The Shadows of Terror (Sunalaya only CLOSED)

[Zanera]

Victorion, Zanera
Grand Debate Hall

---

"It may be time for Phyllis to go see Noxsidera. Phyllis will understand Noxsidera's predicament rather well. Phyllis is ready to go to Rhodevus, and he's actually getting eager to go. He's all packed up," said Perry Oldman.

"Very well. We'll 'deploy' Phyllis. Anyway, I've ordered for the Zanerians in the Senkarian embassy to be evacuated. The situation has gotten even more unstable, and increasingly dire. The Bannerless Brotherhood is strong in Senkaria. We'll have to assume their government's involvement," said Supreme James Vitchell.

"I agree. A prominent structure along with a Rezuan diplomat were able to be killed, with another Rezuan diplomat dead or captured. The situation is unstable, and there's probably no diplomatic hope unless you're a terrorist," said Perry.

"Unfortunately Zanerians don't make good terrorists. Even the actor in Dying Thunder that played the super-terrorist wasn't very good," said James, before continuing," Well, I've reviewed Senkarian culture and it could be supposed that they are both legitimate or that its either-or. We'll support Noxsidera, though our opinion won't matter much in Senkaria. Phyllis will need to get Noxsidera motivated and keep him that way. Noxsidera might still be broken, but he can duct tape himself back together if he has to, in the words of Phyllis."

"Yes, it always seems to come back to Phyllis. He's getting older, doesn't have too long left, but he's far from senile. We all bet he can get the motivation going."

---

Porshanke

Phyllis was finishing packing his bags, making sure he had all his medications thrice, and his favorite chocolate twice. He has gotten himself used to the sugar-free kind so that he wouldn't have to worry too much about diabetes. Phyllis liked to be mobile, though he had to sit down every so often. He had a iron cane, specifically iron for no particular reason. Phyllis was a friend of George Odin for a long time. He motivated George after he was shot during his presidential campaign, and continued to be his friend up until the Change. Phyllis decided to leave the Reason Party and had a gradual falling out with George Odin, and they harbored no bitter feelings toward one another. Phyllis began motivational speaking and community involvement across Zanera, with the Technocratic State sometimes getting him to speak at places like schools or open public facilities. Phyllis didn't get much money from it, but he got a lot of gratitude. Phyllis had dodged dementia for a while, but it seemed that it was starting to take hold. He could not remember petty things, but then he couldn't really worry about that, as long as he remembered to take his medicine and who he was and had been, he was okay with the slight dementia.

Now the Technocratic State wanted him to go to Rhodevus to speak with Noxsidera, the man who claimed he was the rightful Chairman of Senkaria, and who had actually been one, and wasn't just crazy. Phyllis had gotten hundreds of phone calls, most from Reason Party members he used to hang out with a lot. Phyllis had seen the reports from Senkaria, and thought like many other Zanerians that maybe their government was corrupt, as in involvement with terrorists. There was dozens of theories, some outlandish, some underpowering, some complex, some way too simple. Phyllis wanted to start getting involved somehow, and since a few hundred people recommended talking to Noxsidera, Phyllis had decided that he'd speak with the man. Phyllis didn't know what kind of shape Noxsidera was in, but Phyllis would try.

Phyllis was to get to Porshanke Municipal Airport, then to Victorion International Airport. Porshanke did not have fast winds today, so the airport was open. Porshanke was very windy, but some days the wind let up for the small airport. The Technocratic State has given Phyllis a paper code to produce at the hospital he was to go to, which wouldn't mean anything to anyone else, and probably not even the hospital. It read:

OTSPC: P18I999Hj08nk65

Phyllis wasn't told what the letters stood for, or what the other letters and numbers were. He was just to give it to the front desk at the hospital when he arrived. It had one of those anti-counterfeit lines in the paper when you held it toward the light. It was an odd paper.

Phyllis no longer wore his garb from his Reason Party days. He was to old to look good in it, and he looked better in a simple business suit. Phyllis tended to wear normal clothes when he was not doing something, like speaking or attending various kinds of meetings. He'd wear his suit when he went to speak with Noxsidera, he had decided.

Phyllis made his way to Porshanke Municipal Airport from his hotel room.

[Noctaria]

OOC: I'll be posting on this nation for the revolutionary group and Senkaria for the main nation under Chairman Drey's rule. I'll be making a post soon

[United Soviet Jason Republic]

[b]The Chambers, Senkaria[u]
The man outside of the building never heard the signal be sent. It was not his job to know, it was just his job to walk around with the receiver and transmitter. In his spring time coat, the man took his time walking around the building, as he normally did. It was a routine so common that a few of the guards knew the man by name. That is all it took. When the signal for the Chairmen’s helicopter came in, the receiver picked it up and sent a message automatically to the embassy. The man would wait another fifteen minutes before going back to the car and going to his fake home in the city.
The signal was picked up in the embassy’s meeting room with silence. All of those in the room were professionals. Their task had just started. The dark room was in the center of the embassy. A few special operations commanders and officers sat around the desk, organizing the mission. When the signal came in, the director instructed for the go message to be sent to the commandos. It was their time to shine

Ten Minutes from The Chambers

Mikhail Ipatiy looked at his watch. It was buzzing. He pressed down on the screen of the piece. He got his message. “Echo Tango, Golf Oscar, Golf Oscar.” It was a simple code, and the man knew what it meant. He sat up in the seat of the chopper and put his helmet on. He signaled for the others in the squad that it was time to roll out. Each of the commandos, with the exception of the pilots, rolled the plane out of the hangar. Within a minute all of the men, wearing all black uniforms, combat gear, and their assault rifles, were piled into the helicopter. It was time to go. With a slight roar the aircraft took off and made its way into the city. The helicopter flew low to avoid radar detection while entering the city. Once above populated areas it gained four hundred meters’ worth of altitude. But, by then, they were on the flight path of the plane that was supposed to pick up the chairmen.

The flight was a quick one. The men were hiding inside of the plane. The aircraft’s doors were closed, to conceal the men and to house the internal seating, which looked exactly like the Chairmen’s official plane. As the copper approached its target, it rose from the tree line and into a normal altitude. The copper came onto the helipad as if it was any other aircraft. The crew did not have to wait long to greet their new guest. The only peculiarity was that the helicopter did not power down its engines. But that could have been chocked up to the necessity to get the man out of the potential riot.

The crew waiting patiently as the Chairmen walked up to the plane. As the finely dressed man approached the doors, one of the commandos opened the door while two grabbed the man’s shoulder and pulled him into the chopper. Two others held their rifles at the guards escorting the man, making it clear that they should not intervene, if they wanted to live through the night, anyways.

Chairmen Drey was forced into the closest seat, partially due to the men throwing him into the seat, and partially by the force of the helicopter taking off at a high rate of speed. Within seconds the helicopter was out over the city, headed into the night. All of the external lights were quickly turned off by the pilots. When the Chairmen cried out demanding to know who took him, one of the commandos took out a tablet computer and handed it to his comrade sitting across from the Chairmen. The man held up the screen which turned from black to a familiar face.

President Mortimer sat in an all-white room. His suit was crisp, his tie bright red, and his face without emotion. Only his upper body could be seen. Behind him a drawn window could be seen, its shades the same color as the room. One could not tell if it was sunlight coming in through the window, or if it was another harsh light.
“Mister Chairmen,” the President began, keeping the same face as before. “Your actions for the past few weeks have not gone unnoticed by myself, or the international community as a whole. For the past few weeks the eyes of the world have been upon you. And you keep screwing up, Drey.” The man paused, and for a moment his face showed a hint of hate. “I do not care how you came to power. Or why you did so. What truly matters to me is the stability of Senkaria. Drey, you are in the big kid’s club. You can run around with the Brotherhood and kill for power, but you must yield it properly. Stop mucking around and get Senkaria on its feet. Start being a superpower and not a Rezuan political shitshow.”

“If you do not restore order in your country, I will gladly show you how a revolution is properly fulfilled.” The man’s last words were bitter and pointed. His eyes looked into the camera, and thus directly at Drey. Now over a forest, the helicopter began to descend to a landing point. The area was pitch black, with only the stars lighting the sky. It was the Chairmen’s time to reply to Mortimer.

[Noctaria]

Nova Island, Senkaria

The helicopter had been surrounded by oceans for a few hours. The weather was perfect and allowed the military grade helicopter to fly with ease over the ocean. Most of the helicopter ride was silent. Luna Brooks had her sunglasses on and was focusing on the flight. Rebeka had remained mostly quiet with the occasional question which Luna would either answer with little information or not at all. Suddenly Rebeka looked out of the window and saw an island.

