The Crimson Storm [Closed| Invite Only|Retconned]

[Sabah]

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Mature content, reader's discretion is advised. This is a civil war RP, but unlike most thread which focused more on direct fast paced actions, this will be a series of SIC, and I wish to create political and military 'thriller', and a slow paced thread, focusing more on realism and story. Thread closed for now

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THE FOUR OLD MEN

Some men just want to watch the world burns... but it takes lesser men to lit the first flame...

Somewhere in the Holy Borneo Empire...

“So that old geezer bought the farm eh? About damn time I supposed, no need for us to get our own hands dirty.” The old men wearing a military working uniform said inside dimly lit room as he gently tossed one of the cards from his hand across the game table. He had three stars on his shoulders rank epaulets - a lieutenant general - this one was from the army.

“Thank God.” Another man replied casually, taking the cards, and placing it into his hand, he doesn't sounded grateful from the tone he had said though, this one too was wearing his working uniform, a white dress – the navy - but he had one less stars than the men who spoke earlier, a rear admiral, who by the aged looks can be said to be around the same age as the first army general.

"What's wrong with getting our hands dirty? It's not that we haven't killed anyone before?" This time the casual remark was from an air force major general - he was wearing his blue uniform too - with the top three buttons had been unbuttoned, he had a cigarette in his mouth, and a half emptied liquor bottle next to him on top of the table.

"Oh come one, we haven't met for so long, and the topic you wish bring here is Markus, that sonofabitch? Fuck him, let's play this game."the fourth men, the only one in a civilian suit and jacket, let out his anger in annoyance, starring his cards. The rest of them turned their heads, but said nothing, they understood it perfectly why that fourth men was no longer wearing a uniform.

"Yeah, to hell with him." the naval admiral said, breaking silence.

"This is our perfect chance to make our play." said the air force, putting down his cards on the table.

"I thought we had made it perfectly clear before; we don't have enough men to take on the entire Self Defence Force. It will be the death of us if we use force to take over the country. Hell, Command even place every formation on high alert, the tensions is very high in case you didn't notice. Even they are afraid of some fucking generals attempting a coup themselves." the army general said, reaching for another bottle of liquor and pouring it into his glass.

"Who says we need 'men'?" the man in black suit saID with a grin before continuing;"That plan was 10 years ago." When he put our service effectively to its end when the Fuhrer bypassed our promotions, and exiled us to distant Areas instead.

"Are you suggesting -" The army general said, but was interjected first -

"Yes, precisely."

"You mean the Autonomous Warfare Development Groups?" the naval admiral looked somewhat perplexed. He had heard of the terms before, but didn't fully understand what they were about.

"The fucking SDF controlled like what? 2 million remote controlled combat drones? All we got to do is to seize their command and control." the men in black said.

"Easier said than done. But it's possible. If we can get access to the C&C location." air force wasn't amused.

"If they even have a centralized command location." added the navy, accepting the fact that not all generals or admirals were privy to state secrets in the Stratocratic Republic of Sabah. Well why should they? These four men had fell in favor with the late Fuhrer-President sometime before. The regime had found them untrustworthy, the fact that they were allowed to to continue working in the military was astounding enough.

"No wonder most of you didn't get another stars." men in black said. "If we can't get access to those, then perhaps we obtain them through other means? I know someone from the company that built all the droids and drones in the country. I also know people in satellite communication company that the SDF use. I believe I can arrange something to make it happen within 2-4 weeks. The government will tighten itself up, perhaps they will worry about who will succeed the Fuhrer within those in the Capital themselves. Besides, both Corazon and Cassandra are at it I think. Perhaps they will start fighting each other first. They won't expect it."

"Maybe, this is really dangerous game."

"You guys, geez, I may have lost my uniform, but you guys lost your balls." men in black said sarcastically.

"Unlike you, we still have our work in the military. You industrialist-capitalist pig." navy shot back.

"Heck, but you guys did received several billions from my company didn't you?" he laughed.

"Damn it. Don't bring that up."

"What, you think Internal Affairs bugged this place? You're afraid of letting the military know you, you, and you are dirty?" men in black pointed to them one by one, silencing them. Air force looked around, swallowed his own saliva, imagining the secret service came tearing the closed door apart with guns blazing.

"That recklessness is precisely the reason why you were discharged from the Strategic Action Command." navy said, almost glaring at the men in black across the table.

"And I still would have no problem obtaining a nuclear launch code from the SAC once I identify which officer I should bribe." men black continued, becoming smug in front of the rest.

"This could work." the army lieutenant general said "but we need to think this through. We need proper planning."

"I have just the right sort of things in mind." men in black said again. Navy turned to air force, who looked at the army general. They all nodded.

"Well, let's hear it." and with that, the four men began to form a plan, a plan that would soon prove to be a disaster that would engulfs the entire Holy Borneo Empire in a raging storm made of blood. A crimson storm...

[Southern American Confederacy]

Asuka Zeppelin-Thaigo looked slightly up above tones of papers she had to fill. That is what politics were about, after all. She had to fill all these papers and deal with them, to make sure her nation will stay in good condition. After all, she loved it above all else. She was like a mother for her people, caring but not letting them commit evil. Especially evil she called "democracy". She knew it was for the weak, and even if she allowed congress to exist - she hated idea of people destroying her beloved federation. Not when she was alive would it happen.

She was inside her office. If was small and Spartan - like, but suited enough for the job. Small desk, two chairs, and ton of papers on the desk to be read and filled. She thought it was irony, that she, 30 years old woman from mixed Japanese-German immigrant family became a leader of powerful federation of South American nations, which was becoming slowly a superpower in the modern world. Oil richness, gas richness were making their nation strong and her people rich. All under guidance of certain red haired woman who took power as president and then became what many will consider a dictator.
Then, she heard a knocking to her door.

" Enter. " she ordered in her typical ruler' s tone.

