The Flower Set Ablaze [MT | NEW EARTH ONLY]

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

The Roman Republic of Xathuecia

Northern Xathuecian Airspace

The commander grunted and cursed. He hated having his two hands tied behind his back.

"Understood. We are not going to start a war. Do not attempt to near any military centers of operations nor Xoma. Any civilian deaths will result in a swift action, is that understood?"

The blips on the radar began to go back as the planes took a sharp turn away from the fighters. The Consul would find out and his reaction was one of mystery though the commander as his troops retreated.

Genoa

"They invaded and already Xaths have been killed!"

"I know Admiral but we cannot risk war!"

"This navy is garbage! The Consul does not want to fight and I only have five ships. This is an absolute joke but I'm gonna kill them before I 'retreat'. I am a Liberal before I am a member of the Consul's government!"

"Sir, with respect, are you mad!"

"Men, arrest my First-Mate. Lock him up. Pathetic!"

The Admiral paused pointing to the rest of the crew.

"Ready the weapons. Relay the command to the Liberal Army or what is left of it. They will come from the East and force them to fight on two fronts. So aim for the guns and air bases. Get our bombers in the air and prepare for a run. The fighters will intercept any resistance from the East with the army......Fire!"

Xoma

"Liberal forces have attacked Geneva and a joint offensive is heading southwards towards us sir. The Carthaginians are seeing early victories though our Legions are soon going to try the Pincer maneuver. General Sagestein is expected at the front. The rest of the navy has been docked at Venice and will soon begin to attack what is left of the Balkan forces. Also, the Edelian Kaiser has called for all European nations to aid in our downfall. The North Sea Union and its little members have apparently sent planes And one other thing.........General Mousil just declared de facto war on Serbia and Bulgaria by seizing the capital. He made a statement, where, and I quote: "I give Serbia to our great Consul Amin and proclaim the threat of the Balkan war animal distinguished." I have no idea how to proceed."

"No fighting, not even because of how mad this makes me....And for Mousil, send no support to him. Cut of all supply lines immediately. I am not dealing with him and his stupidness."

"And your plan sir...."

"Have the other consuls reviewed it?"

"Yes, all but Sagestein but I already know his response."

"Yes, send it to the Senate. No more lives will be on my hands, I need this as my fall back."

He passed the set of papers to his assistant with the top reading: Surrender of Xathuecia - Abdication of Idi Amin

---

"Simple enough, we hand over all documentation regarding the nuclear program. Why would I lie, I need to have a power backing me before I can decide to use nuclear weaponry. Please, I beg of you. I do not want more lives to be at my hands. Some things are already in place but this is my out reach! I ask of you to recognize me as the successor state of Xathuecia and all treaties valid. The nukes will be handed promptly to your forces then.

Pesvara
Xord Navam was busy starting a revolution under the Consul's feet. He had sent his letters of support to General Mousil and had sent more supplies to the nobles in hiding. Nothing would stop him.

Letter To: The Kaiser of Edelreich

From: Xord Navam of Xathuecia

Please forgive me but I have no time for formalities. I write this to you for one reason. The Nobility have relied on me, heir to the Valenciax throne though not like that holds any significance any more, to save them. I ask that you take pity on the nobles and send an army to our location in Pesvara. We need it as Amin's forces close in. I, a member of Amin's government, am trying my best to limit his actions. Please!

Latitude: 42.4617902 - Longitude: 14.216089799999963

[The United Isles of Britain]

Po River Valley
The British forces were closing in on the weapons fast. Resistance has steadily increased as they continue to push inland, the British however have not taken any casualties so far, but some troops have sustained injuries.

"Five outdated Xath ships versus six of the Royal Navy?" a driver said, turning down the volume of the music inside the tank. "Seems like a suicidal run on their part."

"They got some nasty planes though."

"Against a Phalanx??" the driver said chuckling. "I know they're good pilots and have a mean airforce and have some great planes, but I would hate to go near one of those."

"How would you know, you're not even a pilot!"

"4.5 K rounds a minute still scares the shit out of me."

"If they're smart they could try to get around them."

"I'd wish them luck with that."

Genoa
"That fucking idiot." The admiral said almost in disbelief. "Send the signal to Command and inform London of what has transpired, I want our guns online and ready to defend the fleet! Now!" he said snapping back to the situation at hand and reaching for the ship's radio. "This is Admiral Thurston of His Royal Majesty's Navy. Your fleet has opened fire in an clear act of war against the The Kingdom of The United Isles of Britain and by extension the Commonwealth Realms. I will give you one chance to cease fire and withdraw from this area immediately or we will be forced respond." he said furious looking out the window and seeing the RAF aircraft fly over the hills behind the city.

The troops in the city quickly prepared themselves to defend the city from the incoming Xath forces. Eyes were on the skies and anti-aircraft weapons were quickly deployed to not only protect the British troops, but also the remaining civilians as well. The British had set up an intercom system to allow for messages to quickly be relayed in English and Xathuecian to the population encase of emergency.

"Civilians of the City of Genoa. You should all clear any open areas seek shelter immediately, we are under attack." sounded the intercoms mounted around the city.

[Edelreich]

The Chancellery, Richtenräschen

“General Amin, as much as it would benefit us to know that our security and the safety of Europe is finalized with the removal of your nuclear weaponry, what you ask of me I can not give you. His Majesty and I do not hold your beliefs, we do not believe that you have any right to your country. You are a general acting as a politician - an effective junta is going on in your nation as you deal with with rebels and freedom fighters all over. All I can offer you Amin is that if you step down now and give up this senseless struggle, I will ensure that the Edelreich doesn’t push for any reparations or punishments against you. I of course can’t speak for your own people and what they might do though.”

