NationStates Jolt Archive

"Tell me, Yrenthis... why is the sky so.. far away?" Lying in his bed, Ilfir Erenthi III gazed weakly at the blue sky out of his window. Beside his, Second Marshal Yrenthis of the Anemonian Army, the commander of the 4th Army, knelt at his side, eyes shut. On the other side of the bed sat the Crown Prince, Thryn Erenthi. He was only 14 years old, and although as able as his father in all aspects of politics, he himself was a battered person. With his mother taken from him at the age of 3, he wondered silently whether nature was cruel enough to strip him of both parents. The High Lord, turning quietly to Yrenthis, murmured "No... don't tell me. I know why. I'm dying, like I've been for the past month." He looked up once more and smiled grimly. "It's strange... to die. I've ordered troops into so many countries, so many states as High Lord. I've ordered so many deaths and yet I don't know whether I'm ready to die." Yrenthis murmured "My Lord, you aren't guilty of anything. I'm sure that when death comes it will meet you as an equal. You deserve no less." Ilfir smiled and asked "Then... why are you crying, Yrenthis? Be happy. Your words have given me courage, and I am sure that when I die, Thryn will do well." Ilfir paused, and then, slowly and painfully, turned his head one last time. "Ah... Thryn." he said. "My pride and joy." His son turned away, angry, and Ilfir's face fell. Eventually, he continued "I'm sorry, my son. When your mother died, I knew that you needed a father, but..."

"...I had a country to rule. Now, I've created a country that you will be able to rule without fear. You won't have to overwork yourself like I did." Thryn didn't turn back, and Ilfir closed his eyes. "I know that you won't forgive your father. That's why I have one last thing to ask of you, as the High Lord of Anemos Major." Thryn quietly asked "My Lord?"

"Protect the country I love. Cherish it. And one day, Thryn Erenthi, gaze upon it as High Lord, and love it like I did." A moment passed, and Ilfir added "Remember that I loved you always, Thryn. Even if it was a little one sided." He smiled to himself, looked into the sky and died. Looking at the dead Ilfir, Yrenthis quietly murmured "Your Imperial Majesty. I am your servant unto death." Then he looked at Thryn and shouted "The High Lord is dead! Long live the High Lord!" Thryn turned slowly, standing, and Yrenthis could see that his face was streaked with tears. Looking him in the eye, Thryn murmured "First Marshal Yrenthis, commander in chief of the Army of Anemos Major. Are you with me?" The twenty-seven year old general stood to face the fourteen-year old monarch, and looked up. "Now and always, even unto death!"

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THE HOLY EMPIRE OF ANEMOS MAJOR OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Today, at 3:30 PM, December 24th, 2008 (The 35th and last year of His Imperial Majesty Ilfir Erenthi III), the High Lord Ilfir Erenthi III of Anemos Major passed away. As the saviour of a broken nation and a patriot, a lover of his nation above all, he will be mourned for by all. Enclosed is an invitation to the funeral of His Imperial Majesty.

In the Name of Anemos,
The Holy Offices of Anemos Major.

OOC: This is the funeral thread.

The Peoples Republic of Tamuff

The Peoples Republic of Tamuff is saddened to learn of the death of his mperial Majesty Ilfir Erenthi III.

We offer our most sincerest of condolences and wish to pay tribute to him at his funeral.

The Prime Minister Adrian Woods wishes to personally attend the service as a sign of our respect to a great leader and also a sign of hope that out of great loss can emerge a new, stronger leader.

With most gracious respect.

Michael McIntyre
Minister of the Foreign Office

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The hard working citizens of the People's Republic of Creote have today stood in silence for one minute, in tribute to the Monarch of Anemos Major. Our nation will send Foreign Minister Jaro Fennor to the funeral. We wish to thank your nation for the invitation and send our condolences to your people.

The Queendom of Archadopilis is greatly saddened to learn of the death of the greatly admired Majesty Ilfir Erenthi the III. My people will be send their deepest condolances and regret at the untimely passing away of your nations leader.

With the Deepest regrets,

Queen Stella Archadope
The Dowager Queen of Archadeopilis

The Federation of Cukarica


Official diplomatic comunique

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The Federation will always remember this day with deep grief and sorrow.
A trusted friend and ally has passed away into the afterlife.
Senate is taking a one day off duty to honor the death of a Great friend of the Federation His Majesty Anemonian High Lord Ilfir Erenthi III.
At twelwe o'clock the Federational Guard will fire three shots into the sky in honor of the decease monarch.
On the other hand we greet Thryn Erenthi,and pleage our friendship to His Majesty in honor of His Great Father.
We wish you best succeses in all fields of goverment in the future.
High diplomatic attache from the Federation with the Head of State President Srecko Ilic will attend the last march of the High Lord.
Again sincere grief and sorrow.
And we hope that you know that the Federation is standing just beside Anemos Major in this dark hour.



Gratefully yours,


President Srecko Ilic


The Federation of Cukarica

To:Whomever it may Concern
From: The Peoples Republic of Miyager

Yes Death is a Sad Thing but it is a fact of life the General Secretary of The Communist Party of Miyager is comeing to attend the Funeral if it is okay with you

OOC:miyager i beg you read this thread http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=352036

Official Communique

To the High Lord of Anemos Major

From Her Righteous Excellency Senator Torys Huss

News of your sad loss has eached the Senate of Custardia Invictis, it is regrettable yet true that all reigns must come to an end but the Senate is certain that the newe High Lord will rule as justly and fairly as his father before him. Unfortunately neither his Most High Excellency the Chancellor nor His Righteous Highness Lord Forts can attend the funerl as they are otherwise engaged, as such, I Senator Torys Huss will be attending in their stead.

Yours sincerely

Her Her Righteous Excellency,
Senator Torys Huss

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To: High Lord of Anemos Major
From: Hochmiester Alfred Von Ritterbrudder

I will attend. The Order and Chernobl is wounded by your suffering.

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To: The Holy Empire of Anemos Major
From: The Holy Imperium of Angenteria

We are deeply saddened at the Loss of High Lord Ilfir Erenthi III of Anemos Major. We send you our deepest condolences, and would like to be able to attend the funeral proceedings.

Sincerely Yours,
Marcus Riektal
Emperor of the Holy Imperium

To the High Lord of Anemos Major:

I am deeply sorry to hear about the death of His Majesty Ilfir Erenthi the III. The Madurastan people also expressed their sympathy and condolenses and wish you through this tough time.

Yours sincerely,
President Jack Browning of the Republic Of Madurastan

Duke Blaise
Duchy of Rechburg
Malmaison Palace
Malmaison
Rechburg

High Lord of Anemos Major

Please accept my sympathy and condolences for your loss of a valued monarch, High Lord Ilfir Erenthi III was a much loved and valued man and monarch on the international scene.
May I please also had the condolences of our Duchy which will respect this day with all National flags being flown at half mast.

Deepest regard

Duke Blaise

To: The Holy Empire of Anemos Major
From: The Kingdom of Kzalkoria - Office of the Lord Major of External Affairs

It is with great sadness that news of the Loss of High Lord Ilfir Erenthi III of Anemos Major reached us. Ours is a new nation, but one looking forward to expand its list of friends. However distant our lands may be, please accept our deepest condolences together with our compassion. The Kingdom of Kzalkoria will hold 1 day of mourning in respect.
Our Lord Major of External Affairs would like to participate to the funeral proceedings and present our condolences to the people of the Holy Empire of Anemos Major.

Sincerely Yours,
Sir Ivan DeMonStrade, Lord Major of External Affairs, Kingdom of Kzalkoria,
In the name of His Majesty King Kzalkordian I of Kzalkoria

To Whom It concerns,

We of AHSCA are terribly saddened by the passing of your monarch. I Shino Villa will attend.

TO: The People's Republic of Tamuff.

We thank you for your response, and Prime Minister Woods for agreeing to attend the funeral.

TO: The nation of Creote.

Thank you for your response. We will get back to you after the ascension of our new High Lord to the throne.

TO: The Queendom of Archadopilis

Thank you, Queen Archadope, for your condolences. We hope to get back to you after the ascension of our new High Lord.

TO: The Federation of Cukarica.

It was under the reign of His Imperial Majesty Ilfir Erenthi III that we came to form close bonds with your nation, and your sympathy in these dark hours is proof that Ilfir Erenthi III chose his friends wisely. Thank you.

TO: The People's Republic of Miyager.

Indeed, death is a sad thing and we thank you for agreeing to attending the funeral.

OOC: Cukarica... umm... I would complain, but... I agree. Miyager, is English your first language?

TO: The Nation of Custardia Invictis

We understand that your monarchs are presently engaged, and are honoured that your nation are still willing to send a representative.

TO: The Hochmeister of the Order (Chernobl)

Thank you very much for agreeing to attend the funeral. Your sympathy is very much appreciated.

TO: The Holy Imperium of Angenteria

We thank you for your words, and of course you may attend the funeral of His Imperial Majesty Ilfir Erenthi III; it is the least we can do for such a close ally of ours.

TO: The Republic of Madurastan

Your words are received with much gratitude. We hope that we emerge from this darkness unscathed, and we are sure that your support will help us to do so.

TO: The Duchy of Rechburg.

Your sympathy is much appreciated in these dark hours. We are sure that His Imperial Highness appreciates your actions.

TO: The Kingdom of Kzalkoria.

Thanky ou very much for your kind words. Of course, the presence of the Lord Major would be much appreciated.

TO: AHSCA

Thank you very much for your message.

The Third Holy Empire of Anemos Major, Anemos Rei, The Imperial Palace (Point 0 of the Anemonian Defence Grid, the centre of the Citadel of Anemos Rei and the seat of the Anemonian monarchy).

December 25th.

"So, your Highness, what are your plans for Anemos Major?"

"Your Majesty, what are you going to do next?"

"What do you think your father left his nation as a lasting legacy?"

"Is it true that your relations with him were...!"

The reporters surged forwards like a wave, and the Metropolitan Police Riot Control Team was struggling to hold them back. A riot policeman managed to pull out a stun gun and fired, hitting one reporter in the chest and knocking him back. The weapon was set at low voltage, and because lethal force was not to be used the Riot Police's arsenal of weapons were of no use. One officer fell to his knees as somebody leaped onto his ballistic shield, and the line was about to break when one policeman shouted "Pull back!" The police officers shook off the crowd and ran, and as the mob charged forwards once more, wielding an array of microphones and cameras, a group of Internal Army M113 APCs and Scorpion tanks barred their way. Although the reporters were desperate to get a word out of the quiet Crown Prince, who was entering the Imperial Palace, escorted by the elite troops of the 1st Army, Priosectyone 1, they could not get past the Internal Army. Soon, a detachment of Inquisitorial Shock Troopers arrived to bolster the line and none other than the Master of the Inquisition climbed up onto one of the tanks, a loudspeaker in one hand and his sword in the other. "The Crown prince will be available for questioning after the funeral of His Imperial Majesty! Until then, no-one will be let through!" As if to prove his point, a group of Internal Army T-80U tanks rolled into place behind the M113s and Scorpions.

"My god, it's a bloody mess." Yrenthis shook his head and muttered "Those filthy reporters are trying to break into His Imperial Majesty's funeral!? Don't they have any respect?" After a moment of watching the carnage, he saw a group of reporters climb over a Scorpion tank, only to be pushed off by a group of Riot Policemen. Although the line was holding for the moment, it was quite obvious that with the arrival of more reporters and mobs, it would break. Turning to his adjutant, Yrenthis muttered "I want the 2nd Infantry Division, the 1st Armour Division and the 3rd Knightmare detachment in here now. Call in the Knightpolice to block off the Central Citadel. The representatives from each nation will be brought here by helicopter after they arrive at ARIA. Oh yes, get the Inquisition and the Internal Army to block off part of ARIA. We will reroute the representatives to Runway 3 and isolate it. Remember; keep the crowd under control!"

Nobody spoke as the coffin containing the former High Lord was brought to the Chapel by a group of Inquisitors, escorted by the Imperial Bodyguard (1st Army, Priosectyone 1). Thryn watched from a distance, then looked up at the far wall of the chapel, where the legendary crown and sword of Ilfir Erenthi I hung. In a few moments, he would be wearing them. 35 years ago, his father had done the same.

"Were you this scared when you did it?" he asked the corpse in the coffin, a sad smile on his face.

Overhead, a Comanche helicopter of the 4th Army (which is under 2nd Marshal Yrenthis) roared by. The crowd was growing even more restless as the hour of the funeral approached, and the Internal Army was having trouble keeping them under control. Eventually, however, the Yredentsyr MBTs and Fyrdestyr Medium Tanks of the 4th Army, 1st Armour arrived, along with some Leclercs of the 2nd Armour, and Sutherland type Knightmare Frames, painted in the distinctive grey of the Anemonian Army, took up positions in front of the M113s, wielding massive riot shields and aiming their rifles at the crowd. The crowd hushed as 4th Army infantry took cover behind the riot shields and tanks, aiming an assortment of IFAM AR5 carbines, AR6 6.8mm assault rifles and M82 .50 caliber anti-material rifles at the crowd. His Mk.23 SOCOM pistol held tightly in his hand, an Internal Army captain shouted "As the Master of the Inquisition has informed you, questions will be taken after the funeral, and only after! Anyone even thinking of breaking into the Imperial Palace will be shot, no questions asked! The Imperial Government asks all those present here to respect our former High Lord and remain calm until the funeral is over! Thank you." Turning, the captain walked away, and the crowd began shouting once more.

Bumped and waiting for replies.

To: The Third Holy Empire of Anemos Major
From: The Kingdom of Kzalkoria - Office of the Lord Major of External Affairs, Office of the Lord Major of Interior Affairs.

It is with great sadness that we heard about what is going on in your capital in this dark hour. We are confident that you will manage to keep everything under control, an we assure you that The Lord Major of External Affairs, Sir Ivan DeMonStrade, will be there to attend the funeral.

Furthermore the Lord Major of Interior Affairs, Baron Demonious deTroopee, will be escorting the Lord Major of External Affairs and would like to ask for your permission to bring with them a detachment of the Elite Clerical Guard to assist both in crowd control and safety of dignitaries.[troops of the Elite Clerical Guard are the highest ranking troops in Kzalkorian Army, as well as being highly trained clones of Baron Demonious deTroopee, loyal to order and the establishment].

We await your response as we prepare for departure.

Sincerely Yours,
Sir Ivan DeMonStrade, Lord Major of External Affairs, Kingdom of Kzalkoria,
Baron Demonious de Troopee, Lord Major of Internal Affairs, Kingdom of Kzalkoria,

The Royal British States sends its condolences to the Anemos Major in the wake of its monarch's death.

do we post arrivals?