"Welcome to Nova Island sweetheart." Luna said with a big grin while chewing some gum.

"Headquarters and pub of The Order of Swan. This is one of the safest places in Senkaria right now. This is where the revolutionaries have been gathering." She said. Rebeka looked up at her confused.

"Revolutionaries? Since when? I've heard no news about damn revolutionaries. I'm pretty sure the world would know by now." Rebeka said with paranoia.

"That's the thing. You outsiders may have been looking at Senkaria as relatively stable, but there has been horrible things going on without the world knowing. The Secret Police have been put back into service and the government has cracked down on media outlets. My mother, Miranda Brooks, is the chief writer for The Senka Times. She's a revolutionary but has been pretending to be royal to be an inside writer. Everything she writes is reviewed and changed accordingly. Drey, that little bastard, has been making sure Senkaria looks stable to avoid foreign intervention. He did a good job too until the recent terror attack at The Society. Anyways, we've been mostly quiet. Gathering forces, raiding military warehouses, gathering weapons and supplies. Drey has been gathering data on us for weeks now and is probably planning an attack, especially since we saved you, but he is missing one of our biggest weapons." Luna said looking back at Rebeka with a smirk.

"Erika Swan." She said.

---

The helicopter landed safely at the airport which was mostly empty. Guards came rushing towards the helicopter and formed a line as Rebeka exited and stood in the middle. Luna took her time climbing out of the helicopter, still chewing her gum, and patted one of the still guards on the shoulder that tried to ignore her presence.

"Hey Brian." She said jokingly as they continued walking.

"If you're wondering why the airport is empty that is because it was out first target. Not far from here is a military outpost under construction. The military decided to set base here in order to secure the island chain. Crucial trade route to go north of POD and get to Corentia. We heard news of a cargo plane loaded with weapons and cargo. We took that baby down and took this airport." She said.

"And the other airports in the world didn't notice an airport going out of business?" Rebeka said.

"Nope. This airport isn't used often as it is. Too damn cold up here. All flights got transferred to a different airport and this place was labeled as being refurbished and repaired from storm damage." She said.

"So, Drey and the government have been lying to the world this entire time?" Rebeka stopped glaring at Luna.

"You bet your ass. They've been sprinkling their seeds of lies like a farmer plants his fields. Senkaria stable? Ha. Now that's a joke." She said as a guard approached them and saluted to Luna.

"Captain Brooks." The man said formally.

"Quit the crap John. You know how I feel about being saluted. If I'm going to get any recognition around these parts it's for being a damn goddess. I either get a bow or nothing at all." Luna said jokingly.

"Of course Captain. The crowd has gathered already. Ms. Swan said she's been expecting you for about 30 minutes. She wishes to speak to Ms. Rebeka before the speech in her office." John said.

"I took the scenic route. Anyways, you can escort Ms. Rebeka to her office." She said while turning around to look at the helicopter.

"I'm going to take this new baby to my collection and make her mine." Luna said walking away.

"Right this way ma'am. Ms. Swan is waiting for you in her office." John said.

"Who is this person and why does she want to talk to me?" Rebeka demanded.

"Ms. Swan is the head of The Order of Swan. She's in charge of this entire operation until we can get Chairman Noxsidera back here to lead us. She wishes to talk to you about recent events and forming an alliance." He said as they walked away.

---

Rebeka was escorted to a Government building that was grand with pillars that were carved with various symbols and ancient letters. It seemed ancient. Once inside she was brought upstairs where she reached Erika Swan's office. Rebeka entered and Ms. Swan stood up and approached her and shook her hand. Ms. Swan was in her late twenties and had flowing black hair she had put into a ponytail. Her eyes were a dark color as well and her skin was fair and pale.

"Ms. Rebeka, I'm so glad to have finally met you. Please sit down. First... I would like to give you my condolences for what happened to your sister. She was an amazing woman and she was brave and honorable to come to Senkaria and risk her life for people that weren't hers. We were all hit hard when we heard. I know it's not the same, and I'm not accustomed with Rezuan tradition, but I would like to hold a ceremony tonight in her honor with Senkarian tradition. She may not be born in Senkaria, but the loyalty, braveness, and integrity she showed that gave our people hope... She... She earned her respect and we want to give it back by recognizing her for what she did and blessing her with the light and shadow of the goddesses if you so wish." Ms. Swan said very seriously with sadness in her eyes.

Rebeka didn't understand how someone who had never met her sister could care so much for her, but then she realized. The government had been lying and mistreating the citizens of Senkaria. Very little international support has been given, and their leader Noxsidera vanished and is still not there. Rebeka and Helen were the people who gave hope that the shadow cast over Senkaria would vanish. Rebeka and Helen had sparked the revolution.

[Rezua]

Senka City

The Kurzera storms-troopers arrived just in time to collect the body of Helen Lizabont. Te body had been placed into a vacuum sealed bag to prevent whatever killed her from getting out. The body was going to be buried in the family tomb, but first a small tissue sample of her would be taken to see if what killed her had a cure. They also planned to remove the bullet from her thigh in order to discover what kind of rifle killed her, and to track down and execute her
murderer.

Kurzerans were like most Rezuans, but were more strict on the job and, paradoxically, less rigid when it came to downtime. The storm-troopers assured the Senkarian people that they would protect them, even if mainland Rezuans were taking their time getting to Senkaria. Empress Ymira had sent mainland troops but for some reason, they were going to met somewhere else. They were only 2,000 strong, a small undetectable force, news wise.

Nova Island

On the way to the island, Rebeka redialed Ymira and had Rezua's original troops stay put. 2,000 more troops were being prepared and the 300 Kurzerans were being moved to Nova Island to help out whatever was going on here.

When they landed Rebeka saw Luna act very goofily. It was kinda refreshing, it was like seeing Ymira and Christina in one person. A serious yet also goofy badass. Rebeka liked her, on a first impression basis. But thinning of the Everen sisters reminded her, that her sister was dead. Yet the antics of Luna helped keep her from crying. The way she commanded respect made Rebeka think more highly of this good ball than before.

When Rebeka finally met Erika Swan her eyes had begun to water up. In the public eye, she would not cry and give the terrorists the weakness they wanted. In here though, with one other soul, Rebeka silently wept.

"Helen was Protestant, but I don't see how a blessing could really offer her. And a ceremony would be a very nice gesture. I'm sure she'd appreciate
it. I will not object to your request to honor her."

"At the same time, Empress Ymira is tryin to find the right time to send troops. Right now, 2,000 are coming soon. My brother stirred up trouble and now has gotten 300 Kurzerans here already. They will arrive tomorrow morning."

"Other than that, I'm curious to know what else you want to tell me. Before that, I want to know how you plan to win this war, to get the people on our side. I need to know how Rezuan troops will be used. I need to make a global announcement, denouncing Drey. Do you have a recording room here? I'll go make a speech as soon as you've asked your questions and I answer them and answered mine." Even in grief, Rebeka was a sharp and blunt as ever. Don't dance around problems, tackle them head on.

[Noctaria]

Nova Island
Erika Swan was both relieved and saddened that Rebeka was being strong and trusting of her people. Her sister had been murdered, but she was willing to continue her journey and still wanted to help the Senkarian people.

"I'm glad you accepted our offer. The ceremony is less religious and more tradition. Helen was a symbol to our people and help start this revolution. As for our current plans? We've been secretly gathering force. More and more people arrive at our islands we have occupied every day, but every new soldier we get the more dangerous the operation becomes. We've formed our own council of elders and we've come to the unanimous decision that we're declaring independence from Senkaria. The Utopian Society has fallen and we can't fight a corrupt government without being united under a different banner. We have the constitution and declaration already drafted. Tonight is liberation day and I'll make the announcement." She said standing up and approaching a map of Senkaria with military positions and other important information.

"We are located here at Nova Island. We have all the islands north of us to Amaya Island and we have Crescent Isle below us. These will be the first states of Noctaria. After we secure our independence we'll need international support as we build up our military. We'll travel south and liberate mother islands and we'll move down the chain until we reach Senka City. By then we'll have gathered the strength to make a full force attack. Until then our goal to gather forces, retrieve weapons, and mount our defenses.” Erika said before sitting back down.

“There is no other outsider in the world who understands the Senkarian people as you do. You’ve proved to be headstrong, brave, and strong. I would like it if you’d be willing to remain an ambassador from Rezua and if you’d help us establish an alliance. Of course this is outside your scope of power, but Rezua’s involvement has already been proven to be a strong factor in this war. I know ask you for your honest opinion. What is the likeliness that Empress Ymira would establish a military alliance with Noctaria?” She asked looking at Rebeka.

