NationStates Jolt Archive

A light, cold rain fell over the city of Rochemont, capital of the People’s Republic of Anlestierre. The gray mist of the early morning, coupled with the chill drizzle, served only to emphasize the drab construction of the city’s architecture. What had once been a city of beautiful marble and stone, designed to echo the greatest monuments of Rome and Greece, had been rebuilt following the Revolution to better reflect the socialist attitudes of the nation’s new leaders. After the King had been removed from power, the People’s Liberation Army and its Worker’s Militias had torn down the bourgeois monuments and decorations, replacing them with modern architecture and antiseptic-looking buildings.

That had been well over fifty years ago, and following the heady days of the Revolution life had grown drab and unremarkable, in a curious echo of the changes in the city itself. The economy was crumbling, and the State Directorate, still referred to by the common man as Parliament, grew harsher with each passing year, a declining oligarchy of elites holding jealously onto their privileges while the rest of the country slowly eroded—an oligarchy propped up not by the People’s Liberation Army, but by the ruthless security apparatus of the State Police. SP political officers permeated the PLA ranks like so many leeches, sapping both the effectiveness and morale of the PLA.

A squad of State Police troopers sat huddled under a makeshift lean-to next to their checkpoint on Highway 26, one of the main thoroughfares in and out of Rochemont. Circling around a small field stove, the six men waited for their coffee to heat up, in order to take some of the chill from their bones. It did not often snow in Rochemont, but the early December morning would have been could enough anyway; the rain made it all the worse.

Finally the coffee was ready, and the roadblock’s commander, a sergeant by the name of Carter Beckett, took the first cup, as his rank allowed. Holding the cup tight to try and warm his fingers, he shifted the sling on his G36 rifle, to try and get the strap into a more comfortable position. Looking down at his boots, he saw that they would need polishing tonight when he returned to the barracks. In return for better weapons and equipment (as opposed to the venerable Kalashnikov that so many PLA soldiers used), the SP in turn had higher expectations in terms of being presentable.

“Sarge.”

Beckett looked up at the trooper who’d spoken, and internally chastized himself for getting distracted as his post. “What is it, Williams?”

The trooper simply pointed. About half a mile up the road, a caravan of deuce-and-a-half trucks, along with a few IFVs and tanks was coming down the road. The sound of their engines blended into the background noise of the rain, but in a moment they would be heard clearly enough. Beckett tilted his head quizically. He hadn’t been informed of any military traffic coming down Twenty-Six today; that thought clicked another in his mind. There had been no civilian traffic on the either, none of the commuters coming in from the state-owned housing complex a few kilometers outside the city, where many mid-level bureaucrats and factory managers lived, along with professionals such as doctors and engineers.

“Hmm...I’m going to call the Lieutenant. You know what to do.” The other five troopers took up positions along the checkpoint as the lead truck pulled up to the SP position. Before the truck came to a complete stop, the passenger door swung open and a captain wearing the uniform of the PLA hopped down. His shoulder patches identified him as being of the 29th Infantry Division. “Sergeant, there’s no need to bother your superiors. I assure you we have full authority to enter the city.”

Beckett stopped, about to put in the earpiece to the radio, and set the microphone down. “I’ll need to see written orders, with approval from either the division’s political commissar or the State Police Headquarters in the city.” State Police troopers did not say “sir” to PLA soldiers, no matter the disparity in rank.

“Very well, Sergeant. Hargrave, the orders!” barked the captain, whose uniform named him Gordon. In few seconds’ flurry of activity, several soldiers disembarked from the lead truck and came to face the checkpoint, rifles raised. “Sergeant, you would do well to surrender your checkpoint to the People’s Liberation Army of Anlestierre. I would hate to be forced to violence.”

Stunned, Beckett nodded slowly, and gestured for his men to hand over their weapons. Carter Beckett was a loyal State Policeman, and considered politically reliable by his superiors. That did not make him stupid, though.

Smilingly coldy, Gordon took his hand radio, and thumbed the “talk” switch. Speaking slowly and deliberately, he said “Checkpoint Twenty-Six is clear. Dropshot is a go, repeat, Dropshot is go.”

* * * * *

At half past six, things were moving quickly inside the city. The Members of Parliament who lived inside the city had been carefully and quietly rounded up before dawn by the Rochemont Militia (the local police), and the State Police Headquarters had been completely sundered from outside communications (through the skilled work of a counterrevolutionary trooper, who had created an electronic loop in the communications equipment, so that the SPHQ remained unaware of the lack of communications). That prevented reports from coming in from the three main checkpoints coming into the city, and meant that distress calls from SP troopers arrested by the Militia went unheeded.

The Revolutionary Guards Brigade, which provided security both to the State Directorate and to the Presidium, knew immediately that something was happening when the tanks began rolling down the wide expanse of Larson Avenue. Larson Avenue, named for one of the heroes of the Revolution, led directly to the Presidium and had been designed to be too wide from rioting mobs to blockade. Ironically, that meant as well that the security forces, without proper warning, were completely open to attack. Captain Andrew Pickney, 2nd RGB, began shouting into his radio as soon as he saw the tanks.

“Command, this is Captain Pickney at the west gate of the Presidium. I have unauthorized and heavily armed military forces approaching the Presidium. Request immediate reinforcement!”

“Captain, we’ve received no such reports from State Police forces within the city, and neither have the checkpoints nor Militia reported anything.”

“I don’t give a damn! I’m looking at fucking tanks coming up Larson. I’m deploying my squad, and requesting reinforcement from Battalion.”

“Captain, remember your rank, and wait for confirmation of -- ”

Pickney thumbed his radio off as the clatter of small arms fire began to fire the square in front of the Presidium.

* * * * *

It was unclear who fired first, but things escalated quickly once the shooting began. About a minute after Captain Pickney called for reinforcements, an RPG slammed into the guardpost, turning the Captain and one of his riflemen into twisted hunks of overcooked meat. The RGB attempted to close and seal the gates to the Presidium as it became clear they were inevitably going to be overrun by a division’s worth of PLA soldiers, but the tanks used by the rebels, obsolete as they may have been, proved more than sufficient to the task of rending the gates from their hinges, leaving the entire Presidium complex exposed. The battalion of RGB troopers stationed in the Presidium attempted to put up a defense, but the soldiers were caught off-guard and unprepared, and in many cases simply threw down their weapons and surrendered to the PLA, not wishing to die in a lost cause.

