3rd Valkan War

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

The piece of evidence I will present to the international community is since Nationalist rule the economy has shot back up 20 pts, the tax rate has dropped from 45 to 41 and we have been recatagorized from corrupt dictatorship to father knows best state. If this isn't enough evidence for you than prepare for war.

In response to your presentation of evidence, we offer you our considerations of it, and an update on our investigation.
You appear to argue that a revolution is permissible if it results in a tax cut? Or it empowers corporations by removing the minimum wage law or safety laws? That would be an interesting and refreshing interpretation of international law. We have considered it before. It is not our interpretation.

We have noticed in the course of our investigation that six days ago 'following new legislation in Valkstadt, politicians accepting drinks in bars are executed for taking bribes', which suggests that the government-that-you-consider-former was at least not corrupt in its final days. We would welcome any comments.

Also, please note that we have no warlike intentions at present, and will not have any until we have considered any other evidence that may be presented, or we have reached any definite conclusions.

[Zeiffelheim]

tag

[Valkstadt]

Due to the censorship that the Nationalist Federation of Valkstadt imposes to protect the people from biased media the news of the coup came out approximately 3 days late. All items on the recent legislation were passed by the Nationalist government. The very next issue that passed through legislation was the conscription of all able males. Look at the top 10% corruption badge that was given to Valkstadt a month ago.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

The Supreme Court was favourably impressed, in spite of their general cynicism.
"Very good," said the Chief Justice, the Emperor Alexander Whittingnet. "There is one final matter we have neglected to investigate: is there any convention of revolution as a method of changing government - in other words, how many times have you done it? If there is a history of this, then revolution can be considered legal under your own unwritten constitution, which can be interpreted into the correct interpretation of national law."

[Mewsland]

THE FEDERAL UNION, STATES, AND TERRITORIES OF MEWSLAND-KARDONIA
"PAX ANTIDEA - PAX PRAESENS - PAX FUTURA"
XI FEBRUARIUS MDCCXVII
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

TO: All Whom It May Concern
FROM: Alexandra Lee Cahill, President of Mewsland-Kardonia
ENCRYPTION: None
PRIORITY: Maximum

Word of the coup in Valkstadt has just today reached my desk, and I must say that I am shocked. Though no bloodshed has occurred that I am aware of, the fact that a group of people would seize power in such an undemocratic manner leaves me stunned. Where are your voting boxes? How does anyone even know that Valkstadt WANTS this transfer of power? I shudder at the thought that a group of people is going above and beyond what is legal, or even moral, to get what they want without provocation, and without a visible reason. This is what caused our revolution in 1717! As a result of this news, I, Alex Cahill, as President of the esteemed Federal Union, States, and Territories of Mewsland-Kardonia, do decree that:

1) Valkstadt is to be placed on a watch list for extreme unrest;

2) The Federal Union, States, and Territories do not recognize the new government as the proper government of Valkstadt;

3) The Federal Union, States, and Territories recognize the deposed government of C. Churchill as the proper government of Valkstadt;

4) The aforementioned deposed government is hereby authorized to set up a government-in-exile within the Federal Union, States, and Territories; and

5) The Defense Condition (DEFCON) of the Federal Union, States, and Territories is hereby raised to Level 6 (Red - state of war likely).

I sincerely hope that a peaceful return of power to the previous government takes place. Good day to you all.

Sincerely,

Alexandra Lee "Alex" Cahill
President of the Federal Union, States, and Territories of Mewsland-Kardonia
President of the Pacifist Party of Mewsland-Kardonia

[Zeiffelheim]

Kânz A.Brunswick delivers a speech at a Nationalist rally in the capital.

The last time we fought a corrupt socialist government we drove them out of our land and toppled their communist regime.
We Valkans know what it is like to be oppressed by a communist government and we will fight until the streets run red with blood before we have another communist ruler.

Brunswick's boast received heavy criticism throughout Zeiffelheim with multiple news stations and talk shows pointing out that the Valkans only won due to the intervention of the United Coalition.

An intercepted communique out of Valkstadt (note the section that has been bolded):

We thank you for your support. We would like to purchase 5 million of each. Most of our arsenal was confiscated at the end of the Valkan War. We have secretly stockpiled enough for half of our army and are in need more weapons. We would also like to buy 5,000 tanks if you have them. Thank you very much, Kanz Alexander Brunswick

Camp Freidan
Outside of Lodz
52nd Marine Fleet Strike Division

"Sonofabitch sir, you're never going to believe this," Colonel Makota stood before the desk of General Wills, commander of the 52nd Marine Division, holding a small folder containing his unit's new orders.