The man who entered was General Diego Martinez. Tall Chilean Creole, former general of Chilean army. Accompanying him was general Carlos Santiago - former brazilian army, now intelligence. Both men were battle-hardened veterans, ready to defend SAC from all threats: be it communism,colonialism or imperialism. They were nationalists, and they wanted their nation to be free.

" Buenos Diaz signorina!" they said in unison " We come with interesting news!"

" State them then for me." Asuka replied calmly.

" It is about Holy Borneon Empire " said Carlos, and lowered voice a bit " we are getting reports that a group of military officers is going to fight against group of technocrats who are trying to re-establish democracy"

" Carlos " said angered a bit Asuka. Voice of female president was terrifying " I will put it simple. I want support given to the officers. We do not want another demo(n)cratic nation springing up right in front of our noses. Understood!"

" Yes Signorita!" shouted both men and left up. Moments later, a report was given. Black Ops team was to be dispatched to Holy Borneon Empire - to help in taking down democrats.

****


General Paulo Silva looked at his clock. He written a message to one of generals, whose involvement was confirmed by SAC intelligence which he commanded, demanding a meeting inside SAC embassy. The technicians were already checking all the embassy to ensure that it was clear.
Paulo Silva, a military attaché of SAC felt well in his job. Now, he had a thing to do. Recruit one of military officers - and make sure the coup serves interests of SAC.

[Sabah]

SECOND LIEUTENANT JACK CROSS

Area 0 (North Borneo Central Military Province)
Fort Kalabakan (Joint Forces Base)

1230 H

Several uniformed men were watching the television feed inside the officer’s lounge suite, all deeply immersed with the news that had shocked the entire Empire starting earlier yesterday. In the SBS news channel, the anchorwoman talked about the Central Military Command had begun summoning and recalling all senior flag officers, three stars and above to head north to the capital for an emergency meeting with the government officials.

“Looks like we're going to be feed with all sorts of news about the Fuhrer’s death from now on…” the junior officer sitting next to Second Lieutenant Jackson Cross said, breaking silence.

The anchorwoman concluded her segment; “But the question that everyone is asking at the moment remained unanswered; who will become the next Fuhrer-President?” and a commercial break along with a sad theme about the Fuhrer’s death followed.

“Yeah, it’s…sad. We've met the Fuhrer last year.” Another Second Lieutenant said.

“All of us did, Yuan. All of us did.” Most of these officers had received their commission from the Fuhrer-President himself, which was only less than a year before for most of the officers in the lounge suite, Cross included.

Cross who said nothing simply stared at the television, clasping his fingers.

“Jack, why so serious?” 2LT Yuan turned to him, tapping him on the shoulder.

“Looks like a good chance to purge most of High Command...with all the generals and admirals headed here.” 2LT Cross said still staring at the large TV.

2LT Yuan and 2LT Konoss who was standing beside him behind the sofa exchanged look with one another, before laughing themselves.

“You had a funny sense of humor Jack.” Yuan laughed.

“Guys, this country had never faced a situation like this before…a serving Fuhrer-President died in office without designating a successor, if I am a Field Marshal, and wants to become a Fuhrer I’ll get rid of most of my rivals as fast as I can. This ‘emergency meetings’ sound rather ominous to me. It’s a perfect chance for anyone ambitious enough.” Cross said, the laughing died out, all of the other officer realized then realized their colleague sitting in the middle of the sofa was not joking.

“Now that you put it in such a serious tone, you're starting to scare me. Are you actually suggesting me our generals are going to fight one another?”

“Who knows? Maybe, maybe not, but I sure hope not, else, we're going to have a civil war if something like that happens. With the state of our country is in at the moment, anything can happen.”

"Nah, nah. This thing will probably be over in no time, next thing we know, it's either Corrington or Cassandra becoming the next Fuhrer. Well, I am willing to bet Corazon ascending to the throne...as our second deputy is a woman." Knossos said.

"Whoa, whoa. That's sexism brother."

"100 pounds says I am correct, any takers?"

Second Lieutenant Jack Cross smiled weakly, thinking that such outcome is possible.

Maybe, just maybe. But deep inside, he had a strong feeling that something is about to wrong...and for him, that turn started here;

"Cross." A voice suddenly boomed inside the suite, all heads turned to see a captain had appeared before the lounge suite entrance behind them. All of the juniors officer snapped to attention automatically.

"Captain Hamid, Sir." Jackson Cross didn't have to salute because they're inside a building, and he had no head cover. Instead he simply stood straight.

"Walk with me, Lieutenant, the rest of you plebeians carry on. " the senior officer ordered in a military tone.

There were some "Yessir." from the rest of the junior officers. Jackson Cross stepped forward and started to catch up with the captain who had already left.

"Captain?" When he got out of the lounge,he quickly put on his black beret, then noticed that there were two other men standing next with the captain. He noticed the rank on their shoulder; a major and a lieutenant colonel, but their service uniform were all black; not from the army.

The Strategic Action Command? he thought stopping a few feet before the senior officers, and snapped a salute.

"Sieg heil." The colonel replied in similar manner.

"You're Jackson Cross? Your captain told me you had the highest score in the provincial special aptitude test for the autonomous warfare development groups a few months ago. "

"Yes, sir. I've scored 97/100 sir. The best in my Division sir." Cross said proudly, making Captain Hamid smile.

"Outstanding lieutenant. We could use your special talent, as we are in need of special Operators now. You've been reassigned to the S.A.C from here and on."

Jackson Cross looked somewhat perplexed, he turned to the Captain who simply nodded.

"I suppose I don't get a say in this do I, Colonel?"

"No you don't son. It's a direct order." Then everything began.

---

Sometime later...

Jesselton International Airport

"Welcome to Sabah, please state the purpose of your visit here, Mr?" the pretty officer working at the customs entrance smiled toward the young South American men who had just arrived from the South American Confederacy. He spoke a clear English.

