The Sword of Damocles (Attn: Kraven, Gholgoth, Closed)

[Vetalia]

Kosyachenko Institute for Psychiatric Research
Oshurkov Province
Peninsular Province, Vetalia

Clang, clang, clang, the sounds of nail guns and hammers echoed across the complex, hard at work expanding the Kosyachenko Institute. The project was a product of the Vetalian-Kraven Partnership for Economic Development, a brainchild of Vetalian businessmen and the Reich's industrial engineers focused on the development of the province for the benefit of the Reich. It was constructing a vast number of projects across the province, from reinforcing bridges and building oil refineries to expanding roadways to accommodate larger and heavier vehicles. The workers and their machines scurried to and fro, working to raise this new structure that would serve as a new psychiatric wing for the hospital.

All of them wore armbands identifying them as members of the Vetalian Civilian Volunteer Corps, a new collaborationist organization created to assist the Reich in its efforts to integrate the province via their work. Overseeing their work were members of the KKVF, their assault rifles at the ready to prevent any intrusions on the work site or more likely disturbances from the workers down below. Further ahead, at the entrance to the site, the Capitol Police had established their own bases and patrols, which were far more frightening than those implemented inside the security zone.

Dr. Polivanov watched silently from his office, pausing to take an occasional puff from his cigarette. Most of his staff had fled the initial invasion, but he had acquired a new staff of loyalists who would help to make his dream a reality. Some of the finest psychiatrists, nurses and guards in the whole of Vetalia. he thought, extinguishing his cigarette in an ashtray near the window.

He craved music, reaching for the radio and turned it on. Rather than the pop music it was known for the 101.3 FM Vetalian station he normally listened to was broadcasting something else. Located right along the border it was normally broadcast to people living in the Peninsular Province. He caught a portion of it before turning off the radio.

Arise, vast country,
Arise for a fight to the death
Against the dark fascist forces,
Against the cursed hordes.

Shrugging it off, he proceeded on his rounds. The KKVF and Capitol Police could handle it.

[Vetalia]

You're Skyan arn't you?

Ariana Chispa turned to face a young attractive woman in her twenties. She was less dolled up then some of the other female patrons, but perhaps she didn't need all that much. Chispa could see the sleepless nights under her eyes even as her hair had a certain curly bounce to it.

Yes, replied Chispa acknowledging it was probably pointless to deny it, How did you know?

The woman put on a brave face and smiled. She was shy and spoke quietly - as if she was still finding her feet.

[i]I'm good with details. I had to be... in my old job.. I was a secretary for a... a high ranking official. You see, your skin is golden brown and you have a latin accent. There's no accent like that in Gholgoth. And I can tell by the way you walk that you're military. Women here don't march like you do.

The woman in the dress took a breath feeling a bit more confident.

You're wearing a jacket, even though it's summer out. You don't seem uncomfortable at all, so you must be used to wearing a jacket. You're wearing a computer watch, but not one of those fashionable ones. You're wearing something that won't break. You keep looking around - even now - as if to check everything. If I were to guess, you're a military pilot. And a veteran at that. Everyone's putting on a brave face, but you can tell everyone's afraid. Even the out-of-towners are having a cow with the Reich so close and you're acting like it's Tuesday.

Everyone at the Capitol thinks the Skyans are really kookie for sending Queen Heart here. You all flew pretty low, so I heard you arrive this morning. And a few hours later, here you are getting loads of caffeine. You must have flew all night.

Is that about right?

Chispa didn't know what to think. She didn't realize she was being that obvious. Then again, the lady had said she was good with details. She never imagined she'd be that good. She stuck out her hand.

Lieutenant Ariana Chispa, Queen's Guard. I suspect your talents are wasted as a secretary.

The young lady shook her hand and smiled..

Well gee... thanks. My name is Maria Chersakova... and we could use your help.

Maria smiled demurely, moving a hand subconsciously over the small butterfly embroidered on her dress. Vetalian clothing always looked strange to outsiders, and a poodle skirt was no exception, especially worn by a woman in a position as influential as hers. She broke the news about her former employer knowing this was someone she could trust. "The Praetor's sick, I heard it from my girls in the Palace...but even if he's okay he couldn't tie his shoes without me..." she laughed, before turning deadly serious again. "My brother Sergei is across the border, with them." Taking a last puff from her cigarette, she extinguished it with a contemptuous move into the ashtray.

Outside, there was a sudden screech and crash that startled Maria, spilling her coffee cup on the table. With shaking hands she pulled another cigarette from her case and lit it. It was nothing unusual, just a fender bender, not the KKVF. Two men in suits and tie got out of their cars and proceeded to exchange insurance information. Maria took a drag and spoke.

"Sorry if I'm a bit nervous but you know..."

The driver of the truck followed the motorcycle. Sweat gripped his hands and the night vision goggles he had didn't really fit correctly. His hands were unsure behind the wheel and he didn't understand how the motorcycle's rider could drive so confidently through the moonless night.

Dr. Natalya Kadnikova walked out with The Rider to the city square. As The Rider walked into the city square, he spotted the bodies handing in the gallows. Natalya thought she could hear the rider's knuckles crack as he clinched his fist. As they walked past more of the damage, she could see the rider shake slightly.

Natalya had seen veterans before whose memories of combat haunted him. She assumed the stranger must be the same way. She would have advised against going out so soon, but he had insisted that he see what had happened for himself.

But it was the burned out husks of houses, with bodies still inside, that broke The Rider. He fell to his knees in front of an ashen house and began to scream with rage.

Natalya quickly rushed to his side trying to comfort him, but he was inconsolable.

Slowly, the rider regained his composure and uttered a solemn promise.

They...will...all...BURN...[/box]

The truck and the motorcycle slowed down as the dirt road they were on began to curve wildly. The isolated road was far off the beaten path from VI-83, but close to where they needed to be.

'if you wanna save your soul from hell a-ridin on our range
Then cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride
Tryin to catch the devil's herd across these endless skies

We're forming a resistance. Sergei Golodvayev has a cousin in the capitol that's pulling together support. We are too weak to fight the Reich directly - but we must try to get the women and children out. If they stay, they'll be stolen away and we'll lose them forever. We're building a network of people to sneak them out of the peninsula. But they need an escort. Somebody who can fight off trouble. We need you.

The truck driver struggled to keep up with the bike. He started muttering a prayer as he swerved around the curve.

Sergei Golodvayev watched silently from his apartment window, seeing the occasional KKVF or Capitol Police patrol roll by. His Vetalian Civilian Volunteer Corps armband sat on the table, the hateful crossed hammers and eagle of the Reich emblazoned on it and a constant reminder of the hell he now lived in. An engineer by trade, he was tasked by the Reich to assist in expanding VI-83 to support the arrival of additional military support, which these days mostly involved bulldozing the abandoned cars for reclamation. The next step would be constructing additional lanes and reinforcing its bridges. He was mystified at the sheer scope of the expansions they wanted...they must be sending entire armies along this route.

The Luna Petrochemical refinery complex was certainly working overtime, with trains and trucks laden with asphalt, fuel and chemical feedstocks running outward from it seemingly every hour. Even more remarkably, he had seen the first private cars in a while driving by, all of them black and with tinted windows. They would proceed to the refinery for a time and then head back. He'd heard there was a new collaborationist government in place in Saratov, no doubt this was their handiwork.

Despite his misgivings about his position, it did give him a steady supply of ration cards and even some luxuries and kept him in constant contact with people across the Province. A rudimentary underground network had emerged in recent weeks giving him the ability to communicate with the outside to at least a limited degree. His sister had even written back a few times, apparently things were changing quite a bit over there and there were lots of new, foreign faces on the streets. He hoped they were friendly ones and not infiltrators from the Reich working to subvert Vetalia from within.

Queen Jessica Heart was sitting comfortably in the conference room when Liydia Repida walked into the room. She could tell that she was visibly shaken. Jessica rose and the two Skyan Legionaries went to attention.

I apologize, but the Praetor is very ill and will be unable to meet today. I can arrange a meeting with the Procounsel and the Vice Praetor later today.

Jessica walked over to Liydia and placed a hand on her shoulder.

That's ok, I understand. I'm sure the Procounsel must be under an immense amount of stress. I would be happy to meet with the Vice Praetor or the Procounsel whenever they're ready. I understand that it's a difficult time for everyone. I'm sure your team has been working extra hours given the crisis. If it helps, some of my embassy staff would be available to help with some of your workload. I have more than enough staff to take care of things on my end.

Liydia was relieved, seeing Queen Heart in a position of power and her staff was a sense of reinforcement enough for her; in Vetalia, it was rare for a woman to rise to any position of power outside of the sciences or education and even then it was the exception rather than the rule. Men dominated the world they lived in both outside and inside the house; although equal under the law, there was a strong cultural bias promoting the ideal Vetalian woman as housewife and mother, not doctor or businesswoman.

A woman leading a nation as great as theirs was truly remarkable and reminded her that things were different in other parts of the world. Reassured and starting to forget her unpleasant encounter with the Praetor, Liydia spoke with a renewed sense of confidence.

"Thanks for your offer...we can sure use all the help we can get. I can't make that decision myself of course, I'm just a...secretary for the Praetor." She had consciously suppressed what she really meant to say...I'm just a woman...hating herself for thinking it at all. She was better than that, better than the ads and TV shows...why just this morning she saw a billboard selling ties that said "Show Her It's a Man's World!". The Praetor sure showed her that, but one thing was for sure: nobody was going to treat to her like that again.

Resolving to show it, she decided to make an [i] independent decision.

With a lack of decorum both shocking and refreshing, she arose and gestured to the Queen and her delegation.

"However, I'm sure we can fit in a meeting for such an important visitor as yourself, Queen Heart! If you'll follow me, I'll direct you to the Vice Praetor's office...after all, I imagine what you have to say is quite a bit more important than..." She recalled the day's meeting agenda from memory "...the new legislation about water rights in the Varzuga River Watershed. Follow me!" She walked hurriedly towards one of the doors to the conference room, swiping her identification badge. It clicked open and behind the profoundly mundane door stretched a large corridor, lavishly appointed in marble. "As you can see, we keep the entrance pretty low-key. Security reasons and all that."

[Dephire]

Checkpoint KC-A113

A line of vehicles extended from the gate for several miles deep into the occupation zone. They were people trying to get out of the peninsular. However, a battalion of heavily armed soldiers and one crimson-clad man stood in the way. This gate was considered the one way out of the occupation zone for one hundred miles. Ten thousand people reached the gate, but none fit the profiles within the folders the crimson man held. A large number of bodies filled death pools on either side of the gate, despite being one hundred feet deep and five hundred feet wide. One thousand people filled pit one, with another thousand in pit two. The stench was held off with a brief touch of flame.

"Let these people pass into processing." Siegfried Hansolft sighed. He knew the people who passed through processing would not return. They were going to their deaths, to be additions to the death pits hidden just behind the walls and out of sight from the rest of the world. He planned to have the targets come to him, but he was quickly coming to the realization that he would have to come by the patience of a God to filter through all of these people. In reality, the Reich would not truly allow the people to escape their clutches. He was never going to let any of them go. In fact, those that were 'allowed' in were simply people planted in among the crowd to give the impression of freedom. A cruel joke to an even crueler reality.

Though, not all were immediately sent into the death pits. If they could prove themselves useful to the Reich, then they were enslaved. The enslaved were shipped back into the occupation zone to work the land. There was nothing wasted when it came to the design of this checkpoint. Yet, the targets Siegfried was sent here by the Puppet Master have not shown up.

"Siegfried, my tap into the God Slayer network has picked up on two rogue vehicles moving extremely fast along a road several miles from here."

"Thank you, Ragnarok." He turned his head slightly to the soldiers. "Captain, I will need to borrow a squad of eleven soldiers for a little rendezvous to the east."

"Yes, Officer." The captain pulled out a small radio and ordered the eleven to come to the front gates. "You are to accompany Officer Hansolft to intercept possible escapees." The soldiers did not question the orders given. Instead, they simply acknowledged the crimson-clad man and headed towards a VTOL that was warming up its engines.

"So much for introductions." Ragnarok commented as Siegfried took his seat on the aircraft, which took off shortly after he was seated in place.

=====

The flight was short, only a rough flight time of ten minutes. Siegfried could see the two vehicles through an ocular HUD.

"Touch down roughly four miles ahead of them. We will cut off the vehicles." Siegfried ordered. Soon afterwards the VTOL landed, hidden behind a thick forest. Siegfried stepped out of the VTOL with light footing. "Good, we have about two minutes before they arrive. Setup a perimeter to cut them off. I am certain one of the people I am looking for may be among them!"

[Havensky]

Dirt Road Outside Checkpoint KC-A113

With the ambush set up, Siegfried Hansolft waited for the vehicles to arrive his hands around the binoculars. However, instead of continuing down the road, the vehicles turned into the woods.

Damnit, they must have been alerted to our presence. The pilot came into the engagement zone too close to the road. That pilot is as clumsy as he is stupid. Troopers, prepare for ground assault!

The eleven Capitol Police spread out into a formation and began to quickly move their way through the thick woods. Jackboots crushing sticks and foliage as they made their way through. They could still hear the engines of the truck and the motorbike as they struggled to find a route through the woods.

You can run, but you can't hide!, shouted Siegfried.

As if to answer, a single gunshot flew through the woods and hit the head Capitol Police Trooper on Siegfried's far left flank. Neither Siegfried nor any of the other troopers showed any hint of emotion. The troopers took cover behind the thick tree trunks, but Siegfried kept walking.

Troopers, forward! Don't let him get away!

The troopers obeyed heading towards the sound of the truck. A few seconds later another gunshot and another trooper down.

"Siegfried..."., Ragnarok said quietly, I belive I can hear the assailant counting. He has correctly guessed our number.

No matter, a man of his skill must be on this list. These troopers are expendable. Can you triangulate the location of the attacker?

A few more shots and I will. The vehicles have stopped. They appear to have gotten themselves into a corner.

Siegfried smiled, Faster men! even as another shot rang out bringing down another trooper.

Within a minute, the group approached the truck. As if crossing an invisible line, the single shots then turned into a spray of gunfire. This time the entire group took cover behind the trees. Bark and leaves flew out everywhere as bullets slammed into the thick trunks. Their assailant's location became clear with the machine gun fire. A single man with a sniper rifle on his back and a submachine gun in his hands. He was wearing a helmet and he was screaming at them. It wasn't the panicked scream that he was expected, but rather... something much angrier. The troopers were returning fire with some falling and some maintaining their ground.

"Hmm, it is painfully obvious that you are trying to annoy me. You disabled a number my escorts," Siegfried gestured with his hands at the limp soldiers lying on the ground, "And you seem to have a terrible temper about things." He pulled out a folder from beneath the fluttering coat, which moved despite no wind. "Please, cyclist, tell me your name." Siegfried looked up from the folder, his ocular implants scanning over the rider's facial features. "Your face does not match any of these records. What is in that vehicle?" He pointed to the truck several yards away.