TO: GENERALMAJOR VON ENNESCHAU

HIS MAJESTY HAS RECEIVED CONTACT FROM SCEPTRE. HE HAS SHOWN EVIDENCE OF NOT BEING LOYAL TO THE REGIME ALTHOUGH THE DETAILS ARE CLASSIFIED. OPERATION MERCURY MUST ABSOLUTELY BE SUCCESSFUL IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT OUR TIME SPENT HERE WAS NOT WASTED. YOU MUST CONTINUE YOUR IMPETUOUS ADVANCE INTO THE XATHUECIAN SOUTH-EAST COAST AND SECURE A PATH FOR SCEPTRE’S SAFETY. DO NOT STOP. DO DO NOT REST. HIS MAJESTY IS WATCHING.

HIGH COMMAND

TO: ALL OFFICERS OF 4TH DIVISION

THE KAISER HOVERS OVER US LIKE AN EAGLE EVER READY TO GIVE OUT MEDALS AND REWARDS. YOU WILL ALL BE REMEMBERED TODAY FOR THE SUCCESS THAT WE WILL ACCOMPLISH IN THIS GODFORSAKEN COUNTRY. TOTAL WAR HAS BEGUN. THE LUFTSTREITKRÄFTE WILL BEGIN A BOMBING CAMPAIGN OF VENICE AND VOGT WILL MOBILIZE PART OF HIS BRIGADE TO HANDLE OCCUPATION THERE. PADUA WILL BE PACIFIED ALONGSIDE FERRARA AND BOLOGNA. WE WILL USE ARTILLERY LIBERALLY AND DEAL WITH THEM AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE. THE ROAD MUST BE SECURED FOR SUPPLIES. DO NOT CONCERN YOURSELF WITH CIVILIAN CASUALTIES. WE WILL THEN SECURE THE CROSSROADS AT CESENA OR WHATEVER THE HELL THEY CALL THEIR CITIES HERE BEFORE ADVANCING ON PESARO. GOD WITH US GENTLEMEN.

GENERALMAJOR VON ENNESCHAU

[Vanesse]

Office of the Imperial Minister, Montauket

The collection of diplomats and cabinet members were scattered around the room, impatiently waiting a verdict from the House that had been in vote the better part of a week. Some of them were on the couches, sitting annoyed and upset at the prospect of wasting their personal time. Others were passed out, fast asleep while the Minister himself diddled around at his desk, checking the official emails every couple of minutes.

Suddenly he stood up and yelled.

“Everyone! Wake up everyone! The vote is in, the House finally decided.”

The secretaries perked up quickly, the idea of finally being able to go home for the day crossing their minds.

“Oh that’s great.”

“What does it say McGuire?”

He looked down at the computer and scrolled until he reached the end, bypassing all of the fluff and getting right to the point.

“The House has decided in a two-thirds majority that all Vanessian goods and services to Xathuecia will be prohibited and the states there, whatever they may be, placed under an embargo effective immediately. Furthermore, the House has decided in a jointly-held vote to not recognize the government under Consul Amin, or any government formed in Xathuecia until a proper government that protects human rights and human gain is formed.” McGuire smiled and looked up to see the group of secretaries cheering and shaking hands, some of the closer ones even hugging. “Well.... well it looks like the House pulled through for once.”

“Pulled through,” the Secretary of Defense exclaimed, “they did exactly what we wanted and more! I didn’t expect the condemnation vote to go through.”

“I don’t think anyone did.” Another said.

McGuire nodded and turned the computer off. “Well, we got exactly what we needed from this vote. No trade, and no recognition. With how blanket the ruling covered, we’re prepared if Carthage makes considerable gains into Xathuecia. Hopefully, god forbid this is the only time I say it, that the Kaiser and his Reich takes them.”

“It’s a damnable situation Minister, but at least the Kaiser isn’t a communist.”

[Liedava]

The Royal Palace,
Zarenovo, Liedava

The Kingdom of Liedava was once a rising star in the politics of the European continent. With the wars of Protestantism and blood feuds rampant in medieval Europe the nation was free to expand and conquer the East, becoming a formidable power that many thought would stand the test of time, growing from a simple kingdom in Sarmatia to a vast imperium of aristocrats and lands united under a common king; their rule unrestrained by writ or law and free to decide the course of the nation. Liedava made considerable advances in the military and during the imperial age and held great renown as the Vulture of Europe, waiting for weakness in its neighbors and pushing in for the kill. Conquest and domination were on the same side of the coin.

It all changed one day; many people still debate to the reasons why. The once burning star quickly faded, burning out without a roar but instead going silently into the night. Europe turned their backs on the Kingdom and the Kingdom turned theirs, looking towards a future of uncertainty as their once massive kingdom that dominated Asia was cut down to size, deals of a supposed economic value removing their colonies and pushing their land back ever closer to the Urals. For a time it seemed a defeatist attitude by the world; many Liedavans still believed their nation to be on the precipice of greatness and the failing economy one of a temporary issue, but when oil and other riches were discovered in the lands now sold, it haunted the Kingdom like a spectre. A spectre that took many forms.

The Rebellion of 1905 wasn’t the first. It may not even be the last, but its presence set off a chain of events that would spell the end of any dreams of a Liedavan world. The two ways to view the world, either with foreign eyes or Liedavan minds, quickly faded into the past as the nation ruptured and spilled its riches like a torn coin purse, turning once united peoples against each other. Many who first rose spoke of human gain, they were the communists and socialists, once ideas entertained in a better age now a relic of the Kingdom’s prestigious past come to beset them. They rose countless times in rebellion and their revolutionary fervor was only tempered by the clattering of steel and gunfire, the better part of the 20th century dealing with insurrections. Where many progressed past the dark ages of the Great War and saw much improvement, Liedava was frozen in time and lost to the world of Europe; forced to face its demons for the most part alone. Where the communists failed treacherous nobles and ambitious kinsmen rose to the top, supporting different views of the same system and the Kingdom became a spider web of intrigue and plotting.

