The major knew what that meant, the 1st Flying Leopard brigade and the 1st Royal Mountain Brigade were both assigned to be the first in lines for the battle. The major did not like to work together with a Royal Mountain Brigade, but he heard both Colonel Gracht and Alvaras would participate. General Berdin was hoping to solve this war with one battle. The place was already selected, the Eagle Pass, on of the most narrow passes of them all. Major Yshen was happy, yet another battle, yet another day he could feel alive. He showed the sign of the Flying Leopard Brigades to his men; "Victory or Death". They would take positions at the Eagle Pass and wait for the enemy. This battle would be glorious!

Karim Huswari stood, for the first time at the conference. He slowly looked at Oslaus Berdin, with a mixture of pity and disgust in his eyes. Then he spat at the Ministers feet, the greatest insult possible in Bardarian culture.

"You propose a goverment of the minority. What of the 90% of Bardarians who are denied clan membership, and the benefits of such, because of who they are. Those of a diferent relegion, a diferent race, a diferent class are forbiden from holding citizenship, and are treated as little more than slaves by the elite few. I am proud to be clanless, and rejoice in it. Why are you, Minister Berdin, scared of giving our people freedom? Are you scared they will not consent to obey if you give them a choice? Do you fear a day when your servants refuse to clean and cook, to beg at your feet for morsels of food? When that day comes, hope you have a fast horse -and you will need one when your driver refuses to drive for you - to take you far away. For despite your eforts, Bardar shall be free. And when it is, and the people are given a voice, do you think they will still listen to those like you?"

Diego knew the Bardarians had helicopters. He knew his men would be gunned down. If the helicopters could SEE them. But that was nigh impossible. The guerrillas were spread out all over the mountain pass, ready for battle. This was surely going to be bloody. But it was worth it in the name of liberation. What kind of revolution gave birth to a monarch? What kind of revolution put absolute power in an elite? This was truely a crazy country. The people had been brainwashed by the greedy dictators. They had to be brought down. They had to witness the sheer power of the people. And they were about to. These helicopters were outdated compared to Esparada's mighty air force. This would be anything but easy, though. But Satrapi had a trick up his sleeve the Bardarians would never see coming. They thought they had the element of surprise. It was exactly the opposite.

Oslaus Berdin decided to answer the insult from dr. Huswari;

"78 % of the population i Bardar are members of a national clan, the others are either not Bardarians, in other words Yawgalians, or traitors like you who have been thrown out of your clan. As you well know, doctor, the 11 National Clans constitute the Nation of Bardar. The 11 clans encompass all true Bardarians, both in our homeland and in the diaspora. You don't seriously suggest giving the Yawgalians cititzenship, do you? You know that would destroy our nation, as well as Imre Nagvar, your master indeed is aware of. If you are angry because of your dismissal from the Alkal clan, I suggest you take the matter up with the clan elders. However, the sovereign nation of Bardar will discontinue these talks, as long a a hadda is allowed to be in this room."

With these words Oslaus Berdin and his aides left the Negotiation Room and stormed back to their hotel.

OOC; hadda is Bardarian for traitor.

Major Yshen had certainly wished the Air Cavalry had not been destroyed in the battle of Hadifa, not that they would do any good in this fog. The positive part was that the Esperadan airforce would be as usual. Scouts reported that the Esperadan advance had slowed down a bit. Eagle Pass was as unwelcoming as ever. He knew fighting here would be hard, but even harder for the enemy. The narrow pass would probably mean that the Esperadan had to abandon someof their heavier vehicles. That was a good sign. A falchion delivered a message that the artillery batallions were ready to fire if a signal was given. Major Ysehn could at least feel happy that even if the Esperadans had figured out that Bardar used falchions to deliver messages, they would not see the birds in this fog. And they had probably not figured out the code the Bardarian forces used. The major was still had that uncomfortable feeling that something was not right.

The Imperial hosting delegation looked among themselves, with varying reactions - some favoured Bardar's position, some Belschaft's, while others barely restrained their contempt at the behaviour of one side or the other. But there was no doubt that Berdin had played into the hands of the Belschaft groups, at least as far as appealing to Imperial and international sentiment went.

The young man at the head of thetable stood.

"I would suggest that it be called a day, and that people take the night to calm down. Enjoy the sights of the city, sleep on the harsh words that have been said, communicate with your governments, and, please, resolve to refrain from insulting each other." This last was with a pointed glance at Dr. Huswari.

"Delegate Drax, would you care to dine at the Mangana tonight? You can explain, if you wish, the background of your case."

Osalus Berdin was glad to be back at the hotel room. He knew he had handled the situation badly, but when that hadda had spread false propaganda about his homeland he could not be silent. He sighed, he knew he had to be back at the meeting tomorrow again, whther dr. Huswari was present or not, he hoped at least this would show the Belschafts, that even if Bardar prefered peace, the nation was not desperate to get it. he saw a bottle of wine had been brought up to his room. No doubt the formal thanks from the Belschaft delegation for the wine he had sent them. He decided to test it, he had never tasted wine form Belschaft before. When he smelled at ti he thoought it had a quite funny smell, but he decided to try it anyway. Little did he know that was the last decision in his life. Seconds later Oslaus Berdin was dead.

Hernan Drax, efficent as ever, had arrived at the Mangana rather early. When the young emperor arived he rose, and warmly shook the mans hand, while behind him the two towering gaurds eyeballed the Empeors own security.

"It is so wonderfull to see you your highness. I am most apreciative of your invatation to dine with you, as is the civilised thing to do. However I am suprised you did not also invite Berdin. Perhaps things are diferent here, but in Belschaft so much is decided in quiet corners of fancy restruants or the private rooms of golf clubs. Generally it is easier to come to an agreement without all the presure of oficialdom. A drink?" he said, inidcating the open bottle of fine Belschaftian wiskey next to his glass.

OOC: The Mangana is the primary Imperial residence.

The young man was unsurprised by Drax's statement, and seemed unconcerned by the two bodyguards. This may have been due to the fact that a brigade of the Varangian Guard was typically in residence at the Mangana.

"Mine the pleasure to be welcoming you to the Mangana Residence, Delegate. I hope you will allow me to guide you on a tour of the palace after dinner? In answer to your question, the Empire also has the tradition of the smoke-filled room. However, I will be breaking fast with Minister Berdin. I do not believe that it is wise to have you two in the same room. You provoke him, and he bites. I'd rather not have to treat any cases of rabies - I'm already treating a severe case of foot-in-mouth disease on Minister Berdin's part. In addition, I am displeased with his actions - they were intemperate and unbefitting one of his stature, and I shall so inform him in the morning, and it is why I extended the first invitation to you."

As the soup course was brought out, he gently declined the offer of brandy, stating "Perhaps after dinner for the whiskey, Mr. Drax."

OOC: Bardar, you may consider Minister Berdin to be invited to breakfast the next morning.

OOC; hard, since he is dead anyway...

IC;

Pando Zum, the first aide of Oslaus Berdin rushed in to the hotel room. The foreign minister had not arrived at the breakfast meeting with his staff, and there had been a call from Baradech asking why he had not made his report yet. When he saw the body at the floor he was first schocked. Then he threw up before running towards the reception.
-Call the police! Something terrible has happened!

Khewmir Heleth had seen the commotion at the hotel, and knew the plan had worked. First he had got the movement of the Northstar satellite to the National Syndicate, who gave it to the Bardarian army, the the Bardarian military could move in forces to Central Mountains undetected by the satellite, which meant there were more forces in Central Mountains than Belschaft and Esperada thought. Then his second mission to assassinate Oslaus Berdin had also been a success. Khewmir Heleth knew that cultprit would soon be traced to dr. Huswari's delegation. He needed some place alone where he could take a cyanid pill and take Imre Nagvar's envolvement in this plot to the grave. Soon all ideas of peace between Bardar and Belschaft would be in the toilet, just as the mahdi had wanted. Khewmir Heleth felt honoured to be able to die knowing he had helped the cuse of the National Syndicate.

OOC: Apologies for the delay - busy with assignments.

While the police accepted the call from the Bardar delegation, they did not respond to the call.

The Varangian Guard did.

A detachment of the Guard showed up at the hotel, accompanying Imperial Intelligence forensicists. The Captain in charge presented himself to the Bardaran second-in-command.

"Captain Notaras, Varangian Guard. This is a terrible event, Delegate. Unless and until the perpetrator is found, the Empire stands guilty of allowing a guest to come to harm. Rest assured that the Guard will do all in our power - and probably a litte more. Delegate, is there anything you can say that will aid the Guard in our investigation?"

Pando Zum answered the captain of the Varangian guard as good as he could;
-This is terrible! Minister Berdin had few enemies, I am really shocked anyone would hurt him. He even sent these Belschafts a bottle of wine as a token of appreciation, as the Bardarian custom say. If it was these greedy Belschafts who killed him, I swear to you captain, I will not forgive them! The Kingdom of Bardar will not forgive them!

OOC: For god's sake people, my nation's name is ESPARADA. Not ESPEREDA or ESPAREDA. Just telling you. :) And Bardar, please disregard the majority of this post if your men haven't got any fortifications. But you may want to take some of it into account.

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

"HAH!"

The fog had cleared. The guerrillas dropped down, as the jets strafed the pass with explosives, taking out various Bardarian positions. Then they ran forward, firing their E-47s furiously, gunning down and being gunned down. Little did the Bardarian's know, they were boxed in. Task forces had arrived at the other side of the pass, and E-100 Armoured Attack Helicopters were en route.