After half an hour, the coup was over, and at 8:00 in the morning, a council of officers of the PLA convened in the Chamber of the State Directorate to declare the end of the People’s Republic of Anlestierre. Charles Henry O’Rourke, an exiled grand-nephew of the last monarch of Anlestierre (by the distaff line) was appointed Provisional President of Anlestierre, and plans drawn up to write a Constitution and approve it by referendum within six months, and follow that referendum with the first free elections in Anlestierrean history.

The following day, President O’Rourke and his council of officers drew up a White Paper, outlining the numerous problems facing the nation, and the plans to address them and get Anlestierre on its feet once again. It remained to be seen, however, how the international community, from which Anlestierre had long been sundered, would react to the coup d’état of the previous day.

OOC: This is an open RP about the transition of Anlestierre from an oppressive Marxist dictatorship to a more open political system. Others are welcome to either join in or give OOC input, but please no ridiculousness (i.e. invading me, etc). For the purposes of this RP, my population will remain static at 6 million; the Provisional Government has enough on its plate without a million people appearing every day.

To: Whomever it may Concern
From: Miyager

" We would like to Help the Forces of your Nation by Sending 15 Special men http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/Soviet_naval_infantrymen_DN-SC-91-02252.jpg to Your Nation to help"

The People's Republic of Tamuff

Sir,

The People's Republic of Tamuff does hereby endorse and recognise the new leader of Anlestierre, President Charles Henry O’Rourke.

We offer aid and humanitarian support in forming your government.

We do also stress the need for restraint and hope that the country of Anlestierre may return to its former glory without the need for mass bloodshed.

Adrian Woods
Prime Minister of Tamuff

OOC: MT is not my era of expertise, so I think I'll leave this RP to those more experienced with it, but I would like to remark on your writing thus far. It was excellent and very clear and understandable. I shall follow this with interest.

The Foreign Ministry thanks the Migayeran government for its offer of assistance, but must ask what serious help a mere fifteen men would be to consolidating the position of the Provisional Government? Regardless, the Provisional Government has largely secured the country, as the previous Marxist regime was widely unpopular, and the Milice and PLA have proven more than adequate to the task at hand.

The Foreign Ministry also thanks the government of Tamuff for its recognition of the new Provisional Government.

* * * * *

The Council of Free Officers, as they had come to be called in the recently free press of Anlestierre, met in the old Cabinet Office of the State Directorate, which had before the Revolution served as the collective meeting room of His Majesty’s Government. Charles O’Rourke, himself of royal blood by the distaff line, was amused by the full circle of things. However, it was one of the few things he was able to laugh about lately. Today, the source of stress came from Defense.

General Ben Travis, Provisional Defense Minister and head of the Anlestierre Defense Forces (the former People’s Liberation Army), took a seat after delivering his report to the council on the state of the military. In short, the situation was grim. The PLA (many of the officers still thought of it as such, through force of habit if nothing else) in its present state was sufficient for maintaining order in the cities and rural areas, and for hunting down the diehard supporters of the old regime. Beyond that, it was a pathetic military force, by all modern standards. The standard infantry weapon was the AK74, which while an excellent weapon by itself, reflected well the obsolete nature of much of the PLA’s other equipment, which primarily consisted of obsolescent Russian and Chinese weaponry obtained during Anlestierre’s economic peak almost thirty years ago. The armored and artillery corps of the PLA were similarly ill-equipped; a seemingly random assortment of T55s and T72s, along with various types of mismatched howitzers and a few self-propelled artillery pieces. That, coupled with the poor training and leadership (weakened as it was by the emphasis on political purity stressed by the previous regime) of the conscripts, reduced to the effectiveness of the PLA to that of a national police force and little else.

The Navy and Air Force were not much better off. Under the monarchy Anlestierre had been a serious naval power, at least by regional standards. Now, however, the People’s Navy was little more than a glorified coast guard, and the numerous island possessions off of Anlestierre’s western coast remained in Anlestierrean hands primarily because no one else wanted them. The Air Force was barely worth mentioning; a few squadrons of Cold War-era fighters and helicopters were operational, but the vast majority of the People’s Air Corps sat in bunkers and hangers, tires succumbing to dry rot and seals loose, and fuselages cracked from lack of consistent maintenance.

“That’s about what we expected. Your recommendations, Ben?” asked the Provisional President.

“Twofold, Charles. We need money in the defense budget, for equipment and maintenance, and a revamped training regimen for the soldiers. In other words, unless the economy makes a sharp turn-around fairly soon, we will need foreign sponsorship, at least for the time being.”

That drew a collective groan from the Council. So recently liberated from oppression at home, none wanted to indebt themselves to foreign powers just yet. O’Rourke voiced the opinions of several. “Is there any way we can get around that, at least in the short term?”

General Travis nodded. “I’d recommend abolishing conscription, and selling the non-functioning elements of the Air Force for scrap, or cannibalizing them for parts. That will reduce maintenance costs somewhat, and reduce the size of the Army, meaning we can put more money towards each soldier.”

O’Rourke nodded, and jotted it down in his notes. Until the election of a Parliament in the coming months, the Council was the sole governing body in the country. O’Rourke, a liberal himself, did not particularly want to keep power for himself, but saw the need in the short term for getting done what needed to be done, without the distraction of politics. A country as much of a basket case as Anlestierre needed strong and decisive leadership. The Gross Domestic Product of the country was a mere $7 billion USD (the Anlestierrean Dollar, valued at some nine cents, was essentially worthless. Of the government budget, the Defense Ministry received about 8%, or just over $320 million. In contrast, the Ministry of Justice and Information (under which the State Police operated), had a budget of $840 million. Major budget reallocations would be put in place as soon as possible, with Defense, Education, Healthcare, and Commerce taking the top priority. The economy of Anlestierre was in shambles, with close to 37% unemployment draining the national welfare system.