Siegfried turned his head in annoyance as the rider shifted fire in his direction. Ragnarok detected the oncoming onslaught and his coat shifted to thick armor allowing the bullets to harmlessly bounce off.

Troopers, move towards the truck. I'll deal with this one.

As Siegfried moved towards the rider, the rider realized that the gunfire was useless. He got up and dropped his submachine gun and began to sprint towards him pulling out a sword. He waited until the rider was close to him.

Too much rage, too little effort.

In a blindly fast movement, Ragnarok increased the thickness of his glove as he reached for the sword. He grabbed the sword as the rider brought it forward. The momentum of the rider continued even as the sword start causing the rider to flip over and land on his back.

Siegfried dropped the sword and cracked his neck and the rider lept to his feet and charged. He threw a single punch, which Siegfried caught in his hand thanks to the AI's prompting. What caught him off guard was the strength of the attacker. The rider seemed confused as well.

Another cyborg?, remarked Ragnarok as it adjusted the suit to compensate for the extra strength. Siegfried finally pushed the rider back, only to be hit in the gut with a quick uppercut from the rider. He swung a haymaker that the rider ducked before connecting his knee into the rider's gut. The rider fell to the ground. Siegfried smiled, walking around to the side to deliver another block when the rider swung his legs out and knocked Siegfried over. The rider quickly jumped on him and began to pummel his face. It was useless of course, as the nanorobots in his skin had grown harder to absorb the blows. Out of frustration, he threw the rider off. The rider got up and entered a fighting stance.

His AI whispered in his ear, "He telegraphs his moves.. He tilts his head just slightly towards his next punch... like this..."

His occular implants lit up with a red warning as the rider's helmet tilted left. He sidestepped the punch, grabbing the arm, and flipping the rider over on his back. He quickly grabbed the rider's neck as he laid on the ground. He picked him up off the ground and slowly began to close his first...

KA-BOOOOOOOOM!!!

Siegfried turned around see the wreckage of the truck in the background. Several nearby trees burning in the aftermath.

"So, it wasn't people. It was bombs. And now you've cost me my whole patrol. Well played..."

Siegfried swung his arm around and threw the rider like some sort of rag doll. The rider hit a particularly large oak tree with a thud and slid down. He slumped over, too weak to move.

"I hope you have learned your lesson. I could easily have killed you with less effort. I needed the exercise. If we ever meet again, I will kill you."

Krymsk Farms

Andrey! What happened! We heard gunshots! And an explosions!

Andrey Dalmatovo breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of Eva Krymsk. He put his hands on his knees as he caught his breath.

The girls? Did they make it?

Yes, they're in the stable getting cleaned up... Andrey, golly... you're filthy! What happened to you!

Kraven patrol... A VTOL flew above the road to try and cut us off. The rider rode ahead to intercept them. Sergei, the man's a genius... The truck-drop worked perfectly. I hit the button, the crates dropped beneath us and I kept driving. After a bit, I let the truck go, hit the switch, and crawled my way here.. I've got to go back though... the rider... he's still out there.

No! It's too dangerous!, Eva protested.

Andrey shook his head... wiping dirt and sweat off his forehead.

That man... that man took on twelve Capitol Police... I heard him through the radio... I think... I think he's hurt... I could hear him...getting hit... I.. I owe him Eva.. He's risked so much... We'd all be dead if it wasn't for him.

[The Scandinvans]

Imperial News Network Special Report

In light of the growing instability of Gholgoth his imperial majesty, blessed be his name, Emperor Harald II has decreed that all able bodied members of the warrior caste are to begin mustering and report to the patriarch, or his appointed officials, of the noble house that they are bound in service to. Additionally all freeblooded men whom have pledged themselves to the martial service of the Emperor as reserves or as professional soldiers are to immediately present themselves to a local magistrate for processing.

Failure to report within a period of seventy two hours shall be treated at best as dereliction of duty or at worse as treason. Only those caught in the most exceptional circumstances are to be excused from this call.

God save the Empire and preserve the Emperor!

[Dephire]

Kraven-marked VTOL
Two Hours After Clash

"Siegfried, you need to report back to my lab now!" The Puppet Master ordered his plaything. "You have gravely disappointed me."

The crimson-clad man rolled his eyes, "Yes, sir. Changing course towards Norska."

"During your flight, I want you to reflect on the eleven Capitol Police soldiers that you failed to protect." Another voice spoke over the Puppet Master's voice, sounding even more stern.

"Ahem, you mean twelve soldiers." Siegfried corrected, looking over to the deceased pilot slumped over in his chair. "The pilot was unwilling to give up his command console. Plus, I had to leave no loose ends, as you commanded."

"Those orders were meant for non-Reich personnel!" The Puppet Master yelled again.

"Look, sir..." Siegfried paused, "That man was different than any Vetalian. His limbs were of similar build to my own. Your suit was not reacting fast enough! I was lucky enough to have fought against better opponents to still have the advantage. Do not dare blame me for the failures of your men. They were sloppy and poorly trained. Your pilot flew too damn close to what was going to be the perfect setup for an ambush. Failures were handled in the traditional fashion, death. I would appreciate it if you would allow me a peaceful flight."

"Fine. Do not crash the VTOL. I have a bit of a surprise for you once you get back." The Puppet Master was more calm as he spoke.

"Oh? An upgrade to the suit?" Siegfried sounded hopeful.

"You will see."

========

This is a flashback...

The doors into Doctor Franco Igorchav's private laboratory flew opened as five Capitol Police drug along an unconscious man.

"Yes, what is it? Can't you see that I'm busy?" The Doctor was not pleased to have uninvited guests to his lab.

"We have brought you a new subject for that special project you had been working on." One of the troopers spoke up. "A gift from the Dephirians."

"Oh really?" Franco turned around and noticed the battered face of Ki'lan. "Who is this mysterious stranger?"

"Godsend General of Dephire, Ki'lan. Tristan's personal bodyguard." The soldiers tossed Ki'lan's limp body towards the doctor, who landed and rolled towards the man's feet.

"Oh how exquisite! You are sure this one is a genuine Godsend General? It seems quite outlandish for his Emperor to give him over to us for testing purposes." The doctor picked up a prodding tool to flip the unconscious man over, noticing the bashed in face and skull. Frowning, he questioned the soldiers, "Now, why did you pulverize him before I even had my fun?"

"That was how Tristan left him. He ordered his soldiers to ship him back to Galva for retraining, but the soldiers had a different perspective once they heard he had attacked their Emperor. So, instead, they handed custody of the traitor over to our care. It was our understanding that you wanted to prove to the Reich your worth, Prisoner DD6267." The lead trooper stepped forward. He was actually an Officer.

"Still with that denomination? Haven't I proved my worth already? I defected to the Reich for a reason!" The doctor pleaded.

"Yes, your experiments have intrigued the Reich for many years, but you have yet to provide us with one that does not end up failing us." The officer looked down to the body of Ki'lan, "You will make use of this corpse. I expect you to provide us with an acceptable weapon good enough for the Reichmarshall's service. Get to work!" The officer gave a look of disgust to the Dephirian and snapped his fingers, giving the cue for everyone in his entourage to leave the lab. "The Reich has invested our time and resources into your research. The High Command is expecting results. This project is your last chance, Doctor. You have until the end of the month to give us results, or the consequences will be met with appropriate actions."

"Yes, of course!" The doctor sucked up to the officer, who left while slamming the doors shut behind. The doctor looked over the young man's broken body. "What on earth am I to do with you? Obviously your face needs to be rebuilt." He gingerly felt around the young man's skull. "Fuck, I will have to rebuild your entire skull." He opened up each eye to have a close look. "Your eyes... They are detached. I suppose I have Tristan to thank for that complication." He snapped his fingers and two assistants rushed up to pick up Ki'lan and place his body on one of the many lab tables. They then took off the young man's clothes so that the doctor could have a better look. His continued curiosity turned more and more into bitter frustration. "How the Reich expects me to rebuild this man I will never understand."

One of the assistants pushed a cart full of dozens of tools to the side of the lab table while the other brought about multiple other components and pieces of equipment.

"Ragnarok, scan his entire body for every broken and fractured bone. I want a complete assessment of the total damage done to his body." Igorchav spoke out loud, not to anyone in particular.

A voice spoke out on the speakers, "Assessment is already complete. Godsend General Ki'lan is in critical condition. His skull is fractured, but can be repaired. His arms, however, are heavily damaged. The slang term for you humans would be 'pulverized'. The healing process would cause more harm to his body. I suggest replacing them. His legs suffered fractures. He could heal naturally, but I suggest making some modifications there as well. Your assessment on the eyes was correct. The eyes have been completely separated due to what I believe to have been an extremely powerful blow to the back of the head, which might explain the indention of the butt of a rifle on the back of his skull. All-in-all, this man should not be alive and his brain is more than likely damaged beyond repair. Even if we could repair his body, he will more than likely be in a coma for the remainder of his life."

"Good. At least this one will be an exciting challenge! I have just the hardware for such repairs, though they will need adjustments." Igorchav smiled and put on his surgical gear. "Scalpel, please!"

[Delmonte]

OOC Note: This is posted with the permission of the OP to do a one-off diplomatic post.

IC:

The Chancellery of Foreign Nations
Of the Most Serene Republic and Grand City of Delmonte

"In Bellum Pax; Per Pax Prosperitatem."

To the Attention of All God-Fearing Nations involved in the Vetalian Crisis!
That A Genocide Brought About By Inbred, Homicidal, and Possibly Hermaphroditic Retards May Be Avoided

Dear Sirs,

This is a fight that we have no dog in. We have no relations with the Vetalians and, though we are close allies with the Vakolicci, we have nothing at stake here. That is, we had nothing at stake until the Scandinvans becamse involved. The Scandinvans, with their widespread inbreeding in their empire (as exemplified in these news reports: here, here, and here) the Scandinvans have become an enormous, overbloated, hopelessly retarded menace. Attempts to negotiate and, dare I say, even communicate with them have failed miserably.

The Most Serene Republic and its best genealogists have acknowledged the problem and have pleaded with the government of the Scandinvans, repeatedly, (here, here, and here) to do something about this issue. But our pleas have been in vain. We are still humanitarian, however, and have not ruled out that this is not because their government is evil, but perhaps simply because nobody party to it can read after thousands of years of inbreeding. It is for this reason that we advocate trying them in international court as mentally retarded people instead of war criminals.

Our fellow nations (here, here, here, and here) have also recognized these facts. In fact, estimates range that anywhere between 30% and 89% of the Scandinvan population is composed of completely retarded inbred monsters. The range of the estimation is so huge because of the inherently homicidal and retarded nature of their government getting in the way of data collection. We also acknowledge that many government officials who are not retarded may appear to be inbred retards, simply because they often act in a way that could be easily construed as retarded anyway. These actions include burning people for no apparent reason, shooting people for no apparent reason, drowning people for no apparent reason, yelling very loudly for no apparent reason, and going on at length about how people hate them/fear them/envy them (they don't seem able to make up their mind).

So, what do I suggest you do? I suggest you set aside your petty differences and realize the true threat: The Scandinvans. Because no matter how horrendous these other nations' actions are, at least we can understand them. The Kravenites are horrible people doing horrible things for horrible motives. But at least their motives make sense. We can understand them, as vaguely evil as they may seem. The Scandinvans just do random nonsense! Vague, evil people with large guns are not nearly as much of a threat as random, inbred retards with guns because evil people stop once they accomplish their, admittedly vague, evil goals. Random, inbred retards just keep going. Clearly, you should all unite and kill all of the Scandinvan retards. We have provided a checklist to tell whether or not a Scandinvan soldier you encounter is a retard. Please find it attached.

Are they Scandinvan?

If Yes: They are an inbred retard. Euthanize.

If No: They're probably not. Do whatever you want.

Regards,
Ludovico Di Canossa; Chancellor of Foreign Nations

[Havensky]

Vetalia City, Vetalia
Praetorial Palace

Jessica Heart, Gothic Lord and Queen of Gothic Havensky, walked through the non-descript door followed by two of her Red Guard and smiled at the group of gentleman sitting behind a rather large desk. She was wearing a simple navy business suit with only the smallest of iron bands around her head to indicate her royal status. The two guards wore scarlet power armor. The one on her right was a bit taller, with a loaded slingshot emblazoned on his shield. The other's armor had what looked like dull spikes all over it. A seasoned veteran would recognize it as the power armor of an electronic warfare specialist assigned to detect threats of a more electronic nature. His shield bore the royal crest of the House of Ironwing. A Heart wrapped in Iron Wings.

A surprised look crossed their faces and immediately a stern look was thrown in Liydia's direction. The men ignored Jessica at first and spoke to Liydia in Russian.

What is SHE doing here? What on Earth possessed you to bring her here? Don't you know she's the sworn enemy of the Reich!? How are we supposed to explain that we were trying to secure a peace treaty with them? To ally with them?! How is that going to go over? Furthermore, we hadn't even finished going over the treaty! She's going to try and tell us to ignore it, but our lawyers arn't even sure we can! We gave the Procounsel full authority to negotiate a treaty - and so far the treaty is airtight. Are you trying to start another Gothic Civil War by having us breaking it?!

Liydia stuttered for a moment.

The spiked Red Guard suddenly snapped to attention and through the armor's voicebox responded in perfect Russian.

SIR! The Queen does not wish to force Vetalia to do anything that would be against the interests of the People of Vetalia. Her Majesty simply wishes to offer the support of her government during this difficult time. She has offered her staff to assist your own and is more than willing to lend whatever aid that your wish to accept. She fully understands the difficulty of your situation and intends to make no move that would further endanger your people SIR!

The Red Guard snapped back to an 'at ease' position amidst the collective dropping of the Vetalians jaws.

Jessica smiled and bowed slightly, How rude of me, I probably should have mentioned that I brought along Tech Sergeant Nikolay "Spike" Srednekolymsk. His mother is Vetalian. I don't understand the language myself, but I'm confident in my subordinate that he conveyed my feelings perfectly. That said, since you are more comfortable speaking your native language. I'll have Spike translate.

Jessica waited a moment for Spike to translate then continued as the shock wore off.

My intelligence and reconnaissance staff have obtained video evidence of atrocities committed by the Kraven Reich towards the people in the peninsula. Our primary concern is to stop any further atrocities from occurring. Secondly, The Skyan People believe that the contract was not signed 'in good faith' and is therefore null and void. Your predecessor defecting is further evidence of this.

Jessica waited again for the translation while she pulled a small thin glass tablet from her purse and laid it on the hardwood desk.

On this tablet is a copy of a statement that I will give at sundown from my offices at the Skyan Embassy. There are two versions. The first, is a statement of full support of Vetalia's Summoning of the Gothic Lords. This version repeats much of what I've already said. I will be showing video evidence of the atrocities as part of my statement, but for the most part it will reflect Vetalia's will to find a way to secure the safety of it's citizens in the peninsula.