The tanks opened fire. Nests exploded, men flew, heads rolled. Bullets were everywhere. The Bardarian's were heavily outnumbered, but were heavily brainwashed and had nothing to lose. This was why Diego respected them. They reminded him of Esparada's freedom fighters. Fighting impossible odds to the death. The determination, the anger. They were his kind of soldier. A pity for two reasons.

1. He had to kill them.
2. They supported a corrupt monarchy, and not free republica at all. (OOC: It is his belief that they are corrupt. They may not be.)

The battle raged, heavy casualties were inflicted on the PRAE, but it wasn't going to run out any time soon. And the paratroopers had just dropped. Esparada had infested the pass, and there was fighting everywhere. There were no lines.

Major Yshen thought the battle was lost whne suddenly the 2nd Reserves Brigade arrived. General Berdin had left nothing to chance. At the same time the fog lifted as much as the Artillery now had a clear sight on the Esparadan positions. This battle could be won after all. At least the odds evened up.

General Green read the message from TACOM with growing worry. Apparantly due to very recent developments in New Chancledon a diplomatic resoloution to the war no longer seemed likely. So as to gauretee Belschaft got what it wanted Grand Marshall Kernan Dreker, the Butcher of Razorl, the man who ordered bombing runs on plauge infested areas in Belschaft, the most hated man in the Army, and his supreme comander, would be arriving with the elite First Army to take over from his Third Army. Michael Green held his head in his hands - with that physcopath in charge, this whole situation could soon turn into a humanitarian crisis.

Captain Notaras swiftly acted to pour oil on troubled waters.

"Delegate, please calm yourself. At such a delicate time in the peace process, I believe that it would be counterproductive to throw accusations around. The good of many people rests on your restraint, Delegate. I hope that you understand this."

"Rest assured, we will seek to find and punish the perpetrators of this heinous crime. How many people have visited the crime scene since Minister Berdin died?"

As the Captain asked such question, Emperor Michael was being notified of the incident. His face went absolutely still - a sign of impending rage.

"Are you saying to me, Lieutenant, that a man under my personal protection lies dead by poison?" The unfortunate Lieutenant could only nod.

"Dismissed." The word held a world of loathing, and the young man gratefully fled.

"Palace switchboard, this is the Emperor. Get me Delegate Drax."

After the call was put through: "Delegate Drax, I have unfortunate news. Minister Berdin lies dead in his hotel suite, apparently poisoned. The bottle of poisoned wine is confirmed to have originated somewhere with your party - apparently there was an exchange of gifts, or some such."

"Can the Guard count on your co-operation in this matter, Delegate? The man was irritating, but he was under my personal protection, after all, and that means a lot here."

The battle of Eagle Pass continued to rage on. Major Yshen did not know how many hours he had spent shooting or how many enemies he had killed. The only thing he knew was that he loved it. However order arrived that it was time to end this battle. A final assault that would force the invaders out of Eagle Pass. He shouted to the First Flying Leopard Brigade; "Victory or Death"! Already when the cahrge began two of his comrades fell, this one would really take the elites of the Bardarian armed forces to the legends.

Hans Steiner was restless. The Esparadans had taken on Central Mountains, but the Belschafts were still in Hadifa, still a potential threat to the interrests of the Opium Ring. It was not like the Austrian liked the Yawgalian Triangle. He liked good meat, but the Yawgalians only gave meat to dogs, while they themselves only ate vegetables. The one he lived with, a elder named Treyshye had a big household, with four wives and 18 children. He just hoped his assignment would not get more complicated.

Pando Zum got a unexpected message from Baradech, due to his seniority in Minister Berdin's staff he was now in charge of the Bardarian delegation in New Chalcedon. He felt that he was unprepared for such a task. He had never been in charge of any diplomatic assignment, allways been the aide that prepared the real diplomat. But Baradech could not send anyone else, all air traffic was suspended. But Pando knew that he had to come through this situation somehow, it was his holy duty to his nation, to serve it the best way one could.

Hernan Drax was not ofended by the accusiation - it was the obvious conclusion. However he was disapointed by it - he had expected more from the young emperor, who had seemed so inteligent at dinner. It was all he could do not to laugh.

"Your highness, what could Belschaft posibly have hoped to gain from killing that inbred fool? As for this suposed gift I aparantly sent, I have no recolection as such. We did receive a bottle from Berdin however. I do bellieve we still have it somewhere. You are welcome to that, though I doubt much assitance of ours will be needed. If you will excuse me, i have shower to get back to."

(He's allways cranky in the mornings)

Satrapi had been waiting for this. This would ROCK! (Sorry, he's a bit immature.)

"DEPLOY! DEPLOY!" he yelled into his radio.

The guerrillas with the curiously large packs hit the ground, then pulled out large amounts of equipment. After a minute, they had deployed reasonably sized portable anti-aircraft weapons, armed with two missiles and a machine gun. They opened fire, one helicopter went down instantly, while the others efficiently dodged the fire. They were not going to be easy to take down.

Then, that oh so wonderful thunder rattled the men's ears. The EI-100s were approaching. The Bardarians were in for a shock.

OOC; Eh, what helicopters, the Air Cavalry suffered such losses during the battle of Hadifa that they are not able to participate in this battle. I launched a ground assault on the Esparadan positions.

OOC: Sorry. Your concept of flying leopards confused me. Oh well... :rolleyes:
I'll just use those guns against the ground troops.

The sudden confusion when the Esparadan had fired AA shells up in the air for no apparent reason became clear when they changed direction in the sky fell down on the Bardarian troops. Major Yshen was not scared though, he just shouted out the words that lifted the spirit in everone in the First Flying Leopard Brigade; "Victory or Death"!!. The battle was not lost yet, it had merely begun. All the men were ready to die, there was one clear target. The Esparadan psitions had to break, the seasoned guerilla fighters had to be struck by panic, and the only thing that could be done to achieve that goal was to attack, attack and attack some more.

Hernan Drax was not ofended by the accusiation - it was the obvious conclusion. However he was disapointed by it - he had expected more from the young emperor, who had seemed so inteligent at dinner. It was all he could do not to laugh.

"Your highness, what could Belschaft posibly have hoped to gain from killing that inbred fool? As for this suposed gift I aparantly sent, I have no recolection as such. We did receive a bottle from Berdin however. I do bellieve we still have it somewhere. You are welcome to that, though I doubt much assitance of ours will be needed. If you will excuse me, i have shower to get back to."

(He's allways cranky in the mornings)


Hernan Drax closed his mobile and looked out the window as the interstate rolled past. The Emeperor would never know he was not at the palace. As the unmarked rental car zoomed towards the city outskirts he opened up his mobile once again -

"O'Connar, it's me. Make sure that barstards talking by the time i get there. I'm about ten minutes out right now, and i want him ready and willing. Just make sure he's alive, though i don't care if he's not pretty."

He smiled a cruel thin smile. By the end of the night Khewmir Heleth would be regreting his very existence, and would soon be reconsidering his loyaltys.

Digo fired more rounds from his E-47 at the charging Bardarians, then ducked back down behind the burning skeleton of a tank. Where was Belschaft?

Then the EI-100s roared over the battle, swung back round, and let loose with a hail of 25mm rounds upon the Bardarian horde. This was dishonourably one-sided. The Bardarians had lost their helicopters thanks to Diego and his squad, and now they were using their glorious invicible "flying tanks" against them. He peered over his cover, the Bardarians were being gunned down, but still they pushed on. An Esparadan guerrilla who was standing beside Diego a couple of seconds ago, lay on the ground, his head a shattered pulp. Then he heard a shout from behind him, a Bardarian soldier with a bayonet stood over him. The soldier thrust down with a cry of hatred, and Diego rolled to one side. He pulled out his Desert Eagle and pulled the trigger. The soldier fell down beside the decapitated guerrilla. Diego winced, then looked over a Lt. Taliz, who was screaming his head off, manically firing his E-47 into the equally manic Bardarians. Aside from the taking of Esparada City during the People's Liberation War, this was the blooodiest battle Diego had seen.

OOC: Belschaft, you seem to have a real problem reading what I write. Michael didn't accuse you. Note the "somewhere within your delegation", which was entirely true after all.

The Empeor received Captain Notaras in his study.

"Majesty, while I believe that Belschaft was behind the poisoning, we have no proof. The bottle of poisoned wine originated within the Belschaft delegation, but there is no evidence that Delegate Drax ever touched it."

"Captain, is there any evidence of who did? I want a name, and shortly thereafter I want the person to whom it belongs under arrest."

"Majesty, it shall be done."

OOC-

OOC: Belschaft, you seem to have a real problem reading what I write. Michael didn't accuse you. Note the "somewhere within your delegation", which was entirely true after all.

true, but just before you called his boss did, and he was very angry. He was feeling slightly victimised at the time



IC-

Hernan Drax closed his mobile and looked out the window as the interstate rolled past. The Emeperor would never know he was not at the palace. As the unmarked rental car zoomed towards the city outskirts he opened up his mobile once again -

"O'Connar, it's me. Make sure that barstards talking by the time i get there. I'm about ten minutes out right now, and i want him ready and willing. Just make sure he's alive, though i don't care if he's not pretty."

He smiled a cruel thin smile. By the end of the night Khewmir Heleth would be regreting his very existence, and would soon be reconsidering his loyaltys.