"What is it Bill?"

"Well, the president has decided that Brunswick has violated the terms of the peace treaty. Namely by instating a fascist government, and also apparently failing to surrender arms after the war. There was an intercepted communication in which he admitted to secretly stockpiling illegal weapons. Command has elevated us to combat status. We've been tasked with first securing Lodz, then seeing to the disestablishment of the NPV."

"Well Colonel, we'd better get to work. Contact the Home Guard divisions currently in country. I want them redeployed to pacify any NPV forces in their vacinity. Do we know if we will be receiving any support?"

"I don't see how they could not reinforce us sir, we're only one division, but there's nothing concrete yet."

"Then for now let's assume we're on our own. Get to work Colonel."

"Aye aye, Sir."

From: General Wills, Commander 52nd MCFSD
To: Kanz Alexander Brunswick

Your nation is currently in violation of the peace agreements between our two countries.

Such violations can only be considered an act of war.

As such, Zeiffelheimian units currently stationed in Valkstadt are moving to pacify your military.

If your men resist they will be considered hostile and engaged in kind.

That is all.

The 52nd FSD moves two brigades (6000 Marines) into Lodz, along with 500 T-62 tanks as support. One brigade is held in reserve at Camp Freidan. The air elements of the 52nd FSD (30 F-56 ground attack fighters) have been launched in sorties to support ground forces that encounter significant resistance and require heavy support. The 52nd FSD's artillery corps has been dedicated to supporting the defense of Camp Freidan and supporting Marine actions in Lodz.

The Zeiffelheimian Home Guard has 500,000 men currently deployed in Valkstadt (divided into divisions of 100,000 men apiece). Two divisions move into Heidelburg. One division moves into Hac. The remaining two move into Lodz and link up with the 52nd FSD.

[Valkstadt]

OOC: a brief history of Valkstadt * means violent change
Monarchy>Constitutional Monarchy>Democracy>*Empire>*Communist Empire>Constitutional Monarchy>*Nationalist Federation

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

The Federal Union, States, and Territories of Mewsland-Kardonia may be interested to learn that the international community (by means of our Judicial Investigation) has found strong support for the idea that the government-that-they-consider-to-be-former has forsaken (by means of committing treason to the nation) the right to rule, pending Judicial conclusion shortly.

[Mewsland]

THE FEDERAL UNION, STATES, AND TERRITORIES OF MEWSLAND-KARDONIA
"PAX ANTIDEA - PAX PRAESENS - PAX FUTURA"
XI FEBRUARIUS MDCCXVII
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

TO: Judicial investigation into Valkstadt affair
FROM: Alexandra Lee Cahill, President of Mewsland-Kardonia
ENCRYPTION: Level 3 (9 is maximum)
PRIORITY: Maximum

I ask that you wire us once again when you acquire a conclusion. As things stand, the five points remain active, however, no further action on them of any type shall be undertaken until word is heard back on this investigation.

Thank you for understanding our concerns, and dispatching a quick reply before things escalated.

Sincerely,

Alexandra Lee "Alex" Cahill
President of the Federal Union, States, and Territories of Mewsland-Kardonia
President of the Pacifist Party of Mewsland-Kardonia

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

A Judicial Memorandum on the Valkan Revolt:
Whereby and perchance to the powers invested by the Supreme Court of the Imperial Commonwealth of the Kingdoms of Apraecia, Libraria, and Ausitoria, the United Kingdom of Libraria and Ausitoria, the United Kingdom of Apraecia and Ausitoria, the Duchy of Roshall, the Duchy of Guardaria, the Ausitorian Empire, the Librarian Empire, the Principality of Ausitoria, and the Principality of Apraecia by the same Supreme Court,
In accordance with the Unwritten and Written Parts of the Unwritten and Written Constitution of the same nation, and
On behalf of the international community,

The same Supreme Court asked itself the question:
'Is the Revolution Legal?'

By convention interpretation, endorsed in the Unwritten parts of the Unwritten Constitution, the Right to own Property (which the Imperial Commonwealth by law legally enforces universally) is extended to the Right to Own Sovereignty, and hence by default all Revolutions are illegal.