In the event that you don't make a Summons. I will make a Summons myself and call for the Gothic Lords to cast their judgement on this Heaven-forsaken treaty. Believe me Procounsel... I have been held prisoner of the Reich. I understand full well what they will do to your women and I will not stand idly by as more souls fall into their grasp!

But I digress, she finished smiling again. I see that I've interrupted your meeting. I will leave a contingent of my administrative staff at Liydia's disposal. If you should need me, that tablet connects to my direct line. Feel free to call me at any moment regardless of the hour. Good day gentleman.

Once Spike finished translating, the Red Guards saluted and the trio walked away.

The Stranger's Bar
World Assembly

Lance Atticus, World Assembly Ambassador to the Skybound Republic of Havensky and it's Territories, walked into the World Assembly Strangers Bar with a single purpose.

Find the Delmonte Ambassador.

And he did, quickly ambushing him at the bar. He conveniently had his staff surround him so he couldn't slip away.

Ah, Ambassador! Just the man I wanted to speak with. You really have stirred the pot with that missive of yours.

Before the ambassador could respond, Atticus quickly continued.

Listen, have you ever been at war with the Kraven Reich? Have you seen what they've done? Do you *know* what they do to women? BY THE SKY! Do you really favor them over the Scandinvans?

The Ambassador was about to respond when Atticus turned to the bar and ordered two whiskeys. He turned back to the ambassador.

But yes, I do see your concerns and I fully understand your point of view. They are *slavers* after all. But currently, they're not invading anyone. They're minding their own business. Kraven is currently kidnapping all the Vetalian women in the area that they are occupying and pacifying the population by blunt force. So, in essence, Kraven is the more immediate threat to stability in the region. And missives like yours arn't helping the situation.

The bartender delivered the drinks and Atticus paid and tipped.

That said, clicking his glass to the Ambassador's I drink to your good health! Good night sir!

*OCC:

So, Havensky operates much like the Swiss do when it comes to The Scandinvan Empire. Many countries don't have relations with the Empire due to it's policies. We do and from time to time are willing act as the go-between. I realize this post was a one-off,but this allows an IC response to it so that we it doesn't interfere with the rest of the plot.

[Delmonte]

"Ah, ambassador, thank you for letting me get a word in edgewise." Runio Damiatti pushed the proffered whiskey away and instead imbibed the wine that a lobbyist had just bought him. If a government official has ever been in the middle of being bribed, as Runio was, and was interrupted, it's a lot like having your friend interrupt you while you're propositioning a woman. It sucks.

"Allow me to preface by saying that I'm unsure why you're acting like the communique in question, which I did receive a copy of, was my doing. Or why you're emphasizing every word. The Kravenites are a lost cause of civilization, yes, this is true. It's like the founders of their civilization got the idea of how to design their society from a fucking cliched, overhyped romantic novel about evil people doing evil things because they're evil and also evil evil evil. If their culture, history, and personality were a body of water and you entered it you wouldn't get your ankles wet. It's as though their entire civilization was designed with absolutely no thought and no creativity. I mean, come on, an evil psychotic dictatorship that does evil things. What's so special about that? Anyone without a personality who has the fucking wherewithal to buy a pair of shiny black boots can throw together a convincing fascist evil dictatorship bit of nonsense. But I suppose there's nothing to be done for it."

Runio had had a few to drink.

"And what's more, everything that I've ever seen the Kravenites write has been absolute garbage. Their communiques should be required reading material for the University of Stupid. But then, who gives a fuck?" He took a sip of his wine. "We have mercenaries to deal with them. And, really, they have no reason to attack us. After all, what nation could possibly be stupid and idiotic enough to start a war over sour language and hurt feelings? Can you even imagine how hopelessly and irretrievably moronic one would have to be to even contemplate doing such a thing? If a nation were to go to war with us over a communique, I wouldn't be afraid because I would know in my heart that they must be so unbelievably thick that they would drown as soon as it started raining like domesticated chickens. That's how stupid they would have to be.

As for the Scandinvans, though. Dear Lord, after meeting one of them I've decided that, though I'm a God-fearing man, I favor abortion in cases of incest. They claim that their ancestors number in the billions, but I find it hard to blame that many people for producing such a ridiculous excrescence of a civilization. I only wish that they would learn from their parents' mistakes and use birth control. I've contemplated hauling one in for a lobotomy. I figure nobody would notice they had one so long as they wear a wig. After all, they already drool. But you know what really terrifies me about the Scandinvans? It's that they're united in purpose. As though all of the little, inbred, retarded Scandinvans are controlled by one giant retard that dictates all their actions for them. Like a deity, almost, if that makes sense. If you want help against the Kravenites, I'm afraid the answer is no. Ridiculous and cliched they may be, but on Delmonte's shores they are not. The Scandinvans, however, with their fecundity, fetish for their siblings, and utter idiocy are a true threat to the world. So we're going to remind everyone with a communique every now and then. Thanks for the whiskey, but I don't have any cuts or scrapes and I prefer to drink things that don't taste like dog piss."

OOC: My WA ambassador is out of favor with the Di Canossa's so he's jaded, bitter, and mean. Don't take it personally, the rest of my characters aren't like that.

[Dephire]

The Puppet Master's Laboratory
Fortress Norska - Kraven

"Ah, welcome back, Siegfried. It has been a while." Doctor Igorchav greeted his experiment with a wide grin.

"Yes, I have returned. What upgrades did you have in store for me?" Siegfried did not hide his annoyance with the delays in finishing his mention.

Igorchav's smile disappeared and he motioned his hand, "Come with me, Siegfried. This will not take too much out of your busy schedule."

"Good, I have very little time to waste on gadgetry." Siegfried examined a few tools that the doctor pulled out. Each tool was strange in its own way, looking more alien than the standard tools.

"Look, Siegfried..." The doctor's voice was hushed. "The Reich has changed its focus. Apparently there is a greater immediate threat that requires your skills. I know you are quite annoyed with the tedious work we have pushed you through, but this job will legitimize everything we have worked to achieve."

"Am I still to kill the Dephirian Empress?" Siegfried sounded disappointed.

"In time that target will be back in your sights, but as I previously stated, the Reich needs this mission completed first." Igorchav pulled out a large sheet of cloth-like material and placed it on a workbench with dozens of random devices. "These are your latest upgrades. With Ragnarok's input, we were able to build better equipment for your body and an improved morphic suit. We will have all of this installed within the next few hours. We will then send you back into the Kraven Occupation Zone to infiltrate this 'resistance' the Reich has been hearing about."

"There is a highly probably chance that the man I came across is part of the resistance. If he is there, then my chances of being found out are very likely." Siegfried picked up a cybernetic arm from the workbench. He took note of the reinforced metal built into the structure of the arm. "Is this a hidden blade?"

"That it is. Only if you are disarmed, of course. Granted, with having your Firestorm, dual Eagles, and a morphing suit of armor... I highly doubt you will ever need to use that. As you may have noticed, these cybernetic limbs are all highly reinforced. I would estimate that they are twice as strong as your current enhancements."

"You also mean twice as heavy, right?" Siegfried's left eyebrow raised slightly.

"Yes, but we have also pumped up the reflexes, so you should not see any changes to reaction time. In fact, we increased the power and speed of your leg augmentations to compensate for the weight. Ragnarok will also be receiving a patch of coding to also increase his processing speed, though I doubt that would be needed." Igorchav placed both hands on the workbench, shifting his weight towards the bench as he leaned forward. "This will not be an easy mission for you, Siegfried. However, the Reich expects results and so I have pushed beyond my limitations of imagination to provide you with all of this."

"So, about the whole 'he might remember me' deal?" Siegfried now picked up the cloth-like material that will be part of his new morphic armor.

Igorchav chuckled, "The armor will provide you with a disguise, but mind you... You do need to keep an open mind on everything."

Siegfried sat down in the operation chair. "Open mind, eh? I will be sure to keep one." Siegfried let a small chuckle escape his otherwise cautious demeanor.

"See you on the other side, my good subject." Igorchav administered anesthesia to Siegfried, who fell asleep shortly afterward.

The operation chair reclined back slowly while four robotic arms worked quickly to disconnect Siegfried Hansolft's cybernetic arms and legs, placing them in a recycle bin to be used as second-hand scraps. Siegfried's torso was then reclined back further in the chair and lowered so that the doctor could have a better look. The doctor had Ragnarok scan Siegfried's torso. Despite taking a beating from Tycho, there was no evidence of bone fractures nor bruising. This meant that the doctor could move straight into phase two. Ragnarok scanned Siegfried's skull, highlighting the hundreds of small pieces of metal now infused into it, along with thousands of cybernetic components inside.

"Until now, those components are primarily dormant. Ragnarok, have you accepted the update package?"

"Affirmative. Interesting additions to my programming. I will be fixing up the code and better integrating it into my mainframe."

"Good, once that has been done, you can help control Siegfried's facial restructuring for this mission." The doctor slowly began to attach the upgraded equipment to Siegfried's torso. Once the exhausting task was complete, he began to put the underlay armor on. The underlay armor gave Siegfried the appearance of wearing a gakuran uniform. He was raised up just enough to be back in a sitting position.

"Awaken, my subject. The upgrade is complete!" Igorchav smiled as Siegfried came around.

"Wha- is it finished?" Siegfried was groggy as he came to, but felt the updated gear's effects immediately. "Wow, this is incredible!"

"You like the improvements?"

"For now, yes. This new outfit is also tasteful." Siegfried tried to stand up, but stumbled slightly. "I need to get accustomed to this change. Ragnarok, mind assisting?"

"Already calibrating sensors for better stabilization. Calibration complete."

"Ah, that is much better." Siegfired took a few more steps, without stumbling this time.

"This new uniform is the underbody for your new suit. It will provide you close-range protection against almost anything. It also doubles as a means for your disguise." The doctor opened up a cabinet, revealing a red duster coat with a steel gray trim. "While this is your new morphic armor. Ragnarok's proactive protection will be able to make this coat change into anything you need to get the job done. Both the internal and external armor sets will both be able to change depending on the situation. Now then, your disguise will be to take on the identity of a woman."

"Err... Woman?" Siegfried turned to the doctor with an overwhelming sense of skepticism.

"Ragnarok..." The doctor muttered the AI's name, and soon Siegfried began screaming in pain as his face cracked under his skin as it changed definition and his appearance. His hair even change to a dark brown color. Then, as if the changes to his physical appearance wasn't enough, the suit provided him artificial breasts.

"Uh... Sir, I am not sure about all of this." Siegfried spoke with a transformed voice. It sounded very feminine and surprised him.

"Well, you are not the most attractive looking female in the world, but should be passable for our needs. That coat will help you better hide your appearance. Hopefully people won't ask you too many questions."

Siegfried pulled on the red coat and shook his brown hair. "This simply won't do..." He unsheathed the hidden blade from within his arm and cut his hair shoulder-length. "Now I might pass..."

"Good, now get out of here and infiltrate the resistance! My career depends on it!"

[The greater Vakolicci Haven]

Solitary confinement could make any man start to go mad after a certain amount of time, Lord-admiral Ivanovic reflected as he sat in his cold, rather bare cell. He'd read the files: prisoners of war driven mad by the torture of loneliness, men he'd ordered locked away himself. Proud men, probably good men: just like himself. The games the Gods played were strange indeed.

Occasionally, he atempted to speak to the capital police officers, although any soldier knew that speaking to one of those inhuman, masked officers was about as useful as talking to a hole in the ground: but he did it anyway. He offered rewards that would not be delivered, he offered secrets that weren't true, he issued warnings of dire consequences that he was still starting to wonder whether were true or false.

The Haven wasn't the power it once was. Years of paranoia, nationalism, war and internal bloodshed had changed the Interregional libertarian superstate, as it was once known, into the 'International terrorist superstate.' A muster of the clans was now needed for any large-scale war, and a muster wasn't always as easy as it once had been. The old lands would send their forces, the Velstranians would come in a heartbeat, most of the Greysteel territory would arrive: but his old homeland, in Celeria, shunned Havenic wars, shunned him even for fighting in them.

And now he was sitting in this cold, dark, dreary cell, thinking of home. It was strange, the way an old man thought, for he didn't miss the modern house in Iros, with its glowing lights and its ever-ringing telephones and the patter of his grandchildrens footsteps. He missed the old mannor house, which stood on a hill in suburban Celeria, in the midst of nature...the house he had grown up in, and spent so many carefree days.

The capital police officer came again, delivering the strange, bland meal he had received every day. Ivanovic tried his usual tricks.
"I'd try and put some parsley in that," he said. "Maybe fry it with some garlic, and serve with pasta. That way, the chicken could be served very well indeed."
No answer.
As Usual.
He ate.
He waited.

[Vetalia]

The four stopped for a moment, communicating with the Relay, then without saying a word they returned to their staff cars and silently slipped away...

Horst approached the front door and let himself in, two Capitol Police Troopers followed him up to the house, then remained outside ensuring they could not be disturbed... Sergi was sat at his dinner table oblivious to how close he was to being deported to Norska for further questioning, even though a Kravenite could be as cold as a Capitol Police Trooper they were only marginally better to deal with, they could at least hold a conversation, Sergi went to rise as the Officer entered the room....

Oh shit... Sergei rose from the table, quickly stubbing out his cigarette and quickly abandoning his meal of canned ravioli. He wished he was still in his work clothes with that armband . Pausing to straighten his posture, he faced his guest.

"Remain seated Sergi, this won't take long, I am Untersturmfuhrer Horst, I just require you to answer a few questions and I can guarantee the Sicherheitsdienst will not bother you any further during our Occupation, I am going to sit down, is this acceptable to you Sergi?" Horst gestured to the chair, then once he was given the inevitable go ahead he took his seat, nobody was foolish enough to deny a request from an Officer of The Reich...

"Of course, Mr., er Untersturmfuhrer Horst, have a seat." Sergei took a seat opposite his guest and pushed away the plate of canned ravioli.

"I will get straight to the point, Sergi, your sister, she is a prominent figure within the Vetalian Government, but yet she has not returned home for some time, this is concerning to The Reich... may I smoke?"[/i] Horst asked removing a small metal tin from the pocket of his jacket.. "Do not look so surprised Sergi, I can only smoke when I am not being watched, it is not very often, but since being deployed here, I've found it easier to partake... would you care for one? I have a counterpart in Parthia who can occasionally get me a packet or two..."

Realizing that if they wanted him dead the Reich would have just killed him outright rather than poisoning him he took one from Horst's tin. He lit it and took a deep drag. Real Parthian cigarettes, he wasn't lying. He unconsciously passed his lighter to the Untersturmfuhrer, who lit his own with a puff of smoke and handed it back.