The car slowly pulled up outisde an old industrial complex. He knew no one would desturb them here - the entire facility was owned by a pupet company of Northstar and was long since abandoned. However that was no reason to spend too long here, so he quickly huried inside, and into one of the back rooms. There he found what he was looking for.

Khewmir Heleth was hanging from the ceiling by his arms, atached using some old chain wich had been lying around. The chain was rigged up so when the other end was pulled his feet left the ground, and his arms allready looked dislocated, and the man was a bloody pulp.

"What did he take?" asked Drax.
"Cyandide. Luckilly we managed to get an anti-toxin in him before he died."
"Good. Now Mr.Heleth, you are obviously not a stupid man. Otherwise you would not have been able to kill Berdin so eaisly, though i have no doubt his stupitidy played into his hands. However we are know left with a problem. You. I want you to tell me who you are working for, and everything you told them. Now i have no doubt you are willing to die for your cause - you have allready proved that. But are you willing to suffer for it? Obviously you are not coming out of this alive, but this is the question - will this take minutes, hours or days? Tell me what i want to know and you go out easily, and painlessly. Otherwise, O'Connar here gets to demonstrate his, special skills."

His awnser was silence.

Hernan Drax slowly shook his head. "They allways insist on doing it the hard way."

Fifteen minutes later he was back on the interstate, and allready calling Belschaft. An hour later Heleth's body was being dumped in a ditch, and a man called O'Connar simply, for all purposes, seized to exist.

Dr. Hazel Zum ran to Carelia Alvaras new office in the secret Military Base. The news from New Chalcedon had been horrifying.
-Have you heard, poor Oslaus is...
-He is dead, good riddance, Carelia answered with a smile.
-You already know??
-Of course I know, everything Goldenboy know, I know, never forget that.
-Do you really think the Belschafts killed him?
-Don't be silly, you know the Belschafts as well as I do, it's not their style, this smell like Imre Nagvar.
-The National Syndicate?? Aren't they on our side??
-They are not on someone's side, and there is allways a price to pay when asking someone for a favor, this time the price happened to be that stinking Berdin.
-You knew this would happen?
-I knew something would happen, Carelia answered calmly.
-We should investigate the national Syndicate at once! Imre Nagvar can't get away with this!
-Are you a dimwit, or what, we are in the middle of a war, we need the National Syndicate for now, they have followers fighting in our armed forces. We need every man and woman this nation has to win this war.
-Then, he is untouchable??
-For now, but believe me when this war is over he and all the rest of the National Syndicate will pay. But Hazel, how is your son doing now? I heard he now is in charge of the delegation in New Chalcedon.
-He is very nervous, I don't think he can handle it, we should send someone more experienced.
-You know we can't, anyway if he pull through, the Alvaras family is quite ready to support his nomination to the position as Foreign Minister, we wouldn't like another Berdin to take that place, would we?
-Pando, Foreign Minister? You aren't serious??
-Who knows, Carelia smiled, at least he is not a Sarekh or a Berdin, but he really should stop seeing that Jislaka Berdin, and instead meet a nice Alvaras girl.
Dr. Hazel Zum strongly doubted there were any nice Alvaras girls. One thing was sure though, the cunning fox was intriguing like never before.

Major Yshen saw the bloody battle continue, neither side seemed to get the advantage they wanted, when the order came to send in the Martyrs, the major was not surprised. Charged with explosives the Martyrs charged against the Esparadans, knowing they would die for their homeland, while taking many enemies with them. The Major knew there would be no retreat. This battle would go on until on of the armies fighting would be completely anhiliated.

Men were running out, the next paratrooper battalion had been delayed, and Diego was almost out of ammo. The offensive was sure to be a failure.

Then another blast from the opposite end of the pass. The reinforcement task forces had come. Diego and Taliz, now rejuvenated with morale, reloaded and pushed forward against the Bardarians, while the other forces at the other end of the pass begen firing upon the Bardarian strong points. They were boxed in.

Kernan Dreker sat in his new office in the Govenors pallace in Hadifa. He had a matter of hours ago received a message from Belschaft informing him of a change of plans, by order of the Grand Council itself - they'd voted without him. The first army would now push southwards, to deal with Imre Nagvar who had dared to meddle in Belschaft's buisness. He had spent the last hour ploting a course to his main temple, and as far as he was aware the man himself. The route went through the so called Yawgalian Triangle, but as far as he was concerned this was enemy teritory. Before he left to join his men he called General Green to his office -

"Michael, i presume you are aware of the new situation?"
Yes sir, i am."
"Good. As of now i am leaving for the frontline. You are now commander OPCOM. I wish you and the third the best of luck - the first is moving out."

And with that he left.

Captain Notaras appeared at the door of the residence assigned to the Belschaft Delegation.

When the door was opened, he said, "My name is Crispus Notaras, Captain in the Imperial Varangian Guard, assgined to investigating the murder of Minister Oslaus Berdin. I would like to speak with Delegate Drax, please. It is regarding the murder, but it is strictly investigatory - we would like to clear Belschaft's name as soon as possible, so that the murderer may be found more easily."

"Is Delegate Drax available?"

Hans Steiner had prepared the Yawgalian militas to protect the opium fields. The Belschafts showed signs to be willing to cross the Triangle, the Opium Ring had made it clear that the opium fileds could not be hurt. Also, hans himself had a role to play, as a journalist he would make a tremendous report about Belschaft war crimes in the Yawgalian Traingle against the brave and neutral Yawgalian people. The journalist made sure all his gears were still functioning. He knew he would probably put himself in danger by doing this, but the real danger would be what the Opium Ring does to those not following orders.

From a safe distance General Berdin was following the fighting, the Esparadan reinforcements meant that the battle had became hopeless. He knew many of the men, especially the First Flying Leopard Brigade would be offensed by his orders, but retreat was the only thing left to do. Colonel Gracht nodded at his signal a gave himself the orders to retreat. Colonel Alvaras was totally preoccupied with yet another game of chess against himself. There was another matter too, as soon as the men were out of Eagle Pass, the secret explosives wired around the pass would go off. That would completely destroy the pass and force the Esparadans to find another way to advance. Meanwhile the Bardarian forces would regroup at the same place where freedom was won las time, at the Wall of Blood.

The Bardarians reluctantly turned, firing back as they went.

"VIVA ESPARADA! VIVA LA REVOLUCION!!" the guerrillas yelled. Then they ducked as the huge explosion ripped through the pass. Rocks tumbled down, blocking the route.

"DAMNIT!" Diego yelled. Ah, well. He now knew that he hadn't continuously climbed around the jungle covered mountains of Esparada during the People's Liberation War for nothing. Some of the men began their ascent, while helicopters flew over the huge pile of rubble. They would meet up with the Belschaft forces in the next province. Then they would march on the capital, if Belschaft agreed to help, of course.

The revolutionary force of Esparada, slowly put surely, moved forward.

Kernan Dreker stood on the hilltop, viewing the distant Bardarian lines through a pair of binoculars. Due to the Esperadan advance this was the only enemy line defending the souther passes from Hadifa. He knew once he smashed them then his men would have a straight run to the south, and both Bardars breadbasket and that relegious quack Imre Nagvar would be his. This would be another great victory for Belschaft. He passed the binoculars to an aide and walked to the nearbye helicopter. As soon he was in it rose to join the ideling air cavalry.

The Belschaft 1st Air Cavalry where veterans. Every man in the 1at army was, and they where all enanched. But few had more experience than the Air Cav. At their front where 20 Apache helicopters, which would form the initial assault. They where then followed by more than 40 older helicopters, vietnam style. In each one was a squad of elite infantry, and it was these men he know joined. As the Air Cav began to move forwards Dreker yelled - "Turn on the Wagner."

"Duh duh duh duh der, Duh duh duh der, Duh duh duh duh der, Duh duh duh der......"

"Give them hell boys."

OC- If you don't get the refernce watch apocolypse now -ASSOUME FILM!!!!

Captain Notaras appeared at the door of the residence assigned to the Belschaft Delegation.

When the door was opened, he said, "My name is Crispus Notaras, Captain in the Imperial Varangian Guard, assgined to investigating the murder of Minister Oslaus Berdin. I would like to speak with Delegate Drax, please. It is regarding the murder, but it is strictly investigatory - we would like to clear Belschaft's name as soon as possible, so that the murderer may be found more easily."

"Is Delegate Drax available?"

The gaurd who had met him responded curtly.

"Belschaft has every intention to co-operate fully and denies fully any involvement. Minister Drax has allready spoken to your emperor, but i am sure he would be happy to give you any information you still require."

With that he opened the door, where within stood two more gaurds.

"I'm afraid sir you will have to hand over your weapon and agree to scanning before you can go any further."

Cmdr. Satrapi, through his binoculars, observed the Belschaft advance from his tank at the other side of the destroyed pass. The last of the force was making its way over the rubble and forming up in ranks. As the last guerrillas fell in, the entire force dispersed into the forest and advanced stealthily towards the Bardarian lines. While the tank battalions and the mechanized infantry advanced on the conventional path. The Bardarians -and even Belschaft- had no way of knowing about the first guerrilla group, unless there were MORE spies in his ranks. He grimaced at the thought of the best intelligence agency in the region being tricked by collaborators. It seems these people were too brainwashed to understand what free republica is.

OOC- Esparada, i'm confused now. I'm attacking a long way to your south - how can you see my men?