[Senkaria]

Senkaria

Chairman Drey had remained calm when the USJR troops kidnapped him. He was thrown in the helicopter and it flew away. He was not sure what was happening, but anger filled his thoughts as he looked at his captors. He wanted them to die. They landed somewhere in the middle of a forest and the screen came on and Mortimer spoke. Drey glared at the man, making no attempt to hide his current hatred for the man, and he acted very serious when he responded in fear he was being recorded.

"I don't know what you are talking about Mortimer. I've been fighting these damn terrorists ever since I was elected into office and I was given this position fairly and in accordance to Senkarian tradition. You act like your powerful, but I've seen the powers of The Brotherhood and in the end we're all puppets. We're all their playing cards and no one can win their game." Drey said before Mortimer interrupted him.

"You're not on Camera Drey. You think I'm a fool? International outrage would ensue if they knew I was willing to work with your kind. Are you going to keep your nation stable or not?" Mortimer said professionally.

"I will lead my people, and my nation, to greatness. I will do whatever it takes. Look at me in the eyes Mortimer. Do these look like the eyes of someone who can be taken for a fool? You don't want me as an enemy. Our nation's have been close allies for decades, but none of that matters anymore. You're playing my game Mortimer, and you need to choose your side wisely. You don't know fear and you don't know true hatred. I will do whatever it takes to secure my people and maintain national security. Don't doubt my abilities Mortimer. A shadow is coming and even you can't hide from it." Drey said angrily.

[Rezua]

Nova Island

Before answering Erika's main question Rebeka said "It's not that I don't think you have a good idea, but I must ask how many people you have on this island. I doubt you have even 5% of the Senkarian population. I am not comfortable with the idea that a majority of your people would be trapped in Senkaria, while a small proportion would be free. If it must be so...then it must. But I would not be able to live with the fact I ignited hope in the hearts of your people, only to be able to save a small percent."

Rebeka shifted in her chair and leaned back a bit, thoughtfully, "As far as I know, Ymira would highly consider assisting you. You have the support of the people and have shown to truly care for them. However, unlike the Tsarists and the terrorists in Sunrisia and Creperia, your enemy was an elected ruler. Unlike the Ispanzan president claiming power, Drey has much more domestic support. If you've noticed, Rezua has fought either terrorists or less powerful nations."

"When Rezua fights a nation of equal power, in modern times, we get our asses kicked. In World War One, Rezua was the most powerful nation on Sunalaya's earth after single-handed...more or less...defeating the Iasonian Empire. Rezua was focused on its military might and was strong enough to not need allies. Modern Rezua is much weaker, a shadow of that strength. In the Summer War, unlike former Rezua who fought the Iasoinans and Romalians at the same time, modern Rezua fought the Soviets, the Communist Reichians, and their allies. Reuza's allies did not help her then. So, if Rezua were to declare war on Senkaria and help you to break away, Senkaria and her allies would crush Rezua, seen our allies would not fight with us or for you."

"Ymira's issue may be between helping you or keeping face with our allies. Which she'll chose, I know not. I am not like my brother, thinking he knows the Everen Sisters' every thought. With my brother in his current aggressive state, Ymira has to also control him and look weak. She's extremely busy and as of now, I don't know what she'll do. But she will consider it, will think of helping your people and your just cause."

[Zanera]

Rhodevus

---

Phyllis had arrived in Rhodevus, exiting the air plane and picking up his luggage at the conveyor belt. He had a large suitcase travelers used commonly, and a briefcase, which he always carried around with him when he was doing business. When he was on errands, he did not carry it around. It was slightly large and a little bulky, so it would be inconvenient on errands. He brought it to Rhodevus, and he would carry it to meet Noxsidera. Phyllis went to the monetary exchange to get his Zanerases and coins exchanged for Rhodeve ones. Now, he had to get a hotel room. He'd have to rent it for an indefinite amount of time, so the Technocratic State gave enough money to persuade a hotel for, hopefully, a decent number of times. The maximum allowed number of stars was a four-star room, but Phyllis had gotten himself comfortable to even the one-star rooms, especially since he traveled around Zanera a lot. It was Phyllis's first time out of Zanera, and he was half expecting to run into a tribe of cannibals and lose his liver. He'd watch out for savage cannibals, but he also knew that there was a lot of civilized and semi-civilized nations elsewhere, and that Rhodevus was rather sophisticated, sometimes. It also contained heads of a notorious and highly dangerous terrorist organization that had killed thousands of people, and perhaps the number was in the hundreds of thousands. Perhaps Rhodevus was semi-civilized.

Phyllis got a hotel room with ease. It was a three-star, and they offered him a chocolate. He denied it, and went up to his room and distributed his clothes into a clothes drawer that was already provided as a basic mainstay of the room. He set up his medications on the nightstand, took a shower, got dressed in another suit, and took out an hour to figure out the Rhodeve TV channels. It was 2:00 p.m., so he decided he wouldn't sleep now. He grabbed his briefcase and went down to the lobby and looked at the phone book and a map. An employee walked up to him and told him he could just ride the bus if his legs would let him, and he said he'd grab a bus then. He walked around a block and found a bus stop. After waiting for ten minutes, a bus came and he payed a few Rhodeve bills. The driver asked were he wanted to go, and Phyllis, describing how he had just arrived not very long ago, and how it was his first time out of the country, did not know any of the streets. The bus driver asked where Phyllis wanted to go, and Phyllis told him the name of the hospital that Noxsidera was currently residing at. The bus driver stared at Phyllis for about ten seconds, then motioned with his thumb for Phyllis to find a seat. Phyllis found an empty seat out of many, and patiently waited, looking at the city's architecture and finding the feel, before the bus driver said that this was Phyllis's stop. Phyllis thanked the bus driver and got off. He walked towards the hospital and found a couple guards at the main entrance. When Phyllis tried to enter, the guard asked what Phyllis's business was, to which he replied that he wanted to see Noxsidera. The guards looked at each other for a moment before staring at Phyllis, one saying something into a radio on his shoulder.

[Rezua]

Rhodevus

Ymira's jet-lag was clearly visible as she walked back toward the hospital were Noxisdera was. She looked exhausted and had just gotten back into Rhodevus, and had just gone 2 meetings and an international statement all in less than 48 hours. The poor empress had not gotten much sleep.

When she reached the hospital doors and entered, she saw a man speaking to Rhodeve guards. She walked past them and heard the man said "Noxsidera." Ymira stopped in her tracks and spun on her heels. She looked into the man's eyes and said "Who are you, and what do you want with Noxisidera?"

Ymira looked at the man suspiciously, but could hardly find anything that made him threatening. All the same, she regarded him as a possible threat and readied herself in case she had to take him down to protect Noxsidera.

[Zanera]

Rhodevus

Ymira's jet-lag was clearly visible as she walked back toward the hospital were Noxisdera was. She looked exhausted and had just gotten back into Rhodevus, and had just gone 2 meetings and an international statement all in less than 48 hours. The poor empress had not gotten much sleep.

When she reached the hospital doors and entered, she saw a man speaking to Rhodeve guards. She walked past them and heard the man said "Noxsidera." Ymira stopped in her tracks and spun on her heels. She looked into the man's eyes and said "Who are you, and what do you want with Noxisidera?"

Ymira looked at the man suspiciously, but could hardly find anything that made him threatening. All the same, she regarded him as a possible threat and readied herself in case she had to take him down to protect Noxsidera.

Phyllis was suddenly surprised to find he was talking to a world leader. He had heard a lot about Ymira on the news and all that stuff, but a few hours after entering a country he's never been to before, he found himself confronted by a world leader. Phyllis knew that the Rhodeve would be concerned over the health and well-being of Noxsidera, but now Empress Ymira was questioning him. He found that he'd have to reply in a non-suspicious manner. He decided that he'd try to be nice and aristocratic. He was kind of a diplomat, he guessed. "Bonjour, mon ami," said Phyllis, bowing. "I am Phyllis Hamilton, from Zanera. The government has...the Zanerian government has sent me to speak with Noxsidera. I'm just a citizen, but...well, I'm a motivational speaker, so I suspect they want me to motivate him. I have a paper from the Zanerian government, but I wasn't told what it was, exactly. It has a code, but...I was just told to present it to the hospital. Want to see it?"