With the nation at the brink of war and collapse imminent, many gave up. They simply resided to a lifetime of war and pain, with little advancement from the rebels and no authority that the monarchs of the realm could exert to stop such. The streets were rarely traversed, blood soaking them and freely running down the gutters of the former jewels of the Kingdom; members of the royal family were found dead, their followers went missing or many times were indicted on treason. In the 1950s it began to change, with the Great War behind them many countries began to exert their influence in new forms, affecting the course of human history in ways still thought impossible. Many gave money and resources, they provided weapons to the rebels forces; they were matched in quality and quickly overtaken by the nations that had vested interests in Liedava staying the same. Some sent vehicles, donated tanks, armored carriers and vehicles, others ensured that trade lanes would successfully make it through the Black Sea, and some… well some people even volunteered to fight, forming the expeditionary forces of the world abroad that rose in tandem to save a nation that couldn’t save itself.

The 1960s was the recovering point for Liedava. With former riches destroyed or stolen and many of the most influential members of hundreds of aristocratic families beneath the earth, the Kingdom weighed their options and with their newfound stability set a path forward. There would be no democracy; the people couldn’t be trusted. A reign of terror lasted nearly a decade. Suspected traitors and other undesirables would go missing in the night, never to be heard from again as the stories of the Liedavan secret police became the stuff of legends. The eastern worker camps became packed with political exiles and prisons filled with criminals, the economy in a full collapse and the nation’s royal family met the demands of the multitudes with the crushing boot of oppression. Eventually this subsided, the monarchy working with the aristocrats of the land to form collections of worker movements to rebuild ruined parts of their nation and repair their little world that had fallen off the map.

Zarenovo received the most assistance as entire city blocks still lay in ruins. The king had fled the city with his family, the palace completely burned to the ground by seditious forces. The Grand Rebuilding first took place here, with thousands of unemployed laborers filling the ranks of the force that swept through each block and left a legacy. Architects were hired and held in great esteem, their skills put to the test as they had to create a city of efficiency and beauty for both the royalty and the citizen. It was barely accomplished with great challenge but was finished; the new jewel of the nation now shimmering above the rest, with the royal palace on the highest hill to see it all.

The streets and blocks of Zarenovo are compact and utilitarian. Down some of the outer areas of the city the buildings were built with whatever was available, entire streets were made out of brick then suddenly would switch to concrete the next over. The organized streets would often give way to large market hubs and plazas, where the recovered economy was taking hold with foreign designer goods competing alongside Liedavan products. The city was wrapped around the massive Borensko Reservoir which provided the lifewater necessary to keep the city operating and growing. At a size of almost 18 million people in the city limits alone, Zarenovo was truly the nationalized example of Liedava’s eventual return to glory.

Inside the city itself matters were different. Military gendarmerie patrolled the streets and the actual police were nowhere in sight, the presence of the Queen’s home denoting a massive security force. It was almost as if they dared an attack; a military base just miles away and beyond that the central reporting airfield for the nation. On a busy street corner an example of the city was showed in clear sight. A massive poster was plastered on the brick wall, colored in dark hues of green and purple. It was a stylized image of the Queen standing tall and proud, a watching motive with her hawkeyes and sharp brow just concealed by her long hair. She was dressed in an officer’s uniform, a common thing for her when on official visits around the Kingdom. Above her the poster said “Believe in the Queen” and beneath her it followed “She will guide you!” Across the city there were many more like it.

In the palace itself the Liedavans took the finest approach at crafting an environment that very few would ever see. The finest materials made the walls and floors. Paintings from all over the Kingdom were hoarded along the pathways and private rooms of the estate. A sizeable portion of the reservoir was sectioned off for the Queen, as was a part of the backlands that the gendarmerie watched closely. She was an avid equestrian and lover of the outdoors and demanded that her palace not only be merely a office, but a home that she could always find comfort at. The Queen was an interesting one, young and demanding, but with an unusual skill for affairs of state and political maneuvering. She could strike back hard at dissenters then a moment later reward greatly those who she felt a degree of respect for. Never trust. That couldn’t be afforded.

Inside one of the many private rooms the Queen was watching the Edelreich Kaiser’s speech, her aide and cousin, the Royal Secretary Marianne Katarina sitting closely by and watching the Kaiser with much interest. Everyone had to be prepared for the outside world; eventually Liedava might matter to it once more.

“The Kaiser is such an interesting fellow Your Majesty.” Marianne said, breaking the silence that followed the end of his speech before the news channel would repeat it. “He speaks of democracy and security in Europe but still places himself higher than it.”

She agreed. “He wants his backyard to be safe. Whether he calls it a world’s effort or just his own doesn’t matter. The evidence is right there.”

“And this Consul, Mr. Amin. Former general turned politician. He risks a lot for a lost cause; the whole of Europe against him.”

“Bravery doesn’t matter when you won’t live another day. This Amin has made his play and the world made there’s. The wind blew in the Kaiser’s favor this time.”

“This leaves a power vacuum in Xathuecia then. Who will rise up to claim the nation?”

“If the Teutons were making a greater advance into their heartland, I might be inclined to believe that they were going to occupy and put one of their own in charge. They’re slow on purpose, waiting for something. Whatever that might be.”

“An ‘out’ Your Majesty? Perchance they want a reason to leave southern Europe. Having border with a secure nation is the most beneficial to them; maybe they found something or somebody that can deliver that.”

“Maybe.” The Queen resolved. She stood up and turned off the TV, walking across the room and out onto the balcony. The air was cool but gradually warming throughout the month and she was satisfied with the result if not accustomed to the brutal cold of her homeland.

The Royal Secretary followed her out onto the balcony and looked across the field, watching a pair of visiting aristocrats trod along the horse paths. She inhaled the air, smelling the early flowers that bloomed in numbers around the estate.

“And the situation in Alcase continues to color me impressed. I wouldn’t have expected a dictatorship to arise there.”

“Me neither.” The Queen responded plainly. “They used to trumpet their republican virtues. I suppose Europe will welcome the change; or do something about it.”

“Aeuria is upset. I heard that the Emperor… Aleksander, that’s it, I heard that he called for a meeting of all French states. They apparently are rather concerned with the Alcasian dilemma”

“Tough. Sometimes you lose to gain some and other times you just lose. This is the latter for Aeuria.”