"Ah, I hope you will enjoy you stay here sir." Little did she knew, he is just the first amongst many who will be involved in the oncoming storm...
will this person be amongst many whose blood will be splitted in the crimson sea? Time will tell.

[Southern American Confederacy]

A column of vehicles rolled through the Atacama desert, leaving only a trial on the sand. Three vehicles of Desperado Enforcement were riding today, to their destination. Three cars full of heavy armed mercs. In recent days, Desperado Enforcement became a powerful private army made out of veterans. Blackwater was nothing compared to this PMC, which was enormous conglomerate selling war. This time, they were on a training mission.

" Contact nine o'clock!" came shout of one of PMC members when he saw a shooting dummies on his left. The Mercs left their cars, and formed a defence line using the cars as /_\ 360* shield, with their VIP - who was in this scenario local oil baron - hid in the middle, covered by body of AIC ( Agent in charge ).
" Attack front! " shouted AIC, while four mercs formed line formation and left one by one their safe haven. Chattering of AK103 made hearing anything else impossible - but AIC was sure that two "tangos" were eliminated. Then, using so called "frog" his mercs retreated and the cars went alive again. Soon the convoy left the scene.

Former Major Anderson Santiago - now CEO of Desperado Enforcement - looked on his men. This was one of his best teams. He went to them when they finished their training and spoke:

" We have a new contract " he smiled. This meant a lot of money for all of them. Desperado had reputation of most brutal and bloody PMC in the world.
"Where?" asked Juan Torres, leader of this group - "Africa another time?

"No, my friends" replied Anderson "A little help in Regime Change. Sabah. We are needed by the military to help them remove some politicians. You all know how much $ we can earn on it."

Enormous grin appeared on Merc' s face.

" I will get my boys ready!" he said with happy face " Time to bring some pain!"

* * * * * * *

"I am here as tourist, young lady" replied Juan Torres, smiling when he and his men were getting through control " I would like to see Sabah."

She obviously did not knew who she was talking with. After they passed the inspection on false papers, group of 12 mercs headed for Hotel, whose owner was former worker of Desperado - and he gladly took a sum of money to give a floor to the mercs. When they entered, they were greeted with smile and warmness. Old veterans liked each other. Their floor was the most high one, where nobody had access - only they had. When they unpacked their clothes, owner came with few big packages.

"Your gear" he told them "some HK416 bought on local black market, a few uzis, two shotguns, even one RPG-7 is all I was able to get. But I think this would be enough."

The Mercs also get new MOLLE vests. This floor was turning into a real base. After an hour, another four men and a woman arrived. They were specialists in electronic warfare and communications, who were to set listening post there. This hotel would soon be turned into real base.

Juan smiled when he saw his mercs preparing the gear. He then sent message to Sabahean military officer who hired them:

"We are ready to bring pain!"

[Sabah]

DOCTOR MATTHIAS TENNANT

Around the same time as in the last post...

He can feel the changes in the air...and it disturbed him.

Something is taking place in the country, the leader of the ‘opposition’, Doctor Matthias Tennant thought – if he could call it that, as Sabah is a country with two primary ‘parties’ in its government; the elite military stratocrats and the technocracy of scientist and scholars – something is slowly but surely changing the country itself, he allowed himself to hope that perhaps this country will finally be able to heal itself from the plague of military dictatorship.

Hope.

Perhaps that is the only thing that he and his fellow technocrats possess right now. Thought he himself consider him as a visionary, an idealist who loved to see pure freedom and liberty can one day find its root in Sabah, the cold hard truth of his surrounding reminds him every day on the job that the fragile technocracy is nothing more than servant of the military; that the so called ‘guided democracy’ which allows elections of the civilians scientist, technical ‘experts’, is affront to real democratic norms.

He had witnessed how the military elite had constructed an entire artificial culture based on external civilization in order to pursue its own goal, and to secure its own position in the country. Under the military regime which had ruled for almost 50 years, this country had become more and more fascists, expansionist. But military tight grip on the politics, social and economy of this country had made them a hegemon that is almost impossible to defeat. The military is the government, the state and the law.

Survival of the fittest? Soldiering is the greatest and noblest of all profession in the country? What happened to human reasoning? Decision making on national matters and foreign policies based on rational thinking proven by scientific approaches? The Doctor thought inside his office, he gets angered every time he thought about how the military had influenced the minds of all Sabahan with such as simplistic narrow minded views, and had turned almost all Sabahan into a brutal killing machine who adore the violence of action and an irrational romantic view that death in war is something that every Sabahan should achieve.

The current gun boat based diplomacy and aggressive foreign policy can't work. There's always someone who owns a bigger stick in this world and one day Sabah is going to get a beating.

The world is not a jungle, with an anarchic international system, Matthias Tennant had always believed that order and law is possible. Liberty and freedom is essentially every human birthright. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. While it’s arguable that democracy doesn’t always work, and is far from perfect, it is still by far one of the more capable governance systems that can bring equality and balance for any society and states. Unfortunately the military never agree with that, and would rather have all the powers in their own hand. The military elite see the world as a dangerous place, something that requires the society to armed itself to the teeth as Sabah have done for last 50 years. A large portion of Sabah's economy and resources has been diverted for the military, such waste, if used for the citizens in the streets, and to help strengthen the country, Sabah could definitely become a stronger middle power in the entire NationStates.

Perhaps, now is the chance to change all that; Alexander Markus, the Fuhrer-President had died. Democracy in the country can be restored. All he have to do is to seize the moment, tread carefully.

"I need my allies." He whispered to himself, gazing far outside the office window, which have a panoramic 180 degrees view of the capital city. The towering government complex lies not too far on the horizon, his eyes were fixed toward a large dome shaped building which is surrounded by towering skyscrapers, metal of glass, metal and concrete, the nation's center for legislative body. He allowed himself to hope, that perhaps one day, he may be able to rule inside the complex, as a civilian Head of Government.