Yes please. Preferrably by private jet, otherwise I'll have to reroute commercial jets.

The Empire of the Philippiniada
Imperial Department of Foreign Affairs
Maniylad, Philippiniada

To the Government of Anemos Major.

We are deeply saddened by the death of your monarch. The Emperor and the people of the Empire sends it's deepest condolences to your nation in this dark time.

Also, The Emperor wishes to attend the funeral of your honorable monarch.

[[SIGNED]]
Jennifer Alison
Usec, IDFA

TO: The Royal British States.

We appreciate your condolences. Thank you very much for your support.

TO: The Empire of the Pilippiniada.

The Holy Empire of Anemos Major thanks you for your sympathy in this matter, and of course invites you to attend the funeral of His Imperial Majesty.

December 25th, 5:00 PM.

Yrenthis paced up and down inside the chapel, sword at his hip and an aide following him around. The funeral had been delayed until the 31st of December to give the representatives ample time to arrive, but the fact was that this meant the Anemonian law enforcement and military unit would have to keep the crowds at bay for four more days. Turning, he muttered "Get me the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Mayaqoo. Tell them I want a division of Royal Fusiliers under my command, and that I reserve the right to do this as a senior officer of Anemos Major. If they refuse, tell them that I will get the 5th Army pulled out of Mayaqoo to help out here instead." His aide, after a moment, quietly asked "Sir, do you think they'll refuse?" Yrenthis shook his head and replied "No. No, I don't. The Chief of Staff is my cousin and close friend." The aide nodded, then turned and stepped out of the room.

8:00PM
Night had fallen, and yet the crowd was still standing firm, and behind the tanks the soldiers had set up what looked like a small village. Although the mob had tried to charge once more, the bloackade had held and the timely arrival of the Knightpolice had ensured that the mob was no longer reinforced. Even though it was officially a hostile situation, the truth was that the crowd simply wanted to see their monarch one last time before he was buried, and the national anthem could be heard being sung by small groups on both sides of the barrier.

11:00PM

When Second Marshal Yrenthis had left the safety of the Palace to assess the situation, he heard the national anthem coming from three different locations at once, and although they were completely out of harmony with each other, he couldn't help but smile. He had been raised on this song, and if it weren't for the MP3 player he had bought himself a few years back (before the iPod existed), it would be all he ever listened to. And it was he had been raised on this song that he realised the true intent of the crowd.

To: The Third Holy Empire of Anemos Major
From: The Kingdom of Kzalkoria - Office of the Lord Major of External Affairs, Office of the Lord Major of Interior Affairs.

Their excellencies, Sir Ivan DeMonStrade, Lord Major of External Affairs and Baron Demonious de Troopee, Lord Major of Internal Affairs, together with a group of 6 Elite Clerics shall arrive on the 30th of December, inbetween 1600 and 1630 hours via a private military jet of the Kzalkorian Army. Please confirm.

Sincerely Yours,
Sir Ivan DeMonStrade, Lord Major of External Affairs, Kingdom of Kzalkoria,
Baron Demonious de Troopee, Lord Major of Internal Affairs, Kingdom of Kzalkoria,

"You be a good girl for Papa okay?" Shino bid to her daughter.

"Yes mama." Marcella complied. Shino hugged her daughter tight.

"I'll be back by weeks end." She kissed her husband goodbye. Dressed in her black and purple leotard that she wore for funerals and national tragedies such as a deadly hurricane or something of that nature.

When she arrived in A.M. she immediately checked in with the Government to make note of her presence and she was directed to where the services would be held.

The sleek T07 Helicopter, bearing the flag of Custardia Invictis flew over the capitol. Inside, Senator Torys Huss, resplendent in the traditional ceremonial dress of Custardi Invictis, a golden chest plate over red silk robes and an orange sash, fastened with a brooch bearing the central motif of the flag of Custardia Invictis, sat with five Templars Custardite,
"Quite a crowd," she said to the Cullot captain of her bodyguard, Gyr'Tuk, "I hope they're paying their respects, not just looking for a scoop," she went on.
"As do I, Excellence, as do I. No family should be hindered in passing their loved ones to the afterlife", Gyr'Tuk replied in the rolling, low accent of the Cullon Tribesmen. He ran a tan hand through his snowy white mane of hair and,gesturing to his men to do the same, readied his shock gun. It was rare that a Cullon would join the Templars as they were a religious, as well as militant order and most of the Cullon worshipped different Gods to the mainlanders, but Torys could not imagine being without Gyr'Tuk to head her bodyguard, over his several years of service he had become a sort of 'big brother', and they wee both rather protective of each other.

As they came in to land, Torys stood and brushed down her robes and hopped out, getting instead into a large car to reach the chapel.

The dark green C130 of the Kzalkorian Army approached the runway at ease,the smell of burnt rubber protruding into the cockpit as the scent of fresh coffee creeps next to you in bed in the morning. Sir Ivan was leaning into his seat, his palms at his forehead, concentrated on matter of mortality. Demonious on the other hand was busy inspecting his parade sword as well as his trusty custom Beretta gun, with the distinctive gas flare at fire. He needed to know that his enemies know where the bullet came from and who was manning the gun that brought their demise. Amongst the troops that gun was called "the ripper" and the baron's black cloak did nothing to prevent that. Alas, they were here.

" Funeral formation alpha" his voice thundered and the Elite Clerics stood up, and formed two parallel lines. Their black and purple cloaks folded graciously on the ground, as if they had just grown out of the ground. It was already dark outside, and even though they were scheduled for landing at 1630 hours, the overcrowding of the airport only allowed them to land at 2000 hours. They lit up their torches and waited in silence. Little did anyone know that one hand held the torch and the other the gun, always ready, always aiming and calculating shots. The torches doubled as energy shields and the light blue glow of the shields contrasted with the orange-reddish flames of the torches. In between the 2 lines Sir Ivan and Demonious stood, both in their parade cloaks, with Ivan's crimson red with golden lines across the chest, and Demonious's pitch black with only the shiny sword sticking out.

"We march with grief" Sir Ivan uttered, and as the bay door of the plane opened, they started walking, in perfect synchronization. As they descended on the runway, the airport staff watched in aw as this perfectly moving still ensemble headed towards the city and the chapel. I was Kzalkorian tradition that everybody walks for a funeral, a tradition extended always to foreign guest who utterly hated Kzalkorian hospitality due to it.

As they marched through the city everything seemed to stop still as they passed and a bubble of silence engulfed this curious ensemble. Upon sight of the chapel, the Clerics began singing in one voice a sad, sad Chant de la mort, dancing with the flaming torches to honor the dead.

At ARIA, the Inquisition 2nd Shock Troopers Division, brought in from the suburbs, were directing the representatives to their cars. Upon seeing Shino Villa, an Inquisitorial Shock Trooper recognised her as the leader of AHSCA and, shouting "Inquisitor Therellus? We have a representative that needs attention!" He slung his P90 over his shoulder and, covered by another shock trooper and an Internal Army sniper armed with a PSG-1, warily approached her. "Ma'am, could we see some identification first? I'm sorry, it's just one of those precautions we have to take." Behind him, an M113 loaded with troops roared by, going towards Terminal 1 at a very high speed, intending to block off the runway before curious civillians could come to investigate.

Over the chapel, yet another flight of F-22s roared by, and behind them came a small group of F-35Bs of the Marine Air Wing. Yrenthis winced as the roaring of the jets filled the space around him, but quickly regained his compsure and, escorted by 4th Army Rangers, stepped forwards to meet Senator Huss of Custardia Invictus. "Good day, ma'am." he said as he offered a hand to her.

"Commander Ferosti!" An Internal Army soldier came running to the CO of the Crown Guard, and breathing deeply, the soldier said "Apparently a group of men are walking down the main road with torches in black cloaks! They look like vampires or something!" Smiling, Ferosti beckoned to his adjutant. "That would be the Kzalkorians, corporal. Thank you for notifying me; I will take it from here."

A Mi-24V Hind, armed to the teeth with missiles and miniguns, and carrying a pair of Internal Army snipers with their spotters, came out of nowhere, hovering over the road that led to the Imperial Palace and the Chapel inside. A flight of F-22s had been called in from a patrol route in case something happened, and 4th Army snipers, equipped with their trusty but heavy M82 Barrett rifles, took up positions in buildings overlooking the road, relieving the Internal Army Marksmen who had been there. A group of Inquisitors pushed the crowd away, opening a path for Commander Ferosti who, retaining his slightly feral smile, walked towards the Kzalkorian Elite Clerics. With their distinctive HUD visors and helmets, the faceless Crown Guard stepped forwards, armed with customised AR6 rifles. Moving quickly, they surrounded the Kzalkorian procession and aimed their rifles in the space of five seconds, flicking the safety off instinctively but Ferosti shook his head and muttered "Safeties on, Lieutenant." Turning to Baron Demonious, he looked him over and smiled, a hand on his ceremonial sword. He drew it, and at once it became quite apparent that the sword was far from ceremonial. Its sleek blade gleamed ominously in the sunlight as its master brought it to point at the Baron, and Ferosti quietly said "Hello, Baron. Your reputation precedes you. Tell me, are you here for the funeral? If so, you're a little early and if your men give up their weapons then we can escort you to the quarters we have prepared you in the Imperial Palace."

At ARIA, the Inquisition 2nd Shock Troopers Division, brought in from the suburbs, were directing the representatives to their cars. Upon seeing Shino Villa, an Inquisitorial Shock Trooper recognised her as the leader of AHSCA and, shouting "Inquisitor Therellus? We have a representative that needs attention!" He slung his P90 over his shoulder and, covered by another shock trooper and an Internal Army sniper armed with a PSG-1, warily approached her. "Ma'am, could we see some identification first? I'm sorry, it's just one of those precautions we have to take." Behind him, an M113 loaded with troops roared by, going towards Terminal 1 at a very high speed, intending to block off the runway before curious civillians could come to investigate.



"Yes of course. Uhh I have my Mokastanan Identification. It should be sufficient." She handed the card to them.

the Baron remained for a moment still, his hand still clenched on the handle of the sword. He quickly asserted the situation and muttered something in between his teeth, so silent, you could say it was never there. He was prepared to fight back at whatever and whomever. Little did it count if they were friendlies or not - aggression or implied aggression could only end in bloodshed for the Baron. The silent muttered words were actually orders for the clerics. The six Clerics there were the Baron's own attack force, trained to work, think and react as one being, directed by Demonious himself. Their gun Kata's, as well as those of the Baron, where unmatched yet, and the Baron was convinced that in such a crowd, even surrounded by so many troops, he could get away with minimum casualties. However, he could not vouch for Sir Ivan, and his mission statement was clear - obey and protect. So even if words and commands have already been uttered, it was to be the Lord Major's decision. That was why he was so praised at the palace - his ability to be ruthlessly efficient while faithful and subordinate, as well as dedicated to the Kingdom. Not the King, but the Kingdom.

Sir Ivan understood instantly that the messenger sent explaining the rituals and processions of the Kzalkorian Tradition had not yet arrived. Judging by the mess around, number or military and general tense situation it was understandable. Regrettable but understandable. He raised his hands and revealed his face. Kzalkorian's were little known outside their borders, and most of their diplomatic effort had been carried out trough paper and third parties. He saw the look of aw on the faces of those there, and sensed that tension might have even risen an inch or two. He could hear the soldiers leather gloves grip tighter on their weapons. Kzalkorian faces had a distinct particularity, a second set of bones over the eyes, allowing for wider openings, and thus wider coverage of the visual field - 156 degrees instead of the human 37.

"Good evening Commander. My name is Sir Ivan DeMonStrade, Lord Major of External Affairs of the Kingdom of Kzalkoria. I understand your concern and doubts of our procession. If i may be allowed to explain, now or later, you would see there is nothing threatening or war-wagging about this procession. However, i understand your concern, and in light of good diplomatic relations we must settle this as peacefully as possible."

"Clerics, stand down and present weapon. Prepare for delivery, end session" [ Kzalkorian weapons have DNA arming, and there is practically no way for a stranger, may it be Kzalkorian or foreign, to use one's gun].

The Clerics stood still for a second, then laid the torches on the ground, in a distinctive straight line, and revealed their sidearms and main battle knives. Everything was laid down on the pavement quietly and with annoying precision - all the Clerics laid the weapons in the exact same position and layout, so that one might have thought that they were xeroxed. Following that action, and still at gunpoint, the Clerics stood up, and took a step sideways to the interior, so that their weapons were now between them and the Anemos Major Crown Guard. Their next action was to reveal their faces, aw-ing the audience even more, as their lighted cross on their forehead was revealed, the distinctive and honorable mark of the Cleric kind.

Noticing that silence in the ranks had returned, Sir Ivan looked at the commander, who by now was a little surprised at this very precise exercise of order, and uttered with a very distinctive respect:

"Baron Demonious, your sword please - surrender it in the name of the people of Kzalkoria. This is not an act of cowardliness as an act of intellect. Also remove the ammunition from your gun and place it on the ground in front of you. Commander, i shall have to ask you to allow the Baron to keep his gun, without ammunition, as it is a mark of his rank, and cannot be removed from the Baron except in front of royalty."

The Commander nodded, slightly taken aback by this request, and curios as to what was to happen next. This whole intervention, as well as the Kzalkorian procession was marked by such strangeness and novelty, that for a few hundred meters around this "attraction" silence had descended as it had not been for quite a while in the capital.

The Baron proceeded to laying down the sword, as well as the ammo pack from his gun and the ten more he had under his cloak. He then resumed his straight position and with one swift hand movement revealed his face, battered by scars from past conflicts and duels.

As he had not moved one inch, nor turned his head or eyes during this whole proceeding, Sir Ivan must be just listening what is going on around him, the commander thought. While that train of thought pushed trough his head, Sir Ivan removed his side arm and sword, extending his arms in front of him, and presenting them to the Commander.

"My rank will not allow me to place them on the pavement, and I can only surrender them to the highest ranking officer, and if i'm not mistaking that is you Commander."

The Commander moved forward under the close supervision of his nervous, but somewhat at ease troops, and took the sword and gun from Sir Ivan, with a look of amazement in his eyes, as the two weighed almost nothing..Nice technology, this sure would be nice for our troops. As he grabbed them, Sir Ivan bowed, revealing his third eye in the back of his head, the unmistakable mark of the Diplomat Kind:

"We place our lives, and our trust in your arms Commander. The Kingdom of Kzalkoria salutes you"

OOC: Kzalkoria... god modding. I'm not going to push this point, but the problem is that Commandyr Ferosti would not really have done the respect thing. I mean, he's the commander of the crown guard, Priosectyone Ini of the entire Anemonian Army, the most elite unit in the army of Anemos Major. The Army itself is extremely powerful and has a nasty reputation, so I doubt he'd submit in fear if he's around the top of the chain of command. Anyways, I'm not planning to take all your weapons, so...