“I suppose Your Majesty.” She resigned, staring off at the reservoir before speaking again. “Will we do anything, or is it another case of maintaining the status-quo?”

“We have no purpose of entering it. Nobody will welcome our involvement nor would it accomplish anything. Xathuecia is dead and we do not mourn the weak. We have no allies, nobody to impress with our foreign escapades. The army isn’t crying havoc, neither do the generals demand action.”

“But we could at least-”

“Remember the words of our forefathers, Mary. ‘A sleeping giant will rest until disturbed.’” She distantly responded. The Royal Secretary knew that she had no business in politics, she was the aide of the Queen only.

She sighed and gave up. “Fine… will the giant ever wake up?”

“Time. Time will show us everything.” She turned away from the balcony and looked at her cousin. “Come now. The Baron wanted to ride out with us before it gets too late. Likely he intends to court me once more.”

“Oh no. Not again.”

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

The Roman Republic of Xathuecia

Xoma

"Surrender is not in my mind now. But if it comes to that, I will surrender the nuclear weapons now in exchange for political asylum later. I give you all the nuclear warheads in Mancua. I do not know if more exist, the XIS continues to elude me."

He sighed and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He had not slept a lot and suddenly felt tired.

"You got your self a deal Chancellor. I must go now, good luck to the both of us."

Genoa

"I surrender! Don't kill the Genoans! Please!"

The Admiral collapsed onto the deck of his ship in grief. His family had long lived in Genoa and he was not going to kill them. It seemed the world had stopped around him as he felt only his inner most feelings. Fighting the British! What was I thinking he thought as he crouched on his knees looking at the metallic ship's floor. The ship men tried to approached him but he shouted at them when he heard their foot steps.

"Give me the megaphone: 'We surrerender. I hand myself over to the British Navy - approach now, our weapons are lowered. Take me, spare the men."

He fell back down sobbing and mumbling incoherent things as the Brits approached the head ship.

Venice & Central-Eastern Cities

Many white flags was raised as soon as the first Edelian planes and troops appeared. People marched in the streets in the hope of making the Edelians fearful of bombing or hurting civilians as the military in each location surrendered fully. Soon the flag of the Coalition was raised throughout the region as people held their breath that they would not die.

[The United Isles of Britain]

Genoa
The bridge fell silent after the hearing the Xathuecian admiral. There were looks of both confusion and relief among the faces of the officers, while the admiral remained seemingly emotionless.

"Send word to ground command. Keep our ships at a distance, send a small craft over to secure the admiral." he said breaking the silence that had taken hold over the bridge. "This is Admiral Thurston to Xathuecian Navy. We will accept your surrender, we will send a small craft over to your ship and bring you on-board ours to discuss this. Your men will be unharmed and attended to accordingly." he said calmly putting down the radio. "I want our guns locked on their ships until we have complete control over them, we can't risk any surprises."

Eastern Po River Valley
The British forces, understanding the situation at hand were given orders to rendezvous with the German forces and to proceed to their primary objective. As they spent more and more time moving inland, they noticed resistance slowly falling apart, allowing them to move almost unhampered.

"When do you think they'll spot us?"

"Probably sooner rather than later. We haven't exactly been hiding." O' Cain said putting down his phone, then taking out a small bottle of Scotch and a shot glass.

"Why are about to have a shot of scotch, sir?" the driver said chuckling. "Our mission isn't completed yet!"

"Aye. But that's not why i'm having a shot, lad. Word from Genoa is that the Xath fleet has surrendered."

"That didn't take long. How many ships did they take down?"

"They didn't have to." he said drinking his shot. "Apparently they surrendered after a couple words were said from our admiral."

"So what happens to the fleet now?"

"They'll probably bring the admiral on board to discuss surrender and bring their men and ships ashore. After that? That's up to the new government."

[Edelreich]

Eastern Po River Valley

The Leopard tank pulled up quickly out of a small pass through some trees to the right of the British jeep, a collection of German soldiers coming out with guns raised and about to open fire before the tank commander busted open the hatch and stood up.

“Hold your fire!” He shouted above the commotion. “Can’t you tell a Brit from a damn Xath?”

The soldiers looked back and forth between the British convoy and their commander, eventually lowering their weapons in slight embarrassment and striking some conversation up with the people they were just about to kill. Both sides passed things back and forth, cigarettes and mementos; a lot of the German soldiers having been collecting Xathuecian guns off of the dead. The soldiers that knew English acted as translators for the bunch while the tank commander climbed down from his vehicle, having sent out orders for the rest of the regiment to keep up a patrol just in case they were ambushed.

He walked through the crowd with a squad of soldiers with him and eventually found the Scottish General in the commotion, smiling and tipping his officer’s hat for him.

“General O’Cain I presume? Oberstleutnant von Rauenzauch, 27th Armored Regiment, at your service. We didn’t expect you all so close to the east yet, damn near picked you up on recon as a Xath scout convoy before we saw the rides you came in on.”

Cesena Crossroads

“Clear!” The soldier shouted, turning back to his squad leader who radioed it in. The division’s forces had been moving non-stop since receiving the orders, performing a spearhead through most of the Xathuecian east coast in order to find and secure Sceptre. Most of the trek had been easy-going for the 4th Division. The cities of Padua and Ferrara surrendered without even a fight and besides a slight skirmish at Bologna, it folded the same. Even Venice surrendered quickly according to reports from Vogt.

The artillerymen hated it the most, having to constantly set up their weaponry just to hear that the town surrendered before they could even begin. Fortunately for the troops in the back of the armored convoys, they had it the best. Nearly every local town and city was pacified before they even needed to get out. Beyond confiscating weapons and arresting anyone who was wearing a uniform, the 4th Division still followed the same philosophy laid forward by the High Command: permit local governing with only a light German garrison to ensure peace.