Captain Notaras reluctantly handed over his weapon, and followed the aide inside the building to meet with Delegate Drax.

Upon arrival, Capt. Notaras began without preamble:

"Delegate Drax, we in the Varangian Guard have diligently investigated the murder of Minister Berdin. We have discovered, thanks to the luggage inspections of both delegations, that neither party brought the poisoned brandy to New Chalcedon. We have also discovered, by tracking down and questioning the courier who delivered the brandy, that you did in fact NOT send it to Minister Berdin's suite of his hotel."

"We matched the description that the courier gave us to one Khewmir Haleth, apparently a Bardarian collaborator, who arrived as part of the Belschaft delegation. Apparently, he also figures large as a eyewitness to alleged Bardarian atrocities against their own people."

"May I please speak with him, to find what he has to say about all of this?"

The Esparadan forces had one great obstacle left if they wanted to exit Central mountains and reach Lake Bardar. That was the Wall of Blood, the enormous mountain wall where the last battle against the Opressors had been fought. A statutue of Antroil Sarekh, now known as bardur I, the hero who had given victory and freedom to the people of Bardar had been placed as a memrial for the battle. mass graves, both Bardarian and Opressors laid everywhere in the landscape. The Wall of Blood was the last test for any army trying to reach the lake area and the lowlands. Major Yshen was confident this was the place the battle would be solved at. Here all veterans felt a certain feeling, the feeling of freedom that had been won here, and here General Berdin had decided to fight.

Imre Nagvar had heard the news about belschaft moving towards the Yawgalian triangle. He knew that the defences at the temples, with twenty loyal guards would fall immidiately if the foreigners made it here. even though he was divine, the mahdi decided to leave his temple. he decided to seek refuge at the secret military base, the headquarters of the Bardarian armed forces, which only a selected few knew it's location. He knew General Konstant would not want him there, but they would have no choice, his influence was just too big. but he also knew that once this war was over the Royal Government would try him for treason and heresy and have him killed even before the trial was over, well, he was not a mahdi for nothing, a divine being always survive somehow.

Pando Zum used the private line New Chalcedon had given the Bardarian delegation.
-I-is th-this h-his Majesty t-the Emperor's office? Th-the Bardarian delegation really w-want t-to talk to His Majesty. It's about t-the Belschaft advance t-towards the Yawgalian Triangle.

"I'm afraid no one has seen Khewmir Haleth since yesterday" responded Hernan Drax. "I can assue you that i have people out looking for him, as we are very worried for him. He may come to some harm."
"If we do find sometging then i'll be certain to pass the information on. If you want to know any more about him then i'm afraid you'll have to ask Dr.Huswari, as he was his aide. I know very little about Haleth, and i assue you that is unusual."

The 20 Apache helicopter silently - well almost silently - glided towards the Bardarian battle line. Their objective was simple - destroy any portible SAM or radar sites the Bardarians had, and then hunt for targets of opertunity working their way down the threat index - Anti-Air guns, tanks, jeeps, infatry, etc. They where almost on top of the Bardarians before they were spoted - a man waering a red head scarf pointed and began firing an AK-47. The Apaches responded with chaingun fire, before launcing radar seeking missiles.

OOC- Esparada, i'm confused now. I'm attacking a long way to your south - how can you see my men?

OOC: We're on the mountains. We can see nigh the whole nation from the summits. I think...

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

The Hind-like EI-100s flew forward, preforming the recon before the attack. The Bardarian forces had assembled at some giant mountain wall, near a large statue. The pilots took their photos and turned back. The planning of the attack was made overnight, and was completely foolproof.

The advance began the next morning. The huge mass of battle tanks sped across the hills towards the wall. It was an all-out assault on the Bardarian army. The tanks opened fire, mostly missing as they were rather far away, but some clipping the Bardarian ranks. Then the mechanized advanced, 500 large APCs full of more than a thousand soldiers started toward the lines. The guerrillas deployed and took their positions, then readied their weapons. The Bardarians were definitely going to put up a fight and a dent in the Espardan force. But this was just half of it, as the other half of the Esparadan invasion force had not entered the mountains at all and had gone to meet up with Belshaft just at the start of the invasion. Even if Esparada was weakened here, it would not be weakened overall.

Satrapi put up his hand, then slashed down. The guerrillas attacked. The battle had begun.

The battle had begun, Major Yshen got the same feeling as last time he fought at The Wall of Blood. The feeling that the fate of a nation was depending on this battle, if the Bardarian forces lost the nation was surely doomed. He shouted orders to the Artillery, which immidiately opened fire. Then it happened, the mist returned, suddenly everything became grey. he ordered the Artillery to stop fire. They wouldn't see anything anyway. No one would, but the real difference between Bardarians and Esparadan here was that the Bardarian forces knew this place like no one else, and could fight very well without seeing the landscape around them. He saw thst the 2nd Cavalry Batallion was ready for the first charge. The cavalry would proabably be easier to detect, they would look as big shadows, but they were faster, and Colonel Gracht had ordered them to harass the enemy, strike and return. Create an atmosphere of terror and panic, his speciality. When that was done, major yshen would strike with the First flying Leopard Brigade. Things immediately looked much better.

Imre Nagvar appreciated the Secret Military Base, but he was not really welcomed by the Bardarian Armed Forces and the Royal Government. Only Carelia Alvaras had smiled at his arrival, but he knew her smile was false, she was known as master of intrigues. Anyway, soon all of them would be dead, and the nation would finally be united as one Syndicate. A Nation where all were the same, where differences between status and gender were eradicated, where all were equal serving a great mahdi, the only true leader, just as prphets had promised. The mahdi knew this day would arrive soon.

Hans Steiner did not like it, Belschaft soldiers inside the Yawgalian Triangle. One village had already been occupied, the only positive thing was there were no Opium Fields close to that village. But if the advance went any further the Belschafts would find the fields, all of them. It was time to do what he does best, he showed his journalist passport to the guards. He was a journalist, and he would make a good report about the "Crimes against Humanity" the Belschaft army was conducting. Soon the international opinion would turn against the Belschafts, and they would not dare take any step further in the Triangle.

OOC- You haven't responded to me attacking you, so i'll assume i won.

Hans Steiner did not like it, Belschaft soldiers inside the Yawgalian Triangle. One village had already been occupied, the only positive thing was there were no Opium Fields close to that village. But if the advance went any further the Belschafts would find the fields, all of them. It was time to do what he does best, he showed his journalist passport to the guards. He was a journalist, and he would make a good report about the "Crimes against Humanity" the Belschaft army was conducting. Soon the international opinion would turn against the Belschafts, and they would not dare take any step further in the Triangle.

At the same time a huge Armoured Column of Belschaft Tanks and Mobile Infantry was moving south westerdly. Theyre orders were simple and had also been passed to 90,000 other men. Move through this area at high speed crushing all resitance, and circumnavigate the central mountains. Other specialised units would deal with high priority targets, while they would form the hammer to Esparada's anvil.

The Captain sighed with the vexation of an investigator whose investigation has been delayed.

"Very well, Delegate Drax. Might I speak with Dr. Haleth, then?"

***

The aide picked up the telephone.

"You wish to speak to His Majesty? Certainly. A car will be around to pick up the delegate and two bodyguards in a few minutes."

When the sleek black limousine arrived, Delegate Zum was invited within for the trip to the Mangana Palace. Not having been invited to the grand structure before, Delegate Zum could only conclude that the enormous structure the vehicle stopped at was the Mangan Palace, Imperial Residence.

A page greeted him upon entry to the Palace.

"Delegate Zum? The Emperor's working office is this way. Please follow me."

(Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Palais_de_Monaco.jpg - taken from the Prince of Monaco's Palace.)

OOC- You haven't responded to me attacking you, so i'll assume i won.



At the same time a huge Armoured Column of Belschaft Tanks and Mobile Infantry was moving south westerdly. Theyre orders were simple and had also been passed to 90,000 other men. Move through this area at high speed crushing all resitance, and circumnavigate the central mountains. Other specialised units would deal with high priority targets, while they would form the hammer to Esparada's anvil.


The Bardarian Army have no troops in the Yawgalian Traingle, it's demilitarized zone. To be honest the Bardarian care little what happen to the Yawgalians, as they are seen as thieves, bandits and traitors.

Pando Zum was overwhelmed by the Imperial Palace. As he entered the Emperor's office he stuttered;
-Y-your Imperial Highness, there's a most utter matter we need to discuss, the B-belschaft army have advanced to the Yawgalian T-triangle. Even though it's a demilitarized zone, and the home territory of the n-neutral Yawgalian people. T-this can't be accpted. It's a c-criminal act!

Hans Steiner liked how the story had unfolded; vicious acts agianst innocent Yawgalian civilians. Destruction of villages. Soon this would be at the first page of New York Times, and shortly afterwards the entire international community would turn against Belschaft. The invaders had not really cared about the Opium Fields, but as long as military presence existed in the Triangle, transportation to the customers and the heroin factories stood still, Hans Steiner knew the Opium Ring would not accept that. Then there was another issue, a agent from the Bardarian Secret Police called Danilo Sarekh had contacted him and invited him to a meeting at the Bardarian Secret Military base. Was it a trap, or could a new agreement between the Bardarian government and the Opium Ring be in the making. Hans Steiner knew this was a good opportunity, almost too good to be wasted. If it was a trap, it was unfortunate, but there was a factor that was worrying him. Someone in the Royal Government knew his affiliation with the Opium Ring.