However, the Right to Own Sovereignty may be forsaken by means of committing treason to the same nation, id est, by disrespecting the Right to own Property or receive just compensation that is held by all of the citizens of any nation.
Another method by which the Right to Own Sovereignty may be considered suspended is by the conventional precedent of holding revolutions to change government. This may be considered a local Constitutional Convention, and parts of the Unwritten Constitution (which incorporates certain strands of International Law) state that in International Law National methods may be considered as on a par with the standards of International Law, i.e. the Right to Own Property and hence the Right to Own Sovereignty.

So the Revolution may be considered Legal if the answer to either or both of the following questions is in the affirmative:

a) 'Was the government-that-is-sometimes-considered-former forsaking its Right to Sovereignty?'
b) 'Is revolution the accepted method of changing government, and hence legal by the Unwritten Precedent?'

Evidence has been presented for answering Question (a) in the affirmative: corruption. We have noticed in the course of our investigation that six days ago 'following new legislation in Valkstadt, politicians accepting drinks in bars are executed for taking bribes', which suggests that the government-that-may-be-considered-former was at least not corrupt in its final days. This would be consistent with a radical shake-up:

Due to the censorship that the Nationalist Federation of Valkstadt impose[d] to protect the people from biased media [so that] the news of the coup came out approximately 3 days late. All items on the recent legislation were passed by the Nationalist government. The very next issue that passed through legislation was the conscription of all able males. Look at the top 10% corruption badge that was given to Valkstadt a month ago.

The 10% corruption badge has been confirmed. Hence it appears probable that there was considerable corruption, and hence probable that the government may be reasonably considered to have forsaken their right to rule. However, this is somewhat shaky grounds: the other government may argue that it is reasonable to consider that they have not forsaken their right to rule, which would imply that they were both right, which means that sovereignty cannot have been fully transferred, implying shared sovereignty.

Evidence has also been presented for answering Question (b) in the affirmation. We quote an Official Communique from the First Free Fascist Federation of The Cookish States under the authority of Chancellor Connor Paustain:

We will show concern for the fact that your nation changes governments as often as I change my underwear. For the record, Mrs. Paustain demands I change them daily. Perhaps that puts how turbulent your nation is in perspective.

It can rightfully be said that:

A brief history of Valkstadt * means violent change
Monarchy>Constitutional Monarchy>Democracy>*Empire>*Communist Empire>Constitutional Monarchy>*Nationalist Federation

Therefore the revolutionaries may by precedent be considered sovereign and righteous, although if the former government wins, they may be considered re-empowered again.

Therefore the revolution is legal, and the new government's sovereignty is upheld and recognized.

(EDIT: Minor formatting, to make it slightly easier to read.)

[Mewsland]

THE FEDERAL UNION, STATES, AND TERRITORIES OF MEWSLAND-KARDONIA
"PAX ANTIDEA - PAX PRAESENS - PAX FUTURA"
XI FEBRUARIUS MDCCXVII
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

TO: All whom it may concern
FROM: Alexandra Lee Cahill, President of Mewsland-Kardonia
ENCRYPTION: None
PRIORITY: Maximum

NEVER MIND.

Evidence has been presented that shows that such revolution was warranted. All decrees relating to this affair are henceforth REVOKED.

Defense Condition is hereby returned to Level 4 (Yellow: Above average readiness)

Sincerely,

Alexandra Lee "Alex" Cahill
President of the Federal Union, States, and Territories of Mewsland-Kardonia
President of the Pacifist Party of Mewsland-Kardonia

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

In a general press statement, our abbreviated conclusion is: the revolutionaries may by precedent be considered sovereign and righteous, although if the former government wins, they may be considered re-empowered again.

Therefore the revolution is legal, and the new government's sovereignty is upheld and recognized.


Note that this does not mean that they are necessarily free from potential obligations under former treaties. We would need another (although shorter) Judicial Review to determine that.