[Rezua]

Rhodevus

"If you don't mind, I would like to see them." Ymira said. The man handed the papers over and Ymira read them carefully. They seemed legit enough an this guy was one guy. He could be handled if this was a trap. However, if it were a trap he'd have done a differ t approach. "As far as that code, I don't know what it means. For now, I shall accompany you to see Noxserdia." Ymira waved off the guards and motioned for the man to follow her.

[Zanera]

Rhodevus
Phyllis Hamilton

---

"Very well. Thank you, milady. I must say, that you don't look particularly well. This last week couldn't have been anything but headaches, given the state of Sunalaya today. Quite atrocious, these governments," said Phyllis, not mentioning the rogue Rezuan.

[Noctaria]

Nova Island

"Of course our goal won't be to abandon the Senkarian people. The new nation will act as an idea. An idea with a banner to give the Senkarian people hope. As I said, we'd travel down the island chain and slowly make our way to Senka City. Once the capital is captured Senkaria is ours again. The revolution will be over and we'll demand to take back our nation, but under a new idea of prosperity and freedom and democracy. As for our current members? We have several islands under our banner and declaring independence. Total of 25 islands are joining our cause. On this island alone we have roughly 1 million people, and all of the islands today is about 25 million. Of course there are children and elders, but if we can establish a strong militia we should be able maintain our claim. We have more people on the mainland and other islands that are on our side. The Senkarian Government is unstable. You have people working for them under fear alone, but once we make them realize there is nothing to fear, then they'll take matters into their own hands." Erika said.

"That's an...interesting strategy." Rebeka said.

"Well, I wish I could take credit for it, but the truth is. Chairman Noxsidera created the method. That is how he won his election. He didn't attend a single rally or speech because the threats and the secret police were trying to assassinate him. Little did they know he was in The Chambers the entire time in a secret room. I believe you've been there Rebeka. The recording studio. The people were afraid to vote for him because the corporations were threatening to take their jobs if they voted for the wrong person. The secret police would arrest people as well, but Noxsidera took the fear from them all and told them he would not allow their jobs to be taken from them. People voted and people lost their jobs, but when Noxsidera was elected he fired almost every CEO in the nation, he dismissed the secret police from duty, and he made sure everyone got their jobs back. That man... If anyone can convince Senkaria, or the world, not to be afraid, then it's him. That man is going to help us take back Senkaria and all the people you and your sister gave hope for." Erika said with a smile.

[United Soviet Jason Republic]

Senkaria

Despite the obvious fact that Drey was missing the entire point of the impromptu meeting, the President kept his cool. Inside of the helicopter, one of the men switched the safety on his rifle off and then on again. None of the commandos made a sound. They appeared to be watching the tree line for any unwanted visitors. The President continued his lecture. "It is good that you are clearly dedicated towards your country. That is an attitude that all men can admire. The fact of the matter is, the people of Senkaria need a strong leader to pull them out of this rut. But it must be done in a smart way. The Brotherhood only has the power those who use them give. They are leeches. They kill nations for their own ambiguous objectives. It is better if we let them rot, or better yet, take a SUT-24 to the face." The President smiled slightly. Then his face turned grim.

"You are a fool, Drey. You fail to see the reality of the situation. You can sit pretty in your padded resort while the rest of the world walks around you waiting for the pickings. That might sound familiars to a man who has arranged for the death of so many. You, Drey, have big shoes to fill. At the moment you are tripping. Do not trip up again."

Soviet Embassy

Staffers finished delivering the boxes of paperwork into the embassy's boiler room. Really, the room was outdated. It would have been much safer to use a different modern oil boiler. But like all embassies the one in Senkaria kept an old boiler on line for just on purpose. Instead of coal coming through the shoots to fuel the raging fire, paper was being poured in. The embassy was closing for business. With no words, the staffers dropped off their boxes and exited the room. Their helicopter would be coming soon. The workers kept shoving the papers into the raging inferno.

Around the compound the remaining special operations troops and embassy security detache began their final preparations to secure the facility as the last personnel were evacuated. The men took up positions in darkened office windows, watching the nearly empty street below. On the rooftop, helicopters came to and from the roof, taking on personnel and heading to the international airport, where they were transferred onto civilian craft and flown out of the country.

[Rezua]

Nova Island

Rebeka sighed "Well, I'm no soldier, so I'm not going to try to be one. You cover the military strategy and I'll do speeches and what not." Rebeka rubbed her eyes, a sign of her exhaustion. It was a Rezuan curse to sleepless to get things done, Rebeka was no exception. "Now, we must also consider that we fail. In that case, we must keep Noctaria independent. Drey will do all in his power to kill us all before he'll let us get away with this so easily. Heavy resistance should be expected. And we're outnumbered. Let us pray that Ymira choices to side with us."

Rebeka stretched her neck and asked "So...what do you need me to do now? I'm here so I might as well give a speech right?"

Rhodevus

Ymira chuckled "No, and I don't feel too well either. But that's the price I pay for my people, and other people's people. Noxisdera is in this next room." Ymira opened Noxsidera's door and said "The Zanerians sent a motivational speaker, apparently, Rebeka wasn't inspirational enough." Ymira teased.

[Zanera]

Phyllis Hamilton
Rhodevus

---

Phyllis stood where he could get a view of Noxsidera from behind Ymira, at the door. "Ah, so this is the man of my hour. I've heard much about you, and yet I feel I know so little. Yet another world leader today. At least, you will be a world leader by the time I am through with you."

[Senkaria]

Senkaria

Drey clenched his teeth at Mortimers response and spoke.

"Why do you care about the stability of my nation? Are you done now?" He said.

He was infuriated. This man had the audacity to tell him how to run his nation and was threatening him. He did not take this lightly. He would give retaliation if he made it out of this alive.

---

Rhodevus

Chairman Noxsidera was watching the news. He always watched the news. It was his way of seeing what citizens thought about what was happening in the world. It made these events seem more human and more alive. He was contemplating what he wanted to do. Ymira had suggested that he doesn't go back and help the revolutionaries but how could he stay in Rhodevus as his people fought for freedom? What kind of leader would that make him? What kind of human would that make him? He turned around and saw Empress Ymira and an elder man. He faced the man and analyzed his face, his emotions, his stance, and everything he could about him. He seemed genuine and he seemed to be telling the truth. He chuckled at Ymira's response.

"I've never met the woman, but Rebeka has done more than could be asked of her. Her dedication and loyalty to a nation that isn't her both astounds me and won't go without reward." He said with a smile before approaching Phyllis before shaking his hand.

"I hope Zanera isn't taking the same stance as the Empress. I intend on returning to Senkaria and helping my people. Regardless the case, I'm glad you could come. It is an honor to meet you Mr. Phyllis. Believe it or not I know about you. I spend way too much time in the library and on the Internet and you've made quite an impact on Zanera. It's a pleasure to meet you." Noxsidera said.

---

Fort Dunmar, Senkaria

Fort Dunmar was a small town located towards the south of Senkaria. It was home to a very ancient fortress from ancient Senkarian times. It had been the place where a civil war took place thousands of years ago. When King Leon United the clans under the Senkarian banner, there was some resistance. A civil war erupted and a royal family decided that they were they were the true rulers of Senkaria and questioned First King Leon and challenged his throne. The rebellion was brutally crushed and King Leon traveled to Fort Dunmar to deliver their punishment. He had declared that they had discredited their royalty and honor and took their family name. The royal family, who last name is forgotten, were called the Nameless Ones. For thousands of years all descendants of that family had a single name without a last name for their ancestors had dishonored their nation. Noxsidera was a nameless man.

The town rarely saw much traffic. It had the occasional historian tourists who came, but the small town remained mostly quiet. Except for today. A crowd of people had gathered in the town to protest Chairman Drey. They believed Noxsidera was still the rightful Chairman and believed Drey was involved with The Bannerless Brotherhood and was trying to dismantle the order of Senkaria.

Police had been called to the scene and were in full riot gear. The crowd had been yelling insults at the police officers and towards Drey. An old man was apart of the crowd and had stepped forward.

"I was a child when The Utopian Society was founded and I will not watch it be destroyed by that Drey bastard!" The old man shouted while approaching the police officers. One of them grabbed their baton and hit the old man knocking him backwards and fell. The crowds became infuriated and started to attack the police officers. A riot had begun.

---

Gregory was a child in middle school. He was 13 years old and loved politics. He read all the books he could and was a complete nerd. He never liked Drey and questioned his political decisions, so when he heard there was a protest in his town he was eager to participate and do something excited his weekend.