"I am also, one of the few Kravenite Officers still to hold a position of authority, the others were purged by The Capitol Police when a Skyan Agent deactivated the Relay, if she had'nt reactivated it, I wouldn't be talking to you now and this wouldn't have been an Occupation, it would have been an Extermination..." He paused taking a long drag of his cigarette

"So, Sergi are you going to be helping me today with my Investigation, I could call back the Four Capitol Police Officers who were about to kick your door down, but I'm sure you would rather deal with me than Four Capitol Police... so.... what will it be?"

With a strange sense of confidence mixed with fear, he spoke. "I think I'll help you, Untersturmfuhrer." Sergei took another drag.

[Havensky]

Zombie
Skyan Embassy
Vetalia City, Vetalia
Gholgoth

The media had been given advance notice that Queen Jessica Heart, Gothic Lord and Sovereign of Gothic Havensky, would be giving a major address to the region. No notice was given about the exact wording of the speech until they arrived, but it was obvious that it had to do the with conflict in the peninsula.

The Skyan Embassy was a large fortress a few miles from the city center. The Skyan government had chosen an abandoned industrial warehouse as a starting point for the embassy - mainly due to the need to dock an airship. The fences were tall and topped with razorwire. However, once you got past the the embassy was bore a friendlier atmosphere. The building itself would be fortified from the inside, but having it as an old warehouse helped to avoid the 'bunker' effect that an embassy in Gholgoth would tend to steer towards. A deep pond surrounded the building and from the bridge leading to the main building you could feed the ducks. The embassy itself was well lit with a tall clock tower overlooking the grounds. A few helijets were parked in the parking lot with their pilots outside and perfectly willing to let the media inspect the craft and ask questions.

Inside, the facilities were refurbished to make it as comforting and welcoming as possible. Drinks were served and staff members paused to make sure that everyone had what they needed. The tall ceilings of the facility were well lit and in the main hall the lights were set up like a TV studio for the benefit of the camera crews. Translators were checking with the reporters to make sure that they understood the speech and that it was translated correctly. The exact text was embargoed until the actual announcement - but it would be helpful for the reporters to know what was happening so they could get the news out quickly.

In the main hall stood a large oak desk with a large bookshelf behind it. The media were told that this was Jessica's working desk and bookshelf. It traveled with her wherever she went. The desk and bookshelf were decorated sparsely. The bookshelf held a handful of family portraits, and a model of the medical airship that she used to command. Several books lined the shelves showing a variety of different subjects including a book on the latest nursing techniques, a few classics, and A History of Gholgoth.

At each side of the desk, there were four sets of flags: The Skyan Flag, The Vetalian Flag, The Texas Flag and the Gothic Flag. On the desk, a small clear tablet.

At the exact moment the sun left the Earth, four Skyan Legionnaires appeared in the room in full power armor. Their weapons were in their holsters and it was clear that they were working. As soon as they were satisfied, they took positions at each entryway. A staff member dressed in a black suit and red tie came out and motioned for silence.

Ladies and gentlemen...Gothic Lord, Queen of Gothic Havensky, and Secretary of State of the Skybound Republic of Havensky... Her Royal Majesty.. Jessica Heart of the House of Ironwing.

Queen Jessica stepped into the room as cameras flashed all around her. She was wearing a simple white dress with a Winged Lion brooch. On her forehead was the thinnest of iron bands indicating her royal status. She didn't smile at the crowd as she walked out.

Instead, she took her seat behind the desk. The tablet lit up on it's own with a copy of the speech, but Jessica ignored it.

She looked at the camera and began her speech. She would pause after a few sentences so that media outlets in other nations could translate her words in real-time. The speech was written so that the pauses would seem natural.

Good evening,

I am speaking to you this evening from the Skyan Embassy in Vetalia. Two weeks ago, the Kraven Reich invaded the Vetalian Peninsula under the guise of a treaty that we believe was made in bad faith. Under the false pretense of security, the Reich has seen fit to a hostile takeover of the peninsula and the kidnapping of young women destined for an unspeakable fate.

While the Reich and the Skybound Republic are bound by the Treaty of Krytopia - the Skyan People can not stand silent as these atrocities continue. I have personal experience as a captive of the Reich. Having been through their struggle, I empathize with the women that Kraven has taken and I have sympathy for their families.

No treaty designed to secure peace should include such provisions as to take the citizens of Vetalia out from their homes and cut them off from everything they have known and loved. No treaty designed to secure peace should include the summary execution of civilians trying to escape conflict. No treaty designed to secure peace should involve actions that the Kraven Reich has taken.

Due to the bravery of the resistance, the Skybound Republic has taken a number of refugees into our care. We have heard their stories. In response, we have sent drones to provide video evidence of the allegations. This video evidence is being provided to all members of the Gothic Alliance and has been verified by The Glorious Empire of The Scandinvans.

Jessica then switched to speaking perfect Vetailan.

I speak now, directly to the People of the Vetailan Peninsula...

The Skyan People hear your cries and we respond by offering our full and unwavering support of your People. The Skybound Republic of Havensky will not sit in silence while your people are dragged out in the streets. The Skyan People will not allow this injustice to continue. The Skyan People understand that you were betrayed. We understand that you only want to protect your homes, your families, your hopes and your dreams. These next few days will not be easy - but know this... you are not alone.

Jessica returned to her native tongue and continued.

After due consideration with King Drake of Havensky, the Skyan Senate, and the Gothic Skyan Senate... with the full support of Prime Minister Scarletwing and High Executor Vincent Profecta... and on the Behalf and Behest of the Skyan People... the Skybound Republic of Havensky issues the following.

First... we demand the immediate departure of all Reich forces from the Vetalian peninsula.

Second... we demand the immediate return of all those taken by the Reich back to their families.

And finally, as this conflict threatens the regional security of Gholgoth... on the Behalf and Behest of the Skyan People... I, Queen Jessica Heart of the House of Ironwing - Gothic Lord... due hereby Summon the Gothic Lords... and present the matter of this incursion to Their Judgement...That they may look upon this and see that this incursion by the Kraven Reich is not just... and order their immediate departure... lest War in Gholgoth rise again.

Jessica waited for her words to be translated and sink in.

May God Bless the People of Havensky, the Region of Texas, the Region of Gholgoth... and the People of Vetalia!

[Vetalia]

KVCW, sited right across the border. Wolfman Ivan was about to start up the night playlist before a Vetalian traffic cop charged into the room. Looking at the kid, maybe 20 or so, he took a drag from his smoke and spoke.

"What's the deal kid?"
"Just listen."

I speak now, directly to the People of the Vetailan Peninsula...

The Skyan People hear your cries and we respond by offering our full and unwavering support of your People. The Skybound Republic of Havensky will not sit in silence while your people are dragged out in the streets. The Skyan People will not allow this injustice to continue. The Skyan People understand that you were betrayed. We understand that you only want to protect your homes, your families, your hopes and your dreams. These next few days will not be easy - but know this... you are not alone.

After due consideration with King Drake of Havensky, the Skyan Senate, and the Gothic Skyan Senate... with the full support of Prime Minister Scarletwing and High Executor Vincent Profecta... and on the Behalf and Behest of the Skyan People... the Skybound Republic of Havensky issues the following.

First... we demand the immediate departure of all Reich forces from the Vetalian peninsula.

Second... we demand the immediate return of all those taken by the Reich back to their families.

And finally, as this conflict threatens the regional security of Gholgoth... on the Behalf and Behest of the Skyan People... I, Queen Jessica Heart of the House of Ironwing - Gothic Lord... due hereby Summon the Gothic Lords... and present the matter of this incursion to Their Judgement...That they may look upon this and see that this incursion by the Kraven Reich is not just... and order their immediate departure... lest War in Gholgoth rise again.

Jessica waited for her words to be translated and sink in.

May God Bless the People of Havensky, the Region of Texas, the Region of Gholgoth... and the People of Vetalia!

Taking a drag from his cigarette, Wolfman Ivan spoke."Looks like the cavalry are here."

[Havensky]

Hab Centre 06
Occupied Vetalia

The Rider groaned and turned over in his bed, then he blinked. A microsecond later, he awoke with a start and sat up in the bed.

He put a hand to his head, then realized that he wasn't wearing his helmet. He looked around and saw it on the nightstand. He picked it up quickly.

It was dented on the back. When he had been thrown against the tree, the helmet must have taken the brunt of the blow. The Rider reached underneath the helmet and tried to push back against the dent. He struggled, the metal gears of his arm whirring in protest. Finally, the metal returned to it's normal shape with a loud 'pop.' The Rider looked at the helmet and frowned. It still wasn't perfect. But it would have to do. He put the helmet back on.

knock knock

Dr. Natalya Kadnikova opened the door.

I see you're awake.

Why did you take off my helmet?, asked The Rider indignantly. The doctor frowned.

You suffered a concussion and major bruising to your stomach. Two inches to the left and it would have ruptured something important. What little skin and muscle you have left around your hands is severely bruised. All this activity hasn't exactly helped the healing process for your other burns and scrapes. Obviously, I needed to take a look at your head. I've kept you sedated for the last forty-eight hours. Before that, you slept through the trip here. You owe Andrey your life., explained Natalya matter-of-factly.

The Rider looked at his hands which were sporting a mild blueish blackish shade. He stretched feeling the muscles in his body along with pain in his side. He hurt.

You and Andrey both, it would seem.

Natalya walked over to the far end of the bed and sat down.

You're in the cellar under my garage. It was the only place I could really keep you hidden. You've missed quite a bit.

The girls?

The women and their children are fine. They were on Skyan television yesterday.

Skyan what?

Natayla turned on the radio. The signals were weakened by the conflicting signals beamed by both the Reich and Vetalia. The Vetalian signal cleared up enough to hear the following.

This is a KVCW news bulletin...ZBBZZZTZZave news regarding the Gothic Summit... The Summit will be held at sunrise next Saturday in Citadel City, Havensky.. The Skyan government has indiISSHHHSZZZii advance teams will be welcomed right zzzzzut KVCW expect that most of the Lords will arrive next Friday night...Queen Heart will stay in Vetalia City until...ZZBBZZZBBBTT

Apparently the refugees were picked up by a Havenskian Hospital Airship. They had them on TV telling the world about what happened. The radio is saying their media is everywhere.

Skyan..., muttered The Rider... They're called Skyans...wait... they said Queen Heart was here?

[Dephire]

Occupied Vetalia

His VTOL jet landed on a recessed helipad hidden inside one of the Reich's coastal claims along the Vetalian southern coastline. Once secure, the helipad descended, revealing a hidden hive of activity. He exited the jet and walked towards his quarters. There were roughly one hundred units stationed at this little trove, all for the purposes of gathering information. They were a mix of Reich and Vetalian traitors. Siegfried walked by them all without any acknowledgement to who they were. He was there for only an hour, for refueling and briefing on the next location he was to strike. The Vetalians shied away in his presence, as he was known to not be mild tempered, but the Reich's units continued working. Just as they were told to.

He entered his quarters. A bed, plainly made, sat in a corner. He had a small desk with a lone envelope in the center, large in size. Siegfried opened it, orders for his next assignment. He will read them in a minute. He pushed a button in the wall and a small section of the wall receeded, then slid away, revealing an illuminated stainless steel closet. A metallic mannequin was standing in the center. Siegfried whipped off his morphic duster and placed it neatly on the mannequin. He also removed his armored boots and the inner-suit, placing them in assigned places in the closet. After the last article was removed, a scanner looked over his body, making sure there were no imperfections. Once satisfied, he was allowed to exit the closet.

He took a few minutes to read through the letter. They indicated the suspected whereabouts of the Resistance, but the area described was still vast in size, and vague in description. Siegfried felt that throwing darts at a map of the area would have been more helpful than the rubbish in his hands. "Rag, I need you to probe the Vetalian networks to find what would be passable attire for this region. If I am to fall in with the Resistance Fighters, I want to look the part."

"I was not created to be a fashion designer. Why not order one of those Vetalian mutts to assist you?" Ragnarok smartly responded.

"What is the point of having an artificial intelligence if they are not worth a damn?" Siegfried walked over to the desk and pushed a small button. "Send one of the Vetalians over to my quarters for light interrogation."

"As you command." Was the all-familiar response he heard.

He put on some light clothing and picked up Firestorm, and waited for the Vetalian to arrive.

[Kylarnatia]

[OOC: Due to having been asked to partake in this roleplay by the OP some time ago for a specific reason, I've used fluidtime as to bring my nation up to speed with present events, though by no means diving straight into things. If there are any issues, please drop me a telegram. All the best. - Kyle]

The Fangthane Palace, Krytopia
The Ancient Empire of Kylarnatia, Gholgoth

The Caesar had spent the past few days almost constantly in her briefing room - the room where she met with her Council of Dux Imperators to discuss issues which were of prime military concern. The occupation of a state which the Imperium had been funding and rearming as a part of expanding it's own sphere of influence was one such concern. What Silvier did not appreciate about the situation was that they had been caught off guard by the entire development, though so had the rest of the region. Nobody could have accounted for a Vetalian defecting to the Reich - of all Gothic nations - in order to secure some form of power for themselves. In any case, the Imperium was quick to prepare it's forces to respond to what had happened. The task at hand, however, called upon mighty numbers. So preparation had taken time.

In that time however, the Imperium's intelligence had been hard at work charting the development of everything that was happening during the preparation stages of what the Caesar had named Operation Brass Knuckle: the Kravenite occupation of the Vetalian peninsula, and the movements of Naval Arm North, or at least the elements that the Reich had deemed necessary to subjugate the local population. The reactions of other nations, both at the civil and administration levels, and how they had responded. Reports of resistance cells in the Reich's new 'habitation areas', and how people were trying to escape. The response of the legitimate Vetalian government, which the Imperium was already in close contact with and had been since the rearmament began, and how other nations - particularly the Skyans - had been in contact with them. The Caesar was pretty impressed by how the Queen of Gothic Havensky, Jessica Heart, had taken such a personal role in this. Though it wasn't surprising, considering her personal history with the Kravenites.

Now, with a build up of Kravenite forces right on Kylarnatia's doorstep, the Caesar felt prepared to make her move. The liberation force was ready, and the civilian population had slowly but surely been enlightened to the inevitability of a war directly due south-east of their beloved homeland. The people were optimistic, however, remembering the days of the Gothic Civil War and the news of Kylarnatian successes along the northern coastline of Fortress Norska. If the Imperium was capable of having such successes with a force stretched away from home, how could they possibly fare any worse with a much shorter line of supply? The Kravenites were fighting uphill, and no matter how much power their war machine gave them, there was no doubt that they were at the disadvantage. However, the Imperium had to capitalise on the situation while the occupation itself was still underway. There had of course been risks in taking so long to prepare a force, but the Caesar and her Council of Dux Imperators were confident that the occupation of the Vetalian peninsula would take more than a few weeks. Attacking with a strong enough force while the Kravenites themselves were not one-hundred percent secure would certainly have more positive effects.