The hardest fighting so far was at the Cesena Crossroads and the city itself. While the citizens of the town surrendered quickly, many of the rebel soldiers there did not and instead pressed the defense. There were civilian casualties, Generalmajor von Enneschau’s instructions followed to the letter as artillery bombardments accompanied the occasional bursts of fire from tank and riflemen. Eventually the city capitulated fully and the troops turned to support theirs at the crossroads, where some armor was nestled inside the defensive lines. They managed to punch through, although half a platoon of soldiers were killed or wounded and a tank rendered immobile from a foolhardy flank.

Ultimately the region was now pacified and the forces free to take the road down south-east to Pesaro. The Generalmajor was reportedly in good spirits following the engagements, making good time on Operation Mercury.

TO: HIGH COMMAND

MAKING GOOD PROGRESS. ALMOST ABOUT TO BE IN PESARO OPERATING AREA. LITTLE RESISTANCE AT PADUA AND FERRARA. CITIZENS WANTED TO SAVE THEIR TOWNS I SUPPOSE. LIGHT SKIRMISH AT BOLOGNA BEFORE CAPTURE. NO CASUALTIES. SIZABLE CONFLICT AROUND CROSSROADS BEFORE CAPTURE. HAD TO SHELL THE TOWN TO CONVINCE SURRENDER AND LOST 14 SOLDIERS ALL AROUND AND A TANK IS OUT OF COMMISSION. HEADING TO PESARO NOW.

GENERALMAJOR VON ENNESCHAU

[The United Isles of Britain]

"Aye." O' Cain said laughing and shaking hands with the commander. "This isn't the first time this has happened, and probably won't be the last." he said noticing some of the soldiers sighing or rolling their eyes because of the situation at hand. "But yes, I'd say we've made better timing that expected."

"This is why we need bagpipes." a Scottish soldier said to the German soldiers near the tank. "Make it damned near impossible for anyone to mistake us for miles."

"I thought Psychological Warfare wasn't permitted." an English solider said walking walking past his tank. "It would be inhumane the subject someone to a piper!"

"So I assume most of your forces are further south from here." O' Cain said glancing back at his men talking to some of the German soldiers. "We've heard you're going after some of the cities here."

Genoa
Half of the third, after splitting from the second fleet in-bound for southern Xathuecia, fleet sailed to Genoa soon after the "battle" concluded, bringing with them more men, supplies, and equipment to the first group stationed in Genoa.

"This is Admiral Ó Ceallaigh of the third fleet to Genoa, we are 20 nautical miles from your location." he reported on the radio.

"So not a single one of ours or theirs was sunk?"

"Apparently, that's good news for us though."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

The Roman Republic of Xathuecia

Xoma

Amin sweated. He was in his private car, an undisclosed vehicle. He was headed to the Edelian embassy to seek his asylum. It was mere minutes before the remaining consuls would announce that the government had abdicated and that he had fled the city. It would be utter chaos. The army would surrender in minutes but it was better this way. He had to let nature take its course and stop the killing. The next morning, the vote would conclude and Xathuecia would surrender.

Genoa

The Admiral had been captured. Still, he had his small mirror behind his pendant. And that was all he needed for the plan. As much as the British attacked or the Roman Republic was proclaimed, the Liberals would still win. It was now night so using the moonlight, he went to his window. The reflecting began blinking.

The whole escapade with the firing of the British ships had been a distraction. It had lowered the surveillance over the land allowing for the southern Liberal army to march northwards without fearing being caught. They had arrived and with the signal of the Admiral that the port was clear, the artillery fired. The city was in flames soon as the cannons fired. Though they attempted to fire at just military targets, it was hard to avoid it nevertheless. Bombs set by spies exploded in the port rocking the water and the docked British ships being shaken. The closest parts of the ships to the port soon where licked by the flames as gun men from the North and the South moved in.

One the ships, the men were not asleep. The commander smiled as he saw the explosions in the city. With a loud cry, he yelled!

"Men! Fire all the weapons! Release our planes! It is time!"

With a great speed that came with waiting and preparing, the ship fired to the other ships as the bombers soon took off firing at the ships and troops. The Battle of Genoa had started.

Xathuecian-Carthaginian Border

Throughout the line came white flags of surrender. A pure mutiny it seemed as all officials of the now ex-government of the "Roman Republic" where promptly arrested. Soldiers raised their hands as the Carthaginians observed the fall of the troops. Order finally seemed on the horizon

Sagestein ate his dinner peacefully in a tent. The steak was a bit too dry but what more could be asked when fighting a war. The lock on the door began to clang before 5 distinct shots could be heard breaking the metal. Sagestein pulled out his gun when he saw his own men enter.

"What are you doing soldier! Are you mad!?"

"Shut up! Arrest him!"

"You will not you filthy traitor."

As the general tried to raise his gun up, the soldiers shot him in his arm and foot.

"F%$K! You little bastards."

"Tie him up, and please sedate him. Pretty obnoxious."

What once had been a respected general was now a criminal. They would be held until a new government took hold. The Carthage forces at the same time moved taking the south with ease as it seemed a race for Xoma had begun.

[Edelreich]

Pesvara

“Go, go, go!” The captain shouted, his company moving up in a staggered advance with various other units in echelon. To the furthest flanks of the captain’s central company were columns of tanks and once they reached the ridge that headed down into the city, broke away from the group and began to scatter around the field. Soldiers took cover behind their tanks as miles away artillery positions were zeroed in and ready to fire.

Kneeling behind a leopard tank the captain reached into his pack and grabbed his communication set, his escort assisting in constructing the rudimentary transmitting device. In a few seconds they were done and crawled back into cover as the vanguard began their advance into the city.

He stood up with the comms unit and spoke into it, his voice being carried down into the city.

“Citizens and soldiers of… Pesvara… surrender now and do not give your lives up for a government that doesn’t believe in you. The Germans are here and we will liberate you, a new government is in order, one that will represent you and raise you Xathuecians back to a place of honor. Surrender now and like the other cities we have passed through, you will be spared any damage. Your local government still permitted to operate. Throw down your guns and surrender like the others, do not make this a sacrifice that your government will soon forget.”