Phone Conference between Bardur I and Prince Orol Sarekh;
Bardur I: "We have stalled the Esparadan mainforce at the Wall of Blood, we are currently winning that battle, but another Esparadan force is teaming up with the Belschafts."
Prince Orol: " They will only find Imre Nagvar's abandoned temple. He and his staff have unfortunately moved here. The more worrying thing is that the enemy will reach lake Bardar from the south. If we lose at the wall of Blood they will also reach the lake from the east side. Once they cross the lake they will reach the Plateau region."
Bardur I: "We can't hold Pesche, the city was never designed to be defended in battle, we have to assume the Plateau will be occupied very soon."
Prince Orol: "then they can advance to Western mountains and Baradech! You should really leve the city and come here to the Secret Military base now!"
Bardur I: "No, we shall stop the enemy at Baradech, I shall lead the defences myself. Orol, you did get the package I sent you?
Prince Orol: "Yes, brother, I got it".

"I see, Delegate Zum. I will ask Delegate Drax to explain the actions of his nation as soon as possible. Thank you for bringing this to my attention."

"Oh, may I have a copy of the transmissions? Nothing sensitive, of course - I just want something to confront Delegate Drax with."

After Delegate Zum left, the Emperor turned to his private secretary.

"Bisir, get the Belschaft delegation on the telephone. No need to bother Andras with this - I'll relay it to him myself tonight."

When the member of the Belschaft delegation answered the telephone, Michael spoke coldly and clearly: "Inform Delegate Drax that I wish to speak to him via vidconference immediately. There is such a link in each embassy building - We will accept no excuses." The emphasis on the royal plural was by way of a fair warning to the Delegate - this matter was serious.

The force had been weakened, Satrapi knew that. But he hadn't emptied his sleeve yet. The Esparadans had been trained to fight in mist and fog, they were not ignorant conventional soldiers.

A burst of gunfire came from the bushes, as the guerrillas that had broken off before the advance ambushed the preoccupied Bardarians, the Bardarians were startled and began firing into the bushes blindly, while the mechanized advanced, attempting to push them back towards the wall, where they would once again be boxed in.

Jesus Solano sat on a hillside, calmly observing the temple. It seemed deserted, but he couldn't take any chances. The temple was thoroughly checked for bombs and booby traps before it was investigated further. Once they found nothing, the Esparadan guerrilla force moved on stealthily.

Soon, he saw the dust rising on the horizon. It was a Belschaft tank brigade. He emerged from the bushes, E-47 raised in a sign of peace, and asked a Belschaft soldier where the commander was.

The tank comander in the firts M1 waved him towards the middle of the column. When Jesus got there he was greated by a a middle aged man.
"What the hell can i do for you soldier?"

"I see, Delegate Zum. I will ask Delegate Drax to explain the actions of his nation as soon as possible. Thank you for bringing this to my attention."

"Oh, may I have a copy of the transmissions? Nothing sensitive, of course - I just want something to confront Delegate Drax with."

After Delegate Zum left, the Emperor turned to his private secretary.

"Bisir, get the Belschaft delegation on the telephone. No need to bother Andras with this - I'll relay it to him myself tonight."

When the member of the Belschaft delegation answered the telephone, Michael spoke coldly and clearly: "Inform Delegate Drax that I wish to speak to him via vidconference immediately. There is such a link in each embassy building - We will accept no excuses." The emphasis on the royal plural was by way of a fair warning to the Delegate - this matter was serious.

Hernan Drax activated the video link about half an hour later. When he saw the young emperor, swelled up in all is indignat and pompus rage he was briefly curoious about what had hapened to bring about this anger. Perhaps they had found the body. Never mind though, he had more important things to deal with.

"I'm so sorry your highness, it took my men a while to reasemble the videolink. They took it apart as it could be activated remotley. Can I help you?"

OOC: Michael doesn't swell with rage - he goes cold and formal. Please don't assign emotions that aren't to my characters.

"Delegate Drax, I am under the impression that the Yawgalian Triangle is a demilitarised zone. Am I correct in this impression?"

"Bardar has aparantly claimed so. However it is located in the middle of their nation and covers one of the main routes too their capital. If they are too lazy to defend themselves then they should expect us too take advatage. Now your heigness, what can i do fo you?"

OOC- sos. the significance you placed on the 'we' sugests pompussness and indignat rage.

OOC: One can emphasise words without pompousness....

IC:

"Delegate, let us not mince words. Given that Bardar designated the area demilitarised, one can assume that they stationed no forces in it. The Empire will immediately dispatch observers to ensure that the civilians in the region are not mistreated."

"Regarding negotiations, we must come to an agreement. The new Bardarian delegate is callow and unsure of himself, and I am not willing to let another Versailles happen on my territory." (OOC: look up the treaty of Versailles if you're not sure what I mean)

"Given that you were so rudely interrupted, first by Minister Berdin at the conference, and then by his death, I must ask: what exactly does Belschaft want?"

"Also, allow me to clarify: I am not implying that Belschaft ordered Minister Berdin's death. Such data as Imperial Intelligence has turned up indicates that that the fanatic Imre Nagvar was behind it, although it wouldn't stand up in court. However, the fact that the assassin was part of the Belschaft delegation will look bad."

Major Yshen had realized the Esparadan trick. His guts and his experience of Central Mountains told him the new direction to advance at, they had just lost a few men, it could have been worse. A signal came from the Cavalry, they had made a new successful raid. now the tensions were high among the enemy. Better to stay and fire against their position than advance. The Cavalry made another raid. Once again a few Esparadan were killed before the cavalry again disappeared in the shadows. Major Yshen decided they would await a few more raids before they advanced.

Bardur I assessed the new information. Evacuation of the City of Pesche would soon be completed. As soon as the enemy had crossed the lake they would reach that city, and it was not built for battle. Better to let them find it abandoned. Defensive walls and fences were built all over Baradech. The city would become a battlefield, and preparations were being made in haste. He had also ordered a ration of the water supply both to the army and the civilian population, when the enemy reached the lake area, the free men and women of Bardar would lose their source of water, and the enemy just might poison the lake, you never knew with these kind of savages. Soldiers had started to arrive in the city in large numbers. The king looked at the kris, the ceremonial dagger of the Ancient Kingdom of Bardar, which he had ordered to be delivered from the Temple. Asmolach had protested at first, but then he had given in. The king knew his old friend knew what he had planned, and he had no reason to protest, the Prime Minister himself had stayed to guard the Temple, instead of retreating to the Secret Military Base.

Pando Zum literary jumped up the roof when saw the first page of the New York Times in the morning. The well known journalist Hans Steiner had uncovered serious crimes against humanity conducted by the Belscahft army in the Yawgalian Triangle. Now they could not hide it anymore. The Belschafts were nothing more than scum. Pando knew this was a golden opportunity. Even though he was as nervous as he allways was he had to give a Press Conference. He was the only representative of Bardar outside the country right now, the only one who could talk to the press and confirm that these atrocities were happening.

The thermal imaging cameras were activated. The guerrillas could see the cavalry making another charge. The guns were assembled and fired from the sides of the hills down on the charging soldiers. The casualties were unclear.

The cavalry barely avoided the Esparadan trap, while signaling to Major Yshen that they were in trouble. The major could only react in one way. seconds later the First Flying Leopard Brigade was charging towards the Esparadans again. This battle could now only be won through a successful offensive.

The Press Conference was about to begin. Pando Zum was nervous like never before. Still he had not backed out, he had decided to hold it, as it was his duty to his nation. Already at the beginning of the conference the journalists attacked him with questions about the war. Pando answered with a decisive tone;
-We are h-here now to talk about the destructive Belschaft invasion of the Yawgalian T-triangle and the crimes against humanity that th-these undisciplined Belschaft soldiers are conducting against a neutral people. Th-the Yawagalians are in no way a part of the conflict bet...tween Bardar and Belschaft. Still their territory is invaded and crimes are committed. I am talking about slaughter of civilians, burning of villages and rape. This is in-d-deed a question g-genocide. I am begging the International Community to c-condemn all these acts and pressure B-belschaft to pull their troops out.

Bardur I had got the most disastrous news from a diplomat from their northern neighbours, the most hated oppressors. Comrade Raskol had mobilized the Southern Revolutionary Brigade just a few miles north of the Bardarian border. If the Opressors were planning to make a move things would get really nasty. He had already sent the Secret Police to investigate. Comrade Raskol was one of the hardliners in the Opressor's Peoples Revolutionary Council, and was probably after the position of Chairman of the Party, a post that had not been occupied since the Opressors were forced to leave Bardar and her neighbouring countries, and the last one, Chairman Haslak was murdered by angry activists. Now this Comrade Raskol was too close to Bardar for anything good to come out of it.

OOC: Belschaft, hurry up and post.

Michael has to finish his conversation witn Drax before doing something that I think you will rather like..... *secretive smile*

OOC: One can emphasise words without pompousness....

IC:

"Delegate, let us not mince words. Given that Bardar designated the area demilitarised, one can assume that they stationed no forces in it. The Empire will immediately dispatch observers to ensure that the civilians in the region are not mistreated."

"Regarding negotiations, we must come to an agreement. The new Bardarian delegate is callow and unsure of himself, and I am not willing to let another Versailles happen on my territory." (OOC: look up the treaty of Versailles if you're not sure what I mean)

"Given that you were so rudely interrupted, first by Minister Berdin at the conference, and then by his death, I must ask: what exactly does Belschaft want?"