President Matthias Tennant? Or Prime Minister Matthias Tennant? It does have a nice ring to it, the scientist turned politician dreamed.

“Matt.” A sudden knock from the door. It was the voice a woman. His companion, Doctor Evangelina Magimba. His thoughts returned to the presence, no longer dreaming.

“Yes, Eve?” he turned, the woman allowed herself in.

"It is time for the special Parliament session. Our helo is already in flight and headed here. It should arrive in 15 minutes."

"All right thank you." The Doctor said. Not really paying any attention. She was about to leave the office when she noticed something on his look.

"You looked tense."

"I fear for our Future, Eve. For this country. Something is changing, but I am not sure if its for the best or worst for all of us."

"Well it's up to us. We can make sure it's for the best. Let's get ready."

"Perhaps you are right. He thought about that. Yes, if there is a man who can make sure democracy return to Sabah, it would be him; Matthias Tennant. He can at least try something.

"Of course I am, everything will be just fine." She said, smiling, then exited the office.

She was wrong. She was dead wrong...She did not see the crimson storm coming.

[Sabah]

FIELD MARSHAL CORRINGTON VON VLAD

First Vice Fuhrer, currently the most powerful man in the Holy Borneon Empire

Time: 1300 H the same day.

The military VVIP motorcade was well on its way toward the National Assembly Hall that afternoon, cruising at above normal speed on the highway from the Vice Fuhrer's house just half an hour ago without any complication. Well, it wasn't a surprise, the military which is also the government had closed down half of roads in one of the major 6 lanes roadways headed toward the Capital Hill, where the National Assembly building lies in the middle of Jesselton City, the capital of the Holy Borneon Empire, which is also home to 8 million Sabahan.

As standard operating procedure, the motorcade - which consists of 5 vehicles, 2 large SUVs at the lead, followed by the armored luxury sedan carrying the VVIP, and another two SUVs at the back, was heavily protected. All of the vehicle were protected by armor, and had been designed to be able to sustain minimal or no damage from high explosive, the thickness of it were of course a state/military secret. Not many people know this as well, but some of the vehicle had actually been equipped by an active protective system, which has been reverse engineered from conventional technology used by the Self Defense Force vehicles, similar to the conventional version, this modified version were upgraded to be available for commercial, high values users. The Vice Fuhrer, the No #2 man in Sabah, with the passing of the Fuhrer-President only yesterday, is of course the top of that list.

The chief of the Vice Fuhrer's protection detail had planned for a squadron of attack helicopters escort as well, but that was considered an overkill by the Vice Fuhrer. Even the last Fuhrer President didn't travel inside his own country like that in the past. Corrington von Vlad didn't want to be seem as a leader who out 'style' his predecessor, especially when he had passed into the afterlife only yesterday.

The motorcade was moving fast, at about 120 kph, the traffic next to their lanes were however moving at a slower pace, almost halted to a traffic jam actually. The citizens must be loathing at him now, Corrington thought while sitting next to the black tinted bulletproof window. Like most of the key leaders in the country, he too seemed to drifted into a strange dream like state.

His expressions looked calm at the moment, but it was because numbness had suppressed his emotions. The truth is, he is as much as feeling devastated by the lost of his oldest best friend. He had knew the Alexander Markus almost his entire life now. They had served in the same infantry company back in the 60s, when the world was rife with conflicts with the communist horde. Markus was his senior by several years, then he rose in rank, becoming his company commander after the former was killed in battle against the communist, while the SDF was fighting a delaying defense in Papar, North Borneo, before retreating to the last defensive bastion in Labuan Island.

"We must die where we stand! No retreat!" Alexander Markus, the late Fuhrer-President, then was only a mere First Lieutenant had told him those and the remaining 24 men in his company exactly those word during one of the climatic battle in the defense of Membakut District.

It is strange how I still remember that. He allowed himself to smile as he revisit the past inside his mind. His chief of staff, a lieutenant colonel, was sitting next to him, while the chief of the protection detail, who was wearing all black coat attire was riding shotgun, they all understood that the boss wanted to be alone at this moment. The men said nothing.

Then the radio transmission from the lead vehicle blared up, and a wailing siren at the distant is heard.

"All call signs, this is Point Three, the military police had just prevented a lone vehicle from entering into the reserved lane. Looks like the driver got impatient in this traffic jam." the caller at the end of the radio transmission said.

Then it was followed by: "All clear."

"We could have taken air transport to get there. All this traffic jam only to get me there. One man. Anyone would be pissed off."

"Forgive me, mein-Fuhrer, but you're not just 'one man', you're our new leader now." Corrington chuckled, still unable to accept the fact that people will has been calling him that since yesterday morning.

Mein-fuhrer.My fuhrer.

"I'm not the Fuhrer-President yet. But we'll see how the vote goes."

"ETA 10 minutes sir." the chief of protection said.

10 minutes to show time. The Vice-Fuhrer sighed.

---

ADMIRAL CASSANDRA JAMES

Second Vice Fuhrer, currently the most powerful woman in the Holy Borneon Empire

"Mein-Fuhrer, we will be arriving in 10 minutes." Inside a similar armored car, but in another motorcade, at the other side of the city, a woman said to her boss, who was reading the news from her tablet device, Admiral Cassandra James looked somewhat composed, her looks betrayed no emotion, and was physically looking bright despite her actual age. People would assume she is only in her mid 40s, while she was nearing 60 years old, and already a grandmother of 7.

She was reading a news piece on how the opinion of the country was still divided over the issue on who among the two; herself and Corrington, should be appointed as the new Fuhrer-President, but was satisfied with the fact that, because there are more females in the demography, the citizens would love the see the prospect of having the first female Fuhrer-President. The feminist group would love that. She thought.