O’Rourke sighed. “Gentlemen, the next item on the agenda is a serious one. How do we want to deal with the members of the old regime that we have in custody?”

did i say 15
i meant 1,500
of our *Look in SiggY* Strong army

[[OOC: Miyager, leave this thread, you are ruining an amazing thus far RP by your extreme lack of knowledge and poor RPing capabilities. As for Anlestierre, you are, quite possibly, the best new RPer I have been graced to meet. Perhaps I could join this RP but my time is scarced so, we'll see.]]

[[OOC: Miyager, leave this thread, you are ruining an amazing thus far RP by your extreme lack of knowledge and poor RPing capabilities. As for Anlestierre, you are, quite possibly, the best new RPer I have been graced to meet. Perhaps I could join this RP but my time is scarced so, we'll see.]]

OOC: agreed. A nice warm welcome to an RPer with serious potential. Also agreed Miyager should learn to RP before he/she/it kills another one of the RPs I've joined/considered joining.

((OOC: im not ruining i didnet even start so i made a typo by saying 15 instead of 1,500 what is the big deal? Seriously?))

We would like to Help the Forces of your Nation by Sending 15 Special men

Lulz. 'Special men'.

And Anlestierre may be someone's alt account. Also, sorry about adding to the spammish atmosphere.

TO: Anlestierre Government
FROM: Vamperial Kingdom of Lynion, Vamperial Grand Guardian Master Woff

We have heard of your coup and we congulate you on your efforts. The Vamperial Kingdom recongises you as a new nation and I hope we can get along. As an additional pointer I wish to give you, we would like to help you train your forces should you require the aid. If you also require help with your economy, we are willing to help you in some areas as well.

To: The Government of Anlestierre
From: Office of the Minister for Foreign Relations, Salzland

Dear Sirs and Madams,

Having recently heard of your transition towards becoming a democratic state, the Armed Republic of Salzland wishes to heartily congratulate you. As your nation is no doubt undergoing serious social and economic changes in addition to massive political reform, the Armed Republic wishes to provide $100 Billion in assistance to your nation to help ease the ongoing transition toward democracy. It is out sincere hope that this money will be able to help prevent any potential economic troubles resulting from your transition from a command economy to the free market, as well as fuel economic growth in your nation.

We wish the best of luck to you in the days ahead, and ask that you not hesistate to contact us should there be more we might do for your nation and your people.

Signed,

J. Marcus Davis
Minister for Foreign Relations

[OOC: I know I never signed up for an embassy, but I'm going to make one appear like magic for the sake of rp]

Far Echo Islander Embassy, Rochemont

Ambassador Luw Izon waited in his office. The celing tiles were falling down and the roof was leaking. It has been for months now. The ambassador and the MP's guarding the embassy had a running bet when the floor would rot away. There were so many leaks that they had given up on trying to use buckets, and it always seemed to be raining. The one aged computer sat covered under plastic wrap to protect it from the moisture. He had asked for an ambassadorial appointment, but this seemed like a punishment for war crimes. He felt bad for the MP's, they had just been thrown here, and they had to be ready to protect Izon if more than the occasional stray building hit the embassy. It never did, they could not get anything that exciting.

A knock at the door. An MP hesitantly gets up using his outdated rifle as a cane to help himself from his seat. He slings it across his back and ambles to the door, water dripping on his beret. He lifts the cap from his head and shakes the water off before opening the door.

"Welcome to the Far Echo Islands' Embassy in Rochemont, Anlestierre." He said in the plainest Arkik, not even a computer voice would have rivaled in the dryness of those words.

"Alright." The visitor was female, short, but fierce looking. She wore an all black suit, accented only by a crimson scarf. Her hair was covered by headscarf, but a bright red lock fell, all curled and frizzy due to the barometric pressure. Her voice in just that one word identified her as being from the mid-eastern part of the Islands, her accent was one of the thickest and most obvious from the mid-eastern region any of the embassy staff had ever heard. "I'll need to see Ambassador Izon, he owes me a briefing."

"This way madam." Gestured the MP.

"That will be Senator to you, thank you kindly." she retorted and walked quickly. She wore a type of shoe that was sort of a fancied up tennis shoe, soft soled, but nice enough not to looks sloppy, but she could still run in it if she needed to. She entered the Ambassador's office.

"Senator Gracemeria." Said the Ambassador.

"Cut the crap Luw." She retorted.

"I can't cut the whole country out, Eva; the whole fucking country is one giant crap load."

"No, this country is the only place where the people have the balls enough to shoot at the communists."

"So. Did you see the bullet holes in the wall, they shot at us too."

"What? Do you realize there's a little thing called the Cold War going on?"

"Nope, never heard of it." He joked.

"Might be only God who can really straighten this world out, but-"

"Are you really going to bring in religion again?"

"I bring in God, his Son, and the Holy Ghost because they are the only ones who are gonna let you redeem yourself when you get your atheist head in a foxhole and these communists start killin' everyone from a country that does not agree with 'em."

"Not atheist, Novest."

"Novesm is baseless and Erm Iron admitted on his deathbed that he made the whole thing up while he was intoxicated."

"The Bible preaches tolerance."

"It also preaches damnation for those who do not accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. You are a Novest because it fits you, you are a lazy slouth of a man with no respect for the sanctity of human life and no real care for the rest of the world, same as Novesm, preaches no reason to care for others, no code, no reason really not to do anything that is immoral."

"You ain't come here to debate religion with me." Said the Ambassador, quite put off now.

The Senator sighed and collected her thoughts. "Welp, reckon you're right. What is going on here?"

"Well, the good guys have taken the capital, the commies are on the ousts, and everybody's still broke, the Anlestierre dollar's paper is worth more than its face value and I've read reports of people dipping them in bleach and selling the paper to make more money."

"So why don't we give them some money?"

"A sudden influx of weapons and money into Anlestierre would draw unnecessary attention."