Temporary Command Base,
Mosciano Stazione

The Generalmajor was looking at a map of the battlefield while a few of the ancillary worked around the temporary base to keep all communications to the units out on the fronts going. Miles out on every side of the command base von Enneschau had sent reconnaissance teams to serve as pickets, watching out for any rebel movements so that the local forces would be able to adjust to defend against them.

He wasn’t an amateur, even Vogt realized that before they parted. He may of had his mind set on glory and riches, prying for the eyes of the nobility once more and serving to protect his family’s great legacy, but the Generalmajor was adept at the art of war and wasn’t likely to make any mistakes. Nor was he willing to be merciful and methodic like Vogt was. A city that did not surrender was a city full of hostiles. His mission was clear and the ambitious man wouldn’t rest until it was done.

Eventually he looked up to see an officer waiting to speak with him.

“Sir, I didn’t want to interrupt.”

He smirked, reaching into his pocket for a cigarette. “Fair enough. What is it?”

“Our forces have reached Pesvara as expected. Advancing in and we gave the surrender request just like the others. They should fold like the rest of the coast, god willing.”

“Good. Is the artillery ready?”

“Yes sir. Just waiting for coordinates to be transmitted if necessary.”

“Perfect. High Command’s last message still indicates that Sceptre should be inside the city. Assuming that, the guard should surrender and the city come under our control so we can meet this so-called ‘heir’ and decide for ourselves. This is the closest that we’ve been to Xoma, with or without Sceptre I’m not playing games. We’re not to lose our chance, understood?”

“Yes sir, of course sir.” He answered quickly. “Do you really think we have the resources to take Xoma?”

The Generalmajor nodded. “A whole division to my name? Yeah I do. We’ll have to surround from the east and south, hopefully force our way inside before the Carthies make their own play. Would be difficult to legitimize anything without Xoma I suppose. If we’re lucky, the military won’t even want to fight.”

“That would be nice sir.”

“Yes it would. ‘Course we’re a while off from that yet. Still got to deal with Sceptre first. Get the artillery coordinates for the center of the city. If they don’t surrender, we’re not playing around.”

“Sir yes sir.”

[Dominion of New England]

Straits of Gibraltar
Although New England's foreign policy promoted peaceful resolutions, the country was ready to do something after the attack on the city of Genoa. It was clear that the eleven ships currently there would have a difficult time re-taking the city by themselves with the much larger Xath army having both an inland and uphill advantage, so the first group of New English forces, nearly doubled in size, would go for the city first. Although the New English held a great deal of respect for the British, they felt slightly annoyed that they had to assist the mothercountry in combat on their doorstep, but understood the call for help.

"The battle is fierce in Genoa, Admiral. I am unsure if they can retake the city at all." and officer said walking out of the bridge and towards the deck where the admiral was standing.

"We'll be able to provide them with air support in a few hours and the rest of the fleet will make it by late tonight." he said looking at the pinnacles to the north of them. "They'll see us coming, but they sure as hell won't be able to stop us."

"Us." the first officer said concerned. "Will there be an "us" when we get there?"

"The, our, ironworks built their ships, they'll do just fine until we get there."

[The United Isles of Britain]

Genoa
Hearing the explosion, the admiral calmly pushed a button under the table to sound the alert to the fleet and surrounding forces to engage, he then looked the Xathuecian admiral dead in the eye. "You're grinning as if you just won the war, admiral." he said cracking his knuckles and putting his hands on the table. "But, I can you promise you and your lads have just made a very, very big mistake." he said basically emotionless. "Either way my friend, I can assure you, you've just lost the war." he said standing up and walking out of the room. 'Tie him up and take him to the brig, if we sink he dies with the rest of us. We got a city to defend."

The ground troops quickly rallied and re-organized themselves while the command base positioned well outside the city began to launch aircraft. They understood that the Xathuecians had the uphill and inland advantage, but that wouldn't stop the British from fighting to take down as many of them as they could. Some troops were sent to help the Genoans control some of the fires that started and to assist the panicking and injured population, some locals even picked up their own weaponry to help the British defend the city.

"LET'S GO!!!" Shouted an officer getting the tanks in position. "Open fire on the passes!" the tanks soon opened fire on the hillsides in an effort to create rock slides to block or crush the Xathuecians he said as he noticed the RAF moving in to respond.

1 km offshore
"My God." Ó Ceallaigh said with horror. "Open fire on their ships! I want them sunk before too many planes get into the air!" he said running to the ships radio. "This is Admiral Ó Ceallaigh of the Third British Peacekeeping Fleet, the city is under attack!" he said quickly hanging up the radio." Wiping the sweat off his brow as he saw the RAF planes taking off from his ship.

Eastern Po Valley
News of Genoa in flames quickly hit the men moving with the Germans and grounded the British to a halt for a few moments. The troops were both shocked and horrified that the Xathuecians would burn a city of 500,000 people just to try to "win", but the one emotion that towered over all the rest among the men was anger.

"Lads, I've never sugarcoated anything to you, and I don't intend to now." O' Cain said standing on top of his Humvee with a loudspeaker. "That was treachery of a kind we, the British Army, have not encountered for many long years. I would love to go stick a claymore up the damned admirals spine as much as any of you, but we are in no position to do so. But I promise you this, on my grandfather's grave we shall avenge our fallen compatriots and the innocent people of Genoa. God Save the King." he said before stepping inside the Humvee again. "Let's get moving again."

"Will Genoa hold?"

"Look, I'm no pious man, but I can tell you that there is a God up there, and that God is ready to punish whatever sick son of a bitch killed our men and those innocent people in that city. What that punishment will be? Can't be too sure, but it will come and we will punish those Xaths.

[Edelreich]

Eastern Po Valley

The Oberstleutnant waved goodbye to the General, the collection of German soldiers watching silently as the British convoy turned around and headed back to their mission. There wasn’t a single man in the regiment that wouldn’t have liked going AWOL for a while just to teach the Xathuecians to know better. In fact the commander was close himself to just ordering his men to advance west in order to reinforce the besieged city, but he knew High Command wouldn’t stand for it.