Everything was in place. The forces were ready. The Phoenix Blood Pact with Sambizie had been re-initiated to help reinforce the effort. The Imperium was prepared to demonstrate why the north was not to be trifled with, and would not cede it’s waters to a power of the south. Even though the region was supposedly bound by an alliance to itself, everyone was meant to know their place. The Reich was clearly stepping out of it's place, and the Imperium was not prepared to stand by and let it happen. They'd made an agreement during the last armed conflict that the Reich would focus on outer-region expansion. Yet it was clear that the Reich didn't listen to the memo. This time, Caesar Silvier intended to ram it directly down their throats in order to allow them to 'properly digest' the terms of the agreement. Even if they weren't exactly a 'humane' civilisation, an agreement was an agreement, and the Caesar intended to hold them to it.

Sitting in her throne - which wasn't the throne, which presided in the central ballroom of the Fangthane - The Caesar stared blankly at an unfinished game of chess which she'd been playing with her young heir, before he'd been sent to bed for the evening, which sat neatly on the edge of the long conference table. In the centre of said conference table, and hung all around it on bolted frames, monitors projected live feeds of news channels and satellite images which showed the situation in Vetalia. All around her, the Caesar’s Dux Imperator reviewed the facts and figures with the Logistics Staff to make sure that the situation was still a favourable one, and if not, what could be done about it. Yet the Caesar herself was focused on none of that. She picked up her Queen piece from the chess board, and twisted it around between her thumb and index finger for quite some time, simply staring at it.

”Soon...soon…” she thought to herself privately, thinking of the plans she’d had before the mess with Kraven and Vetalia had complicated matters. Yet, at the same time, it also did her a massive favour: if Operation Brass Knuckle proved to be a success, it would only lend more credibility to her aims and ambitions. It just had to work. It would work; she knew it would.

“My Caesar?” Silvier was snapped out of her gaze by Hyperion’s call as he entered the room. She looked up at him, slightly surprised, and froze with the chess piece still in between her fingers. For a moment, nothing was said, before eventually she looked to both sides and then backed to him expectantly.

“Yes, what is it?”

“It seems that the Skyans have declared a summons of the Gothic Lords, scheduled to meet in Citadel City in a weeks time. They’ve already been in contact with the Department of Foreign and Imperial Affairs inquiring about advance teams and your requirements. Will you answer the call?”

Silvier looked away from him and back at the Queen piece momentarily, before smiling deviously and placing it back with a defiant and firm placement. “But of course, Hyperion, we shall go. We cannot ignore the summons of the Lords. After all, it will be the perfect stage to announce the initiation of Operation Brass Knuckle. The Skyans are a good people, and we should show them support at this time.”
“I agree my Caesar, however there is one thing I wish to query with you about the Operation before we proceed…” Hyperion approached closer. “How are we to gain actual contact with the resistance cells in Vetalia, particularly as we know of no present means of contacting them. The Kravenites have likely already blanketed their communication.”

“This is true, my dear Hyperion, though I do not intend to give up hope. The Operation does not require the resistance, but it would be logical to seek their support in the endeavour if we don’t want to give the impression of a secondary occupation. I have no doubt the Skyans of all people have some sort of intelligence of them which would be useful to us.”

“And how do you propose we acquire that from them, my Caesar?” Hyperion tilted his head slightly. “I don’t see them revealing it to us at the summons, particularly in front of the other Lords. If they give their intervention away, it’ll compromise the entire summons.”

Silvier pondered on it for some time, before her eyes twinkled and something had obviously clicked in her mind. “Oh, I have an idea, don’t you worry...now come! We’ve got to get ready for our trip to Citadel City!”

The Twenty-Eight Flags Tavern, Citadel City
Gothic Havensky, Gholgoth

”I can’t believe she has got me out here as if I’m some sort of diplomat. You’ve got under-secretaries for a reason, she said. It’d be fun, she said…” Dominus Domitius Aemilius, the Caesar’s Secretary for the Interior thought to himself humorously as he kept his head down and his eyes concealed by a fedora which he wore tilting slightly downwards. After his defence of Sir Lucas Ironwing in the courtroom, Domitius had become somewhat of a personality in Skyan lands, so he had to keep himself concealed as so not to get swamped by whom he referred to as his ‘adoring fans’. On the outside, he looked like any sort of typical Kylarnatian businessmen, which he was sure many Skyans had already seen in the past few months, so wouldn’t think twice about seeing him at a distance.

Walking along with the thronging crowds, Domitius got a little bit of time to admire the work-in-progress that Citadel City was. Hundreds upon hundreds of buildings were still being constructed, and the workforce completing it all was out of this world. Massive food carts dispensed energy to the hungry workers, who once fed immediately went back into the business of doing what they quite obviously loved - mass construction on a grand scale. Of course, Domitius was far away from the central complex of the Citadel which had already been built. He was not heading there. He was heading to a place called the ‘Twenty-Eight Flags Tavern’, a local drinking place dedicated to all the nations of Gholgoth (excluding Kraven). As he continued to make his way there, he could not help but stop and admire the massive operation going on around him.

”Casper and Sebastian would be getting hard-ons right now if they saw all this…” Domitius humorously thought to himself, referring to his fellow Secretary for Energy and Power and Secretary for the Economy, Trade and Business respectfully. Eventually he reached his intended destination. What surprised him the most about it was that it wasn’t even a fully complete building: the entrance was literally an entirely missing wall, the lights were still hanging from their wires through the ceiling. The furniture inside was lively, but that was because it was mismatched. The place had clearly just been put together as some form of respite area for the workers while they were off-duty. It certainly was lively.

Stepping inside, Domitius made his way directly to the bar. Placing a suitcase which he’d been carrying down in front of him, he then put his hands together and waited patiently to be served. While he did so he looked around him. All around there were various pictures and portraits of famous Skyans and patrons to the tavern, as well as the flags of all the Gothic nations. Over one booth, which was already presently occupied by workers, the flag of the Imperium was pinned to the wall beside a small but rather lively portrait of the Caesar. Domitius smiled. He’d clearly have to point her here at some point.

“Hello there good sir, what can I get you today?” A Skyan gentleman from behind the bar grabbed his attention. He was an old gentleman, and looking over the bar - and pretty easily too due to his height - Domitius could see the man had a prosthetic leg. He smiled politely.

“Hello, are you Antony "Sarge" Oakwing?”

The man raised his eyebrow. “Who wants to know?”

Domitius removed his fedora and placed it on top of his briefcase, and looked directly at the man to reveal his face. “A friend in need of a little information.”

[Havensky]

Juke Box Hero

The 28 Flags Tavern
Citadel City, Havensky

Oakwing snorted.

I don't know who sent you here, but the only thing I know about is music, cards and booze. Which do you want to hear about first?

Dominus smiled, "All the staple things for the moral of resistance cells, am I right?"

I don't know anything about any resistance. If I don't like my Senator, I vote'em out. Less messy that way.

Dominus' smile vanished. He wondered for a moment if he had been given the right information.

Then what do you know about good sir?

Booze! Here, have some... first round on me., Oakwing smiled pouring the Kylarnatians a small glass of Sky Marshall Whiskey. Oakwing grabbed a deck of old playing cards out from under the bar.

Do you play Texas Hold'em?

Not really why?, asked Dominus still a little annoyed.

It's an interesting game.... works a lot like poker.. you've played poker right?

Dominus nodded.

Oakwing continued, Good good... so the way Texas Hold'em works is that the dealer lays out five cards that everyone just has to deal with. For example... The Queen Heart. Oakwing paused showing the Queen of Hearts before slamming it on the bar. This deck's Queen of Hearts had flaming red hair much like Queen Jessica Heart. Dominus' face flashed recognition.

Oakwing continued, The King of Spades... the queen's natural opposite.. and a pretty weak Two of Clubs... a pretty piss-poor substitute for a real leader. No wonder the King of Spades showed up.

Dominius nodded. The political situation in Vetalia. A weak Vetalian government reaching out to the Kraven Reich. The Reich putting it's forces on the table. Queen Jessica Heart of Havensky going to Vetalia.

Now... I'm going to deal you two cards face down.. The Queen of Diamonds and the Ace of Diamonds... Don't know why... Diamonds seem to suit you...To be fair, I'll show you my cards. I've got a Jack of Hearts and a King of Hearts left to play... Now, at this point you'd place your bet.. then the first turn. Here's the trick about Skyan decks...

Oakwing laid down a red card with a dark star.

We have wild cards on our decks. And now it's on the community board. So, now nobody really controls the wild card. It's just sitting there waiting to lock a perfect hand into place.

Dominus nodded. So, there were freelancers working with the resistance that were beyond anyone's control.

Now, for Texas Hold'em you'll eventually have seven cards. Now... my Jack of Hearts is a pretty small card compared to the Kings we have on the table. She's close to the Queen - but not in the same league. I imagine she'd have to sit down for coffee with the 2 to have any real chit-chat. We're going to need to wait for more cards to see how useful it'll be.

Dominus realized what Oakwing was saying. There was a member of the Skyan military, probably on the Queen's staff who had coffee regularly with the contact. The staff member must not have a regular duty - otherwise it be weird for her to be in a coffee shop all day. This would be enough to riddle it out without asking the Skyans to outright name their contact.

Oakwing perked up and yelled at a group of people who were just hanging around the juke box.

OY! Either put your credit in or get out of the way! I got a lot of customer's wanting to use that thing!

Oakwing leaned in a bit, Music trends oddly in this region don't you think? I mean... look at Vetalia.. sugary-sweet when things going right... then total chaos in the chart. It's like each city has it's own favorite songs that they want to scream out to the world like the cities are having an argument. It makes no rhyme or reason if you ask me!

Another nod of recognition from Dominus. With the Reich having almost no musical comprehension whatsoever, it made sense to pass messages by song. Dominus would have to study what songs were playing and reconstruct the timeline of events. That would be most useful for reading what was going on.

[The Parthians]

SAVAK Headquarters, Persepolis, Parthia

“Lunatics. Fools. How can they welcome such a thing? What insanity would drive a man into welcoming a Reich presence into their nation?” The Sardar asked the foreign minister as he read the reports of the Kraven occupation of the Vetalian peninsular region.

In the conference room at SAVAK headquarters, the cabinet of the Shahdom of Parthia met, called in to discuss the crisis in Vetalia. Here, in the airy and moden offices, decorated with chrome and glass, the Ministers of the Parthian Shahdom crowded around a chrome and glass conference table, ensconced in black leather chairs. Here on SAVAK’s executive floor, the Sardar of Parthia ran the country as de facto dictator.

The Foreign Minister, Lord Sassan Savadkouhi shrugged. “Your Excellency, there is little to be troubled about. The Reich didn’t attack them aggressively. Stupid of the Vetalians, certainly, but there’s nothing to be concerned about when it comes to us.”

The Sardar grunted in disapproval, “Vetalia is now little more than a Kraven puppet state. From this point forward, its foreign policy will be crafted in Fortress Norska and imposed on it by the Reich.”
“But, Your Excellency,” the foreign minister attempted to jump in.

“Don’t you see the problem? Vetalia is tied to the war machine. In all probability, it is only the start to the consumption of the Vetalia by the Reich,” the Sardar said in a much louder tone, nearly shouting over the Foreign Minister.

“And how does that impact the Shahdom?” Asked the Foreign Minister with the same calm tone that betrayed little of his irritation with the Sardar’s hysterical attitude.

The Sardar raised an eyebrow, “It puts the Reich on our continent, Lord Minister. It puts the Reich’s forces entirely too close for comfort.”

“A force sufficient to threaten Vetalia is hardly enough to threaten us, Excellency,” replied the Foreign Minister.

The Sardar laughed a bit at the foreign minister’s comment. Insofar as the Sardar was concerned, the Vetalian military was barely worth mentioning. Small in number, it perhaps had fair equipment given the economic prosperity of the state they served. But how much did quality of equipment matter when it came to fighting the Reich? Very little in the Sardar’s eyes. He knew very well that the Reich’s Capitol Police could toss them aside in a moment. And of course, if they did, little more than an empty waste stood between Fortress Vetalia and the Shahdom of Parthia.

The Vetalians and Parthians shared at least one trait: they were some of the most economically powerful in Gholgoth. Whereas the Vetalians were contented with pure economic power at the expense of a proper military, the Shahdom of Parthia was entirely more warlike. While Vetalia was disarmed, the Parthian state arsenals held enough weapons to have its armies wiped out and rebuilt multiple times. While Vetalia was undermanned, Parthia had hordes of peasant conscripts at its disposal. Vetalia was a vulnerable country. The Shahdom was a garrison state.

Of course, the Reich was one of the only nations in Gholgoth whose military forces were considered a serious potential threat to the sovereignty of the Parthian Shahdom. This Vetalian conquest had completely changed the strategic calculus the Parthian military had towards the Reich. While the coastal defenses and presence of the Parthian fleet was considered sufficient to protect Parthia from a Reich invasion, the presence of Reich ground forces on the continent, well within striking distance of the Parthian Shahdom presented an entirely different problem.

“My philosophy in foreign relations, Lord Minister, has been simple. Trust but verify.” The Sardar replied. “The Kraven Reich is something only a fool or a lunatic could really trust. We can certainly do business with them, but we must be completely prepared for them to turn on us. With Kraven, we can only verify that their forces are no threat to our nation.”

The Foreign Minister nodded, “Shall I dispatch a diplomatic team to Vetalia then?”

“See to it.” The Sardar replied, “Ensure that we can maintain good relations with the Reich. However, we must be prepared… or at least demonstrate our concern.”

The Sardar turned to the Defense Minister, “Lord Marshall, activate the Strategic Rocket Forces’ Intermediate Range Missiles. We need our regional strike capabilities online and prepared.”

Defense Minister Nassiri nodded, “As you wish, Your Excellency,” he motioned to an aide carrying a black attaché case behind him.

Placing the case in front of the Sardar, he opened it, folding it open to reveal a keypad and a screen.

“So I take it that this is Damavand? Impressive… very impressive.” The Sardar asked.

Damavand was the code name for the Shah’s nuclear briefcase. After the Sardar’s coup, the authority for ordering nuclear strikes had been transferred to the Sardar, along with the rest of the Shah’s executive powers.

Defense Minister Nassiri nodded, “Are you familiar with the process for using Damavand?”

“Remind me, Lord Marshall,” the Sardar replied.

“As you know, every few days, Your Excellency is issued a new code card. This is two series, each consisting of nine digits. The activation code should be inserted first. Following that, one of the members of the Cabinet who is authorized to confirm your order will then insert their activation codes,” The Defense Minister replied.

The Sardar nodded, “Who is willing to confirm my activation orders?”

“I will do so. Please enter your activation codes, Your Excellency,” Defense Minister Nassiri replied.