"Just what does that mean?"

"It means if you send a bunch of weapons and money, it will draw unnecessary attention."

"Maybe this backwater country needs some attention! They're the only ones with the balls to shoot at the commies!"

"Get out of my office please Senator. I am required to give you a briefing, nothing more, I don't have to put up with you trying to get me to make ill-advised decisions."

Eva shot him a dirty look. "Merry Christmas, Ambassador."

"Bah humbug."

Atlyia, Far Echo Islands

"What is the budget for covert warfare in the North Pacific?" Asked Senator Gracemeria to her aid.

"Ten million federal credits." the young man replied.

"Ten million?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Double it." she said bluntly.

"Wha-"

"Just do it. I am on the Senate Defense Committee, I can do that. Double it."

"OK, but may I ask what twenty million credits is going to do?"

"Absolutly nothing. But maybe it'll get the whole thing some attention. I spoke with President Valdez yesterday, I brought up Anlestierre, he said 'where now?'"

"Understood Ms. Senator." He scrambled off to try and work something up.

Colonel Hector Daniels, at present the acting Foreign Minister, rapped lightly on the door to O’Rourke’s office before entering. “Mr. President, we’re getting a lot of offers of foreign aid from various governments. I think a few of them could be seriously entertained.” He handed a manila folder with several such proposals.

Thumbing through them, O’Rourke noted a couple of the more promising ones. The one that caught his eye first was from the Republic of Salzland, offering one hundred million dollars in foreign aid. That would go a long way towards rebuilding the parts of Rochemont damaged in the coup (much less than he’d fear, happily enough), and would free up a bit of money for the healthcare and transportation budgets. Unfortunately, a much greater sum would be needed for any meaningful modernization of the military, and in the long term such change would require fundamental changes in the economic and political system of the country.

After a brief discussion with Colonel Daniels, a series of replies were drafted, primarily boilerplate responses thanking the nation in question for their offer of assistance, and informing them that Anlestierre would take them up on the offers of help if the Provisional Government determined that such aid was in fact necessary. However, there was a strong nationalist sentiment in the PG, and no one had a strong desire to become too dependent on foreigners.

A specific response, however, was given to Salzland, informing them that the Provisional Government would indeed accept their offer of aid, and were glad to see that Anlestierre had friends among the international community.

OOC: Salzland, I’m assuming you meant 100 million, not billion? Also, sorry for the short post, this is mostly in response to everyone else; I’ve got a longer one coming either late tonight or tomorrow. I’m also trying to put together a factbook, and am looking at the various storefronts to figure how much money I need to revamp the SDF, so I might not post very often.

OOC: I will be following this thread with much interest. Welcome to NationStates, Anlestierre, and may I say that you've produced one heck of a damn good specimen of an opening post. Once peace has been restored to your nation, I'm going to send over the usual we-want-to-be-your-friend message. :D

OOC: Aha! Finally, one of those RPs that compelled me to begin RPing in the first place. Thanks, Anlestierre.

The Holy Empire of Anemos Major, Holy Office of Foreign Affairs.

The Holy Empire of Anemos Major warmly congratulates the new government on their ascent to power, and hope that under their leadership Anlestierre will become a prosperous and powerful nation. However, until then, the Holy Empire of Anemos Major must inform you of the precarious position you hold as a nation recovering from a coup d'etat, and until you have fully recovered there will, doubtlessly, be nations attempting to exploit this position. Therefore, the Holy Empire of Anemos Major offers to help in the defence of Anlestierre until you have fully recovered, and in order to help in the process of recovery, we also offer our help in rebuilding your armed forces and civil security forces.

Of course, by the defence of Anlestierre we mean from any threat; we can provide anything from Imperial Army of Anemos Major infantry and armour divisions, military intelligence units to help prevent attacks, special operations units to quietly defuse threats to your nations, or, most likely, Internal Army units to help keep supporters of the former regime at bay.

Anemos Major, the capital of Anemos Rei.

"Excuse me, sir." The Metropolitan Policeman approached the cowering man, ticket in one hand and pistol in the other. His tone slow and deliberate, he repeated "Excuse me, sir. I think your car's been here for quite a while. We're going to have to take it to the station for checking." The man continued cowering, and when the policeman took one more step, he suddenly turned, a feral expression all over his face. Although this certainly caught the policeman's attention, what caught his attention more was the Glock 17 9mm automatic pistol the man was clutching tightly in his shaking hand. SLowly bringing his microphone to he mouth, he murmured "We have an armed suspect in number 7 street, Outer Ring, Middle Citadel. Moving to apprehend-"


The transmission was cut.

"The Police have forensics teams on the site! The policeman isn't dead, thankfully, and he says the man looked crazy before he fired." Looking up from his report, the Internal Army Lieutenant sighed quietly to himself. This day should have been a quiet one, but apparently things had just gotten louder. Beside him his CO, a Commander, muttered "I bet you it's those Neo-Open Circle Federation bastards. Always trying to do something, and as if that isn't enough, they try to enforce it with firearms. Teenagers! With radical beliefs and automatic weapons to back them up! God, what has Anemos Major become?" The lieutenant, although identifying the last muttering as a rhetorical question, replied "No idea, sir."

The enemy had managed to hole themselves up insided a quiet building in the suburbs of Anemos Rei. It was winter, and the snow caked the roofs as the Metropolitan Police cordoned off the area. Riot Policemen covered the house nervously, holding their ballistic shields and aiming their shoutguns. Police officers directed traffic away fromt he scene and one Inspector turned to see headlights glaring in the blizzard. He smiled.

A Scorpion Light Tank of the Internal Army led a small convoy of M113 APCs, and the soldiers inside leaped out. They had once been armed with a motley selection of weapons like the AK-47 and the G3 rifle that the Anemonian Army had once used, but now, with the Anemonian Army adopting weapons made by the Imperial Foundries of Anemos Major, the Internal Army now owned a lot of FAMAS rifles, which they cherished. WIthout a word, the operatives marched up to the door, set a charge, and took up positions. The enemies were worthless as hostages. They would be killed.