[Mewsland]

<OoC: See post before yours.>

[Valkstadt]

TO: President A.Cahill (Mewsland)
Encryption: None
The Nationalist party had 40 representatives among 50 seats in the Valkan Senate. The coup simply put a nationalist in charge as Churchill wasn't up for reelection for 9 years. The people would not allow Churchill to finish his term as he in one day sunk the economy 20 points. The NPV is very popular among Valkans as 80% support this party. We currently have 5,000  militant anti fascists surrounded in the city of Wottenheim. We will grant them passage to your country or any country that will accept the refugees.
Sincerely Kânz A.Brunswick

TO: Zeiffelheim
Encryption: None
We Valkans respect Zeiffelheim and see Zeiffelheim as a friend. We do not wish to go to war with you once more but we will not tolerate another humiliating defeat. Valkstadt is thankful for your liberation from both Communist Vorshka and Marx. The people of this nation do not want to fight you and respectfully request that you please leave of land. We want Valkstadt to be free of all foreign nations and will fight to make that happen. We will not back down and we will not lay down our arms. We have come a long way since our last battle and you will see that when we meet on the battlefield. The NFV (Nationalist Federation of Valkstadt) has made sure that our men will not be defeated again. Our men were born to fight as they have been training since the age of 10. The people of Valkstadt have become enthusiastic Nationalists through our Kânz Youth Program. We have also made advancements in our weapons that have been imported from the Blackhelm Confederacy. They are a very old and massive nation that has quite an influence in the international community. So to sum up our decision, we will not lay down our arms and we will fight for our freedom from other imperialist countries. We hope you will leave peacefully but we are expecting you to fight. Good luck in our future battles and may the most righteous nation succeed.
Sincerely Kânz A.Brunswick 
Meanwhile the massive force of the hardened National Valkan Military has left Wottenheim and has created a defensive position in the 50 miles surrounding the Valkan capital, Valksburg.

[Wisconsin7]

A Judicial Memorandum on the Valkan Revolt:
Whereby and perchance to the powers invested by the Supreme Court of the Imperial Commonwealth of the Kingdoms of Apraecia, Libraria, and Ausitoria, the United Kingdom of Libraria and Ausitoria, the United Kingdom of Apraecia and Ausitoria, the Duchy of Roshall, the Duchy of Guardaria, the Ausitorian Empire, the Librarian Empire, the Principality of Ausitoria, and the Principality of Apraecia by the same Supreme Court,
In accordance with the Unwritten and Written Parts of the Unwritten and Written Constitution of the same nation, and
On behalf of the international community,

The same Supreme Court asked itself the question:
'Is the Revolution Legal?'

By convention interpretation, endorsed in the Unwritten parts of the Unwritten Constitution, the Right to own Property (which the Imperial Commonwealth by law legally enforces universally) is extended to the Right to Own Sovereignty, and hence by default all Revolutions are illegal.

However, the Right to Own Sovereignty may be forsaken by means of committing treason to the same nation, id est, by disrespecting the Right to own Property or receive just compensation that is held by all of the citizens of any nation.
Another method by which the Right to Own Sovereignty may be considered suspended is by the conventional precedent of holding revolutions to change government. This may be considered a local Constitutional Convention, and parts of the Unwritten Constitution (which incorporates certain strands of International Law) state that in International Law National methods may be considered as on a par with the standards of International Law, i.e. the Right to Own Property and hence the Right to Own Sovereignty.

So the Revolution may be considered Legal if the answer to either or both of the following questions is in the affirmative:

a) 'Was the government-that-is-sometimes-considered-former forsaking its Right to Sovereignty?'
b) 'Is revolution the accepted method of changing government, and hence legal by the Unwritten Precedent?'

Evidence has been presented for answering Question (a) in the affirmative: corruption. We have noticed in the course of our investigation that six days ago 'following new legislation in Valkstadt, politicians accepting drinks in bars are executed for taking bribes', which suggests that the government-that-may-be-considered-former was at least not corrupt in its final days. This would be consistent with a radical shake-up:

Due to the censorship that the Nationalist Federation of Valkstadt impose[d] to protect the people from biased media [so that] the news of the coup came out approximately 3 days late. All items on the recent legislation were passed by the Nationalist government. The very next issue that passed through legislation was the conscription of all able males. Look at the top 10% corruption badge that was given to Valkstadt a month ago.

The 10% corruption badge has been confirmed. Hence it appears probable that there was considerable corruption, and hence probable that the government may be reasonably considered to have forsaken their right to rule. However, this is somewhat shaky grounds: the other government may argue that it is reasonable to consider that they have not forsaken their right to rule, which would imply that they were both right, which means that sovereignty cannot have been fully transferred, implying shared sovereignty.

Evidence has also been presented for answering Question (b) in the affirmation. We quote an Official Communique from the First Free Fascist Federation of The Cookish States under the authority of Chancellor Connor Paustain:

We will show concern for the fact that your nation changes governments as often as I change my underwear. For the record, Mrs. Paustain demands I change them daily. Perhaps that puts how turbulent your nation is in perspective.