The Sardar opened his jacket pocket, revealing a small paper card. Stamped with two sets of numbers, the Sardar typed in the nine digit activation code which would move the Shahdom’s strategic rocket forces onto alert.

The Sardar looked up as he rotated the case around, “Now, Lord Marshall. Please confirm the activation order.”

The Defense Minister nodded as he withdrew a similar white card from his jacket pocket. Quickly typing in his activation sequence, Lord Marshall Nassiri gave confirmation to the Sardar’s order for the Strategic Rocket Forces to activate.

“That will be all, Your Excellency. Our missiles should be online within the hour.”

“Excellent,” replied the Sardar, “And one other thing… get the navy mobilized and prepared for operations within Gholgoth.”

The defense minister nodded, “Yes Sardar, I will ensure it is done.”

70km Northwest of Tabriz, Parthia

Cut into the rock of the Zagros Mountains, the tunnel extended inwards, deep into the bowels of the Earth. Wide enough to drive two tanks alongside each other, this tunnel, one of many littered across the mountainous terrain of the Parthian Shahdom, concealed some of the reserve military equipment that the Shahdom could activate in times of need.

The noises of diesel engines, a rumble from beneath the Earth, broke the silence of the night. Emerging from the mouth of the tunnel, one after another, twelve wheeled transporter-erector launchers, each carrying a Shamshir IRBM drove off on their patrol routes. Thousands of these missiles were coming online, road mobile TELs carrying them on randomized patrol routes to make targeting them all nigh-impossible. They would join with the ever-watchful and continuously active road-mobile ICBM forces, adding immensely to the Strategic Rocket Forces’ firepower.

The last time Parthia’s intermediate range nuclear arsenal had been activated for use within Gholgoth itself was after the Crimmond attack on Vetalia. Indeed, Shamshir TELs were something usually activated in a peacemeal fashion, deployed with Parthian forces abroad to give them a regional strike capabilities. The Shahdom usually chose not to provoke its fellow Gothic Lords by keeping the Strategic Rocket Forces’ IRBMs in deep storage, except in times of crisis.

The elevation of alert, the sudden activation of the Strategic Rocket Forces. All of these were steps that many would observe. It was simply a calculated move designed to shift the assessments other nations made of the Shahdom’s preparedness.

Bandar Abbas, Parthia

The Parthian Navy’s largest base was once again abuzz with activity; thousands of vessels were being prepared for deployment into Gothic Waters. The enormous port of Bandar Abbas, home to a large contingent of the Parthian navy, was the center of the Sardar’s mobilization order. Situated between a large series of barrier islands and the mountainous central Parthian coast, the harbors of the military seaport were home to thousands of vessels, the vast majority of which were busy preparing themselves for operations.

Lord Admiral Vahram Suren Pahlav studied the coastline from the bridge of the carrier Persepolis. In the distance, behind the city of Bandar Abbas, he could make out the outline of the Zagros Mountains, towering above the skyscrapers of the Parthian port city. Those mountains, the admiral knew, concealed some of the most serious fortifications in the Shahdom. Thousands of guns, MLRS batteries, and SAM sites were concealed in batteries dug into the rock. Few knew of the extent of the fortifications that protected this strategic harbor, the Lord Admiral being one of the lucky few who did.

Of course, he knew it was unlikely they would ever be seriously tested. The Imperial Parthian Navy, while considered the least important of the branches of service and accordingly starved of funding compared to the army and its tank hordes, was still a highly capable force and fielded an enormous number of vessels. It was unlikely any invader would seriously be able to challenge the Parthian Navy in its home waters. Here in Gothic waters, the Parthian fleet was at its strongest and able to rely upon the air force’s strategic bomber fleet for support.

The Lord Admiral sipped his tea as the aircraft carrier slipped from its mooring, pulled by an armada of tugs into the shipping channel. The rest of Gholgoth would watch, certainly, and take note, but the Lord Admiral was confident with his forces.

[Dephire]

Secret Evil Lair of Siegfried Hansolft & Company
Kraven Reich Occupied State of Vetalia - Penninsular

A Vetalian arrived at Siegfried's chambers, with a roughed up old Vetalian veteran uniform. The name 'Colin Fitzgerald' was stitched into the fabric on the left breast pocket. The cuffs of the jacket were torn, shredded was a more accurate description. The entire set was dirty, with dirt and grim clinging to the fabric. Siegfried did not care about the state of his disguise, as he knew it needed to look as authentic as possible.

Siegfried put on the uniform. He was surprised that the Vetalian had taken accurate measurements to find a uniform that would fit. He flexed his body, trying to get a feel for how mobile he would be and was content with the uniform. Twin pistols with Vetalia's mark were laid out on the bed for him, along with a custom-made scabbard for his sword. Tycho had not seen Siegfried's face, nor his sword, so it should make things easier to blend in. He looked into the mirror, noticing his hair would not fit the description of a war veteran. He cut it to match a sterotypical description of a soldier's. The Vetalian approved of the cut by giving a thumbs up. Satisfied with the transformation, the super soldier holstered his pistols and sheathed the sword and left the chamber.

"Time for us to go hunting, Ragnarok." He climbed aboard a beefy chopper, revved the engine several times to get a good feel for the engine, then sped up an exit ramp and off into deeper reaches of the Occupation Zone to find the Resistance.

Citadel City - Havensky
Ghologth South

Tristan woke up with a loud yawn, stretching his tired muscles. He had been training with Lucas Ironwing, Havensky's King, for the past few months now. The young man arrived a sickly being and is now fully recuperated. During his stay, he had become great friends with the Skyans. They brought his health back, and even went above and beyond. Tristan was stronger than ever, faster too. Still uncontested Emperor of Dephire.

After his brief shower, he dressed in his exosuit, a specially designed garment to drastically reduce chaffing when wearing power armor and also helped expel excess heat from his body, and left his quarters. A small escort of two Skyan agents tailed behind for his protection. He saw Wilhelm waiting for him at the end of the corridor.

"Good morning, Emperor. How are you feeling today?" Wilhelm greeted the young man.

"Pleasant. I think I will be going on a quick jog before my spar today." Tristan replied, small groans were heard from his security detail. He had been wearing them ragged by doing endurance jogging each morning. Though, out of the rest of the security staff, the two that followed Tristan were now more fit and could now keep up.

"You may have to delay your morning jog, Sir." Wilhelm began, walking along side Tristan as they headed to the cafeteria for breakfast. "We need to discuss plans for the Reich's occupation of Vetalia. The situation is unsettling to say the least and there have been rumors circulating that this is only the first stage of their plans. Your Godsend Generals, including King Ironwing himself, are awaiting your presence in the conference room. The plan is to have a discussion among ourselves before the other Gothic Lords arrive." He tone was neutral, and more matter-of-fact than anything.

"I understand, Wilhelm. It saddens me to know that at least the Milograd people gave up a fight, but the Vetalians just accepted the Reich. The end result has the same outcome." Tristan picked up his food and left a gold coin, and a confused cashier stammering This is too much! "I would not be surprised if Lady Jessica's bitter announcement to all of Ghologth stirred some secondary agenda within the Reich. A complete takeover of Vetalia being one thing, but stopping this 'summit' from occurring would definitely help the Reich achieve their goal."

"That is the concern we have. You have ordered us to build you the greatest military power since Jason Ortegaz's short reign, but the motives to use it in a conquest of Varathron seems out of the norm. We could use it to, instead, deter the Reich from claiming any more of Vetalia, or to use our power to finally take out that cancer once and for all. To rid this world of the greatest evil in known history." Wilhelm took a sip of his vitamin-rich shake. "The God Slayers were designed for that purpose, you know."

"No," Tristan took a bite of what appeared to be an apple. "I do not want to stir the hornet's nest. You recall what happened when Lady Raven shut down the Relay, yes?"

"Of course I remember, we were all nearly killed when that happened." Wilhelm looked down at the table they were now sitting at.

"Precisely, your operation would have failed and the Reich could have gone on a blitzkrieg across Dephire and the rest of the world." Tristan took another bite of the apple-like fruit. "Sure, we could pummel their home into oblivion, but the remaining Capitol Police outside the mainland would become frenzied and kill anything with a pulse that was deemed a lesser 'being'. We could amass our army and strong arm them, but to what end? Without the support of any other nations, it would be a fool's errand and the end of Dephire. Trust me, I want to rid the world of the cancer, but we just falter when it comes to organizing such a campaign."

"I suppose you are right." Wilhelm sighed sadly. "I would not want Dephirians to be sent in to be slaughtered like cattle. This rules out a homeland invasion. What of the movements that Colossus has seen of the Parthian navy? He has noticed ships leaving port. Do you think they may get involved?"

"If they do, they will have allies. I have not dealt with the Shahdom, nor do I recall any dealings with them throughout our history." Tristan tried thinking as far back as he could. "If they were to try and push back the Reich, and even dispel them from Vetalia, I do not see why we could not assist them."

"Except for the repercussions of the Reich attacking us at home." Wilhelm replied.

"Yes, that is true. Damn us if we strike. Damn us if we stay back and watch." Tristan finished the apple-like thing in his hand, then devoured the rest of his food. "When was this meeting?"

"Five minutes." Wilhelm stated calmly.

"Well, let's get going then." Tristan cleared his plate and the two made their way back to his chamber so he could put on some casual clothing, then followed Wilhelm to the conference room.

[Havensky]

OCC:

This is a joint post between Kraven and I

Fortress Norska
The Black Citadel
South Western Gholgoth

Reichmarshall Dietrich and the rest of High Command were deep within the Black Citadel watching the latest news from around Gholgoth. A set of black metal television screens, one of the few in existence within the Reich, had been brought before the Obsidian Throne filling the cold chambers with a pale blue electric light.

There were four screens each showing a different news channel that was streaming live somewhere in the region. It was one of the few devices inside Norska that could receive such transmissions as the content of these particular screens was inherently subversive.

All four newscasts were covering Miss Jessica’s speech to the region and the impending summit in ULE City. Each station had received copies of the video that the Skyans had distributed widely. In the top left corner, an older brunette woman speaking.

We now take you to Vetalia where new video of the brutal occupation of the Vetalian Peninsula has just been released by the Skyan Government. We strongly caution viewers that these images are graphic and may be disturbing.

The screen flashed to a highway where civilians could be seen fleeing. The camera on the drone zoomed in to see people screaming and running from Kraven paratroopers. The camera turned to show Capitol Police carrying roadblocks and setting up barriers on the road. As the camera panned, it showed another group of Capitol Police bringing their rifles up and firing.

The camera switched to footage of a different drone. This one was flying over territory already visited by the Reich as evidenced by husks of burning vehicles and makeshift gallows.

The television screen broke from the footage and the anchor appeared once more.

We now move to our reporter Frankie Goldfeather who is onboard the Skyan Medical Airship HRA Redemption where several refugees from the peninsula are receiving treatment.

The screen turned to a wide angle shot of the Skyan Humanitarian Fleet. A gleaming white airship with an encircled red heart blazoned on the hull. The airship was surrounded by dozens of smaller escort and supply ships. As the camera zoomed in on the Redemption a squadron of white helijets passed by. In the distance, several Accipiter class fighters flew in escort formation.

The screen switched to a live feed from inside the Redemption. The camera panned out to show the viewers one of the medical bays. All the beds were occupied. A woman in a white hijab and Skyan doctor’s uniform was checking on a young boy with a broken arm and a head injury. In the boy’s good arm he was clutching a stuffed winged lion. In the next bed, another nurse with fiery red hair was sitting next to a Vetalian woman. The Vetalian woman was speaking to the nurse.

We had no warning… I was just out shopping… they came out in trucks and guns and told us to march into one of the trucks. My husband tried to protest.. and they...they… beat him. Then somebody starting shooting. Somebody from the Resistance grabbed me in the chaos.. took me to safety.. They smuggled me and my son in a fruit box.

Frankie’s voice came over the camera screen.

We’re listening to the words of one of the escapees from the peninsula. The people in this wing, all women and children, were some of the first ones that the Vetalian resistance smuggled out of the country. We’ve been asked to hold off interviewing anyone until they’ve had a little more time to recover.

The camera panned to show more victims recovering. Doctors moved to and fro and personnel from the Transversal Red Cross could be seen speaking to people. They were shown to be moving freely about without any escort.

Frankie’s voice spoke again, And in looking at these images, the image of a red haired nurse taking care of a victim of the Reich’s treachery has to strike out in the minds of viewers familiar with the story of Queen Jessica Heart. The Queen, who had been a nurse aboard an medical airship when she had been captured by the Reich so long ago, must have looked very much like this. The fact that years later, after all that’s happened, it’s the same story must be frustrating. You have to wonder how long the region - if not the world - will tolerate such behavior. The question now is how the Gothic Lords now making their way towards ULE city in the Gothic Empire address the crisis?

And on the other television screens, similar newscasts were being played out. Members of the Skyan government appeared on every news show that had asked for an interview. Many of the staff members did their interviews without the aid of a translator. They all wore a small red/blue ribbon to show support for the Vetalian people.

"Reich-Ministers… Miss Jessica’s continued meddling in this matter can not be tolerated. Her interference will cause more nations to foolish oppose us. Vetalia has signed the agreement with us. We can not allow diplomatic interference in this matter.", the Riechmarshall stated coldly.

"The Reich must take over all diplomatic functions for Vetalia as stated in the agreement. Send a detachment of Capital Police and close their foreign office. Bring their diplomatic corp here so that they may continue our work without interference."

"By your Command"

* * * * *

Savages

Vetalian Peninsula Border
1500 Hours - Gothic Standard Time

The “Mockingbird” Scout drone hung in mid-air as it slowly guided on a favorable wind several hundred feet up in the air above the contested border between the Kraven controlled peninsula and Vetalia proper. It’s single eye piercing down below as it carefully watched the border.

The drone was programmed to simply watch and make as little movement as possible. It’s eyes were piped into a wide network that Skyan Stars and Signals Command was using to monitor the situation in Vetalia. It was boring work - but work that the Stars and Signals did for one very important reason.

That when 25 Kraven APCs led by a massive tank crossed the border into Vetalia proper, the Skyans and her allies would not be caught unaware. Immediately, alarms sounded in Skyan Central Command and Priority One messages were dispatched to all relevant commands.

Thirty seconds after the Kraven battle tank crossed into Vetalia proper, the Queen’s Red Guard were notified of the impending attack. As it happened, Queen Jessica Heart was inside the Vetalian Palace speaking with several other diplomats and Vetalian officials when the warning came across the wire to the Captain of the Guard. The Captain immediately barged into the room.

"My apologies for the interruption, but there’s been a situation. Approximately seven hundred and fifty Capitol Police, plus a heavy battle tank are heading towards the city. Queen Heart, we must evacuate."

Even as the Captain spoke, at the Skyan Embassy a dozen helijets were powering their engines as alarm sirens sounded across the embassy grounds. Six helijets were always manned and on standby and so these helijets lifted off almost immediately. The other six helijets were powering up with their soldiers quickly gearing up.