"Also, allow me to clarify: I am not implying that Belschaft ordered Minister Berdin's death. Such data as Imperial Intelligence has turned up indicates that that the fanatic Imre Nagvar was behind it, although it wouldn't stand up in court. However, the fact that the assassin was part of the Belschaft delegation will look bad."


OOC- Sorry. My computer broke and i had to get it fixed.

IC-

"I assume then that you've seen the New York Times? And the Washington Post, The Guardian, and the others. Go ahead, send the observers. You may find the odd destroyed village where there was fighting, but as far as I am aware there has been no genocide. Hans Steiner is not very popular right now in Belschaft is all i'm going to say."

Hernan Drax sighed.

"Your highness to be honest what Belschaft wants more than anything is stability. We really don't care if the self proclaimed Bardur the first stays in controll, as long as there is stability. We keep the oil fields and our bases, he can keep his crown."

Concealed by both the mist and the foliage, the guns fired again down onto the flying leopard brigade. The soldiers continued to charge toward the guerrilla positions. But the guerrilla positions were all over the place, and behind them! (The ambush. Remember?)

They fired at all sides of the horde, though it did not seem clear if they were winning or not. Hopefully the mist would rise and they could finally gun these dictatorship lovers down with the EI-100s.

OOC1- of course i know what Versailes is. I've got a hsitory exam in a few weeks. It was bad.

OOC2- i'm suprised you haven't rp'd finding the dead body. It would make a good bit of subfurtuge as we could have a hunt for the killers, general paranoia etc, maybe a gunbattle between spies

OOC3- dictatorships rule

Michael's face eased into a smile as Delegate Drax stated his case.

"Very well, delegate. I'm about to go do something rather unpleasant to Delegate Zum, after which he should be ready to come to the table. Am I to take it that you are prepared to at least share the profits with Bardar? The oilfields are Bardarian territory, after all. Taking the oil without compensation would make you look like another Griffincrest Corporation."

"Now, if you'd like to come watch me tear Delegate Zum a new one, I am exceedingly annoyed with him at present."

After the Emperor got off the vidlink, he thought I must find proof before accusing anybody....this will be difficult.

He then called one of his assistants.

"Place a call with the Bardar delegation. Inform them that Delegate Zum is expected at the Great Hall of the Mangana Palace in one hour. I will accept no excuses on this matter. In addition, I want a brigade of the Varangians, in full ceremonial gear, to be on duty at the time, the Ministers of State assembled in formal gear, and the Imperial Senate present."

He fully intended to make Pando Zum squirm for overstepping the bounds of his position as a diplomat.

Pando Zum was not surprised about the "invitation". He had guessed the Emperor would not be pleased with his press conference. But he had done what was expected from a Bardarian official, his duty to his country. If they wanted to send him home, fine, Bardar would not need peace. Peace was nice but not necessary. While he got in to the limousine to the Palace he became nervous again. It was best to make sure his plane home was ready for take off, just in case he had to flee New Chalcedon tonight.

Major Yshen swore, these sneaky Esparadans really knew how to hide. Suddenly the help he wanted arrived though. Colonel Gracht had lead the 1st Royal Mountain Brigade behind one of the Esparadan positions, that meant one less direction to worry about.

Hans Steiner met Thadu Hexher, the Yawgalian in charge of the Opium Ring trained milita. Thadu told the journalist that the milita was ready to attack Belschaft troops soon. They would not attack strongholds, they did not have the equipment nor the manpower, but they would attack all Belschaft vehicles and patrols they found inside the Triangle. Hans was satisfied with his work and went with the Secret Police agent, that called himself Agent Black Spider who would escort him to the Secret Military Base and his appointment with a member of the Bardarian Royal Government.

OOC1- of course i know what Versailes is. I've got a hsitory exam in a few weeks. It was bad.

OOC2- i'm suprised you haven't rp'd finding the dead body. It would make a good bit of subfurtuge as we could have a hunt for the killers, general paranoia etc, maybe a gunbattle between spies

OOC3- dictatorships rule

OOC: That's literally true. Sorry Bardar, I don't have time to post right now.

bump

Major Yshen felt triumphant, the Esparadans were pulling back. This could be a victory. Then, suddenly the fog started to lift, as soon as the sight was clear, the artillery opened fire on the Esparadans. He knew they were winning, unless the enemy still had som tricks up their sleeves.

OOC: Sorry about the delay. Shouldn't happen again.

The Emperor received Pando Zum in the Great Hall of the Mangana Palace. This room, almost half a mile across, was reasonably full of people, all of whom looked hostile towards the Bardarian diplomat - most of them had heard of his press conference, and they all knew that he was in Imperial disfavour.

As the Bardarian diplomat approached the Imperial throne, he noticed that the Belschaft delegate, Drax, was standing just off the Imperial dais in a place of high honour. Clearly, this incident was bigger than he had thought....

His musings were interrupted by a cold address from the man seated upon the throne.

"Delegte Zum, We are informed that you have, in your capacity as the head of the delegation of Bardar, held a press conference, at which you have accused Belschaft and Esparada of many and numerous crimes."

"Does the term peace conference mean nothing to you, Delegate? Your role here is to negotiate peace terms and end a war, not to provoke further hostilities and a widening of the war. or to score propaganda victories. Your blatant attempt to do so constitutes a flagrant abuse of the hospitality that the Empire extended all parties in good faith. If you had problems with the Belschaftis' conduct of the war, you should have made your case to the peace conference first, rather than humiliating the Crown by running around us to the press."

"Your abuse of this hospitality has forced Our hand. We wanted to be a neutral power. We wanted to stand aside, and perhaps bring an end to this war by mediation of the disputes at question."

"Your misconduct has ended that. You now have two choices. Either you can start co-operating with the diplomatic process, or by Imperial fiat, We will declare the accusations of Belschaft to be substantially correct, and steer the Empire to act accordingly."

"As you are apparently as stupid as you are diplomatically tone-deaf, We officially inform you that this would result in a declaration of war against the Kingdom of Bardar. Bearing in mind that your military are already stretched to their breaking point, We estimate that said war would end with the utter destruction of the Kingdom of Belschaft, and recommend that you leave the Empire immediately if you wish to indulge in further grandstanding."

"We lament the death of Minister Berdin as much as any Bardarian, and consider a furtherance of this war to be an inappropriate legacy for a man who, while occasionally intemperate, was truly aiming to bring peace to all participants in this war. You should consider whether your actions are an appropriate demonstration of respect for the man who gave his life for the cause of peace, only to have it thrown away - by his own subordinate, no less!- before he was decently buried!"

As he was speaking, the Emperor's voice grew colder and silkier by the moment, until the older Imperial Senators present had discreetly flattened themselves agaisnt the backs of their chairs - they had served under his father (and some of them his grandmother), and all knew that this tone meant that an explosion was bound to follow at some point. The lash of his scorn stung all present, even those who weren't the targets of it.

"Before you answer, Delegate, We wish to make this clear, in order to remove a propaganda weapon from your hands: We do not mean capitulation to Belschaft's demands when We say co-operation with the diplomatic process."

"Well, Delegate? What is it to be? Co-operation and justice for your people, or a swift end to Bardar?"

Pando Zum understood the importance of the situation. Even though he doubted that New Chalcedon acctually would declare war, he knew that an end of the peace conference would mean more trouble for his home country. Minister Berdin had always said that sometimes it's better to give in, in order to score a victory later, it would be wise to advance in a very careful manner.

-O-of course we want to c-continue the peace process. B-but your I-imperial Highness need to understand th-that the news from the Yawgalian Triangle are very worrying. The Law of Residence and the Law of Self Determination forbid any Bardarian military p-presence in that area. S-still we feel we have failed our promises to the Y-yawgalian people by letting the Belschaft army unlawfully conquer that land. And t-then we hear from the journalists who have been in the area t-that these terrible c-crimes are happening. t-the Belschafts did not just conquer the homeland of a n-neutral people, they are cond-ducting all k-kinds of t-terrible acts. As the only Bardarian official with any contact with the International Press it was my duty to express the worries of the Royal Government.

-B-Bardar is quite ready to c-continue the Peace Process t-to advance our case, but our s-situation is not as dire as it seems, w-we are currently winning at The Wall of Blood, and the enemy armies have stopped their advance towards Baradech, which is very w-well defended. Bardar is r-ready for peace, but if th-the enemies are unreasonable, we are ready to continue th-the war and w-win in the end.

OOC - your computer broke too?


IC -

Hernan Drax alowed a thin smile to briefly show on his lips, before corecting the splip. Showing emotion was foolish. This news would be welcome back in Belschaft, where the Council was iritated at the way the war was slowing oil production. With Zum humbled perhaps he would cave in quicker. It mattered not, the 1st Army would soon be swinging north to assault Baradech, and once the city fell then for all intents and purposes Bardar would as well.

Comrade Raskol was irritated how slowly the Southern Revolutionary Brigade had mobilized. The People's Freedom Federation, the true heirs of the Soviet Union used to be a feared military force that was known throuhout the world. A couple of years ago the mountainous provinces had rebeled and the Federation's armed forces had faced several defeats against savage guerilla armies. The Federation now was in need of leadership and Comrade Raskol knew that if he reconquered the mountainous provinces for the World Revolution he could claim the title Chairman of the Party and lead the Federation to a new era. A situation had presented itself in one of the breakaway provinces. Bardar was invaded by the capitalist nations of Belschaft and Esparada. Comrade Raskol had sent notes to both invaders asking permission to take the Southern Revolutionary Brigade in to Bardar territory as "observers".