Edit, plz?

OCC: ogk, got it. i'll be out of town for a couple of days [up until the january 2nd] and i'll do the editing when i get back. Conflict or surrender without comentary? Happy New Year however!

OOC: TYVM. Sorry about the trouble. And no, I won't make your surrender or anything.

Happy New Year to you as well, and the best of luck in the coming year.

Open Communication from the desk of His Imperial Majesty, Michael VI Doukas-Palaiologos, Emperor of the Eternal Eastern Roman Empire, Protector of the Realm.

WHEREAS, the Late High Lord Iflir, of House Erenthi, Third of his distinguished Name, established a bastion of order and stability in a war-torn world;

WHEREAS, We understand the time of turmoil that the land of Anemos Major is undergoing;

WHEREAS, We are desirous of showing the degree of Our respect for Our late and lamented Cousin, and Our designs of friendship with the new High Lord;

LET IT BE KNOWN that all Imperial facilities will fly a black banner alongside the Imperial Standard during the time of the funeral of the late High Lord; and further

LET IT BE KNOWN that it is Our desire to send Our younger brother, Prince Iohannes Doukas-Paliologos as Our official Representative to the funeral of His late Majesty, with an eye toward establishing ties of friendship and amity between our peoples.

Given this Thirtieth Day of December, in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Eight;

Michael Palaiologos-Doukas

Emperor of New Chalcedon
Protector of the Realm
Grand Duke of Constantinopolis Secundus
etc., etc.

Torys took the High Lord's Hand and then bowed slightly, saying,
"My condolences for your sad loss, it is a terrible thing that anyone shoukd lose a father so young," as she said it a tear came to her eye; she had been about that age when her father died, 7 years ago. Standing, she went on,
"It is regrettable that no-one of higher rank than myself could be here, but events have conspired against them, and so they are not."

Watching the Kzalkorian Elite Clerics, Ferosti watched as they put their weapons down very precisely onto the pavement. It was impressive, but also took quite a long time. A moment passed, but Baron Demonious didn't move and a Crown Guardsman stepped forwards, rifle aimed, muttering "Surrender your weapons, sir." Ferosti shook his head and said "Baron, if you don't want to give up your weapons then it's fine. Just please be aware that our snipers will keep your heads in their sights in case you try anything."

(OOC: Custardia Invictis, Yrenthis isn't the Crown Prince! He's the Second Marshal in command of the 4th Army.)

Taking Tory's hand, Yrenthis frowned. Father? What was she talking about? He slowly began "Yes, the death of His Imperial Majesty was certainly one of the greatest losses we have ever suffered..." And then it hit him, but retaining his composition he continued "... but he most certainly wasn't my father. Crown Prince Thryn Erenthi is in the chapel."

Taking Shino Villa's ID card, the Shock Trooper murmured "Thank you very much, ma'am...". He looked over it a few times, frowned and said "Hang on, this is a fake! I don't see the ink that's supposed to glow when...!" A Inquisitor, wearing his silver face mask, snatched the card out of the Shock Trooper's hand, muttering "Idiot. This isn't an Anemonian ID card." Looking closely at it, he nodded. "Everything seems to be in order, ma'am. If I may escort you to your vehicle...?"

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

We thank Emperor Michael Palaiologos-Doukas of New Chalcedon for his support in this time, and we gladly accept and acknowledge your intent to send Prince Iohannes Doukas-Paliologos as your nation's representative.

ooc: oops, I always get mixed up with names!

Torys kicked herself mentally, she had thought the man a looked a little too old to be the Crown Prince, hoping the man would not notice her blushing with embarassment she blustered in her most courteous voice:
"Ah, my sincerest apoligies, a case of mistaken identity, you could call it. So, you are?" meanwhile, her mental foot continued it's attack.

Yrenthis smiled and replied "Second Marshal Lythfar Yrenthis, commander in chief of the Anemonian Fourth Army and the personal strategist of the Crown Prince." He paused for a moment, unable to think of something to say and then turned to one of the Rangers. "Do me a favour; can you go and tell the Crown Prince that the representative from Custardia Invictis has arrived?" Nodding, the Ranger turned and ran towards the chapel, followed by the rest of his detachment. Then, turning back to Torys, he added "Thryn isn't in the best of moods today, but I'm sure he'll be hapy to see you. If you'd like to come this way..."

When the news channels began to broadcast the situation inside the chapel, showing Ilfir's body lying in his coffin, most of the crowd dispersed, intending to go home to watch it all on TV. Of course, there were some extremists armed with Molotov cocktails and the like, intending to use the funeral to cause chaos, but when the crowd left they were left standing, surprised, in the middle of the road. One man had been about to throw a cocktail, and he was immediately arrested, followed by his comrades.

F-22s made another pass over the city, and black flags were being raised above virtually every house in the city. Ilfir had saved his country from almost certain doom in the 1970s, and the citizens of his nation had not forgotten his devotion. Great leaders were rare, and great leaders with such devotion to his people were even rarer. Anemos would mourn its loss.

Capital of the Holy Empire of Anemos Major

The Imperial airliner Imperial Grace was making the final approach to the main airport of the city. Her passenger, Crown Prince Iohannes Doukas-Palaiologos, was assured of his own ability. He had come a long way from being the callow youth first sent away in service to his brother's Crown.

As the airliner taxied to her allocated spot on the tarmac, he waited for the hatch to open patiently. After it did so, he walked down the stairwell provided by the local authorities, wearing an expression of solemnity. To the officer waiting for him at the base of the stairs, he spoke: "I am Iohannes Doukas-Palaiologos, Crown Prince of the Empire of New Chalcedon, here to offer my condolences and those of my Emperor at the death of your leader, and to assure the new High Lord. to whom do I have the honour of addressing myself?"

the republic of tubaui

we wish to express our condolences to the loss of High Lord Ilfir Erenthi III
after thirty-five years of a ruling your nation we are sorry that his death has come to pass.

our nation held two minutes silence today in remembrance of your leader.

our president, carl dennegan will be our representative at the funeral.

OOC: sorry about the late post, hope you can squeeze me into the story

OOC: No problem, Tubaui.

Watching the Crown Prine of New Chalcedon with a weary eye, the officer muttered "Inquisitor Second Class Marles Ferindon. Before we go anywehre sir, we need to see some ID and then we need to get going; the funeral has already been delayed enough." His hand dropped subconsciously to his sword, and he offered his left hand to the Crown Prince, waiting for ID. A light breeze wafted across the airport, blowing the Inquisitor's heavy cape towards one side.

"ID? Certainly. I hope this will be sufficient." The Crown Prince pulled out his passport, with the word "OFFICIAL" plainly visible on the front cover. Inside, the photograph clearly matched the young man's face, and the name given was "Iohannes Kyprian Doukas-Paliologos."

After Inquisitor Ferindon had had time to peruse the passport, Iohannes spoke up. "I trust that all is in order, Inquisitor. Shall we get going?"

Inquisitor Ferindon handed back the Crown Prince's ID, called over a pair of shock troopers and replied "Absolutely. This way, please. Is there any baggage?"

Capital of the Holy Empire of Anemos Major

"and your sure this is a good idea mr president?" the pilot asked as the westland lynx helicopter sailed of the skyline of the city.

"of coarse it is trebaulsky, how else are we going to get there in time through this . . . this mob?" carl dennegan, tubaui'n president said, issuing his authority throughout the aircraft.

"i meant no offense mr president," trebaulsky mentioned quickly, "but are you certain its a good idea to land the chopper on the roof of the chapel?"

as the pilot pulled the helicopter over the crowds of endless heads of the people, one of dennegan's bodyguards alarmingly pointed at the military blockade surrounding the chapel.
however more alarmingly was the fact that one of the m113's , an AA variant, was slowly raising its turret to track dennegan's helicopter.

dennegan immediately got on the shortwave radio and hastily found the pre-arranged frequency
.
"this is president carl dennegan from the republic of tubaui, im in the lynx helicopter quarter of a click west of the imperial chapel, all Anemos major forces do not fire on my position, im here for the funeral procession"

even as he spoke the words he saw a figure amongst the crowds of civilians, this figure must have said something special because large proportions of the crowd began to disperse
"set her down there trebaulsky," dennegan muttered, indicating a clearing amongst the still endless heads of civilians. the chopper landed with a distinct metallic thud followed by an awkward silence as the rotors slowed down to a standstill.
"trebaulsky come with me," dennegan beckoned the pilot to follow him to the imperial chapel " agent whitterman, you've got command of the defense of this chopper, any troublemakers whatsoever, shoot on sight."
while whitterman nodded, trebaulsky burst out laughing,
"you know, that is possibly the worst order you have ever given, your outside the imperial palace in the middle of the capital of a country over a 100 times the size of our own and your ordering your agents to shoot civilians?" trebaulsky smirked as he turned around and stalked off towards the chapel.
"okay, cancel what i just said." dennegan muttered embarrassedly to his agents as he jogged after trebaulsky toward the funeral.


OOC: should i go through some security checks or something now?

Iohannes relaxed visibly after his ID passed inspection. "No baggage for the ceremony, Inquisitor Ferindon. Arrangements have been made to stay at a hotel and some baggage will be moved from the aircraft to there later. For now, let us make haste to the funeral."

"Excuse me sir, stop there please." A group of Fourth Army soldiers formed a cordon around the chopper, but their motive was most certainly not crowd control; their weapons were levelled at President Dennegan and his entourage. Nobody moved or said a word as a roup of Inquisitors made their way forward. Coming to a stop in front of Dennegan, the wind blowing even stronger than it had been a few minutes ago, the lead Inquisitor muttered "Inquisitor First Class Mar Karilyr; identification, please."

Back at ARIA (Anemos Rei International Airport; this is the larger, government owned one, but there is another international airport on the other side of the city, which is smaller but closer to the city. This second international airport is technically called Fyrkondierykan International Airport, owned by Fyrkondierykan Heavy Industries, but it is more affectionately called Anemos Rei Minor International Airport.).

Inquisitor Ferindon nodded, and then shouted "Inquisitor-Captain! Get me a car!" From a distance came the reply "Yes, Inquisitor!" and within minutes a car had arrived. Opening the door and stepping back, Inquisitor Ferindon said "This car will take you to the funeral."

In the chapel itself, the preparations for the funeral iself had been finished. Night had fallen in Anemos Rei, on the 31st of December and candles flickered inside the chapel, illuminating the face of the dead High Lord. Suddenly, as the door was opened, one of the candles was snuffed out by the rush of cold air and part of the chapel was suddenly plunged into darkness. A Crown Guard strode towards the candle lit it once more and looking once more at the corpse of his beloved monarch, turned away and took his position once more. These Crown Guards had been chosen at the turn of the century by Ilfir Erenthi III himself, and he had done everything he could for them; he often limited the amount of time he spent outdoors so that his guards were free to return home, and if their social life was being ruined by the job it was not uncommon for Ilfir himself to go to explain things personally. Every single one of them owed him a favour, just as he owed them his life, and there had been a strong bond between them. Now that Ilfir was dead, their future was uncertain but today, tonight, all they cared about was their king.

The bell ran once as the hour before the funeral began. Television programs began to broadcast a wide range of rograms, including documentaries of Ilfir's life, or a view of the chapel. Families huddled togther around the television set, as the cold winter struck home and in many houses across the country, the older members of the family, the memory of the day Ilfir Erenthi III became High Lord fresh in their minds, and how he saved their country from devastation, cried with emotion. The end of their High Lord had begun, and in a few hours time the reign of the new one would begin.

The bell rung once more. Inside the chapel, there was a light smell of incense and the Crown Guard took up positions around the various aisles. And standing beside his father's corpse for the last time, the Crown Prince, although he had hated his father until the end, still felt that he had lost something irreplaceable.

On top of the chapel tower, an elaborately decorated tower soaring into the sky, snipers took up positions, M82 Barrets in their hands. No chanceswould be taken; the security would get heavier and heavier as the hour approached.

In the streets, riot policemen began to drive what was left of the crowd away, shouting "Please disperse from the streets; anyone found in the Anemos Rei North Street after seven will be arrested by order of the First Marshal of the Army." Hearing this, the crowd hurried back to their homes until the only person left was a homeless man who, strangely enough, was asking to be allowed to watch the funeral of his monarch. He had one leg, one eye, and the riot policeman were ready to drag him away when Yrenthis came and hoisted the man over his shoulder. The only place where such wounds could be sustained was the battlefield, and because soldiers' injuries were treated by the government these days the man was probably a veteran of the 1973 crisis. "Come, soldier; where were you from?" Surprised that he had been recognised, the man said "I'm... Sergeant Retyri Harkonyr of the former 4th Army, my Lord. From the 1973 crisis." Yrenthis smiled. "I'm the commander of the current 4th Army, Segeant, and once we get you washed and dressed properly you can attend this funeral."

The bell pealed once more. The cars of various delegates fetched from their various lodgings arrived next to the chapel, and the doors of the vehicles were opened. Once they arrived, everything would be ready. Inside, chanting had already begun as the pre-funeral rites were performed. Inquisitorial 'Merityr' Shock Troopers (Decorated) stood around the chapel, armed with AR5 carbines and Mk. 23 SOCOM pistols, and they stood to attention as the Master of the Inquisition walked into the chapel silently, followed by a pair of Inquisitor First Classes. Behind him came the First Marshal of the Internal Army, followed by a pair of Knightpolicemen and then the First Marshal of the Army, followed by by a pair of Advanced Recon troops.

The bell pealed once more.

(OOC: Sorry about the part godmodding, but I needed to get the representatives to the chapel. If everyone could post them going in it would be very nice. Is anyone planning to stay to attend the coronation of the next High Lord on Janurary 1st?)

ooc:certainly!

Torys and her small entourage entered the chapel with their heads bowed respectfully. The four of her bodyguard who wore helmets (all but Gyr'Tuk) removed them and Torys made sure that not a single strand of her chestnut hair obscured her piercing blue eyes, Gyr'Tuk, who had a fair amount of hair, did the same; Custardia Invictis tradition dictated that one's eyes should not be covered in any way when entering a holy place.

Although she had not known the man personally, seeing im lying in the coffin, surrounded by candles, made her feel as though she had lost a huge part of her life. She glanced up at the Crown Prince, giving a smile of condolence followed by a gentle bow.

Meeting Senator Tory's eyes, Thryn nodded respectfully.