"INBOUND KILOS! I want every in the jets in full battle rattle! RIGHT NOW! RAPIDO RAPIDO! RAPIDO! LET’S GO! LET’S GO! LET’S GO!"

Back at the Palace, Queen Heart asked a very simple question.

"Lydia.. how many people work in this building?"

"About 500… and with the visiting diplomats...maybe 570?"

"Captain, what’s the maximum capacity of our helijet contingent? "

"144 Ma’am."

"How long would it take us to evacuate the entire building?"

"Too long ma’am, we could take a few dozen - but no more than that."

"Are we sure they’re headed here?"

"We’re not sure, they could be headed for the Palace - but you are in danger."

"Captain, if the Reich takes the Palace the Vetalians will lose their ability to govern the rest of the country. Evacuate the Praetor, Vice Praetor, and the new Proconsul - All in separate helijets.. The Summit in ULE City must be starting soon. Ensure their arrival. Meanwhile take the rest of our detachment and prepare to defend the Palace."

"Ma’am, I strongly insist that we evacuate you. We can stay behind if necessary. We can not guarantee your safety against those numbers. Besides, you being the Gothic Lord, your place is in ULE City as well."

"But that’s the point, even the Reich wouldn’t risk such a blatant breach of the Gothic Alliance - as to attack a Gothic Lord. Even if we tried to evacuate everyone on foot - we couldn’t possibly outrun thirty APCs. Me being here gives them cover. And besides, Lance Atticus is more than capable of speaking on my behalf - And I’m sure Lucas won’t be far behind."

"Ma’am…"said the Captain reluctantly, "It is my duty to inform you your orders are against rules and regulations designed to protect you. And I don’t want to face the Ironwi- His Majesty if things go wrong."

Jessica smiled, "But you’ll follow my orders anyway."

"Yes ma’am."

The Captain saluted, then began to bark out orders to the rest of his men.

RED LEADER, HEARTBREAK SIX… NEW ORDERS AS FOLLOWS… DELTA MIKE LIMA - DELTA MIKE LIMA…LIONESS ROOSTING.. REPEAT.. LIONESS ROOSTING... SECOND ORDER: EVAC TREE VIPERS AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION…HOT COPY OVER

The Captain grabbed a tablet from one of his lieutenants and marked down a location.

Understood Heartbreak Six.. DML Order confirmed - Tree VIPER evac confirmed - Lioness Roosting confirmed… six birds four mikes out… six more eight minutes..over..

"GULLWING! Get your squad and get the VIPs to the roof - Once our boys touchdown, get them downstairs and start fortifying the windows and doors. TURBEK! Head down and draw up a defensive perimeter… grab ever Vetalian security staff you can! SPIKE! You’re with me - try and get us a secure A/V line set up!"

Six bright red helijets with rotors on full blast flew through the city fast and low. Upon reaching the palace their wings tilted 180 degrees and all six craft all came to an abrupt stop mid-air.The rear hatches dropped and Legionnaires poured out of the back meeting up with their colleagues and helping the VIPs into the helijets. Then two by two in different directions, the craft converted into jet mode tucking in their wings above the rotor blades and they flew off. A few minutes later, six more helijets flew with their bottom hulls opened. They stopped above the palace for just for a few moments to let the Legionnaires inside drop down before reversing course and headed back to the embassy.

The Legionnaires raced to board up windows and take up defensive positions wherever they could, using their shields as makeshift cover. Gun crews placed NewTexas BFG machine guns on the roof and those with air-to-air shoulder mounted missiles took up positions in case Kraven VTOL’s decided to show. The Captain and his officer corp were working with the Vetalians on the defense of the palace. Civilians were being moved down to the basement with a separate squadron of Legionnaires tasked with their defense.

Sounds of gun magazines entering their chambers could be heard throughout the halls as Legionnaires took their positions along the perimeter as the Kraven forces barreled their way towards the city.

* * * * *

As the APCs entered the city proper, Untersturmfuhrer Dorner Harkin leaned back on his metallic seat when the APC’s warning system began to blare.

"Untersturmfuhrer Harkin...three Skyan Attack VTOLs approaching our position at 3000 meters. Shall we engage?"

Harkin peered at the screen showing the three helijets hanging in midair. He noticed that they were bright red in color. An oddity. This must be a special unit.

"Negative, if the Skyans wanted to attack the convoy they would have done so before. They can not strike us without violating the treaty. They want us to fire first and file another grievance against us."

"That is against protocol."

"Are you disagreeing with the orders of Sicherheitsdienst Oberkommando Vetalia Office?"

Without a word, the Capitol Police officer returned his head to a straight forward position.

They arrived at the palace and Harkin the vehicle to find the building heavily fortified by the Skyan forces. Harkin walked out of the APC and calmly gave a hand signal. At once, the Capitol Police left their vehicles and began to march in formation surrounding the palace. Civilians began to flee the scene as the sound of jackboots hitting the pavement filled the air. Those still in the palace would look out their windows to see nothing but rows and rows of Capitol Police. MG42 rifles held at the ready. Harkin picked up a bullhorn and began to speak.

”Attention Vetalian government. My name is UnterSturmfurher Dorner Harkin of Sicherheitsdienst Oberkommando Vetalia. Your diplomatic offices are now closed. As per the treaty, your diplomatic efforts will now run through the Black Citadel. You’re diplomatic corp is ordered to come with me.”

A single Skyan Legionary in bright red armor stepped out alone from the wooden doors. His rifle and sword were still in their hostler. Only his shield, emblazoned with a loaded slingshot, was up and at the ready. His helmet resembled something of a hockey goalie mask with a white plume which held various cameras and sensors. His helmet had his sun visor retracted, so that Harkin could clearly see his face through the plexiglass face shield. He looked calm, but stern. He stood at attention, and spoke calmly through the armor's voice box sending his amplified voice throughout the courtyard.

”Unterstumfuher Harkin, the occupanpants of this building include Gothic Lord & Queen Jessica Heart who is conducting business with the Vetalian Diplomatic Corp. We expect this meeting to go on for some time. Therefore, we can not comply with your request.”

Harkin snorted, ”Ah, that explains the red. You are Miss Jessica’s guard dogs. If the Miss Jessica is going to stick her nose where she doesn’t belong, she needs to speak to me herself. Otherwise, send out the Vetalian leadership so I may inform them of my orders.”

“That will be difficult considering they’re halfway to ULE City Unterstumfuher.”, replied the officer almost tauntingly.

Harkin walked over to the heavy battle talk. He nodded to it and it’s barrel moved ever so slightly so that it pointed directly at the Skyan officer.

”Have you seen what a one hundred and eighty-five mm HE shell does to the human body? Don't force me into a corner and make me use it. Comply with my orders.”

“Half the men staring you down have seen it first hand when they evacuated the civilians from the Miligradian villages you shelled. You can see through our helmets. Do we look like they're blinking?”

"Then they will understand what damage one KoenigsJaeger will do to this building, you have one hour to surrender or we will take measures, Understand, I outnumber and outgun you seven to one. It would be most unfortunate for Miss Jessica to be responsible for the death of hundreds of innocent civilians because she couldn’t get her dogs to heel.”

[Emporer Pudu]

Imperial Governor’s Offices
Mazaraan, capital of Shen Almaru

Governor Titus Lartius had never really liked Ambassador Otho. He had been shocked when he heard the news that Otho had been appointed Special Representative to Gholgoth. The man was dangerously independent, thought the governor, and given this new power of his and the power vacuum in the homeland the ambassador-turned-lord would certainly make the most of it. Governor Lartius owed his loyalty to Imperial Prefect Nadej, one of six powerful men who oversaw the domains of the Pantokrat. Nadej himself was actually very much like Otho, though the governor often chose to see only the best traits in his superior. He had faith.

That was why Governor Lartius had telephoned the Prefect as soon as Otho had departed for ULE City. The two were about to sit down to a teleconference; Lartius was seated at the head of a long table in one of the executive office building’s many conference rooms. He was joined by about a dozen senior provincial officials and some of Nadej’s own deputies; Nadej himself was in the prefectorial capital in East Chitzeland, himself accompanied by many subordinates. Dozens more officers, diplomats and intelligence officials joined on the conference call as well, though almost none would do anything but listen.

Prefect Nadej was the first to speak, he appeared to Governor Lartius on the large screen built into the wood-paneled walls. The great bulk of the Prefect and his colorful and flamboyant dress immediately drew the governors attention; Nadej was swathed in silken robes embroidered with intricate patterns and adorned with many precious stones. The others in the room with him were dressed altogether more normally, either in professional attire or their uniforms, were they military men.

“Greetings governor, is the signal good there?” the prefect’s voice rumbled out of the speakers, a baritone that seemed to wash over the governor and his staff in waves,

“Yes Your Excellency, I see you perfectly.”

“Good good,” boomed the prefect, “Then you have my attention. What is it your memo was regarding?” the prefect held up a piece of paper with the message he received that morning, everyone else on the call had received the same memo. It had read: empire prefecture senior staff briefing 2200 hours, priority one top secret. The governor’s secretary had taken many calls from confused senior staff for the rest of the day but was unable to provide them any details. Most of them were tuned in to the conference call now.

Governor Lartius began solemnly, “Long live the memory of Emperor Shangjun, and may the seven sons bless Dengmu, Prince of the Seven Crowns, with long life and fortune.” Those assembled and on the call all replied, “It is so.”

“And now,” began the governor again, “Let me thank you all for your service for the empire, and your honorable conduct in this time of crises. May the worst be behind us now.” The governor took a drink from a glass of water next to him; some of his staff were smoking or had poured themselves sturdier drinks - it was late at night after all - but the governor was a teetotaler and a non-smoker, he just needed some refreshment before he started into the briefing proper.

“I know those of you here in Mazaraan and many of you elsewhere have been following the situation in Vetalia in recent weeks very closely. For the Empire Prefecture any conflicts in Gholgoth certainly deserve the greatest scrutiny; given our new representative has been called to a meeting of the lords we can only assume that the Gholgothic leadership is treating this matter with the highest of urgency.”

Governor Lartius noticed the prefect light up a cigar and pull a large crystal ashtray over to him; the prefect coughed heavily after his first puff and temporarily inturrpted the governor. “Sorry governor,” he said, “Please continue with my apologies. The cigars here are not nearly as smooth as your Shen Almaran examples.”

Lartius did as he was bid, “So, therefore, many of you are likely aware of the mobilization of many of our Gholgothic partners. Parthia, Kylarnatia and the Scandinvans not the least of which. The situation in north-eastern Gholgoth appears quite volatile. Given our unique situation here, without the support of the government in Hollarum or the military, I believe it is prudent to take steps to ensure the continued security and continuity of our power structures and institutions in this chaotic time. We need to seek external guarantees that our current government which we comprise will continue uninterrupted in the service of our Pantokrat and our Gholgothic allies.”

Prefect Nadej spoke up at this point, “Governor, my position and this administration’s authority over the prefecture will not be questioned. I maintain complete control over all aspects of my mandate. Do you question my competency?”

Lartius had expected such a response from the bombastic prefect, “Your Excellency, I seek merely the assistance of a-”

“Stop, governor,” barked the prefect, “Stop right there. Infringing on my authority is tantamount to treason and I will not be questioned! What exactly do you suggest!”

The governor leaned forward in his chair, looking the prefect directly in the eyes through the cameras, “Your Excellency, I propose we invite a regional ally to support and maintain our security in this time of crises.”

Nadej blew a cloud of thick smoke at the screen. Lartius could almost taste the acrid cloud. “Governor, if this is all you have to say then I regret this, but I will be forced to relieve you of your post and put in place someone who can fulfill their responsibilities to me adequately.”

Lartius stood from his seat, “I’m sorry, prefect,” the governor spat, “But you’re too late. Oppose this now and you’d look like you’re not in control of your own subordinates; I know His Excellency Dengmu will be looking to put in place his own supporters, filling your position would serve him well...”

Nadej looked bewildered at the insubordination his governor was displaying. Satisfied, Lartius gestured toward someone off screen to come closer; a tall man with blonde hair like barley stalks dressed in a navy blue parade uniform stepped forward, behind him appeared about a half dozen men in black special ops dress carrying rifles.

The man in the blue uniform who was a Scandinvan Lord, an officer, spoke “In accordance with the wishes of Emperor Harald II of the Glorious Empire of the Scandinvans, it is my honor to formerly announce the establishment of a trustee government over Shen Almaru. Rest assured that all the existing rights and customs enjoyed by her people shall be preserved. We shall prevent the disruption of your way of life by the forces of those who would deny you your ancestral prerogatives.”

Prefect Nadej immediately switched off the channel. The screen in the wall in the conference room in Mazaraan went black. Governor Lartius turned to the Scandinvan Lord, “It is an honor to have you, the resources of this government are yours.” Lartius smiled. He thought to himself what Otho would think when he arrived back here.

The following message had been transmitted earlier that day to the Scandinvan Empire:

REFERENCE ID 62FORDWF12000

CLASSIFICATION SECRET

DATE 09-29-14

ORIGIN GOVERNOR SHEN ALMARU

SEP 29
FROM SHEN ALMARU GOVERNOR, MAZARAAN
TO EMPEROR HARALD II OF THE GLORIOUS EMPIRE OF THE SCANDINVANS

SUBJECT: SECURITY ASSISTANCE

---

Greetings,

The current regional turmoil is a concern to all brother nations of Gholgoth. As you are no doubt aware, the domestic political situation in the Pantokratic Dominate of Emperor Pudu remains unstable.

In the interest of continued regional security and close cooperation with regional allies in a time of strife I, the rightly appointed and responsible governor of Shen Almaru, do formally invite the Scandinvan Empire our firm and loyal ally to establish here a protectorate in the interest of preserving our status quo and defending the rights and privileges of their allies in a time of unique domestic unrest.

This request is made under no pretext of coercion or out of anything but the purest respect for the Empire and the prudence to establish strong institutions in a time of change.

The Pantokratocracy sincerely hopes these tribulations will come to a swift close,

Good day,
Titus Lartius

[Havensky]

Words as weapons; how they terrify

War Room One
The White Citadel
Citadel City, Havensky
Region of Gholgoth

Emperor Tristan Skragg and Godsend General walked into War Room One deep inside the Citadel. The King of Gothic Havensky, Lucas Ironwing, was standing next to - who he thought at least - was a Kylarnatian military officer. Next to the Kylarnatian was Jagite First Admiral Mari who was speaking with the Skyan High Admiral Markus Titan.

War Room One was a non-descript room. There were no chairs, no tables, not a single thing to indicate that the room was anything special. The walls were dark black with very little lighting inside the room.

Ah, Emperor, General… welcome. Please come in and we’ll get started. I want to start out by thanking everyone for coming. , said Ironwing.