The 27th Regiment still had their orders and they were important ones at that. While the 4th division under von Enneschau cut a path of destruction and capitulation down the eastern coast, the men of the 27th were tasked with maintaining the flank. The central portions of the country were completely out of their control and while the advance was careful to not overextend, they had no way of projecting themselves outside of the coast. With the ports of Venice now properly under their control, Vogt was able to adjust his front to compensate for the quick charge; the men of the brigade would march down through the center of the nation and secure any objectives on their way to assisting in the siege of Xoma.

At least that was Vogt’s plan. It still remained to be seen if Carthage would take the city first; while allies, it would be disastrous for Edelreich’s domestic policy to allow a communist nation on their doorstep. It was all but a competition by this point.

[Alcase]

THE ALCASIAN CONTINENTAL DICTATORSHIP

Charles de Gualle Airport

"Colonel, follow me, we can't let them know you're Aeurian," the ONI officer whispered to the Frumentarii leader as he rushed into the top-security section of CDG. The new Airport Security officers, replaced just weeks ago, looked on the Naval Intelligence's vehicle with utmost suspicion. The matte grey jeep rolled up to the security gate and the ONI officer rolled down his window, revealing a car full of mixed uniforms. Unknown to the gate security, both uniforms were made in Aeuria, but not all of the inhabitants were foreign.

"Business or pleasure?" The gate security guard asked, chuckling a little.

"We're on a confidential mission sanctioned by the Alcasian Army of the Ground, we're here under orders of Dictator Pierre Jean-Baptiste, we have to report back to the Atlantic fleet based in Nantes." The ONI officer stated, with a serious face, handing the man an officially stamped military passeport.

"Says here you're civilian, whats the deal with the Ground Army?"

"That's confidential, sir, it's for the mission."

The security guard stared at the ONI officer, questioning the older man with telepathic intents.

"Pass through," the guard sighed, waving to the gate-operator in the tower above the gate. As the jeep rolled into the airport. The security guard stared at the jeep as it slid further and further towards the naval security section of CDG, and spoke quietly into his radio.

[Vanesse]

Mediterranean Sea,
5km past Gibraltar Strait

Two marines stood watching over the waters, their amphibious assault ship cruising past the Gibraltar Strait and into the sea, where they would soon meet resistance from the Xathuecians pending their operations. They were on standard patrol, although taking a break for the moment, and wore the full battle equipment of the marines if something were to happen.

The marine lowered his rifle and hung the strap around his shoulder in a way that the gun settled on his torso. He pointed out across the horizon line to the Iberian landmass that was quickly fading, a grimaced look on his complexion.

“Damn socialists. They’re the reason we’re even here. Couldn’t just let the British and Germans handle it slowly; had to rush everything.”

“Relax,” his friend responded. “It’s not like they caused it. Carthaginians aren’t that smart.”

“You’re right, but you see how the media treats this. That bitch Baker’s been turning people against us. Do I look like I signed up for this? Do you? No, we’re here to stop some tinpot dictator from violating our laws, not supporting some kind of fucking anti-communist agenda.”

He chuckled. “Chill man.” He reached into his left pack and pulled out a cigarette, handing it off to his patrol mate. “You’re getting worked up about this stuff. Gonna give yourself an ulcer before we even land.”

“Yeah,” he sighed defeated, “I suppose you’re right. “What do you think the Captain is doing right now?”

“Ours or theirs?”

“The Minotaur.”

He smiled. “Well, I imagine that he’s probably going over the plans for the fifth time already and the crew’s nearly passed out from boredom.”

“Ha!”

VES Minotaur

“Detachments A and B will progress along the southern Mediterranean before advancing up above Sardinia.” The Captain hammered out once again to his tired crew, directing their vacant stares to a video screen projecting a map of the Mediterranean. “The Xathuecian navy is on their final legs against the British, so I don’t expect much in the way of resistance in the sea but we’re approaching this carefully. Once we verify that the Tyrrhenian Sea is clear, detachments A and B will advance to land and deploy their forces along the coasts of the Xoma province. Your folders should’ve had enclosed a more detailed list of procedures from there, please make sure you read over them and get everything clarified before D-Day.”

The collection of naval and marine officers nodded and turned to exit the island of the aircraft carrier Minotaur, who had been regulating much of the control for the operation. The briefed team on the Minotaur were primarily a number of more selective members of the navy’s air fleet and special marine forces, that would be performing separate operations alongside the main landing forces. The 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade was specifically chosen based on the unit’s previous track record, serving admirably throughout most of the nation’s history since the 1830s and became domestically known as the “right arm” of the empire, able to respond to most conflicts in a timely manner with a combination of land, naval and air forces.

The individual in control of the entire operation, Brigadier General Adeline Avery, went against every notion of protocol in order to accompany her MEB to the front. The entire command was initially reluctant to grant her such a privilege, normally based thousands of miles away back home to utilize the modern telecommunications of the military world, but she persisted rather aggressively at every opportunity. Eventually the chiefs of staff permitted her even after the Imperial Minister attempted to reason with the wayward commander, citing every number of danger that could befall a general out on the battlefield. She was quick to remind them that no such thing would happen, an aircraft carrier such as the Minotaur would never place itself in harm’s way.

So the command gave in and there she was, situated inside the Minotaur’s hull behind a bulkhead door, quickly going over the battle plans once more in her mind. They wouldn’t change, she secretly knew, but at least attempting to make a better use of her time prior to the commencement of the final operations would keep her busy. General Avery primarily stayed locked away inside the hull of her own accord; she had met with the Captain of the ship prior to leaving port and recognized that his apprehensive worries had some merit. The crew would be especially on their toes knowing that the commanding officer of the entire operation was present, and that potential pressure could threaten their performance. So she relegated herself to a bulkhead room at least until the actual landings began.

[Alcase]

The Alcasian Continental Dictatorship

Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris

The ONI and Frumentarii filled jeep pulled up to the Naval Force helicopters awaiting the rescue team. The sleek blac-bodied with red MARINE markings on the helicopter stood out among many in the sun.