He had made his own sign that said "Noxsidera is the true Chairman. End the corruption." He had made it himself the night before in anticipation of the event. He was excited he could participate in politics and make himself feel involved. He stood there holding up his sign, but didn't yell much. Everyone else was swearing and he didn't feel like it would accomplish much so he remained silent.

Suddenly everything changed within the blink of an eye. An old man fell down and people began yelling at the police officers.

"Oppression!"
"They beat old men!"
"Down with Drey!"
"You bastards!"

Suddenly the crowd turned into a riot and the police were hitting people. Someone trampled over Gregory and he freaked out and lost his sign. He tried to get away, but he kept being pushed closer towards the police as the crowd begun pushing. He turned around and saw smoke as people began screaming. The police had thrown tear gas and starting backing up. Suddenly people came out of their houses yelling and he heard a woman in the background.

"Gregory! Gregory!" His mother yelled approaching the crowd frantically.

He pushed, but people kept screaming and the sounds of tear gas and scream overwhelmed him. Things were getting out of control and he started to panic and cry. Suddenly he felt a pain in his back and he saw red and screams echoed his ear drums.

The police fired their guns.

[Zanera]

Rhodevus

Chairman Noxsidera was watching the news. He always watched the news. It was his way of seeing what citizens thought about what was happening in the world. It made these events seem more human and more alive. He was contemplating what he wanted to do. Ymira had suggested that he doesn't go back and help the revolutionaries but how could he stay in Rhodevus as his people fought for freedom? What kind of leader would that make him? What kind of human would that make him? He turned around and saw Empress Ymira and an elder man. He faced the man and analyzed his face, his emotions, his stance, and everything he could about him. He seemed genuine and he seemed to be telling the truth. He chuckled at Ymira's response.

"I've never met the woman, but Rebeka has done more than could be asked of her. Her dedication and loyalty to a nation that isn't her both astounds me and won't go without reward." He said with a smile before approaching Phyllis before shaking his hand.

"I hope Zanera isn't taking the same stance as the Empress. I intend on returning to Senkaria and helping my people. Regardless the case, I'm glad you could come. It is an honor to meet you Mr. Phyllis. Believe it or not I know about you. I spend way too much time in the library and on the Internet and you've made quite an impact on Zanera. It's a pleasure to meet you." Noxsidera said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too. I've been around Zanera. I've met a lot of people. I don't take too many breaks," said Phyllis, before continuing," Hopefully we can get you back to Senkaria so you can campaign against those BB buddy-buddies. I don't know what's going on in your country, but you and a few other Senkarians need to do something about it."

[Rezua]

Nova Island

Erika leaned forward in her chair and looked at Rebeka more closely. The young woman's hair was messy, her eyes glossy, with purple rings under them. Make-up had once covered those rings, but it had been wiped away by sweat and tears. Erika was moved with pity for this girl, she'd gone through so much, and had also been neglecting sleep. Erika cleared her throat and said gently "Why don't you get some rest?"

Rebeka shook her head and smiled weakly "I can't do that. There is so much that needs to be done. I'll...I can rest when I'm d-" Erika interrupted Rebeka with motherly sternness "Don't you dare finish that sentence. That topic, of all topics, is not one you should be joking about." Then, Erika's expression melted into a mischievous girl's "You will not be any help to the Senkarian people if you can't stay wake during a speech." Rebeka looked into Erika's eyes "Then...are you ordering me to sleep?" Erika sighed "If that is what it takes." Rebeka nodded "Okay then, I'll do as you command."

Rebeka's room was a cozy room, but was much bigger than her former room in the Chambers. This room was once for someone highly important, perhaps a priestess. The walls were decorated with golden designs of religious myths of Senkaria. The bathroom had a large tub/ hot tub, nearly three feet deep. Rebeka took advantage of this luxury for over an hour, but held a notepad in her hands, writing a speech the entire time. Rebeka was certain Erika would have been pissed to see Rebeka working when she was doing something relaxing. Rebeka stepped out of the bath and wrapped her body up in a towel. She looked in the mirror, she looked exhausted, her hair was still unhealthy looking. In addition to that, she'd lost several pounds to worry and not resting.

The bed was a cloud, Rebeka sunk into it a bit when she hurled herself on it. She had barely struggled into a bathrobe, and almost couldn't pull the covers over her. Afterword she had no energy to move. Rebeka was completely exhausted, yet she couldn't fall asleep. During the entire time she tried to sleep for the first hour, she kept seeing her sister's face. Helen. Helen was dead. Rebeka couldn't stop sobs from crawling from her lips, tears from flying out of her eyes. Soon, her sobs contorted into enraged growling. If only Helen had just stayed in the Chambers. If only she had taken her sister's place. If only...there were so many ifs Rebeka could think of.

Rebeka rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. She saw an angelic woman holding a she-demon by the throat, despite there being a sword going through her chest. Under beneath the image read : "The Casting Out of Wrong." The she-demon, Wrong, smiled at Right, as if she'd still won. Right's face was in a grim battle-cry. Rebeka's body felt chills as her eyes suddenly showed her a new image, of Zoey Hanji and Ymira Everen fighting. Rebeka stared into Zoey's eyes, and felt as if the woman's presence was near, as if she could hear laughter in her ear, "Death is only the beginning of my reign." Rebeka blinked and the image returned to normal.

Rebeka exhaled, she'd never sleep like this. Rebeka opened her bag up and took out a pill that she sometimes took when she was too anxious to sleep. She stumbled to the bathroom, put the pill in her mouth and stuck her head under the sink's spout. After getting the pill down, Rebeka slugged back into bed, got under the covers and fell into a restless sleep.

[Noctaria]

Nova Island

Erika had sent Rebeka to bed. Her soul has been through so much and it was showing in everything the girl did. Erika felt horrible that she had to go through so much pain for a nation that wasn't even hers. Rebeka was one of the bravest woman Erika had ever seen and Senkaria knew it too. She would play a crucial part in the war to come whether she knew it or not.

After Rebeka left, Erika left the room and walked down the halls. The palace was very old and luxurious. The Swan family was one of the oldest and most wealthy families in Senkaria. The palace was filled with Senkarian lore that dated from the ancient empire. The floors were marble and the ceiling was painted. The Empire of Senkaria was extremely wealthy since it had developed ships earlier than some nations and traveled to Ventismar and some theorists say tracing could even point to Corentia, but no proof was shown. The Swan family were direct descendants of the first King Leon and has had an important impact on the nation ever since.

She walked into a large ballroom that was filled with seats, people, and tables. Papers had been sprawled out and laptops were on every desk as people worked. She walked in and every stood up, but she waved them to sit. She had gained enormous respect with the people of Senkaria, but she would not be treated as their new leader. That duty still belonged to Chairman Noxsidera. She spoke up to a man who was assigned speaker.

"The Constitution? Has everyone agreed to it's terms?" Erika said.

"Yes ma'am. We've changed some flaws, and loopholes, and edited a few parts of it as you requested. We are all in agreement of the constitution. It should finalized by the time you finish your speech." The man said.

"Thank you Mr. Allistair." She spoke with a smile before facing everyone.

"We have worked enormously hard these past few months and the number of supporters we've gained in such a short time is remarkable and a blessing. More people are coming, but it's time we come to them. Shortly I will speak to The Council of Elders, Senkaria, and the world. Soon Sunalaya will know that Senkarians are willing to fight corruption. Together we will liberate our new nation and this is the first step." She announced as everyone applauded.

She approached the document before her. The Constitution of Noctaria and showed no emotion. She did not know where this path would lead and she knew this sealed the fate of the entire nation. Sealed the fate of 418 million people. She picked up her pen and brought the tip to the page.

"Ma'am?" Mr. Allistair said with a concerned look at her hesitation. Erika looked up at him.

"This document is not our salvation. It will not win the war and it will not free our people. It will not give back our honor and integrity. No. That is something we have to earn ourselves. We cannot beat the shadow because light cannot exist with out. This is the beginning of a story we don't know. Let us walk into that terrible night. Let us be born again at sunrise." She said before looking back down at the paper and signing it before leaving the room. She approached the door to the balcony in front of the mansion and took a deep breath and pushed open the door to hear applause.

She looked before her and saw nearly 50,000 loyal Senkarians before her. They were applauding and cheering. She raised her hand to silence them. They all went silent. She looked at made sure the cameras were pointed at her and the microphone was in front of her. Sunalaya was watching, but most importantly, Drey was watching.