Just like Corrington, the people around her had already begun to address her as 'my Fuhrer' without any reservation now, but unlike Corrington she had no problem with that, in fact, she believes she deserved it, and was more than ready to take over the country's leadership. It was something about being a woman who can become a better leader compared to most men.

She adapted quickly to the news which had shocked the nation, like everyone in the Cabinet, she had known the late Fuhrer-President for half her life. She had considered him a good friend, and perhaps more than that for sometime a very, very, very long time ago. Funny how she still remember that, while he hadn't. Either way, she accepted that her friend is gone, dead. Something that a person serving in the uniform service must face sometime in their life. She tried not to think too much about the dead though. As how she would like to put it;

"The dead can wait until the living has been taken care of." she found herself whispering.

"Ma'am?" Her chief of staff, a younger woman with the rank of commander overheard her.

"What? Oh, it's nothing. Just something about Alexander used to say, I just happen to remember it." She smiled.

"Was it one of the good memories? I am sure both of you shared lots of them." the commander said.

"Well it's something." But I wouldn't call it a good memories though. Admiral Cassandra James said.

"The dead can wait until the living has been taken care of!" inside her head, one of the memories she wish she could forget played itself like a movie once again. Inside her mind, she was back to the days when they were younger; she was an Ensign,deputy commanding officer of riverine patrol craft, and he was Captain, attached to her craft. Their convoy was ambushed while conducting a riverine operation, killing most men insider another boats.

"The dead can wait until the living has been taken care of!" The late Fuhrer has yelled at her. That was her first time seeing men getting torn up by machine guns and, rocket propelled grenades, and how the late Fuhrer had showed his darker, colder, almost inhumane side. Her boat chief were unfortunately among the killed, shocked with his death, the army Captain had scolded her to focus on the situation at hand and not be taken by her emotions. He slapped her when she protested, screaming at her to take command of the craft so the rest could live.

That was more than 40 years ago. Then almost 20 years later, she was invited to join his cabinet as a minister when Alexander Markus become the new Fuhrer-President.

Yes, the dead can wait until the living has been taken care of. You are dead Alexander Markus, the living; the people of this country must be taken care of first... by me. The Vice Fuhrer thought out loud.

---

AN OLD MAN WITH A SCHEME

One of Kovanian Sajej's phone beeped up, the ring tone told him that a message has been received. The Chief Executive Director of Borneon Heavy Industries, former Strategic Action Command general, and one of the richest man in Holy Borneon Empire, quickly go through its content. They belonged to a private number, with the ID hidden from view - though he could easily remove that protection if he choose to do so. The number had belonged to one of his trusted officers, one of the generals still serving with the SDF, who had forwarded the message from one of their operators inside the country.

The message was simple: "We are ready to bring pain!"

He smiled rather devilishly, then quickly typed in the reply:

Tell them to maintain OPSEC as well as readiness, and to stand by for further instructions but maintain concealment and covers for all times. Get them prepped for black op within a week timeframe. I will deliver them the intel for objective asap.

Then the old men tapped the send button on the screen.

On his table, was what is going to be part of the so called 'intel package'; the blueprint of a secret government information technology lab in Area 2. It contains the detail of a secret experimental software that links to a server for one of the deadliest weaponized Artificial Intelligence in the SDF cyber warfare arsenal. He had planned to acquire it for himself, as that would definitely allow him and his people to offset the disadvantage of lacking enough men to fight for them in their quest for power.

As using active serving military personnel or Sabahan can be traced easily, the only effective method is to use these elite private military operators.

The crimson storm continues to brew...

---

[Sabah]

"Politics"

---

JESSELTON CITY
The National Assembly Hall

1330 H.

Contrary to popular belief, and despite by condemned by the rest of the international community for being a military dictatorship, Sabah did practiced its own system of an ‘open election’; only, the term ‘open’ was limited to some members of the military stratocracy, and also, the entire technocrat factions in the government. But they country rarely practiced such systems, and the regime would only call for an open election when there is a special reason to do so...today it found that reason. The death of the Alexander Markus, the 3rd Fuhrer-President, had create an opening for the top post in the Stratocratic Republic of Sabah, which is also known as the Holy Borneo Empire; a position that must be filled in quickly to ensure peace and stability in the a country that possessed almost 14,000 nuclear warheads in its arsenal. A joint session had been scheduled today at 1400 H, where members of both the Lower and Upper House of Representative will conduct a vote, to decide who shall become the new Fuhrer-President.

To most outsiders who only looked at the military aspect of the Holy Borneo Empire, tt was quite difficult to understand this country actually, most usually made a conclusion that the military dictated everything in this country; that the military is also the state and the government, a trinity in its own form. That was understandable, as the Self Defense Force is a hegemon in its own right, one that controlled nearly all aspect of Society and politics in the country; legislative, judicial, executive branch of the government, the mass media, and even in the economy, name one aspect of the Empire the military more than certain have one of their own as a representative. What the world didn't seem to notice was the fact that civilian in Sabah did played an important role in the government, and had their own representative in the legislative, judiciary, mass media and also the economy, saved for the executive branch of the government, that was the only area of the government that these so called technocrats were restricted to.

The technocracy, the rule of the ‘experts’; scientist, engineers, scholars, academicians that governs the Holy Borneo Empire side by side with the ruling military regime. They were created almost 20 years ago, during the end of the reign of Cain Dumas, the Second Fuhrer President, who thought that the military government’s effectiveness can be improved by adding ‘experts’ that could act as advisors, and as ‘force multipliers’. The results has been and continue to astound the people of the Empire. In the past, government policies took longer time to be implemented, (but were still a lot faster compared to demo(n)cratic states which usually found itself plagued by bureaucratic red tapes) and decisions were made usually by the order of a single officer. Sometimes the an implemented policies failed to produce the intended result despite all the efforts taken. The reign of the first two Fuhrer-Presidents had been, admittedly, not as effective as is is now.