Outside, the tanks had been moved to other parts of the city, relieved by the High Lord's Own Light Shock Cavalry; the only Knightmare unit formerly under the direct command of His Imperial Highness. The Gloucester type Knightmares had been painted in black, and was highlighted in grey with yellow edges. They were armed with lances for potential anti-Knightmare frame combat, but at this moment their primary weapons were their assault rifles and their under-cockpit antipersonnel machineguns. With them in the way, nobody would attempt to break in.

OOC: yeah il do the coronation


IC:

dennegan gulped as the dozens of trained soldiers surrounded his chopper and, in turn, raised the weapons to bear on the group.

"Inquisitor First Class Mar Karilyr; identification, please."

"certainly, inquisitor." dennegan said as he reached in his pockets for his tubaui'n passport.
"ah, here it is, this should do nicely" dennegan announced as he passed over the passport.

"and your, guest?" the inquisitor asked sternly.

trebaulsky looked up bewildered, then said
"oh right, erm i don't have anything on me, except . . . give me a minute." and with that he turned back round to the helicopter.

inquisitor Karilyr beckoned 2 of the fourth army troopers to make sure he wasn't making an elaborate escape plan.

"Gotcha!" trebaulsky said triumphantly, holding up a yellowing piece of paper to the troopers.

"theres proof of my identification, inquisitor." trebaulsky said sarcastically.
His so called identification was a copy of a six year expired pilots license
that looked as if it had been used as a coffee coaster since its printing.

"all firearms and weapons are to be handed over immediately!" one of the troopers bawled at dennegan and trebaulsky.
"now,now im a well respected president, why would i or my entourage have weapons of . . ." he sighed and turned round to see trebaulsky handing over a sawn off shotgun, a suppressed smg, twinned revolvers, and a machete in its own sheath.
"you know, he never ceases to amaze." dennegan pleaded with the soldiers

OOC: Godmodding yet again... but to be quite frank I think the Inquisitor would have been that overly cautious.

Watching the many varieties of weapons being handed over, the Inquisitor raised an eye and muttered "I'm sure, sir, I'm sure." Looking at the sawn off shotgun, he sighed and turned to Trebaulsky, saying "And... are you trying to intimidate me with that wonderful set of weapons? The SMG is jammed, the shotgun isn't loaded, the revolvers aren't loaded either and the machete looks slightly rusty. I, on the other hand..." He opened his cloak, revealing what seemed to be one of the most considerable under-cape weapons storage 'facilities' on Earth. A pair of MP7s had made their way at the very top, along with four magazines each. Underneath that was a few grenades, and then a small collection of throwing knives. And to top it all, a sword was attached to his hip and one of the limited production AR4 Carbines was strapped to his back. "So then..." he said, smiling pleasantly.

"After you?"

OOC: One RL day until funeral; anyone involved is asked to post arrivals.

OOC: i wasn't trying to intimidate him i was just making out the president as incompetent and the trebaulsky guy isn't

IC:
"And... are you trying to intimidate me with that wonderful set of weapons? The SMG is jammed, the shotgun isn't loaded, the revolvers aren't loaded either and the machete looks slightly rusty. I, on the other hand..."
trebaulsky twitched awkwardly as the inquisitor paraded his own weapons stock, which was considerably more efficient than his own, and quickly said:
"the ammos in the chopper, unloaded them when i landed, wouldn't want to cause any trouble now would I? the smg isn't jammed, just a bit stiff, it is 15 years old now. "
the inquisitor still looked threatening with his state-of-the-art weapons systems on show.
So then... After you?
"why thank you, inquisitor." dennegan said politely, glaring at trebaulsky with the wrath of the gods in his eyes. "what the hell do you think your doing" dennegan whispered furiously under his breath at trebaulsky.
"just in case of terrorists or something, im not going to shoot up the entire guest room, stop worrying." trebaulsky whispered, just as quietly, back.
they reached the chapel, under escort, about two minutes later when they saw the heavy-looking wooden doors of the entrance.

The Inquisitor watched the entourage enter the chapel and sighed in relief, putting away his weapons. Around him, his troops were staring at him in shock and he turned, slightly annoyed, muttering "Yes, I know that I'm supposed to be a nice guy but eventually you get tired of being pushed around by your superiors, and with an MP7 in your coat they tend to be a little more respectful." The soldiers were still staring, and the Inquisitor shouted "Positions!"

Inside, with most of the representatives rounded up inside the chapel, the funeral began. Troops stood to sing the national anthem, and then, as the roar died down, a slow funeral chant began as the massive wooden doors were opened. A group of Inquisitors made up the head of the procession, and they took up positions along the aisle as the body was brought in by His Highness's Personal Sentinels (a.k.a. The Assassins; their existence has never been officially acknowledged by the Anemonian monarchy, so they are officially classified as 'elite assassins' but records, albeit unofficial ones, seem to suggest that they have been around since the 1000s, during the reign of His Imperial Highness Ilfir Erenthi I.). Dressed in their distinctive black/red cloaks, with their hoods pulled over their heads and their golden masks gleaming in the light of the flickering candles, they slowly carried the coffin to the altar, setting it down underneath the crown of the High Lords. Then the speeches began. The Lord First Marshal of the Army, Arkal Therondis, stepped up, knelt before the coffin, murmured something to the corpse and then, after a moment, stood and turned to the people before him. "Today, we mourn the passing of a man whose legend began in a time when people had lost all hope..."

The Conservative Monarchy of Mizth-Sonika

When a beloved ruler perishes from Earth, it's always a sad occasion for the subjects of him, and his staff. It was no diffrent when our good King, my father, passed away. Peace be with you always may God shine down upon.
you in your dark moments.

Godbless,

Queen Mayumi Yummura

We thank you for your condolences.

OOC: Will post within the next half day.

Iohannes Paliologos-Doukas took his place within the great structure, as mandated by the masters of ceremonies. A solemn expression upon his face, he thought of his briefing from the Fifth Bureau before he left.

*Flashback*

Blachernae Palace Complex, Constantinopolis Secundus

Yevlena Parnassia, the head of the Fifth Bureau, handed Iohannes a file. "This is the extent of our information on the situation in Anemos Major, Your Highness. Please destroy it after reading, as its discovery could compromise our agents within the Holy Empire."

"Certainly, Director. Thank you for your time."

"My pleasure, Highness."

After reading the file, Doukas felt no urge to leave it lying around - despite B5's attempts to excise any agent-specific references, it was clear that at least one of the Empire's agents was remarkably well-placed within the Holy Empire. This agent warned of the possibility of disaffected conservatives plotting an assassination, as well of several rebel groups considering acts of terrorism or secession. Handled poorly, the Holy Empire could well end up fragmenting or degenerating into a military dictatorship, and neither option was in the Empire's interests. Best I keep my eyes open, then. Oh well, you knew it came with the job.... On that cheerful note, Iohannes Palaiologos-Doukas set about making his final preparations.

*End flashback*

OOC Note: I hope that helps drum up some interesting ideas, AM. Also, the Fifth Bureau (B5) is the Empire's premier intelligence service. Its people are skilled, dedicated and well-equipped, and operational policy is to cultivate at least a few agents in any nation open to trade.

OOC: Agents? In the Imperyr Anemoni? When there's ID cards and Inquisition background checks done on immigrants? I spend barely any money on non-military intelligence (i.e agents) but I spend a lot on counter-intelligence; of course, I guess there's always a loophole.

And as for military secession... it's not going to happen... at least, not exactly. Thanks for the ideas.

IC: The chanting continued as the Master of the Inquisition ended his speech, bowing down before his Lord once more in an act of the utmost reverence and then walking away. His sword at his hip, he walked back towards his seat where two of his most intelligent and skilled Inquisitors sat. They had both achieved First Class within years of ascending to the hallowed ranks of the Inquisition, and they had both seen action. One of them was Larandai Sailis, one of the primarily naval Sailis who had decided to take a rather different path to the rest of his family but just like his father he was loyal to his country.

The other was Xavier Ferasti; half-Inquisitorian, half-Anemonian. Rumours said that his father, an Inquisitorian, had died during the Inquisitorian Crisis in 1973, and that he was born nine months later from the womb of his mother, an Anemonian Inquisitor, Third Class. Following in his mother's footsteps, he seemed to have forgotten all about the other side of his heritage, but...

45th Intelligence Battalion Headquarters, Meraknin Fera (near Anemos Rei)

"Commander, the transmissions between the capital and The Inquisitorius have been identified. They're using legal government channels but the information contained seems to suggest what seems like an assassination attempt; the rest is fragmented to the extent that it is unreadable." Commander Icarnyr, CO of the High Lord's Protection Detachment, read the message, understandably shocked. Looking up, he muttered "The Anemonians involved aren't mentioned, which means no-one can be trusted. Get Major Reryen on the line; tell him to leave his apartment immediately and head for the Imperial Palace to inform Commander Ferosti of this. Give him clearance to neutralise threats using anything up to Class B Heavy Weaponry."

"My Lord."

Anemos Rei, the Imperial Palace, the Renikant Chapel (named after the architect who designed it in 1550, as well as his two descendants, who refurbished it in both 1679 and 1782), Basement Level 1

"Breach." whispered the soldier and he pushed open the door, aiming his FN P90 around the door. Behind him came more troops armed likewise, and looking around the basement, making sure that it was empty, they made their way upstairs towards the supply room. At their head was an Inquisitor.

Upstairs, in the chapel, one of the twelve Sentinels, hearing something underneath him, tapped one of his fellows on the shoulder, looked another in the eye and quietly left, followed by the one whose shoulder he had tapped. The whole exchange was done without words, and as he left the room the Sentinel who had heard the men downstairs opened a secure channel to Ferosti, muttering "Hostiles donwstairs. Double the security on the Crown Prince, and keep your eyes open, Ferosti."

"Yes, my Lord."

Anemos Rei, Inner Citadel, Lord's Avenue Number 43, Imperial Crystal Apartments, Room Number 24

"Excuse me, mister... Reryen. This is the Inquisition; we have a warrant for your arrest without question. If you do not open the door within three seconds we will detain you by force." There was no response and the Shock Trooper kicked down the door. There was no-one there, and the window opposite him had been thrown open. Cursing, the Shock Trooper charged into the room, followed by two others who quickly checked the room but there was nobody there. Suddenly, one of the troopers jerked forwards as a knife thudded into his back, and the other two turned, only to meet their deaths at the hands of another knife and a bullet (respectively). As they fell to the ground, dead, Major Reryen, who had hurriedly changed into a thin white shirt with black trousers when he had received the message three minutes before the Inquisition came, looked grimly at the bodies. Turning wordlessly, he pulled on a coat, picked up a heavy looking satchel in one hand, tucked his silenced HK Mk.23 SOCOM into his inner-coat holster and left his room, shutting the door and locking it.

Anemos Rei, the Imperial Palace, the Renikant Chapel 1F, Supply Room.

Pushing open the door, the Shock Trooper who made up the vanguard of the group walked straight into a sword. As his chest was impaled by the long piece of sharpened titanium/steel alloy, he gasped and fell back. Quickly, the Sentinel on the other side withdrew the sword, forced the next trooper back with a well aimed knife throw to his shoulder, decapitated him and kicked his body down the stairs, at the remaining soldiers, who, panicking at the sight of this golden masked, caped killer, tried to fire their P90s but the Sentinel dropped a smoke bomb and blinded the troopers, who, coughing and hacking, stumbled down the stairs. One had the sense to put his gas mask on but as he did so he turned, only to bump into... the Sentinel, who cut him and the trooper next to him down in the space of helf a second with one well aimed blow. As they slumped to the ground, their necks slashed open brutally, the last Shock Trooper aimed his P90 and fired, but the Sentinel disarmed his with a blow to his wrist, twisted his right arm behind his back and kicked him down the stairs. The Shock Trooper tried to stand up amidst the bloody mess at his feet but the Sentinel was too fast and his cape billowing out behind him as he strode forwards, the Inquisitor sheathed his sword and drew a knife, pushing it against the last trooper's neck. He moved his face up towards the Shock Trooper's face and spoke for the first time, asking "What is your mission objective and objective provider, trooper?" The Shock Trooper, summoning up his courage, spat and muttered "You have no jurisdiction over me. Piss off." Unprovoked, the Sentinel quietly replied "I am a Sentinel of the High Lord; I have jurisdiction over every man in Anemos save my Lord." The Shock Trooper smiled and scornfully said "You're going to kill a member of the Inquisition? You think you can do that?" The Sentinel merely pushed the Shock Trooper against one of his dead comrades and he flinched, his guard broken. Knife pressed against the man's throat, the Sentinel once again muttered "What is your mission objective and objective provider?"

Running, the Inquisitor gritted his teeth in annoyance. The Sentinel might have stopped his plan from being carried out but he would still assassinate the Crown Prince; with suprise on his side, along with the fact that he wore an Inquisitorial cloak, he would walk into the chapel and shoot the Prince; he would hang for treason anyways so he might as well die after accomplishing his goal. He charged towards the chapel doors, and was about to push open the door when there was a little 'click' and he slumped against the door, a look of shock on his face. Turning, he saw Major Reryen with his pistol aimed, and behind him was a group of Knightpolicemen. "Arrest the Inquisition members inside the Chapel in the name of His Imperial Highness Ilfir Erenthi III, and get the Crown Prince away from here." he said and the Knightpolicemen replied "Aye, sir.", running towards the chapel doors.

The cremation pyre had just been lit when the doors were kicked open. In the Inquisition's part of the chapel, there were some smiling faces, which suddenly turned to shock when Knightpolicemen turned up. Reryen, escorted by two Knightpolicemen, shouted "I hereby arrest all members of the Inquisition present under suspicion of the utmost treason!" The Master of the Inquisition, rolling his eyes, stood up. "This must be some kind of joke. Why would the Inquisition..." He turned, and suddenly realised that his two proteges had disappeared. Behind him, other high-ranking Inquisitors were staring with barely concealed rage at the Crown Prince, whose face remained emotionless and he raised his hands in surrender. "I understand." The Inquistorial Shock Troopers guarding the traitor Inquisitors tried to resist but the Knightpolice, although part of the Internal Army, were crack troops, trained to extremely high standards and the Shock Troopers found themselves pushed against the ground, handcuffed. They were led away before the stunned crowd and Commander Ferosti, after speaking with Reryen, stood up and shouted "Due to an internal situation that was discovered a few minutes ago, we request that all the people present return to their quarters in Anemos Major until further notice. If any representatives of any nation wishes to ask any questions please talk to me." As the guests' attention was turned towards Ferosti, Crown Prince Thryn was escorted to the passage leading to the Palace by the ten remaining Sentinels; the other two had gone to hunt down the remaining traitors. Once the Crown Prince's safety had been assured, they would join the hunt.

