Operation Wælholl (Krandovia Only)

[The Great Weald]

Operation Wælholl

In an unprecedented move today Wealdish Government declared it's total sovereignty over the Krandovian Arctic Archipelago. The various islands of the archipelagoare separated from one another and the Wealdish mainland by a series of Arctic waterways collectively known as the Krandovian Northern Passage.

This long coveted strategic maritime route has been impassable to shipping due to the arctic pack ice, but continued climate change and subsequent Arctic shrinkage is expected to make the waterways navigable during the summer months starting from this year - thus prompting today's declaration.

However, the contested sovereignty claims over the waters may complicate future shipping through the region: The Wealdish government considers the Krandovian Northern Passage part of Wealdish Internal Waters but various Krandovian countries maintain they are an international strait or transit passage, allowing free and unencumbered passage.

In a heated speech today current Wealdish leader Hereward An Eage declared that "for too long have we sat idle as we have witnessed our once vast sacred lands be whittled away by foreigner oppressors! We have a choice when it comes to defending our sovereignty over the Arctic - we either make a stand, now, at this very moment - or lose it forever! And make no mistake, this Government intends to stand steadfast. Because the Krandovian Arctic and it's waterways are central to our national identity as a northern nation, it is part of our cultural history and represents the tremendous potential of our future. We owe it to both our ancestors and future generations alike to defend our sovereignty fiercely! Heorte þe cenre, mod sceal þe mare!"

Effects:
- Wealdish Border Guard increases frequency of patrols in Krandovian Arctic Archipelago.

- Construction of new permanent Wealdish military base in Krandovian Arctic Archipelago commences.

[Viritica]

New Heartford, Viritica
Federal Palace
8:00 AM KST

A convoy of limos slowly approached the sprawling Federal Palace led by a police escort and several armored SUV's. It was the weekend and a scene like this typically did not occur until Monday morning when the Council of Sunnas would officially reconvene after the weekend was over. However, this was different. With the Great Weald's recent declaration only hours before the Viritican stock markets would open a quick and hasty response was needed. If not then there was no telling just how the stock market would react.

One by one each of the eight Sunnas exited their limousines. With snipers and machine guns on rooftops and a helicopter hovering overhead the Council had an army guarding it. It was early in the morning and some of the Sunnas were dressed in full suits and ties while others wore pajamas and fuzzy slippers. Each let out a yawn and slowly dragged their feet inside. It was Sunday and in truth it was too early for this crap.

The Council met inside a grand circular room with huge windows on the front and back allowing for natural light to be let in. Dark blue curtains lay on either side of the windows and up above a chandelier hung. On the ground a rug was laid with the Viritican crest on it positioned so that it was perfectly centered in the room. This was the Chamber of the Sunnas and chairing the meeting was the High Administrator, a tall and official-looking man with perfectly-combed hair dressed in an expensive suit with a thick pair of glasses on his face.

Once all the Sunnas were seated he grabbed a small remote and pressed a button. In an instant the curtains automatically closed and a projection of Hereward An Eage's angry speech played. When it was over the curtains opened and the High Administrator turned towards the Sunnas. "I'm sure I don't need to stress the seriousness of this matter. In an hour and a half the stock markets will be opening and they won't react kindly to this."

"A good morning wouldn't go amiss," added Sunna Ealdwine Ainsworth.

The others merely sighed and began talking amongst one another. "It's obvious they have no intention of negotiating. They're angry, and rightfully so. The goddamn Novies stripped them of everything. They are our indigenous brothers and we should be supporting them."

"They're not our brothers anymore. Not since they became a communist lapdog and refused to support us during the war."

This statement hung true. The Wealdish were unable to support Viritica during the Novislav-Viritican War due to their communist ties and this never was forgotten. It cause an immense divide between the two countries when before they treated one another like they were brothers. Just as the US did not negotiate with terrorists the Viritican government did not negotiate with communists. Eventually, the eight leaders of the Republic prepared their response.

RECIPIENT: VIRITICAN FIRST FLEET
SENDER: NAVAL HIGH COMMAND
ENCRYPTION: HIGH
WEALDISH GOVERNMENT DECLARED SOVEREIGNTY OVER NORTHERN PASSAGE. ORDER CAME DOWN FROM COUNCIL OF SUNNAS. DEPLOY SUBRON TO REGION AND AWAIT FURTHER INSTRUCTION.

[Rammazro]

King Torfrith sat on his throne his two bodyguards standing at ease to both his left and his right. He was watching the video of the speech Hereward An Eage had delivered to his people. Torfrith slammed his fist onto his thrones arm and stood up "These damn communists...." but his anger subsided as it was time to meet with the Council to plan for further action. He opened the door and took his spot amongst them

The Council chambers were filled with portraits of the former Kings, and other important people. In each corner of the room stood a Rammazian flag. Several of the council men were already debating about what sorts of actions should be taken but they quieted down as the King took his spot amongst them. A breeze rolled in from the open windows as the King spoke "There is no way that we can allow them to claim the northern passage. We need this to hasten our trade with the other side of the continent. We must take an action on this, before the communist begin to control everything." A councilmen spoke up "But sire they are our friends, they too are Krandovians, not foreign dogs." a few of the other councilmen verbally agreed

The King sat there and watched as the council bickered amongst themselves somewhat listening to what some of them were saying. But Torfrith stood again an gave his final resolution on the matter "We shall deploy my sons ship the Hammer to the region once she is seaworthy"

Torfrith met with the High Admiral of Rammazro after the council meeting and arranged for the Hammer to be deployed to the region post hast.

Effects:
~The Hammer is deployed to the region
~Diplomat Fridleifr Ornolfrson dispatched with the Hammer for negotiations if possible

[Ertae]

Alexis Ebner paced her office slowly, stretching after an hour of reviewing reports and articles on the Wealdish declaration. She turned to the door as two quick knocks preceded her assistant's entry.

"Director Bennett for you on Park Two, ma'am.". Nodding, Ebner strode back to her desk to pick up handset as the assistant retreated and closed the door. She sat, raising it to her ear and bringing her counterpart, Director of Domestic Affairs, on the line. "Oli, what can I do for you?"

"I assume you're looking into the situation in the Weald?

"Yes, we've been working on it, but it may be difficult to avoid backlash from both KNAM and the public. There are already issues with the latter." The Director of Foreign Affairs glowered at the folders in front of her, particularly a piece from the Yedînmira Leader criticizing the Directors for their silence thus far.

"That's why I called. KNAM is important, but Industrial Transportation is receiving complaints about the long-term implications. If the passage becomes navigable, this will grow out of hand, and we have no means to protect transit rights."

Ebner pushed back from her desk, pivoting her chair to stare out the window. "So we need to develop the means. I will leave contacting Defense about minder ships to you; we'll prepare a statement draft, and brief an intermediary in the meantime."


Effects
- The Department of Defense announces the construction of a new icebreaker.
- Patrol vessels are reallocated to the northernmost accessible domestic and international waters.