Alexander Markus, who had recently passed, sought to changed all that, he had embraced science as part of his nation building agendas. He understood that, while the a civilian politicians can not be trusted, military officers, while they can become a great warrior, that doesn't always means they will be a good civil servant or civil administrators. Hence, the technocrats were expanded and introduced into the government bureaucracy. The so called experts, scientist, business leaders, researchers, scholars - all the educated non military individuals - become a central agent of change for the Empire. Providing technical expertise in policy and daily decision making; the right people for the right mission.

In less than 20 years, Sabah, which had been a backwater agricultural island nation, had successfully rose to become one of the leading middle power in the region. A social policies was well researched before they were even debated in the Assembly Hall, the military governors in each region had listened to advice of the their technocrats subordinate. Technological innovation from abroad were adopted throughout the Empire, helping to boost production capacity tenfold, enabling Sabah become more and more industrialized, which in turn resulting with the economic sectors headed toward the secondary and tertiary sectors, instead of the traditional agriculture sectors, and the GDP saw high growth percentage for two consecutives decades, where finally Sabah is one of the most Frightening economies in the world of NationStates today...

By adapting the technocracy, Sabah showed to the entire world that a country doesn't have to practice democracy to become successful. But that doesn't always means that the non military leaders have to agree with the non democratic military government... Some members of the technocracy sought to change the current system in the country, secretly advocating the return of democracy, but were unable to do so in the open, fearing the backlash from the military which is sure is going to be harsh and unforgiving.

Secretly a good portion of citizens throughout the Empire would love to have democracy returns to Sabah, but the social norms, education systems, and to a certain extend the cultural settings in the empire had been constructed to benefits the regime since the military took over power and disposed the weak democratic government in the year 1967, which was supposed to be temporary in nature, now more than 40 years, the military never relinquish control of the government. Those in powers usually don't, something that the educated despise, but were unable to do anything, but inside the smaller technocrat elite, they were a few who hold enough influence to spark a change in this dogmatic system of governance.

And in the current technocracy, Matthias Tennant is the most powerful of them all...

DOCTOR MATTHIAS TENNANT

As the leader of the technocrat, the Doctor hated the fact that the military had dictated their every moves. He had initially hoped that by allowing non military to serve in the government, when the technocracy was first established more than 20 years ago, the country would be able to find itself back to the democratic roots, and that the pople would be able to change the military regime slowly from within without resorting to a bloody revolution.

How naive was he then.

Nothing had changed.

Instead, the technocracy were subordinated directly to the Self Defense Force; brilliant minds in the country, were forced to serve the interest of the military. Of course, their work with the government, all those researches, all those advisory panels did helped to turn Sabah into a developed country, rising the prestige of the country with all sorts of achievement, they had indirectly helped to cement the grip of the military to the entire country as well. The more modern the country become, the more powerful their economy developed into, the more prestige the military regime gained, the more the people in the streets trusted the so called benevolent tyrant.

The people never that that scientific breakthrough were nationalized and made state (read military secret) instead of having the knowledge shared for the good of mankind. The Doctor watched in suppressed disgust on how technological advancement and science was diverted to create weapons systems capable of destroying a human life with ease. All the secret test which violates human rights and international laws...if only the people knew...

No more. He vowed.

The stratocracy shall end with the tyrant Alexander Markus, and democracy shall return to this Holy Land. But now, he must face another lesser tyrant...

"Doctor Tennant. It's been long time since we last meet." Field Marshal Corrington von Vlad said after both men approached one another in the spacious lobby of the National Assembly Hall. From the look of it, both them had just arrived. Corrington offered a handshake first, and both men put up their best smiles as the cameras from the media outlet flashes,they had already camped in the lobby earlier, most snapped dozens of pictures of that moment.

"Indeed it has, Marshal. I am glad I am able to meet you again today." Tennant lied, smiling, taking the Vice Fuhrer's hand. The grip was unnaturally strong.

"Come, let us walk in together." Corrington said, leading the way, his security details flanked both men as they walk across the red carpeted floor, headed into a more closed hallway which lead to the parliament chamber. They walked forward, leaving the watchful eyes of the new reporter and cameraman.

"Tell me Doctor. How do you think the voting will end?" Corrington asked, when he was sure the camera could not longer record their lips movement.

"I think we should be frank with one another, the question you really mean, was 'Am I planning to vote for you or will I cast my vote to James?' Either way, do you wish to become the next Fuhrer-President, Marshal Vlad?" Tennant said with slight smile. His gazed were fixed toward the end of the walkway.

"You are a wise man, Doctor Tennant I admire you for that."

"Well to be honest, I haven't really decide which one among you two I should be voting for. Perhaps...you could persuade me."

"Have the Admiral contacted you yet?" Corrington said, deliberately ignoring the question.

"Now I wonder why would you ask that?"

"I am sure that you yourself is aware, that old woman is dying to become the next Fuhrer. And a man of your position, can influence the rest of the Lower Chamber."

"I take it that you want me to openly endorse you as the next Fuhrer?"

"Well, it doesn't have to be that way, but I believe, if you do, and if I am the next confirmed Fuhrer-President, then I have a proposition that I want you to hear."

"Why not hear it now?" Corrington laughed when he heard that.

"Now, now, you know the saying; don't count your chickens before the eggs hatched." the Vice Fuhrer smiles.

"Then perhaps, if you are the next Fuhrer, I'll have a proposition to offer to you as well. " the leader of the technocracy replied with a smile as well.

Politics.

[Sabah]

"Politics" (Part II)

---

ADMIRAL CASSANDRA JAMES

1340 H

She was making a turn at a corner when she bumped with Field Marshal Corrington and Doctor Tennant, all three stopped in their track, and from the looks on their faces, everyone were somewhat startled with the coincidental encounter.