Thadu Hexher and his men saw the Belschaft convoy walking towards the southern end of the Yawgalian Triangle. This little convoy was a perfect target for the Yawgalian Milita. From their hidingplaces the men charged, screaming the words, Y'ahu Yawgal; which means Freedom to Yawgalia! When all the Belschaft men were killed the large Yawgalian dogs were called, it was dinner time for dogs.

OOC; I have not seen any Esparadan answers to the battle at the Wall of Bloods for some times. Should I assume I won?

OOC: Damn forum issues....

IC:

"Very well, Delegate Zum. I applaud you on your wisdom, however lately acquired."

"Delegate Drax, if you have no objections, is three this afternoon convenient for the Belschafti delegation? Delegate Zum, does that time suit?"

Hans Steiner did not like the Secret Military Base, and the meeting with a member of the Royal Government was bound to be a stressful issue. He was lead to a dark room, where a quite beautiful woman in her late fifties was waiting.
-Hello Hans Steiner, or should I call you Agent November? the lady begun, my name is Carelia Alvaras, and yes, I know your affiliation with the Opium Ring.
-H-how is that possible, Hans Steiner began, no one in the Bardarian government is supposed to know anyone, but Don Alejandro.
-I myself was once called Agent Foxtrot, while I still was a active agent, I still have my contacts within the organisation. More importantly, do you think the Bardarian government blindly is allowing you to arm the Yawgalians? In that case you are greatly mistaken.
-So, what's the counter proposal? You have no controll of that area anymore, why not give it to them.
-The Bardarian government is quite willing to allow you to go on with your plans, as long as they are temporary. When this war is over we want you to manipulate the Triangle to rejoin our nation, and make sure no one is armed and fighting for Yawgalia. But for now it even seems like a good plan.
-So...
-I'm not finished, Agent November, you do know that the southern fields, that are as important as those in the Triangle are in our jurisdiction. What if our armed and police forces suddenly would stop ignoring them.
-You mean you're holding the southern fields as hostages, what do you want?
-I want guarantees the Yawgalian situation don't go out of controll, and I want Don Alejandro here with hundreds of mercenaries fighting for our cause.
-You waqnt to renew the alliance?
-Yes, the Opium Ring and Bardar will ally once more, more important, you have calls to make and an article to write, Agent November, the secret police will escort you back to the Triangle.

When Hans Steiner left the meeting he was thrilled, a new alliance between the Opium Ring and Bardar, soon his assignment in this terrible country would be over.

OOC post

I'm getting confused now.

Hans Steiner is, is he not, a Belschafti general?

Could Bardar and Belschaft PLEASE list the names of key people on their side? Just so I have a frame of reference....

OOC;
keypeople: (for the moment)
Bardur I, sovereign king of Bardar
Carelia Alvaras, matriarch of the Alvaras family
Major Yshen, command the 1st Flying Leopard Brigade
Thadu Hexher, Yawgalian milita leader
Imre Nagvar, leader of the National Syndicate
Hans Steiner, well known journalist, agent for the Opium Ring
Danilo Sarekh, young chief of the Secret Police, the king's cousin
Comrade Raskol, evil opressor plotting to invade.

OOC-
good idea.
(not all have been seen in this thread, though they should all be)


James Rathbone- CEO/President of the Northstar Corparation, Chairman of the Grand Council

Micheal Green- General in charge of 3rd Army

Hernan Drax- Junior Grand Council member, diplomat, and more.....

Kernar Dreker- Seinor Army General, in charge of 1st army. A phsycopath, but no one noticed to it was way to late and he was on the Grand Council

Kelly Hawk- head of MRDD (Military Research and Developmet Department)

Karim Huswari- Head of the Goverment in exile of the Republic of Bardar, basicly a Belschaft pupet.

David Kane- Security Service Agent (will be seen soon)

OOC- blatant breach of RP etiquete by killing my guys before i got a chance to respond, but never mind.

IC-


"Very well, Delegate Zum. I applaud you on your wisdom, however lately acquired."

"Delegate Drax, if you have no objections, is three this afternoon convenient for the Belschafti delegation? Delegate Zum, does that time suit?"


"Fine by me your highness. Could i however sugest somewhere quieter than the conference hall. I have an, associate, who arived a few hours ago with some information that will intrest the both of you."

OOC: Here's a list of my people. And, Bardar, Belschaft is right: it is poor RPing etiquette to attack his men and then state that they died, without giving him a chance to unveil something (if he chooses, and within reason). It's the equivalent of "Bang, I shot you, now you're dead."

Michael Palaiologos-Doukas - Emperor of New Chalcedon. New to the throne after his father was killed in an abortive coup. Leads are still being followed as to any foreign involvement in said coup.

Andras Lasarkis - Secretary to the Imperial Crown. A long-time friend of the family, this stick-thin old man has seen (and survived) more misery and strife than most people hope to face. Never underestimate his wits.

Crispus Notaras - Captain within the Varangian (Imperial) Guard. Currently tasked to find Khewmir Haleth (or his corpse), as well as to bring the murder case of Minister Berdin to a close.

Admiral Andronikos Notaras - CO, Imperial Home Fleet. Also a big name at court.

IC:

The Emperor waved his hand, and the various Imperial dignitaries began to file out, their purpose here accomplished.

"A good point, Delegate Drax. My private office at three in the afternoon, then."

"And, Delegate....what I said to Delegate Zum applies to you also. I have lost my patience with grandstanding - from either party to these negotiations."

Elsewhere within Constantinopolis Secundus...

Captain Notaras looked increasingly harried as the day had worn on. His men had found a few leads, but none of them had panned out.

His pager beeped - someone wanted to speak with him.

"What?" His voice was perfectly level, indicating the levels of stress he was under.

"Captain, we've found the missing person - we think." The voice at the other end was flat.

"You think? Why aren't you certain?" Try as he might, Notaras couldn't keep a hint of the sinking feeling he was experienceing from infecting his voice.

"He's dead, Captain."

"Damn! Get Forensics on it - a dead man can tell some tales, surely...."

"Yes, Captain."

Pando Zum was preparing for the negotiations to restart. A short memo from Bardar told him that the Bardarian position in the war now was better than ever since the war started. Esparada had lost the battle of the Wall o0f Blood. The Bardarian armed forces had once again created a miracle on that place. But the new threat in the shape of Comrade Raskol was very real. Somehow both Belschaft and Esparada would have to aknowledge that threat or it would all be over. The Opressors were awakening and had Bardar in sight, worst case scenario and these stinking Esparadan socialists would just give them Bardar. Pando knew that this Conference now could be the most important turning point in Bardarian history.

Major Yshen was laughing when the Esparadan soldiers were retreating in panic. He saw Lt. Colonel Redesha Berdin walking towards him.
-General Berdin and Colonel Alvaras has left for Baradech, she said, death patrools are alredy sent to execute as many of the fleeing Esparadans as possible. All POWs have already been executed. We have new orders.
-Baradech? Major Yshen asked.
-No, we are going to follow Colonel Gracht over Central Mountains. We are assaulting Hadifa in a couple of days. The Belschaft defences there are almost nothing, however considering our losses it will still be a tough battle.
-Yes, but it will catch Belschaft of guard, I like it, Major Yshen answered.

OOC- kay, yeah. i've got the third army defending the north east. Thats about 100,000 men who are of better quality than anything you have. Obviously they're not all at Hadifa, but the ones wich are are suported by heavy armour, air suport from a mixture of F-16's and F-22's, not to mention Appache's and heavy artilery. My men are dug in in the mountain passes with bunkers, checkpoints, mined bridges and more. In the mountains we have bases high up with comanding views, suplied by helicopter as they're so hard to get too. Then i have satalites orbiting the earth. every few hours they cross Bardar, and give me brand new intel, so i can see your men coming. Trust me, i am well dug in. however it seems you don't know this. so go ahead. send your men. they won't all die, but alot of them will.





(if NC or Bardar starts the meeting, then i'll post again. The 1st arne't attacking just yet, and unless Bardar tries for Hadifa (please do) then thats me done for now)

Major Yshen was laughing when the Esparadan soldiers were retreating in panic. He saw Lt. Colonel Redesha Berdin walking towards him.
-General Berdin and Colonel Alvaras has left for Baradech, she said, death patrools are alredy sent to execute as many of the fleeing Esparadans as possible. All POWs have already been executed. We have new orders.
-Baradech? Major Yshen asked.
-No, we are going to follow Colonel Gracht over Central Mountains. We are assaulting Hadifa in a couple of days. The Belschaft defences there are almost nothing, however considering our losses it will still be a tough battle.
-Yes, but it will catch Belschaft of guard, I like it, Major Yshen answered.

I beg your pardon? Give me a chance to respond. :upyours:

My men don't retreat. You'll have to kill every single losing and panicy one of them.

Anyway, I'm not listening to that victory. I'll gladly restart the battle. Otherwise... Ugh... I just haven't been able to get on. Please can you restart?

Major Yshen felt triumphant, the Esparadans were pulling back. This could be a victory. Then, suddenly the fog started to lift, as soon as the sight was clear, the artillery opened fire on the Esparadans. He knew they were winning, unless the enemy still had som tricks up their sleeves.