"Citizens of Senkaria, I stand before you with terrible news of the state of affairs in our nation. The Bannerless Brotherhood has infiltrated the Senkarian government and has infiltrated the military, but mostly importantly, The Bannerless Brotherhood has infiltrated our home and our nation. Yesterday, the society of science and technology, the iconic symbol of The Utopian Society was destroyed. A final death count shows that 1,200 people were killed. Of those deaths were Senkarians, but there were Rhodeve, Zanerian, Trelarkan, and Rezuans. Most importantly, Grand Duchess Helen was murdered." She said with a long pause as it sunk into the crowd.

"Grand Duchess Helen. The woman who traveled to a dangerous land that she owed no allegiance to. The woman would gave us so much hope and is the reason we're here today. She was murdered, but her killer cannot be broadened and called The Bannerless Brotherhood. No. Drey murdered Grand Duchess Helen. Drey murdered 900 scientists and engineers. Drey murdered 200 works staff and guards. Drey... Drey murdered the 24 children touring The Society of Science and Technology that day. From the beginning it has always been that vicious parasite that has been killing people left and right. Drey is a member of The Bannerless Brotherhood and they are at large in Senkaria because of Drey and no one should ever forget that." She boomed into the microphone with pure anger and hate filling her voice. She stepped back and took a deep breath before continuing with a calmer voice.

"I stand before you all in pain just like you all stand before me; in pain. Just like Chairman Noxsidera is stranded across the globe in pain... I will not promise you the pain is almost over. No. The pain will never be over. We'll always remember the greatest minds, and the sweetest faces of children that lost their lives because of terror. I will say this. The Shadow of Terror will not blanket our hopes and our dreams. The Shadow will not win this war! Your voices have been heard and your dreams are being answered. A constitution has been made. Our declaration is about to be announced, and we will stand together and free our people! We will end the terror! We will get justice!" She yelled as everyone began cheering.

"On this day, I stand before you with the same burning passion and desire. To unite the people under the same banner again. That banner will not be the same as the four diamonds and it will not be be by the same name. The Utopian Society has fallen. We are the people of shadow. We are the people of light. One cannot exist without the other. Light cannot exist without a shadow. We are the children of the night. We are the citizens of Noctaria!!" She yelled as the whole crowd cheered and began chanting.

"Noc-tar-ia!"
"Not-tar-ia!"

She waved her hand and they all went quiet once more.

"On this day, we the citizens of Noctaria declare independence from Senkaria. On this day we unite under a new banner and a new name. On this day, we unite as children of the night. On this day, we deliver this message to the people of Senkaria. We will not forget you nor will we stop fighting for you. We will not rest until we liberate every kilometer of Senkaria and deliver justice to those who threatened to destroy the dreams of our people. Noctaria has just been born, but we cannot fight this shadow alone. Leaders of Sunalaya. I speak to you. The Bannerless Brotherhood is a threat all over the world. If we want to take the first step in stopping them then we need to take back our home. I ask all of you to help us. Together we can overcome this darkness and end the terror. Chairman Noxsidera once said "Together we can pave the future for mankind." He said that when he made The Society of Science and Technology international and it still stands true. United, even fear cannot win. United, The Bannerless Brotherhood and Drey will fall!" She roared as the crowd began to cheer her name. She turned around and walked back inside.

[Senkaria]

Rhodevus

Chairman Noxsidera was just about to reply when a nurse came running in towards the television.

"Chairman Sir. You need to see this. It's being broadcasted all over the damn planet!" The nurse said before changing the station.

The guards came in and so did Empress Ymira and they all gathered in front of the television and watched Erika Swan give her speech. The entire room went silent as they listened to her pride and passion. When the crowd started chanting Noxsidera shed a tear and quickly wiped it away. Empress Ymira approached him.

"Are you okay?" She asked concerned. Noxsidera looked up at her and smiled.

"This entire time I thought my nation would fall because I wasn't there to lead them, but they led themselves. The people... They led themselves out of the darkness and found the light. These are tears of happiness. There's hope." He said with a smile that Ymira recognized from his speeches over the years. His passion and hope had returned.

He looked at Phyllis who looked at him. Noxsidera had just met the man, but knew he could trust his advice.

"My people may not need me as much as I thought, but I still have the burning desire to be there with them. I want to help them defeat Drey and I want to help them take back their home. What do you think I should do?" He asked.

---

The Chambers, Senkaria (One day after kidnapping)

Drey stared at the screen in front of him without any emotion. The Council of Elders had heard the rumor of the speech and gathered as Drey had come to see the speech as well. The room was silent the entire time. When the speech was over the screen was turned off and everyone looked at him.

"I knew we should have acted on those rebellions sooner. I thought that by ignoring them we would be able to gain international support by hiding their existence..." He said in disbelief.

One of the councilman stood up.

"You little bastard. You were behind this the entire time! You'll burn in hell!" The old man screamed as he ran towards Drey. The General grabbed a gun and shot the councilman in the head as he fell as Drey's feet as everyone stood up. The General roared.

"Does anyone else want to question our Chairman?!" He roared as he loaded the gun again. No one said a word.

"Sir, I think you know what needs to be done. Reports are already coming in across all four corners of the nation. Riots and protestors are emerging from everywhere. Buildings are burning down and they are asking for your head." The General said.

Drey looked up at him and glared. He looked demonic as if he overdosed on power. He was angry and hatred was burning in his blood.

"These revolutionaries want a war. They'll get their bloody war. We have no choice now. Send word to all the branches of the military. I declare martial laws are now in place. Maintain order." Drey said.

"What about the government officials who are disloyal to your cause?" The General said.

"Kill them. Kill them all." Drey said before storming out of the room before crashing into his office in tears. He picked up the desk and threw it across the room and started throwing his papers and books across his office and screamed.

---

Senka City, Senkaria

Sirens echoed the streets as rioters stormed the streets yelling. They crashed into Windows and stole stuff and the police were being overwhelmed. A crowd gathered and started marching towards the center of the city. They were screaming 'Noctaria' and 'Down with Drey' and 'The Utopian Society is dead.' They approached the center when military trucks stormed in front of them and jumped out of the vehicles with guns pointed at the citizens. Some of them ran away and some yelled. One of the soldiers yelled.

"Martial Law has been declared. Break up the protest and return to your designated home. Curfew has been announced!" The man yelled.

"You cannot silence us you piece of shit!" A protestor yelled before the soldier pointed his gun and shot the man. The crowd went nuts and started yelling and screaming, but they stood their ground.

"Last warning! Break it up now!" The soldier yelled.

The protestors held eachother's hands and stood put. The soldier looked at the other ones and closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Under the orders of The General and Chairman Drey you all have been deemed traitors to The Utopian Society. Fire."

---

Mr. Lux had hung up his suit in his suite and adjusted his collar in the mirror before changing into his night clothes. It had been a long day at the office. He was assigned to search the data files for evidence of Soviet files after the incident with Mortimer and Drey. He was actually searching the database for files on The Bannerless Brotherhood and found some. He pulled out a flash drive that held some files on it. He was never returning to his office and was headed straight to Nova Island with the files. Someone knocked on the door and he put on his shirt and sighed as he got up to answer it. He answered it and gulped. Two armed soldiers stood in front of him.

"Hello men. Is there anything I can help you with?" He said.

"Under the orders of The General and Chairman Drey you have been deemed a traitor to The Utopian Society."

"I don't know wha-" He said before one of them raised his gun and fired at the man's chest as he fell backwards.

"Find the flash drive."

---

Mrs. Balch ran into their home to see their kids playing video games and her husband reading the paper.

"Dan. Kids. Gather your stuff. There's been a revolution. We need to get out of here." She screamed. Her husband Dan stood up.

"Honey, what's the matter?" He said running up to her.

"I opened a letter addressed to The Commander at my base. It was sent from Drey, so I opened it. They're declaring martial law. I got here as fast as I could. We need to leave now!" She said.

The two ran upstairs and told the children to stay where they were. They ran into their rooms and grabbed as much clothing and food as their could. Suddenly they heard screams. They both ran downstairs as fast as they could to see four soldiers in their living room. Two were holding the children back and had them in handcuffs. The other two had guns pointed at Mrs. Balch and her husband.

"What are you doing with my kids!" She screamed.

"They'll be relocated to a safer location. Mrs. Balch. Under the order of The General and Chairman Drey you have been deemed a traitor to The Utopian Society."

"No!" The children shrieked as the two soldiers fired at their parents and picked them up and left the building.

---

Three soldiers entered the retirement home and barged through as the nurses ran and hid and they walked to a room with a single old man in his nineties.

"Martial Law? Tell Chairman Drey that he has sealed his fate." He smiled as he stood up the soldiers raised their guns.