"Hello." She said with a smile.

"Cassie, fancy seeing you here. We were just talking about you." Corrington said, with his own polite smile, calling with with her short name, well both of them had known each other for decades now. The Second Vice Fuhrer studied the face, and noticed, if he was surprised, he was quick to control his own expressions.

"Admiral." Tennant bowed a little, despite being a leader of the technocracy, she still outrank him in terms of position.

"Doctor Tennant." Cassandra nodded before turning to the other man. "Oh, I am sure you were...say, you're not scheming behind my back are you, Marshal? Trying to offer something to the good doctor here in exchanged for political support?" she looked up, and gazed right into their eyes.

"What if we did?" Corrington said, then started laughing, an act that was immediately copied by Tennant. She wasn't sure if he was lying or telling the truth.

"That's just fine with me. I am sure you'll need those, Vlad." the admiral shot back.

"Oh, I am sure this afternoon is going to be very interesting. Don't you think, Admiral?" Corrington took a step closer, and with him being taller than her, looked down when he spoke to her. She hated that. Men. They were always the same, especially when a man had more stars on their ranks; it's worse being in a uniformed service. They were always so chauvinist toward fellow female soldiers but loved to pretend to be a gentlemen in front of non military women.

"Indeed." She smirked. Inside her mind, she decided that he'll become Area 7 new governor if she is the next Fuhrer.

I will be the Fourth Fuhrer.

"Still, this is a fortunate coincidence, imagine the three of us walking in together into the Hall, what a perfect picture opportunity for the media. I am sure they'll love that." Tennant said, and that somehow diffused the situation from becoming tense.

"I suppose, but can I walk ahead? 'Ladies firsts'?" she said, Tennant stepped aside, waving a hand, as if trying to show her the way.

"Thank you, Doctor, you're a finer gentleman in this Empire."

"Not a problem, my Vice Fuhrer."

"I am sure you still remember what we discussed last evening, Doctor?" she said, and noticed how Corrington sneaked a glance at both of them from the side, this time, the sudden change in his expression, betrayed his thoughts.

You must have seen that coming. You're not the only one who can play this game, old man. Cassandra thought out loud, she was beginning to enjoy the new phase of her career even more from that moment. The feeling of being so close to the top, the 'throne' of the entire Empire, is within her grasps now...if only she could find a way to get rid of this old man.

Politics.

The three of them said nothing as they take the stroll into the interior of the assembly hall.

[Sabah]

"Politics" - Part III

---

National Assembly Hall, Jesselton City

It was a quarter to 2 o'clock when the three most prominent officials made their way in, the Keeper of the Door, a fancy job title for a Warrant Officer from the leading ceremonial regiment, with a fancier and even more ludicrous job pay saw the three of them first, he, and two other guards in dress uniforms behind him, snapped to attention, before raising their right arm and salute as perfect as they can. Admiral Cassandra James, being the ranking personnel in front, returned the salute.

"Your excellencies, please wait a moment." He turned to his men, and pointed to the double doors handle, they reached for it and opened them wide, revealing the interior of the Assembly.

"Ladies and gentlemen, announcing the arrival of His Excellency Field Marshal Corrington von Vlad, and Her Grace Admiral Cassandra James Limunjing; Vice Fuhrers of the Holy Borneo Empire, accompanied by Doctor Matthias Tennant of the People's Council." his voice filled in the entire hall. The people inside stood still to watch, ceased doing whatever they were doing previously, all eyes were on the three of them who were standing at the side entrance doors.

News cameras immediately followed their movement, one was already zooming in on the two Vice Fuhrers, an image which immediately uplinked to all stations, satellites, in the next few seconds as usual. It was a normal government procedure; Sabah's national assembly session were always broadcasted live to the entire Empire. The people seldom watch something like that normally, but on that afternoon this broadcast was one of the most watched channel in the recent history of Sabahan media, gaining more ratings than the usual soaps and entertainment program, and because most of the local station had temporarily interrupt their regular programs to broadcast this historical joint session, it is the only thing that the country can watch anyway.

A camera showed four other men uniformed approached the three, all with stars on their shoulder, all Cabinet ranking government Department Secretaries, but from different services, each took turn to salute Corrington and Cassandra, before the two Vice Fuhrers began exchanging introductory words - the camera's were unable to pick up what they were saying though - the news commentator had to fill in by his own commentaries and assumptions; handshakes were also exchanged, both the Vice Fuhrers had managed to give polite and friendly smiles on their faces - one commentator said, even suggested that Corrington looked more controlled, probably not wanting to look too eager and excited; and how Admiral Cassandra looked more solemn, probably more affected by the death of the late Alexander Markus. Tennant didn't received too much attention though. They were a brief conversation, then the little group break apart, all headed to their own seats and table.

As a stratocratic technocracy, this assembly was indeed different to other nation's assembly, but also similar in the surface looks. The seating plan was formed into a large semicircle. The Parliament, or also known as the First People's Council, consist of 250 members, 55% of its members belonged to uniformed representative,majority of them holds the rank of Colonels, and a few Lieutenant Colonels, or those equivalent in ranks, and older members even had one or two stars on their rank. Meanwhile, the remaining 45% belonged to the civilian members of the technocracy, non military officials appointed among themselves, and some through civilian referendum; these were the scientists, doctors, economist, philosophers, scholars, academician and the like. Unlike the military, the average age of these faction are a lot younger, and all of them holds at least one doctorate degree. Doctor Matthias Tennant belonged to this group. It was easy differentiating them inside the hall though; the military were always in their service uniform, while the technocrats were always in their black and white coat and jacket.