-TO BE CONTINUED-

OOC: Just showing off the capabilities of the Internal Army so you can decide whether you want them.

((Let me just agree with all the OOC here except Miyager's, especially those noting what a kickass newbie Anlestierre is, if they are one.))

To the Anlestierren Foreign Affairs Office,

We, the Ruling Council of Tiurabo, commend your government for throwing off the communist yoke, and freeing your people to choose their own fate. Our government is willing to aid you in any way you wish, though we understand that you will probably receive much aid from larger and more powerful nations.

We are willing to aid you directly, through such things as military aid, or indirectly, through monetary and other material goods. We are capable of supplying you with much equipment, including body armor, assault rifles, and vehicles. Most especially we can provide Interceptor armor, Bushmaster ACR and XM8 assault rifles, as well as M2A2 Bradley IFV's. (We do not have the rights to manufacture M3's.)

Please contact us at your earliest convenience. If you do not respond, a scout team will soon make contact with you to ensure that you have not come to serious harm, or been cut off from radio communication. Hopefully, this will not be necessary.

We hope to hear from you soon,
The Ruling Council of Tiurabo.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Luxembourg.


‘Come in, Philippe. I’ve been expecting you.’ The man behind the massive oakwood desk spoke to his visitor, who immediately took a seat in one of the more comfortable chairs in the office, just opposite to the minister behind the desk.

‘As you know, both of our ministries have expressed interest in that recent coup in Anlestierre. My people are already busy redirecting a frigate in that direction with military and civilian advisors. It would be nice if you could help us out with something. Something that’s called a gift certificate.’ The visitor said, while shifting his weight from one side of the chair to another.

‘I suppose you mean our Foreign Developments Fund? In which we offer money to developing nations, money which they can spend in our economy? We’ve been thinking about that, yes. We concluded it would be useless without guidance, but this proposal of yours definitely sounds interesting. What are you thinking of?’ Jens Blom, Minister of Foreign Affairs, answered his visitor, the Minister of Defence, Philippe Dermont.

‘We are currently busy redirecting the ZMS Gutenburg to Anlestierre. It will be taken from the Van Luxemburger Mission in Bulgia taskforce, currently returning from the Black Sea. We have all required advisors in that taskforce, and they can be transferred from the Arvaglio to the Gutenburg by helicopter immediately. The frigate can arrive within several days. With a nice gift certificate worth $50 million. It will all flow back into our economy, possibly leading to more orders in the future. So we might even make money from this.’

‘So you are suggesting that we send armed soldiers into an already unstable area?’ Blom asked, even though he knew this probably wouldn’t be the case: The MoD was too cautious to authorise such actions.

‘Not exactly. From what we know, the area is safe and we will have skilled advisors on the ground. Nothing to be worried about.’ Dermont answered.

‘Perfect then. I’ll have my employees write the certificate and the letter. Good luck, Philippe.’

‘I won’t need good luck. My personnel will, I’m afraid. Goodbye, Jens.’
With those words, Dermont left the room and walked back to his car, which was waiting outside the building. Moments later, a message was sent from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Provisional Government of Anlestierre.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/VanLuxemburg/Headers/ForeignHeader.png
Official Communiqué from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Grand Duchy of Van Luxemburg.

Dear Sirs/Madams,

It is with the utmost pleasure that I announce to you that our Ministry, together with the Ministry of Defence, has decided to come to your nation’s aid by allocating $50 million from our Foreign Developments Fund. This means that this $50 million can be spent in all Van Luxemburger industries and companies, around the world. To assist you in the reconstruction of your nations’ economy, social systems and military, we have chosen to send the Marine’s frigate ZMS Gutenburg (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/VanLuxemburg/gutenburg.png) to Anlestierre, with around 50 advisors, both military and civilian. The Gutenburg itself will be making several visits to Anlestierre’s fleet, while the advisors can be put to use in the most diverse areas, from healthcare to military applications.

The Marine currently expects that the ZMS Gutenburg can arrive within three days, at any port specified by the Provisional Government of Anlestierre.

Signed,

Jens Blom
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Philippe Dermont
Ministry of Defence

The Grand Duchy of Van Luxemburg

The Federation of Cukarica


Official diplomatic comunique

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/milanwviz/Vojska/ispravan_znak_vojske_srbije_srednja.jpg

We greet the new formed Democratic goverment,and in that spirit urge the Provisional Goverment to estamblish a rightfull Parliament and elections.
First package of humanitarian aid to your citizens is on is way.
We accept the Provisional Goverment as a rightfull goverment of Anlestierre.
We are willing to offer you aid both financialy and in terms of modernizing the equipment of your military forces.


Gratefully yours,


President Srecko Ilic


The Federation of Cukarica

OOC: Nope, I meant Billion. My country's rich as hell... my GDP per capita is something close to $100,000 per person (per NSTracker, which is the Economy calculator I use).

I figure I have an almost $2 Trillion Commerce budget (where I draw my foreign aid money from), and it generally goes unused, so why not spend a little? Besides, it's Christmas, the season of giving, and I would like to give enough money to make sure the job (in this case, your economic restructuring) is done right. I don't want any post-Cold War Russia economic collapses on my conscience, when I could've been a little less stingy and prevented it.

“We should take a serious look at this Foreign Development Fund offered by the government of Van Luxemburg,” General Simon Bogard informed the Council. “It’s enough to correct a lot infrastructural issues, at least around the major cities, and if we can get to agree to hire local labor, it will inject further money into the economy. Foreign currency is what we need at the moment, until the dollar gets stabilized and increases in value.”

There had been marked improvements in the Anlestierrean economy in the days since the coup. The Anlestierran dollar had doubled in value practically overnight after numerous black market services were legalized, jumping from nine cents on the USD to eighteen cents. With that, consumer confidence was up (though hardly solid, still hovering below 50%) and unemployment had dropped 4%. President O’Rourke, upon hearing that enthusiastic report from the temporary Finance Minister, had almost laughed. A full third of Anlestierrean citizens remained unemployed. The prospect of getting $50 million worth of roads, railways, and airports, essentially for free, and then creating jobs by employing Anlestierrean citizens in the construction of said infrastructure, was quite appealing.