It can rightfully be said that:

A brief history of Valkstadt * means violent change
Monarchy>Constitutional Monarchy>Democracy>*Empire>*Communist Empire>Constitutional Monarchy>*Nationalist Federation

Therefore the revolutionaries may by precedent be considered sovereign and righteous, although if the former government wins, they may be considered re-empowered again.

Therefore the revolution is legal, and the new government's sovereignty is upheld and recognized.

(EDIT: Minor formatting, to make it slightly easier to read.)

You say that you have rights to enforce your laws in that of any other sovereign nation, despite the wishes and laws of the nation? Then you dare to say that you are in a constant state of war with any and all Communist and Socialist nations.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

You say that you have rights to enforce your laws in that of any other sovereign nation, despite the wishes and laws of the nation? Then you dare to say that you are in a constant state of war with any and all Communist and Socialist nations.

No.

To clarify, we say that we have rights to enforce our natural laws (i.e. the Right to Own Property) in any other sovereign nation, in accordance with the wishes and laws of that nation. Seeing that we extend the Right to Own Property to be interpretable as a collective Right to Own Property, that shouldn't annoy any Communists or Socialists.

[Wisconsin7]

You say that you have rights to enforce your laws in that of any other sovereign nation, despite the wishes and laws of the nation? Then you dare to say that you are in a constant state of war with any and all Communist and Socialist nations.

No.

To clarify, we say that we have rights to enforce our natural laws (i.e. the Right to Own Property) in any other sovereign nation, in accordance with the wishes and laws of that nation. Seeing that we extend the Right to Own Property to be interpretable as a collective Right to Own Property, that shouldn't annoy any Communists or Socialists.

Very well. We apologize for the misinterpretation.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

Following on from our recent Memorandum, we have noted that the present Valkan government is supposed to have broken some terms within treaties. We quote:

Swiss Terms of Valkan Surrender from the 3rd Valkan War:
1. Surrendering of Arms
-All armed personnel (civilian and official military combatants) serving, or associated with the Imperial Valkish Army are to cease fire and lay down their weapons immediately.
[and]
Zeiffelheim Terms of Surrender:
1. All Valkan combatants shall lay down their arms and register with the Zeiffelheimian Department of Military Intelligence.
[...]
3. Valkstadt shall adopt a more democratic government.

The Imperial Commonwealth's Courts would like to draw attention to the idea that the present Valkan government is only breaking the Term 3 quoted above: evidently the Valkans have picked up their weapons again, which is hardly illegal.

However, the present perceived lack of Democracy is more serious. The Imperial Commonwealth will continue to investigate, and suggests that if Valkan is indeed non-compliant with this term, they should amend their ways immediately.

[Valkstadt]

I Kânz Alezander Brunswick, would like to report that after hitting the all time low of 40, the Nationalist Party of Valkstadt in our short reign over Valkstadt has sent the economy skyrocketing and have hit an all time high of 76. We hope this proves that the NPV serves the people of Valkstadt. We hope war does not ruin our economic prosperity and would ask all nations to remove their soldiers/investigators from our land. Valkstadt is for Valkans not imperialist dogs wishing to expand their borders. We ask this respectfully and hope you respond soon.

[The Cookish States]

Official Communique From the Cookish Government

"We within the Cookish State's private sector ask that the government of the Fascist Federation open its economical borders with Valkstadt, and allow us to open Cookish businesses and introduce products like like Mocha Cola, Breadnugget Express, C&C FuelStation, Puerto Cocino Cafe, and AllTime Insurance."
We received this petition from our populace just about a week ago. It has received about 100,000 signatures and is being demanded of the Cookish government now. With your permission, we'd like to allow these businesses enter your borders and provide jobs and extra cashflow to your nation. We look forward to your reply.

(For your information)
Mocha Cola-A coffee/soda that the Cookish drink alot.
Breadnugget Express-Breadnugget is like a doughy piece of bread filled with jelly or meat. It's a restaurant for just that.
C&C FuelStation-Think 7/11 with a gas station beside it.
Puerto Cocino Cafe-It's a cafe chain, pretty profitable.
AllTime Insurance- Insurance company. Provides alot of jobs.