The more elite group of the legislative body are known as the High Council, or the Supreme Armed Forces Senate, comprised of almost a 100 members. All active duty generals and admirals, in command of the various service branches of the military, its command organization, and of course, the top leaders of the provincial government; Governor Generals of all the annexed Areas in the Holy Borneo Empire - which for some reason, only half of them had attended this extra ordinary session. They sat at the front of the People's Council. The Cabinet, members of the Executive branch, is also part of this group. The two Vice Fuhrers sat at the front.

Then the camera turned to the man sitting on a slightly elevated platform at the center of the semicircle; the Lord Speaker Soren Lockhart, a man who according to the Stratocratic Constitution is the third in line to succeed the Fuhrer-President, should anything untoward happened to Corrington and Cassandra.

"All right, let get this started." he said into the microphone, looking unimpressed, resting his chin against his left hand, while the other hand hold the meeting agenda.

---

KOVANIAN SAJEJ

Somewhere in Labuan Island Offshore Financial Center...

"Look at all these targets all gathered there at the same place." Indeed, it was the perfect opportunity, the Chief Executive Director said to his aide, they were watching the news feed as well in their office. Secretly, Sajej reminisced on his past, when he was a member of the High Council, but that was almost a decade ago. He dreamed about returning to that place, but his plan is slowly taking its form, and he still need more time before he can act.

---

HIGH TREASON

Area 7

But someone else was already taking action...and he is Lieutenant General Rashad Yudyono, who was the Deputy Governor General in Area 7, the Southern Most region in the Holy Borneo Empire.

"A shame. I am sorry I had to do this old friend." He said calmly, looking down to a corpse of what had been the Governor General of Area 7, who was lying on the floor with a pool of crimson blood, with a small bullet hole between his eyes, which were still opened. He felt terrible having to killed an unarmed man, especially when he had known the Governor for half his life, and had considered him as a mentor and a friend once.

"But this is something I must do." He knew he had to do it, as the Sabahan who had come from Area 0 would kill him if he had been given even the slightest chance. If he had only surrendered quietly to him and not resisting as he had tried before he would probably live another day. Rashad who donned the tactical gear with a small 911 gun at on hand took a knee, closing the eyes of the deceased - the first victim in this Crimson Storm - which starred back at him with disbelief and anger only seconds ago.

"General, we have the codes!" A men appeared by the opened door.

"Excellent, now redirect the coordinates of the tactical missile Colonel. We need to act fast." he ordered.

"Yes sir." the younger officer disappeared, the general walked out of the room.

"Men! Today we take back what had once belonged to us. Today the Republic of Kalimantan shall rise again!"

...Somewhere in the southern jungle, a battery of medium range tactical ballistic missile is being prepped for launch. All of them had been turned to face north.

This is how the war begin.

[Sabah]

Klaxon

White Rose, High Command HQ

It was supposed to be just like any other day at the office for Staff Sergeant Hill, a Royal Sabahan Air Force senior technician who is in charge of a small 6 woman strong communication detail in the National Observation and Reconnaissance Directorate, which also known as NORAD. After almost 8 hours into her daily shift, the next detail was supposed to relieve them within the hour.

Like most soldiers in the Stratocracy, she is a dedicated person, and a patriot who loves her country and willing to defend it from enemies who dares to threaten her and her citizens...only, what she never expect was to witnessed fellow countrymen attacking the country, from within.

Without any warning, the alarm klaxon blared to life, and the entire computer displays inside observation office projected the imminent danger on to the large massive screen.

"Staff Sergeant Hill!" one of her subordinate yelled. Everyone sprang into active combat mode without having to wait for Hill's order.

Their monotonous shift ended abruptly. Hill ran next to Corporal Darina, who's fingers are already typing key command into the console frantically. From their far back, several officers who heard the alarm klaxon went running in.

"Status report!" Colonel Nagala demanded.

"We have confirmed missile threat, Colonel. Sensors picked up a missile launch somewhere...from South Borneo?" She hesitated when she saw the initial radar tracking screen.

"What? Unauthorized launch from our own soldiers? Trajectory detail? Point of impact?" Then the radar screen showed several more bleep.

"Sir, we have four-NO, make that five more missile launch!" another airmen(woman actually) yelled.

"What?" All Nagala can do is repeat himself. To him it was confusing, and simply not making any sense.

"Sir, computer predicted it will impact somewhere in North Borneo!" Hill said firmly, checking another console display, that one was the advanced sensors which combined tracking radar readings to predict the target location on real time basis.

On the large screen, six medium range nuclear missile is in flight.

"Sir!" Sergeant Hill raise her voice, this Colonel is taking too much time to react. Colonel Nagala finally absorbed the true danger of the situation.

"INFORM THE SDI! HAVE ALL MISSILE DEFENSE READY TO INTERCEPT THOSE THREAT!"

"Already on it sir." It didn't take too much time, NORAD, which is practically one of the missile defense center is interconnected to the various formation and units in the Self Defense Force, and the moment NORAD received the early warning, basically almost every command knows what's going on.

Then the unthinkable happened. All the screens flickered. Something was jamming the national active electronically scanned array radar network!

"Run ECM!" Nagala shouted. The detail worked frantically. Sergent Hill brought up her own terminal system online.

"It's not working sir! It's as if our command had been written off from the systems!" One of the airmen shouted, her face turning white.

---

Second Lieutenant Jack Cross

Jackson Cross was on his way to the see his commander to say goodbye - as he was being transferred to his new outfit on the same day, several hours after the meeting he had earlier - when the klaxon alarm and the emergency siren rung throughout the base. He noticed the same emergency siren were activated throughout the surrounding districts. Instinctively, he ran headed to the nearest barrack.

---

National Assembly Area

Speaker Soren Lockhart was about to begin the special assembly session when all of a sudden he heard multiple handphone vibrated in across the hall - they weren't barred, but legislator are required to put them into silence before a session begin. Then squads of armed personal detail of both Vice Fuhrer stormed into the hall as well with guns in the open. Then he heard the emergency siren.