DAMNIT! This long? Fucking PC crash...

PLEASE CAN WE RESTART THE BATTLE FROM HERE?

OOC

it wasn't just you. jolt screwed up, so i couldn't post for a bit. but i wasn't in a battle so no one noticed.

I beg your pardon? Give me a chance to respond. :upyours:

My men don't retreat. You'll have to kill every single losing and panicy one of them.

Anyway, I'm not listening to that victory. I'll gladly restart the battle. Otherwise... Ugh... I just haven't been able to get on. Please can you restart?

Well, I don't want to restart, but I give you permission to regroup and counter-attack at some other place in Central Mountains. It's a huge place, so it should not be impossible. Bardarian forces are now slowly moving towards Hadifa. Just apprehend them at some place for a re-match.

Hans Steiner was satisfied with the interview with Thady Hexher, where the Republic of Yawgalia had been announced with Thadu Hexher as Commnder-in-Chief. In the article Commander Hexher had demanded a complete withdrawal of Belschaft troops from Yawglian territory. With this article that would hit all major newspapers tomorrow Hans Steiner's mission was completed. The Opium Ring had called him back, and Don Alejandro was already on his way back to Bardar.

No, you would've had to massacre them. My men do not retreat. Well, most of the vets don't.

OOC; you're right, neither do mine, make it some strategy, you tricked my men that you were retreating to catch them of guard or something.

Major Yshen became more worried, the Death Patrools had not found the retreating Esparadans at all. Preparations for part of the artillery to be moved to Baradech had already started. The major started to get the feeling something is wrong. A falchion came with news from another patrool, no sign of the Esparadans. Suddenly Major Yshen understood the situation.
-Defensive Formations! Now! he shouted.
The Esparadans had not retreated, all was a trick. General Berdin had already left for Baradech, this battle had to be won without him.

Pando Zum entered the great hall, soon the negotiations would begin. As usual he became more and more nervous while waiting.

The negotiating room was large, roomy and well-appointed - for all it would matter.

As the Bardarian and Belschafti delegates filed in, they saw the Emperor waiting for them.

"Gentlemen, I'll be brief: this peace conference is in danger of becoming a farce, or worse yet a murder-mystery. In addition, I have many commitments, and cannot postpone them much longer."

"I have heard what each side wants, and I propose this deal:

One. Belschaft and Revolutionary Esparada cease military operations against Bardar.

Two. Bardar re-grants oil rights to the Northstar Corporation, under the terms previously agreed-upon, inlcuding profit-sharing and local assistance.

Three. Bardar pays at least partial reparations to Belschaft for provoking the war. If Esparada had been bothered to come to the table, they would have been included in this.

Four. The Empire of new Chalcedon, with reference to both parties, will investigate the many and varied claims of abuse of civilians against all parties.

Five. Upon receipt of reparations, Belschaft will withdraw all military forces from Bardarian territory. When Belschaft withdraws, Esparada will also withdraw. If the Northstar Corporation has concerns about the security of drilling facilities, the Empire will address these concerns at cost.

Six. In conjunction with the above, Bardar will permit New Chalcedonian forces to be stationed at oil facilities."

He gave it a moment to sink in, and then spoke again.

"Opinions, gentlemen?"

Pando Zun took the initiative to answer first;

"The Kingdom of Bardar will gladly accept all these t-terms but one, t-there is just no w-way the sovereign Kingdom of Bardar would p-pay any reparations in a war w-we did not start. It's unaccptable. If anyone should pay it's these invaders for invading us".

Hernan Drax rose slowly.

"This all very good, but there are more pressing matters. Is there somewhere the three of us could speak even more privatley? I have an associate who has some very worrying information."

Don Alejandro was smiling. His plane was on it's way to Baradech. He had known he would come back to Bardar, and on his way he was together with 400 Opium Ring mercenaries, and they were just the first ones to arrive. The Opium Ring had decided that Bardar's sake was theirs, in order to protect their interests in the Yawgalian Triangle and Southern Bardar. While Hans Steiner was called away from Bardar, Agent Papa, or as the rest of the world knew him; Don Alejandro was coming back.

Pando Zum nodded towards the Belschaft delegate showing he was accepting the proposal. He also had matters he would want to discuss privately with the delegate and the Emperor.

OOC; you're right, neither do mine, make it some strategy, you tricked my men that you were retreating to catch them of guard or something.

OOC: Yeah... Okay... Sorry, it can't be too long, I'm a bit preoccupied.

Diego yelled as the Guerrillas jumped back and and opened fire. Unfortunately, the Bardarians weren't as surprised as he had hoped, had they known? Curses!

The battle raged on, as Esparadans and Bardarians fell to the ground, a faint rumble caused it to vibrate.

The EI-100 attack helicopters were returning.

Don Alejandro was smiling. His plane was on it's way to Baradech. He had known he would come back to Bardar, and on his way he was together with 400 Opium Ring mercenaries, and they were just the first ones to arrive. The Opium Ring had decided that Bardar's sake was theirs, in order to protect their interests in the Yawgalian Triangle and Southern Bardar. While Hans Steiner was called away from Bardar, Agent Papa, or as the rest of the world knew him; Don Alejandro was coming back.


The planes aproach was also noticed in areas less friendly to the cartel leader. In Hadifa OPCOM saw a blip appear on their radar screans. The duty officers logged its possistion and called the airstrip a few miles away to confirm.

"Variable, this is Guardian. We have a bogey in your sector, heading 239, coming in due west of ECHO point. Do you acknowledge target?"

"Guardian, this is variable. We have acknoleged the target and have registered it as UNIDENTIFIED-114. Do you require intercept?"

"Intercept aproved variable. However do not neutralize U-114 without confirmation."

"Understood. We have two F-22's in overwatch over western Bardar. We will direct them to shadow the target."

"Variable, do not have the fighters leave Bardaian airspace. Wait for the target to enter."

"Understood."


Fifteen minutes later two F-22 fighters pulled up behind the plane as it crossed into Bardar.

A few minutes before the fighters had apprehended the plane Don Alejandro and his associates had jumped to the meeting point in South Bardar. The plane and the pilot had to be sacrified, the don knew that. At the meeting point members of the Bardarian Secret Police waited and greeted the don.
-Don't worry, we know the Belschaft satelite movement, the Secret police agent told the don, if you just follow this chart you should be okay.
-Good, the don answered, there's hundreds of nmore mercenaries awaiting at the Western Border, just make sure they can pass in to Bardarian Territory. Our base will be here, he said as he showed a location on the map, not too far from the war zones.

The young Emperor looked puzzled, but acquiesced.

"Certainly, Delegate Deax. I do hope that it's important...my Blachernae study is this way. It is regularly swept for bugs of all kinds. If you gentlemen would kindly follow me?"

"Of course your highness. Do you object to me having my associate meet us there?"

Pando Zum knew it would look bad if they spoke alone with a Belschaft associate, while no Bardarian one was present, but he needed this talk. Whatever the Belschaft issue was about it was an opportunity to bring up The Opressors, and their forces that were assembled on the Northern Border. So he answered;
-Bardar is w-willing to accept t-these conditions. It's up to you, Your Highness.

The EI-100s tore into view, guns blazing. The bullets hit the Bardarians with full force, ripping apart the landscape, then the rockets fired.

The helicopters swung round and prepared for another run. The smoke began to clear...

Major Yshen swore, the Esparadans certainly meant business. A signal showed the artillery division had reassembled the Artillery pieces that haven't been moved to baradech. With a quick signal from Major Yshen the artillery opened fire. But the major knew something needed to be done about the Esparadan air power. The major asked one of his seregeants for a Rocket Launcher, a "Widowmaker" as the Opressors called their Launchers. It was a heavy weapon that could launch a quite large rocket, but the aim was a pain. Carefully the major got a enemy helicopter in sight. The force when the rocket was sent off threw the major himself an inch back. He saw the helicopter explode in the air. Immidiately he asked the seregeant for a new rocket. "One down", he thought.

While the Bardarians were distracted by the air strikes, the tanks, standard infantry and APCs charged at them, firing as they went. The remaining EI-100s continued fire at the ranks with their machine guns, and cause gaping holes with the rockets. The soldiers yelled in Spanish and disengaged rounds into the opposing army. Out of ammo, Diego threw away his E-47 and pulled out his Desert Eagle, he fired off all his rounds, then slumped to the ground. The other soldiers continued to charge, it didn't look like the Bardarians could hold off the attack, but Esparada was NEVER one to underestimate it's enemy. The battle was not over yet.

The Emperor responded to each delegate in turn.

"Not at all, Delegate Drax. I do hope that your associate will not object to being checked for weapons?"

"Delegate Zum, thank you for your co-operation. I assure you, Bardar will get a chance to be heard."

Major Yshen saw the charging Esparadans. Something needed to be done, something they would not expect. Colonel Gracht sent him a message through a messenger from the other side of the Bardarian positions. The major read the message and understood it immidiately.
-Bayonet! he screamed, and immidiately a quarter of his men equipped the rifles with bayonettes. He ordered the Artillery and the rest of his men to cover him and the others, while they charged right in to the attacking Esparadans. The Esparadans had not suspected close combat and was surprised when the Bardarians charged right in them with their bayonets equiped. Meanwhile the rest of the Flying Leopard Brigade and the Artillery covered them. However this would only work once. To reallay halt the charging Esparadans something else was needed.

"I doub't it your highness."

Tags, this seems like it will be a good read.