Dragon House
Xianggang | Capital of the Canton Republic
1400 Hours | April 20th, 2016
”… Red Militia has claimed responsibility for the deadly attacks two days ago which claimed over eighty lives and injured hundreds more, the vast majority. Twin blasts rocked a pro-regime rally in Chaoqiu in the deadliest terror attack since 2002 which was followed up by several attacks on numerous army and police patrols near the Chen-Canton border. The communists have warned the Empire that this was just the beginning of the ‘liberation of the proletariat’ and that they wouldn’t stop at anything to bring about the downfall of the Chen Dynasty.
“The Empire, after promising swift retribution for the terrorists, sharply accused the Canton government under President Chin Tu Fat of harbouring the terrorist and actively supporting their activities, an accusation the government denies. According to the Chen military, the Canton border guard covered the terrorists as they escaped across the border, firing over thirty times at pursuing patrols. Canton in turn acknowledged that warning shots had been fired, but only in reaction to being shot at by Chen soldiers. It is known that the Chen Red Militia is supported by local Canton communists and has a network of training and command centers across the Canton mountains.
“Relations between Canton and China have been deteriorating and have just taken a turn for the worse with the recent terror attacks. China has repeatedly urged the Fat administration to eliminate the armed communist presence and while Canton has officially taken action against the terror threats, communist bases and strongholds of support have barely been touched and experts say the communist movement has just emerged stronger than never before…”
President Chin Tu Fat inhaled slowly, breathing in the carbon monoxide, nicotine and hundreds of other carcinogenic chemicals that he was sure would one day kill him. The majority of his cabinet had already filed in and the last few latecomers entered the room. Amongst them Generalleutnant Karl Ruprecht, the Wankan military attaché who had now become the de facto National Security Advisor for Fat’s government. Fat rose to greet him.
”Guten Nachmittag, Herr Ruprecht.” the President said, warmly shaking his hand.
”Nei hou, nei hou, Fat xin-xan?” Ruprecht responded, in the Yue native tongue. The lack of ethnic diversity here, too, was apparent. Two Han deputy ministers, and other than that, all Yue with the exception of several of Wankan descent. Ruprecht was Fat’s connection with Canton’s one historic ally, Wanka, and the influence he- and Sonneborn- held over his regime was remarkable. The relationship was one where benefit was mutual, however.
”M’goi sai.” (“Thanks”) he said as Fat pointed him to his seat. The Minister for Foreign Affairs began his presentation on the issue of today. It wasn’t about suppressing the communist movement, however. It was something darker.
“We have seen considerable, unusual activity by the Chen military. They’ve told us to destroy the communists, and if we won’t that, they’ve threatened to do it themselves, whether we’d like it or not.” he said in fluent German for the benefit of those present, although Ruprecht and the Han officials had been around long enough to learn the Yue dialect.
“It is a threat that they are capable and willing to going through with, and Herr Ruprecht’s office agrees. The question is, what will we do if they decide to attack us?”
“Attacking the communists is useless, we’ve tried and it will backfire. They have too much support in their strongholds.” said Fat. “We will also not simply sit back and let them roll over us. The damned Chinese have tried to bully us into submission for long enough, we must show them that we won’t bow to their insanity.”
All around the table, Fat’s comments was met with nods and murmurs of agreement. It reminded Ruprecht of Sonneborn’s leadership, where everyone practically agreed with whatever he said. The situation was similar; both were quasi-dictators and who could easily remove you if you pushed too far with your opinions.
“If they come looking for a fight, our only option is to resist with whatever we have. Anything else would mean suicide for the Canton Republic. What can we do to deter an invasion?”
“Mr. President, before we decide to escalate the situation, I believe it might be best if we try and look for a diplomatic solution and try avoiding bloodshed. The Chen leadership isn’t mad. I’m sure they’d rather not commit to war.” the Minister for Agriculture interrupted.
“Whether or not they will commit is out of control, but you have a point, of course we will look for a peaceful solution… within reason.” the Foreign Minister hastened to say.
“Agreed, I will leave that to you. Nevertheless,” Fat said, pointing to the Defense Minister, a short man named Ho Lee Fuk, “we must be prepared.”
“Yes. Ahem.” Fuk replied, bringing up a map of Canton for everyone to see. “As advised by the General Staff and General Ruprecht we can initially move the 2nd Mountain Brigade to Daming, the 22nd Mountain Brigade to Hejian, the 8th Mountain Brigade to Wuding and the 5th Armored Brigade to Henan.
“Furthermore, additional brigades will be put on high alert so that they can be moved at an instant. This is as far as we can go so as not to trigger some huge controversy, although our troops may encounter… problems when garrisoned in Kosa or communist dominated areas.
“In case of a surprise attack, the Huanghe river offers an excellent natural defensive barrier and can be defended from the opposite bank and from the Huangdi mountains. This will be our best chance at inflicting high casualties on Chen forces. We have also warned Hainanese, Manchu and Taichi commanders and they too will put their forces on alert.
“However, we cannot expect to have aerial dominance as our small air force is no match for theirs. It will be vital to heavily guard and control logistics centers such as Henan, Hejian, Tainan and Taiping. Any disruption to their roads or rail services will significantly deteriorate our ability to bring troops through the mountains from the west coast, so defending these will be an imperative.”
“That will do, Mr. Fuk. I approve of the plan.” said Fat, talking a while more before ending the meeting. He held back Ruprecht as the others filed out.
“I hope you won’t mind…” said Fat.
”Mo man tai. This takes precedence, of course.”
“The mobile surface to air missiles and MANPADs, can you speed up their delivery?” Fat said, his voice sounding dejected. “With what Mr. Fuk said about our air capabilities, I’ve a feeling that they might be sorely needed.”
“I will try.” Ruprecht replied. “Don’t expect much, however. We’re still cleaning up the mess that was Saxony. We still have an equipment shortage amongst combat ready troops, but it doesn’t look like as if war is going to break out again soon, so you might be in luck.”
“Thank you, thank you. I assume, because of Saxony, in case hostilities break out, Wanka won’t directly assist Canton?”
“We would defend our brothers and sisters here if we could, that is out of question. However, the present situation dictates that this will not be possible. The Wankan Air Force has taken a serious beating and will need to muster all aircraft available in case of any provocation by the Sylvans, and the same goes for the Army. We will, however, support in any other ways possible- intelligence, diplomatic, material and financial assistance, you can count on that. Sonneborn values our bond and will only help strengthen it.” Ruprecht said. “However, we- the Wankan High Command- is confident in Canton’s ability to come out on top in case of conflict. Especially if relations with local forces, the Kosa and the communists, could be improved if only to fight a common enemy.”
“Doh zhae sai. It is good to know that we can rely on your help. As for the terrorist militias, I will take that into consideration. Desperate times call for desperate measures, I suppose. Anyway, that will be all. Aufwiedersehen, Herr General.”
The Kosa, maybe. The communists, never. If we’re forced into a bloodbath and come out alive, they will be the first to hang, the President said to himself.