45th Intelligence Battalion Headquarters, Meraknin Fera

"Third Marshal Cyranisten! We've got a division sized armed group crossing into Anemos Major via the sea route between The Inquisitorius and Anemos Major using captured ferries! Reports say that the 11th Wastelander Platoon of the Inquisitorian Land Army have already been wiped out!" Cyranisten frowned. The 11th Wastelander Platoon, wiped out? Whoever these armed foes were, they would need to be eliminated at sea. "Inform North Saliei Airbase of the enemy threat; get them to scramble Hunter Hawks (armed Global Hawk UAVs; their large fuel capacity has been traded in for a relatively large payload.)."

"Yes, my Lord."

Anemos Major, North Saliei Airbase, Hangar 24

The 12th Aerospace Defence Wing, 10th Squadron, 1st Flight had the distinction of being the only aircraft unit with the 'Aerospace Defence' designation not under the control of the Internal Air Force. They were also the only component of the HODCOM (Homeland Defence Command) which used offensive UAVs. Today, they were being thrown into action for the first time since their founding in 2005, and they were ready for it. Three Hunter Hawks armed with Harpoon missiles and one GPS guided bomb each rolled onto the runway, and as the go command was given they took off one by one, roaring into the sky one after another. Following pre-programmed routes, they flew towards the North Anemonian Sea; when they reached the area designated earlier on as the projected location of the enemy the controls would be returned to manual, and upon receiving the weapons-free order from the NORDCOM/A (North Defence Command, Airforce Component), they would unleash their destructive payload onto their foes.

Savronin Naval Citadel, North Anemonian Sea

The call for help had not gone unnoticed, and the Imperial Fleet of Anemos Major had already sent a group of three Interdictor frigates to the area by the time the Hunter Hawks were scrambled. In addition, Savronin had an Air Force presence that was part of NORDCOM/A (44th Airforce Combat Wing, 2nd Squadron, 1st Flight), and 20 F-22 Raptors had been lined up on the two runways. As the sea roared, battered by the freezing north wind, the Raptors took off into the pale, foggy sky, barely visible as they roared towards the threat they had been sent to deal with. The detachment of Air Force and Naval Security guarding the facility, as well as the 1st Army presence defending the nuclear weapons on-site were in their positions, waiting for a possible counterattack. Nearly half the Inquisition had gone AWOL simultaneously, and the remaining troops waited for the inevitable attack.

For the first time in the 21st century, Anemos Major was at war with herself.

Second Marshal Yrenthis, the last person remaining in the chapel, watched his Lord's body with a look of sadness on his face. "High Lord Ilfir Erenthi III, my Lord..." he said.

"Your reign began with war and now ends with one." A moment of silence passed, and then he left to command the 4th Army. The Royal Fusiliers of the Kingdom of Mayaqoo had arrived as well, so all together he commanded a huge force. With it, he would enforce the wishes of his Lord.

"Loyalty unto death." he murmured as he exited the chapel, leaving his lord alone in the darkness.

Torys, from the centre of her now fully battle-ready bodyguard, spotted Yrenthis exiting the chapel, she strode towards him and bowed.
"Sir, if you could please explain to me what exactly is going on and myself, my bodyguards and any other forces I can accquire will more than happily aid you in whatever way we can, our nation has experienced a civil war and will go to any lengths to prevent one in your nation. It is a terrible act on the part of... the inquisitors?, tody of all days.

Turning to face the Senator, a grim look on his face, Yrenthis replied "Thank you very much for your offer, Senator, but I will not allow you to get yourself harmed. Besides..." he turned away, beckoning to a pair of Rangers.

"This is my war."

dennegan and trebaulsky had left the chapel in the crowd, but now they were outside the main entrance, trebaulsky decided to tie up his shoelaces.
"for gods sake man, the crown prince has been evacuated, we have to get out of here, not do up our shoes!" dennegan said urgently.
"im not doing my laces, im defending us." trebaulsky muttered as he took off his shoe and then ripped off the inner lining, inside was a small 6-inch blade that trebaulsky picked up before putting the shoe back on.
"they wouldn't evacuate the palace if there wasn't something bad happening would they?" trebaulsky explained as they reached their chopper.
the cordon of troopers around it had left, along with most of the immense crowds of civilians around it. agent whitterman, along with the three other agents in the helicopter, walked briskly towards them, agent whitterman was lugging around a metal case.
"mr president, the guards were called to other duties so their engineer locked our weapons in this." he said, gesturing to the padlocked metal case.
"can you open it?" trebaulsky butted in as the group started getting on to the helicopter.
"thats all you had to say." whitterman smiled as he pulled out an odd looking silver instrument, which he inserted into the padlock. it clicked and the case sprung open. trebaulsky and the agents retrieved their weapons and begun to load up on ammo.
"we need to get the president back on the element." whitterman told trebaulsky while he put his suppressed makarov pistol back in his holster.
"i know, can any of your men fly this thing?" trebaulsky asked urgently
"well agent shoreditch is a pilot, but why cant you?" whitterman hissed suspicious of what trebaulsky was about to say.
"im going to stay and help out with things here." trebaulsky said as quickly as he could.
"so am i then, you could use a hand." whitterman ordered as he turned around and addressed the rest of the men. "agent shoreditch, take the president and the other agents out of here and onto the element. me and trebaulsky are going to find out whats going on." whitterman reached into the chopper and pulled out an R25C carbine and a few spare magazines. the chopper began to lift off so trebaulsky and whitterman walked back through the now empty thoroughfare, to the chapel.

Another Inquisitorial Shock Trooper, one of the traitors, tried to run through one of the Chapel's back doors, intending to attack the Crown Prince but as he ran through the doorway a Sentinel threw a thin, razor-sharp wire, which hooked onto the door frame and straightened. The trooper ran straight into the wire, decapitating himself in the process and the Sentinel pulled the wire back into his sleeve. As another trooper came, the Sentinel threw a spike tipped wire, stabbing through the trooper's chest and then pulling out of it within seconds. Drawing a pair of serrated knives attached to yet more wires, the Sentinel launched them at the last two shock troopers, hitting their shoulders and then drawing the knives back slowly and painfully. Pulling back the knives, the Sentinel turned to face Trebaulsky.

Senator Torys, from the centre of her now battle-ready entourage, spotted Yrenthis exiting the chapel. She strode towards him, and said,
"Sir, please explain to us the situation and my bodguards and I, as well as any other forces I can secure, and indeed, I suspect, the government of Custardia Invictis if he situation demands, will be more than happy to assist in whatever way we can. Our nation has suffered a civil war and it is imperative, in my opinion, that no such thing occurs in Anemos Major,"

OOC: The Empire is wealthy, technologically advanced (primary industry: IT) and addicted to espionage. Anyone can be bought - the secret is knowing their price and being able to satisfy it - regularly. And there's only one highly-placed agent, anyway. That's why the intel data were censored to thoroughly - B5 doesn't like risking its agents.

IC:

Anemos Major, the Imperial Palace, Renikant Chapel

Iohannes Doukas caught Ferosti's eye. "Commander, what passes, and how can the Empire help?"

trebaulsky gulped, then glanced to his left only to realize the slimy git of an agent whitterman had disappeared. he rested his vision back on the sentinel, and took a step back.
"so, you put down those guys pretty good, huh?" trebaulsky said nervously, knowing his life was on the line.

Yrenthis shook his head in resignation and looked at Senator Torys. "I... don't really know how to respond, ma'am. Are you ready to risk the lives of you and you men for my nation?"

Ferosti ordered another group of Crown Guards to secure the apartments overlooking the Palace, and the Guards, turning on their visor-scanners, raised their IFAM AR6s and charged towards the apartments. Then, turning to meet Iohannes, he began "We are in the middle of an attempted coup d'etat; it would be best if you could evacuate immediately to a secure location..." Then, stopping, he grimaced and said "...but you probably won't, will you? Well, Prince Iohannes, it would be nice if you could get your satellites to monitor action in the North Anemonian Sea so we can scramble fighters as quickly as possible at potential threats. However, please make sure you don't get yourself killed; we don't want an international incident as well as a coup in one day. If you want, I can get First Marshal Therondis to assign a detachment of Rangers to act as your bodyguard."

The Sentinel looked thoughfully at Trebaulsky, then, without any warning he threw yet another spike at one of the Shock Troopers who, although his shoulder blazed with pain, had managed to prop himself up on it and aim his HK USP pistol. The man tried to scream as the spike sheared through his throat but no voice came out, and as the Sentinel withdrew the spike the man slumped down, twitching. The other Shock Trooper trieed to crawl away, whimpering but the Sentinel pulled out his heavily customised M1911 and shot him twice, knocking him to the ground. Then, turning back to trebaulsky the Sentinel finally spoke.

"Identification, please."

The other Sentinel came, his sword gleaming with crimson blood and he showed his comrade something; whatever it was, the Sentinel walked away. Sheathing his sword, the remaining one said "I'm sorry about that; he's not very talkative. Mister Trebaulsky, I'd suggest you either leave the premises immediately or offer your services to the ranking Internal Army officer here if that's what you're intending to do; he's leading the investigation at the moment until we can get the First Marshal of the Internal Army to take over."

Anemos Major, the Imperial Palace, Renikant Chapel

Iohannes looked at his aide. "Make it happen, Peter. We don't want a coup d'etat to succeed." Then, looking at Commander Ferosti, "Thank you, Commander. The data you have requested will shortly be available to your forces, and if you would see fit to allow my entourage to be armed, they are quite capable of defending me - and of being help in the issue of fighting in the capital."

In response, Torys pulled a magnificently crafted cusom CGH-101 rifle from beneath her cloak and said:
"We are willing to risk all that is neccessary to defend the peace. To allow this to suceed would be to shatter all of Lord Ilfir's work, as well as to shatter the lives of thousands of people. Custardia Invictis will make every effort to secure peace in a foreign nation, as the people of your nation are no less valuable than our own. I will have a force of 10 Guardians brought in, as they are all I can command by my own whims, but should the situation demand it I will call upon the government as a whole to send greater forces."

"I'm sorry about that; he's not very talkative. Mister Trebaulsky, I'd suggest you either leave the premises immediately or offer your services to the ranking Internal Army officer here if that's what you're intending to do; he's leading the investigation at the moment until we can get the First Marshal of the Internal Army to take over."
"okay, erm, is that second marshal Yrenthis, i saw him in this chapel earlier?" trebaulsky said to the more talkative sentinel, who, though he sounded friendly, looked more threatening than the entire tubaui'n military.

A Crown Guard came up to Ferosti and informed him that the surrounding buildings were secure; in response, he ordered them to block off the roads leading towards the Palace. Turning back to Iohannes, he nodded in appreciation and said "Thank you, Crown Prince. Now, if you'll please excuse me..." Ferosti ran towards the cleared apartments with one of his soldiers.

Yrenthis practically jumped when he saw the assault rifle, but nevertheless he said "What you've offered to us now is more than enough, ma'am. Lietuenant!" he barked and an officer appeareed. "Take the Senator and her forces along with your own and eliminate the rogue Inquisitorial threat on Lord's Avenue, then meet up with the rest of the 4th Army forces in the area and take Inquisition Road."

The Sentinel nodded, then turned to Trebaulsky. "By the way, I need to see some identification before I can allow you to proceed." There was a faint thump, and Agent Whitterman was dumped unceremoniously to the ground by the other Sentinel, who then proceed to withdraw an extremely unpleasant looking serrated knife from its sheath and pointed it at him, muttering "Only the guilty run."

Bumped.

By the way, I need to see some identification before I can allow you to proceed.
"well, erm, all i have is this old pilots license." trebaulsky said seriously,
the arrogance of the last time he showed anyone identification replaced with a cautious, serious expression.

There was a faint thump, and Agent Whitterman was dumped unceremoniously to the ground by the other Sentinel, who then proceed to withdraw an extremely unpleasant looking serrated knife from its sheath and pointed it at him, muttering "Only the guilty run."

"i didn't run, i thought you two were the assassins, i was getting into a firing position."
whitterman defended. it was a poor excuse.
trebaulsky shook his head at the distressed agent, helped him up and sent him back to find his rifle.
"he's with me, its his first assignment though i think, the fear hasn't been shook from him yet."
trebaulsky explained to the sentinel's, while watching whitterman retrieve his gun.

Taking the license, the Sentinel looked over it, then handed it back to Trebaulsky. "This is one of the last generation licenses, right? If you're a government official, you might as well renew it..." remarked the Sentinel. His comrade sheathed the serrated knife and sighed. "Ferosti is clearin the apartments; I will go and aid his men." said the Sentienl, and strode off into the distance.

Torys nodded respectfully and said:
"Very well, sir", before going with the officer. She said a silent prayer to Orion and kissed her weapon on the handle, it had been along time since she had been in any combat but she trained with the rifle and numerous other weapons every day, as a way of keeping her life as structured as it had been when she was a templar as much as anything else.

This is one of the last generation licenses, right? If you're a government official, you might as well renew it...
"well, technically im not a government official, im just a really good pilot, and I've known our president since we were both six."
whitterman returned with his rifle, and both trebaulsky and whitterman walked off towards the nearest Anemos military command post.

With Senator Torys on her way, Yrenthis turned. He could see the fear in the eyes of some of his soldiers: it was time to renew their confidence. Drawing his longsword, he shouted "4th Army! Do not falter, do not fear!"

"Aha...!" murmured the Sentinel as he watched Trebaulsky walk off, and then turned towards the apartments. The Inquisition was probably gone by now, but chances were that they'd try a counterattack.

"Initiate Phase 2..." muttered the masked figure.

OOC: Apologies for the delay. I've just spent the past 2 1/2 days travelling from Perth, WA to New York.

Anemos Major, the Imperial Palace, Renikant Chapel

Iohannes and his entourage looked around, and then saw a potential weak point in the defences - especially if parts of the Church were involved in this attempt. The sacristy doors were presently guarded only by two soldiers. After a few words from the Crown Prince, two of the Imperials joined them at the doors, answering the soldiers' questions with "Marshal Ferosti has accepted our help defending your Lord. We have decided that this door is a tempting target, and have therefore decided to help you defend it, if necessary."

Meanwhile, Iohannes and his remaining three followers made their way to where the High Lord was being protected, and the three joined themselves to his other protectors.

trebaulsky and whitterman, having exited the chapel and the sentinels, walked down the now empty promenade, hearing the odd gunshot or blast.
they saw an AA battery, the same battery that had nearly shot them coming in, rumbling down the street at a junction further down. it was accompanied by a group of about thirty anemos soldiers.
not knowing whether the soldiers were rebels or true loyalists, trebaulsky pumped a round into his Mossberg model 300 shotgun and jogged towards the group.

OOC: Expect something soon.

As in tomorrow.