“All right, Simon. Tell them we’ll accept that offer. What else is on the table, Hector, in terms of foreign aid?”

Colonel Daniels looked briefly at his notes. “A lot of recognition, and vague offers of assistance. A couple of specific ones we should pay attention to. The Dominion of Tiurabo is offering to sell us military equipment, weapons and vehicles. Decent stuff, but at the moment a little out of our price range. The Empire of Anemos Major is offering to send troops and secret police to help keep order...can’t say we really need that. From this proposal here,” each member of the Council had a copy of the various diplomatic communiqués from around the world, “were we to agree to this it would essentially render ourselves a puppet state. The PLA—excuse me, the SDF, isn’t in the shape to kick these guys out should they decide to stay.”

O’Rourke and the rest of the Council nodded. “Fair enough. Inform both of those nations that for the moment we’re going to have to politely refuse their assistance, primarily because our economy simply doesn’t have the money to pay for any sort of training or high-end military equipment yet. And be polite about it. Now, about the former State Directorate and the Central Committee?”

Colonel Stephen Harmon, the PG’s Minister of Justice and the Interior, cleared his throat before he spoke. “The State Directorate, in a rump session, validated the coup and acknowledged the Provisional Government as the legitimate legal authority in Anlestierre.” He did not add that the PLA had supervised the session in question. “The Central Committee have all been arrested on corruption charges, but I think most will opt for your general amnesty and go quitely into retirement. The same for the State Police. Well, the ones the military tribunals didn’t execute for crimes against the people or for state treason. Only about a dozen got the firing squad, in the end.” At its height, the State Police had been an organization comparable in reputation and skill to the KGB. Over the past couple of decades, however, its quality had eroded significantly. Just like most of the country.

O’Rourke nodded. “All right, then. Next item?”

* * * * *

Sirs Blom & Dermont,

On behalf of the Provisional Government and the people of Anlestierre, I would to thank you for your generous offer of aid, and to inform you that the Provisional Government intends to take you up on it. It is the goal of our government to take the $50 million Foreign Developments Fund and invest it in infrastructure development through the Rothstein+Lange construction company. A specific order will be placed with said company within the month.

With Respect,
Col. Hector Daniels
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

* * * * *

To the Ruling Council of Tiurabo,

I regret to inform you that the present economic situation in Anlestierre precludes purchase of foreign military equipment. However, we thank you for your offers and we shall likely approach you for such equipment in the future.

With Respect,
Col. Hector Daniels
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

* * * * *

Sir/Madam,

Although we are grateful for you offer of assistance, it is the consensus of the Provisional Government of Anlestierre that to invite a significant force of foreign military personnel into the country at this time would only serve to agitate the populace and destabilize the domestic political situation; something the country cannot at present afford.

With Respect,
Col. Hector Daniels
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

OOC: Where's a response for Lynion?

OOC: Please do not forget that we are also offering to upgrade your armed forces.

The Holy Empire of Anemos Major, Holy Offie of FOreign Affairs

Please understand that we are also offering to upgrade your armed forces, and as a show of goodwill we offer you 1 billion NSD to help rebuild your nation.

Three days later, ZMS Gutenburg

‘Captain on the bridge!’

The men on the bridge all saluted, before they went on with their normal tasks. He shortly checked in with the CO before walking on to the observation post on the bridge, picking up a pair of binoculars to check his surroundings. After this, he continued giving his orders.

‘Engines half power ahead. Prepare for radio contact. Roll out the helicopter to the helipad and secure it there, in case we need it. Prepare RHIB number 1 and 2, but leave the doors closed. Let the boarding party know that they should be ready.’

Confirmations were shouted from various parts of the bridge, slowly turning the ship into one large nest of activity. As the captain was handed the telephone from the comms officer, he quickly thanked him before taking it up to open communications.

‘Anlestierre Port Authority, this is the Van Luxemburger warship ZMS Gutenburg, we currently have around 50 advisors aboard to assist in the reconstruction, and the Marine has given us orders to make several fleet visits around Anlestierre. We will be entering Anlestierran waters in about half an hour. Please advise on our heading for the nearest suitable port.’ He spoke in swift English, even though a slight Germanic accent could be heard when listening closely. As he awaited the answer, more activity could be seen around the ship. The saluting cannon was loaded and readied, in order for it to fire once it entered port. Crewmembers also raised a smaller Anlestierran flag on the communications mast, next to a Van Luxemburger flag equal in size. The Marine flag was raised on the stern, and the ceremonial guard was prepared to line the bridge, bow and helicopter deck.

Now, the two large doors on the side of the ship were opened, and the RHIB’s were slowly hoisted out of their mooring positions, with their crew complement aboard. They would sail alongside the ship upon entering the port, but quickly taken back aboard before the ship would moor, seeing it was impossible to recover at least one of the rubber boats when the ship was moored alongside a quay.

Now, the Gutenburg gently cut through the waves ahead, at it’s cruising speed of 19 knots. It would have to take in new fuel in Anlestierre, or it would have to call upon a replenishment vessel of the Van Luxemburger Naval component, which would take quite a long time to arrive, since none would be on patrol in this region of the world.

“And do you think the economy will continue to grow in the manner it has been?” asked the host of The Times, a former news program that had evolved into the nation’s most popular political analysis program since the 22 December Coup had ended censorship on the state-owned Anlestierre News Network.

“Well, Bill, as with anything it’s hard to say. But I’d say there’s definitely a reason to be optimistic. The Anlestierrean dollar is valued at almost half a Universal Standard Dollar now, and that’s an increase of 500% in currency value in just a few days. Couple that with unemployment falling to just over 24% -- a decrease of almost thirteen points—and the nation’s GDP rising to $54 billion, up from barely $7 billion before the coup, and we can see the beginnings of real economic growth.” The guest pundit spoke with the stigma of education, marking him as a returned Anlestierrean exile, or more likely the child of such exiles. The Marxist regime had paid little attention to education, trusting the people to obey the radio and television. Anlestierre at the time of the coup had a literacy rate averaging about 3% for the civilian population (the military and security apparat was actually better educated than the average citizen), ironically slightly higher in rural areas than in the cities. Since the coup, the Council of Free Officers had, at the urging of President O’Rourke, formed the Literacy Corps, which allowed men to fulfill their mandatory military service by teaching people across the country to read and write. Although likely a little inflated, official figures presently showed literacy as having increased to over 14%. Anlestierre was quickly getting onto to its own feet.