"I know the script and I know what's going to happen. Get the damn time thing over with." The old man said as one of the soldiers took a deep breath and looked at the other one and back at the feeble old man in front of them.

"President Daemone. Under the orders of The General and Chairman Drey. You have been deemed a traitor to The Utopian Society." They said raising their guns with hesitation.

"You can't be a traitor to something already dead." He said as the soldiers fired at the man who founded The Utopian Society in 1952. He fell to the ground as the soldiers ran out of the building. One of them stood behind.

"Private! Come on! We need to finish this before anyone intervenes! The General's orders!" The soldier yelled. The other soldier took off his helmet and revealed tears. He raised the gun to his head.

"Private!" The man yelled, but it was too late.

[Zanera]

Rhodevus

Chairman Noxsidera was just about to reply when a nurse came running in towards the television.

"Chairman Sir. You need to see this. It's being broadcasted all over the damn planet!" The nurse said before changing the station.

The guards came in and so did Empress Ymira and they all gathered in front of the television and watched Erika Swan give her speech. The entire room went silent as they listened to her pride and passion. When the crowd started chanting Noxsidera shed a tear and quickly wiped it away. Empress Ymira approached him.

"Are you okay?" She asked concerned. Noxsidera looked up at her and smiled.

"This entire time I thought my nation would fall because I wasn't there to lead them, but they led themselves. The people... They led themselves out of the darkness and found the light. These are tears of happiness. There's hope." He said with a smile that Ymira recognized from his speeches over the years. His passion and hope had returned.

He looked at Phyllis who looked at him. Noxsidera had just met the man, but knew he could trust his advice.

"My people may not need me as much as I thought, but I still have the burning desire to be there with them. I want to help them defeat Drey and I want to help them take back their home. What do you think I should do?" He asked.

Phyllis was still looking at the screen. He looked at the message in an objective way, figuring out the authenticity of this foreign announcement and the message it contained. He heard Noxsidera talking to him, and, not looking away from the screen, said," It seems you need to get out of this hospital and go back to your country," said Phyllis, before turning to Noxsidera," You may be in a wheelchair, or on one foot, or on two. You don't need to stand up, you just need to move. Move them. Move away from this hospital, and liberate your country."

Phyllis picked up his suitcase and started to turn, saying," As for me, I'm going to get away from this hospital and get a latte. Your lack of movement makes me thirsty."

With that, he left the room. He would think about going to Senkaria to aid them in liberating their country over a latte, like a proper Zanerian civilian. Phyllis Hamilton was always telling others to move, it was about time he moved himself. There was more to Sunalaya than just Zanera. He had already retired, but maybe he had a few more in him. He didn't plan on just encouraging them either. Maybe he couldn't do the kind of physical exercise the average soldier could do, or really go anywhere without his meds, or do anything military-wise. What would he do, however? He had been a member of the Reason Party, prior to the Change. He saw many important things happen in Zanera, that he had participated in.

He would go to Senkaria, meet the revolutionaries, and return home. And he'd go to the Grand Debate Hall once more.

[Rezua]

Nova Island, Morning After Speech

Rebeka awoke looking slightly better than the night before. She groaned as she pushed herself onto her elbows, she ached all over and wanted nothing more than to sleep. Yet, she got up, showered and dressed. On her way to breakfast she heard of some speech Erika made, and was quite upset she hadn't been woken up for it. Then she learned that Drey had announced marital law, people were being shot dead in the streets.

Rebeka knew that this gave her a good reason to call the Empress. Rebeka fumbled with her phone, not looking up, and bumped into Luna. Rebeka, having been unbalanced, was knocked over on her side. Luna was by her in a second and helped her up "Are you alright?" She asked. Rebeka nodded and rubbed her eyes. Luna frowned "You should have slept more." Rebeka yawned, "One second." Rebeka dialed Ymira and told her the situation. Rebeka hung up with a feeling of dread, Rezua was going to war. Luna looked at Rebeka and Rebeka said "Rezua is going to war. What's for breakfast?"

Rhodevus

Ymira sighed "You're more like me than I'd like you to be. But if you're going back there, you'll be going with my soldiers." Suddenly, Ymira's phone rang and the Empress picked up "Hello...Oh...Well then, what choice do I have?" Ymira's face was grave as she hung up. "It was Rebeka. Marital law has been declared, Drey is killing people in the streets. It seems I have no choice, Rezua will declare war on Drey and the Bannerless Brothers!"

Rezua (Several Hours Later)

Christina groaned as she watched the first wave of the planned 20,000 troops depart Rezua from a military base in the eastern half. She sighed as she watched a squadron of jets go overhead. "They need me!" She shouted at the planes, as if they could hear her. Lt. Krancke had returned from Senkaria in Empress Two just in time to lead the first wave of aircraft. He was leading her squadron, it annoyed her to no end. She was needed in Rezua, however, and could not go.

The troops heading for Senkaria had clear orders, regroup with the Rezuan troops in Northern Senkaria, and protect civilians. They were ordered to create fortified positions that assaults could be launched from. The main objective was to push south into the heartland of Senkaria. Aiding them would be the Kurzeran troops already in Nova Island, and those being sent to join there.

The Rezuan Navy, with the RIN Helen Lizabont, sailed to the islands near Nova Island to provide protection for Noctaria. The Senkarians would waste no time in launching naval and aerial assaults on Noctaria, so the Navy's job was to create a wall, preventing enemy ships from passing into Noctarian waters without finding at least one Rezuan ship. Air support was scheduled to run 24 hours a day.

[Rhodevus]

7 days before Martial Law

Sir Anthony walked through a recently taken Brotherhood hideout deep in the Senkarian mountains. His gun held relaxed in both hands and his strap itching his shoulder, he walked calmly, as each member of his team yelled out a quick, "Clear!" As he passed them by. This was already base number 17 in Senkaria. Each one was more well equipped than the last. Each knew his plan of attack before it even began. Sir Anthony desperately hoped that Queen Diana would get his message, put he was not sure. There was no one in his entire team whom he could trust. There was no one in the team of 40 Senkarians who worked alongside him, who he could trust. He was placed in charge of the joint effort, since he was the most experiences at facing off against the brotherhood, but with each attack, the loyalty of the troops wavered. Each plan needed to be revised and executed during the fighting, as his initial strategies would be use against him. 15 times out of 17, his major strength in each campaign was turned to become a major weakness by the Brotherhood. Base 7 was below the mountains, so he had the height advantage. Base 12 was covered in forest, so he had the advantage of surprise. Each base, a new strength and a new weakness...

Sir Anthony turned on the news station, watching from a small screen on the helicopter. Chairman Drey was giving another speech about solidarity and fighting against oppression. He was always talking. Talking, talking, talking, and not much had been done yet. The Brotherhood still seemed as strong as ever, although the initial group of terrorists which had started this entire mess had gone silent. He heard a small whistle. Anthony lifted his hand to his earpiece, flicking a small switch. "Hello?"
"Commander, we found another base. Base 18 is located 30 clicks West from your position and is heavily fortified. We estimate about 100 or so members, and a massive stockpile of weapons and ammunition. Be careful."
"Aye. We will adjust course to Base 18."

Sir Anthony looked up at the pilot, who nodded, and began adjusting his route, having heard the Corporal on the other end. As his helicopter turned, so did the other 4 following close behind his...

---

Queen Diana Wolff watched Chairman Noxsidera's speech over the television set. It was inspiring, as any leader's speech should be, but she was still not fully convinced that Chairman Drey was indeed in league with terrorists as many had already claimed. There was just so much she did not know about him, and so much on the line. She knew if she made a mistake, it would be disastrous for both her country and many others who were infected with the Brotherhood...

---

Sir Anthony arrived at base 18. He and his unit landed their helicopters one kilometer away from the base. Far enough not to be overheard by members, yet close enough to walk that distance without anyone losing their breath. He slowly stepped out of the machine, as the massive rotors slowed down and the sound died away. All of a sudden, they were surrounded. Soldiers stepped out from behind the trees and rose from the bushes. "Freeze!" A man yelled, gun pointed at the Senkarian and Rhodeve troops. Sir Anthony knew he was surrounded. Any move to go for his gun and they would all be dead.

"Belay that order, captain!" Shouted a woman. It was hard to see in the thick fog of night, but as she drew nearer, he began to recognize her and her voice. "Major-general?" He questioned.

A mid-sized woman stepped forward, her dark brown hair tied tightly in a ponytail behind her head. She carried a small handgun on her belt, and a large sniper rifle in her arms. She seemed sall compared to the massive weapon, yet she seemed to handle it with practiced ease. "That is Corporal-General now." Zaira Timmel said, with a small grin. "What happened?" Anthony asked. "What are you doing here?'