It was already January 1st, and the sun was rising by this time. Armed Metropolitan Policemen had been called in to keep the civillians under control, while Internal Army troops stormed suspected Inquisition hideouts.

The time was 4:55am.

"Crown Prince, as you can see from this Inquisitor's surrender, the Inquisition camp has been split into two; thankfully, most of the major prisons and arms depots are under Loyalist control." The Military Intelligence officer continued speaking, and Thryn could feel himself wanting to go to sleep...

An Internal Army trooper kicked down a door, and two more soldiers burst in, carrying MP5A5s. They had just entered the room when a hail of well aimed fire burst from down the corridor, insantly killing the three Internal Army troopers. The Inquisitorial Shock Troopers lowered their P90s to see if their enemy was well and truly dead, but then the windows were smashed in and Internal Army HROAF (High Rish Operations Accomplishment Force) troops crashed through them, FAMAS rifles aimed at the shocked shock troopers (aha, a pun!). One of them muttered "Weapons down, hands behind your backs." but one of the Shock Troopers tried to draw his USP pistol and fire at the HROAF troopers. Aware that the 5.56mm rounds loaded in his rifle would cause too much damage, one trooper had already withdrawn his Mk. 23 SOCOM pistol and he fired two rounds into the man's right arm, knocking him onto the floor. The HROAF troopers quickly tied the men's hands behind their backs and pushed them into a group of waiting Internal Army troops, who then led them away.

Metropolitan Policemen were exchanging fire with Shock Troopers on Lord's Avenue; although the Inqusition normally held the advantage, the Metropolitan Police were using cars as cover, firing wildly to keep the Inquisitorial heads down. One police officer, aiming his AN-94 Abakan from under a car, managed to take out an Inquisitorial Shock Trooper, just before a grenade rolled towards him, forcing him to run away as quickly as possible.

Twelve Crown Guards instantly blocked Iohannes and his men, silently staring at them as if daring them to come closer.

The SWORDFISH battery was manned by a group of Anemonian Army troops who, upon seeing the man approaching with a shotgun, instantly went for their weapons and one man fired a warning shot into the asphalt, shouting "Stop moving, now!"

Amidst the firefight on Lord's Avenue, Torys and her Templar bodyguard took cover behind a van and a car.
"Lady Huss, orders?" Gyr'Tuk asked.
Torys thought for a moment and said: "just provide cover fire for the Anemonians, unfortunately, the only way to tell loyalist from traitor is whether or not they shoot at us and what direction they're coming from. If they get too close you know what to do," putting a hand on the hilt of her sword.
"Right," she went on, "Retribute and cleanse these traiotous dogs!" she yelled with a zealous flair, releasing a storm of gunfire over the bonnet of the car she crouched behind. In response the Templars yelled:
"Orion!" and unleashed a hail of rifle rounds at the enemy.

Anemos Major, the Imperial Palace, Renikant Chapel

The Imperial leader was unimpressed by this treatment, and it showed through his urbane demeanour. "I understand that things are tense right now, gentlemen, but this is a very poor way to treat those who would be your allies. One day, you are going to have to learn to trust, for if you treat all as your enemies, then all will become your enemies. However, we never stay where we're not wanted."

With those words and a gesture, he recalled the guards he had detached to watch the side entrance, and took himself and his entourage to the main entrance, the better to view the carnage.

OOC: No hard feelings, New Chalcedon, but if the last remaining member of the 800 year old Erenthi dynasty dies...

IC: Edging towards Senator Torys, an Anemonian Metropolitan Policeman was about to shout something when a bullet went through his head, knocking him to the ground and sending his AN-94 clattering to the ground. As his body lay on the asphalt, unmoving, one of his comrades came and dragged it away, and another Police Officer shouted "We need support, dammit!" Suddenly, 7.62mm rounds raked the Inquisitorial side, decimating most of their force and the Police turned to see a grey Sutherland-type Knightmare Frame of the Imperial Army, its anti-personnel machinegun smoking and from behind it came two groups of twenty-five men, wielding IFAM AR6 rifles (most of the time, the AR6 is only given to comissioned officers, meaning...). The patches on their shoulders showed that they were members of the 1st Army Rangers, one of the most elite units in the whole Anemonian Army. One of the troops climbed into one of the cars forming the Police blockade and, hotwiring it as bullets shattered the back window of the car, drove it into the enemy blockade, ducking down as he did so. He knocked a car out of the way, catching the attention of the Inquisiton and the Rangers stormed the blockade, downing the shocked Inquisitors with 6.8mm rounds.

In the Renikant chapel, an Advanced Reconnaissance trooper ran up to Iohannes and murmured "Sir, First Marshal Therondis has instructed us to either escort you out of the area, or to ask you to come with us. It's your call."

OOC: Of course no hard feeling. However, His Higness' nose may be a little out of joint.
IC:

Iohannes' response was swift: "And where are we heading, soldier?" While he waited for a response, he signaled his followers to get ready to go.

Seeing the 1st Army troops storming the blockade, Torys drew her sword and yelled:
"Advance, take the fight to them! Follow in the rangers' wake!"
and with that, she and her bodyguard charged forwards, one of them, much to her dismay, sustaining a bullet wound in the shoulder, but the young Templar kept on going as a small patch of crimson blood blossomed on his gold-yellow tabbard. As they reached the blockade, ducking and diving all the way, their tempered combat swords slashed and hacked at any enemy soldiers standing in their way, whilst their rifles barked shots at those who weren't.

OOC: Terribly sorry. I had a one week period of internet downtime.

IC: A Ranger quickly ran to the injured Templar, firing back at the Inquisitors and shouted "Get back to the medic station! We'll deal with this!" A Ranger had been hit as the Inqusitiorial SHock Troops returned fire from their P90 PDWs, an Inqusitor striding beind them, chanting battle hymns.

The Advance Recon soldier simply gestured at a Stryker ACV waiting outside. "In there?" he offered.

Kar Fyrkondierikan Inquisitorial Maximum Security Detainment Facility
The winds roared.

A Shock Trooper charged across the snow, gun blazing as he tried to flank the figures opposite him, but a well aimed burst of 5.7mm fire cut him down. He fell into the snow, crimson blood staining it as he twitched.

An Inquisitor Third Class of the rebels cried out in despair as a bullet hit him in the shoulder, but voice was lost in the ferocious blizzard. He couldn't see anything but the snow, and yet he knew that all his men were dead. Next to him, he could hear moaning and then a gunshot silenced it. A few moments passed, and then he looked up to see a figure looking down at him ominously. A gas mask and visor obscured the person's face, and a grey shroud hid him within the snow. Under his grey camouflage, however, was a distinctive blood-red shroud.

One that belonged to the Inquisition. The Inquisitor on the ground gritted his teeth and then fell back, gasping. "Why?" he asked.

His reply came in the form of a single shot from the soldier's P90.

Bumped for any participating.

I must admit, I don't spot anything needing a response from me. My Crown Prince is hardly likely to just go where he's driven - and no-one has told him where they're going.

Torys looked at the Ranger, then to the Templar. he was making a commendable effort of fighting on, but the red stain was growing and he was beginning to become pale. She paused to respond to a shot which ricocheted off of her breastplate and then said:
"Very well, we will give supporting fire from there."
And with that, she and the Templars began to back away from the assault, firing and slashing as they went.

OOC: They're Advanced Recon, New Chalcedon. I doubt 12 years special forces troops don't know what they're doing...

IC: The Rangers managed to finish off the last of the Inquisitorial Shock Troops, and around the city there were reports of many ending battles in favour of the Royalists. However, the Inquisition was still active, as could be seen from their radio channels. "So where..." asked a 45th Intelligence Battalion officer, "... are they?"

The explosives had been set in an area which the Army hadn't cleared yet, and by the time the explosion had ended four apartment blocks were confirmed destroyed. The explosion had been in the suburbs...

OOC: It wasn't that. I don't know what they're doing. I can't post my peoples' reactions when I dont know what's affecting them, that's all.

OOC: Sorry about that.

The Advanced Recon troops, turning to look at the New Chalcedon representatives hanging back uncertainly (is that what they're doing?), didn't really know what to do. Yes, they had been trained to kill, but these were foreign dignitaries. A knife wouldn't do the job. The AR commanding officer stepped forwards. "Sir..." he began.

"Do you know anything about explosives?"

Iohannes turned to a pert-looking young woman in his entourage.

"Bythnya, do we know anything about explosives?"

Her response was almost as sarcastic as it was swift. "Well, Highness, given that the Imperial City is still standing (OOC: She's the young woman in this part (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13588942&postcount=8) of this thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=553445)) thanks to the fact that I do, I'd say, yes, we do."

Bythnya turned to the Anemian (OOC: is that correct?) Spec. Ops man.

"What do you want blown up, or not blown up, and where?"

OOC: Anemonian.

IC: The Advanced Recon soldier pointed at the Stryker and said "That vehicle is loaded with C4. We need you to put C4 along 12th Avenue in location that won't permanently damage the city or kill civillians. In short, don't bomb the bridge, The rest is all under construction, so you can destroy it all." His adjutant, who had just returned from 6th Avenue where he had been helping the 15th Internal Army Platoon to push back the Inqusitorial Shock Troopers, looked extremely confused. "Sir, isn't 12th Avenue ours? I thought that roadblocks had been put in place at the end of the road by the Metropolitan Police."

"The Inquisition are throwing M113s at the Police barricade. How long do you think a plastic barrier is going to last against an armoured vehicle? We've been using fighters to take out the M113s for the past hour, but we've got to deal with them one way or another. We get the representatives to set up the explosives, then let the enemies go down 12th and bomb the living crap out of them."

"There's something you aren't telling us, sir. Why is Advanced Recon taking part in this operation?"

"... The bombings are a diversion. The 45th have been working with the Assassins (the common nickname for the Sentinels) and they've found the Inquisition commanders trying to get out. Apparently, the plan was that they'd be extracted by chopper during the carnage, but the 45th rerouted the 13th Air Wing. Now they're going to use the high rise pedestrian sky bridge over 12th to get to Citadel Wall, which is under Inquisition control. Ergo, we scare them with C4, and then capture them." A moment passed, and the Adv. Recon officer pulled out a Remington 870 (I believe) shotgun loaded with less-lethal ball rounds. "The rules of engagement are simple; no injuries. Any questions?"

"... Sir, can I have a drink of water before we go?"

"Arkenis, you're an idiot. Go on."

Field Marshal Yrenthis was directing the battle, but he decided that the mobile command post he had been using was absolutely useless and so he had, to the great distress of his troops and commanding officers, joined the fighting. Firing his old M1911 pistol over a police car, he heard the inevitable click as he ran out of ammunition. It was his last clip. Putting the rifle away thoughtfully, he heard a soldier shout "Sir, are you out of ammo?" Yrenthis shook his head as he pulled some things out of his coat. "No, it was only that pistol."

In his hands were twenty huge 9mm clips and a Glock 18C machine pistol.

Kar Fyrkondierikan

The Inquisitorial Shock Troopers of the 2nd Shock Battalion valiantly tried until their last moment, but it was evident from the beginning that there was no hope for them. Hundreds of dead Shock Troopers littered the rocky mountain prison, and off on one side twenty Mi-8 Hip transport helicopters painted in Inquisition colours (Anemonian Grey, but the roundel is Grey and Red, unlike the Anemonian Air Force's Grey and Gold) waited for troops. The blizzard had died out, and now figures could be seen in the snow.

On official records, Kar-Fyrkondierikan is a maximum security detainment facility.

Off official records, it also houses the extremely secretive Inquisitorial Enforcers Stormtrooper Battalion. The 2nd Battalion had assumed that the Enforcers, being Inquisition troops, would help them, but unfortunately for them the Enforcers were one of the few Royalist units of the Inqusition. Stooping down to pick up a map of the Anemos Rei assault, an Enforcer wearing the insignia of an Inquisitor First Class examined it silently. Eventually he drew a lighter from his pocket, incinerated the piece of paper, and pulled out his P90. Behind him, 480 Enforcers stood in front of their helicopters, holding their G36s to their chests. Every single Enforcer had a very strange under-barrel attachment on their rifles; the SRA-86 Mounted Flamethrower was, despite its small fuel supply in the form of cylindrical containers attached to the flamethrower, a devastating weapon. It could project its flame up to an effective distance of 20m, and could continue spraying flame for six seconds until its fuel and nitrogen propellant supplies ran out. As the Inquisitor First Class stepped into a Hind V helicopter with his adjutant and four bodyguards, the helicopters started up their engines. THe plan was simple; take out the rear of the Inqusition and they would crumble.

Torys spotted Yrenthis readying a machine pistol, feeling a need to understand the flow of battle she and her remaining four Templars (the injured one had been dropped at the medical station) began to make their way towards the Second Marshall, ducking and diving and letting off occasional spurts of gunfire.

"Holy shit!" Trebaulsky shouted as the anemonian trooper placed a round into the asphalt a few metres infront of him.

He spun the shotgun around so the butt was facing the anemonians and the bore was pressed against his shoulder.
It was a painful way to hold the gun but it showed the fact he was unwilling to show any signs of aggression.

Whitterman, a good 100 metres behind trebaulsky, heard the shot and brought his R-25C carbine to bear on the troops, but he did not fire.
This was because, when he withdrew his vision out of his SUSAT sight to check if Trebaulsky had died,
he realised the shot hadn't been a sniper shot at Trebaulsky at all, but only a warning shot.
Shouldering his weapon, Whitterman jogged to catch up with trebaulsky, making sure his gun was hanging by the shoulder strap.

Sighing, Yrenthis balanced his machine pistol in his hand. For a year now, he had been a 2nd Marshal.

The year before, he had been at the head of the Anemonian 1st Army Rangers team that was the armed branch of the investigation into the narcotics trade into Anemos Major. As a result of their actions, the entire operation had been shut down.

Turning his pistol to face the enemy, Yrenthis quickly found a target (a running Shock Trooper) and fired a burst of 9mm fire. The first round plunged into the man's leg, tripping him over, and the next two rounds slammed into his arm and chest. By the time he hit the ground, the man was bleeding heavily, unable to move. As a Shock Trooper turned his P90 to face Yrenthis, the Second Marshal fired off another burst at him, hitting his right hand. Eventually a group of Shock Troopers opened fire, forcing Yrenthis into cover, and he stuck his gun over the bonnet of the car he was hiding behind, spraying the rounds he had left at the enemy. He reloaded the pistol and fell onto his side, aiming his pistol under the car. However, he knew that the Glock was not accurate enough. If he really wanted to destroy the enemy, he would have to destroy their cover.

One year ago, Yrenthis had been a crack shot, a good leader and an intelligent planner.