The Council of Free Officers was far more popular than the previous regime, with close to 60% approval ratings according to a few informal polls. O’Rourke’s personal approval was much higher, and it was widely expected that he would win the presidential election in a few months time with a Nelson Mandela-like landslide.

With increased economic growth came an increased government budget. Taxes had been cut to an average rate of 50%, with further cuts promised once the state’s infrastructure and defense needs were met. Additionally, timetables were set to privatize many of the state-owned entities and corporations. To that end, with a budget of almost $2 billion, General Ben Travis had delegated to several of his military and civilian subordinates the task of coming up with a “shopping list” of military hardware needed to bring the ASDF up to modern standards. It had been determined that the GSDF-Ground Self-Defense Force-would be the priority recipient of new equipment. The Ministry of Defense had determined that their budget could afford to equip over a dozen regiments for the same cost as purchasing a single high-end fighter; that knowledge, coupled with the fact that the Navy had occupied the third tier of military hierarchy since the Revolution, meant that the GSDF would get the shiny toys first.

Officers were dispatched to peruse the various military storefronts of the world, in order to find the best new equipment for the GSDF.

Another issue in dire need of address was the large and cumbersome size of the military. The abolishment of conscription that was expected to come out of the newly-formed Parliament (still six months away) would cut the total size of the military by an estimate of two-thirds, thus freeing up considerable amounts of money to redirect into more intensive training regimens. It was expected that within a few years, and sooner if foreign advisors were brought in, the GSDF, at least, would be a competent, professional, and fully modern fighting force.

Luckily, a boatload of such advisors appeared to be waiting off the coast at the very moment...

OOC: Responses to Van Luxemburg and Lynion coming soon. Sorry, busy with holiday stuff.

Balmora, Anlestierre
“Orders arrived from the Ministry this morning. We’re to welcome the Van Luxembergers with open arms,” reported the lieutenant, acting today as the courier for the naval commander. The commander, a Navy Captain, nodded slowly. The prospect of bringing in foreign advisors, whether civilian or military, went against what he’d been taught in the Academy of the People’s Navy, now renamed the Maritime School, right here in Balmora. The port city was the historic home of the Anlestierrean Navy, known in its most recent incarnation as the Anlestierrean Maritime Self-Defense Force, and it was from this city that the commodore had operated ships for twenty years, beginning as an ensign fresh out of the Academy.

However, the Captain mused, the old system had emphasized closing the country off from the rest of the world, and that policy had clearly failed. The new Provisional Government strived to open the nation up, and had even applied to join the World Assembly! That reminded him of what he’d read in the morning paper—that the same Assembly had recently reclassified the country as a “corrupt dictatorship,” as opposed to a “psychotic” one. The Captain was forced to smile at the absurdly slow pace of international recognition of the Provisional Government’s reforms.

His tangential thought process ended, the Captain refocused on the moment, and issued orders for dealing with the advisors. The Van Luxemburger ship Gutenburg was radioed a heading to follow towards the docks at Balmora, and was also informed that fuel would be made available and facilities for R&R opened for the sailors. He left the Port Authority Office, and headed outside to his jeep, where his driver was ready to take him down to the docks. A small detachment of Marines were en route to the docks as well, to act as an honor guard for the incoming foreigners. Volunteer soldiers, unlike their conscripted Army counterparts, the Marines demonstrated a clear professionalism despite their faded uniforms and obsolete equipment.

Upon arriving at the docks, the Marines formed up behind the Navy Captain, who waited patiently with his arms folded behind his back for the the Gutenburg to dock and its advisors to disembark.

Kartika, Great Kirav, Kiravian Empire

Emperor Seawind sat back in a thoroughly cushioned leather chair in Krovenirene Castra. He had just recently returned from a wonderful Christmas with his family in his home colony of Xirya. The weather outside the Castra's window was indeed frightful, but normal for Kirav in late December. Blinding snowfall and screaming winds made the Emperor quite grateful to be indoors.

With him in the room were the Secriatist of State, Fyren Redwōd, and Senator Irúven Rénsilva.

"So," said the Emperor, "What is it that you two gentlemen have come to discuss?"

"Anlestierre."

"Anlestierre..." Seawind sighed to himself. He had been a Geography student at Kirso University. But in a world with thousands of nations that fluctuated in and out of obscurity, it was hard to keep track. "Ah!" he exclaimed, remembering it, "That socialist country?"

"The very same," replied the Ambrikiravian Senator, "They've suffered a coup."

"Most unfortunate."

"If you've been lying to the Kiravian people these last few years and you're actually a Socialist, then yes," said Redwōd, with a touch of humour.

"Pardon?"

"They've become Capitalist. They're liberalising into a Democracy a'swell, and under a man named O'Rourke."

"That's excellent. A newly self-liberated nation, capitalist, and under a man who seems to have Celtic ancestors over all...I don't think there's any doubt here, gentlement. I would certainly like to have Anlestierre recognised by the Empire, and to obtain commercial access to their markets for our merchants."

"We'd like that, Sèr."

"Excellent. Sèr Redwōd, I assume your ready to do that?"

"Aye."

"And, Sèr Rénsilva, Do you and Senator Vendikur have the Senate behind this?"

"Aye, sir."

"Let's get to it, then."
--

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee194/Glyphick47/KiravSeal.png

Kiravian Empire

Permissim Astrav Subleucim

Imperial Secriat of State

Emerging Nations Office

The Kiravian Empire hereby recognises the new government of Anlestierre as the sovereign and legitimate authority over that country.