[The Cookish States]

Communique from the Cookish Armed Forces under General Antonio Munoz-

We trust your ordering of all foreign troops out of Valkstadt is limited to us. Our 1,200 men of the 26th Infantry Division have valiantly assisted your men a few times throughout these hard years. We will keep our 14 rotary wing assets and mortar systems in the base and swear their use solely for the defense of Valkstadt. Our motives are to be helpful and assist, as they always have been. Regardless of your decision, we thank you for the time you've harbored us and allowed us to heal your wounded and supply your armies.
Sincerely, General A.Munoz

[Yorkopolis]

Supreme Council of the Government of the Grand Empire of Yorkopolis
TO: Kânz A.Brunswick
FROM: Marshall Dexus Avic 'Yorko', President and Emperor of the Grand Empire of Yorkopolis
PRIORITY OF MESSAGE: High

The word of the coup has reached me only hours ago, when I was in a military meeting where me and my generals were discussing the international affairs. I strongly support your cause and reasons for taking control of your state, and our state officially recognizes you as the head of state. As such, the government of Yorkopolis would like to arrange a meeting in the military base located in the city of Amerus, located in the eastern part of the country. We would like to discuss international affairs, and a possible military alliance.

I would like to hear from you.

Signed,



Marshall, and Emperor, of the Grand Empire of Yorkopolis, leader of the Party for Yorkopolitan Unity, and head of the Council of generals in Yorkopolis.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

Zeiffelheim Terms of Surrender:
[...]
3. Valkstadt shall adopt a more democratic government.

However, the present perceived lack of Democracy is more serious. The Imperial Commonwealth will continue to investigate, and suggests that if Valkan is indeed non-compliant with this term, they should amend their ways immediately.

The Imperial Commonwealth has yet to find any significant evidence that Valkstadt has or is going to have a measure of democracy. Therefore we have yet to find any significant evidence that Valkstadt is honouring its international treaty. We would welcome any information in this regard to enable us to finish our investigation promptly.

[Valkstadt]

I will send the National Valkan Military Commander Rudolf von Hindenburg to attend this meeting. I welcome anyone else who would like to attend to join us. We currently have a 50 mile defensive position surrounding our capital. We will slowly begin pushing through the countryside and hope to eventually liberate all of Valkstadt. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely Kânz A.Brunswick

[Zeiffelheim]

2nd Squad/1st Platoon/Charlie Company/5th Battalion/52 Marine Division
City of Lodz, Central Sector
Wednesday, 1300 Hours

Sgt Pharas's 2nd squad was advancing along a medium sized street, just off of Main Street, supported by a T-62 MBT, callsign "Bonecrusher", when he spotted something up ahead.

"2nd Squad, all halt!" Pharas ordered over the all-hands channel, into which Bonecrusher had already been linked, "I've got possible hostile contact up ahead. Everybody dig in, Corporal Rango, on me."

Corporal Rango broke cover and moved up behind his squad sergeant. The two advanced down the street, covered by the rest of their squad. Rango then noticed what Pharas had seen. A group of six men, standing in the street, armed. This is what they had been sent out to deal with.

"Hey!" Pharas called out to the men and began speaking to them in his best Valkish. His grasp of the language was actually not bad, he had picked up a few things during his brief fling with Elisa, a Valkan women living in the city, but that was before the NPV had come to power. "I am Sergeant Pharas, of the 52nd Zeiffelheimian Marine Division. Please, lay down your weapons and come with us."

Rango certainly hoped the Valkans would comply, he was having a hard time finding any cover in the street, and if the shooting started he and Pharas were ten kinds of screwed.

Akatosh (Zeiffelheimian Capitol)
Presidential Office, Harrison Building
Wednesday, 0900 Hours

"Mr. President," Admiral Reicher stood facing President Sjorfreid who was over in the corner of the office, pouring himself a small glass of New Etnan brandy, "I have General Wills' report of the situation in Valkstadt."

"Care for a glass?" Sjorfreid turned to face his old friend. Reicher simply shook his head, provoking a shrug from the President, who sipped his own drink.

"Well," Sjorfreid walked over to the couch in the side of the office, taking a seat and gesturing at the couch across from him, "How bad is it?"

Reicher sat down opposite the President, setting the report down on the coffee table between them, "We've seen worse, but this Brunswick character is a serious problem. Judging from his report, General Wills would agree."

Sjorfreid set down his drink and picked up the report, glancing through it, "What is it with these people and their constant revolutions? I don't think we've ever seen a more volatile region."

"Now that I would drink to," Reicher then had to gesture for the President to sit as Sjorfreid began rising to get him a glass, "a figure of speech Sir, I'm fine."