Today, he was all that, as well as being the Second Marshal of the 4th Army. "4th Sniper Support Team, 4th Army Rangers 2nd Battalion!" he shouted. "Get your fifty cal and blow the crap out of this barricade!" Turning, he picked up the bag he had been lugging around all day. Opening it, he pulled out what looked like a cylinder. He pulled off its plastic coverings and extended it to its full length, then turned it to bear on the enemy. "Heads down!" he shouted as he fired the M79 LAW.

The Anemonian Army soldier who had fired the shot kept his AR5 aimed at Trebaulsky, shouting "Put the weapon down on the ground! Put it down!" The other troops manning the station turned to face Trebaulsky, weapons in hand and the 2 LT (Insyn in the Anemonian Army) pulled out his USP, turning it towards Trebaulsky. A group of Internal Army troops on perimeter patrol came over, and a designated marksman with an SVD (one of the modern plastic frame ones) aimed at Whitterman. "We've got a potential armed hostile about 100 metres away, sir." The other Internal Army troops, armed with FAMAS-Us (Urban modified, if you want details I can give them but it's essentially a FAMAS modified to be easier to use in urban environments) ran over to stop the other man before he could fire; his rifle was aimed. One trooper aimed at Whitterman down his ACOG scope as another shouted "You there! Put your weapon down as well!"

Put the weapon down on the ground! Put it down!
Trebaulsky sighed, then threw the shotgun on the ground so it landed a few feet in front of the battery.
Trebaulsky carried on walking casually towards the anemonian troops, untill he reached talking distance, at which point he said simply:
"pilot trebaulsky, republic of tubaui, im not hostile, dont shoot me."

You there! Put your weapon down as well!
Whitterman jumped at the soldier's shout, and instinctively dropped his rifle.
He kept his sidearm on him as he turned round, but it remained concealed and holstered, so he wouldn't bother reaching for it himself.
Putting his hands in the air as a sign of recognission towards the internal army troops.

Edging towards Trebaulsky, the Anemonian Army soldier held his AR5 tightly, keeping Trebaulsky lined up in his sights, and kicked the shotgun back. "All right. I want some ID. And don't even think about trying anything."

The Internal Army troops quickly ran towards Trebaulsky, and were about to detain him when one noticed the glint of his pistol under his coat. Panicking, he pulled his trigger, his rifle aimed at Trebaulsky.

A knife thudded into the rifle, sending it flying and the Internal Army troops turned to see a Sentinel holding out a pair of knives, escorted by Crown Guards. "They're with me. Give them their weapons and let them go." The Anemonian troops instantly pulled back, standing at attention and the Sentinel strode over to Trebausky, hand extended as he went to help Trebaulsky. "Well met, pilot."

"AW102, we have confirmed Inquisition HMMVW convoy moving to support hostiles near 2nd Avenue."

"AW102 has recceived enemy coordinates. Requesting further information."

"8 confirmed vehicles. No AA defences."

"Understood. AW102 moving to intercept." A pair of F-22 Raptors of the Anemonian Army swooped low, travelling at high speed above 2nd Avenue. They were about to fire Hellfire missiles when another voice shouted "Halt fire! Hostiles are travelling under a white flag!" The F-22s peeled off their attack run as the HMMVWs came to a stop in the middle of a plaza, roaring over the vehicles. The doors were thrown open and shock troopers made a cordon around the convoy, aiming their P90s at the Metropolitan Police Officers looking warily at them. One of the police officers murmured "Aren't those Shock Troopers from the 2nd Battalion? The only Inquisition Guards brigade?"

From one of the HMMVWs in the middle of the convoy, the Master of the Inquisition stepped out. However, he was no longer the powerful, well-spoken man that he had been a day ago. No, he was dishevelled and dirtied, a look of anger painted across his face. Another figure stepped out behind him.

"PD234, sitrep please."

"Hostiles have set up a cordon around their vehicles, sir. The Master of the Inqusition has been confirmed to be in the group."

Upon receiving this information, the whole of the Metropolitan Police command erupted into chaos. It was instantly relayed to 1st Army command.

"First Marshal Therondis, Priority Target 01 has been indentified as being one of those inside the convoy!"

"We are not taking chances with this one. Reroute the Adv. Recon troops. Move up half of our reserve forces to set up a cordon around the site!"

"My Lord!"

1st Army troops holding AR6 rifles ran into the plaza, aiming their weapons at the Shock Troopers. Their safeties were off, but they were under strict orders to return fire only and so they edged towards the convoy slowly and warily. In the buildings overlooking the plaza, sniper teams moved into position, setting up M82 Barretts. The massive weapons were brought to bear on the various vehicles in the convoy. Leclerc tanks rolled into the plaza as well, bringing their huge guns to bear on the convoy. Overhead, Internal Army Hind-V helicopters were flying overhead recon.

Therondis himself stepped out into the plaza, escorted by 1st Army Rangers. Looking over at the Master of the Inquisition, whom he'd known for over forty years, he sighed. "Well?" he asked. "Have you come to make demands? You know you can't win."

The Master of the Inquisition shook his head and turned in anger to the figure behind him. "You think I'd turn against my High Lord, Therondis? I respect Ilfir enough to know that he knew what was best for our nation!" He was shoved forwards, and the figure behind him became much clearer in the light.

"My name is Larandai Sailis; I'm sure you know my father already, Marshal Therondis." Dressed in his blood red robes, the son of the Marshal of the Navy looked more regal than his esteemed father. "Larandai... the bastard son of the Sailis family." muttered Therondis.

One of the snipers in the window frowned. Turning to his spotter, he muttered "Cyrpiral (Corporal), can you look at that Inquisitor who says he's Larandai Sailis? Something isn't right..."

They weren't the only ones to notice. Watching the man closely, one of the Sentinels watching Larandai watched impassively. Then, turning, he briskly left the area, running towards the Imperial Palace.

There was a creak in the roof, and Thryn looked up at his celing. The only other person in the roof was Ferosti, a veteran of many wars.

"So then, First Marshal Therondis." murmured Larandai. "Why don't we get this... ceremony started? I'm not asking for much, you see. Just one thing."

"I want you to replace Thryn Erenthi I."

OOC: Whoa, lots of replies in a hurry.

IC:

The young woman's face lit up, as though someone had delivered Christmas early.

"Can I, Sir? Please?" She was practically begging to be allowed to risk her life to set explosives down a city's main street, and not for the first time, the Crown Prince doubted her sanity.

Still, she was one of the best in the business....

"Very well. Get going...and may God attend you, Bythnya. As for the rest of us, let's stay alert - remember, the Cathedral holds the High Lord, and is therefore likely to be high on the insurgents' target list."

Turning to the Anemonian soldier, "Trooper. Can you get us weapons? I think that its best we stay here, as a hole card for any little surprises the Inquisition has in mind. My brother the Emperor ordered me to make friends and influence people - therefore, that's exactly what I'll do. By staying and helping where I'm needed."

His quiet dignity was not lost on those observing him.

The Advanced Recon commanding officer listened carefully to his earphones and turned to Prince Iohannes. "We've got a problem."

FROM: The Holy Empire of Anemos Major.
TO: The Anemonian Alliance

Following a series of rebellions in Anemos Major by the Holy Order of the Inquisition, we request military aid from our allies in removing them from their positions in the capital.

Iohannes' response was swift.

"What's the problem, soldier?"

"The plan's been ditched. Our priority targets are in the middle of Eter Plaza."

OOC: Sorry about the short reply; it's snowing heavily in England. It's time to get back out there.

Bumped for those participating.

OOC: It's snowing again! Apparently the blizzards have cost the UK's economy over 2 billion £.

to: the holy empire of anemos major
from: the presidential palace of tubaui

though the diplomatic ties between our nations is not that great, the republic of tubaui would like to offer support to your great nation in the way of military support to your current, worrying situation. we currently have our president in international waters near anemos major, and following the well-respected treatment of our president, he has ordered two expeditionary groups to his current position, they will arrive in 19 hours time, upon which they will ask inquire of your current situation and request to bolster your great nations current strategic assets.

vice-president clark, temporary head of state

OOC: anemos does your nation have a coast? your factbook says you have a navy, so thats why i deployed ships.

OOC2: its snowing so bad here my back door actually iced shut, oh well, typical british weather eh?

The entire Imperial party was nonplussed, none more so than their Prince.

"So, that's it, then? Surely there's something we can do to help you?"

to: the holy empire of anemos major
from: the presidential palace of tubaui

though the diplomatic ties between our nations is not that great, the republic of tubaui would like to offer support to your great nation in the way of military support to your current, worrying situation. we currently have our president in international waters near anemos major, and following the well-respected treatment of our president, he has ordered two expeditionary groups to his current position, they will arrive in 19 hours time, upon which they will ask inquire of your current situation and request to bolster your great nations current strategic assets.

vice-president clark, temporary head of state

OOC: anemos does your nation have a coast? your factbook says you have a navy, so thats why i deployed ships.

OOC2: its snowing so bad here my back door actually iced shut, oh well, typical british weather eh?

OOC1:Yes, I have a coast; my nation is nearly a seperate island.
OOC2: It looks like it's finished, but now it's rain...

IC:

TO: The Presidential Palace of Tubaui.

We appreciate your offer of aid, but please do not put yourselves in danger for our sake.

Looking at the Crown Prince, the Adv. Recon officer gestured towards the Citadel Wall. "They have a hostage, and an important one at that. Are you suggesting that we go in, guns blazing?" Sighing, the officer looked at the ground. "I'm sorry, we all want to do something. But right now..."

"You can do something." came a voice from behind, and the officer turned to see a Sentinel. "Pick up those explosives, and follow me. We're going to make sure they never get out of here."

to: the holy empire of anemos major
from: the presidential palace of tubaui

the expeditionary strike groups have reached the boundaries of Anemonian waters,
and to avoid any unwanted occurances they will go no further without Anemonian confirmation.

vice-president clark, temporary head of state

RTNV element, 205 nautical miles off the anemonian coast
the following broadcast was transmitted from the bridge of RTNV element on all frequencies:
"Any and all naval vessels of the holy empire of anemos major, this is president carl dennegan of the republic of tubaui.
We understand your great nation is suffering under the hammerblows of multiple rebellions.
The republic of Tubaui, under my command, has dispatched these expeditionary forces,
to help with your current military assets in quashing said rebellions.
We Require your nations consent to proceed any further."
end transmission.




OOC: my ORBAT:

RTNV element - Absalon class command ship, presidental transport.

expeditionary group 1
1 AC-67 class supercarrier
1 AC-12 class aircraft carrier
1 absalon class comand ship
2 M-16 class cruisers
4 Type-45 class Destroyers
8 Type-23 class Frigates
2 AS-709 submarines
1 supply Class AOE auxillary
2 Rotterdam class amphibious assualt ships

embarked troops = 3,400 marines

expeditionary group 2
1 AC-12 class aircraft carrier
1 Wasp class amphibious assualt ship
1 absalon class command ship
1 kirov class battle cruiser
1 lincoln class cruiser
3 cassard class destroyers
6 Type-23 Frigates
2 AS-709 submarines
2 bay class auxillary assault ships

embarked troops = 2,800 marines


total troops = 6,200 tubaui'n marine light infantry

OOC2: i know i probably shouldn't deploy troops,
but i could do with the combat experience.
and besides its better that i fight rebels than getting my ass kicked fighting a gazillion pop. nation.

OOC: All right...
OOC2: 6,200 marine infantry to fight the Inquisition? I hope they're good at urban warfare.

Reply coming up...

Bythnya jumped to the task, barely noticing that the Crown Prince had discreetly assigned two of his guards to help her in her mission.

She looked at the Anemonian.

"Where to, Sir?" Her demeanor had something in it of a puppy being taken for its first walk in a long time - eagerness, combined with a "Let's go!" attitude.

"The square. Where else?" asked the Sentinel.

OOC: Ok, Tubaui; let's get your forces in the fray.

Of course, Inquisitorial forces were not limited to Anemos Rei, although it was there where they were strongest.

The City of Sailiei

Sailiei was founded in the 1620s as a military port, and although it had grown from there, its primary purpose had never changed. Housing Anemos Major's only permanently active Warfleet, Malleus, the port was filled with military ships waiting to embark to sea. Strangely enough, they were now waging war against the city they should have been protecting.

With Inquisitorial Shock Troopers who specialised in urban warfare storming buildings and taking up positions, the troops fighting them across Anemos Major were clearly at a loss. Sailiei, however, was unique. As a massive military port, reinforcements could easily land in the port; even as the battle continued to rage, reports stated that foreign aid in the form of the Tubai'n Navy and 3,400 Marines were to arrive shortly, as well as the 3rd and 4th Arkuran Colonial Ranger Corps (The Arkurans are part of a seperate nation, but their defence has been taken up by the Imperial Armed Forces of Anemos Major in return for 5 regiments of men to serve in the Anemonian Army, all to a very, very high standard as rangers who fought in the humid, stuffy jungles of the South Anemonian Sea, protecting Anemonian military facilities there. It is very rare, however, that they are used as auxilliaries with the Anemonian Army itself), the 14th North Anemonian Sea Patrol Group and the 3rd Savronin Strategic Bomber Wing (B1B Lancers, and a few heavily modified B-52s for long range missile assault). Of course, until they arrived, the Anemonians were on their own, but Sailiei had more tricks up its sleeve.

The 15th Fleet Security Battalion, Unit 4/10, High Street, Outer Port District East

"Sir! We have an Inqui' M249 on the balcony in that house!"

"Arkonen, keep the bastard down! The rest of you, prepare to storm the house!" A group of Fleet Security troops huddled behind a car as one soldier opened fire with his Mk. 46 Mod. 0 SAW. The rounds tore through the air, peppering the balcony where the Inquisitorial Shock Trooper sat with his M249 with 5.56mm rounds, and the man instinctively ducked as a round flew through the window, hitting a chandelier behind him.

He didn't see the Fleet Security troops storm the house.

MP7s at their shoulders, the Fleet Security troops kicked down the front door, bursting into a group of Shock Troopers peering out of a window, P90s propped up against the wall. They turned in surprise as they heard the crash, and went for their P90s but before any of them could bring their weapons up, they were dead. Motioning towards his troops, the Fleet Sergeant in command of the squad sent two troops to secure the rest of the ground floor, then took the other five up into the uncharted territory that was the second floor.

Sailiei Metropolitan Police Department, Port District East Station Number 2

The Shock Troopers who had been besieging the station for the past hour were shocked when RPK-74 fire shattered the windows of the cars they were hiding behind, and soldiers across the car park darted behind cars and trucks as the police counterattack began. The past hour had been chaos; the Station Commander had not been seen, and no-one had the keys to the equipment room. Finally, however, someody had picked the lock and so policemen had decided to make good use of the firearms and riot control equipment stored neatly inside the various rooms.