We would like to offer our support in the form of trade. We are interested in the mutual benefits of helping stimulate the flow of goods and currency in and out of your economy, as well as our own.

Additionally, we would like to arrange the placement of an embassy or a meeting of state between our respective leaders or diplomats.

OOC: I can't do anything until you reply to my telegram remember?

To: Provisional Government of Anlestierre
From: Mondo Advertising, Confederacy of Defense Corporations
Re: establishing your regime

We (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=577616) would like to offer you the R25H semi-auto rifle (for police), R25S sharpshooter rifle (for SWAT officers), WC-15 weather plane, C-15R rescue airplane, and CH-25M medevac helicopter to re-equip your civilian security apparatus with equipment not symbolic of the old regime, more suited for police, rescue and weather services than for repression, and more modern than your previous equipment. Saves on maintenance, and helps establish legitimacy!

To the Vamperial Grand Guardian Master Woff,

The Provisional Government thanks you for your recognition, and would of course be happy to establish diplomatic and trade relations with your nation. This may be done at your earliest convenience.

With Respect,
Col. Hector Daniels
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs

* * * * *

Sir/Madam
Imperial Secretariat
Emerging Nations Office

We thank you sincerely for your recognition of the Provisional Government as the legitimate legal authority of Anlestierre. We would also like to confirm our desire to establish trade links, and will open our markets to Kiravian goods.

An embassy may be received at your earliest convenience, and an Anlestierrean diplomatic mission dispatched to your capital. A state meeting, if so desired, may also be arranged.

With Respect,
Col. Hector Daniels
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs

* * * * *

To: Mondo Advertising, Confederacy of Defense Corporations
Subject: Re: establishing your regime

We appreciate your offers of equipment and materiel for the internal security forces of Anlestierre, but unfortunately the limited budgetory resources of the Provisional Government prevent us from purchasing such equipment from the CDC at this time; there are more pressing uses for our disposable funds. However, the Republic would be happy to do business with your company in the future.

With Respect,
Col. Hector Daniels
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs

OOC: Just a few brief responses as I catch up...I should hopefully have a better post up sometime today.

Sir/Madam
Imperial Secretariat
Emerging Nations Office

We thank you sincerely for your recognition of the Provisional Government as the legitimate legal authority of Anlestierre. We would also like to confirm our desire to establish trade links, and will open our markets to Kiravian goods.

An embassy may be received at your earliest convenience, and an Anlestierrean diplomatic mission dispatched to your capital. A state meeting, if so desired, may also be arranged.

With Respect,
Col. Hector Daniels
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs


Kiravis Imperiax TelegraphiaKiravian Empire Communiqué

We thank you for your most generous response. Any diplomatic mission dispatched to Kiravia will be warmly welcomed. We wish to discuss with them the details of trade policy betwixt our two nations, as well as anything the Kiravian Empire can to to aid your new government in consolidating its power.

To: Mondo Advertising, Confederacy of Defense Corporations
Subject: Re: establishing your regime

We appreciate your offers of equipment and materiel for the internal security forces of Anlestierre, but unfortunately the limited budgetory resources of the Provisional Government prevent us from purchasing such equipment from the CDC at this time; there are more pressing uses for our disposable funds. However, the Republic would be happy to do business with your company in the future.

With Respect,
Col. Hector Daniels
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs

To: Col. Hector Daniels, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anlestierre
From: Mondo Advertising, C. of DC

Thank you for you response. We understand that funds are limited, for now, and appreciate your willingness to do business when your budget is less strained. Best of luck in your future ventures!

At an almost leisurely pace, the Gutenburg (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/VanLuxemburg/gutenburg.png) cruised into the port of Balmora. As it entered, the saluting cannons were fired no less than 13 times, and as the ship carried on towards the docks, more and more crewmen and passengers appeared on the open decks of the ship, observing the soldiers that stood there, awaiting their arrival.

As a soldier with the Draachentrupp’s paracommandos, Capitaine Laura Zimmer had more experience than others in recognising foreign equipment, and was quick to report her observations to the man standing next to her, who was apparently serving with the 54th regiment ‘Garde di Giustra’, looking at his insignias. The nametag said that he was to be identified as Lieutenant en Premier Pirozzi.

‘This is going to be quite a task. These seem trained soldiers, and still they have uniforms at least several years old, colours faded, and old equipment that dates back to the time we were still facing the Russkyans in the Cold War. It wouldn’t surprise me if the rest of the military is worse off: these are probably the best-equipped soldiers the Anlestierrans could gather.’

The man next to her nodded. He watched the man that was presumably commanding the soldiers standing there, his arms behind his back.

‘We should have a chat with that man over there. Perhaps he could tell us something about the general state of their military.’ Pirozzi remarked to his neighbour.

‘Indeed. I’m with you on this one.’ Laura answered. As the frigate was close to unloading its passengers, its gangways were already being deployed. Right next to the gangway, the two officers were waiting to get off the ship, now accompanied by a third officer, perhaps the highest aboard the ship. When the gangway was ready to be used, they were the first to get off, walking towards the Captain that was waiting there. The three saluted to him, before shaking hands and introducing themselves.

‘Captain Zimmer, Paracommandos. These are Lieutenant First class Pirozzi of the amphibious battalion belonging to the 54th regiment ‘Garde di Giustra’ of the Van Luxemburger Armei, and Captain Ritter, commander of this ship, the ZMS Gutenburg. We were hoping you could already tell us something about what we are getting into here, concerning the Anlestierran military.’ Zimmer spoke, while looking at the commander of the Marine Detachment.

A fourth officer now also arrived next to the other three. Once again, he wore a different uniform, and was quick to salute, before introducing himself.
‘Lieutenant-at-sea first class Kästner, Marine Loft Divisioun. Navy Air Arm, that is. I believe all components of the military have presented themselves here, isn’t it?’ He grinned, while casually looking at the three other officers.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l158/comradecaptan/newLogo1.jpg
The United Worker's Republic hereby recognizes the new government of Anlestierre and would like to invite the people of Anlestierre to join us Democratic Socialists in solidarity in the UWR (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13878904) .