"Right," Sjorfreid retook his seat, "I've had just about enough of these problems in Valkstadt. The best option I see is to pacify the whole damn nation and declare it a protectorate."

"Sir, that's a radical move, it won't be received well by the international community. Particularly this judicial group that's started poking around."

"John, that's not like you," Sjorfreid sipped his drink again before replacing it on the coffee table, "Who gives a damn what the international community thinks? This Valkans lied to us when they hid those weapons. I won't stand for that. I know for a fact neither will you. That's the reason we both joined the damned service."

"Yes Brian, you're right. I know we have to, I'm just cautioning you, it's my job. This war could be a costly one. You've seen Brunswick's message, Valkstadt is more prepared for war now than they've ever been."

"And so are we. You know even better than I, the enhancements our military has undergone. If anyone should be concerned it's Brunswick," with that Sjorfreid polished off his brandy, "That gives me an idea...John, have you ever heard of Project Origin?"

Reicher's eyebrows shot up, "Indeed sir I have. I, for one, am not overly fond of it."

"Neither am I John, but it could very well pay off here."

Reicher leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, "What do you have in mind?"

"Suppose we don't even have to go to war with Valkstadt?" Brian leaned forward similarly, "This Brunswick, this 'Kanz' or whatever they call him, he's the root of this problem, the root of the Nationalist party. He and Hindenburg."

"Yes..so far as we can tell."

"Yes, so what if we were to cut off the head of the snake? We know Brunswick has to be hiding in the capitol. And Hindenburg will be vulnerable while in transit to the meeting in Yorkopolis. We could take them both out at once."

"I suppose it could work, but the 99th just isn't ready yet, not for this sort of mission."

"If you say so John, I have faith in your judgement. Who would you recommend then?"

"I have someone in mind."

"That's good enough for me, though I would like to know who they are at some point," Sjorfreid paused to sip his brandy, "So we'll deploy our troopers to eliminate them and hopefully we can stave off war with Valkstadt. However, we will need some way to ensure elections after Brunswick's death."

"Perhaps Libraria and Ausitoria might be willing to assist us in that endeavor."

"Excellent. Oh and Reicher, one more thing. I want Churchill extradited here. Those weapons were hidden under his regime. He will answer for it."

"Yes sir. I'll have another team standing by in the event that he refuses to comply."

"Very good. Now will you have a drink with me? Off the clock, just two old Marines?"

"Yes sir," Sjorfreid shot his friend a glare, "Yes Brian"

"That's better," and with that Sjorfreid poured them each a glass of cheap Duran whiskey.

15th FRF Company
Camp Griffon
Wednesday 1130 Hours

"Well Conroy," Major McCollard paused and handed a copy of their unit's orders to Gunnery Sergeant Conroy, "We're going back."

"So it would seem sir."

"Cut out that crap," McCollard stood and walked to the door, opening it and gesturing for Conroy to lead the way out. The two continued to speak as they walked to the FRF barracks, "You know I still can't get over the fact that you passed up that promotion to LT."

"I'm an NCO sir. 'We're the glue that holds this corps together!'"

"Funny Gunny, but you're not in the corps anymore, haven't been for a long time," the Major paused as a clerk passed between them, "You died and came back as a Ghost, don't you remember?"

"Aye aye, sir. But old habits die hard."

"That they do," McCollard said wistfully, glancing down at his prosthetic leg. The men walked in silence for a moment, before Conroy spoke again.

"Sir, I don't know if I like this one."

"I've heard you say that before, we always come out fine."

"Yes, but last time we had the Swiss Guard, air superiority, and four other FRF Companies. And we still almost lost our team leader."

McCollard glanced down at his leg once more, "True enough..."

"The fact of the matter is that we won't have any of that support this time around. Not to mention the fact that judging from the reports coming in from the 52nd the Valkans are much better trained than before. And those are just their line troops. No doubt they'll have their elite guarding Valksburg."

"True enough Wil, but it doesn't really matter we have our orders. We will carry them out."

"Aye aye Sir!"

A Message to Mr. Churchill, ex-Prime Minister of Valkstadt
Sent: 1200 Hours
Mr. Churchill,
It has come to my attention that during your administration your government illegally hid weapons, directly violating a treaty of peace between our two nations. For a government official to lie in his official duties is a heinous crime. You will present yourself in Akatosh to answer for this crime.
Sincerely,
Brian Sjorfreid