"The Queen demoted me for leading the rescue of Chairman Noxsidera. Have you really fallen so far out of the loop?"
"I have. All I have been getting for days is military reports. I have not been able to ask because-" He stopped talking. "Who sent you?" He asked suspiciously. Zaira nodded in slight recognition and motioned for Sir Anthony to follow her to a quiet location. "Queen Diana sent me. Each of my soldiers, all 400 of them are hand picked by my grandfather and myself. She told me only that you said you were in trouble and that the army may be compromised."
"I believe it is. There is at least one mole in my troops and who can say how many in the Senkarians. I have only met them last week, so I have not been able to formulate any plan to locate the moles."
"That is what I am here for. Find the rats and take down this base. My father believes this to be a major stronghold. Not the prime stronghold mind you, but one of their most important. If we take down this place, the Brotherhood should lose hold of this sector of Senkaria."

The two quickly created a strategy for the breach of Base 18. They now numbered some 550 strong, and according to Zaira, almost 2000 more troops were being deployed to Senkaria soon. But, that information was kept only between the two of them.

In the cover of darkness, their teams broke off in different directions around the base. A single gun shot sounded, followed by a torrent of light and gun smoke. The Brotherhood had been alerted of their presence. The Rhodeve troops were being pushed back from the base, even before they had time to work out their plan of attack. They had discovered them yet again. "Don;t break!" Shouted Anthony as his men fired from behind dead logs and gnarly roots that stuck out of the dirt. "Grenade!" He shouted, lobbing a small metal egg from his hand, a large explosion erupting from the other side of a fence, knocking it over. "move! Move! Move!" Shouted Zaira at her team. "To the main gate!" She ran alongside her troops, sniper rifle pointing towards the ground. She stopped lifted her gun and fired a single shot. Sir Anthony looked up at where she had aimed for that split second shot. A soldier fell over.

He had no clue how she had made that shot. Almost 200 meters away and only a split second to aim. "Checkpoint A secure!" Shouted a man whose back was towards the large grey building which was the stronghold. He looked passed a corner, and lobbed a small grenade. he ducked down and covered he ears. The grenade went off, and he and two others ran forward, guns ablazing.

"Come on men! Senkarians! You take the right flank, I will take the left!" Sir Anthony ran forward, with his soldiers behind hi, aiming carefully and taking their shots at picking out targets. ..

Sir Anthony walked forward slowly, gun raised high. he stepped quietly through the maze of tunnels which filled the hideout. A terrorist could jump out at any moment from any direction. All a part of a brilliant psychological defense against any sort of attack. "Room clear!" He heard loudly from the adjoining corridor beside his. "This room, all clear!" He shouted back in reply. "And sign of the Senkarians! We lost them in the fighting out back! They should have reached our location by now."

"I will take a squad and find them." replied Captain Sing. Sir Anthony shook his head. "No, I will find them. Give me three of your best."
"Fwa, Rogers, Nung-yo. You're with Commander Anthony." they nodded and reloaded their weapons.

Sir Anthony and his three men walked outside, and around the corner to where the Senkarians had gone. It was completely empty. not even a single bullet round was found on the ground. It was as if no battle had even occurred there. "Look alive. I fear a trap."

"you feared correctly." Said a man from behind the bushes. As he rose, he clapped nonchalantly. Around them, the entire Senkarian team pointed their guns at Sir Anthony. "You were scared of a mole releasing attack strategies. You were not worried about the entire force belonging to me."

"On the count of 3, we start shooting." He whispered to his soldiers. "Sorry sir. No can do." With a quick motion, Nung-yo had disarmed him and placed him in a crippling arm lock. "Package is secured sir." Nung-yo said dutifully to General Wakdu Mossen. "Good, take him to the truck."

Nung-yo walked slowly, keeping firm pressure on Anthony's arm, leaving him to squirm in pain, as heat burned his wrist and elbow. As he was being hoisted into the truck, a small explosion went, off, 3 Senkarians flying in every direction, shouting in panic. A single shot rang out, and another man fell dead; a bullet straight through his left eye. General Wakdu Mossen glanced at the fallen man and growled in anger. "Come out here and fight like a true warrior! I know who you are!"

Another 3 shots rang out, each connecting perfectly with three Senkarian terrorists. Each falling with a single bullet in the left eye. "Shadow Death! Come out into the light where we all can see you!"
A fifth shot rang out, busting the tire on the truck. The General grimaced in fury. The shot was too close to his leg. "Get the prisoner out of here."
"Yes sir," said Rogers, walking over to Sir Anthony. Another shot and Rogers fell over, the bullet entering the back of his head. General Wakdu Mossen kicked over the corpose. Yet again, the bullet had pierced his left eye. It was Shadow Death beyond a doubt. nobody else he knew could make a shot life that. "Get out of here. We will regroup at location C." He told his men. "I am initiating full retreat." And with that the General stepped onto an ATV and drove off. Many of the Senkarians who Sir Anthony had once fought alongside ran off, following after the Brotherhood General.

Sir Anthony waited inside the truck, not sure who Shadow Death was, or if he may kill him. "Anthony! Are you okay?" He turned to see Zaira run up to him, sniper strapped to her back. "I am alright. We better get going. The Senkarians were all Brotherhood. Anything in the base, you find?"
Zaira shook her head. "no. All the weapons were fakes. no ammunition, no weapons, not even real oil drums. It was all a set-up."
"We better get out of here before they attack again. To the helicopters. We are going to go head to Senka City. A short time off is what everyone needs right now."

As they flew off in their helicopters, Sir Anthony looked back at the base, as it exploded, shrapnel flying everywhere, as a great plume of smoke lifted into the sky, and fire raged through the concrete building.

---

3 Days Before Martial Law

Sir Anthony and Zaira spent the day relaxing. Zaira informed Sir Anthony on all the happening in Rhodevus, and Sir Anthony shared all his experiences in Senkaria. Both had a lot to discuss and they were speaking for quite some time. Non realized that both lunch and dinner had come and gone. It was dark outside once again. "Zaira. I do not know how bad this will all get. I fear that this is just the beginning. I have been listening to Chairman Drey speak. He is starting to sound crazy in my opinion. Not end-war James crazy. But pre-war James crazy. He seems to be losing public support very quickly, thanks to Chairman Noxsidera's broadcast. Do you think there is going to be civil war?"
"I believe so. Chairman Drey has control of the army, but not the people. Both Drey and Noxsidera are rightful leaders of Senkaria, so I do not know which side of the conflict we will be on."
"My guess is Noxsidera's but it is as good as anyone's. Queen Diana has the final say."
"I think you will be right. Rezua has already pledged their support to Noxsidera, though officially I do not know yet. Rhodevus will most likely do the same..."

Martial Law

Sir Anthony, Zaira and all their soldiers had quickly fled the capitol when martial law was declared by Drey. The country was in chaos. He saw the army shooting at civilians and he saw civilians rise up against the army. He also heard of a splinter group of fighters calling for the country of Noctaria to be founded. They seemed to be working well against Drey, and in Sir Anthony's mind, even without Queen Diana's support, he would lead his troops against the Chairman. Anyone who killed civilians was his enemy.

"Zaira. I have a very important mission for you. Take your two most trusted men. And find the Noctarians. I want you to speak with them on my behalf. Find out all you can about their mission and I leave everything else up to you. Report back in 48 hours." Zaira nodded and walked away from Sir Anthony. She would carry out her mission dutifully, while Sir Anthony would go about trying to help as many civilians as he could. They had already founded a small living area away from the shootings in the city. Only a couple dozen Senkarians were there, but Anthony would risk everything to bring back more. The more safe people, the better...

(OOC: Senkaria, you can RP a Noctarian finding Zaira to bring her to them.)

Queen Diana walked up to Noxsidera's bed side. "How are you feeling?"

"Better." Noxsidera replied, looking up at her. "My people are firing at each other. At least they know what they are fighting for."
"I bet you wish you were out there fighting alongside them. Instead of stuck here in the hospital."
"You know me too well."
"Well, it is in a leader's blood to want to rush towards the fighting and save their people from danger. I cannot stop you if you would like to go. But know that you have Rhodevus's full support." She handed the chairman a small slip of paper. "There is a military convoy leaving for Senkaria in an hour. It was alreay scheduled to leave to resupply the Rhodeve troops already in Senkaria who are fighting the Brotherhood. You can join them if you would like to."