"Damn! Take out those police officers in the doorway!"

"Sir, we can't! They've brought up so many ballistic shields it's like, like..."

"A shield wall! Does anybody have an M72 LAW?"

"Sir!"

"Use it!"

"Y... Yes, sir!" The Shock Trooper quickly stowed his P90 in his satchel and pulled out a metal cylinder, popping the plastic caps on it off. He pulled out the rest of the tube, popped up the sight, aimed and was about to fire when he fell back, hitting the hard asphalt with a crack. There was a hole in the front of his head, a shocked look on his cold, dead face and blood seeping onto the asphalt below. The Inquisitor commanding the shock troopers turned to see a sniper in a window, and screaming "Sniper! Heads down, troops!" he swung his USP pistol over the car and began firing at the window. "Damn! Get that man out of here! Keep your heads down, men! Harenin, get some support!"

Bumped for those participating.

Torys reached Yrenthis at last,
"How goes it, sir?" she asked between bouts of gunfire.

The young woman and her two companions quickly followed the Anemonian in the direction he led them, eager to do their parts.

As they followed, Bythnya asked a stream of questions, mostly concerning the placement of buildings in and around Eter Plaza, as well as any underground tunnels that may exist in the area. She also wanted to know what specifically the Anemonians had in mind for her skills.

Seeing Torys, Yrenthis growled in frustration and dragged her behind a car. "Look, ma'am!" he shouted. "This is war!", he shouted, just as a stream of 5.7mm rounds flew overhead. Gritting his teeth, he pulled Torys to the ground, keeping her from being hit, and began to let a hail of 9mm fire loose at the Inquisitors. He couldn't let them hem them in like this. "Karynin!" he shouted. "Bring up the heavy weapons! I do not give a damn about collateral damage as long as you don't hit the houses!" A muffled cry went up, and soon a Ranger came forwards, wielding a Carl Gustav launcher. There was a muffled crack and the soldier fell to the ground, clutching his shoulder in agony. "Sniper!" went up the cry, folllowed by "Medic!" Yrenthis turned to his radio, shouted "This is 4,3R! What the hell was countersniping doing! Get on that Inqui sniper ASAP!" He rushed to the fallen soldier, who was lying wordlessly on his back. The wound had gone into his shoulder, and hadn't taken out anything that caused extreme blood loss or anything too bad. The soldier was fine... for the time being. Yrenthis saw the soldier cough up blood, and frowned. The bullet had hit the soldier once in the shoulder, unless... "Private!" he shouted. "Give me a hand!" Yrenthis began pulling off the Ranger's body armour, only to see a crimson stain blossoming out across the soldier's BDU, spreading from his gut. "Oh god, sir, I didn't see it coming... "

"Don't let it get to you. Nobody knows when a sniper's coming." The crack of a rifle resounded through the road, making everyone duck instinctively. The bullet hit the side of a windowsill, and Yrenthis saw a sniper duck, his rifle glinting in the sunlight. It was a rookie ,istake, and Yrenthis knew what was coming. There was a thud, and moments later the wall behind which the sniper was hiding blew apart, the bullet hitting the cowering sniper in the back. "They got him, private." muttered Yrenthis. "There's nothing to worry about."

Bumped.

The confrontation in the square was still continuing, and soldiers clutched their weapons tightly, watching the Inquisitors carefully. Eventually, Therondis shouted "Stand down, Inquisitor! There is no escape. The moment you shoot him is the moment you die!"

There was a slight smile on the Inquisitor's face. And then all hell broke loose.

From miles away, the explosion could be heard. As Therondis was pulled back to safety he struggled to get back on his feet, shouting "No! Don't pull back! He's going to use this chance to escape! Damn it, no, we have to end this here..." and then his voice died out as he saw that it was too late.

Watching in shock, the Adv Recon commander muttered "They sealed their own route of escape? Why?"

A Sentinel charged into the headquarters of the 45th Intelligence Battalion and, with one sweep of his arm, knocked the commanding officer to his knees. "So then, sir." he said, his voice latthed with malice. "You've been supplying false information to our forces, haven't you?"

"If it means it'll keep that brat of a Crown prince off the throne, then so be it."

"You have no right to judge the monarch. Why don't you tell me the truth? What do you know?"

"You can't threaten me."

"We'll see."

Admiral Garrison grinned as he looked out of his command window across the fleet,
20 magnificent vessels gliding through the water at cruising speed.

He reached for the radio:
"all units, this is oracle, all units, oracle, orders have come through from Anemonian command,
We’ve got docks at Sailiei; marine units will dismount at Sailiei,
Upon which you will be further briefed by Anemonian command.
Oracle out."

"Ensign, launch operation free hawk." Garrison said to his radio operator.

"All units Free Hawk, repeat Free Hawk." the radio operator spoke into the radio.

Free Hawk signalled the launch of the troop transport helicopters within the fleet, their mission was to drop off the quick reaction marines into Sailiei, and commence docking logistics for the rest of the fleet.


AW101 Merlin, operating from 1st expeditionary group

"Stunner two-four, pyro six-one, your edging to your right, keep in tight formation, over." pilot varam spoke into his mic.
The radio squawked back a reply,
And the sea hawk in question straightened its position within the helicopters formation.

Twenty one helicopters mounting 196 marines flew in close formation towards the Anemonian base at Sailiei.

Anemos Rei

Staring at the sentinel with a wide grin on his face, Trebaulsky picked up his shotgun once more, and beckoned over Whitterman, who jogged towards Trebaulsky and the sentinel. Once he was near enough, trebaulsky said “well met soldier, where to?”



OOC: free hawks just all the choppers from the fleet flying ahead of the ships to get to the mainland, just so i can get some troops into the action without RP'ing the landing of the whole fleet. and sorry about not posting in a while, ive had quite a while with my internet all weird.

OOC: Understood.

IC: The telltale rattle of an M60 started up as some Fleet Security troops opened fire on approaching Shock Troopers. A moment passed, and then an explosion rocked the ground. Looking up, the fleet security soldiers saw the Shock Troopers slowly dying of heavy wounds. Behind them, a destroyer turned its' gun on the next enemy.

Roaring through the skies, a pair of F-22s headed out to sea. They were accompanied by three Rafale Ms of the Internal Army Aerospace Defence Force, and soon they had seen the Tubaui'n fleet. Slowly gaining altitude, the F-22s slipped pas thtier radar unnoticed, confirming their identity.

10th Army (Marine) troops entered the fray as landing ships docked near Sailiei.

Private Derinitz Mardoven of the 2nd 10th Army (Marine) Platoon was no veteran. Leaping into his first engagement blinded by dust shaken up by LAW fire, he raised his AR5 and sprayed fire wildly, trying to hit the enemy he couldn't see. Then a shot whizzed past him and all he could do was run, like he had been taught. He ran and ran until he couldn't run anymore, and he collapsed into a heap by a wall. He heard footsteps nearby and gritting his teeth, he leaped out of cover, roaring...

... and saw his NCO. Gasping for breath, he leant against the wall next to him, his rifle hanging loosely from his hand. "All right, everybody's here." he heard his NCO say. "Move out! We need to capture this street within half an hour! Show those Inqui bastards why they won't win!"

Sailiei and Anemos Rei were relatively unscathed by the Inquisition attack; the SHock Troopers had no armoured suppor tthere, and the armed forces were loyal to their crown. However, the city of Myrstierei was a different story. Housing the headquarters of the Holy Office of the Inquisition's armed contingent, Myrstierei had turned from a picturesque town to a battleground within minutes of the uprising in the capital.

The streets were silent. Dust, whipped up by hours of continuous gunfire from both sides, flew through them, carried by the howling wind. Slowly, however, the trudging of boots could be heard.

His AR5 held tightly against his chest, Sergeant Jair Thendorin had the air of someone more cut out to being ordered around. he had completed the NCO course, true, but the battlefield was quite a different place. All he had was his rifle and his men. Turning, he saw the other six members of his squad halt, unsure of whether they should take another step or not. Thendorin was about to beckon them forwards when he heard something. Turning, all he saw was dust, but he could still hear boots stepping on the hard stone ground. Moving his rifle's butt to his shoulder cautiously, he pushed himself against the wall and took a deep breath. The footsteps came closer, and closer, and...

Leaping out of cover, Thendorin saw a pair of Inquisition troops in their bug-shell helmets, their strange visors gleaming ominously in the light. Their P90s were up before Thendorin knew what was happening, but relying on his gut instinct he barreled into one of the Shock Troopers, knocking him to the ground. The other one try to fire at him, but before he could pick out Thendorin from the brawl on the ground another soldier had gone round the street corner, rifle in hand, and a burst of fire resounded through the street. There was a moment of silence as the Shock Trooper toppled over, crumpling to the ground, and finally Thendorin managed to get his hands on his opponents neck, gripping it tightly until the man died. Gasping for breath, he stood up, and picked up his rifle. The gunfire had been heard, and across the entire line Army troops began their attack on the Inquisition sector anew, a great war-cry resounding through the air.

A Fyrdestyr Medium Tank of the 19th Armoured Platoon rolled through the streets. it was hunting an enemy AFV, and its crew knew that at any moment, a rocket could come speeding out of any of the windows overlooking the street. Something gleamed, and the tank commander instinctively ducked down as...

RTNV altar, near Sailiei

Admiral garrison slammed down the shortwave radio, furious with his captains,
who had started to drift from their planned paths on the route to the unloading docks at Sailiei.
21 helicopters had already left the fleet for combat,
and many others were warming their rotors for any missions they might be needed in.
Admiral Sandoval and the 2nd expeditionary were headed for another city, other docks.
This didn’t bother garrison, but it made him hope that the Tubaui’n forces wouldn’t be spread across the whole country,
but rather limited to smaller areas, where they knew exactly where the enemy were and whether they were in range.

The marines have always excelled in cities, reflected Garrison;
our boys always give the enemy something they can chew on,
he thought, something for us to brag about.



AW101 Merlin, over Sailiei.

Varam, as he was the highest ranking pilot in the free hawk deployments, had to negotiate the landing of the choppers, the disembarking of the infantry, the refuelling of the choppers so they can make it back to the slower moving fleet, which still hadn’t reached Sailiei yet. Choppers began dropping out of the formation to land on pads among the rooftops of Sailiei. Soon enough the majority of the formation had landed and were in the process of dropping off their troops.


Varam reached for the radio:
“Any Anemonian ground authority based in Sailiei; this is senior-pilot Varam of the Tubaui’n Navy. Your senior military staff has authorized us to land Marine infantry to help you eradicate the inquisition threat. Captain Clayton is the highest ranking ground officer of our forces currently in Sailiei, and he will be broadcasting to any Anemonian military forces in due time.”






OOC: my expeditionary forces have also packed quite a few jets with them if you require any aerial support. and im once again sorry about not posting in ages, but i've had so much to do IRL, i haven't had much time to do any proper RP'ing.

Anemonian Naval Security detachments essentially did the same thing the 10th Army (Marine) did; amphibious landings, fleet security, heavy infantry etcetera. The main differences were that the Marines enjoyed armoured support, and were about fifty times bigger than Naval Security.

On the other hand it was always assumed that Naval Security outperformed the Marines with ease in close quarter combat.

"Syrkant, take the left door with Therinis."

"Sir."

"Merlokis, take the one on the right at the end of the corridor."

"On it."

"I'll storm the door to the left. We're going to blow the doors at the same time so as to make sure we all get the element of surprise. Any question?"

"Hostages, sir?"

"...Good point. All right, flashbangs... does anybody have flashbangs?"

"I have two, sir."

"Three over here."

"Toss me one." Merlokis chucked a strangely shaped object at his sergeant, who promptly caught it and lowered his MP7. "All right, get moving." and the troops took up their positions, waiting for the moment to strike.

OOC: Aerial support? I'll show you aerial support...

IC: "Missiles out. Remaining ordnance... four Brimstone ATGMs. Cannon ammunition count..." The pilot of the Panavia Tornado AD/GS, Air Lieutenant Verys Makor, shut off the fire control systems voice. Ever since they had integrated a voice feature into the system, Makor found that he could concentrate on what was in front of him, but sometimes it got annoying enough to merit being shut off. This was one of those times. "This is Electric 3 to 10th Air Force Wing command (In Anemos Major, Air Force is the standard air force, Air Army is Army aviation and Air Fleet is an experimental unit trying to make airborne aircraft carriers), two HMMVWs sighted and eliminated."

"Electric 1, your flight will be relieved by Thunder Flight in six minutes, supported by Howler from the 10th Army. Hang in there."

"Umm... Sir, we have unidentified aerial objects approaching Sailiei airspace."

"Confirmed. Judging by the speed, it's a jet. Engage the target, and if it does not offer a response you have permission to eliminate the target. We have reports that Howler is ready, so they'll relieve you now."

"Sir." Shutting his comms channel off, Makor turned to his radar. "Five unidentified objects..." he murmured. "Electric 2, 3, take them from the left. 4 and 5, take them from the right. Try and seperate them from each other."

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Let's get these bastards." As he pushed his Tornado forward along with the rest of his group, he couldn't help but wonder who was piloting the enemy aircraft in front of him. The four airplanes gleamed ominously in the sun, their gray pain coating hiding a much more dangerous...

Four?

"Wyvern Sword 3, executing orders." A plane dropped behind Makor's Tornado, and he pulled his into a sharp turn, trying to evade the enemy but the plane stuck to him like a copy of his. Pulling up as sharply as possible, he tried yet again to shake the enemy off him but it kept up with ease, following his Tornado's path through the air.

"Wyvern Sword 3, proceeding to eliminate target."

"Negative. They're allies. Stand down."

Watching the IFF signals for Wyvern Sword come up on-screen, Makor sighed in relief. He would never admit it, but that pilot had outflown him in any respect. "Sorry about the trouble." he said. "Who are you?"

"1st Air Force, 1st Combat Wing, 5th Squadron. Callsign 'Wyvern Sword'."

1st Air Force, 1st Combat Wing. The crack troops of the crack troops. The top 5 units had always been part of the 1st Air Force, 1st Combat Wing, and Wyvern Sword were the ground attackers of the formation. Using the newest of Anemonan strike aircraft, the AD/GS-23 Aegis Strike Fighter, the 5th Squadron had racked up kills on their tally until it became pretty much countless.

Today,they were about to add a few more kills to that chart.

To: Tubai'n Marine forces
Of course, all help is gladly accepted. Please assist the Anemonian Marine 7th Battalion in their attack on the inquisition defence line across Denisen Square. Any requests should be relayed to Marine Lieutenant General Raynos Harkassen, commander of Marine forces in the area.

OOC: Bumped.

Bumped.

One more bump to see if anyone remembers?