"Afraid you wouldn't make it in time, my dear friend," one of the Naval Intelligence officers waiting in CDG airport stated as he saw the ONI team leader step out of the vehicle. "Let's get you to the fleet."

Airspace over Le Mans, Alcasian Dictatorship\

The two helicopter crew and pilots were startled by the sudden blinking of a bright red light and the loud, incessant beeping of the threat signaling process in the helicopter's computer system.

"We've got hostile lock-on to our vehicle, remain calm while we perform evasive maneuvers" both pilot crews said in unison. Within seconds, the helicopters began jerking about, moving the ONI and Frumentarii officers inside all around and causing quite a bit of trauma.

"Deploying flares," the pilot said, calm as ever. Firey chaffing shot out the back of the helicopters while the pilot took a dive straight for the ground. Despite the pilot's best efforts, the Anti-Air rocket fired towards the two flying machines impacted one of the helicopters. Engulfed by the shock wave and blazing fires of the rocket explosion, the helicopter begins spinning out of control and starts an erratically-coursed descent towards the ground.

"Nike Base, this is ONI-29, we are hit and going down, I repeat, we have been hit by AA fire and are going down."

"Nike Base, this is ONI-31, ONI-29 is hit and going down. Requesting position to land for Recovery?"

"ONI-31, this is Nike Actual, you have a go ahead for Recovery, how copy?"

"Good copy, Nike, we're going in. Expect delay of one hour," the pilot begins, but is interrupted by an Aeurian Frumentarii.

---

Weeks later, in Paris

ALCASIAN PRESIDENT RESTORED TO POWER, EMERGENCY ELECTION FOR PARLIAMENT BEING HELD

---

Paris

Following months of turmoil in the jewel empire of the world, the Presidency of Angele Smith has been restored in Paris. The newly installed provisional government, having arrested the Dictator Pierre Jean-Baptiste, has announced today that while President Smith will be overseeing a return of Republicanism to Alcase, she will not be taking command of the Republic, and will be holding nation-wide elections for a new President, with qualifications expanded.

Along with a new presidential seat, there will be an overhaul of the government to better represent the Republic and her peoples. The legislative assembly will be seeing itself officially dissolved, just weeks after the decomposition of Her Excellency's Legislative Assembly in the early days of May, and will be holding emergency, nation-wide elections based on the electoral proportional representation system.

The fate of the Alcasian Republic seems to have stabilized into one beautiful Republic once more, with more democracy available to her constituents.

President Angela Smith has also elected to hold an emergency European Community conference in Paris within one week, calling on all EC members to attend this crucial meeting of Heads of State to discuss the issue of a more perfect European Union.

In celebration of the recent stabilization of politics in the face of nation-wide danger, cyclists have held a fund-raising event in which they tour Paris and promote the art of sports.

This is a developing story, more will be published as more information is dispersed.

Alsace-Lorraine

"Quite beautiful pub, isn't it? It's a nice mix between the beautiful Germanic culture of Edelreich and the Romantic flavor of the Alcasian homeland mixed into one calming atmosphere, oui?"

The Alcasian ambassador looked at the Edelian delegate, almost enamored.

All of a sudden, there is a loud bang, and several black-cladded men with Alcase flag patches on their shoulders rush into the pub, telling everyone to remain calm. They scan the room for their target and, upon finding him, begin lifting their FAMAS rifles towards the Alcasian Ambassador and moving in closer to him.

"Ambassador, you're coming with us. Per Ordinance 6.216.9, and with the authorization of the Government in Paris, you are under arrest for treason against the Alcasian Republic."

The ONI member dishes out his hand cuffs and places them on the Ambassador's extended wrists. He goes quietly, still staring with beety eyes towards the Edelian ambassador. "Fairwell," he sighs, "I'll see you around."

And as quickly as the ONI team entered the bar, they exited, leaving the room eerily quiet and confused.

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

The Imperial Republic of Xathuecia

Xoma

And with the powers of the nations of the world, from Plutt to Vanesse, the civil war had ended. In the wake of the carnage and refugees now lay a new government. The old government had been cast away like a rag when the Edelians reached Xoma. Within seconds, the remains of any "Roman" idealism had been slaughtered. People cheered the forces as news spread of the surrendered of the Liberals in Milan. What could have been a bloody battle had been stopped once news reached the military command of the incoming forces. "No need to gamble lives when we know we are done. It is the simplest matter of this whole affair one should think." - Xrat High Commander Pliano after surrendering the Liberal forces and all remaining rebels. And with that, it was over. The Navy of Xathuecia began to patrol the Atlantic as the Mediterranean ships were docked in Milan. Vanesse and New England kept the waters and skies safe as Britain and Edelreich defended the ground. Plutt, Folgard, and Aberstadd all helped in securing the protection of all. Idi Amin's desperate bid to flee had failed as he was brought in front of the Xathuecians after the XIS captured the mad man. And an event that would go down in history, instead of killing the man, they threw fruits and vegetables at him. Whole cakes were lobbed at the man as he wept bitterly. His humiliation had destroyed him and he remained bound to his chains until his trial would occur, forced to be guarded day and night, seeing every passerby look upon him. Finally, Xord Navam had ascended the throne. A throne thought forgotten taken by a man who was not just known but perhaps even a heart-throb of women. He was dashing and when the Edelians seized him from his capture, he was brought to Xoma. And he was quick, he formed a new republic. An imperial one. And with ease, he crowned himself "Imvaro". He took residence in St. Caesar's Basilica, a building that had been the private home of the Confreme but was rarely used. He proclaimed Xoma the capital and took command of the army. While his proper coronation would not occur yet, he was the leader. People questioned why a monarchy after over 100 years of republicanism and democracy but he said one thing: "Have we really had democracy in those 100 plus years?" And the answer is no. So with that, opposition fell and he took control of a broken but not shattered nation. Serbia and Bulgaria soon entered talks to make peace. All that was left to answer was what to do out of the mess the civil war had left them in. And with Carthage refusing to leave the south of the country, could peace really be declared?