The fact that not to long ago, Jagada and Dephire were at odds with each other was a testament to the diplomatic efforts taken in the area since the Milogradian conflict. They now had regular meetings with one another.

Once the door closed, Ironwing snapped his fingers and the walls came to life. Text began to cross the screens which encased the entire wall… and then… a three dimensional map of Gholgoth appeared out of thin air right between the group. Ironwing brought his arms out and pulled the Vetalian peninsula closer to him which caused the map to zoom in front of everyone.

What is this? Has Glitch been holding out on me?, asked Wilhelm.

This room is one big three dimensional television with the controls linked to my power armor’s gauntlets. The map is a collection of all real time intelligence that we’ve gathered on the region.

Ironwing let that sink in with the group. It indicated an enormous amount of trust as this map now showed how extensive the Skyan Stars and Signals Command monitored the region.

A storm cloud passed by Shen Almuru. Wilhelm looked closer and could see video of Scandinavian naval units mobilizing close by. Above these units, the map had placed small flags representing the Glorious Empire. Further up, various crown icons were traveling to ULE City. To the east, nuclear icons were pulsating above the Shahdom of The Parthians.

The trick was getting the room to work without depending on the glasses. It can get a little disorienting the first time you’re in the cave - so let me know if you feel queasy. That being said, I’d like to introduce everyone to Admiral Dianne Hyuga, of The Caesar’s Imperial Navy.

“Charmed.” She was short with her words, but her sly smile denoted that she was present in good faith.

The Kylarnatian representative was far beyond a normal military officer. Although she looked like it from the attire, with her crystal white military uniform decorated with golden ribbons, those in the know would recognise that her uniform also fashioned a small red cape, and bore many more bars and medals than most regular officers would. The red cape was the key - it denoted that she was a member of the nobility; a close confidant of the Caesar. That was certainly true in this case, for she was Dianne Hyuga, the adopted older sister of Silvier. Her presence was no coincidence, for she certainly had a few bones to pick with the Kravenites, mostly due to the sinking of her precious carrier along the coastline of Neo Cydonia, despite the overall success of the Kylarnatian operation at the time. She bore both physical and mental scars from the encounter: a crippled right leg which meant she was forced to support herself with a cane, and recurring nightmares of almost drowning in the heavy, unnatural waters that surround Fortress Norska. Everything accounted for, however, she was intent on making the Kravenites wish they’d finished the job with her.

Ladies and gentleman, I’ve called this meeting at the request of the Kylarnatian government in regards to the situation in Vetalia. This meeting is occurring here out of the need for total secrecy. It should be noted, that your connected devices will not work here.

Wilhelm grunted, annoyed that he could not communicate with Colossus AI proper, but Colossus was still integrated into his power armor..

I will state, in the strongest of terms, that the position of the People of Havensky is to resolve this matter without bloodshed. We have sent our top peace negotiator to ULE City for this very reason. We will be asking the Gothic Lords to order an eviction of Kraven forces from the peninsula. Should the Lords order this and Kraven refuses to comply, we will at that point in time be willing to commit military forces to enforce this order.

I don’t like being unprepared. And so, when the Caesar’s government indicated that it may have a plan I certainly felt it prudent to discuss that matter. However, this meeting is going over what I would consider plan B. Is that understood?

The group nodded in agreement. Ironwing then motioned to Hyuga.

Taking the gauntlet to control the room’s display in her left hand so that she could stay stable on her right, Dianne nodded respectfully to Ironwing before beginning her explanation of the Kylarnatian plan for removing Kravenite forces from the Vetalian peninsula which she had rehearsed quietly in her head - even up to the last minute - and she was just grateful that the technology the Skyans seemed to use was not far off what she was accustomed to in Kylarnatia.

Moving her now gauntleted left hand slowly but surely, she was able to bring up a virtual representation of the Vetalian peninsula which presently found itself under Kravenite occupation. Tinkering with a few more things, she was able to bring up locations of the early “Hab Centres” which the Reich had established. She was also able to bring up intelligence on current Reich movements, a joint opportunity seized by both the Skyans and the Kylarnatians.

“As we can all see here, the Reich has wasted no time in making itself cozy in it’s new surroundings. The operation it has going on here is massive - one of their biggest in recent years, though certainly not the biggest - but certainly something that overshadows the scale of their occupation of Milograd. Yet, due to this much bigger scale, even the leviathan of the Reich has had to stretch themselves to make it work. It’s in these early stages that we need to move, before they’re able to fortify the area in the same vein as Norska.

Although it is against our very military psyche, my beloved sister - the Caesar - has mobilised three entire fleets in order to liberate the Vetalian peninsula from Kravenite grasp. This has taken a long time to prepare, but we’ve been mobilising since the first jackboot touched Vetalian soil, and now we’re ready to move. We have no doubt that the force we’ve assembled will be able to remove the current Kravenite forces present in the area without much difficulty, and along with cooperation with the resistance movements in large ‘Hab Centres’ such as Hab Centre zero-zero-six, we’ll be able to prepare a strong defence. That is, however, the main problem. There is no doubt in our minds that the Reich will come back for what it believes to be it’s property.

As we all well know, the Reich has no perception of actual value, beyond the basic logistical numbers. It will continue to throw resources at a problem until it’s drowned by the resources it throws at it. The men they send into combat do not fear death, and their commanders - whoever they may be - do not fear losses. This, however, is both a gift and a curse. They may continue to relentlessly through all that they have at us until there is nobody left standing, but the fact that they have no perception of loss means that they are not trying to survive. Therefore, so long as we maintain a higher ratio of kills to them then what they inflict on us, we’re part way there towards victory.

This is why - despite the fact that it goes against everything we deem to be logical in the military aspect - we all need to throw as much as we can at them, just as much as they will throw at us. Our natural fear of death, and of loss, means that we can fight harder. To some of you, it may sound as if we’re relying upon complete psychological assumptions, but take it from me: the Kravenites are not human. When you engage them in combat, you’re not fighting another person like you. You’re fighting a drone who can only see down one lense. Block out that lense, and you’ll have the upper hand.

So, as damn right basic as it may sound, the plan is - despite being large - is practically simple: We all bulldoze in, we all pitch our tents, and force them to play their own game.”

Ironwing spoke, The Skyan military is still quite small compared to the vast numbers of the Reich. We can’t play the same numbers game as you can Admiral. We’re built to be agile and quick. Jump in, kill the enemy, jump out. We don’t hold territory. However, we could militarize the Skyan Shipping Companies and provide logistical support. We could also send an expeditionary force to liberate the major pockets of resistance - I think our best bet would be here at Hab Centre 06. If we liberate that first, that would cause their forces to shift towards the center of the peninsula and away from the coasts. That would make it easier for your landing force.

“Do not think we haven’t observed your forces already, your majesty. My Caesar has taken a keen interest in you since your arrival. We know that such a thing would play to your strengths, and would welcome such a maneuver. However, we still need heavy hitters. As much as your maneuver is logical, it is also predictable on the Reich’s part. They know what to expect from human combatants - from people with emotion - which is why they know how to fight it. What we need to do - just like our Minister of the Interior who spoke in your defence against them at your trial - is act unlike they would expect us ‘normal beings’ to. Playing them at their own game is the last thing they’d expect any logical modern military force to conduct.”

Ironwing nodded, I agree, but it’s the execution that we’d find difficult. We just don’t have the numbers. Tristan, what of your forces?

We share a border with Kraven. We have fortified the western wall, but I imagine any attack by our forces would lead to a direct attack against my people. We could not commit too many without risking the safety of my home., said Tristan looking at the virtual fortress of Norska. [/i]

Ironwing shifted his hands which brought Norska closer into view.

What about a distraction. Something to force the Reich to split their forces? Cydonia?

Sir, Cydonia is a massive fortress and the center of the Reich’s production facilities. That would require a massive invasion force. Even if we god rodded them to death, they'd still put up substantial resistance., protested Wilhelm.

Not an invasion, a blockade. God-rod the ports and intercept any incoming ships. Hit the outbound ones where we can. Between the Havensky, Dephire, and Jagada, we could ensure nothing gets in. Cydonia is a giant factory. Without supplies coming in, production stops. Without production, it slows down their machine. This would give the Ancient Empire cover without us having to commit ground forces.

It won’t be easy, Kraven certainly won’t let that go uncontested. And it could draw the Blackhelm Confederacy into the conflict. They’re the only ones who actually send oil to Kraven. However... Tristan motioned to have multiple areas of his nation come to view. I have numbers even the Reich, were they capable to in the first place, could not possibly imagine.

Ironwing nodded, This is true, but it’s a risk we take. As this is the second time they’re routes will be under attack, I’m hoping that they change their minds about the profitability of their trade deal.

Second?, asked Wilhelm.

I hear their ships had a major computer glitch during the Milograd conflict. Very strange.

Dianne smiled slyly again, something that wasn’t too dissimilar to what her younger sister, Silvier, would do. “I can disclose with you now that my sister has looked into the...technicalities, shall we say, of the Kravenite hivemind, and that we will be holding those chips tightly in our fists, ready to throw down on the table when needs be.”

At that moment, alarms went off inside War Room One. A large exclamation mark appeared over the Vetalian border. A flag of the Kraven Reich crossed the border. Ironwing tapped the exclamation mark and it zoomed to the border displaying the drone’s video feed of twenty-five Capitol Police APCs and a large heavy battle tank.

Captain!, shouted Ironwing. Where’s my wife right now?!

The Skyan Legionary was talking rapidly into his helmet.

SIR! The Red Guard is reporting that she is in the Vetalian Palace and Heartbreak Six is conducting evacuate ops. Wait one…

The captain grew quiet.

What is it Captain.

Sir, Lioness is roosting.

She’s WHAT?

Sir, Lioness has ordered the Red Guard to defend the palace. Too many civilians to evacuate and she is certain that if the palace falls, the Vetalians will lose all ability to govern. Lioness has ordered Red 3 to evacuate the Vetalian leadership to ULE City. The rest of -

Oh for fucks sake - can’t somebody else be the hostage just this once!

Sir, the Red Guard has indicated that they can still evac her, but she is refusing to leave.

Of course she is… my wife is as stubborn as a mule! Who else would volunteer for a standoff with the god damn cappers?!

Tristan tried calming him down, [i]But, her stand will inspire the region.

Ironwing sighed, I know… doesn’t mean I have to like it. Captain, prepare the 95th Expeditionary Fleet to deploy the Vetalian Coast. I want a helijet fueled and ready to go in five minutes.

Ironwing turned to the group, My apologies, but it appears my presence in ULE City is now required. Ya’ll are more than welcome to join me aboard the Texas Defenderif ya’ll are headed the same direction..

Tristan spoke, I’ll be more than happy to join you. General Wilhelm, return to Dephire and prepare our troops. I suspect that peace talks will not go well.

Dianne watched everybody dissipate quickly, but stayed motionless. She saw no point in making her way to ULE City when her sister was already there, and by what she could imagine she would be arguing the Imperium’s stance without fault. One Hyuga was enough at a conference, she felt. “I guess I’ll make myself at home. Probably won’t be a safe way back to Kylarnatia for a while. Besides, I’m starting to really like this room.” Dianne chuckled.

OCC:

Joint post between Kylarnatia, Dephire, and Havensky

[Dephire]

The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

His motorcycle was an old Dephirian chopper. The front had a large metal plating that covered the top half of the wheel and curved around to provide protection to the rider. Quad machine guns were mounted on the front, giving the entire cycle a grisly appearance. With Siegfried dressed as a Vetalian veteran, he was able to draw just the right attention he needed for the Resistance to take interest. The plan was flawless as the Reich's units assisted with creating fake battles to where he could show his dedication to a freed Vetalia. With each passing day, the Resistance became more aware of this potential recruit.

Siegfried will be sure to complete his task before taking on his prize.

Please help me push this along..

[Havensky]

26 Flags Tavern
Citadel City, Havensky

Oakwing had noticed the beer spill. Accidents happened, and Oakwing normally just gave the patron another beer. However, this gentleman seemed a bit too...calm about it. People reacted two ways. The first, was that the patron got angry and yelled some curse word. The second was that the person genuinely wasn’t all that worried and tried to laugh it off. This was… a non-reaction. The odd man came up to the bar.

Oakwing had seen reports of odd characters before. People who were more machine than man. These were dangerous men. Replicants they called them and the fact that they hailed from the Kraven Reich made them all the more dangerous.

When the man pulled up to the bar, Oakwing apologized for the spill.

Sorry about that, here - have one on the house!, Oakwing said pouring the man a tall glass or wormwood liquor. It was an extremely bitter drink. Most people made faces with just one shot. If the man wasn’t human, this would reveal it.

The man smiled, said his thank then took a long gulp.

Delicious.

Oakwing’s stomach dropped. This was not a natural reaction.

”You from around here then?” the question was probing, to see what kind of reaction he got from the odd fellow…

“Yes, I am from the city, I work in the city too, I enjoy my work” There was a pause as if he was searching for the correct words or the correct response given the social situation “But it’s nice to blow off steam every now and again” he ended the sentence in a slightly awkward laugh, it was in the right place and used in the correct context, but it had no warmth to it, it had no feeling, you could hear that it was almost….forced..

Since the bar was being monitored by Skyan Stars and Signals Command, the activity had been picked up. Two agents sitting at the bar were assigned to follow the man. Something was off.

The problem was that the Skyans had never encountered a replicant. Therefore, instead of immediately bringing them in..they just watched and let him roam.

He never left the bar, not for some time, not until the Kylarnartian man left, then shortly afterwards the Replicant stood up from his seat, leaving his drink almost untouched and exited, bidding the barman a pleasant evening and opening the door swiftly, the cool evening air wafted into the bar before the door closed gently behind him…

His walk was brisk, it was not mechanical, but it was not casual either, it was someone walking with a purpose, his footfalls were firm on the pavement, but he did not follow the Kylarnartian, he left in the opposite direction, he never looked over his shoulder, but was aware that two men followed him out of the bar, he continued his walk but slowed to a more leisurely pace and began taking his time, looking at the items in shop windows…

The Replicant was highly aware of the two men following him up the street, they lingered as he stopped to look in shop windows, a local deli was still open, a few people were ordering takeout’s and so the Replicant decided to join them ordering some food and choosing a small chicken wrap, he then sat down at one of the tables and slowly ate what he’d bought, watching intently the two men who hung around outside…

After while, the two agents stopped following instead opting to deploy a small bumble-bee drone to follow him. The drone would keep an eye on him.

A short message was sent out to all members of the Skyan High Council.

Possible Kraven Agent identified in Citadel City. Target exhibits non-human behavior. Please be advised and on the lookout.

The message reached the prime minister's office who quickly filed it away on top of all the other things they had to watch out for. With Ironwing taking a helijet to ULE City, there was no real fear of a spy. Queen Heart's staff was preoccupied with the over 700 Capitol Police who were currently putting the Vetalian Palace under siege and simply ignored the message despite the information being potentially life saving.